GPS Recommendation | Page 2 | GTAMotorcycle.com

GPS Recommendation

The problem with using a cellphone is that the weight of the usb cable in the usb port, combined with the vibrations, will over time ruin the phone's usb port.
 
Another "just my cellphone" GPS user here. iPhone 11 in an Xgrip.

I have almost 40 gigs a month of data allotment so I don't worry much about that aspect, but as was mentioned, many map/GPS apps (including, yes, Google Maps) do have the ability to download data for offline usage.

I've looked at moto-specific GPS's. First turn off is the insane prices. Second turn off is the typical lack of live traffic alerts and re-routing IE Waze. The only benefit I see is that the screens are designed to work with gloves, but with many gloves coming setup with touch-sensitive fingers now, even that's not a biggie anymore. And given as how many/most phones are waterproof now that one last bastion of what a moto-specific GPS had as an advantage is gone now as well.
 
The problem with using a cellphone is that the weight of the usb cable in the usb port, combined with the vibrations, will over time ruin the phone's usb port.

I have somewhere in the range of 40,000+ KM on my current iPhone on my handlebars and have had no such issues. 50,000+km on my previous iPhone 6+ before I upgraded to the 11, same thing. I did have a few lightning cables burn out but I think that was because they got wet while I was washing the bike more than anything else. Now I remember to unplug and stow them before washing.
 
I use a Garmin Navi bought at RadioWorld refurbished for $100. Does the trick. The only issue has been the power adapter getting wet, that made things a little wonky. Replaced that all good! The GPS itself is positioned just infront of my dash, with the full fairing it doesn't get wet etc.. works fine with gloves, just wish it was a little brighter but with sunglasses and angle of the sun it would be a challenge either way.
 
Nice thanks for the suggestions all. Actually thinking of getting the gps bar mount that adds some real estate up front.
 
That’s what I’m looking for. What type of GPS is that @GateKeeper

That would work for both car and bike for sure.
Garmin Nuvi 2557

there are models similar now, and ones that even have a camera that can be connected, blue tooth, and so on

what I like is it’s lifetime map updates

and I can have the motorcycle icon on the screen, I’ll grab a picture latter


.
 
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Nice thanks for the suggestions all. Actually thinking of getting the gps bar mount that adds some real estate up front.
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Just got this one for the Wee. I paid $10 -- but I think it was priced wrong as it's now listed at $40. A bit bigger and heavier than I imagined, but it's sturdy! Going to install it tomorrow.
 
I received a Garmin 396 from my lovely bride for Christmas. Hard wired to the bike and mounted on a homemade nav bar/brackets to avoid clutter on the bars. So much better than screwing with a phone.

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View attachment 48296

Just got this one for the Wee. I paid $10 -- but I think it was priced wrong as it's now listed at $40. A bit bigger and heavier than I imagined, but it's sturdy! Going to install it tomorrow.
I found that the U bolt goes nicely through the window brackets on the Wee.
 
I purchased the new XT. Will be selling my 396 soon. Once I pick up my FJR from recall I'll remove the unit from the bike. Used one summer. Works great. No issues. If interested, send me a PM.
 
The Garmin 396 is $420 list and on sale is about $350. The XT is $680 list and the on sale price is $560.

Get the XT on sale if you're ok with the price, otherwise the 396 on sale is great value.
 
@mimico_polak
I know you said sub $200 but here is a good option from Costco.
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I bought a 7" Android car radio that I planned to install in one of my vans, sold the van so I'm going to try and mount it on the bike. It has GPS, FM radio, remote cam, I can use Android apps, and can hotspot or Bluetooth to my phone for it's data needs. It will run my MC apps as well so I don't need to fumble with the phone.

Might even try finding a place for speaker
 
I bought a 7" Android car radio that I planned to install in one of my vans, sold the van so I'm going to try and mount it on the bike. It has GPS, FM radio, remote cam, I can use Android apps, and can hotspot or Bluetooth to my phone for it's data needs. It will run my MC apps as well so I don't need to fumble with the phone.

Might even try finding a place for speaker
What bike are you mounting this onto.?
 
Another "just my cellphone" GPS user here. iPhone 11 in an Xgrip.

I have almost 40 gigs a month of data allotment so I don't worry much about that aspect, but as was mentioned, many map/GPS apps (including, yes, Google Maps) do have the ability to download data for offline usage.

I've looked at moto-specific GPS's. First turn off is the insane prices. Second turn off is the typical lack of live traffic alerts and re-routing IE Waze. The only benefit I see is that the screens are designed to work with gloves, but with many gloves coming setup with touch-sensitive fingers now, even that's not a biggie anymore. And given as how many/most phones are waterproof now that one last bastion of what a moto-specific GPS had as an advantage is gone now as well.
FYI you can buy finger tip adhesives for your gloves which provide touch capability.
 
How did your install go?
It should have been easy. The brackets are well made however the fasteners required are not included


I need a 4 shoulder bolt, m5 x 20 with a 7 x 5 shoulder. Try finding 4 of those in stainless.

Fortunately a box of donuts goes a long way in my machine shop, I’m settling for regular fairing bolts with bushings, should be good for next week.

The he 7” Android GPS is a little big but it fits.
 

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