I have a Nuvi 765T in my car and a Zumo 660 on my Can-Am Spyder.
They are different in some ways -- but, fundamentally functional clones.
Unless you are willing to go to extraordinary means to protect your GPS you need one made for motorcycles. There are subtle changes to allow for things like making entries with gloves on -- but, the largest single difference is waterproofing.
I personally love Garmin GPS units -- but, to be honest I have little to no experience with others except a short and abortive romance with a Tom Tom -- which I hated for several reasons.
I TRY to avoid riding in the rain, but if I do AND I really NEED the gps, I'll cover it with a clear plastic sandwich bag and secure with a rubber band. I've had the 255w for about a 1 1/2 years and only did this a couple of times. Major $ difference in zumo units. Just my $.02
It really would depend on the type of motorcycle you have and weather conditions your willing to ride in. Personally, I use my Nuvi 265wt on my Goldwing. If it begins to rain, I just place a baggy over it or I'll store it in the glove box. The only drawback in not being able to hear it clearly. I'm looking at how I can tap into the speaker and tie it into the intercom system.
If you are a long distance rider, don't go cheap, get a Zumo 550. I wouldn't use a GPS that I have to stick in a baggie or saddlebag when it rains. I want it to be available for me to safely use to get to my next destination, especially when the weather is foul. The Zumo plays mp3's and is fully integrated with audible navigational directions. While XM is available, I'd rather listen to my own music. The 3.5mm jack supports earphone very well. It doesn't shutdown like my iPod does with vibrations. I don't ride with a fairing radio.
$650 for a good unit, plus $100 for lifetime map updates has been well worth the investment. That's $0.02/mile for the 30K I've ridden with the Zumo. I expect at least another 30K on this Garmin.
-- Zumo 550 & Zumo 665
My alarm clock is sunshine on chrome.
gps for motorcycle
look here
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135
they seem to be waterproofed for motorcycles to withstand tough weather. But they cost more then car units
MOTORCYCLE GPS
What would be a good GPS unit for a motorcycle?
I have a Nuvi 765T in my car and a Zumo 660 on my Can-Am Spyder.
They are different in some ways -- but, fundamentally functional clones.
Unless you are willing to go to extraordinary means to protect your GPS you need one made for motorcycles. There are subtle changes to allow for things like making entries with gloves on -- but, the largest single difference is waterproofing.
I personally love Garmin GPS units -- but, to be honest I have little to no experience with others except a short and abortive romance with a Tom Tom -- which I hated for several reasons.
I TRY to avoid riding in the
I TRY to avoid riding in the rain, but if I do AND I really NEED the gps, I'll cover it with a clear plastic sandwich bag and secure with a rubber band. I've had the 255w for about a 1 1/2 years and only did this a couple of times. Major $ difference in zumo units. Just my $.02
Another Option
If price is a factor, the Garmin 500 is waterproof, you can get a cradle for mounting, and can be hard wired to power.
The unit itself can be moved from vehicle to vehicle easily.
If you ain't got pictures, I wasn't there.
I wonder...
I wonder if the motorcycle units are better protected against vibration???
.
Zumo for sure.
Goldwing
It really would depend on the type of motorcycle you have and weather conditions your willing to ride in. Personally, I use my Nuvi 265wt on my Goldwing. If it begins to rain, I just place a baggy over it or I'll store it in the glove box. The only drawback in not being able to hear it clearly. I'm looking at how I can tap into the speaker and tie it into the intercom system.
Zumo 550
I got my Zumo nearly three years ago and never regretted the purchase. I use it on both my bikes and in my car.
Garmin Zumo550
Zumo 550 Recommendation
If you are a long distance rider, don't go cheap, get a Zumo 550. I wouldn't use a GPS that I have to stick in a baggie or saddlebag when it rains. I want it to be available for me to safely use to get to my next destination, especially when the weather is foul. The Zumo plays mp3's and is fully integrated with audible navigational directions. While XM is available, I'd rather listen to my own music. The 3.5mm jack supports earphone very well. It doesn't shutdown like my iPod does with vibrations. I don't ride with a fairing radio.
$650 for a good unit, plus $100 for lifetime map updates has been well worth the investment. That's $0.02/mile for the 30K I've ridden with the Zumo. I expect at least another 30K on this Garmin.
Zumo 550 & Zumo 665 My alarm clock is sunshine on chrome.