GPS on a Motorcycle

[Cranky CJ]

Is it worth it? You can get the really expensive waterproof motorcycle specific version for several hundred, or get a basic auto version for much less.

Are they worth it in general? and is the extra coin for the MC version worth it. BTW, I read a map pretty well and don't really need one, but just thinking....

[aaronrkelly]

Im the same way.....and I still say "absolute necessity" if you ride much at all.

Yeah, I can stop occasionally and check the map.....and then try to remember which exit I need.....and hope I catch it while Im rolling down the road.....and check the map again....etc.

Or I can click in a destination and get real time data on

how many miles left
how much time left
miles to the next turn
etc

It will tell me 1 miles then 1/4 mile when I need to exit.....it will tell me which side of the interstate my exit is.

Its MANY times handier then a map.

I use the cheapest auto GPS I can....figuring if it doesnt hold up to MC use then Im out very little.

So far Ive been using the same GPSs for 3 years....and they still work fine. Light rain, moring dew, heat in the summer, cold in the winter....still working great.

You can score a refurb TomTomOne 130 from Newegg for $49 after a $20 rebate.

I use these in my cages.....they are decent.

Also on a recent trip I just pulled up the points of interest and attractions and just took off seeing stuff......cant do that with a map.

It also has phone numbers for points of interest.....which is uber handy when you need to see if someone has something.

There are just tons of things a GPS has going for it over a map.

[pappie]

Handy maybe, but not necessary for me. $50 worth of gas will get me alot farther. Pappie

[CTRider]

I have a pretty low end unit, and it still does the job. It cost me just about $100. For another $75-$100, I could have one with Bluetooth and the ability to speak street names.

If I buy another unit, I'll spend the extra just because those features are nice. I'm okay without them on this unit, but would want them if I upgrade.

As far as the motorcycle specific units, I don't think they're worth the premium price. While they tend to be waterproof, have more vibration resistance and can log routes, $300 or more for a unit is way too much.

I can protect my GPS in the rain, it seems fine with the vibrations and it stores the last route until I can plot it into something like Google Earth to save it if I really want to. I can save points of interest along the way on the GPS if I want to.

So, yes, a GPS is great for traveling any long distance, but only buy what does the job.

[CTRider]

Originally Posted by pappie

Handy maybe, but not necessary for me. $50 worth of gas will get me alot farther. Pappie

When you have a small tank like I do, it helps to be able to hit a button that tells me where the nearest station is...

[RichLockyer]

The auto units that have comparable features to the MC units are also comparably priced.

The Garmin units below $400-$500 will not allow pre-programmed routes to be uploaded, and they didn't used to allow more than one "via" point. Some of the newer ones allow for up to 5 via points, which may or may not be enough to allow you to program the route that you really want... depending on how many returns to the interstate your route involves.

Setting avoidances to "avoid highways" is not always the way to go... one rider was riding from Dallas to Atlanta, and he wanted to take the "scenic route" so he set "avoid highways"... the GPS tried to take him from Dallas to Atlanta on the frontage road


The cheaper units are great for getting you from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Most now have internal MP3 players, but when you combine their limitations with the need to get off the road and secure the unit at the first sign of bad weather really hurts their usefulness, plus the Garmin Zumo series includes a RAM mount to securely mount the unit to the bike with a setscrew on the release so it cannot fall out of it's cradle. That's a $40-$70 value right there.

On the Zumo series, you can also tell it what your fuel range is, and when you get within, IIRC, 30 miles of the set range, it displays a "low fuel" warning. Clear that and a gas pump icon appears on the screen in the bottom right corner. Tap the fuel pump and it will give you a list of the nearest gas stations in it's database.

[Rocket_88]

Originally Posted by Cranky CJ

Is it worth it? You can get the really expensive waterproof motorcycle specific version for several hundred, or get a basic auto version for much less.

Are they worth it in general? and is the extra coin for the MC version worth it. BTW, I read a map pretty well and don't really need one, but just thinking....

I was loath to get one, but had to get one (Garmin Zumo 660) for business use. So far, I am enjoying it more than I expected.

I now sit in front of my Mac some evenings, with the old faithful paper maps, planning ride routes, then I create the routes in the RoadTrip map software and transfer them onto the Zumo.

One great thing, but slightly dangerous, is when you go round a tight twisty; when you lean the bike over, the little bike image on the screen leans too.

Same old geekiness, new way of being geeky.

[pat0021]

Originally Posted by Rocket_88

One great thing, but slightly dangerous, is when you go round a tight twisty; when you lean the bike over, the little bike image on the screen leans too.

Same old geekiness, new way of being geeky.

that must be an upgrade from the 550. LMAO Like already mentioned the MC units are water resistant and have some cool fuel feature. Like on a trip last week. We were ready for a fuel stop. We needed to turn left but didn't know where the nearest fuel was. Hit the find fuel button and it was a mile away and just happened to be in the direction we wanted to go.

[CTRider]

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

The auto units that have comparable features to the MC units are also comparably priced.

The Garmin units below $400-$500 will not allow pre-programmed routes to be uploaded, and they didn't used to allow more than one "via" point. Some of the newer ones allow for up to 5 via points, which may or may not be enough to allow you to program the route that you really want... depending on how many returns to the interstate your route involves.

You can still preprogram points of interest on the cheaper units and go from one to the other. If you plan those points for areas where you figure to stop for fuel or food, it's not a big deal when you save $300.

Setting avoidances to "avoid highways" is not always the way to go... one rider was riding from Dallas to Atlanta, and he wanted to take the "scenic route" so he set "avoid highways"... the GPS tried to take him from Dallas to Atlanta on the frontage road

Now that's a bad GPS.

My $100 Nuvi 200 has like 8 avoidance settings, that when combined in various ways, produce excellent motorcycle routes. Plus, you have options for shorter, faster, etc to further refine it.

My unit also has a "detour" button that, while intended to get you out of a construction zone, closed road or traffic jam, can recalculate a new route immediately on a nearby road if you don't like the route you're on. I can actually use that to pick my preferred way out of town if the unit doesn't automatically select it.

Finally, with the self-correction every GPS has, leaving a route is no big deal when it's not what you want. The unit will replan the route for you.

The cheaper units are great for getting you from point A to point B as quickly as possible.

I wouldn't say that. They can do that, but will also plan the best route based on your preferences. That can take longer than zipping along the interstate.

If you don't take the time to set up the unit properly for your needs, you aren't going to be happy. The key is to try those various settings to see what routes the unit selects, then set what works.

Honestly, what most cheaper units do is perfectly fine for most people.

Most now have internal MP3 players, but when you combine their limitations with the need to get off the road and secure the unit at the first sign of bad weather really hurts their usefulness, plus the Garmin Zumo series includes a RAM mount to securely mount the unit to the bike with a setscrew on the release so it cannot fall out of it's cradle. That's a $40-$70 value right there.

For the price of any Zumo at all, I can combine a cheaper unit with a really good MP3 player of my choice rather than having a unit that does both.

The Nuvi 200 has a $20 optional handlebar mount that works quite well and a $.03 sandwich bag over it protects it from water, yet still allows me to operate it, hear it and view the screen. I've been over some very rough roads with it, and it has never come close to popping off the mount. Plus, it it bothers someone, they can spend a few dollars more and get a set of self-stick anchors from Radio Shack and some picture-hanging wire that will allow you to safety wire it to the bike.

On the Zumo series, you can also tell it what your fuel range is, and when you get within, IIRC, 30 miles of the set range, it displays a "low fuel" warning. Clear that and a gas pump icon appears on the screen in the bottom right corner. Tap the fuel pump and it will give you a list of the nearest gas stations in it's database.

While that sounds nice, I have a tripometer supplied by Honda for free and when I see I'm getting close, I can hit a button on the GPS (well, 2 actually) to show me the nearest fuel stops.

I'm not trying to attack you or anything, Rich. I just feel that too many people spend $400 when $150 or less would do the job. This is especially important for those that only go on long trips a few times a year.

Are there compromises? Sure. But some are willing to make those so we have money to spend on things that do offer real, tangible value.

[mwmalotte]

I'd rather get a cheaper unit and marry it with the Powerlet Products waterproof case and power hookup system. We're getting one of those for our Garmin Nuvi 265

[mkelley]

Originally Posted by CTRider

Are there compromises? Sure. But some are willing to make those so we have money to spend on things that do offer real, tangible value.

Oh there's plenty of tangible value in the more expensive units or the manufacturers would not be able to sell them, but you do need/want to have the additional functionality and accessories. Sometimes you need to look at the list of what comes in the box.

The Garmin 750/760 auto units provide similar functionality to the Zumo 450/550 units, but you'll still have to add in the additional cost of licensing the PC software for convenient route planning (if you want it) and a motorcycle mount (if you want it).

For the price of inexpensive auto units, you can hardly go wrong getting one and using it. If (when) you find you would like the additional functions of more expensive units, then upgrade. If you know you want the additional functions now, carefully compare units. If you do significant route planning and group ride leading, a low-cost auto unit isn't much help. If you want a handy electronic map, the ability to find local points of interest (especially gas stations!), and a way to get unlost, auto units are fine.

[trikebubble]

I have a Garmin Quest. Wouldn't tour without it. It helps us find our motel/hotel/campground when it's 10pm dark and raining. It keeps us on the right track when we are trying to navigate the craziness of large metroploitan areas.
I don't really rely on it for all decisions and judgement, but is always there just in case.

The Quest is waterproof, has an internal battery as well as being able to run on the bike's battery. You can pre-load routes and maps for pretty much any trip you want to take. We use it when we are walking around big cities as well, if we're looking for a specific cafe or store.

I still carry maps with me, and check them over every once in awhile to get an idea of where we actually are in this world, but I've found that the gps is certainly a worthwhile addition to our touring.

And, as my bike only shows speeds in km/hr it is nice to have the mph display on my gps when we travel stateside.

[mkelley]

+1 on the Quest and Quest II units. Better as a handheld than the Zumos and it also can use Garmin's Mapsource software. Riders using Zumos, Nuvi 7XX, and Quests can share preplanned route data. No longer manufactured, but readily available and inexpensive.

[DanDolfn]

Already had a Garmin Nuvi 260W when I bought the bike. Added a RAM mount for the bike.

Really like it for trips. Takes me right to the doorstep.

And, as someone already pointed out, if you get off your original path, the GPS will simply recalculate a new path for you.

[CTRider]

Honestly, while I like having a GPS, I really think too many of them are too expensive for no reason.

Fundamentally, the hardware is pretty much identical in them. The only differences are screen size, weather protection, bluetooth and on board memory. We're talking maybe a $50 premium over a base unit, though. What you really get from one to the other is software capabilities, which is why I can't fathom why the higher priced ones are so much more money.

Software is cheap once you create it. After the creation, it costs nothing extra to put it on the unit. It costs the company the same amount of money whether they put the software in some units or all of them. The hardware price changes according to the guts inside, but not hundreds of dollars worth of guts.

Of course, I'm also the same guy who finds the prices of digital picture frames ridiculous, too, for an 8" frame that maybe renders 800x600 pixels if you pay almost as much as buying a netbook computer.

I just don't like getting yanked in the wallet.

[charlie2744]

Had an "Ifinder". Got caught in a very hard rain.
She no works any more.
Now I have an "Ifinder H2O" no more rain worries.

Works great.
Would'nt leave home without it...(rip Karl Malden).

[Dudester]

I guess I'm the odd man out, cause nobody mentioned owning a Magellan GPS.
For Father's Day a couple of weeks ago, my lovely wife, went to our local Canadian Tire store, where they had the Magellan RoadMate 1412 on sale, marked down from $299.99, to $149.99.
I'm still learning how it works but so far I like what it does for my style of riding.
First of all, it has a 4.3" colored screen, which automatically turns to "night-view" when driving at night, which makes it easier on the eyes when riding in my car, or my motorcycle at night.
It speaks out loud and clear to me at each intersection, which also gives me a split screen, and it continues to give me plenty of verbal warning time to any approaching intersections I should take, as well and roads ahead. It has what I call "idiot proof guidance" as well, meaning, should I take a wrong turn somewhere and not listen to her directions, or if I choose to take an alternate route, it will guide me back on track, at the next available exit, and keep on doing so, until I am back on a proper route and destination. It comes with a 2Gb SD card for saving routes and uploading maps, (which I haven't figured out yet how to do lol) However, Magellan have a great website where you can contact them easily, 24/7.
I can use MPH, or KPH, depending on if I'm riding in the states or Canada, and it speaks 3 different languages, French, English, and Italian...French comes in handy for me when I ride on the Quebec side of the border.
I can move the screen using a gloved finger across the large screen, and of course zoom in and out of the map the say way.
It also comes with preloaded 6 million points of interest (P.O.I.) so finding gas stations, camp grounds, restaurants, ATM's etc etc, is extremely easy to use by just putting my finger on an icon of my choice. If on a certain trip, all I was is it to give me gas stations along my route, I have the choice of just having those icons show up on my route.
I also have a "simulation" function, which allows me to take a birds eye view from where I'm starting, to where I'm going. If I don't like what it shows me, I can customize it to another route of my choice, as well as avoiding toll booths, fastest way, shortest way, most frequent freeways, and less frequent freeways.
The unit shows me my speed (once again in KPH or MPH), distanced traveled, E.A.T. (estimated arrive time) according to the speed I'm driving at, as well as a trip meter.
I also have the "detour" function, should there be construction ahead, and I can detour from 3 miles to 30 miles, or again, customize my own detour.
I know it does a few more things, but my memory is cooperating at the moment. One thing that really impressed me is, once you punch in a number and address you want to go to, it'll even tell you what side of the street that address is on.
I agree, that the RoadMate 1412, ,may not but the best gps suited for motorcycle riding, but with a plastic sandwich bag, and a Ram mount holder, I'd be willing to take a chance with it if I really had to.
It comes with a cigarette male plug, so I will be installing a 12v cigarette lighter type of plug in somewhere on the bike. It comes with an internal battery, that can apparently last up to 3 hours, but right now, I'm using the 12v plug in, in my cage.
I am not an mp3 listener when I ride my bike, nor do I have the need for bluetooth, so for me, the RoadMate 1412 is more than adequate for what I need it for. It's nice to know I can go out and explore all I want, and get totally lost, and yet, all I have to do is hit "Home" and she'll take me right back to my driveway without a glitch.
I know that Garmin make an excellent GPS, as well as Tomtoms etc, but for the price my wife paid for the Magellan and it's big screen, I don't think I can go wrong. Of course, time will tell, and I'm looking forward to see how long this thing will last......hopefully a long time, cause it sure is easy to operate and understand.
I know that there are tons of gps's that do a heck of a lot more than mine, which is great if that's what you really need. But I really don't need to have a gps, that will have some features on it that I will either never use, or get to understand how they work. This ol' guy likes the K.I.S.S. method. If at some point, it won't do what I need it to do, then that'll be the time for me to upgrade to a more sophisticated GPS
Just my .02¢

[soonerstan56]

I bought a discontinued Garmin Streetpilot 2610 three years ago for under $200.If you travel at all I would recommend a GPS.
When state routes go through cities it will save a lot of turn arounds from missing turns.
Another plus is when you are railing through twisties you can zoom up the view and see what to expect around a blind turn roadwise.

Stan

[mkelley]

Originally Posted by CTRider

Software is cheap once you create it.

Oops, can't let that one get by without comment.

Not in the software development business, are you? Mass market software has so many units to amoratize the cost over that you don't really notice it on a single unit basis. Simple software also doesn't have the same development/support costs as complicated software. Ever notice just how many different GPS units a company like Garmin has. Each with its own codeline and support issues. All GPS units also have their own software licensing costs for internal functions (maps, mpeg decoders, other possible recurring patent and licensing fees). The hardware bill of materials is not the sole factor determining the price. These days, hardware's cheap, software's not.

[Cranky CJ]

sounds like a pretty strong endorsement for GPS units, the wife just read the first 15 responses and she broke down and agreed it would be okay to get one. Now I need to decide which one is the best bang for the buck. Any models to stay away from?? or types that you think aren't worth it??
Later this month we will be taking a MC trip; Loveland to Durango, Durango to Grand Jct (mom's house), GCT to Steamboat Springs then Steamboat back to Loveland. We will cross Wolf Creek pass, Red Mountain pass, Rabbit Ears pass and Cameron pass. And go through South Park the San Louis Valley and North Park. This is the route I wanted to do last year but didn't have the extra day to do it.

Eventhough I know all these roads and have driven them at one time or another in my life, I wanted a GPS to show points of interest, gas stations, etc... plus the aid of navigation, way points and ETAs etc. Thank you everybody for the information.