gps unit

kowboy · 11-18-2010, 10:23 AM

just wondering what gps unit is the best to use on my scoot,not to pricey thou.any help would be appeciated.

**coacha** · 11-18-2010, 10:27 AM

You can use most any GPS unit as long as you keep it dry (unless it is designed for waterproof operations). I have an older Garmin on my bike and it works great with the newer map set. Garmin seems to be the choice of most riders I know with GPS units. They make a few specific for motorcycle applications but they are mighty proud of them ;)

AlabamaNomadRider · 11-18-2010, 10:36 AM

I use a Garmin but in the car not on the bike.

cactusjack · 11-18-2010, 10:39 AM

I have a Garmin Nuvi 550. It is considered a "motorcycle friendly" unit. It is waterproof and the touch screen works with gloves. You can find them for around $250.

blowndodge · 11-18-2010, 10:59 AM

Most all will work on a motorcycle as mentioned. You'd have to find one with an audio output jack for an earpiece if you want a GPS with voice commands as you won't be able to hear it on your motorcycle. I have a Garmin Nuvi 265wt I got for a little over a hundred dollars and bought a waterproof mounting case for 20 bucks on amazon.

**Top Cat** · 11-18-2010, 11:15 AM

I have a Garmin. It is made specificaly for motorcycles.
It is a Zumo 550. Way more than you are lookin' to spend.
I know this post isn't going to be of any help to you but I am trying to up my post count. ;)

cajun2wheels · 11-18-2010, 11:29 AM

Consider the Ram Mount for mounting your gps on the handlebar.I have three different gps units and just bought the cradle for each one plus a drink holder.When I'm not using the drink holder I can use which ever gps unit I want.The Ram mounts are sturdy and very adjustable.You really don't have to spend big bucks for the waterproof gps units,just slip a quart size zip lock bag over it if you get caught in the rain.As someone mentioned you need a earphone jack if to need to hear the spoken directions.Almost any gps will keep you from getting lost and get you home so you can spend a bunch of money for extra features or go cheap like me and spend about $100.I prefer the Garmins but most any brand will work.

blowndodge · 11-18-2010, 11:47 AM

TCs a post whore

**Top Cat** · 11-18-2010, 11:52 AM

and an imitator at times ;)

recumbentbob · 11-18-2010, 02:01 PM

I use a Garmin205W in the car and on the bike use a Ram mount on the bike.

Works great and only $100

mobandy78 · 11-18-2010, 03:21 PM

I have a TomTom (can't remember the model number, I'm at work). I haven't used it on the bike yet, but works great in the car.

elvis · 11-18-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO

I have a TomTom (can't remember the model number, I'm at work). I haven't used it on the bike yet, but works great in the car.

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?

**Top Cat** · 11-18-2010, 03:46 PM

What's wrong with a traditional map?
Well, can you load a route on the map and mount it on your handlebars and have it give you turn by turn spoken directions ?
If you get lost can you circle where you live and tell the map "take me home" ?
When in a big city will the map show you every street?
I could go on but you get the picture.

elvis · 11-18-2010, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

What's wrong with a traditional map?
Well, can you load a route on the map and mount it on your handlebars and have it give you turn by turn spoken directions ?
If you get lost can you circle where you live and tell the map "take me home" ?
When in a big city will the map show you every street?
I could go on but you get the picture.

Yes, I do. And I understand everybody has different needs for planning, executing and documenting their trips.

I'm a minimalist type of guy and enjoy travelling without a gps. Here's why: no need to worry about a $200+ unit getting stolen, charged or wet. No stress whether or not I can make it to my next stop on time. No surprizes when one sticks to the way points and I know people who got lost because they were using a gps. Finally with no offense to those using gps, I prefer to use my head to find my way around rather than blindly following gps commands.

These are all personal preferences. If/when I get a gps, it'll be for post-trip purposes rather than pre- or during-trip usage. I understand gps tracks routes and relevant statistical data. I enjoy the unknown ahead and also enjoy looking back where I've been.

So in order not to hi-jack the discussion here, here's my input:

I read good reviews about Garmin nüvi® 550:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=27442&ra=true#specsTab

My understanding is that all modern gps units are equipped with solid state device storage as such they don't have any moving parts in them. This means most units would be fine for using on V-twins.

Another thing to consider is the mounting brackets. Sometimes cheaper units may require expensive attachment so one needs to consider the total cost if money is tight.

Cheers,

Elvis

**Cajunrider** · 11-18-2010, 05:01 PM

Zumo 660.

11-18-2010, 10:23 AM	#1
kowboy Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: ralston nebr Posts: 86	gps unit just wondering what gps unit is the best to use on my scoot,not to pricey thou.any help would be appeciated. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-18-2010, 10:27 AM	#2
coacha Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Haysville, KS Posts: 6,259	gps unit You can use most any GPS unit as long as you keep it dry (unless it is designed for waterproof operations). I have an older Garmin on my bike and it works great with the newer map set. Garmin seems to be the choice of most riders I know with GPS units. They make a few specific for motorcycle applications but they are mighty proud of them ;) __________________ Ron "Coach" Allan, Haysville, KS 1999 Nomad Wine and Red "KawaTanker" 2009 BMW R1200RT 2003 BMW K1200LT "Magic Carpet" DOA 11/7/2015 VBA #00291 IBA # 41995 DS #320 '08 Elkins, WV; '09 Helen, GA; '09 Custer, SD; '10 Stanton, VA; '11 Maggie Valley; '12 Townsend, TN; '13 Estes Park; '13 Blairsville, GA; '15 Eureka Springs; '16 Helen; '18 Custer, SD
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11-18-2010, 10:36 AM	#3
AlabamaNomadRider Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Boaz, Alabama Posts: 13,742	gps unit I use a Garmin but in the car not on the bike. __________________ Gene Cross, Jr. Boaz, Alabama KawaNOW/VBA #1181
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11-18-2010, 10:39 AM	#4
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	gps unit I have a Garmin Nuvi 550. It is considered a "motorcycle friendly" unit. It is waterproof and the touch screen works with gloves. You can find them for around $250. __________________ 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
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11-18-2010, 10:59 AM	#5
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	gps unit Most all will work on a motorcycle as mentioned. You'd have to find one with an audio output jack for an earpiece if you want a GPS with voice commands as you won't be able to hear it on your motorcycle. I have a Garmin Nuvi 265wt I got for a little over a hundred dollars and bought a waterproof mounting case for 20 bucks on amazon. __________________ 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 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-18-2010, 11:15 AM	#6
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	gps unit I have a Garmin. It is made specificaly for motorcycles. It is a Zumo 550. Way more than you are lookin' to spend. I know this post isn't going to be of any help to you but I am trying to up my post count. ;) __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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11-18-2010, 11:29 AM	#7
cajun2wheels Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria La. Posts: 636	gps unit Consider the Ram Mount for mounting your gps on the handlebar.I have three different gps units and just bought the cradle for each one plus a drink holder.When I'm not using the drink holder I can use which ever gps unit I want.The Ram mounts are sturdy and very adjustable.You really don't have to spend big bucks for the waterproof gps units,just slip a quart size zip lock bag over it if you get caught in the rain.As someone mentioned you need a earphone jack if to need to hear the spoken directions.Almost any gps will keep you from getting lost and get you home so you can spend a bunch of money for extra features or go cheap like me and spend about $100.I prefer the Garmins but most any brand will work. __________________
	0

11-18-2010, 11:47 AM	#8
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	gps unit TCs a post whore __________________ 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
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11-18-2010, 11:52 AM	#9
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	gps unit and an imitator at times ;) __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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11-18-2010, 02:01 PM	#10
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	gps unit I use a Garmin205W in the car and on the bike use a Ram mount on the bike. Works great and only $100 __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
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11-18-2010, 03:21 PM	#11
mobandy78 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 1,485	gps unit I have a TomTom (can't remember the model number, I'm at work). I haven't used it on the bike yet, but works great in the car. __________________ Matt "Mo" Moore Owasso, Oklahoma VBA #1250 2005 Nomad 1600 - Darkside "There is no normal life, there's just life. So get on with it." - Doc Holiday
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11-18-2010, 03:46 PM	#13
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	gps unit What's wrong with a traditional map? Well, can you load a route on the map and mount it on your handlebars and have it give you turn by turn spoken directions ? If you get lost can you circle where you live and tell the map "take me home" ? When in a big city will the map show you every street? I could go on but you get the picture. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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11-18-2010, 05:01 PM	#15
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	gps unit Zumo 660. __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
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