GPS visibility
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
GPS visibility
Went for a ride on sunday and used my garmin from my truck. I had a really hard time seeing the screen in the sunlight.
Are the garmins that are made for the motorcycle easier to see the screen? Don't want to spend the extra money if it's not better.
Are the garmins that are made for the motorcycle easier to see the screen? Don't want to spend the extra money if it's not better.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
You can experiment a bit with some cardboard and tape, fabricating a sun cover that keeps the screen in the shade as much as possible, while letting you see it.
Then, make a pretty version from sheet plastic.
Once you get it looking good, market it on ebay and make a forture.
Then, make a pretty version from sheet plastic.
Once you get it looking good, market it on ebay and make a forture.
Supporter
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 10
From: Shenandoah, TX
Yes to your ? about better vis in direct sun light. The first generation Zumo 450 and 550 were the best in my opion in direct sun light. The newer 660 and 665 are pretty good, but not as good as the first. I think both have been discontinued though. You can still find them on flebay though. Or you can drop a grand for one of the newer ones. You can also find a velcro shade on ebay for your gps for around 10 bux.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 2
From: x
Same problem. I like my phone (serves as GPS, music and commo) about handle bar height on the right and that places the screen almost horizontal and, therefore, hard to see in the sun--self-inflicted wound. I find that the more vertical (and higher) you can position it the better but mounted on the handlebars you can only get so much. I probably need to go ahead and punch a hole in the fairing for the Ram mount up high and centered near the windshield but I just haven't gotten around to doing it.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: Shelby, N.C.
I never use my gps anymore. Same problem you are having, couldn't see! I now use my phone gps and plug it into the aux. port and use the voice command that come thru the speakers. Works better than trying to see the screen. The app I use is WAZE, works great.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 112
Likes: 10
From: Moneta, Va.
I put my Garmin in the "night mode" and leave it. I can see it all the time. I have a shade on it too. I might be worth a try for some of the GPS's.
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
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
+1 Night mode seems to work a little better