Gps Units For A Motorcycle

[Tom Mainus]

I did a search and found a little info from last year. I am looking for a gps unit for the Harley so i don't get lost going to matches. Have done a little research and it seems like the Garmins keep popping up as the best. Anybody have one? I am not afraid to shell out some bucks for this because I only want to do it once, but it would be nice to have some input from somebody who has one. Am looking for user friendly, don't need to run it off a laptop or anything like that. I am technologically challenged so simple is better.

Tom

[Patrick Sweeney]

The Magellan rep hunted me down at the SHOT show and practically forced units into my pockets. I'll be testing some, and will report here on what I find. Anyone who knows me knows that when it comes to electronics my nickname should be "Dr.Mengele" so if they survive me they are tough units.

[p3ordie]

Tom,

I'm currently using a Garmin StreetPilot 2610 on my bike. It's got a nice color screen, software is very easy to navigate through. I've had it for just over a year, no problems. I've got extended memory in it, I've loaded about 2/3 country in it. Excellent for cross country travel!

Thanks,

Mark

[smokshwn]

Tom,

Check out this site Adventure Rider . It is arguably the motorcycle adventure touring equivalent of the BE forums.

Good luck, Craig

[Tom Mainus]

Craig,

What the hell you trying to do, get me divorced. I spend enough time on the Enos forums and you go and show me that. Its been nice knowing all of you.

Tom

[smokshwn]

BE and ADV are the two places I hang out (why couldn't I have picked two other hobbies, say tiddlywinks and rock polishing). Before you ask, yes I am single. I figure what the hell, I don't have any dependants, a one person authorization for expenditure process, so I might as well live on the ragged edge of bankruptcy

Take care, Craig

[Genghis]

I've had a Magellan Meridian Gold for years. The big advantage is that it takes SD cards, so you can load a lot of detail into the unit.

It's a handheld unit, so I can take it in other vehicles. That would be a necessity for a biker, being able to remove and stow it securely. Mine is mono, but they have a newer one in color available for $300 or less on eBay.

[zxd9]

While it's not a current generation unit I have used the Garmin GPV V and really like it. I take it with me any time I travel.

[Gary Johnson]

I spent two years trying different units and comparing results from fellow riders. The Garmin 2610 always comes out on top. I got mine a couple years ago and haven't seen anything better. Even Garmins newer offerings don't fill the bill as well as the 2610. I don't anticipate replacing mine any time soon.

Pros:

- Excellent touch screen and IR remote.

- Excellent interface/controls. Garmin put a lot of thought into this one. I design computer interfaces for a living and haven't found anything lacking in the 2610.

- Maps stored on easy to get and inexpensive CF cards. A 1GB card holds the entire North American map set.

- SPEED!, routing corrections made before you realize you've made a wrong turn.

- Weather tight. It is not rated for outdoor use but I've yet to hear of a weather related failure.

- Shock proof. The 2610 with a CF memory card has no problem with the vibration experienced on a typical motorcycle.

NOTE: Newer Garmin models support microdrives (tiny hard drives built into CF cards). Microdrives do not fare well in motorcycle use. Do not use one if you ride.

- Supports external antenna. If you use it in your car and have trouble getting signals you can mount an external antenna. I use mine in a 98 GTP and 05 Ram with no troubles but the capability is there if you need it.

- Price. The 2610 is not cheap but it is 'last years model' so prices are coming down and deals are getting easier to find.

Cons:

- No internal battery. You have to plug it into a 12V power supply to use it.

- Anyone who has one is not likely to give it up so finding used ones is a hit and miss proposition.

ETA:

Check out Sport-Touring.net and Two Wheel Touring for tons of info on anything you would ever dream of using on two wheels.

Edited February 25, 2006 by Gary Johnson