GPS

[towguy]

I have been debating on whether to buy a gps system or not. Is there really a big advantage on long rides, that justifies the cost? I am just very confussed on getting one or not. And if I do what is a good brand. :?

[Highlander]

I've been to Deals Gap twice. The first time from South Florida. Just outside of Jacksonville Fla. I ran into a traffic jam on I10 that would have tanken me more than an hour to get through. I changed the prefferances on my gps IQue 3600, and pushed exacute. It re-routed me to an offramp just 500 yards away. I found a great BBQ place had lunch, saved more than 40 minutes by not sitting in the traffic jam.

My second trip to the Gap was on the way home from this years Home coming. We came down I77 and decided to take the back way into Fancy Gap Virginia. We avoided the interstate, the W Va turnpike, and road some of the best roads in the area. If we hadn't had the GPS we would have missed some of the nicest riding of my life. And that's a long time.

I say go for it.

[towguy]

Thanks, I think I'm going to. I like going the path least takin if I know I can still get back on it if I don't have to pre-plan it. RIDE ON! :D

[GothamNY]

check out this one from overstock.com
http://images.overstock.com/f/102/3117/8h/www.overstock.com/images/products/L1152949.jpg

[Highlander]

How about posting a link there Gothiam.

[Todd2]

High,

Get a GPS that supports auto-routing. Set the preferences to No-Highways (or the like) and follow the arrows. You don't know exactly where you are because the map screen is quite small, as compared to a fold out map. However, if you trust it, you will experience some of the most backcountry roads you could hope for. I've been using the Garmin GPS V for years now (ever since it first became available) for my cross-country trips (with NO paper maps carried). Its different than paper maps, but well worth the experiences you gain. BTW - Garmin is said to be more intuitive than others, but the GPS V is showing its age now (after only 4 or 5 years). There are much better ones out ther now. Also, detail map storage has always been a limitation. The newer GPSs hold ALL of the detail maps and do not require tedious, time consuming, downloading, with no small memory limitations. Look for waterproofness, and resistance to screen washout in sunlight. Color screens are MUCH easier to decifer than "black-n-white" (OK OK 8 shades of grey). Finally, the good ones are EXPENSIVE!!!!

Try one, (a good one) you'll like it and never look back.

Todd

[doc_cj]

LOL! :D I love this post ... I thought I might be the only person with the same thoughts. I've not gotten "lost" yet, but I have been in a position where I wasnt' sure the road I was on was the right one. A GPS might have helped, but then again ... being "lost" was kind of fun for a few hours.

Okay … down to business.

The Overstock.com post was for the Initial GD-70X 7-inch TFT LCD CD/DVD Navigational System. This is built for a car … not really a motorcycle. The setup combines a navigational system with a DVD/CD player and a 7-inch color LCD.

It’s kewl … but expensive at $659.99

Here’s the link:

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi ... id=1609063 (http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?page=proframe&prod_id=1609063)

For those that are thinking seriously of a GPS or personal nav system then take a look at GPS World Magazine ( http://www.gpsworld.com ), which is a monthly publication devoted to the GPS system and the use of these satellite intensive devices. I thought I was a real geek with my love to tech toys until I found these guys. Whew!

Another interesting site is the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Resource Library ( http://www.gpsy.com/gpsinfo/ ) which has information and links on the GPS system as well as GPS units.

Probably one of the better sites – because it includes stuff about motorcycles – is Savigation System Reviews ( http://www.navigationsystemreviews.com/ ). As the site says, it is focused on reviews of the GPS system and the individual navigation systems that are available.

One item worth noting, there is some difference between a true GPS system and a navigation system. Navigation systems include map based structure which rely on digital recreations of standard maps tied to a GPS locator. This system uses a computerized interface to take the GPS signal (which gives coordinates) and then link it to map points. In other words, the map has certain points that the developers know will harmonize with the GPS coordinate system.

A GPS system uses the coordinates and provides you no true map (unless it is a hybrid). The BIG difference is in price. An entry level GPS system, such as the Garmin 010-10318-00 Geko 201 Series Personal GPS Receiver (street price around $110 - $140). The Geko 201 boasts a user-configurable trip computer, 10,000 trackpoints (preprogrammed points of interest and waypoints for traveling to or from), a new upcoming-turn feature (to help navigate streets), as well as PanTrack (see where you are going) and TracBack® (see where you have been) features.

Anyway, I could go on for awhile about these things simply because I’ve been thinking of getting one.

[Cruz'N]

I have the Garmin V with MetroGuide software attached to my VTX with a RamMount.

I love it. Small, waterproof ( read the disclaimer ), and eazy to operate.
I'll admit the back roads are not well mapped at times and on I30 just east of Texarkana it keep telling me I was off the road and to turn around. But the majority of the time it's great.

Pros:
1. you can see how far to the next turn
2. you can see what time you will arrive at your present speed
3. you can program your trip on the computer then download it
4. you can upload our trip once your home to show off ( to your friends )
5. RamMounts mades taking it off in seconds to hide in your bag.
6. I use rechargeable batteries that last all day.

Cons:
1. Maps need updating more often
Here is a picture on my old Sabre.
http://virtualhale.com/photo/showimg.ph ... e__001.jpg (http://virtualhale.com/photo/showimg.php?file=/Motor%20Cycles/Honda%20Sabre/sabre__001.jpg)

Get tire of riding, hold the FIND key for 5 seconds and if you HOME as a waypoint it maps your way home for you.

Don't leave home without it !

[netdoug]

I recently moved up from a Garmin GPS76Map to a Garmin GPS76C+ and have the RAM mount attached to the handlebars on my 1800R.

And what a difference!

The 76 had 12M of memory and a poor US roadmap. In all other resepcts it's a fine unit. The 276 takes Garmin memory cards ($ ouch! :shock: ) up to 256MB and the built-in North America map is very good. The land navigation/routing software's good too, but needs some training for your style. Both are designed to work in damp situations but I'll also carry a plastic bag to cover the unit when it gets wet.

I like it for several reasons: I can modify the route whenever I want; if I change the route it'll compute the new course to "home" and give me the info I need; I don't have to carry paper charts that can get blown away by the wind or damaged by the rain; and it'll tell me my average MPH as well as time to the next waypoint.

I'm working on a summer of firsts (Tail of the Dragon, Honda Hoot, Sturgis, Colorado, Arizona, Big Bend, Texas, Iron Butt, before returning to Florida). The basic route is about 6500 miles and most of it will fit on a 128MB card. I figure to buy another 128 and divide the route in half - FL to SD and SD - FL.

The software contains more stuff than I'm probably going to use but I'll load it up. It has the ability to modify your route preference on the fly and a good sized screen that seems well designed for outside use.

I'm in the process of adding power connections for the GPS and iPod/XM radio. I've looked at lots of route planning software but all seem a compromise (there's no "scenic" or "twisty" option that I can find :) ).

[Miles]

Ha TODD2
Your Idea GET"S MY VOTE :D

I have been looking into getting a GPS
It looks like I will be getting a Garmin street pocket 2
You need to be able to set it on your bike
and take it with you in you pocket
ALSO it need to be water proff

Just my .02

[vtxnm]

I have a Garmin c330. $499 at Bass Pro Shops. Maps preloaded - just turn it on and go. Never used on the bike, but works great in the car. Only drawback I see with it on the bike is that it is not waterproof. It is a little smaller than my fist and is easily stored or taken with you.

Someone please tell me what a Ram mount is? I would like to take this on the bike too.

[Klattu]

There just dang fun!

Garmin ties into computer very well.
There software is best.
Is fun to plot out your trip.

Biggest help tyo me has been to pin point location.
I don't use it for planning.

Still carry paper maps, I am really hung up on seeing the big image.

[NDAna]

Have an orange Toshiba 14" laptop that mounts on my tank bag with a 100 watt inverter to run it. Have MS Streets & Trips installed and the GPS dongle. Works great in test rides. Use it all the time in the truck. Best part is the laptop is a real close color match to the X!

[protoman]

I have a Garmin M3 pocket PC with GPs that is mounted to my handlebars with a ram mount. I love the thing. I like to ride off on the back roads with no particular destination, then when it's time to go home I just punch the home button and it routes me back. It also has POI software that has been a great help when the fuel light comes on and lets you route to the nearest station.
It's not waterproof, but it can be removed fast and put in your pocket or bag.

During the week I use it as a PDA and scheduler as well as geocaching. It's the best toy I have next to the VTX

[BANDIT01]

I purchased a Garmin GPS V from TIGERGPS.COM for roughly 250.00. For 30.00 each piece I got the handlebar mount and the lead-in cable to tie into my battery. Seriously, I dont know how I got along without it. It supports autorouting, has a killer (simple) computer interface, and is easy to pop off and put in your pocket when you leave your bike.
You asked, we told. Good luck.

[David M.]

We chose the Lowrance iWay 500C and use it with a RAM mount on an 1800 Wing, but there is no reason my wife can't use it on her VTX 1300c. It comes with a 1" clamp and RAM mount that will work with the VTX handlebars no problem. We tried it :).

For power, there is a line behind the headlight but you need to use a frame ground that is on the bike, like where the horn mounts. If you use the electrical ground that is in that headlight bundle, it turns into a floating ground at above 13V (anytime the bike is running in other words) and will give you grief.

The 500c is IPX7 waterproof and we've used it in the rain many times. It does autorouting and has some really practical points of interest (POI's). For example, if you're 3 states away from home and can't find the liquor store, just search for 'beverages." Service stations and motels are just as easy to find :).

Road vibration doesn't seem to harm it either, but I got it as a Christmas present so we only have 5 or 6 thousand miles on it so far. Some of those miles have been some really hard curve charging, too.

It has 10 Gigabytes of hard drive space for your MP3 or Ogg Vobis files for the built-in MP3 player. We have over 930 songs on it and still have 6 1/2 gig of free space.

They're about $500-$600 discount. A little pricey but with 5 inch color screen (important for my bifocal eyes) and all north American roads in it, worth every penny compared to the competition.

David M.

[tankshadow]

I bought a Magellan Meridian Gold for hunting and love it, but now wish to mount it on my bike. I checked out the Ram mount system, seemed alittle pricey, do you guys like yours? I have a tank bra and am looking for a leather case to attach. Any suggestion?

Last year we crusied around lake Michigan and nearly got lost in a thunder storm, but thanks someone had a GPS that kept us on track. Its OK if I get lost but I don't want to drag along 20 other guys. Blind leading the blind.