GPS, which one is best?

[Ironshadow]

I'm looking to buy a GPS for my VTX 1800. What model works best? Anyone have any thoughts on GPS? I never used one before so it's a learning curve for me.

[dezzy7]

I've been researching them the past couple of months on the board and on the web.. Lowrance Iway 500C, Garmin 2610, TomTom... Seem to be popular choices.. Personally I'm starting to like the Garmin 330 more and more.. Its basically waterproof and talks, plus it has a rechargable battery - which means if you have to walk, you can take it with you.

Do a search at the top of the page on GPS and you'll get a ton of info and opinions.

[wildabouthorses]

Check out the goldwing board...they have a topic just on GPS's and such. Alot of info there that might help you decide. We went with the Lowrance iway 500c after seeing one in action in our friend's truck. One big plus was the big screen for these poor ol' eyes! This one was the right one for us...plus we found out Lowrance is right here in town and we can run over there and give em hell if any problems pop up...JK!

http://www.gl1800riders.com/forums/view ... 89a394d596 (http://www.gl1800riders.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=12&sid=18b7da67d0d95b9ebf9da589a394d596)

[Blade]

The main problem is, most of us have just the one GPS and all rightfully claim that we are intrinsically happy with it -- so regrettably, we normally cannot otherwise compare it to another model or brand (an exception might be someone who has owned a second Garmin model, because their line is fairly extensive and they regularly come out with new models).

If this is a popularity contest, I own (and sincerely, you can't go wrong with) a Garmin. I have their classic StreetPilot III. However, there are Magellans (another strong line), and more recently Lawrence's, Tom-Toms, etcetera -- lots of good competition.

I'm re-editing my post to add this paragraph: From my 3 years of experience with my GPS, I personally think you should look for one that (a) has a screen that is larger, rather than smaller -- for obvious safety reasons, you want to be able to see your directions at a glance and not squint; (b) has controls that can be easily accessed -- even with gloves. I know it is WRONG to program your GPS while you're moving, but if truth be told we all probably do it; so at least be able to do it with a single touch and not multiple pressings of buttons (my SPIII is slightly weak in this regard); (c) I'd definitely get a "talking" GPS -- that is, one that give you audible as well as visual directions. Some newer/deluxe models even give you orally say the street NAMES as opposed to saying to turn left in 500 feet or 3 miles; MY next GPS. Anyway, if you use earphones (or switch your unit to your car) a talking GPS allows you the wonderful and safe luxury of having to take your eyes off the road to look at the screen -- you can HEAR it tell you where to turn.

I wouldn't get too caught up in how much memory or map capability one unit has over the other. You really aren't going to ride over the ENTIRE USA regularly are you? Some units will have just segments -- all of them at least a 1,000 mile radius, so you'll probably be covered no matter which model you choose.

However, if I were you (but I'm not), I'd ensure you somewhere help yourself out and visit a website or read a Consumers' Reports-type publication which contains unbiased and professional reviews of the various models. From that you will probably easily discern and understand all the features of which model or models are best for you and in your price range. Certainly don't forget to use the "Search" function on this and other forums looking for "GPS." You'll find lots of interesting information that way as well.

Speaking of price range, the average you'd be looking at would be from $300 to $800 after discount (you can find lesser and extreme models below or above those spectrums, respectively, but you wouldn't really want to). When you actually decide on a model, it is normally hard to beat the prices, customer service and reliability of vendor offered from Amazon.

When you DO jump into the fray with the unit you eventually obtain, ENJOY. GPS's and motorcycles are an absolutely perfect match and honestly just plain fun to use! :D

[utahguyiam]

I personally have a dell axim PDA, with the GPS attachment... I LOVE it in my car, but I haven't tried to retrofit it onto the bike yet... That's one of my projects for this spring I guess.

It's a great deal for me because for about the same price as a good GPS< I got a fully functioning Pocket PC, plus the GPS I wanted. It has a decent size screen (3"x4" or whatever the normal PDA Screen size is) and it's a really accurate and detailed GPS.

I spent about $700 for mine, but I think you could get set up with one for about $500 if you went with a lower model PDA...

[uwhunter]

I don't claim to know which is best but I can tell you from experience that I am very satisfied with the handheld Garmin Map 76S. S stands for sensors. I mainly use it to navigate to off shore dive spots but I have a auto mount that allows me to use it in my truck too.

One night while traveling, my wife and I thought "dang, how far to the next town?" I turned it on and it showed the next town, exit etc. It shows most major highways and back routes. I will take it along if I'm going to other states where I'm not familiar with the area and it has served me well. For sure you won't get lost with it.

I think they run around $250. $275. but well woth it for what you are getting. It comes with a pouch and takes AA batteries or plug into a cig lighter. The only down side is that it will eat up batteries in a days time but it has a lot of functions; compass, elevation etc.

Here's the link and I stand corrected on the price. While I paid $276. for mine a few years back, I see they are getting prouder of them. You may still find a deal at a discount boat store like West Marine.

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap76s/

I like it because it is not on the dash screaming "steal me". You can keep it tucked away until you need it. Turn it on, get a bearing and turn it back off to save on batt.

Oh yeah, another thing that is cool about it is that it will show how far you are from home. Last year when we were off a small island (Vieques) next to Puerto Rico it would show how far away I was. 1900 miles.

My 2¢

[tlfuller]

As someone else stated I don't pretend to be an expert on GPS but I use a GARMIN MAP60CS. It's not too small and it's not too large. It isn't touch screen and it doen't talk (you wouldn't here it on the highway anyway probably). I've got the power cord hardwired to the bike and I've got it mounted with a RAM Mount. It works great http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/503/1442DSC01841-med.JPG

[Timmer]

Agree with Wildabouthorses... we have Saddlebreds, also her recommendation to look on the Goldwing board. These guys are way ahead of us on bike mounted electronics. I have the Garmin 2610. The technology is a few years old but it talks... through the new bike intercom which also plays the XM radio and interrups all of the above for the Cell phone... I think that i'm a winger and didn't know it. The advantage of the 2610 and the Garmin stuff is that it is a programmable as the Lowrance but has the smaller screen... Also I bought it referbished for $406. with a one year warranty from Garmin on Ubid.com. I recommend this site for electronics if you know what you are looking for. The Garmin allows me to plan out a route on my lap top and load it to the GPS prior to leaving on a trip. I can also send the route to other cruising club members in advance of our rides and they can do the same.. Also garmin routes are downloadable to Google Earth...with a $20 upgrade. Which might be the coolest site in the world. Allows you to map out your routes and find resturants, lodging, etcetera in advance of leaving..... I would also recommend whatever unit you choose... hook it up to bikea power. Then you are not a slave to batteries. Agree that the bigger display is better but the bigger display you have the more of your friends will ask you why you are not riding a wing.... When you decide to buy look on GetFeetWet.com... if you buy from a vendor. Usually the best price outside of an auction site and give you second year of warranty for free.

[wildabouthorses]

Hey Timmer, breeder or show'r or what? My biggest gal is a double registered Saddlebred/Pinto! She's just a lawn ornament for now but she has the sweetest personality. I used her when my daughter brought her kids over she babysat for to give them rides despite her being the tallest horse at 17 hands...I knew I could trust her to be gentle around the little kids.

[HotFix]

Hey Ironshadow. Have you checked out the Garmin Zumo? :D

[Bopps]

The main problem is, most of us have just the one GPS and all rightfully claim that we are intrinsically happy with it -- so regrettably, we normally cannot otherwise compare it to another model or brand (an exception might be someone who has owned a second Garmin model, because their line is fairly extensive and they regularly come out with new models).

If this is a popularity contest, I own (and sincerely, you can't go wrong with) a Garmin. I have their classic StreetPilot III. However, there are Magellans (another strong line), and more recently Lawrence's, Tom-Toms, etcetera -- lots of good competition.

I'm re-editing my post to add this paragraph: From my 3 years of experience with my GPS, I personally think you should look for one that (a) has a screen that is larger, rather than smaller -- for obvious safety reasons, you want to be able to see your directions at a glance and not squint; (b) has controls that can be easily accessed -- even with gloves. I know it is WRONG to program your GPS while you're moving, but if truth be told we all probably do it; so at least be able to do it with a single touch and not multiple pressings of buttons (my SPIII is slightly weak in this regard); (c) I'd definitely get a "talking" GPS -- that is, one that give you audible as well as visual directions. Some newer/deluxe models even give you orally say the street NAMES as opposed to saying to turn left in 500 feet or 3 miles; MY next GPS. Anyway, if you use earphones (or switch your unit to your car) a talking GPS allows you the wonderful and safe luxury of having to take your eyes off the road to look at the screen -- you can HEAR it tell you where to turn.

I wouldn't get too caught up in how much memory or map capability one unit has over the other. You really aren't going to ride over the ENTIRE USA regularly are you? Some units will have just segments -- all of them at least a 1,000 mile radius, so you'll probably be covered no matter which model you choose.

However, if I were you (but I'm not), I'd ensure you somewhere help yourself out and visit a website or read a Consumers' Reports-type publication which contains unbiased and professional reviews of the various models. From that you will probably easily discern and understand all the features of which model or models are best for you and in your price range. Certainly don't forget to use the "Search" function on this and other forums looking for "GPS." You'll find lots of interesting information that way as well.

Speaking of price range, the average you'd be looking at would be from $300 to $800 after discount (you can find lesser and extreme models below or above those spectrums, respectively, but you wouldn't really want to). When you actually decide on a model, it is normally hard to beat the prices, customer service and reliability of vendor offered from Amazon.

When you DO jump into the fray with the unit you eventually obtain, ENJOY. GPS's and motorcycles are an absolutely perfect match and honestly just plain fun to use! :D

Hey Mike,

A whole post on GPSs and never a mention of the Z-word.... are you well.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Mike

[dezzy7]

The main problem is, most of us have just the one GPS and all rightfully claim that we are intrinsically happy with it -- so regrettably, we normally cannot otherwise compare it to another model or brand (an exception might be someone who has owned a second Garmin model, because their line is fairly extensive and they regularly come out with new models).

If this is a popularity contest, I own (and sincerely, you can't go wrong with) a Garmin. I have their classic StreetPilot III. However, there are Magellans (another strong line), and more recently Lawrence's, Tom-Toms, etcetera -- lots of good competition.

I'm re-editing my post to add this paragraph: From my 3 years of experience with my GPS, I personally think you should look for one that (a) has a screen that is larger, rather than smaller -- for obvious safety reasons, you want to be able to see your directions at a glance and not squint; (b) has controls that can be easily accessed -- even with gloves. I know it is WRONG to program your GPS while you're moving, but if truth be told we all probably do it; so at least be able to do it with a single touch and not multiple pressings of buttons (my SPIII is slightly weak in this regard); (c) I'd definitely get a "talking" GPS -- that is, one that give you audible as well as visual directions. Some newer/deluxe models even give you orally say the street NAMES as opposed to saying to turn left in 500 feet or 3 miles; MY next GPS. Anyway, if you use earphones (or switch your unit to your car) a talking GPS allows you the wonderful and safe luxury of having to take your eyes off the road to look at the screen -- you can HEAR it tell you where to turn.

I wouldn't get too caught up in how much memory or map capability one unit has over the other. You really aren't going to ride over the ENTIRE USA regularly are you? Some units will have just segments -- all of them at least a 1,000 mile radius, so you'll probably be covered no matter which model you choose.

However, if I were you (but I'm not), I'd ensure you somewhere help yourself out and visit a website or read a Consumers' Reports-type publication which contains unbiased and professional reviews of the various models. From that you will probably easily discern and understand all the features of which model or models are best for you and in your price range. Certainly don't forget to use the "Search" function on this and other forums looking for "GPS." You'll find lots of interesting information that way as well.

Speaking of price range, the average you'd be looking at would be from $300 to $800 after discount (you can find lesser and extreme models below or above those spectrums, respectively, but you wouldn't really want to). When you actually decide on a model, it is normally hard to beat the prices, customer service and reliability of vendor offered from Amazon.

When you DO jump into the fray with the unit you eventually obtain, ENJOY. GPS's and motorcycles are an absolutely perfect match and honestly just plain fun to use! :D

Hey Mike,

A whole post on GPSs and never a mention of the Z-word.... are you well.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Mike

That post was from Feb 2006, the zumo wasn't a speck in it mother's eye :lol:

[bndmcd]

That post was from Feb 2006, the zumo wasn't a speck in it mother's eye

Yes, it does sound like, at this time, the zumo is the best bike GPS. My main concern is its cost. For the frequency I figure I will use a GPS, I don't want to spend more than $250 to $350. I'm thinking the $698 I see it for is a bit steeper than I want to spend. Also, I want one that I can easily carry in a pocket when city walking, and not sure if this would be good for that purpose as the Garmin Quest is. Also, does the zumo come with a car mount, or is it motorcycle only?

[Bopps]

The main problem is, most of us have just the one GPS and all rightfully claim that we are intrinsically happy with it -- so regrettably, we normally cannot otherwise compare it to another model or brand (an exception might be someone who has owned a second Garmin model, because their line is fairly extensive and they regularly come out with new models).

If this is a popularity contest, I own (and sincerely, you can't go wrong with) a Garmin. I have their classic StreetPilot III. However, there are Magellans (another strong line), and more recently Lawrence's, Tom-Toms, etcetera -- lots of good competition.

I'm re-editing my post to add this paragraph: From my 3 years of experience with my GPS, I personally think you should look for one that (a) has a screen that is larger, rather than smaller -- for obvious safety reasons, you want to be able to see your directions at a glance and not squint; (b) has controls that can be easily accessed -- even with gloves. I know it is WRONG to program your GPS while you're moving, but if truth be told we all probably do it; so at least be able to do it with a single touch and not multiple pressings of buttons (my SPIII is slightly weak in this regard); (c) I'd definitely get a "talking" GPS -- that is, one that give you audible as well as visual directions. Some newer/deluxe models even give you orally say the street NAMES as opposed to saying to turn left in 500 feet or 3 miles; MY next GPS. Anyway, if you use earphones (or switch your unit to your car) a talking GPS allows you the wonderful and safe luxury of having to take your eyes off the road to look at the screen -- you can HEAR it tell you where to turn.

I wouldn't get too caught up in how much memory or map capability one unit has over the other. You really aren't going to ride over the ENTIRE USA regularly are you? Some units will have just segments -- all of them at least a 1,000 mile radius, so you'll probably be covered no matter which model you choose.

However, if I were you (but I'm not), I'd ensure you somewhere help yourself out and visit a website or read a Consumers' Reports-type publication which contains unbiased and professional reviews of the various models. From that you will probably easily discern and understand all the features of which model or models are best for you and in your price range. Certainly don't forget to use the "Search" function on this and other forums looking for "GPS." You'll find lots of interesting information that way as well.

Speaking of price range, the average you'd be looking at would be from $300 to $800 after discount (you can find lesser and extreme models below or above those spectrums, respectively, but you wouldn't really want to). When you actually decide on a model, it is normally hard to beat the prices, customer service and reliability of vendor offered from Amazon.

When you DO jump into the fray with the unit you eventually obtain, ENJOY. GPS's and motorcycles are an absolutely perfect match and honestly just plain fun to use! :D

Hey Mike,

A whole post on GPSs and never a mention of the Z-word.... are you well.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Mike

That post was from Feb 2006, the zumo wasn't a speck in it mother's eye :lol:


Didn't check the date closely, didn't see the 2006, thought i was seeing the future :) :) :) Sorry Blade, shoulda known better :lol:

Car & Bike mount

Mike