Thoughts On Portable GPS's?

Subby · Oct 20th, 2008, 11:04 PM

You might want to take a look at a factory refurbished Garmin Street Pilot ... maybe a 2720, or a 2610. Both are waterproof and work well on a motorcycle. They can be had for under $200 and you can preprogram routes on your computer then download the routes to the GPS. I have the 2720 and it works great.

biglew55 · Oct 21st, 2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEWHD74FAN

ISeriously, Is there a decent, secure aftermarket mount that can deal with the fairly high vibration on the handlebars. The Harley has big 1" tubing (the cross bar is a smallish affair), but my single clock (speedo) is in the way (my gal also wants to use it on her little scooter, but that's a whole different problem).

Look up RAM Mounts. I use a site called http://www.GPSCITY.com

~~Scubadog~~ · Nov 5th, 2008, 10:54 AM

I use my Garmin 760 with the following mounting system and just plug into the fairing lighter socket. Never had a problem and it goes right back into the truck. I keep a ziplock baggie in my fairing puoch in case of a downpour.

Mattman4403 · Nov 7th, 2008, 11:14 AM

There is always the gazatters from Rand McNally. Detailed maps of a state. that and a compass will usually do the trick. Don't really like gizmo on the bars. Too distracting. As Hobbit wrote, just look at the map and remember the route.

sgdiesel · Nov 8th, 2008, 06:33 AM

I have used TomTom 720 very successfully in the past, and will certainly use it on my new Ultra. The "better models" of TomTom generally revolve around the map offerings but...

The best feature and one of the reasons I went with the 720 is that it will then integrate with the audio system very easily. Big deal?? Well, on it's own - no, but I love listening to my ipod as well. Problem with ipod is trying to add any control to it while riding. I know you shouldn't really do this, but sometimes while highway cruising you may want to skip a track or pause. Well, the better model TomToms allow you to control the ipod via the screen with nice big buttons that can be easily accessed with gloves on. Works a treat

wildspirit97 · Dec 26th, 2008, 06:32 PM

I see everyone has a Garmin or TomTom. Anybody use a Magellan? I Just ordered the Magellan Maestro from Newegg.com Hope I Like It!

RichardS · Dec 26th, 2008, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scubadog

I use my Garmin 760 with the following mounting system and just plug into the fairing lighter socket. Never had a problem and it goes right back into the truck. I keep a ziplock baggie in my fairing pouch in case of a downpour.

A nice CLEAN and easily reversible install! That's the way to go no matter which brand you use!

NICE JOB!

Barnicle · Dec 26th, 2008, 11:07 PM

Bottem line with me is to ride and not have to worry about looking at a device that is distracting. I would much rather enjoy the landscape. However,
I do have a GPS that I carry with me (in my pocket) when I am going far from home and not sure of territory. It is a GARMIN QUEST that is older technology but very exact. It has a 20 hour battery life and is suited for marine, terrain, and road travel. Its waterproof and fits in the palm of your hand. It can be mounted on your handlebar and run from an external power source. It works great when I feel lost or unsure about my direction. I stop take a break, pull it out of my pocket, turn it on and WA! LA! I know where I am and can adjust my direction.. Simple and SAFE. I hope this helps.... Oh YEA!! You can get them for practically nothing $80 to $100 American.

Ride safe and keep your eys on the road.

NHROADGLIDER · Feb 24th, 2009, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subby

You might want to take a look at a factory refurbished Garmin Street Pilot ... maybe a 2720, or a 2610. Both are waterproof and work well on a motorcycle. They can be had for under $200 and you can preprogram routes on your computer then download the routes to the GPS. I have the 2720 and it works great.

This is what I want most out of my gps, anyone know if the zumo 550 or tom tom has this feature as I don't always want the quickest route.

That Garmin quest sounds nice too without breaking the bank.

We are taking an 11 day trip this May from N.H. to the dragons tail in N.C./TN and so will be in totally unknown territory with the wife behind me on her own bike. I was thinking of getting the Zumo 550 but not sure I want to spend that much money.

So far the features I like most are pre-programming my route ahead of time and just have it tell me when to turn (as streets are not always marked), I also like that when I want to know where a Gas station or hotel is I can hit a button and it will show me the 5 or so nearest. Waterproof is nice but I guess not totally necessary. By the way what are the warranties on these things? Sounds like the ones made specifically for bikes are the way to go with vibrations and all.

Thanks

buddybr · Feb 24th, 2009, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NHROADGLIDER

This is what I want most out of my gps, anyone know if the zumo 550 or tom tom has this feature as I don't always want the quickest route.

That Garmin quest sounds nice too without breaking the bank.

We are taking an 11 day trip this May from N.H. to the dragons tail in N.C./TN and so will be in totally unknown territory with the wife behind me on her own bike. I was thinking of getting the Zumo 550 but not sure I want to spend that much money.

So far the features I like most are pre-programming my route ahead of time and just have it tell me when to turn (as streets are not always marked), I also like that when I want to know where a Gas station or hotel is I can hit a button and it will show me the 5 or so nearest. Waterproof is nice but I guess not totally necessary. By the way what are the warranties on these things? Sounds like the ones made specifically for bikes are the way to go with vibrations and all.

Thanks

I have the Zumo 550 with XM radio and love it. It has everything you need for the bike or car, along with all the features you're wanting.

One thing though, shop around on the web, prices vary hundreds of dollars for the same unit. I saw a refurb one for over $700 a few days ago but that was high, since I have seen brand new ones around $500.

Oct 20th, 2008, 11:04 PM	#31
Subby Warming The Wheels Ride: 2009 Ultra Classic Join Date: Sep 27th, 2008 Location: Victoria Posts: 81	Re: Thoughts On Portable GPS's? You might want to take a look at a factory refurbished Garmin Street Pilot ... maybe a 2720, or a 2610. Both are waterproof and work well on a motorcycle. They can be had for under $200 and you can preprogram routes on your computer then download the routes to the GPS. I have the 2720 and it works great.

Nov 5th, 2008, 10:54 AM	#33
~~Scubadog~~ Account Removed Ride: 08 Ultra Classic Join Date: Aug 19th, 2008 Posts: 37	Re: Thoughts On Portable GPS's? I use my Garmin 760 with the following mounting system and just plug into the fairing lighter socket. Never had a problem and it goes right back into the truck. I keep a ziplock baggie in my fairing puoch in case of a downpour.

Nov 7th, 2008, 11:14 AM	#34
Mattman4403 Community Star Ride: 2008 Ultra Join Date: Nov 6th, 2008 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 418 My Mood:	Re: Thoughts On Portable GPS's? There is always the gazatters from Rand McNally. Detailed maps of a state. that and a compass will usually do the trick. Don't really like gizmo on the bars. Too distracting. As Hobbit wrote, just look at the map and remember the route.

Nov 8th, 2008, 06:33 AM	#35
sgdiesel Start The Engine Ride: 2008 Ultra Classic Join Date: Nov 8th, 2008 Posts: 38	Re: Thoughts On Portable GPS's? I have used TomTom 720 very successfully in the past, and will certainly use it on my new Ultra. The "better models" of TomTom generally revolve around the map offerings but... The best feature and one of the reasons I went with the 720 is that it will then integrate with the audio system very easily. Big deal?? Well, on it's own - no, but I love listening to my ipod as well. Problem with ipod is trying to add any control to it while riding. I know you shouldn't really do this, but sometimes while highway cruising you may want to skip a track or pause. Well, the better model TomToms allow you to control the ipod via the screen with nice big buttons that can be easily accessed with gloves on. Works a treat

Dec 26th, 2008, 06:32 PM	#36
wildspirit97 Contributor$ Ride: 2007 softail fxst Join Date: Sep 12th, 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 1,113 My Mood:	Re: Thoughts On Portable GPS's? I see everyone has a Garmin or TomTom. Anybody use a Magellan? I Just ordered the Magellan Maestro from Newegg.com Hope I Like It!

Dec 26th, 2008, 11:07 PM	#38
Barnicle Start The Engine Ride: 2008 Dyna Super Glide Join Date: Nov 25th, 2007 Location: Suffolk Va Posts: 21 My Mood:	Re: Thoughts On Portable GPS's? Bottem line with me is to ride and not have to worry about looking at a device that is distracting. I would much rather enjoy the landscape. However, I do have a GPS that I carry with me (in my pocket) when I am going far from home and not sure of territory. It is a GARMIN QUEST that is older technology but very exact. It has a 20 hour battery life and is suited for marine, terrain, and road travel. Its waterproof and fits in the palm of your hand. It can be mounted on your handlebar and run from an external power source. It works great when I feel lost or unsure about my direction. I stop take a break, pull it out of my pocket, turn it on and WA! LA! I know where I am and can adjust my direction.. Simple and SAFE. I hope this helps.... Oh YEA!! You can get them for practically nothing $80 to $100 American. Ride safe and keep your eys on the road.

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Thoughts On Portable GPS's?

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