Zumo 660 opinions please
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 1
Glad to hear a number of those bugs were fixed. It sounds like anybody considering the 660 should keep in mind:
1. Don't get the Road Tech one from Harley. Its firmware is not updated as often as the Garmin-branded one.
2. Don't bother with the interface module. You'll see it has an updated part number, and threads here on this forum will tell you why: the original did not work. The "A" model does work, but its timing is horrible and its mode of operation (triggering the intercom) renders it almost useless with a headset. Plus, to use it requires the Harley-branded version, so see #1 above.
3. To play music from it, you WILL need to run a cable to your aux jack, which, over time, may develop buzzes and crackles. TRS connectors were never designed for vibrating environments. No, the interface module won't eliminate this need.
4. Those who love it most are those who've become comfortable with their bug-workarounds. If you don't like their bug-workarounds, they'll attack YOU instead of owning up to the bugs.
All that said, the 660 did spoil me for the ability to get my bearings in real-time in unfamiliar settings, and to see how the road would curve up ahead of me. A waterproof GPS is now a necessity for all my future bike purchases, kind of how many of us see ABS and EFI. Go ahead and play with a 660 for a few years, and you'll probably be spoiled too by the time Victory/Indian/Harley make them standard equipment on all tourers and you're ready for the upgrade.
1. Don't get the Road Tech one from Harley. Its firmware is not updated as often as the Garmin-branded one.
2. Don't bother with the interface module. You'll see it has an updated part number, and threads here on this forum will tell you why: the original did not work. The "A" model does work, but its timing is horrible and its mode of operation (triggering the intercom) renders it almost useless with a headset. Plus, to use it requires the Harley-branded version, so see #1 above.
3. To play music from it, you WILL need to run a cable to your aux jack, which, over time, may develop buzzes and crackles. TRS connectors were never designed for vibrating environments. No, the interface module won't eliminate this need.
4. Those who love it most are those who've become comfortable with their bug-workarounds. If you don't like their bug-workarounds, they'll attack YOU instead of owning up to the bugs.
All that said, the 660 did spoil me for the ability to get my bearings in real-time in unfamiliar settings, and to see how the road would curve up ahead of me. A waterproof GPS is now a necessity for all my future bike purchases, kind of how many of us see ABS and EFI. Go ahead and play with a 660 for a few years, and you'll probably be spoiled too by the time Victory/Indian/Harley make them standard equipment on all tourers and you're ready for the upgrade.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
Ha ha ha...have a nice day.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
Money is an object`
WOW what it must be like where money is no object. I have a Ram Mount and use the Garmin 255 standard touch screen GPS with turn by turn instructions. If it rains I place a $ 200.00 baggie over the GPS and tie it with a 100.00 rubber band. It keeps the GPS working flawlessly and makes me feel like I spent 600 bucks on a waterproof model. I buy mine off of the net for about 29-49.00 refurbished with NEW maps. If they crap out, I chunk it in the garbage and pretend to cry for a while, drink a beer and go into my saddle back and get the next 30 dollar model out and use it...Garmin will referb the old one for about 69.00 bucks, but why, I can buy them from dealers for half that. Hummm that must say something about Garmin huh. Heck, I bet if I look I can find a refurbished HD model somewhere. Oh and lets not forget the HD logo on the product. Add another 100.00 for that.
Yep, it must be great to not have to worry about money. Like my dear old departed pappy use to say..."if you can afford a Harley you don't wory about the acessories right?
Mine works as good as yours does...and unfortunately better than the 2014 Infotainment big screen TV. Ever wonder why harley didn't use Garmin for their GPS on the infotainment system? Control...HD control.
Yep, it must be great to not have to worry about money. Like my dear old departed pappy use to say..."if you can afford a Harley you don't wory about the acessories right?
Mine works as good as yours does...and unfortunately better than the 2014 Infotainment big screen TV. Ever wonder why harley didn't use Garmin for their GPS on the infotainment system? Control...HD control.
Really like the ability to see where weather is and have on many occasions avoided getting wet because of the ability to see the radar.
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 147
From: Grays Creek, NC
To those that say screw it I'll use my smart phone. Smart phones have the advantage that they always have the latest information, because the maps and POIs are always being downloaded. And there is the clincher!! If you are out in the never land with no cell service, you are screwed. Also, in heavily populated urban areas the updates can come late if not at all. I have had this experience using my cell phone for a GPS in a rental car several times. Now I bite the bullet and get NeverLost.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore, MD
Road Tech Zumo 660/665 and other motorcycle specific GPS units are designed to be operated in a wet and heavy vibration environments. Regardless of what others say about non motorcycle specific GPS units, you need to be aware that these are two features that make these units unique. I also like the download/upload features of these units. I have never figured out how to properly use "BaseCamp" but I love to use the HD Ride Planner Web Site and download/upload my rides. If you opt for the HD Road Tech or the standard Zumo you will be happy from my experience. Good Luck.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Road Tech Zumo 660/665 and other motorcycle specific GPS units are designed to be operated in a wet and heavy vibration environments. Regardless of what others say about non motorcycle specific GPS units, you need to be aware that these are two features that make these units unique. I also like the download/upload features of these units. I have never figured out how to properly use "BaseCamp" but I love to use the HD Ride Planner Web Site and download/upload my rides. If you opt for the HD Road Tech or the standard Zumo you will be happy from my experience. Good Luck.
I could never get used to Basecamp. Try this software. It uses live Google maps, and is easy to use. http://www.tyretotravel.com/ You can upload/download from your Zumo. It also places via points in the correct spot.
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I just bought the Zumo 350LM. It's on sale in N. America for only $499. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the 660 has but it's waterproof and gets you where you're going just the same.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,090
Likes: 1,963
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
I've been looking to get the Zumo 660/665 for awhile now. The OP, 12hdrk , had some pics of a clean install for an RK, which I like. I found this, http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/3...ick-Disconnect , if anyone is interested. It makes the cradle a quick-disconnect.