gps unit

[waterman]

Originally Posted by elvis

What's wrong with a traditional map?

Looking back, I wouldn't have done some of the greatest rides if I'd had a GPS.

Probably I'm gonna get one some day also but I always ask the question, do I really need it?

Hey Elvis, do traditional maps have the closest gas station on them??? Most of the time I don't worry about it but it is nice for the gas station feature and also for motels. You think to yourself, I'm about done for the day. Where is the closest motel in the next town. Look it up and call ahead.

[mattdaelectrician]

I have a garmin it is just a basic model not the motorcycle branded model. I had another brand that I used in the car put it on the bike and it sucked the pickel in less the 15 miles. Got the garmin and 1000's of miles later still directing me around. I got a mount a Americade for $15 to go on the handlebars

[Loafer]

Two days ago I received the Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2011. It has a section on GPS/Nav. It said that nav's with "traffic optional" Best Buy is TomTom 140S, $100.00. With the Garmin Nuvi 1350, $170.00 and the Garmin Nuvi 1200/1250, $120.00 are recommended.
The "traffic ready" Best Buy is Magellan Maestro 4350, $150.00 (also Best Buy) TomTom XL 340S Live, $150.00. The recommended ones in this catagory range in price from $250.00 to $400.00. They have some features that you would have to check to be sure it is the one for you, but this should get you started. Happy Hunting...

[Top Cat]

Gerry, what is trafic optional?

[Jared]

I bought this exact one. I have had it on the bike for about 5K miles now. It works great and the cost was even better!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garmin-Nuv...ished/15042307

[coacha]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

TCs a post whore

I was thinking the same thing ;)

[Loafer]

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

Gerry, what is trafic optional?

Glad you asked...
The following is quoted from the pamphlet.

"Traffic Optional.
These products are ideal if you're not sure you need traffic info now, but might want to add it later. Keep in mind that adding traffic later on means buying a separate receiver, which can cost up to $100.00, models in this price bracket often also add a few key features, like lane assistance. The added features vary by brand; check for the ones important to you. Price: $100.00 to $300.00."

"Traffic Ready.
A top-of-the-line, premium unit usually comes traffic-reporting ready with a built-in or included external receiver. These devices include the features we recommend, plus add extras like a music and video player, Bluetooth connectivity, FM transmitter, and a wide screen. Price: $150.00 to $450.00."

Wow, didn't know if I was going to finish that one. Anyway I don't have a GPS/Nav unit so I can't tell you all what to look for. I just thought that info from the CR Guide would be helpful to some one. If someone has other ?'s that are answered in the guide, I would do my best to answer them.
Good luck. ;)

[blowndodge]

My Garmin Nuvi 265WT has real time traffic for life.

Elvis, I used to think the exact same way. Who needs a GPS!!?? Well I bought the 265WT because it was on sale cheap and after 1 week in my truck traveling for work and avoiding accidents and re-routing me several times it's an invaluable too.

Lets say for some reason you get mixed up and don't know which way is North? I don't have that problem as I seem to have a built in compass in my head but just say you get turned around. I can push a button "Where am I?" and it will pin point me and where the nearest road is and my direction of travel. That alone makes it work it.

As Joel said, lets say you on your Nomad and you've drained 140miles on your tank and are out in the middle of freekin nowhere: I can hit a button and it will show me all the gas stations starting with the nearest one and take me there or to the one of my choice and tell me how many miles away they are. Restaurants, Motels, disneyland, elevation level, whatever.

I'm now a believer in them.

[waterman]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

As Joel said, lets say you on your Nomad and you've drained 140miles on your tank and are out in the middle of freekin nowhere: I can hit a button and it will show me all the gas stations starting with the nearest one and take me there

Yep, nothing like having 130 miles on the tank, hit the gas station button and see that the closest one is a good 50 miles away.

[blowndodge]

thats when you put it in 5th gear and ride at 50 MPH!!!!!

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by CoachA

I was thinking the same thing ;)

No I'm not. I'm a wiseass but not a post whore.
Brad, still confused on the real time traffic thing.
How does that work? I'm thinkin I must have it on my Zumo 550 for the price of it but have no idea.

[blowndodge]

Have you ever thought about reading the instructions???

[Top Cat]

Dig out the book and read the instructions ???
I'll just google "real time traffic"

[Loafer]

TC, Units with "traffic report" can alert you to traffic slow downs or problems ahead so you can decide if you want to change direction. Some will even ask if you want another route. The" real time data " is available by subscription through cell phone networks. And is only available in some large cities.
More units are coming through with this service built in. And some units are pre-loaded with historical traffic data and can route around known congestion patterns such as rush-hour traffic.

[Top Cat]

Thanks Gerry. I looked it up and my 550 doesn't have it.
I guess you have to subscribe to it.