Whats is the BEST GPS for motorcycles.

[newman]

I want to buy a GPS for my motorcycle. Would be nice to also use

it in the car but not mandatory. What is the best one to buy.

Looking at ZUMO 550 and Tom Tom's rider 2nd Edition.

 

I don't know enough about them but I GOTTA HAVE ONE......

 

Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

[BEER30]

I want to buy a GPS for my motorcycle. Would be nice to also use

it in the car but not mandatory. What is the best one to buy.

Looking at ZUMO 550 and Tom Tom's rider 2nd Edition.

 

I don't know enough about them but I GOTTA HAVE ONE......

 

Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

There are many , but just get the Zumo and be done with it . Haven't had one bit of trouble with it at all . Has mount for scoot and cage .

 

Gene

[Guest sargeb13]

I don't own either model, but I have spoken to a few owners of each, so consider what I have to say as antidotal only. You can compare features of the two units on getfeetwet.com.

 

I think Tom Tom Rider is simpler to use, and has a shorter learning curve, than the Zumo; but, Zumo has more capacity once you learn how to do it. I have a Garmin unit with the XM-30 antenna/radio, and for me that would be the deciding factor. Integration of GPS and XM radio is built in, one less gadget on the bike, and the weather overlays when touring are fantastic (like the weather channel on your GPS, on demand and local; ride around the storm cell!).

 

I'd go for the Garmin, unless you really don't like dealing with 'puters for routing and such (but I'd look at the Garmin 478C, too),

 

Don't know anyone who owns either unit who doesn't like it or who has any major problems or complaints.

 

Michael

[GunnyButch]

I have the Zumo550 and recommend it. It's easy to use, ready right out of the box nothing to download or accessories to buy. Has a cradle for the car, is waterproof, easy to use with gloves. The other features like bluetooth, music, and sat radio although you may not need or want them now will be there when you do. I've seen that the prices are starting to come down, if it's in your price range you won't be disappointed.

[Guest BluesLover]

What is the best one to buy.

One person's best could be another's worst ... personally, I have the Lowrance iWay500C (since been replaced by the 600C) version.

 

Suggest you check out a couple of sites that have tons on info and should help you make up your mind. Specifically:

 

http://www.gpscentral.ca/

 

http://gpsinformation.net/

 

Good luck - there's tons to choose from!

 

Cheers,

[Pilot]

I have had the IWAY 250 and the 350, both are very hard if not impossible to see in bright sun with shades on. I have not had any problem with the 250 but I have had the 350 lock up a few times on bad roads, a vibration thing since the 350 has a hard drive. I just upgraded to the Zumo 550 which is made for a bike and has lots of features. I have not had the Zumo very long so I can't testify as to it's reliability. The Zuno is down to around $650 shipped now.

[Al Bates]

I had the I-Way500C and did not like it only because it was to big and heavy.

I now have the I-way 250C had it for about a year. I like it, It works fine. I can see it with my sun glasses on and in the bright sun. The price was right also. $185.00 I'm thinging about purchasing the ZUMO 550 because it's water-proof, has brighter screen (for bright sun light) blue tooth-(telephone) locks in with key. I see the price ranges from $700.00 to $900.00

 

Check out the other venture gps pros and cons post.

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13902

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11613

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13456

 

Type in GPS in search on top.

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/search.php?searchid=290632

[RedRider]

Zumo 550 - comes with all the mounting and wiring hardware. Bluetooth for integrating phone (requires extra cables/interface to allow it to work with your headset/mic). MP3 playerthat's easy to setup and use.

 

Very rugged product that works great. While showing it to a couple of folks, accidentally dropped it out of the handlebar holder to a concrete pad. It didn't even blink.

 

Great unit although a bit pricey.

 

RR

[Pilot]

I paid $637 with shipping, site below. BuddyRich on this site makes the cable to allow you to use the 550 with your headset for around $30.00 shipped, do a search on this site for his email and he will make one up and ship it to you.

 

http://buyeretail.com/search.asp?s=GARZUMO550&x=27&y=8

 

Pilot

[Christo]

This topic has had many posts in this forum. I would search and see what was said in other threads throughout this forum.

 

I have the Zumo 550. Durable, comes w/all hardware for momo mount and car. Easy to use, bright, waterproof.

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/vbpicgallery.php?do=view&g=1045

 

I want to buy a GPS for my motorcycle. Would be nice to also use

it in the car but not mandatory. What is the best one to buy.

Looking at ZUMO 550 and Tom Tom's rider 2nd Edition.

 

I don't know enough about them but I GOTTA HAVE ONE......

 

Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

[SteveP]

+1 for the Zumo 550. It's everything you need in a single package.

[Gentleman George]

I ended up with a Tom Tom One. I like it and have had no problems. It's also ready to go right out of the box. It has a suction cup and will mount on my windshield of the bike or car and plugs into the lighter. (I had to install a lighter on my 1st gen).. I'm happy:cool10:

[stardbog]

Stay Away From Lowrance 350C. Hard Drive type and kick HD protection on bumpy roads.

Curently Have Magellan 2200T GREAT UNIT Built in ram memory preloaded with street level map for US and Canada, Additional slot for MMC /SD Card, it works as MP3 Player or picture viewer. Weaterproof. Has built in light sensor and switch to night mode automaticly. Once is happend to freez, but was my fault... didnt read manual troughly....easy to reset. Start up time is 2sec...away faster then Lowrance iWay350C. And Price was right. $250.00

[Skid]

I'm thinking about a GPS, but would like to have just a GPS. Does any of them just do the GPS? I do not need the blue tooth, satelite radio and all the other fuctions that comes together in one package.

[Eugene]

I have the Lowrance 350c - had the bike hard-wired so I can switch back and forth. Easy to use, good sized screen. Some folks have had vibration problems but mine has never "conked" out.

 

Still -its a matter of personal preference - there's lots to choose from and the prices have become reasonable - I would never drive/ride without one now!!

 

Good luck with your decision.

 

Eugene

[Guest DragonSlayer]

I'm thinking about a GPS, but would like to have just a GPS. Does any of them just do the GPS? I do not need the blue tooth, satelite radio and all the other fuctions that comes together in one package.

 

The Zumo 450 is the same GPS without the Bluetooth and Satellite Radio capabilities, at a lower price. Here is a link to the best deal I found on it after a quick search.

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=124&utm_id=19&ref=pricescan&utm_source=PriceScan&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GRZUMO450&sku=GRZUMO450

[Redneck]

I have an Iway 500c and it has been through hell and back and is still working fine. The main requirement for me was a large screen it is very visible in bright sun and easy to see. I have seen many with small screens but I don't want to stop and get out the magnifying glass to read it.

[Christo]

I thought these links might come in handy for you:

 

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Choose-Your-Motorcycle-GPS-System&id=160870

 

http://www.gpsnow.com/motorcycle_gps.htm

 

http://www.gpscity.com/search-motorcycle+gps/c=gps+receivers

 

HTH - good luck!

 

[Skid]

The Zumo 450 is the same GPS without the Bluetooth and Satellite Radio capabilities, at a lower price. Here is a link to the best deal I found on it after a quick search.

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=124&utm_id=19&ref=pricescan&utm_source=PriceScan&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GRZUMO450&sku=GRZUMO450

 

Thanks, I don't really need all the fancy bells and whistles, just a good navigation device...

[FROG MAN]

So far our Tom Tom One is working great. Ready to go right out of the box,removable smart card, and blue tooth compatible all for under 200. Internal batt pack works great for just carrying around or take it in the motel and plan the next days route.

[Smokee]

 

There are many , but just get the Zumo and be done with it . Haven't had one bit of trouble with it at all . Has mount for scoot and cage .

 

Gene

 

What about the battery life of the Zumo 550/450)? Seems like I read that it's only about 4 hours, as opposed to the Quest's battery life which is a lot longer. I really want the Zumo, but I'd like to be able to carry it hiking for a full day on battery power, as well as use it on the bike.

Smokee

[GunnyButch]

I haven't put a clock on my battery but I believe it will last quite a while. The owners manual says 4 hours depending on use. I turned mine on in navigate mode and put it on the desk to see how long the battery lasts. We'll see.

[GunnyButch]

For what it's worth. The Zumo battery lasted 5hrs 20min according to the internal timer just sitting there running. The charge wasn't fresh but showed full (4 bars), it had been about 5 days since it had been on the bike.

[Smokee]

For what it's worth. The Zumo battery lasted 5hrs 20min according to the internal timer just sitting there running. The charge wasn't fresh but showed full (4 bars), it had been about 5 days since it had been on the bike.

 

Thanks for the info, Gunny. I still favor the Zumo. Now...the next fist full of $100 bills that falls from the sky?...I know where they're going!

 

Smokee

[vicco27]

A Road Atlas at a coffee stop with a friend. :whistling: :whistling: :whistling: