GPS stuff

Twinstar Joined: Feb 27, 2016 Posts: 85 Location: NJ

what kind of GPS' are you guys using? i don't do touring, not yet at least, but my bike is my ~~main~~ only method of transportation so i figured i might as well invest in one.

a mix between price friendly (although what's price friendly to some is completely not for others) say... less than $150, easy to read, not bulky, etc.

i've never owned a GPS even in my past cars so I'm not sure what to expect from one these days with technology being what it is.

ive occasionally used rather outdated ones and found them to be more of a hassle/paperweight than something remotely dependable.

pictures of your setups would be nice too.

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 6:46 pm

I use my phone with my helmet upgraded to Bluetooth via the Sena 10R system. Get to talk with my kids too when we are out riding, would not use anything else.

Hawk Joined: Jul 21, 2015 Posts: 509 Location: Norway

what you need a gps for?

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:06 pm

I use a Garmin Nuvi 265W with a RAM mount. Why the Garmin? Cheap, bought 5 on eBay for $25 including shipping. I've lost a couple over the years and will only buy them if they are cheap. I've had them stolen, storm damaged and fell off due hitting a BIG bump.

Personally, the smartest ones are made by Navigan. Had the best recalculation methods than any GPS on the market. Magellan has the worst. Too bad Navigan had to pull out of the US Market.

Twinstar Joined: Feb 27, 2016 Posts: 85 Location: NJ

I forgot to clarify using my phone isn't an option for a multitude of reasons, sadly.

ill look into these Garmins.

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:47 pm

The Garmin Nuvi series is lower priced but very reliable. Only problem is that they are far from waterproof. The Garmin Zumo line is designed for motorcycles and are waterproof. I have used them with success over many years. They also have a free mapping program called Basecamp which allows you to program whatever route you desire.

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 9:35 pm

Larry wrote:

The Garmin Nuvi series is lower priced but very reliable. Only problem is that they are far from waterproof. The Garmin Zumo line is designed for motorcycles and are waterproof. I have used them with success over many years. They also have a free mapping program called Basecamp which allows you to program whatever route you desire.

Yeah but Larry, the Zumo is $500+! I've learned that when I'm about to ride into rain, I take a ziplock bag and a rubber band and cover the 265W (could be any auto GPS). Never lost a GPS if I do that.

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 9:59 pm

I have the Navigon app on my phone so I have something when there is no cell service or I am in Canada and don't have a data plan.

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 8:25 pm

Garmin Montana 650 is a good option. It's waterproof, has a touchscreen, big enough that you can see it but still small enough to take along on a hike, and best of all, it has external charging contacts so it will charge in it's cradle while mounted to the bike (with nothing to plug in). Another bonus is that it uses a rechargeable battery pack or AA batteries, a good option if you do want to use it for hiking. Not cheap though.

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2016 10:58 pm

I you just want directions any car sat nav will do. The cheap chinese ones on ebay work well & use iGo software which is good. They are also the only ones these days that come with a headphone jack. If you want to program in specific routes from a pc or download them from websites or another person then unfortunately it has to be a Garmin Zumo or Tomtom Rider with a bluetooth headset of some sorts.

Twinstar Joined: Feb 27, 2016 Posts: 85 Location: NJ

much appreciate, guys. i've since quickly looked on craigslist for used ones and there appears to be plenty of good ones that fit my budget. it's just a matter of which one is closest so i can pick it up rather than spend coffee money on shipping Very Happy

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2016 1:50 pm

I have a garmin nuvi also, just wire up a plug under the seat and route the gps cord through the body work and out to the handle bars and then use a RAM mount and bingo.