Can anyone recommend a GPS unit?
Moderator: Moderators
-
crashfaster
- Basic User
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 3:04 pm
- Location: Burlingame, CA
- Contact:
Can anyone recommend a GPS unit?
Thinking about getting one...does anyone have a favorite?
-
Lost Rider
- Basic User
- Posts: 1629
- Joined: Sat May 20, 2006 1:31 am
- Location: Ventura County, California
- Contact:
I have Garmin Quest, and it works just fine. Low cost solution IMO. Bought a refurb model on eBay.
Hard to use with gloves on, only holds 5 to 10 states at a time depending on the density , and no National or State Park campsites listed. Other than those things it was great.
Hopefully I will be upgrading to the Zumo this winter. All of the features I want, Bluetooth, XM radio built in, touch-screens, etc.
It really comes down to your budget I guess
Both can be compared here:
http://www.garmin.com/automotive/produc ... otorcycles
Hard to use with gloves on, only holds 5 to 10 states at a time depending on the density , and no National or State Park campsites listed. Other than those things it was great.
Hopefully I will be upgrading to the Zumo this winter. All of the features I want, Bluetooth, XM radio built in, touch-screens, etc.
It really comes down to your budget I guess
Both can be compared here:
http://www.garmin.com/automotive/produc ... otorcycles
Get Lost!
Expensive toys these GPS receivers can be.
Here's just a thought; pick up a used one cheap (relatively speaking) and use that to get familiar with them and decide which features matter to you most.
Garmin is more popular. I have a Magellan handheld that I mount on the bike when I need it. It has a good antenna and is quick to get a fix. Autorouting is a big feature, I use it some. Mainly I just download the tracklog from a trip, convert it to .gpx and look at it in Google Earth. Beyond cool!!!! mcooperstein had one in Buy/Sell for $175 if it hasn't sold yet.
DSKYZD
Here's just a thought; pick up a used one cheap (relatively speaking) and use that to get familiar with them and decide which features matter to you most.
Garmin is more popular. I have a Magellan handheld that I mount on the bike when I need it. It has a good antenna and is quick to get a fix. Autorouting is a big feature, I use it some. Mainly I just download the tracklog from a trip, convert it to .gpx and look at it in Google Earth. Beyond cool!!!! mcooperstein had one in Buy/Sell for $175 if it hasn't sold yet.
DSKYZD
JOURNEY JUNKIE #187
I too have a Quest and it was my first one. Like DSKYSD said, it's best to get an inexpensive one to use and find out what YOU really want in a GPS. Now that I've had a Quest, I would look at a 276c, but it costs a good chunk more $$$. While having GPS on a bike is cool, nothing really beats good old paper maps.
John
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
-
munchmeister
- Basic User
- Posts: 269
- Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2005 7:50 pm
- Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
- Contact:
Go Garmin
I'm a gadget freak so I love the Garmin Etrex Vista I bought a few years back for my off road touring on my F650GS. The Vista now comes in color and uses the data cards which allow you to buy the maps you want on a card or use it for extra map memory.
If I was replacing that one today, to use off road and also for camping and hiking, I would get the Garmin 60csx. More $$ but a lot more features.
My next GPS, probably before Dec. 31 (when their rebates expire) will the the 276C. Even more $$$ but bigger color screen and more features, including a full marine mode (not that I need that).
Check the sites others have listed for features. One of the best online vendors is http://www.gpsnow.com/gmgen.htm. I've had really good luck with them and their prices seem to be rock bottom. There is a lot of info on their site as well.
You do need to figure out what you want to do with it but they are great fun and, IMHO, do not replace maps. I love looking at maps and have a pretty decent collection of maps of all kinds. But you can have the best map in the world and it will not pinpoint where you are when you stop, look around, and realize that your road is running out and you are in the middle of backwoods Colorado. A GPS will pinpoint your location which you can then use to place yourself on the map and figure out how to get back on the intended road. DAMHIK.
A handheld like the Etrex or 60csx is great for hiking, XC skiing, backpacking and the like, too. Just make sure you have plenty of batteries. Again, DAMHIK.
Great toys and IMHO Garmin is the only way to go. Best maps, best features, company stands behind its product and many, many users.
If I was replacing that one today, to use off road and also for camping and hiking, I would get the Garmin 60csx. More $$ but a lot more features.
My next GPS, probably before Dec. 31 (when their rebates expire) will the the 276C. Even more $$$ but bigger color screen and more features, including a full marine mode (not that I need that).
Check the sites others have listed for features. One of the best online vendors is http://www.gpsnow.com/gmgen.htm. I've had really good luck with them and their prices seem to be rock bottom. There is a lot of info on their site as well.
You do need to figure out what you want to do with it but they are great fun and, IMHO, do not replace maps. I love looking at maps and have a pretty decent collection of maps of all kinds. But you can have the best map in the world and it will not pinpoint where you are when you stop, look around, and realize that your road is running out and you are in the middle of backwoods Colorado. A GPS will pinpoint your location which you can then use to place yourself on the map and figure out how to get back on the intended road. DAMHIK.
A handheld like the Etrex or 60csx is great for hiking, XC skiing, backpacking and the like, too. Just make sure you have plenty of batteries. Again, DAMHIK.
Great toys and IMHO Garmin is the only way to go. Best maps, best features, company stands behind its product and many, many users.
munchmeister
'02 R1150GS
'01 F650GS
'04 R1150R - R.I.P. 4/29/07
'02 R1150GS
'01 F650GS
'04 R1150R - R.I.P. 4/29/07
I am considering the new Garmin Zumo, which is motorcycle-specific. It includes XM satellite radio and traffic. I am already an XM fan, so I will be able to combine two gadgets into one.
It is pricey, though. The unit plus the XM antenna should cost around $1,000.
I am not going to buy until next Spring.
It is pricey, though. The unit plus the XM antenna should cost around $1,000.
I am not going to buy until next Spring.
Bob
2002 Atlanta Blue
Lifetime Member #74
2002 Atlanta Blue
Lifetime Member #74
-
Lost Rider
- Basic User
- Posts: 1629
- Joined: Sat May 20, 2006 1:31 am
- Location: Ventura County, California
- Contact:
rdsmith3 wrote:I am considering the new Garmin Zumo, which is motorcycle-specific. It includes XM satellite radio and traffic. I am already an XM fan, so I will be able to combine two gadgets into one.
It is pricey, though. The unit plus the XM antenna should cost around $1,000.
I am not going to buy until next Spring.
Ditto, I'll wait till the hype and the price goes down.
Get Lost!
I've been using a Garmin eTrex Legend Cx. It works wonderfully and was a much used tool on our trip across Canada.
The screen is smaller than the Street Pilot series, but I found a huge screen is not necessary. This unit runs on AA batteries and via the accessory socket - handy when you want to play with it while the bike is turned off.
A friend of mine has a Street Pilot 2710 (?) and is continually fidgeting with it, while my eTrex just does the job.
The screen is smaller than the Street Pilot series, but I found a huge screen is not necessary. This unit runs on AA batteries and via the accessory socket - handy when you want to play with it while the bike is turned off.
A friend of mine has a Street Pilot 2710 (?) and is continually fidgeting with it, while my eTrex just does the job.
07 R12GS - Granite
04 R1150R - Black (sold)
Member #468
04 R1150R - Black (sold)
Member #468