GPS for your bike
Thread Starter
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Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
GPS for your bike
How I made my GPS work on my bike!!! I see these threads and can only shake my head. You have spent in the 20k range for your bike and yet skimp on something as useful as a GPS. I was guilty as well so this is not intended as criticism but trying to be helpful. A hood of sorts will help but only marginally. When it rains you can put a baggy over it and THEN try to see the display.
If you are serious about wanting a GPS for your bike get one intended for the purpose. Then get the mount intended for the purpose. I use my GPS, a lot. Very handy for so many things including letting me know if I have an incoming call but so much more. I can find the nearest gas, place to eat, the nearest Harley shop, hotel, whatever and the phone number of what I may want. With the proper unit, mount and wiring you do not have to worry about anything such as rain, losing power because the connections became corroded or being able to see.
Between my zumo 660 and the HD handlebar mount I have close to $800 invested but it stays on my bike and I never have to worry about it. Actually I do lock it in the bag if I feel the need but that goes without saying. Again, I have been down the same road trying to make a car unit work so I am not being critical. Just stating facts.
If you are serious about wanting a GPS for your bike get one intended for the purpose. Then get the mount intended for the purpose. I use my GPS, a lot. Very handy for so many things including letting me know if I have an incoming call but so much more. I can find the nearest gas, place to eat, the nearest Harley shop, hotel, whatever and the phone number of what I may want. With the proper unit, mount and wiring you do not have to worry about anything such as rain, losing power because the connections became corroded or being able to see.
Between my zumo 660 and the HD handlebar mount I have close to $800 invested but it stays on my bike and I never have to worry about it. Actually I do lock it in the bag if I feel the need but that goes without saying. Again, I have been down the same road trying to make a car unit work so I am not being critical. Just stating facts.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 8
From: General Sherman's Christmas Location 1864
I've had Garmin's for years..
when it came to the Bike I went Zumo...... waterproof,shock resistant,nice mount
one less thing to worry about.
All the map programs are the same, just wish it was a little bigger display
when it came to the Bike I went Zumo...... waterproof,shock resistant,nice mount
one less thing to worry about.
All the map programs are the same, just wish it was a little bigger display
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
And a waterproof bike gps is just as useful in the car as well!
If you ride 2-up a lot it is worth mounting it so your favourite passenger can see it too. With an intercom Mrs B and I navigate together. Riding hairpin bends in the Austrian Alps and again in the French Vosges last year she was able to give me a commentary on what was next, so I could keep both eyes on the road and position the bike in advance.
If you ride 2-up a lot it is worth mounting it so your favourite passenger can see it too. With an intercom Mrs B and I navigate together. Riding hairpin bends in the Austrian Alps and again in the French Vosges last year she was able to give me a commentary on what was next, so I could keep both eyes on the road and position the bike in advance.
Last edited by grbrown; May 2, 2012 at 07:13 AM. Reason: Added para.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis
A Zumo 660 for me as well. I use a powerlet mount so I can plug in right on the mount. That outlet seconds as a battey tender plugin as well.
I just wish all of the letters were on one page when typing in an address. A royal pain as compared to my other Garmins. I get, trying to make it glove friendly, but I could still type with gloves on if the keyboard was a little smaller and on one page and get it done much faster.
I just wish all of the letters were on one page when typing in an address. A royal pain as compared to my other Garmins. I get, trying to make it glove friendly, but I could still type with gloves on if the keyboard was a little smaller and on one page and get it done much faster.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 744
Likes: 2
From: South of The ATL.
Maybe, after I save $800 for something that I may use on occasion, I might be able to justify a specific bike GPS. In the meantime, my car unit will work just fine for my intended purposes. I can also try out having a GPS on the bike with a minimal investment, as I already had a two year old unit. I simply added a nice Ram Mount set up.
I agree that skimping on certain things is not smart. I agree there is usually the best tool for any given job. Also, I agree that the Zumo and specific bike units are great, but for some of us, there is the usage versus price versus justification.
I agree that skimping on certain things is not smart. I agree there is usually the best tool for any given job. Also, I agree that the Zumo and specific bike units are great, but for some of us, there is the usage versus price versus justification.
Thread Starter
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Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
And a waterproof bike gps is just as useful in the car as well!
If you ride 2-up a lot it is worth mounting it so your favourite passenger can see it too. With an intercom Mrs B and I navigate together. Riding hairpin bends in the Austrian Alps and again in the French Vosges last year she was able to give me a commentary on what was next, so I could keep both eyes on the road and position the bike in advance.
If you ride 2-up a lot it is worth mounting it so your favourite passenger can see it too. With an intercom Mrs B and I navigate together. Riding hairpin bends in the Austrian Alps and again in the French Vosges last year she was able to give me a commentary on what was next, so I could keep both eyes on the road and position the bike in advance.
A Zumo 660 for me as well. I use a powerlet mount so I can plug in right on the mount. That outlet seconds as a battey tender plugin as well.
I just wish all of the letters were on one page when typing in an address. A royal pain as compared to my other Garmins. I get, trying to make it glove friendly, but I could still type with gloves on if the keyboard was a little smaller and on one page and get it done much faster.
I just wish all of the letters were on one page when typing in an address. A royal pain as compared to my other Garmins. I get, trying to make it glove friendly, but I could still type with gloves on if the keyboard was a little smaller and on one page and get it done much faster.
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: MS
I use my Iphone. $1 hose ring around the handle bar to secure the mount that comes with the otter box . Works great and I can listen to music at the same time..
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 559
Likes: 5
From: Tampa Bay, Florida
I have two Garmin GPS's. A Nuvi 360 and a Nuvi 50LM.
The 360 is older but has the features I need. I don't mind the baggie over the GPS. I'm able to see it pretty good and have the 360 plugged into the radio so I can hear the directions thru the speakers.
I just go the Nuvi 50LM and it has the free Lifetime Map downloads that is nice for newer roads and info.
I might start using the 50LM. The only problem is, it doesn't plug into the radio to get the directions thru the speakers.
The 360 is older but has the features I need. I don't mind the baggie over the GPS. I'm able to see it pretty good and have the 360 plugged into the radio so I can hear the directions thru the speakers.
I just go the Nuvi 50LM and it has the free Lifetime Map downloads that is nice for newer roads and info.
I might start using the 50LM. The only problem is, it doesn't plug into the radio to get the directions thru the speakers.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,144
Likes: 6,166
From: SE Michigan
I just have a hard time paying ~$700 for a GPS. Granted its waterproof and shockproof (why this matters for a solid state device is beyond me).
I just purchased a Garmin Nuvi 550, for about $230, and its waterproof. I'll likely only use it for long trips, and since I have a Road King I'll get a mount for it that is easy to remove.
I just purchased a Garmin Nuvi 550, for about $230, and its waterproof. I'll likely only use it for long trips, and since I have a Road King I'll get a mount for it that is easy to remove.