Sat Navagation

[georgem]

Went on a 700 mile with some friends. Several were using Garmin gear. Branded for their bikes. I would like to know what the folks here are using. (I was the only BMW in the group). Thanks forum gurus!

Edited April 2, 2017 by georgem

[Hank R1200RT]

BMW Navigator IV.

 

IMHO the iPhone Maps application has gotten good enough that a separate GPS is less essential. YMMV.

[marcopolo]

BMW Navigator V.

[Danny caddyshack Noonan]

Nav IV, but when I need to put in an address, I double up with a cell phone that doesn't require the damnable reverse polish input protocols. Never had a HP calculator either.

[georgem]

Thanks guys. Bike came with horizontal bar mount, nothing else.

 

[Deek]

Went on a 700 mile with some friends. Several were using Garmin gear. Branded for their bikes. I would like to know what the folks here are using. (I was the only BMW in the group). Thanks forum gurus!

 

I like my Garmin Zumo 660. However, there are many other models from Garmin that are much less expensive. Garmin models run the gamat of options; depends on what you need. I wanted a nav unit that I could connect to my PC and do very detailed route planning, save trips, modify them, etc. I also wanted text-to-speach and a couple of other capabilities. The Zumo is expensive compared to other models like the Nuvi, but it's reasonably "water-proof" which is also important to me.

 

You might want to visit one of the GPS sights to learn more about them to see what features interest you.

[lkraus]

I'm currently using a zumo 590LM. Previously, I liked several apps on my Android phone, but I've had trouble maintaining reliable power on a motorcycle. I've been reading quite a bit in the advrider.com mapping & navigation forum, and it looks like that problem can now be overcome.

 

In my opinion, the Garmin products are reliable, but lacking in features, documentation and user-friendliness, especially considering their high prices. Their Basecamp PC route planner is a nightmare, and it is all too easy to find yourself on an unplanned route once you get on the road.

 

I'll be using the zumo for several more years, but I expect my next navigation device to be a smartphone or tablet.

 

 

[Medic Mike]

I have a Garmin 660 and so far I do not have a lot of issues (mainly the ones Larry just mentioned). I tried several phone apps, Waze, CoPilot and one other I cannot remember. Route planning was not the easiest, then you run into the issue(s) of cell service. There is no "perfect" system, but I agree with Larry, by the time I am ready for a GPS upgrade Tablet based GPS systems will probably be just as good if not better.

Mike