I use over 20 web based programs to do my job, and none suck as bad as the HD or Garmin mapping software for the Zumo series GPS.

MapQuest, which absolutely sucks, does not suck as bad as HD and Garmin when it comes to mapping software.

The only thing a GPS on your bike is good for is the same as in your cage, if you have no idea how to get from point A to point B.... it might get you there.

I can't count the hours I've spent trying to create custom routes with both HD and Garmin mapping software, all wasted. These programs are junk, as UN-user friendly and inaccurate as they get.

Forget about planning the route you want to ride, go back to your old days, memorize the route and take a map with you.

If Id known this from the start, I'd never have dumped $550 plus the install on this crap.

Rant over. If anyone is interested in a Zumo 660, fairing mount, and NMIB module....pm me.

 

I've used the mapping software on Harley's site and then downloaded it to my Garmin many times as a custom route and it works like a charm. I've never had a problem with it. Maybe there's something wrong with your Garmin. Go to Garmin support and download the latest firmware and see if that helps.

 

If you really want to dump the 660 let me know.

 

I have used this software to help load custom routes in to my Tom-Tom. They say it also works with Garmin.

http://www.tyre.tk/

Give it a try.

 

I use MapSource all the time and find it works great. It just takes awhile to learn.

 

I agree that the software with the Garmin leaves a lot to be desired. What I use is the online Harley trip planner. I find that it really works well changing a route is easy as clicking and dragging it to where you want it. And after you are happy you can import it directly into your Garmin.

It appears to use Google Maps so all the Google options are there. Map, Aerial or mixed.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/C...de_Planner.jsp

 

Actually, Garmin MapSource is a powerful and useful application if you can ever figure out how to use it. What's for sure is that it is not ergonomic, user-friendly, nor intuitive--but once you figure out its eccentricities it works very well. FWIW, there is a MapSource section in the Zumo forums and Zumo Wiki.

 

dynawideglider, thanks for sharing those illuminating thoughts! My wife and I have a TomTom and over the last few years have travelled from our home in the UK across Europe to Czech and Slovak Republics, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia and are planning a round trip to Istanbul in Turkey. All of those countries speak different languages to us, have challenging place names, but are covered by gps down to tiny back-street detail. Are you telling us we shouldn't have set off? We did use and take maps as backup, but be assured gps is great. Not perfect, but great!

 

I didn't say anything about your tom-tom, I traveled Europe for 6 1/2 years with one. I was referring specifically to mapping software for the Zumo.

Thanks to all for the both the advice and the links, I'm trying them all. If anyone has any hints on the MapSource program they'd be appreciated. I like the way mapsource downloads better than the HD planner, but getting a route started and established seems to be a guessing game.

Guess I'll hang on to the Zumo and try the tips you've all provided, especially since the holes are already in my fairing.......

Scott

 

To the OP: Your last sentence cracked me up, world's greatest electric navigator salesman. Your frustration comes through loud and clear, I'll give you a nickle.

This doesn't seem very sympathetic, but to say "this is the worst piece of junk ever devised by man, any one want to buy it?" just made me laugh.