| Author | Message | ||
     Johnboy777 |
I admit it - I'm pretty ignorant about these things, but I found this on Amazon for $115...it gets rated with 4.5 stars out of 5 by 180 people. So it must work. My question is - why buy a more expensive (I'm cheap) unit if this will perform the same basic functions. I don't plan to mount it, but rather keep it in my tail bag/top box for when I get really lost....thanks. Garmin nüvi 255 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-255-3-5-Inch-Portable -Navigator/dp/B0015F0AB8  And, here's one way to waterproof a GPS for about a buck.  | ||
| Reepicheep |
Waterproofing isn't your only problem, and frankly isn't even your biggest problem. Easy enough to just not use the GPS when you are riding in the rain. Vibration is the bigger problem, as well as mounting, and general wear and tear. It'll work, but I don't know how it will hold up. That being said, new maps are still $70 or something, and that's only $115, so if it self destructs in two years anyway, maybe it's not that big a deal. | ||
| Towpro |
I just looked this up this model on Garmin.com the specs say Routes = 0 I am pretty sure this means you can not make create a route on your PC, and upload it to this device. But if all you need is the ability to put in your destination and let the device route you to it by shortest, or fastest, this will work fine. I want to believe the motorcycle ones are better for vibration environments, but I read many reports of people not having any problems with car GPS on the bikes. If you used a ribbed "rain protector" will it cut down on reflection on the screen?  | ||
| Froggy |
For your intended use, you would be better off just downloading Google Maps or a similar GPS enabled program to your phone. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
""If you used a ribbed "rain protector" will it cut down on reflection on the screen?"" With the screen at just 3.5", I probably don't need a Magnum.  Thanks for all of the replies. . | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I have a Nuvi 200, slightly older model than the one above. I've used it extensively on the bike with no problems from vibrations. One thing I did notice was stuffing it in the map pocket of a tank bag causes an extreme amount of heat (especially in direct sunlight). NOT a good idea. The disadvantages to the cheap GPS's are these: Not Waterproof Only good for Point A to Point B to Point C directions. Meaning, you cannot plan a route, rather, you can insert a destination, and a via point. No setting up routes on the computer and downloading them, no telling it which roads you want to take to your destination. No headphone Jack That being said, I'll still generally write up directions I want to take, and I use the GPS more for keeping me from getting lost. Also, often times my goal is to get lost, and the GPS comes in handy when it's time to get back to civilization, or when I need gas. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Hey Mikef5000 , Thanks, i don't know that setting routes beforehand is all that important to me. I'd rather have just a general idea of where I'm going as i head out, and figure it out on the fly. Getting back the fastest route when its time to head home or getting un-lost is what I'm looking for. I imagine this unit comes with all the latest maps, including fire roads. . | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
My girly bought a tomtom ONE as a refurb for $79 and it's pretty damn nifty. It reroutes you quickly if you miss a turn. You can choose to avoid tolls and highways too. I'm thinking of having one and tucking it away in a pocket or something for the few times that my cell phone is not getting anything for google maps. | ||
| Towpro |
If you are buying it new, and you find it does not have the latest map, Garmin allows you to download and install the latest map once (for 90 days I think?) Check out gpscity.com for bikes mounts. | ||
| Mnrider |
Johnboy you can type in any address and it will take you there no problem. It will do lots of points of interest like gas and food and hotels,very handy. A ram mount setup is only $40 and works well. I never thought of the rubber cover,I only have extra smalls,I wonder if they'll fit. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
""A ram mount setup is only $40 and works well. "" I guess I could mount it to the bars, but I would be concerned about having it stolen. I did read somewhere (maybe AdvRider) where someone stuck one of these in a small Pelican clear-top box, then mounted it with a Ram mount to the bars...very slick. . | ||
| Mnrider |
It snaps off and you can put it in your pocket with your spare rubbers. | ||
| Buewulf |
I used to pride myself on my directional prowess. GPSs spoil you fast, though. I don't think I could find my way out of a parking lot without one, now! I often don't use it for directions since I enjoy picking my route as I go. But that is when the GPS really comes in handy. I can see roads near my position that I may wish to investigate. And if I get lost, finding my way back is just a button push away. So don't be so inclined to keep the GPS in your bag. You may never see what your missing out on. I had used automotive GPSs exclusively until recently with never any problems, and that includes very rough, unpaved terrain. Apparently vibration is not much of an issue. | ||
| Etennuly |
The Tom Tom 1 is prone to vibration death. I got about three thousand miles of riding out of mine. I used the suction cup mount that came with it. It was a soft silicon rubber that I figured would absorb some of the vibration. I just started depending on it and did not carry a map for the first time on a trip. It got me about four turns from meeting up with Dottrs for our ride to last years WV Buell rally. Usually I would put masking tape on my air box cover and write the turn instructions, but not this time. The screen did not just go blank, it's last map image smeared to the bottom of the screen. It went blank about ten minutes later. Glad I had Don's phone number. | ||
| Nadz |
Another key feature is Tracks ("breadcrumb trails"). The cheap ones don't remember tracks, and when you're exploring it helps to see where you've been. Plus they're useful for reviewing your ride and seeing where your photos were taken. Just my 2¢. | ||
| Mnrider |
 You can get a handle bar or brake mount. | ||
| Paralegalpete |
I have a couple of local riding buddies and we all have the Zumu. One of the nice features is that we can creat and then share via e mail a route before the ride even begins. Then once we are out, even if we get separated we all have the same route downloaded so no waiting or getting lost. I don't mind getting lost when I'm on my own but it can be frustrating in a group. | ||
| Dynasport |
I really wanted a new Zumo, but I couldn't spend that much money at the time, so I bought a used Garmin 2720 on ebay. It is waterproof, but not originally made for a motorcycle. I don't remember exactly what I paid for mine, but I think it was between $50 and $100. I then purchased a new Garmin motorcycle mount kit which just includes the wiring you need to install on the bike. Then I bought a ram mount. All together I think I spent about $150, maybe a little more. I got a very nice surprise from Garmin as well. I registered my GPS with Garmin's website and intended to purchase the newest maps available for the 2720, but Garmin allowed me to download them for free. I can only assume the previous owner had never registered this particular unit. Anyway, I have used it several times and it has been great. No complaints at all. The motorcycle mount includes a jack to plug headphones into, but I don't normally bother. I just look at the screen as needed. For a budget setup, I recommend looking on ebay for a 26xx or 27xx StreetPilot. There are several different models. You can go to the Garmin website and look at the differences in them. It would have been a bit simpler to buy a Zumo, but it would have been lots more money. I still would like a Zumo some day so I could download tunes, but OTOH, it would be cheaper and simpler to just get an iPod and stick it in my pocket. Good luck. | ||
| Trevd |
Mnrider, How do you like that brake cylinder mount? As I await the arrival of my Streetpilot, I'm considering my mounting options... I want something that can be mounted nice and high up so that I hardly have to take my eyes off the road to see it, and your mount looks like it might fit the bill. | ||
| Mnrider |
Trev the brake cyl. mount gives off a little more vibes than the handlebar mount but its not a big deal. You have to search the all M/C mounts on the Ram website to find it. It does put it nice and high up,you can move it around to find a good view of your GPS. | ||
| Towpro |
I saw of the vendors on this site (precession engineering) has a MC mount made of billet that was made to mount the GPS on the center of the MC. |
