Motorcycle GPS?

Question

Hello:
I am geting ready to buy my first bike. I would like to purchase a GPS that either comes with a handle bar mount, or a mount that can be purchased later.
I would also like to use this GPS in my car to. Any sugestions would be greatly apperciated.
Thanks,
~Jon

Answer 1

Some crazy folks out there who obviously aren't serious riders and are uninformed.

I've used a GPS on my last three bikes. These are indispensible if you do any rallys, or like to explore on long distance rides. A good GPS can keep you safe, on track, and on time, despite road closures, weather changes, and traffic jams.

I use Garmin because their mapping database is far ahead of everyone elses. The unit came with the car mounting stuff, so I just had to get the Garmin motorcycle mount kit (wiring and bracket). You will also have to buy a mount to put it on your handlebars, steering stem, clutch or brake reservoir, or an unused mirror mount hole. Try www.techmounts.com for a fairly cheap, but simple and effective mount. You can also look up RAM mounts, but I don't like these as well.

When you mount it, be certain it is not dead center, as this is a riding distraction. Better to mount off center to the left or right, but not so far that you have to turn your head to see it. It should just be visible in your peripheral vision when look straight down the road. With a pair of in-ear headphones, you not only block the wind noise but can also hook into the supplied audio cable and get the voice commands from the GPS. No need to really look at the unit very often at all.

Enjoy!

Answer 2

Wow! this is an old question! Anyway, this is for anyone out there interested in an up to date answer.
If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend you buy a dedicated GPS. You can get a free GPS app on your smart phone and buy a compatible mount for your bike but it's not an ideal set up in my opinion. If you're looking at a dedicated GPS you basically have 2 choices: The Garmin Zumo series or the TomTom Rider. Garmin is definitely the better choice if you want to use the GPS in your car. Garmin models come with an automotive power cable and mounting kit but not the TomTom Rider. Also, the TomTom doesn't have internal speakers so if you want to hear spoken direction you will have to buy some. These are purpose built motorcycle navigators with a more rugged design than those used in cars. They are also waterproof, and have screens specially designed for viewing in sunlit conditions. Both Garmin and TomTom devices come with RAM mounting hardware that can be fitted to most bikes, either on the handlebars or brake or clutch reservoir.

Answer 3

I'm chuckling reading some of your responses. Most of the negative responses are from folks that haven't used a GPS on a motorcycle or are simply jealous.

I've got two bikes and have a GPS on both. No, I don't 'fumble' with the GPS. I set my destination and then ride. The GPS provides interesting information, speed, altitude, riding statistics, route information, etc. Have you ever taken a ride and after a few days you wondered about the route (if you don't, you don't ride much), you can download your routing information to your desktop/laptop

Okay, I have both the Garmin Quest and Garmin ZUMO 550. When you receive the ZUMO GPS, you get a motorcycle mounting kit and a suction cup mount for your auto. The ZUMO has a large touch screen display making it easy to read for the more mature rider. If you are riding with gloves, you don't have to take them off to find the nearest gas or restaurant.

The ZUMO 550 is a durable GPS too, that it, motorcycle vibration can destroy a GPS and its mount. I've have to replace the mount on the Quest twice now and have put on about 3000 miles with the ZUMO and haven't had one bit of problem.

The ZUMO 550 isn't cheap (MSP $ 1076.91 USD), but with a little searching on the Internet you can find it under $700. I guess you get what you pay for. Between the Garmin Quest and ZUMO, two thumbs up for the ZUMO...

Answer 4

Garmin has a model that is specifically made for Motorcycles
They have been the leader in GPS technology. The GPS is worth more than $300 so you need to be careful about security when you park your bike
Also make sure that whatever GPS you buy that it has all the maps loaded already. The better ones will give you alternate routes if there is congestion. The road actually changes color on the screen when there is a traffic slowdown

Answer 5

TomTom also makes a GPS specifically for motorcycles, called the TomTom Rider.

It comes with a mounting kit for your motorcycle, and also an earpiece and microphone (for voice commands) for your helmet. The instructions are communicated to you so you don't have to even look at the map for reference.

You can also purchase a mounting kit for your car, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

I wouldn't say this device is any less safe then the other instrument panels you have on your bike, assuming you use it correctly.

I've considered getting one, mainly because the best riding in my area is on country roads. It's easy to get lost and find yourself running low on fuel, with no reference where the closest gas station is. A GPS would be quite handy to point me in the right direction.

Answer 6

I find the fact you would like to use a GPS interesting, I have thought about it myself. Only I want to use it to track my rides so I can later download it to my computer and map the ride. I have been looking at just a simple one that will fit inside my backpack or my tank bag.

I do agree with the previous answers, you don't need to have the annoyance of trying to fumble with anything else while trying to ride. Is like trying to ride with an MP3 player and not liking the next song.

By the way, do you live in New Jersey? I had noticed a lot of GPS's when I was there in 2001.

Answer 7

I use my Garmin Street Pilot III GPS on my BMW motorcycle, a well as in my truck. It is built to be weather resistant, and works well on top of the instrument panel of my bike. I have separate mounting brackets for the bike and the truck, so all I have to do is snap the unit out of one mount and into the other. Most dealers who sell GPS units will also sell some sort of mounting brackets you can use to mount your GPS to your bike.

Answer 8

Ok let me get this straight While using all your arms and feet to control a motorcycle You want to operate a GPS too? Get lost a lot? That is way to dangerious for a new bike rider to do. I suggest that you get used to the bike about a year of accident free riding before you try to complicate the pure joy of riding. I had to hang up my helmet because I day dream and ride past my freeway exit. When you turn on a GPS it has that warning then you press ok have you read that warning?

Answer 9

GPS is a bad idea for the bike. Just plan your rides! Unless your cross'n a strange country's a barren vast wilderness on KTM duke or someth'n. Or backwoods riding in Indo-China!lol

Answer 10

En general estoy bastante desorientada pero me gusta hacer deportes, buscado en los sitios web he encontrado un GPS especial para mí, la verdad es que además del buen precio el reloj con GPS me ha impresionada por la multitud de cosas que lleva y además funciona perfecto, una excelente compra sin duda.