Which GPS?

[fireman68]

Not sure which forum to put this in, but I'm looking for input on a good GPS system to use on my bike. I want to be able to create routes and load on it. Oh yeah, it would be an extra bonus if it didn't cost 5 or 6 hundred dollars. Any suggestions?
Thanks

[Top Cat]

I like my Garmin Zumo 550 but it is $600+.
I don't like the Mapsource program that comes with it to down load trips. It is a pain in the ass to use.
So I guess this is of no help to you but at least I upped my post count by 1.

[cactusjack]

Not sure which forum to put this in, but I'm looking for input on a good GPS system to use on my bike. I want to be able to create routes and load on it. Oh yeah, it would be an extra bonus if it didn't cost 5 or 6 hundred dollars. Any suggestions?
Thanks

Didn't someone just ask this a week ago?

Anyway, If you don't want to spend 5 or 6 bills on a GPS, I recommend the Garmin Nuvi series. I have a Nuvi 550, and it is waterproof (that's a +), I know you can use HD's Trip Planner website to download maps to it (another +), and I've heard (but not tried) Google Maps. Mine cost me ~$250 (another +), and the touch screen works just great with gloves. Get a RAM mount to mount it on your handlebars, and you are good to go.

It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the Zumo does, which was okay with me because I wouldn't use most of them anyway. Here's a photo of mine (in my messy garage):

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad358/cjack_1/P1000668_RSZ_013.jpg

[Yellow Jacket]

Check out this thread which started Oct. 27th. Bunch of info about the GPS.

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=13200

[skeeter]

your car looks nice and warm CJ. Is it cold at night?

[cactusjack]

your car looks nice and warm CJ. Is it cold at night?

Oh there's no car in that garage. It's my third garage, and only the bike lives there (along with boxes of my wife's junk) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif. The blanket is what I lay the saddlebags or tank on when I remove them. It's just draped over the trailer I tow with the bike.

[kpmhspirit]

Not sure which forum to put this in, but I'm looking for input on a good GPS system to use on my bike. I want to be able to create routes and load on it. Oh yeah, it would be an extra bonus if it didn't cost 5 or 6 hundred dollars. Any suggestions?
Thanks

I just bought the Nuvi 550 and am very happy with it. It's waterproof as well which is good. Once you figure out the quirks of Mapsource, it's actually fairly easy to create routes. They are easily downloaded to the unit. I got it at Amazon.com for around $250 plus the power cable and mount components from Ram for about $75.

A couple of things about this unit:

You'll have to buy a USB cable to connect to a computer but check the ones you've already got for cell phones, cameras, etc. I found a couple that actually fit and I didn't really need to buy another.

You can get optional traffic alerts by buying another power cable

It does not have a headphone jack or bluetooth so you won't hear directions on the bike but the screen is easy to read provided the sun is not shining directly on it. Also, it's not a music player.

Unless you want to look at pictures, don't bother with the optional SD card. I don't think it can detect maps on the extra SD card. The unit comes with about 2 MB of memory (on an internal SD card, I think). The programs take about 1.3 MB which leaves plenty of space for maps. You can delete all the unnecessary language/voice files and icon files, creating even more space.

You're limited to about 200 way points on a map despite what the specs say (500) but that's plenty for a day's route. If you create a map with too many, go back and delete some intermediate way points as long as you still keep the same route.

Overall, it's a great unit and does what I want without frills.

Just my 2 cents.

Pete

[fireman68]

Sorry for the repeat post! I tried to do a search, but couldn't search for 3 letter topics.
I appreciate the input. I have been looking at the Garmin nuvi 550 and it sounds like for the price, that is the way I will probably go.
Thanks again. As usual lots of great information on these forums!

[Yellow Jacket]

No problem fireman. To put it in a polite way, the search function leaves much to be desired.

[Top Cat]

Your such a polite gentelman Jellow Jacket.
I would just say as I have many times before, The search feature SUCKS! :)

[Cajunrider]

I like my Garmin Zumo 550 but it is $600+.
I don't like the Mapsource program that comes with it to down load trips. It is a pain in the ass to use.
So I guess this is of no help to you but at least I upped my post count by 1.

Didn't you say you are cheap? ??? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Top Cat]

[quote="Top Cat (TC) ":5e9ary39]I like my Garmin Zumo 550 but it is $600+.
I don't like the Mapsource program that comes with it to down load trips. It is a pain in the ass to use.
So I guess this is of no help to you but at least I upped my post count by 1.

Didn't you say you are cheap? ??? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif[/quote:5e9ary39]

That was in a post about dialup Cajun http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
I'm cheap when it comes to some things. I will put up with a slow computer but when it comes to motorcycling I believe in getting the best you can afford. That's why I ride a Nomad ;)

[doublel]

I noticed the Nuvi 550 on amazon for $199. I bet you could get it real cheap if you get out at 4:00am at a black Friday sale :) I think this will be my Christmas present.

[Cajunrider]

[quote="Cajunrider ":7q1mnsbm]

Didn't you say you are cheap? ??? http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

That was in a post about dialup Cajun http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
I'm cheap when it comes to some things. I will put up with a slow computer but when it comes to motorcycling I believe in getting the best you can afford. That's why I ride a Nomad ;)[/quote:7q1mnsbm]

Me too TC, that's why I ride on a CT. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Top Cat]

I'm still waiting for the long term evaluation on that Cajun. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
It does make sense as far as mileage goes, I'm still going to harass you darksiders though.
I figure if I can afford a $600+ GPS I can afford a MC tire every 12,000 miles. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Cajunrider]

Oh well, you can take an old horse to the trough, but you can't make him drink. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Top Cat]

Oh well, you can take an old horse to the trough, but you can't make him drink. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Hey, I believe the quote is;
"You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink."

Nothing in there about "OLD" http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Cajunrider]

Sauced it up a little just for you TC. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Top Cat]

http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/> Thanks ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[nomadmike05]

Do a search for GETFEETWET you can buy refurbished units for a considerable amount cheaper.

[goose]

Do a search for GETFEETWET you can buy refurbished units for a considerable amount cheaper. GETFEETWET what the heck? You ready for the PolarBear?
Thanks, been thinking of getting me one also! Goose