GPS Suggestions
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
ha ha I am CHEAP ! eeerrr I mean THRIFTY ! old school guy !
I get the FREE ! PAPER ROAD MAPS . THEY NEVER LOSE THERE SIGNAL !
just takes a min to add your custom route with a pencil ,those are easly found free also !
A small compass with this will help if you can't figure out directions .
I have helped several people that were helpless when there electronic gagets failed .
Now as soon as I can get a FREE GPS I might give it a try .
I get the FREE ! PAPER ROAD MAPS . THEY NEVER LOSE THERE SIGNAL !
just takes a min to add your custom route with a pencil ,those are easly found free also !
A small compass with this will help if you can't figure out directions .
I have helped several people that were helpless when there electronic gagets failed .
Now as soon as I can get a FREE GPS I might give it a try .
Last edited by baust55; Jun 25, 2013 at 02:49 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
ha ha I am CHEAP ! eeerrr I mean THRIFTY ! old school guy !
I get the FREE ! PAPER ROAD MAPS . THEY NEVER LOSE THERE SIGNAL !
just takes a min to add your custom route with a pencil ,those are easly found free also !
A small compass with this will help if you can't figure out directions .
I have helped several people that were helpless when there electronic gagets failed .
Now as soon as I can get a FREE GPS I might give it a try .
I get the FREE ! PAPER ROAD MAPS . THEY NEVER LOSE THERE SIGNAL !
just takes a min to add your custom route with a pencil ,those are easly found free also !
A small compass with this will help if you can't figure out directions .
I have helped several people that were helpless when there electronic gagets failed .
Now as soon as I can get a FREE GPS I might give it a try .
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 944
Likes: 2
From: Ct
cell phones and tablets have a better GPS built in due to the way they generate maps and you can find a cool way to Mount either these days, right in the dash in the tank dash, etc..
a stand alone GPS doesn't really make sense any more if you ask me, I use a couple different GPS apps on both my tablet and phone and they are great, I can edit routes, save maps, etc.. just about anything I want to do to a Map or route for a trip or just general use for travelling without a destination its great as it can give you all kinds of info about traffic, construction, gas entertainment, food, lodging, you name it, and everyone has either a smartphone or a table so you really don't need a stand alone GPS anymore if you ask me.
just my opinion.
lump
a stand alone GPS doesn't really make sense any more if you ask me, I use a couple different GPS apps on both my tablet and phone and they are great, I can edit routes, save maps, etc.. just about anything I want to do to a Map or route for a trip or just general use for travelling without a destination its great as it can give you all kinds of info about traffic, construction, gas entertainment, food, lodging, you name it, and everyone has either a smartphone or a table so you really don't need a stand alone GPS anymore if you ask me.
just my opinion.
lump
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 1
From: S E Michigan
I just completed a 2800 mile trip up through New Hampshire and the rest of New England. I used an old Navigon GPS I had for my car. I methodically plotted out my courses and preprogrammed them into memory. It rained for a few days, but nothing a Ziploc baggie and twist tie wouldn't remedy. I don't need to hear any droning voice telling me when and where to turn, the on screen graphics are good enough. My only gripe is that the screen isn't bright enough in direct sunlight. I use RAM mount on the handlebars. Vibration isn't and issue. Just make sure the clamp is tight for those bumps in the road.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,136
Likes: 6,161
From: SE Michigan
I've actually been pretty happy with my Garmin Nuvi 550 (waterproof), which is nearly impossible to find now.
But I've started having difficulty with the mini-USB cable - the metal parts of the cable stay in the GPS when I remove the cable. Not good.
So, I've ponied up for the 660 (Kutter HD has a good deal on it), and I will hard wire the thing. I dont want to fart around with cheap non-waterproof units.
But I've started having difficulty with the mini-USB cable - the metal parts of the cable stay in the GPS when I remove the cable. Not good.
So, I've ponied up for the 660 (Kutter HD has a good deal on it), and I will hard wire the thing. I dont want to fart around with cheap non-waterproof units.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
I've owned several GPS units, all Garmin, that's all I'll buy because of the customer service, always treated me great...
As for units, I have a 660 on the bike and use a Nuvi in the truck and wife's car ( mostly because I haven't bout a second mount for the car or truck).
Mounting on the bike, I replaced the fuel door with the one from Kury that has the mount for electric devices, works for me...
As for units themselves, I like the 660, never owned the 665, but I don't have XM and don't care to, to the OP...buy what you like, a lot of people are using the car models and have success with them, although I wouldn't because of the stated motorcycle features of the Zumo.
You could check Craig's list and pick up a used Nuvi fairly cheap and give it a try, this way you wouldn't have a lot of money tied up and if you didn't care for it, resell or use it one of your vehicles...
Go to Garmin's web site and do a comparison of the units and check prices so you'll be informed when shopping around.
As for units, I have a 660 on the bike and use a Nuvi in the truck and wife's car ( mostly because I haven't bout a second mount for the car or truck).
Mounting on the bike, I replaced the fuel door with the one from Kury that has the mount for electric devices, works for me...
As for units themselves, I like the 660, never owned the 665, but I don't have XM and don't care to, to the OP...buy what you like, a lot of people are using the car models and have success with them, although I wouldn't because of the stated motorcycle features of the Zumo.
You could check Craig's list and pick up a used Nuvi fairly cheap and give it a try, this way you wouldn't have a lot of money tied up and if you didn't care for it, resell or use it one of your vehicles...
Go to Garmin's web site and do a comparison of the units and check prices so you'll be informed when shopping around.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I have a Droid with Google Navigator installed (standard) and the GPS works very well. The problem is that there's no way I can see it in direct sunlight.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 791
Likes: 2
From: Canada
What worked for me, was a budget Motorcycle GPS (waterproof) Garmin sumo 340LM (they even make a cheaper version think 230 LM?) , anyways not an HD version. Thing about the newer versions is they are actually upgraded from some of the 550-650 versions and have better display (sun reflection and newer case and software) for less money. I combined the GPS provided RAM mount with components of the HD controls mount to allow a adjustable handlebar mount. Works pretty good here in Europe where a GPS is more of a requirement than a luxury. There is even an older HD Handlebar mount bracket still available that is half the price of the newer version listed below (in black of course)
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...08-76000192--1
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...08-76000192--1