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CoolDonny · 08-23-2010, 03:48 PM

So I am considering a GPS for my bike (Honda CB750 Nighthawk)
i have norrowed it down to the Garmin Zumo 550 which i found for about $499 shipped here.
the price seems amazing and I am ok with this merchant as I have bought a camera from them before.

My question is whether there is a better option in the market at this price with all the zumo features (namely the 3hour battery capacity, bluetooth feature and durability + the garmin motorcycle console for trip info)

Any thoughts would be much appreciated,
Don

12er · 08-24-2010, 09:24 AM

My portable Garmin cs60x has about a 20 hour bat life but no motorcycle specific features. On a $30 RAM mount it works mighty fine. Also about half to one third the price of that zumo and pretty tough. I use it hiking \ Camping \ fishing (has all the moon cycles for best fishing \ hunting times) along with in my truck.

pushrod · 08-24-2010, 09:29 AM

If you are intending to use it only when connected to the bike, the battery life doesn't matter.

I use a basic TomTom ONE with a custom RAM mount. I had to make a power lead from a cellphone car charger, but it works fine. And it cost almost a fifth of that 550's tab.

The_AirHawk · 08-24-2010, 09:55 AM

You should always get one with turn-by-turn directions, and closely watch it while riding - especially when going at high-speed down a narrow, twisty mountain road.

pushrod · 08-24-2010, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_AirHawk

You should always get one with turn-by-turn directions, and closely watch it while riding - especially when going at high-speed down a narrow, twisty mountain road.

And, be sure to get the custom 'Back Seat Driver' voice. That helps a lot.

V2Rider · 08-24-2010, 05:16 PM

I have a 550 and have not had any problems with it. The unit is pretty user friendly. The navigation software not so much. The price is good.
Powerlet outlets and plugs are a good way to go for powering the unit and I use a RAM mount as well.

Powerlet Products - Rugged power outlets, cables and electronics
RAM Mounting Systems, Inc.

CoolDonny · 08-25-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V2Rider

I have a 550 and have not had any problems with it. The unit is pretty user friendly. The navigation software not so much. The price is good.
Powerlet outlets and plugs are a good way to go for powering the unit and I use a RAM mount as well.

Powerlet Products - Rugged power outlets, cables and electronics
RAM Mounting Systems, Inc.

Hey V2Rider, thanks for the input - I went ahead and placed my order.
Just curious if you've had experience with using the touch screen while wearing gloves?

A Star Ride · 08-25-2010, 04:07 PM

Touch screens and gloves usually don't get along. My brother happens to be a snowboarder and they have a lot more gear options then motorcyclists. Burton makes gloves that have a finger & thumb tips made for touch screens & they work great. Good luck

08-23-2010, 03:48 PM	#1
CoolDonny Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 2	Garmin Zumo 550 So I am considering a GPS for my bike (Honda CB750 Nighthawk) i have norrowed it down to the Garmin Zumo 550 which i found for about $499 shipped here. the price seems amazing and I am ok with this merchant as I have bought a camera from them before. My question is whether there is a better option in the market at this price with all the zumo features (namely the 3hour battery capacity, bluetooth feature and durability + the garmin motorcycle console for trip info) Any thoughts would be much appreciated, Don

08-24-2010, 09:29 AM	#3
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,478	If you are intending to use it only when connected to the bike, the battery life doesn't matter. I use a basic TomTom ONE with a custom RAM mount. I had to make a power lead from a cellphone car charger, but it works fine. And it cost almost a fifth of that 550's tab. __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

08-24-2010, 09:55 AM	#4
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Livin' in a Van: down by the Mariana Trench Posts: 10,891	You should always get one with turn-by-turn directions, and closely watch it while riding - especially when going at high-speed down a narrow, twisty mountain road. __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now...

08-24-2010, 05:16 PM	#6
V2Rider Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: LA - Lower Alabama Posts: 497	I have a 550 and have not had any problems with it. The unit is pretty user friendly. The navigation software not so much. The price is good. Powerlet outlets and plugs are a good way to go for powering the unit and I use a RAM mount as well. Powerlet Products - Rugged power outlets, cables and electronics RAM Mounting Systems, Inc. __________________ 'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.' - Ronald Reagan

08-25-2010, 04:07 PM	#8
A Star Ride Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: central Va Posts: 1,126	Touch screens and gloves usually don't get along. My brother happens to be a snowboarder and they have a lot more gear options then motorcyclists. Burton makes gloves that have a finger & thumb tips made for touch screens & they work great. Good luck __________________ White Trash Hick from Appalachia

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08-24-2010, 09:24 AM	#2
12er Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SF Posts: 2,702	My portable Garmin cs60x has about a 20 hour bat life but no motorcycle specific features. On a $30 RAM mount it works mighty fine. Also about half to one third the price of that zumo and pretty tough. I use it hiking \ Camping \ fishing (has all the moon cycles for best fishing \ hunting times) along with in my truck.