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janap · 04-17-2010, 02:07 PM

It took me quite some time before purchasing a GPS, and finally I purchased a Garmin Zumo550. It really fulfills my requirements, both in the car and on the motorcycle. So I wonder, why it took me so long to decide.

I use it for planning routes ect, but found the MapSource to be - let´s say - not so user friendly.
What is your experience with motorcycle GPS and the PC software following it.

Why do you have/not have a motorcycle GPS?

Kenneth_Moore · 04-18-2010, 07:03 AM

I have a GPS that I've used on the bike (Nuvi). I don't like using it; it's too distracting from my riding.

sarnali2 · 04-18-2010, 07:37 AM

I use an M.A.P. if I need to find somewhere, but then I'm not a distance rider

seruzawa · 04-18-2010, 07:40 AM

Depends. Out in the desert the GPS maps are pretty useless much of the time. Better carry a paper backup.

MOKE1K · 04-18-2010, 08:28 AM

Iv been reluctant to buy any GPS navigator, mainly from what I'v heard about there constant inaccuracy.

My new job requires that I use one and man is she spot on 99.9% of the time Iam sold. Even my iphone's GPS is accurate but I always believe the Garmin first.

pplassm · 04-19-2010, 06:25 AM

I use a Garmin Etrex HCX for off-road. It's loaded with Topo maps, and has no routing or road SW.

It works very well for it's intended purpose, but the software is not extremely user friendly, and takes some getting used to.

I have a Road Pilot 2610 for road use. I have it because I found it cheap on Ebay. I haven't been using it for planning. Perhaps I should give it a try.

janap · 04-19-2010, 12:52 PM

Well, a map does not run out of power. I really got use to the GPS, as I also kind of like to use it knowing when arriving on known desitnations. I am a sales rep in the daily business, and quite neet knowing when I arrive (in the car...)
On the bike it is nice, e.g. we drove last summer around on small roads, where we could keep track of the roads, where to go ect just by zooming in and out.
Problem is that it is a bit disturbing, but I try to avoid this.

thunderhousecycles · 05-24-2010, 02:56 PM

Whole point in riding is go down the rode, get lost and feel free. Don't need a GPS.

olelar · 05-24-2010, 03:18 PM

I think its kinda lame even though I have one myself. I use it to plan routes and for loger rides

12er · 05-24-2010, 03:31 PM

I get lazy with mine, need gas? Press find gas, presto nearest station. Works well for lunch and other spots away from home too. At least you can see what options (were / are ) in town when you bought your map software. Or find a shop quickly if you need one out and about.

Out in the desert the breadcrumb feature on mine would come in handy, Ive used it for unmapped fire roads in the sierras. Just as I use it on hikes to map and total my mileage and rate of climb. Also told me how far off my speedo is, so I'm a little more prepared for meeting The Man...

I have a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx portable on a Ram mount.

04-17-2010, 02:07 PM	#1
janap Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Denmark Posts: 2	GPS - hot or not? It took me quite some time before purchasing a GPS, and finally I purchased a Garmin Zumo550. It really fulfills my requirements, both in the car and on the motorcycle. So I wonder, why it took me so long to decide. I use it for planning routes ect, but found the MapSource to be - let´s say - not so user friendly. What is your experience with motorcycle GPS and the PC software following it. Why do you have/not have a motorcycle GPS? Last edited by janap : 04-17-2010 at 10:55 PM.

04-18-2010, 07:03 AM	#2
Kenneth_Moore Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: VIsiting the GIft Shop in the Pit of DIspair Posts: 7,118	I have a GPS that I've used on the bike (Nuvi). I don't like using it; it's too distracting from my riding. __________________ www.kennethmoore.org

04-18-2010, 07:37 AM	#3
sarnali2 Aging Cafe` Racer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sittin' down by my window, lookin' at the rain. Posts: 8,648	I use an M.A.P. if I need to find somewhere, but then I'm not a distance rider __________________ "Carpe` Throttelum -Loud Suits Save Lives" "Denser alloy. My Father gave it to me, I think he wants me to kill you"... CVF-FCV

04-18-2010, 07:40 AM	#4
seruzawa The Toad Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 17,406	Depends. Out in the desert the GPS maps are pretty useless much of the time. Better carry a paper backup. __________________ http://www.badmovies.org/movies/deadalive/ I kick @ss for the Lord!

04-18-2010, 08:28 AM	#5
MOKE1K Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kalapana, Big Island Posts: 3,992	Iv been reluctant to buy any GPS navigator, mainly from what I'v heard about there constant inaccuracy. My new job requires that I use one and man is she spot on 99.9% of the time Iam sold. Even my iphone's GPS is accurate but I always believe the Garmin first. __________________ "YOU CAN'T BOLT ON SKILL"

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04-19-2010, 06:25 AM	#6
pplassm Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 3,875	I use a Garmin Etrex HCX for off-road. It's loaded with Topo maps, and has no routing or road SW. It works very well for it's intended purpose, but the software is not extremely user friendly, and takes some getting used to. I have a Road Pilot 2610 for road use. I have it because I found it cheap on Ebay. I haven't been using it for planning. Perhaps I should give it a try. __________________ Mongo just pawn in game of life.

04-19-2010, 12:52 PM	#7
janap Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Denmark Posts: 2	Well, a map does not run out of power. I really got use to the GPS, as I also kind of like to use it knowing when arriving on known desitnations. I am a sales rep in the daily business, and quite neet knowing when I arrive (in the car...) On the bike it is nice, e.g. we drove last summer around on small roads, where we could keep track of the roads, where to go ect just by zooming in and out. Problem is that it is a bit disturbing, but I try to avoid this.

05-24-2010, 02:56 PM	#8
thunderhousecycles Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Monticello, IA Posts: 27	Whole point in riding is go down the rode, get lost and feel free. Don't need a GPS.

05-24-2010, 03:18 PM	#9
olelar Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 15	I think its kinda lame even though I have one myself. I use it to plan routes and for loger rides

05-24-2010, 03:31 PM	#10
12er Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SF Posts: 2,791	I get lazy with mine, need gas? Press find gas, presto nearest station. Works well for lunch and other spots away from home too. At least you can see what options (were / are ) in town when you bought your map software. Or find a shop quickly if you need one out and about. Out in the desert the breadcrumb feature on mine would come in handy, Ive used it for unmapped fire roads in the sierras. Just as I use it on hikes to map and total my mileage and rate of climb. Also told me how far off my speedo is, so I'm a little more prepared for meeting The Man... I have a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx portable on a Ram mount.