GPS

[cactusjack]

I was trying to use my Samsung phone w/built-in GPS for its GPS function today on my way back from Custer. Guess what - the damn thing is useless if I'm in an area that I don't have cell coverage in, which was most of this trip. When it said one of the features was built-in GPS, I thought that was cool. GPS is GPS, right? Apparently not.

I now want to buy a GPS system. I really could have used it today.

I know the Garmin ZUMO 450/550/660 are pretty much the standard for motorcycles, but I don't want to pay that much. I know zip about GPS units, and I know many of you have something other than a ZUMO. Suggestions, please. Who is a good vendor for them?

[ringadingh]

I have a Nuvi 250W that I used for the first time this weekend, going to the rally I didn't turn it on until we were well into NY. It worked really good for the most part in getting us to the destination except that when I pulled into the Super 8 parking lot, it said to continue further doen the road for a couple hundred yards.
When I set it for home yesterday, it put me the wrong way on the interstate and it was about 18 miles before I realized it was taking us the really long way home, then coming into Buffalo it didn't find the way to the border crossing either. Im not sure why it acted like this unless its because when I entered Home, it was to much to calculate all at once the direct way. I wonder if I had entered it in smaller stages that it would have done a better job.

[dantama]

Cactus, when I bought one for the car I went to Ultimate Electronics and tried to find one that was intuitive for me to use and I was price conscious.

After finding the one I wanted I wet online and found it was the least amount at a place called Abes of Maine. http://www.abesofmaine.com/

[waterman]

CJ,

I have a Garmin 530c and really like it. It is bluetooth and speaks so if you have the setup you can hear it in your helmet. Also, being AMA member, I think that we get a pretty good discount from Garmin on them.

Mine isn't water proof and I haven't ridden thru any sort of massive rain with it so far. I do know people who have non-water proof GPS and they use a ziplock bag to cover them in rain.

[strobe]

I have a Nuvi 760 (discontinued model) and it works fine. Not waterproof though, get a little nervous when the rain comes, but it works. An option is th Nuvi 500, it is a lot cheaper than the Zumo line but is waterproof unlike other Nuvi models.

[radco]

Hey CJ, LOOK for the GARMIN Street Pilot Series,, IE: 2720/2730 etc.. They are waterproof to 10 meters I think.. They are discontinued but supported by Garmin, GPS City. Amazon . com etc.. under 200$.. Mine toof us through some GREAT country roads in NY :)..........

[rickyboy]

Scott,
I have the Magellan crossover It's good for marine, roads, topical, and geo caching if your into that. It'll also play your SD cards for pictures, music. Has an ear bud plug in to hear as you ride but if you use it around town you'll be able to hear it without them..... I'll look up the exact model if you want. It works well but like all the other gps's out there unless the maps are updated they don't do you much good. I updated mine just before Custer and when we went to Rapid City there were some new roads that hadn't been added to the update,....so we took a little longer getting to the Kawi dealer. Look on ebay, there are some good deals there pal. let me know if you want more info on the "crossover". I think mine is the 2500T model. They have newer ones now I'm sure. Mine is a couple of yrs. old now.

[rhunt4]

CJ. Go to the gwrra site there are usally someone on there that wonts to sell the garmin 2610 or the 2720. These are bothgreat units. I have seen them on there for as little as 125. I have a 2610 and it is great for a bike as it is water proof and vibration proof.

I agree with RADCO. Seach for the for Water Proof GPS on Amazon. I found one for $169 new this morning. Here is the Link http://www.amazon.com/Lowrance-000-0125-....5692113&s r=1-3

hope this helps. Otherwise pick up a new Nuvi and get your self a zip lock bag :)

[ccmjr77]

I have a garmin Quest. It is older model, but I really like it on the bike. It has a battery that last upto 20 hours. I have had it running for over 8 hours and it still showed about half a charge, so when I have it on the bike, I do not even have to plug it in for power.

[dkdixie]

CJ, I've been using a Garmin 2720. It has more features than 760 Novi unit I use in the car. As somebody else mentioned, a discontinued model but they are inexpensive. Got mine for 100.00. Its waterproof and works fine. Paid an extra 30.00 or so for the hardwire kit. RAM makes a great bar mount. For 2720 GPs, hardwire, and RAM mount, should be able to get all for around 160.00.

[VulcanE]

Originally Posted by "dk dixie"

CJ, I've been using a Garmin 2720. It has more features than 760 Novi unit I use in the car. As somebody else mentioned, a discontinued model but they are inexpensive. Got mine for 100.00. Its waterproof and works fine. Paid an extra 30.00 or so for the hardwire kit. RAM makes a great bar mount. For 2720 GPs, hardwire, and RAM mount, should be able to get all for around 160.00.

CJ, another vote for the Garmin 2720 street pilot. I got mine for $114, added the custom fit RAM mount and hardwire kit all for around $160-170 (including the GPS). The unit is user friendly, and haven't had any issues with it's functionality.

[tinskeep]

When it rains, why can't you use a clear zip lock sandwich bag to cover it? Seems to keep the rain off. Zip it on both sides of the holder and it seems to stay put. Just a thought.

[cactusjack]

water resistance isn't a big issue. It seldom rains where I would be using it 99% of the time. I can carry a bag for when I get caught in the rain.

[schoeney]

CJ- I got a Garmin 360 Nuvi (about$200)....now discontinued but Ram still carried the mount ($35). I think most any Garmin will do what you need but you may want to check out the Harley Davidson Ride Planner website (or whatever ride planning website you use or will use) to see what model you are thinking about buying will synchronize with the site. I think most do.

This feature may sound a little over the top but I found it to be a great time saver and simplified my trips...especially when I was taking backroads and not wanting to go the shortest route. Let me know when you get one and I will walk you through how this feature works....it is simple. I can follow my nose without the GPS but like most things...as I get older I appreciate things that make my life easier...plus it is kind of fun to plan out rides this way.

Good luck!