GPS ?

[Carbon_One]

Is it just me or what? I've been looking to upgrade from my current GPS unit, a Mio c520 I've had for about 3 years now. My only real complaint with it is that it washes out in sunlight, so it gets hard to see.

Anyhow I just can't justify $500-$950 for a mc unit. After looking at several brands it sort of gets confusing after a while. Personally I don't care for the Gamin's series. To me they don't have the features that my current Mio unit has and also ,to me anyhow, seems awkward to use.

Anyone care to recommend alternate models, brands? Something with one of the larger screens is prefered & easly seen in bright sunlight.

Larry

[Wizard765]

Larry:

 

What features are you looking for? I know the lower garmins might not have the features you have now but I'd guess that the MC specific models might.

 

There are limited choices with a bright enough screen to see in sunlight.

 

Wayne

[Carbon_One]

Well being able to see the screen in sunlight is priority #1,. If there were features that would allow trips being downloaded like you showed me on yours then that would be a plus too. Probably asking to much to get good stuff on one without paying the piper, LOL

Larry

[rickardracing]

My Garmin is pretty darn easy to use. 1490T, but it does not have an audio out jack. Huge 5 inch screen, does not wash out in the sunlight. Now the Garmin 765T has both an audio out jack AND an SD card slot for the built-in MP3 player. Comes through the headset. You can get a refurbished one on ebay for about $180. Comes with a 30 day return and a 1 year warranty.....same as buying it from Best Buy. Mine is a refurb and it works great. I know a few poeple who bought brand new units and have had trouble. I used mine in the SUV in Chicago. The traffic updates worked great. Just food for thought. Personally, I can't see spending the cash on a Zumo. You ain't gonna convince me that they are built any better. If your worried about being waterproof, get an Aqua Box from GPS City for $50. Still Cheaper than a Zumo.

[Carbon_One]

I should note here that I'm not interested in all the extras that generally come with them. ipod, music hook ups, etc. since my hearing is shot so really all I need is visual stuff thou the wife does here the spoken turns etc so lets me know where to turn if I don't catch it.

As to water proofing the Mio I'm currently using, it has been in serious downpours without any problems I do have a good sized aluminum sun shade for it that protectes it pretty good in rain.

Gonna try to hit more stores in the next few days to see what's out there.

Larry

[Wizard765]

Larry

 

I don't know about the 1490T because I've never seen one. I have a 785T and a friend I ride with has the 765T (almost identical units except for the way they handle traffic). Both of those wash out in sunlight. My 785T has most of the same features as the Zumo 660 except sunlight readable and weatherproof. But the mounting hardware for the zumo is much better and the way it gets wired into the bike is much better. Also it knows when it is in the bike and when it is in the cage. Different settings in each location automatically. Being able to see the screen in any lighting situation for me is probably the best feature. I've put the zumo 660 beside the 785T and there is a world of difference in brightness.

Both the 765 and 785 have routing so laying out a route on the computer and uploading the the GPS is possible. They both will save up to 10 routes at a time.

Personally I know the zumo is more expensive BUT I believe it is the way to go for the bike

 

Here is a Zumo 550 refurbished for $499

 

http://www.drivengps.com/Motorcycle/Garmin-Zumo-550-Portable-p8873634.html?gclid=CPrq7MzLhaMCFcl25QodIl4Ncg

 

and a Zumo 660 for $625 with free shipping

 

http://www.homegoodz.com/i100586-garmin-0100072700.html?ref=nextag&zmam=80412451&zmas=4&zmac=42&zmap=100586

 

 

Wayne

[LilBeaver]

I have yet to use it on my RSV, but I've used it on other bikes and I haven't found a screen that works better outside and on top of that it navigates and is water-'proof'... High contrast B&W

 

Of Course it is a few years old...

 

Garmin GPS V Deluxe

 

http://reviews.cnet.com/i/ce/ps/440/6752193_440_1.gif

They don't make them like they used to...

[Freebird]

Larry,

I'm personally a big fan of the Garmin units. My 550 never had a problem of any kind. My wife has the 765 and it has been great also. About $200.00 for it and it has the audio output jack though I understand that is not important to you.

 

I'm curious, you said that your Mio has things that you haven't seen on the Garmin. What features does it have that are missing?

[cb1313]

I have a 550 and Cycle Gadets sells a sun visor for about $20.00. Cb

[Fish]

Larry,

 

I am also a big fan of the garmin series. While i was working at Dick's sporting goods and Bass Pro Shops i was able to test many different brands and models. I found that garmin was the most user friendly. I personally have the model 255 w (wide screen) by garmin. This model has many different features. When planning a trip and u have a specific route u would like to take, u r able to program the route u would like to take into the gps. The screen on this model is also quite big, allows for easy viewing. u can also change the contrast on the screen when weather conditions change, and at night the screen will change automatically and light up with colors to make the route visible. Many more features to this model, this is one that i would recomend looking into. If u decide to look into this model and have any more questions feel free to ask.

 

Lance

[halfwitt]

Thanks Fish! The one thing I have to have on my next GPS is the ability to upload a custom route but I also have a budget that is not going to allow $500. That one looks like it just might do the trick!

[Carbon_One]

Larry,

 

I am also a big fan of the garmin series. While i was working at Dick's sporting goods and Bass Pro Shops i was able to test many different brands and models. I found that garmin was the most user friendly. I personally have the model 255 w (wide screen) by garmin. This model has many different features. When planning a trip and u have a specific route u would like to take, u r able to program the route u would like to take into the gps. The screen on this model is also quite big, allows for easy viewing. u can also change the contrast on the screen when weather conditions change, and at night the screen will change automatically and light up with colors to make the route visible. Many more features to this model, this is one that i would recomend looking into. If u decide to look into this model and have any more questions feel free to ask.

 

Lance

Already have one of the nuvi 255w's. The wife bought it while we were attending the Int rally at Potato Creek. I checked it against the Mio this afternoon in the sun & it did show up better. Leaving wed to meet B2Dad in Tn so may install it on the bike to try out.

Don one feature I like on the Mio is it has a pop up section that will give a bunch of info while still showing the map. MPH, elapsed trip time, arrival time, current time, distance to destination,three screens to chose from as to always up,natural direction, and high distant view as in an airplane. All 3 map views can be adjusted as flat or 3-D, + & - to adjust road views.

Other stuff too but mind is blank now LOL

Both units are about 4.3 so equal in size. What little surfing with the 255w I did I felt that I was moving around on the screen a lot for different info. Maybe just need to become more acquainted with it perhaps.

Thanks for the input so far folks.

Hindsite now but should of jumped on freebirds 550 before ponch snagged it, especially with Gary taking the xm. Oh well

Larry

[buddy]

I have the old Garmin Streetpilot 2720 its a dinosaur but it has saved my bacon many times on the RSV. it does not have all the features like the newer ones but as long it gets me where I want to go is all that matters to me best 130.00 I spent

[Carbon_One]

Well I've snagged a Magellan 1470 that I'll be trying out for a while. It was a used unit that I swapped some labor for. It didn't have audio connections for headsets thus the reason the previous owner was willing to make the trade.

http://www.magellangps.com/products/product.asp?segID=354&prodID=2178

Larry

[gibvel]

Just curious Larry... Since you like the features of the Mio so much have you looked at what they have to offer now a days? Maybe they've made a better unit with similar features.

 

Just a thought.

 

Either way, let us know what you think of the 1470 as well.

[Hummingbird]

Larry - I have a 550 on the RSV and a 1490T in the truck. I really like the 1490T for the screen size -

 

My 550 on the bike washes out in the sun and can be a real pain if your in strange territory, like downtown Baltimore Md.

 

I think you'll like the 1470, 'bout the same as my 1490T but I don't think the 1470 has bluetooth

[Carbon_One]

Just curious Larry... Since you like the features of the Mio so much have you looked at what they have to offer now a days? Maybe they've made a better unit with similar features.

Yea I tried looking at local stores who supposed to carry Mio GPS but only Radio Shack carries them, then only one model and on top of that no working unit for a hands on testing. I refuse to buy a unit blind, just too much money and if ya don't like it tough. Mio switched mapping companies so not sure how the new ones compare. Mio is very popular in Europe and Asia, not sure why they're not marketed here as much.

Larry - I have a 550 on the RSV and a 1490T in the truck. I really like the 1490T for the screen size -

 

My 550 on the bike washes out in the sun and can be a real pain if your in strange territory, like downtown Baltimore Md.

 

I think you'll like the 1470, 'bout the same as my 1490T but I don't think the 1470 has bluetooth

 

Yep almost the same No bluetooth but has traffic. Some nice features not found on my current Mio. Seems a bit slow bringing up satellites. I'm giving a run down this weekend going to the HUB.

Larry

[Guest gerrycormier]

I have a Garmin and use a shield from WWW.glarestomper.com with great success. Real inexpensive as well.

Gerry