GPS Suggestions
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Macomb, IL
GPS Suggestions
I have a 2012 Road Glide Ultra and just put 1k on it this last weekend. First long trip. (Mid Ill to Nashville and back) Learned a lot. 1.) Interstates BAD 10 mile stop and go now my clutch hand is shot, I hope I can get the feeling back soon.
2.) I need a GPS would like input on Brand and if they are easy to install on your own and where is the best place to install it at. I am looking at a ZUMO 660 LMU ($549.00). Pros, Cons, Thoughts?
Thanks
Ride Safe
2.) I need a GPS would like input on Brand and if they are easy to install on your own and where is the best place to install it at. I am looking at a ZUMO 660 LMU ($549.00). Pros, Cons, Thoughts?
Thanks
Ride Safe
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
The 660 is a good GPS.... I have the Harley version.
Here's the best way to mount it on a Road Glide
http://www.ironacesspeedshop.com/pro...-gps-mount.cfm
Puts the GPS in a good position so you don't lose sight of the road.
Here's the best way to mount it on a Road Glide
http://www.ironacesspeedshop.com/pro...-gps-mount.cfm
Puts the GPS in a good position so you don't lose sight of the road.
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: New York
I am a total NEWBIE and have been looking at GPS systems as my sense of direction is a nightmare
However, the price of Bike systems is ludicrous – and I know they likely need to be waterproof, etc
You can get a really good system for around $100 for a car, yet pay $500+ for a bike
Okay, so we need a mount, but still
Are there no systems lower priced than this – just seems a rip off to me?
However, the price of Bike systems is ludicrous – and I know they likely need to be waterproof, etc
You can get a really good system for around $100 for a car, yet pay $500+ for a bike
Okay, so we need a mount, but still
Are there no systems lower priced than this – just seems a rip off to me?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 12
From: Texas
Well you have to have water proof, vibration resistance, screen visibility in bright sunlight, etc. Plus, some of the features that we want, a lot of cagers dont care. Such as the ability to make out a route on your PC and then download that to the unit - not always available on lower priced cage units.
However, I did see that on the MoCo sight, the new map plotter is supposed to be out soon to allow you to do just that and then download to your smart phone! But then you have the same vibration/visibility/water proof issues you still have on a cager unit.
However, I did see that on the MoCo sight, the new map plotter is supposed to be out soon to allow you to do just that and then download to your smart phone! But then you have the same vibration/visibility/water proof issues you still have on a cager unit.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
I posted this thread in January '13 about GPS's. Check out my post #26 also. Good luck.
A GPS only has to be waterproof if you are riding in the rain and using it. If I am riding in the rain, I am certainly not using my GPS and I can cover it with a baggie (best case) or remove it (worst case). I am more focused on the task at hand and concentrating on riding under hazardous conditions.
A GPS only has to be waterproof if you are riding in the rain and using it. If I am riding in the rain, I am certainly not using my GPS and I can cover it with a baggie (best case) or remove it (worst case). I am more focused on the task at hand and concentrating on riding under hazardous conditions.
Last edited by soos; Jun 25, 2013 at 02:31 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
2.) I need a GPS would like input on Brand and if they are easy to install on your own and where is the best place to install it at. I am looking at a ZUMO 660 LMU ($549.00). Pros, Cons, Thoughts?
I had the Zumo 450 (same as 550 except with no XM or Bluetooth) and I would advise against either of those older models for several reasons. Although neither is being made anymore the 550 is still available new, and while the 550 can still be serviced by Garmin the 450 cannot, and it will be only a matter of time before Garmin stops it for the 550. IMO the 600 series is a better design overall. Be advised to upgrade the firmware to the latest version if you get one, as some of the older versions may give you problems with reading certain SD cards. If you play MP3's through the aux. port of the HK head unit like I do you will need to do that to maintain your sanity. Other than that I have no complaints about the 665, which I've had now for about eight months. I would be just as happy with the 660 since I don't use the XM feature, and for that matter don't even have the module, but that's another story.
FWIW, I decided against a Nuvi or other non-MC GPS for several reasons. Most are not waterproof, they may be harder to see in direct sunlight, and are not glove-friendly.
Last edited by iclick; Jun 25, 2013 at 02:25 PM.
Well you have to have water proof, vibration resistance, screen visibility in bright sunlight, etc. Plus, some of the features that we want, a lot of cagers dont care. Such as the ability to make out a route on your PC and then download that to the unit - not always available on lower priced cage units.
However, I did see that on the MoCo sight, the new map plotter is supposed to be out soon to allow you to do just that and then download to your smart phone! But then you have the same vibration/visibility/water proof issues you still have on a cager unit.
However, I did see that on the MoCo sight, the new map plotter is supposed to be out soon to allow you to do just that and then download to your smart phone! But then you have the same vibration/visibility/water proof issues you still have on a cager unit.
Is it waterproof? No. But I've been caught in heavy rain and the positioning of it has kept it very dry. And if I ever lose it, break it, etc. I can easily purchase two more and be well under the HD Zumo price.
It is mounted on my handlebars (Street Glide) and there is no vibration with the RAM mount. I can use the touch screen through both my summer and my winter gloves, and it plugs right into the fairing through the cigarette adapter. It is easily removable when I park in places that I don't trust.
You can use the Garmin MapSource program to build custom routes on your computer and download to the GPS unit directly for your rides. And it is free.
I am all for spending money where money is worth spending, but the niche motorcycle GPS area, to me, is not one of them. Money could be saved buying a car unit and then the saved money spent better elsewhere. Just my .02
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 82
From: Columbus, GA
I have and like the HD version of the Zumo 660. It's pricey, but you can find it at a discount if you look. I like how it easily integrates in the bike and the audio system.
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
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 12
From: Texas
I use a Garmin Nuvi 1490. I bought it at Costco for well under $200 with Lifetime Maps and Traffic. I then got the RAM mount on Amazon...
Is it waterproof? No. But I've been caught in heavy rain and the positioning of it has kept it very dry. And if I ever lose it, break it, etc. I can easily purchase two more and be well under the HD Zumo price.
It is mounted on my handlebars (Street Glide) and there is no vibration with the RAM mount. I can use the touch screen through both my summer and my winter gloves, and it plugs right into the fairing through the cigarette adapter. It is easily removable when I park in places that I don't trust.
You can use the Garmin MapSource program to build custom routes on your computer and download to the GPS unit directly for your rides. And it is free.
I am all for spending money where money is worth spending, but the niche motorcycle GPS area, to me, is not one of them. Money could be saved buying a car unit and then the saved money spent better elsewhere. Just my .02
Is it waterproof? No. But I've been caught in heavy rain and the positioning of it has kept it very dry. And if I ever lose it, break it, etc. I can easily purchase two more and be well under the HD Zumo price.
It is mounted on my handlebars (Street Glide) and there is no vibration with the RAM mount. I can use the touch screen through both my summer and my winter gloves, and it plugs right into the fairing through the cigarette adapter. It is easily removable when I park in places that I don't trust.
You can use the Garmin MapSource program to build custom routes on your computer and download to the GPS unit directly for your rides. And it is free.
I am all for spending money where money is worth spending, but the niche motorcycle GPS area, to me, is not one of them. Money could be saved buying a car unit and then the saved money spent better elsewhere. Just my .02
At any rate, I'm watching this thread for as many possibilities as I can as well.