GPS Suggestions?

[Femmekat]

I would really like to get a GPS for the bike this season, and be done with crumpled, damp, and badly folded maps in my tail section. I think it would be a great way to explore new roads, and avoid all of the usual slabbing to and from rides. I was curious what makes/models people are using, and which are recommended? I am looking for something moderatley priced, don't need tons of bells and whistles, just want something reliable that will get the job done...

Suggestions?

[csmutty]

Really...just pick one haha. They are all really quite good. You can get a good one with a big screen for $80-$90.

[caddydaddy]

Yeah, I just have a Garmin Nuvi 205W that you can get for around $100 now. It's built for cars, but I have a RAM mount and it works great on the bike, as long as you keep it dry!

[Femmekat]

Is the RAM mount made for that model? Or you got it seperately?

[duganc1717]

205W.

I have not tried it on R6 yet, but you can usually make a mount w/a rubber stopper from the hardware store for $2 and be done w/it.

[caddydaddy]

Is the RAM mount made for that model? Or you got it seperately?

It's made for that model GPS, and just bolts under the triple tree.

[butcher bergs]

Planning on getting lost while circulating NHMS?

[G21forme]

Planning on getting lost while circulating NHMS?

Have you seen her in T6

[DuncanMoto]

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Planning on getting lost while circulating NHMS?

Have you seen her in T6

you mean when she passed you?

[G21forme]

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you mean when she passed you?

Exactly!

[butcher bergs]

[DuncanMoto]

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I use my old Nuvi, but I can't really see it so I just plug in my headset and listen to the turn left in 500 feet directions.
One day I'll spend the coin and get a Zumo made specifically for bikes with no glare screen, glove useable buttons and bluetooth.

[Subee13]

If you want a bike specific unit tom tom (garbage) has one and there is the garmin zumo (Dave has one). I have a nuvi and have a ram mount. www.cyclegadgets.com I have the stem mount (but seeing you ride the track you may have a stabilizer) you can get bar mounts etc also. I am more than happy to help if you have questions. I hard wired a 12v accessory socket and put an in line fuse in and ran teh wires. I also have an R6 (But an 07 R6S). The nuvis are not waterproof but I made a waterproof mount for mine. I use the Ram mount and put a plastic bag over my gps if its raining out. Works like a charm.

[Subee13]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.297 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

I use my old Nuvi, but I can't really see it so I just plug in my headset and listen to the turn left in 500 feet directions.
One day I'll spend the coin and get a Zumo made specifically for bikes with no glare screen, glove useable buttons and bluetooth.

I had on my leather Icon gloves this weekend and when I left the Dave dirt tour ride my GPS had no issues with my gloves. As an FYI. I also did not have a big issue with glare. I cannot see the reason to spend so much for a bike gps when mine works in my car and bike. It was cheaper and works for me.

[netra709]

I have a Garmin Zumo 450 on the vfr. I have been happy with it. I mounted it with the ram mount to the front tab that holds down the gas tank.

[caddydaddy]

Planning on getting lost while circulating NHMS?

haha, some people need one at a track! I was watching a NASCAR truck race a few years ago, and one of the drivers had a map of Watkins Glen race track on the dash!

[Femmekat]

Planning on getting lost while circulating NHMS?

There are an awful lot of turns... like 20 something right?

Have you seen her in T6

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.297 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)



you mean when she passed you?

If you want a bike specific unit tom tom (garbage) has one and there is the garmin zumo (Dave has one). I have a nuvi and have a ram mount. www.cyclegadgets.com I have the stem mount (but seeing you ride the track you may have a stabilizer) you can get bar mounts etc also. I am more than happy to help if you have questions. I hard wired a 12v accessory socket and put an in line fuse in and ran teh wires. I also have an R6 (But an 07 R6S). The nuvis are not waterproof but I made a waterproof mount for mine. I use the Ram mount and put a plastic bag over my gps if its raining out. Works like a charm.

Yes... I do have a Scotts damper... Will be sure to ask if I have any questions. It seemed like the bike specific ones were ridiculous $, so making something work for 1/5th the cost sounds good to me

[Subee13]

I have a 700 series Nuvi so here is a link to that cradle and pics of all the mounts. http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products...?prod=RAM-NUV7

There are several mounts that would work for you.

[netra709]

What do you guys about this idea. I have a cheap ($80) Nuvi but the unit does not have a headset connection. I was thinking about opening the case and wiring a headset from the speaker connection. Then I could set my destination, keep the unit in my pocket, and have the headset going into one ear for directions. I know that it could be annoying to have "that bitch" in your ear telling you where to go but I think it's a better alternative to having to keep looking down at a 4" screen. Does that make any sense?

Defineatley makes sense. I hate looking down at it, I would much rather have the earbuds in and listen. It works for me that I can listen to music on it, and it cuts in with directions when needed.

[Subee13]

What do you guys about this idea. I have a cheap ($80) Nuvi but the unit does not have a headset connection. I was thinking about opening the case and wiring a headset from the speaker connection. Then I could set my destination, keep the unit in my pocket, and have the headset going into one ear for directions. I know that it could be annoying to have "that bitch" in your ear telling you where to go but I think it's a better alternative to having to keep looking down at a 4" screen. Does that make any sense?

It makes sense.... Spend the money and get a unit with a 3.5mm jack though. The other way is slightly ghetto. If you can make it work thats cool but I would get a unit that has sight and sound.

[Femmekat]

Are there any models that come with a connection for a headset already?

[Wanderer]

Reconditioned/Refurb Garmin 2610. Waterproof (proof, not resistant). Simple, rugged and discontinued = cheap.

[Subee13]

Are there any models that come with a connection for a headset already?

Most of the Garmin Nuvis do. I would go to Garmin and look online. You want turn by turn directions (they all do). The cheaper units just say turn in 500 feet and the better ones say turn on main street in 500 feet. The better units have other options also such as where am I? (tells you where you are), emergency buttons etc.

I would go with the 4+ inch screen. 99% sure my buddy just got one at Best buy for like 130 that had a bunch of options, 3.5mm jack and 4+ inch screen.

[ssg]

Reconditioned/Refurb Garmin 2610. Waterproof (proof, not resistant). Simple, rugged and discontinued = cheap.

Actually the 2720's are more easily had nowadays and don't have the screen delam issues of the 26xx's. ..best part is the bike wiring harness includes a headphone jack out. I have a 2720 for my bike and also have both model Zumo's but the 2720 gets used the most.

[Cheese]

Lauren,

Lower end GPS units that are used in cars have a maximum of two points (waypoints). Basically you enter your destination and perhaps a restaurant along the way and that's as complex a route as they can store and calculate. If you're on your bike and want to find your way home and add a gas station on the way, they will work fine for this simple task.

If you're looking to enter a 200+ mile route around New England, perhaps avoiding interstates, you're going to need dozens of waypoints to keep you on the good roads and away from the straight toll roads. You'll also want a software package that lets you plan a route on a PC and upload the waypoints to your GPS before you leave. So, route planning and multiple waypoints are what you get for the extra cash.