N0!!2M~$(KGrHqQOKjoErzE5rsHtBK+C!G)g9g~~_35.JPG)
Inexpensive GPS
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
Inexpensive GPS
Had an extra fuel door so figured I would put it to use as a mount for a gps. Bought the 255w unit from Bestbuy for 79.85 + tax, nuts and screws from ace, 46 cents, total cost 86.41. A bit of a glare in the sun, but readable in this location. I cut down the suction mount, screwed it through the cover, built a tapered spacer, door opens fine. I tried it on a handle bar mount, the bike being a harley vibrated to much to read it. None of that with the tank mount. Just couldn't choke down the cost of the Zumo.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 143
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
I've got the Nuvi780; does the 255w have the 3.5mm out jack? I ran it for about 6 months on the gascap cover but ended up switching to the handlebar mount. I liked it better in the line of eyesite with the road and very close to my left hand for scrolling thru different screens songs etc. Paid 150 for it new on ebay, when caught in a downpour I just throw a small ziplock over it. Integrates music, intercom, cb, and turn by turn directions seamlessly, my wife and I love it.
Last edited by bmaier; Feb 21, 2011 at 08:21 PM.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 433
Likes: 5
From: Columbus, Indiana
I did almost the same with a Garmin 350. I used it for 2 years or so, long enough to know I could not do without GPS. I found a good deal on a 550 and can't ride without it now. Mostly use it for the MP3 player.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
i also have the garmin 255w, or as i refer to it, "the bitch in the box" she's always telling me that i made a wrong turn. they're great for those who aren't intimidated by electronic gizmos, but for me, a map works just fine. i leave that bitch at home.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 1
From: Port St. Lucie FL
I have a 255W that I use in my pick-up and really like it, but I did end up buying a Zumo 550 for the bike, along with an HD fairing mount for it. The mount is rock solid and the location is great, plus the Zumo is bike friendly with the larger buttons and such.
Yea it was expensive, but I bit the bullet and got it because I didn't want to worry about the 255W taking the abuse on a bike...the moisture, vibration, etc. The Zumo is expensive because its built to take all that and its case is resistant to just about anything I could run into. That said, I do know a lot of people that mount their car GPS on their bikes to save on the additional expense, and it works for them. Just be careful in the rain, you don't want to get it wet.
Yea it was expensive, but I bit the bullet and got it because I didn't want to worry about the 255W taking the abuse on a bike...the moisture, vibration, etc. The Zumo is expensive because its built to take all that and its case is resistant to just about anything I could run into. That said, I do know a lot of people that mount their car GPS on their bikes to save on the additional expense, and it works for them. Just be careful in the rain, you don't want to get it wet.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 453
From: Canada
You'll end up going Zumo in the end. It is THE Gps for bikes. You can save some cash buying the discontinued 450. I love mine, but I will probably go 660 / 665 just for the fancier one. I didn't go the HD model with the 450, but will for the next one.
Just my $0.02
Just my $0.02
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 57
From: PA
The other thing to think about is that if it gets stolen off of the bike, it can be replaced for a FRACTION of the cost of a Zumo.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Banned
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,259
Likes: 5
From: NW NC
I bought this mount when I was still using my nuvi 755. Can't remember where I got the cable from but it wired directly from the battery. BTW, as luck would have it when I purchased the zumo 660 both the bar mount and cable worked perfectly and all matched up.
http://www.motomount.net/
http://www.motomount.net/