I tried searching for existing posts but apparently I suck at searching (I know the exist). Any decent GPS devices I can use on my bike that will cost me less than 250 bucks? I'm going on a trip Friday morning and, while I don't need one, if I can get a decent one at a low price I figure I might as well.
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Gps
- Thread starter palmpalm
- Start date
http://radioworld.ca/gps-auto-navigation-gps-nuvi-550-p-5072.html
Garmin Nuvi 550. $265. Waterproof and custom route friendly.
Garmin Nuvi 550. $265. Waterproof and custom route friendly.
Yah, I actually just got off the phone with radioworld!! I asked about that exact device and the guy on the phone told me it is not waterproof and that it won't work on a motorcycle due to vibration. Said I have to get the Zumi Garmin. I told him that the web-site said it is waterproof but he disagrees and told me not to waste my money.
Griffin
Well-known member
I have a TomTom One. Cheap. Rain showers don't bother it. Small and out of the way. No fancy features but all I want is a reference to help me find my way. I use a RAM mount and a power line from the battery. Vibration has never been a problem. I don't see the need for a waterproof shock resistant and expensive GPS.
This is what I'd get if I was buying one today.
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4899291&CatId=3421
This is what I'd get if I was buying one today.
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4899291&CatId=3421
i have used a car garmin nuvi 250 for over 2 seasons now. works fine with ram mount. what's this BS vibration problem ppl are talking about (sounds like one of those old wives tales)? i dont ride in the rain anymore so i dont worry about that.
who in their right mind would pay $500+ for a bike specific gps? lol
who in their right mind would pay $500+ for a bike specific gps? lol
wonderings
Well-known member
The guy doesn't know what he is talking about or is just trying to up sell you on the zumo. The nuvi works fine in the rain and makes a good low budget gps system. I have had it put on 2 bikes, both harleys and they survive all the rattling and shaking those beasts give it.
You will need to buy a bike mount and wiring to use your bikes power supply, but other then that, its a good device and will work for you.
mototrek
Well-known member
I just talked to the "other guy"
First, he said it was $270.00 and then oh yeah... it's $265 on the web site and claimed it wasn't waterproof - but then agreed it was when he read the stats on the web site. He didn't know about the vibrations from a bike but claimed if guys use it to ride their bikes on the forest trails, it must be "rugged."
Whatever - if it's guaranteed - 14 to 30 day return - ride the hell out of it and if it endures the bike vibes, then it's a good deal
I have used the etrex on my bike for 10 years - very good, but small screen and maps are out of date
Thinking about it....
First, he said it was $270.00 and then oh yeah... it's $265 on the web site and claimed it wasn't waterproof - but then agreed it was when he read the stats on the web site. He didn't know about the vibrations from a bike but claimed if guys use it to ride their bikes on the forest trails, it must be "rugged."
Whatever - if it's guaranteed - 14 to 30 day return - ride the hell out of it and if it endures the bike vibes, then it's a good deal
I have used the etrex on my bike for 10 years - very good, but small screen and maps are out of date
Thinking about it....
Werd. I've ran a Garmin 255W a good 20,000+ km, only vibration issues I've had are the usb power cables coming loose, but that's easily fixed.
espro
Well-known member
[video=youtube;ALDiGADCl9c]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALDiGADCl9c[/video]
wonderings
Well-known member
I was going to link that video.
That shows pretty well how wateproof the nuvi 550 is. I think its the same rating as the Zumo series.
Haha, you both beat me to me.
I've done that to mine to test it out and no issues. Been through rainstorms and even wash the bike with it still on, never an issue. As far as vibrations are concerned mine has about 5k on the bike and about 75k in my work truck and it still works like its new.
inyaknow
Well-known member
+1
I've got an e-trex mounted on my Kawi with a bicycle handlebar mount. Screen is kinda small but it's great to help you get there. Up to date Mapsource maps can be uploaded onto the unit and can be torrented for free if you know where to look
The battery life is insane (35 hrs on 2 "AA") so you wont need to deal with hard-wiring. The unit will run like $150 and the mount cost $15. All the automotive gps will cost more and then you've got to buy a ram mount, ball and some other pieces...all in all the ram mount will cost about $60-$70.I've had my for over 7 years without a problem.
I use a Garmin Dakota 10. It's about the size of a cell phone just a little thicker. If are looking for a GPS that you don't care about mounting to to the bike, but want it as you travel. This unit is small and takes up little space. You can easily fit this in your pocket. It's waterproof, shock resistant and portable. I paid around $200 for it. It uses 2 AA batteries. So you can use rechargable batteries for it and dont have to worry about hardwiring it to the bike. The batteries last around 30 hours. You can also use the same type of Garmin mounting systems that the regular GPS units use to mount it to the bars. Just require a different saddle for it.
Nuvi 765 with a ram mount.
Waterproof courtesy of a ziplock bag in Mikbusa style.
Getting a "car" GPS unit give you more bang for your buck - my model has traffic updates (I use that receiver in the car), Bluetooth connectivity to a headset and it plays MP3's so I can listen to music and get the nav commands via headset.
If you try to get those features in a Zumo model, you're looking at some serious coin.
Waterproof courtesy of a ziplock bag in Mikbusa style.
Getting a "car" GPS unit give you more bang for your buck - my model has traffic updates (I use that receiver in the car), Bluetooth connectivity to a headset and it plays MP3's so I can listen to music and get the nav commands via headset.
If you try to get those features in a Zumo model, you're looking at some serious coin.
I have used a Garmin Nuvi 255W for the past two years. It's survived vibrations, pothole shocks, light and heavy rain, power washing, and even a drop from the bike followed by a slide down the road at 50 or 60 kmph.
It works well, and it's tough enough. Just be sure to tether it to your bike!
It works well, and it's tough enough. Just be sure to tether it to your bike!
dglobe
Member
Just got back from a 5 day road trip using the Nuvi 550. After 2000km and 4 days of heavy rain, my Nuvi 550 works great.
And I ride a Harley Road King that does vibrate just a little
I love the Nuvi 550, but if you’re looking for Bluetooth then you will have to start looking at the Zumo series.
And I ride a Harley Road King that does vibrate just a little
I love the Nuvi 550, but if you’re looking for Bluetooth then you will have to start looking at the Zumo series.
silverbullet132
Well-known member
My 295W works awesome even after 3+ hours in the rain at once!
Mp3, Camara, and Wifi/web browser! Only cost $95 too Also works great with my gloves on.
Mp3, Camara, and Wifi/web browser! Only cost $95 too
Also works great with my gloves on.
Splash
Well-known member
+1
I've got an e-trex mounted on my Kawi with a bicycle handlebar mount. Screen is kinda small but it's great to help you get there. Up to date Mapsource maps can be uploaded onto the unit and can be torrented for free if you know where to look
I've had my for over 7 years without a problem.
I agree 100% with everything you said.
I've been running a Etrex Legend Hc for a few years now and love it.
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