GPS in my future- Garmin? other? HELP!!!!

[SugarHillCTD]

Before I start, OTG, I did read your post on a GPS real world test.


So here goes- a couple of weeks ago I left early on a Saturday- did about 250 miles on back roads- got temporarily lost as the afternoon wore on. Yes, I had a map but it took me a while to find a route# sign that showed east or west, north or south. Finally came out to a place that I recognised but it was getting late. I found the Interstate and booked it home, getting there just at dark- scary proposition here with LARGE animals out at dusk.

Cathy wants to get me a GPS unit- but I don't know which one.

I would like a unit that incorporates XM radio.

Remember that I have an RS so space is a premium.

Suggestions?

[Saltcreek]

Hi John,

I don't know much about xm radio but I've had success with an automotive style gps for the few times I want it on the motorcycle. I have a Garmin 750 which has mp3 capacity and a headphone jack. I don't like being distracted by a gps screen while riding. I know others swear by it.

[Flying Duck]

Go here and read backwards from the last page:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthre ... 3&page=166

MC GPS or not, I'd recommend getting something that's really waterproof, especially on an RS.

[skdonlan]

Cathy wants to get me a GPS unit- but I don't know which one.

I wish I had that problem.

I've been toying with getting a GPS (I could also use it for work, business expense!) and will be watching this thread to see what is suggested. It seems there are so many advertised for less than $200, but I guess being wheather proof is pretty critical on the bike.

[Off the grid]

This is what I'm using and could not be happier.

250 for unit, RAM mount and hard-wire to the bike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALDiGADCl9c

Video is a User putting the Nuvi 500 in a fish tank for 30mins.
I was recently caught in a rainstorm for 15 mins and have nary a hiccup from the unit.

[SugarHillCTD]

Thanks for the responses.

Garmin Nuvi 500? Looks pretty waterproof

Places to look for it at a good price?

[Flying Duck]

Buy.com

(Not if it has a rebate though. They're somewhat shady on rebates.)

[2xcelr8]

Thanks for the responses.

Garmin Nuvi 500? Looks pretty waterproof

Places to look for it at a good price?

You can check out the 500 and 550 at GPSCITY. http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-nuvi-550.html

[John Clauss]

I have a Garmin Quest II which is on the smaller side. It sits on an accessory shelf on my RS and is hard wired. No XM radio. But I have had it for 4 years now. Been caught in some serious rain with the thing. After the MOA rally in Vermont in '05 I rode in very hard rain from Burlington VT, to my sister's house in Saratoga Springs, NY, about 200 miles in absolute downpour most of the way and the thing never hiccuped. I know I should probably upgrade, but I do not see a point right now.

[michaelcurrin]

I recently got a Garmin 550 and mounted it using a mount from Gadget guy.

This shows the type of mount but with different GPS unit

http://www.gadgetguy.net/PhotoGallery/BMW_K100RSA_1991_KitII_Modified_BPII_SP2820/index.html

There is an XM radio attachment available, but I don't have it.

I have about 2 gig of mp3 files on an SD card for music.

The 550 music and GPS directions are hard wired to my Autocomm (Pro M-1) The 550 connects to my cell phone and to an Autocomm dongle by bluetooth for phone calls. (I'm not using the Autocom speakers just the microphone and ER6 earphones.)

So far I've been happy with it.

Mike

[SugarHillCTD]

OK,

Garmin it is. But Nuvi or Zumo?

http://www.gpscity.com/compare/nuvi550&nuvi500&zumo550

Other than the obvious price difference, why the Nuvi? Am I missing some important spec?

The Zumo has audio out but will also wirelessly connect with my helmet and cell phone. AND is XM radio compatible.

While price is a consideration, I would like to do this right the first time and get as many features that I want on this purchase. I have found the Zumo 550 as low as $615.

Thoughts?

[Off the grid]

The Nuvi does not come with Blootoof, Satellite radio (that I am aware of) or an SD card slot. You can map out routes but it needs an additional program to do so. It does not have the "bells and whistles" of the Zumo, but I will never pay that type money for a GPS. It's just insane.

In my opinion the Garmin is the only GPS I will buy from now on having owned a Mageallon, TomTom and 3 Garmins. The Garmin interface, street view, upcoming turn indicator and on-screen displays of current MPH, distance to next turn, time to target and even the current MPH limit of the road you are on is big and clearly visable and vastly superior to anything out today. The screen is easily read in bright sunlight and at night. The Mageallon and TomTom were all but impossible to read in the daytime without shielding with your hand.

YMMV.

[Mystic Red]

Nuvi's absorb water is why there is a price diff.

[Off the grid]

Nuvi's absorb water is why there is a price diff.

Check the vid Scott.

The 500 is completely waterproof.

[2xcelr8]

OK,

Garmin it is. But Nuvi or Zumo?

http://www.gpscity.com/compare/nuvi550&nuvi500&zumo550

Other than the obvious price difference, why the Nuvi? Am I missing some important spec?

The Zumo has audio out but will also wirelessly connect with my helmet and cell phone. AND is XM radio compatible.

While price is a consideration, I would like to do this right the first time and get as many features that I want on this purchase. I have found the Zumo 550 as low as $615.

Thoughts?

I ran across this web site today and they are still running a black friday sale. AMDV.com has the Zumo 550 for $579. This unit does come with mounts for your bike and car if you want to use it in both. If you are going to use the XM and bluetooth features, this is the unit. I did not intent on using these features so I bought a Zumo 450 last year. I like the 450 and the SD card is loaded with MP3 files that I play through the LT's stereo via a cassette adapter or hard wired to my chatterbox. The 450 is discontinued but I see AMDV has some for $457. I know I paid less for mine last year with some type of rebate through MSN Live search.

update: I just found the Zumo 550 at DELTACAMERA.COM for $529 but I would check that it comes with both mounts and all items as listed by Garmin.

[SugarHillCTD]

Doug,

Thanks for the link

[Mystic Red]

Check the vid Scott. Cool

The 500 is completely waterproof.

My bad. Hadn't seen the 500 series yet.