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GPS Recommendations

Wed, 2008-06-18 09:06 — mtibbs

I'm interested in adding a GPS unit to my bike. I'd like the ability to load software on my laptop for trip planning and download that into the GPS. If possible I'd like to have an MP3 player built in so I can listen to music and hear voice prompts through my helmet headset. Does anyone have any recommendations on a good unit? Also, any pointers on mounting brackets and the best wiring options? I've heard you have to pay $1500 for a unit for a motorcyce and would prefer not to spend that much if possible. Thanks. ~ Mike

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Sat, 2008-07-05 19:16 — Tourvet-27

GPS -questions - comments

Well now …

For Hudy – If you’re talking about “technodigital” then I’m glad I advised to call and talk to the retailer. I suspected that the price was too good to be true. I think if you can get the complete package for less that $700.00 it’s a great deal. I’ve seen them advertised for as much as $1200.00.

For Armydog – Re: GMX 30. I don’t have it, [a little rich for my blood], so I can’t comment on its operation but did see the zumo on a motorcycle handlebar mount with a tray that had the antenna mounted on top at Americade. I’ve just checked RAM mounts website but didn’t see it, however, I’d be inclined to call Garmin [their support folks are very helpful] and ask about it.

I suspect that Garmin and/or RAM may be at "Star Days" so you might get more and better info there.

Hope this helps a little at least.

Nil Sine Labore

Conrad

Fri, 2008-07-04 22:51 — Armydog

Garmin GMX 30 antenna

Has anyone purchased the GMX 30 for the Zumo 550? Just wondering how it's working and if it comes with a mounting device. If not, where and how have you mounted the antenna?

Mon, 2008-06-30 08:44 — Tourvet-27

Hi robin73s;

Don’t know the company but, I see on their website that they have a toll-free line. I’d be calling and talking to them. The price is certainly right, [I paid $699 for mine] provided they have the complete kit [auto mount & cable, motorcycle mount, cable, and handle bar mount as well as the MapSource software, etc]. If you look on the Garmin website, you’ll also find a toll-free number that you might call and ask about the legitimacy of “technodigital” as a retailer. If all is in order, I’d jump at it. Almost assuredly, you won't be disappointed with the zumo 550.

Nil Sine Labore

Conrad

Sun, 2008-06-22 06:33 — afj69

Look into see if your

Look into see if your cellphone can be programed or modified to work as a GPS, I hated the thought of having to carry so many things on the bike, and since we all carry our cellphones with us I looked into this and found that all I had to do is spend under $100.00 and I ended up with GPS and ceelphone all in one. I was lucky since I carry a Treo phone, but I know that there are many out that can do this. Good luck
__________________________________________________________________________
2007 Galaxy Blue V Star 1300 purchased 4/12/2008
Added: Engine guards, Windshield, Windshield bag, chrome cup holder, custom driving lights, saddle bags, chrome tag frame, passen

Fri, 2008-06-20 17:53 — Tourvet-27

Garmin zumo GPS

Hey there Mike;

Thanks for the response. Perhaps you’ll have some success. The first young man I talked to was at least interested enough to sent the query to Garmin’s Cartography section and it was someone from there that e-mailed to tell me about buying the base map from a 3rd party. He did give me some links to pursue where I might download POI’s [some free, some for sale, some published by other users], but, as mentioned, I feel that at the price and with it being advertised for motorcycles, this really should be something that Garmin should include.

I’ll be interested in your impressions of your new zumo 550. I think you'l like it.

Nil Sine Labore

Conrad

Thu, 2008-06-19 21:17 — Tourvet-27

Comments on Garmin’s zumo

I love this GPS, having upgraded from the GPS V, which was a great little unit in its own right. I’ve taken up an issue with Garmin that I feel needs to be addressed. At this point, Garmin’s responses have been less than satisfactory. Now don’t get me wrong because the company’s service and support since I bought the GPS V has been exemplary.

I’ve noted, however. that while Garmin claims in their advertising, that the zumo’s are built for motorcycles [they really are]; there isn’t a Points of Interest [POI] category, for motorcycle dealers, repair shops, etc. When I brought this to their attention, I was advised that Garmin buys its base maps from a 3rd party and that company hasn’t seen fit, [at this point, at least] to include this category. I’ve been advised of a work around, but I think for the price we pay and because it is advertised, a POI category for motorcycle shops, retailers, etc should be included.

I bring this up because I see more members here who have purchased or are contemplating purchasing the zumo. Perhaps, if Garmin starts getting more feedback dealing with this issue they’ll do something about it.

So … zumo owners [and perspective owners], how about joining me in the cause. Write, phone, talk to Garmin, suppliers, retailers and let’s just see if we’ll get an updated base map [I just downloaded their most recent update, by the way - version 4.20] that includes a motorcycle POI category.

What say you : - ).

Nil Sine Labore

Conrad

Sat, 2008-10-25 23:26 — chebert

Yamaha Dealers for Garmin GPS

Not sure if this has been posted here before, but check this out. Found it on the Delphi Garmin GPS forum.

These are the uploadable files for Garmin GPS's containing Yamaha Dealers in Canada and the US. I transferred the Canadian file to my Garmin nuvi250 and now every Yamaha Dealer appears in my Favourites menu.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/garminowners/messages?msg=102.2

Thanks to fellow Star rider Kegger in the delphi garmin owners forum.

Cheers,

Craig

Fri, 2008-06-20 08:47 — mtibbs

Comments on Garmin Zumo

Great point Conrad. Garmin is located just a few miles from my office. I see one of their VP's occaisionally at meetings. I'll mention the oversite to him the next time I see him. Mine should arrive tomorrow. I'll let you know how it works out. ~ Mike

Thu, 2008-06-19 20:20 — Tourvet-27

WOW on the zumo 550 for $470.00

….that is a great price for the zumo 550. I’d suggest that anyone who is thinking of a GPS for their vehicles jump on this. I’ve seen them advertised for twice as much and more. Out of curiosity 150flyer, did this price include the complete package, [the city navigator software, the mounts, wiring, etc?]

If so, and not to disparage those who have bought other brands, the zumo 550 really is, to my mind, the ultimate GPS, considering what comes in the box.

Nil Sine Labore

Conrad

Thu, 2008-06-19 07:19 — mtibbs

Thanks Everyone

Great input guys. I really appreciate the quick responses. I looked at all of the units you recommended. I ended up ordering the Garmin Zumo 550. I got it from Thegpsstore.com. Their price was $749.95 and that includes the RAM mount and a car mount. Their discount made it closer to the other units in price and I like its features, especially the extra auto mount. I travel a lot on business and this will help me in strange cities. It should arive Friday so I have time to install it and ride for a week before I leave for Montana. I'll be happy to give you an in person review at our rally during Star Days. Ride Safe Mike

Thu, 2008-06-19 20:03 — 150flyer

I found my Garmin Zumo 550

I found my Garmin Zumo 550 for $479.00. Best deal for all the features. Here's a link to the web site.
http://www.techondigital.com/product.asp?productid=zumo550

Thu, 2008-06-19 19:26 — grumps

Zumo

Good choice you will love it

Wed, 2008-06-18 19:42 — BoomerSooner

tomtom go 930

Hi mtibbs,

I was looking for the same thing with features that you are looking for. I haven't purchased it yet, but I settled on the tomtom go 930.

http://www.tomtom.com/products/product.php?ID=475&Category=0&Lid=4

You would have to buy a mount seperately for a bike, but RAM makes mounts for any gps unit you can possibly think of.
http://www.ram-mount.com/ramgps.htm
The tomtom 920 & 930 are the same size.
So, msrp for the tomtom is $499, then the ram mount is either $45 or $86 depending on which style you want.

The cycle specific units are just too small for my taste, and overpriced for their features. The main thing you are getting is that they are more rugged than a car unit.

Boomer Sooner
Potestatem obscuri lateris nescis

Wed, 2008-06-18 18:08 — Tourvet-27

GPS recommendation

Hi Mike;

I bought the Zumo 550 last September and I highly recommend it. It has the complete North American base map built in [routinely updated] through Garmin’s website, it has “City Navigator” map to load on your laptop with downloadable trip plans, it has voice prompts, MP3 player, Bluetooth and it is equipped for satellite radio and traffic services that you may purchase as optional extras. Garmin also offer a number of pre-loaded SD cards as optional extras.

IN THE BOX, with this unit comes all the mounting hardware and cabling for an automobile and for a motorcycle; [two separate mounts], so you won’t have to shop for mounts, cables etc.

I happened across a last “in stock” one and got the complete package shipped to me for $755.00. That was $100.00 off the going price. Bought mine from Prairie Geomatics [ www.prairie.mb.ca ]. Good people to deal with. At Americade just a couple of weeks ago they were selling for considerably more, so shop around.

This is my second Garmin [first was a GPS V] and this is a solid company with outstanding service and support.

Hope this helps you out. Let us know what you decide.

Nil Sine Labore

Conrad

Wed, 2008-06-18 10:40 — RodS

I have a Lowrance XOG, and

I have a Lowrance XOG, and really like it. The Garmin Zumo 550 is the standard I believe but pricey. The XOG is less money and although I am unsure about the trip planning using your laptop it has all the other features your looking for and has an optional handlebar mount available. I switch it from my truck to my bike when ever I need it. Check www.lowrance.com and www.garmin.com for specs and info on both.

Mon, 2008-06-30 17:03 — Trainman

XOG

I ALSO HAVE THE XOG ,AND LIKE IT

Mon, 2008-06-30 07:45 — robin73s

Zumo 550

Has anyone bought a Zumo 550 from http://www.techondigital.com/product.asp?productid=zumo550 ? I wonder if they are legit. I have been watching their site since this thread was sarted. the price has changed from 479 to 459 to 529 to 509 right now the price is 489. I find it strange that the price is different every day and varies so much.

Fri, 2008-07-04 16:34 — Hudy

They will not be getting my money

I called to place my order and that's where it started to go bad. The operator asked what size memory I needed, 1g or 2g? I told him I didnt really need any (I have plenty around). He got agitated and then said "we are out of stock". I asked if the web site inventory was current, because it was listing as in stock. He then started to yell at me. Keep in mind I am trying to PLACE an order. He started using explitives, and I asked if he owned the company (his voice was similar to the automated voice) he said it was hs company. I let him know he was working for an a**hole and he hung up on me. I am going to just stick with Amazon, they are reliable and they probably won't yell at me when I am trying to give them my money.

I did call another company with a low listed price ($517), the price was for the unit only, no other parts (mounts, wiring, manuals, CD's, etc.) that come with a stock unit.

Hudy

servo rota pars down

Fri, 2008-07-04 17:24 — Robs Nightflight

not the most helpfull people.....

I have sent an email already twice to get some information from them, but unfortunately no reply as of yet...
Now, having read you message, I wonder if I really want to spend my euro's over there (even though it is a good price). It was at USD 469 earlier this week...

Rob

Fri, 2008-07-04 18:58 — grumps

zumo

have you tried tigergps.com or gpsdiscount.com both had low prices when i bought mine