Motorcycle compatibility

 

I use my Garmin in my car all the time, but noticed in the manual it says it's not motorcycle friendly even though the software has a motorcycle option. I'm guessing it's not motorcycle friendly becasue of the size/mounting/weatherability. Can anyone who uses one with a motorcycle recommend a good one or give me tips you've learned?

Thanks!

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Zumo

That's what the Zumo line is designed for.

The Zumo

Look at the Zumo line, as it it designed for bikes.

Daniel

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Garmin StreetPilot c580 & Nuvi 760 - Member 32160 - Traveling in Kansas

Motorcycle compatible

I do't think I would want to use my 660 on a bike with the mount I have as the clip is not that strong and could pop loose with a good bump. I thought I seen a motorcycle mount that you can get then you can use it. Gave up motorcycles a few years ago We did mount radar detectors.

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johnm405 660 & MSS&T

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Yes, the reasons that they say that it is not motorcycle compatible is that it isn't waterproof and isn't designed to be used in an outdoor environment and isn't made to take the bumps and bruises of being on a motorcycle.

The Zumo line (as others have mentioned) is designed for this environment. The SP2820 and Quest 2 can also work although they are older technology.

GPS on a Bike

jimmygarmin2008 wrote:

Can anyone who uses one with a motorcycle recommend a good one or give me tips you've learned?

Best advice I've heard is: Keep it in your pocket or bag until you really NEED it.

I'm thinking that if I needed to use it to navigate through a city, I'd have it on, in my pocket and use an earphone for the voice prompts.

It just seems to me that having it on the bars would be another distraction you don't need.

--
Magellan Maestro 4250// MIO C310X

Is the Zumo tough enough for 4wheelin'?

Motorcycle Mama wrote:

Yes, the reasons that they say that it is not motorcycle compatible is that it isn't waterproof and isn't designed to be used in an outdoor environment and isn't made to take the bumps and bruises of being on a motorcycle.

The Zumo line (as others have mentioned) is designed for this environment. The SP2820 and Quest 2 can also work although they are older technology.

Is the Zumo really tougher? Not doubting, just wondering. I wonder if you could take it with you on a jeep while four wheelin' in the woods and creeks.

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Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

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Yep, it really is. The case is very thick plastic and rubber is made with gasoline resistant materials.

Also, the inside is more rugged to withstand the jolts. I think that it would be perfect in a Jeep or any other four wheeling.

Zumo users have used it on their snowmobiles and there are a bunch of guys at the AVRider (Adventure Rider) forum who have their Zumos on their off-road and dirt road bikes.

Tuff GPS

asianfire wrote:
Motorcycle Mama wrote:

Yes, the reasons that they say that it is not motorcycle compatible is that it isn't waterproof and isn't designed to be used in an outdoor environment and isn't made to take the bumps and bruises of being on a motorcycle.

The Zumo line (as others have mentioned) is designed for this environment. The SP2820 and Quest 2 can also work although they are older technology.

Is the Zumo really tougher? Not doubting, just wondering. I wonder if you could take it with you on a jeep while four wheelin' in the woods and creeks.

I don't know about the Zumo but I take my Nuvi 680 with me offroading and when I go to the sanddunes. The bumbs are pretty bad and constant and my Nuvi keeps on going.

--
Larry - Nuvi 680, Nuvi 1690, Nuvi 2797LMT

you aren't scared of the

you aren't scared of the sand messing it up?

MM, that is cool that it can even be used on snowmobiles...they can get really ruff!

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Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

Why have a Motorcycle Mode

Why does the GPSR have a Motorcycle mode if it is not designed for use on a Motorcycle?

Good question, and probably why some people believe it should also be used on the vehicle.

Ray

--
No matter where you are "Life is Worth Living".

Less rewrite of code

grampa-2007 wrote:

Why does the GPSR have a Motorcycle mode if it is not designed for use on a Motorcycle?

Good question, and probably why some people believe it should also be used on the vehicle.

Ray

Probably for the same reason that a chevy impala uses the same speedometer readout as the corvette although the corvette can go way faster. It would cost Chevy more money to make a readout for each of its models, same for garmins.

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Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

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It's not really a motorcycle mode, it's a navigation routing setting. Since cars and motorcycles follow the same rules of the road, the setting is the same. If you notice, the other options are different routing settings. Pedestrian, Bus, Emergency, etc.

Also, you are free to use it on a motorcycle if you want. Garmin is just indicating that it doesn't have features that are designed to be motorcycle friendly.

Motorcycle Use

I would guess it would be the owner's preferenc as to how they want to use it but I would be cautious abuut using them everywhere. they make laptop and notebooks for use in different vehicles. Not all are good for Fire Engine and Large truck use.

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johnm405 660 & MSS&T

Zumo

The Zumo line is more than just waterproof and vibration resistant. They were made with motorcycles and riders in mind. Large control buttons on the left side only so you could use your left hand (right is for throttle)... a gas gauge monitor that only works when connected to the motorcycle cradle... and, when you have the on-screen keyboard displayed in the motorcycle cradle you get larger buttons so you can use it easier with gloves. All around... if you want to use it outside on a motorcycle, snowmobile, jeep, etc... look at the Zumo.

mrgreen

--
"For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know."

Zumo

is definitely the way to go if you have the cash. I must admit I don't. I'm going to try and use my C550 with my bike. I think the suction mount will do just fine on my Goldwing's windshield. I don't however have total faith in the mount so I am going to create some kind of a lanyard system to keep the GPS from going too far if it leaves the mount. When I ride most of the time I have fingerless gloves. And I don't make many changes while I'm moving anyway.

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Bill 1450LMT C550 ETrex Legend ETrex Summit A computer beat me at chess once. But it was no match at kick boxing.

I just wish that the Zumo line had an external speaker>>>

Motorcycle Mama wrote:

Yes, the reasons that they say that it is not motorcycle compatible is that it isn't waterproof and isn't designed to be used in an outdoor environment and isn't made to take the bumps and bruises of being on a motorcycle.

The Zumo line (as others have mentioned) is designed for this environment. The SP2820 and Quest 2 can also work although they are older technology.

seems silly to have to have an earpiece in order to hear it...with a windshiled, half helmet or no helmet, the external speaker would be a great aide.

JM2C, Ted

--
"You can't get there from here"

Motorcycle friendly GPS

I use a Garmin StreetPilot 2720 which is touchscreen driven and waterproof. I have a special bracket that mounts it just below my field of vision above my handlebars. Maps are very difficult to use on the motorcycle, and the GPS (my second, the first was a Garmin StreetPilot III) has saved my bacon a number of times.

.

Absolutely do NOT use the suction cup on any motorcycle even a Goldwing. Look into getting a RAM mount so that you can securely fasten it to the bike.

c5330 on motorcycle

Warlock wrote:

is definitely the way to go if you have the cash. I must admit I don't. I'm going to try and use my C550 with my bike. quote]

I use my c530 on my bike all the time. I would never trust the suction cup. I unstalled a RAM mount. Otherwise, the c530 works great. RT modifyed my sound files and it is loud as hell at all speeds, thanks to the two big speakers in the rear of the unit. On the rare occasions I get caught in the rain, I just throw a zip lock sandwich bag over the GPS and keep riding.

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Garmin Nuvi 750 & c530 with RT's vol. mod., Vulcan Nomad

gas gauage

drbillk wrote:

... a gas gauge monitor that only works when connected to the motorcycle cradle... mrgreen

Cool, so you can see how much gas you have left? How does that work?

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Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

.

You input how many miles you get per tank and then it calculates the fuel level based upon your miles driven. When you get to the point where you have 30 miles left in your tank, a fuel tank icon pops up on the screen and when you press it, it brings up a list of fuel stations in accordance with distance from your current location.

Oh I thought it would

Oh I thought it would actually tell you how much gas you have by having some sort of interface to the motorcycle. Still, I wish that I had that on the nuvi. Of course, mpg can really change depending on if I am a large city or in rural NC. And have fast I go.

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Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

Nuvi 360 and my Motorcycle

I talk with Garmin before I bought my 360 and they said what has been posted. Not water proof or dust proof. I have a zip lock in my saddle bag but haven't needed it as I try to avoid riding in the rain. As far as the dust goes I figure not much differnt than driving with your windows down and the opening can be covered with a little tape. I have about 2000 miles on my 360 on the bike and have had no problems. I use the suction mount but have the disc mounted to the bike and have had no problems yet. I do plan on getting a RAM mount.

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Nuvi 750 And a 2006 Star Venture between my legs.

360 on Motorcycle

I would say you do more street driving than back roads and hills. But again if there is a will there is a way to use anything. If I still had my goldwing I would have my 660 on there some way.

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johnm405 660 & MSS&T

Nuvi 360

My Nuvi 360 has become the most important accessory on my bike. I do have a touring bike and my garmin has replaced my mp3 player and my XM reciever. I just load 2gig SD cards with my music and hit the road. A couple of weeks ago did 900 miles in 3 days and didn't get thru the first SD card.

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Nuvi 750 And a 2006 Star Venture between my legs.

Use my 660 on my Motorcycle

Use my 660 on my Motorcycle all the time. Works great with RAM mount. I keep a ziplock in my saddle bags in case of rain. I use the MP3 player with earbuds, works great for me.

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Newbee

Using GPS on Motorcyle

I use an old Garmin III plus on my motorcycle. it doesn't do all the things that my Garmin 660 and 360 do, but on the other hand if it bounces off on the pavement, or gets stolen I have haven' lost a valuble piece of equipment.

Although Garmin no longer offers this product, ebay's price is around $50.00. Figure the motorcycle mount to be another 15 to 20 dollars.

--
Oldrivers http://www.oldrivers.blogspot.com

Etrex for motorcycle

I use my Etrex Vista when on my bike. It is not nearly as sexy as my Nuvi, but it is much more rugged. It does well enough to get me where I am going and I don't have to worry about damaging it. I also use my Etrex on my M1A1 Tank, and have never had any problems with it. Old but tough little gadget.

R/Tim

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R/Tim NUVI 660, ETREX Vista, Rhino 120, zumo 660, nuvi 3790

RAM Mount

I'm getting the RAM Aqua-Mount medium wide
http://www.gpscity.ca/ramb174aq6
for my Nüvi 750. There's no way today that I could justify the $800 expense of the Zumo, especially since I won the Nüvi at a rally. I don't understand why a company would donate a car GPS to a bike rally though.

While waiting for the mount to arrive I've been using the Nüvi with a 2GB SD card to listen to mp3s and find POIs in distant places by keeping it in my jacket. Even after mounting I'll need to use the phones because I don't have and couldn't hear speakers in any case.

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Nüvi 750, 2008 GoldWing

GPS and motorcycle compatibility

I have a Ram mount system with a large Aqua Box for my c550. The box is water proof, has alot of shock resistant foam support and allows use of the touch screen. Since I have speakers on my bike, I run a cord from the speaker out to the radio aux. I keep the unit in the aqua box all of the time, with the exception of loading POI's. I transfer the setup from the car to the bike having to only disconnect two wires, the power and the aux. cord and removing the aqua box and arm from the suction cup mount (in the car) to the reservior mount (in the bike). So far so good.

Goldwing Interstate, I have

Goldwing Interstate, I have the auxilliary audio jack in the wiring system from the factory, and it works great! As far as the mount, I am thinking of three places and methods.

1. The left compartment cover already secures it well in the straps, used it there already but it's inconvenient to see and operate.

Velcro

2. Since the GPS(navigon 5100) is dedicated to the bike anyway, I very well may use velcro, and mount it:

a. Dead square between the tach and the speedo, portrait more. It will be more protected from short rain bursts there. A partial shadow of the high speedometer range and low RPM reeadings, but acceptable. Fiddling with it will be tricky though.

b. On the flat region about 4-5" in front of the fuel door, 6-8" from crotch, in landscape mode. Nice landing area, but might be distracting to be looking down to watch during travel, plus the weather enters into the equation.

Y'all see pros and cons? I can't really see getting the elaborate handle bar mounts since the Wing is so customized(no bare, round bar material.)

Motorcycle Compatibility

A number of riders in my club have regular (non-motorcycle) GPS that work just fine. I bought a Nuvi 350 because I wanted a unit with an earphone jack. I plan to buy a Ram mount for it, and use a set of earbuds under my helmet to hear the Garmin commands or music.
Zac

Clear Holder/Mount Found!

I was looking for a clear container to atttach to the Goldwing for the Navigon 5100 to mount between the GW emblem and just above the radio, using velcro(not on the CPS itself) for easy on/off removal and access/view. I found something at Walmart which should serve two purposes, it is a lens cleaning kit up by the eyeware dept. I intend to use the clear package with a snap flap for the GPS and the lens cleaner for screen maintainence. It might require removal for screen fingering, haven't tried it yet, but it gives respectable protection from the elements. I'll run the sound through the audio via the wired audio plug in the wiring harness, so the speaker on the backside facing down won't be an issue.

Just thought it was noteworthy to let motorcyclers here know of a non expensive add-on for these 3.5" units. NOTE: The 4.3" units may not fit, I'll have to try the Nuvi 660 and report back if there's an interest to anyone, including the report on the touch screen operation through the extra layer of clear plastic.

i use a nuvi 200 all the

i use a nuvi 200 all the time on my harley with no prob

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Ride just Ride

ZUMO 450 keeps traveling when I stop.

I left my Zumo on my bike, (Turned on) one weekend and when I rode again the GPS had traveled 25 miles more than the bike. Then I looked closer and the speed would go to .4 .2 .1 MPH so my question is, other than turning it off when you stop is there a way to keep it from racking up miles when it standing still?

I was also wondering how accurate is the odometer and Speedo?

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Zumo 550 on a 2014 Indian Chiefain, Garmin RV660

Zumo

I would be quick to agree that the Zumo is much more robust (Zumo 550 here) and ideal for being on a bike. I am not sure about the movement over time when sitting still, but suspect that it has to do with tracking the satellites as the earth is shifting on it axis (and as accuracy changes throughout the day). I would recommend turning it off so that you have the theft feature invoked. Pertaining to accuracy of the speedo, I believe that it is more accurate then on the bike. In general as tires start to wear the accuracy on the bike will be much different as the GPS unit remains fairly consistant and accurate. On my bike I have found they are in full agreement with new tires and as the tires wear, the difference between the two increases

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OldSpace, are your Zumo firmware and your GPS Chipset software updated to the latest versions?

25 miles is a lot.

Also, as indicated above, are you sure your bike odometer is correct? Tires, etc?

Otherwise, there's no way to shut it off other than going to Wrench > System > GPS Mode > GPS Off or to shut it off completely.

Zumo 450

Firmware was just updated a dew weeks ago when I got the new 2009 maps.

I use the Security feature and the bike is parked in a garage. I am out in the boondocks so if anyone were around to attempt a theft the live stock would raise hell.

I guess I will just turn it off.

My speedo must be off because at 70mph the reading on the gage is 4 MPH faster than the GPS.

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Zumo 550 on a 2014 Indian Chiefain, Garmin RV660

Zumo 550 on a Harley

Where is the best place to mount a Zumo on an Electroglide? Can you do it yourself or do you need to take it to the shop? I want to be able to use it in the car also. Thanks

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Barb

It Can be done!!

Well, if you are the least mechanically inclined you can. The Zumo 550 comes with 2 mounts, one for car the other for the bike. The one for the bike needs to be hardwired in the system. I don't own a HD so I can't tell you where and how to install it.

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Rodney.. oditius.htc@gmail.com BMW Zumo 550 HTC Touch Pro - Garmin XT

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archieck, you might want to check out the Zumo Forums.

www.zumoforums.com

There are a bunch of long threads about mounting the Zumo on Harley's as well as a ton of Zumo-specific information.

Also, as stated above, the Zumo 550 comes with a separate mount for use in the car.

Mounts

I use a a RAM aqua box and a 760 on my motorcycle with out any problems sofar

--
RCC

Zumo 450

I did a quick price comparison for the zumo 450, and the prices range from $399 to $699. The $399 was on Amazon, with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MF7L46?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=m...

When I was on the Garmin site, the only differences I saw between the 450 and 550 was that the 450 doesn't have the Bluetooth, and traffic receiver. I might have missed something else, so don't hold me to it. wink

--
Originator of Keeping Your Windmill Alive. Live in MA & have a cooking website. 6 yr. member. http://kitchentoysmakecookingfun.blogspot.com/

.

The 450 doesn't have TTS. It doesn't support XM Radio. It also doesn't have the auto mount and auto power cord that come with the 550.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?compareProduct=8582&c...

You've Got Me Thinking

I'm thinking of a springtime '09 major 2-wheel purchase. This thread has given me additional things to think about.

I'm reminded of the Click & Clack (aka Magliozzis, aka Tappet Brothers) adage: It's the cheapskate that pays the most.

I'll put a Zumo in my budget. But, there are good ideas here. So, like Jack Benny: I'm still thinking. wink

GregPaul

smile

whats the point if you cant see it.

Distraction is defined by the driver.

I've had GPS's on my Hog going on 7 years. I started with a simple handheld SporTrak Pro and an ATV mount...not really designed for road use...it performed well given its limitations...I just recently upgraded to the Zumo 450.

As for being a distraction, hardly. You just have use common sense. On the highways...make sure you have a clean road and plenty of distance ... in town...only look at it when stopped for lights.

I have gone all over the NorthEastern US and Canada and have not once gotten "distracted" by that lump of plastic on the left handlebar.

Costco .... Zumo 450

$349.

left handed buttons....left hand side.

I mount my GPS on the left handle bar next to the clutch/mirror mount. quick easy access...and I dont have to move my hand far from the grip.

nuvi200 for motorbike

goals CHEAP TOUGH EFFECTIVE

challenge 1: waterproofing(sand proofing too)

gear: 2 clear, strong spermicideless condoms, glue for latex or whatever to glue the knots or inputs sealed...

fit condom so the hole ends up where the power cable goes into the gps...

oh add one of these dry crystal packs to soak up condensation..basically the moisture in the trapped air which falls out of it when the air cools down...

this is waterproof down to 5m in a swimming bath!!

be careful not to ride your bike at those depths though..

I use 2 condom to cover wear and tear risks..but 1 is ok for light rain risk and cheaper gps!!

It needs to be remade after a month spell in the desert due to sand abrasion or 3months of riding in scotland

now the mounting and vibration protection...

few ideas..for vibration reduction...fit a washing up sponge between mount an gps....

my first mount for enduro consists of:

clear swimming goggle case backed with duck tape plastic coke bottle plastic to stiffen and strengthen, large washers to spreader the force..bolted to a super strong clip then cross wrapped with old bike inner tube cut into strips bonds and strengthen clip...3 mini sponges were then placed behind and to the left and right of the gps

sometimes you can buy undees or socks in clear plastic zip up cases these make excellent gps mounts too just fill up extra space with sponge cameras and
mobile gadgets
second mount for cbr600...less high magnitude vibration

coat hanger wire....clip off the knotted curly section...straighten it then push into smallest diameter plastic piping either clear or clear green stuff (protects gps from being scratched by wire..

now bend wire so a loop comes up round every corner of the nuvi and leave a loop section to be clamped to bars or whereever is convenient...wire plastic absorbs much of the vibration,,,

I really need to show photos to save 1000 words more needed to explain this more clearly

ps coat hanger plastic tubing and gaffer tape have made my video camera mount too brilliant stuff for less than 4quid

cheers

pardon the english grammar economy!! deciphering makes you more intelligent wink

another company makes one

Lets not forget the
TomTom RIDER 2nd edition - Motorcycle GPS receiver
just to be fair.

I have no review for it, just google it!
After Google is your friend.

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Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.
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