GPS for the Nomad

[chucks1911]

Last week convinced me, I cannot stand not knowing where I am and where I'm going.

Looking for a GPS to put on my Nomad. I have the garmin built into my truck so I'd like to stick with that for familiarity.

I asked a friend and he recommended the garmin 665. Thats $800 and just "slightly" more than I want to spend.

I'd like a large screen (at least 4.3), route planning, where am I, search for places/businesses/etc, street navigation, can see the screen in sunlight, bluetooth, portable, lifetime map updates, etc, etc.

Looking to keep it at or around $200 and looking for feedback or user input. The garmin 2595LMT looks kinda like what I'm looking for....................

[Sin City Stan]

I just got a reconditioned 5" Garmin NUVI 1490 before the SW-VBA Rally for $135 (Amazon). I would recommend a brand name reconditioned GPS any day. This is my third and the other two I gave away and are still working. The oldest is 6 years old.

[cnc]

Just my opinion, but good luck on getting all that for $200. I had a Garmin 255 and it did the trick for a while but was limited. I still use it in the truck. Biggest thing for me was seeing the screen in sunlight, blue tooth, water proof and a good mount. I went for a Garmin zumo 550 @ around $499 on sale. Made for a motorcycle waterproof etc, etc. Big difference in the screen in sunlight and while it is not a huge screen, all the written instructions are in a larger font than my old one. Blue tooth to my helmet intercom is a big plus.

[cactusjack]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 550, it's motorcycle-rated (waterproof/shock resistant/touch screen works with gloves), and it doesn't have all the fancy features like bluetooth, MP3 player, etc. And I paid over $250 for it 3 years ago. It does have kind of a small screen though - but it works great and I've never had a problem with it.

When I replace it, I'll probably go with something larger, but it does what I want it to do for now.

[Jared]

I've got a Garmin Nuvi 1100 with a Ram mount. The GPS was $79 and the mount was around $25. I've used it for about 2 years now and it works just fine. Obviously not the nicest GPS out there, but it work just fine non the less.
Here's a pic of it.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/425444_10151334511290224_1195850590_n.jpg

[Chili]

I use a 1490 as well and it does the trick. When you mention Bluetooth I think it's import to know what part of Bluetooth you want to use, if you want to connect your phone to the GPS and be wired to the GPS you'll be fine. If you want to connect to a Communicator headset like a Scala or Sena you will need to stick to the expensive Zumo series only.

[Top Cat]

I agree with Norm, you will not find all the features you list for $200.
Spend the money and get a Garmin Zumo 550. It is made for motorcycle use and comes complete with the motorcycle mount and a car mount.

[usranger74]

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=garmin+n%C3%BCvi+500+review&psj=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1440&bih=731&wrapid=tlif133954022719410&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=8873831548712660489&sa=X&ei=GMPXT8COO4iU2wWhrKSOBg&ved=0CLwBEPMCMAQ


This is what I use.

[fish]

1490LTM here

[ldhthept]

Download app for ur phone if u don't have one already, $25 for ram mount... Just make check out to me for $150 and we'll call it even.

[rayski271]

if your on the bike who gives a damn where your at your riding thats all that matters enjoy the ride you will get where your going sooner or later

[schoeney]

I use my smartphone (Droid Bionic w/Google Maps) and a Ram Mount. Works well with my Sena 10 and has a very bright screen for daylight. Better than my old Garmin Nuvi.

Cuts down on all the gadgets I need to take. I carry a plastic bag to cover the phone but haven't needed it yet as I don't intentionaly ride in the rain.

[nomadtom69]

or if you are like me and just have a flip phone (I talk I do not text) I have a Garmin 765 lmt with home made sunshield http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/Nomadtom/Panama%20City%20Beach%20%20ThunderBeach/DSC01289.jpg I think the next model that does what you want would be the Garmin 1490 lmt I pair mine with bluetooth just so I can see who is calling then I pull over and call them if it is important.

[ballast]

I have a Garmin Nuvi something or other. It was about $140 at Costco with lifetime maps. I use it mostly for finding hotels and resturants. I don't have blue tooth cause I don't need another woman telling me where to go. I also use it to find my way back as I tend to take detours when I am riding and see interesting stuff along the way.

Generally agree with rayski271.

[nomadtom69]

good to find gas stations and some where to eat when you are not from around there.

[jlreeves]

I'm unsure how much but I received a manufacturers refurbished Garmin Zumo 665 as a gift recently. I am told they are available on eBay for about $650. Its got a years warranty like the new ones and seems to be working just fine. It does everything advertised and cleared my handlebars of every contraption I had up there except my drink holder.

[wolfmil042370]

I use the Nuvi 2595ltm with the ram mount along withheld aqua box.

[chucks1911]

if your on the bike who gives a damn where your at your riding thats all that matters enjoy the ride you will get where your going sooner or later

Got'cha Ray. What if I run out of gas before I get where I'm going?

[chucks1911]

Download app for ur phone if u don't have one already, $25 for ram mount... Just make check out to me for $150 and we'll call it even.

I've tried this route. Got a galaxy s phone running droid with us cellular service. It wont even sync up and self locate.

[cnc]

if your on the bike who gives a damn where your at your riding thats all that matters enjoy the ride you will get where your going sooner or later

Thak's all going to change. Now that your a big shot, people expect you to know where your going.:Dhttp://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/images/icons/thumbs-up-blue2.gif