GPS - Page 2

waterman · 06-23-2009, 07:50 AM

Two, well three of the features that I really like are finding gas, FOOD, and motels. When you decided to go on the road and really have no timetable and/or destination, that feature comes in handy. Get a couple of hours out and you make the decision as to where you will end the day. Find the hotel and call.

rewindgy · 06-23-2009, 08:11 AM

Garmin Nuvi 255W - no it's not waterproof. I don't trust it explicitly - but it will get you close to where you want to be! Remember that it's only as good as the information entered by Garmin or supplied to them! If they aren't told the right info - you don't get the right info. I used it this weekend in a different Province and it worked well. It also got rained & snowed on and it hasn't suffered any. I stop when I can and put a plastic bowl cover ( clear with elastic around edges) but it still will get wet if you are caught in a downpour.
Best part - I paid $128.00 for it and if it gets stolen or blows up - big deal! I've wasted more money than that on Safety Chrome.

rickyboy · 06-23-2009, 10:19 AM

CJ........you might want to research which gps's allow downloadable maps from google.
I believe it's TomTom and Garmin that have a one time cost for any map you might want through google. http://gps.about.com/od/gpsmapschart...gle_garmin.htm

cactusjack · 06-23-2009, 10:59 AM

Thanks for all the information. I am leaning toward the Garmin Nuvi 500 or 550. They are waterproof and seem to offer the features I'd use most.

Update: I ordered a Garmin Nuvi 550 and it will be here tomorrow. I also ordered a RAM mount and a hard-sided carrying case for it.

oldbikers · 06-24-2009, 06:44 PM

CJ I have Gamin 2610 I used in Custer and it worked great and as dk & vulcane said you can get a 2720 for about a $100.00 they are water proof but more important they will handle the vibration that a lot of other ones won't.

cactusjack · 06-24-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldbikers

CJ I have Gamin 2610 I used in Custer and it worked great and as dk & vulcane said you can get a 2720 for about a $100.00 they are water proof but more important they will handle the vibration that a lot of other ones won't.

I looked for a 2610 or a 2720 and had little luck. I found a new Streetpilot 2720 for $500 somewhere, but if I wanted to pay that much I'd have bought a Zumo.

oldbikers · 06-25-2009, 06:33 AM

Sorry to hear that CJ I just bought one off E-Bay for $112.00 guess he must have ran out.

bfancett · 06-26-2009, 07:43 AM

Just found a Garmin Streetpilot 2720, that is on Amazon for $175.00. The RAM handlebar mount is about $30.00.

http://www.amazon.com/GARMIN-STREETP...6019999&sr=8-1

bfancett · 06-26-2009, 09:12 AM

After doing significant research on motorcycle GPS systems, here is what I have decided. I read all the reviews from CNET, PC Wrold, etc., and if I were going to get a GPS for my bike, and do it right, I would get the TomTom Rider 2. It's a $700 MSRP unit, that sells on Amazon.com for about $340.00.

I comes with a $130.00 Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset for speaking directions and hearing directions as well and receiving and making phone calls with your Bluetooth enabled call phone. It is waterproof, has a glove friendly touch screen (this is nice), great maps, and comes with a RAM mounting kit espeacially made for the Rider 2. In addition, the battery time is 5 hours, so for long rides, it comes with the wires needed to run 12V power directly from your battery to the RAM Mount, which will keep this little GPS going forever. It also has a built in sun visor and anti-glare screen.

All in all I think this unit is right up there with the Harely Davidson Touring Road Tech.

http://www.amazon.com/GARMIN-STREETP...6019999&sr=8-1

Regards,

Brian

cactusjack · 06-26-2009, 09:30 AM

My Nuvi 550 arrived Wednesday and the RAM mount should be here today. I think it will serve my purposes just fine. I also ordered (separately) the direct wire pigtail to power it. Since I'm out of unused terminals on my front fuse block, I plan to connect it to the accessory leads in the headlight bucket.

**Top Cat** · 06-26-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian ("Itinerant Man")

After doing significant research on motorcycle GPS systems, here is what I have decided. I read all the reviews from CNET, PC Wrold, etc., and if I were going to get a GPS for my bike, and do it right, I would get the TomTom Rider 2. It's a $700 MSRP unit, that sells on Amazon.com for about $340.00.

I comes with a $130.00 Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset for speaking directions and hearing directions as well and receiving and making phone calls with your Bluetooth enabled call phone. It is waterproof, has a glove friendly touch screen (this is nice), great maps, and comes with a RAM mounting kit espeacially made for the Rider 2. In addition, the battery time is 5 hours, so for long rides, it comes with the wires needed to run 12V power directly from your battery to the RAM Mount, which will keep this little GPS going forever. It also has a built in sun visor and anti-glare screen.

All in all I think this unit is right up there with the Harely Davidson Touring Road Tech.

http://www.amazon.com/GARMIN-STREETP...6019999&sr=8-1

Regards,

Brian

Brian, I am looking at this GPS also.
One question, can I plan my route on my computer and download it to the rider 2? I would like to plan my routes on my Microsoft Streets and Trips program. Is thi possible? Thanks,Tim

blowndodge · 06-26-2009, 09:41 AM

Rich boy and his toys!!!

**Top Cat** · 06-26-2009, 10:15 AM

Yeah BD, I like the part where he says, "I'm out of unused terminals on my front fuse block."

strobe · 06-26-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

One question, can I plan my route on my computer and download it to the rider 2? I would like to plan my routes on my Microsoft Streets and Trips program. Is thi possible? Thanks,Tim

From what I researched when looking the Streets and Trips needs a GPS that is NMEA compatible. Very few GPS units list that as a feature, so hard to tell. I could not get an answer on exactly what GPS units supported that. Friends I ride with constantly complain about the TomTom online planning app and how bad it is, but I have never used it myself, I went with a Garmin Nuvi. The Rider 2 looks great though at the very least.

bfancett · 06-26-2009, 11:38 AM

I don't know if the Rider 2 supports the Microsoft format or not, this information is dificult to tell from the limited descriptions online. I would suggest calling TomTom tech support directly to ask the question.

However, most GPS devices support the upload and downloading of GPX files. When you go on a trip, there is a log in which a GPX file (GPS XML) is save that basically makes it so that you could send somebody that GPX file, and they would have turn by turn directions on thier GPS of the trip you took. There are several sites, like the Harely Ride Planner that allow you to build cool trips and then export the trip in GPX directly to your GPS. There are also site where people post thier GPX files of cool trips so that you can go where others have gone.

Most importantly, there are 3rd party software programs that will allow you to convert the Microsoft format into GPX, so technically, yes you can use the Rider 2 with Streets and trips.

An example of such 3rd party software is located here:

http://www.gpsu.co.uk/

06-23-2009, 07:50 AM	#16
waterman Top Contributor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,530	GPS Two, well three of the features that I really like are finding gas, FOOD, and motels. When you decided to go on the road and really have no timetable and/or destination, that feature comes in handy. Get a couple of hours out and you make the decision as to where you will end the day. Find the hotel and call. __________________ Joel "Waterman" 2017 HD Road Glide Ultra 2006 Nomad - Sold VBA 213 VROC 16913 Custer 09: Cortez 10: Crescent City 11: Kanab 12: Estes Park 13: Tahoe 14: Red Lodge 16 Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

06-23-2009, 08:11 AM	#17
rewindgy Advanced Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 959	GPS Garmin Nuvi 255W - no it's not waterproof. I don't trust it explicitly - but it will get you close to where you want to be! Remember that it's only as good as the information entered by Garmin or supplied to them! If they aren't told the right info - you don't get the right info. I used it this weekend in a different Province and it worked well. It also got rained & snowed on and it hasn't suffered any. I stop when I can and put a plastic bowl cover ( clear with elastic around edges) but it still will get wet if you are caught in a downpour. Best part - I paid $128.00 for it and if it gets stolen or blows up - big deal! I've wasted more money than that on Safety Chrome.
	0

06-23-2009, 10:19 AM	#18
rickyboy Top Contributor Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: 108 Mile Ranch B.C. Canada Posts: 5,472	GPS CJ........you might want to research which gps's allow downloadable maps from google. I believe it's TomTom and Garmin that have a one time cost for any map you might want through google. http://gps.about.com/od/gpsmapschart...gle_garmin.htm __________________ Nomad'a What ! "rickyboy" Richard Cole Canada West Region 108 Mile Ranch, British Columbia Canada Vulcan Bagger Assoc. #00722 Black 2006 Nomad https://cdn2.iconfinder.com/data/ico...Book_32x32.png
	0

06-23-2009, 10:59 AM	#19
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	GPS Thanks for all the information. I am leaning toward the Garmin Nuvi 500 or 550. They are waterproof and seem to offer the features I'd use most. Update: I ordered a Garmin Nuvi 550 and it will be here tomorrow. I also ordered a RAM mount and a hard-sided carrying case for it. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

06-24-2009, 06:44 PM	#20
oldbikers Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sardis Mississippi Posts: 3,513	GPS CJ I have Gamin 2610 I used in Custer and it worked great and as dk & vulcane said you can get a 2720 for about a $100.00 they are water proof but more important they will handle the vibration that a lot of other ones won't. __________________ Jim Hardin Sardis MS Kawanow # 453 Proud PGR member Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

06-25-2009, 06:33 AM	#22
oldbikers Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sardis Mississippi Posts: 3,513	GPS Sorry to hear that CJ I just bought one off E-Bay for $112.00 guess he must have ran out. __________________ Jim Hardin Sardis MS Kawanow # 453 Proud PGR member
	0

06-26-2009, 07:43 AM	#23
bfancett Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: MI Posts: 182	GPS Just found a Garmin Streetpilot 2720, that is on Amazon for $175.00. The RAM handlebar mount is about $30.00. http://www.amazon.com/GARMIN-STREETP...6019999&sr=8-1
	0

06-26-2009, 09:12 AM	#24
bfancett Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: MI Posts: 182	GPS After doing significant research on motorcycle GPS systems, here is what I have decided. I read all the reviews from CNET, PC Wrold, etc., and if I were going to get a GPS for my bike, and do it right, I would get the TomTom Rider 2. It's a $700 MSRP unit, that sells on Amazon.com for about $340.00. I comes with a $130.00 Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset for speaking directions and hearing directions as well and receiving and making phone calls with your Bluetooth enabled call phone. It is waterproof, has a glove friendly touch screen (this is nice), great maps, and comes with a RAM mounting kit espeacially made for the Rider 2. In addition, the battery time is 5 hours, so for long rides, it comes with the wires needed to run 12V power directly from your battery to the RAM Mount, which will keep this little GPS going forever. It also has a built in sun visor and anti-glare screen. All in all I think this unit is right up there with the Harely Davidson Touring Road Tech. http://www.amazon.com/GARMIN-STREETP...6019999&sr=8-1 Regards, Brian
	0

06-26-2009, 09:30 AM	#25
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	GPS My Nuvi 550 arrived Wednesday and the RAM mount should be here today. I think it will serve my purposes just fine. I also ordered (separately) the direct wire pigtail to power it. Since I'm out of unused terminals on my front fuse block, I plan to connect it to the accessory leads in the headlight bucket. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

06-26-2009, 09:41 AM	#27
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	GPS Rich boy and his toys!!! __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
	0

06-26-2009, 10:15 AM	#28
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	GPS Yeah BD, I like the part where he says, "I'm out of unused terminals on my front fuse block." __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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06-26-2009, 11:38 AM	#30
bfancett Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: MI Posts: 182	GPS I don't know if the Rider 2 supports the Microsoft format or not, this information is dificult to tell from the limited descriptions online. I would suggest calling TomTom tech support directly to ask the question. However, most GPS devices support the upload and downloading of GPX files. When you go on a trip, there is a log in which a GPX file (GPS XML) is save that basically makes it so that you could send somebody that GPX file, and they would have turn by turn directions on thier GPS of the trip you took. There are several sites, like the Harely Ride Planner that allow you to build cool trips and then export the trip in GPX directly to your GPS. There are also site where people post thier GPX files of cool trips so that you can go where others have gone. Most importantly, there are 3rd party software programs that will allow you to convert the Microsoft format into GPX, so technically, yes you can use the Rider 2 with Streets and trips. An example of such 3rd party software is located here: http://www.gpsu.co.uk/
	0

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