Need a gps

my Garmin 550 Zoom gps has apparently died. So I am looking at replacing it, but I don’t want to pay $600 plus for a replacement. I am inclined to get a regular gps and some sort of motorcycle mount. I wonder if anyone has any suggestions.

 

there's a bunch on my craigs list

 

Ram has everything to mount most models to the handlebars

 

Thanks. Now I just need to find a good inexpensive GPS. Tired of spending $600 for a motorcycle specific gps.

 

Could you get one for your phone? A magnetic tank mount would be much cheaper than a dedicated gps system

 

I had a small generic Garmin with a Ram mount until someone stole it from my car.
Then I bought a used Garmin Zumo 665 specific to bikes with bluetooth for headsets and cell phone connections.
It has memory storage for music also.
The bluetooth is nice as verbal navigation commands come through my Scala Q3 headeset.
It also tells me who is calling me right on the GPS screen.
To do it again I would just get another cheap Garmin unit and Ram mount.
I'm not sure where Bluetooth becomes an option with their prices but I could do without.

https://www.rammount.com/device/gps-mounts

 

Yeh, I'm thinking a cheap Garmin and a ram mount. I don't use mine enough to justify $500+. The only issue with a car gps might be rain. Guess I can make some cover for it just in case.

 

I purchased a Garmin GPS app for my phone. It downloads the maps to the phone, so it takes up a lot of space, but that means it isn't always using my cell data and I never forget to take it with me. Also, since it's a GPS company, not an internet company that pushed out a map, it's directions are much better than Apple or Google's maps.

 

That’s an interesting idea. I will probably need a newer iPhone since i’m Still using the iPhone 4.

 

That's the sort of thing I was thinking about... Any idea how much space the maps use up?

 

I use the map app on my iphone7. It has YET to give me one bad direction. I haven't used my Tomtom in forever. Actually, I don't even know where it is anymore, either.

 

I have never gotten lost using my phone and google map app. I want the iPhone ten but at the price of a motorcycle I’m good with a few extra seconds with my 6s. Hmmm. Who is tomtom. Haha

 

One of my main concerns is rain and brightness of the screen. My wife's Garmin that she used in her car is pretty dim.

 

I have been using my cellphone (Samsung S9) with the ram mount attachment without any issues. I use the Waze app for GPS, it has speed trap reports and road hazard reports.

The brightness has not been a problem in the middle of the day with the sun shining.

The phone is also waterproof.

If you upgrade to an iPhone 7 it is water resistant and should be plenty bright enough.

 

Waze also uses a lot more battery....

 

That is very true. I use a usb adapter for my battery tender cable to charge while a ride. It works for me. Waze seems to adapt the route better to avoid traffic imho.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-081-0158-Disconnect-Smartphone/dp/B00DJ5KEF4

 

I switch back and forth between the two, depending on the situation

My adapter is similar

 

Nobody uses the map pocket on their tankbag anymore?

 

What's a map pocket? Lol

 

I just ride till I'm lost, ride around a little more, then when it becomes absolutely necessary if I'm still lost, then I pull over and check Google maps. Always worked better for me than the tomtom or garmin I've used.

 

Yes to paper maps! I like to highlight the planned route in advance. By tracing it, it gets burned into my brain. Plus, later on, I can go back and reminisce on old road trips.

 

I do use a GPS, but I pre-plan with a map, and have it handy in case of technical problems (and the rather common misrouting by the dumb GPS).

I have a Garmin Zumo 550 that resides in a cheap, waterproof, bar-mounted case that I got from an Ebay seller. Occasionally the waterproof motorcycle freindly GPS models come up for sale at nearly half-off (usually when the models change), but I've never had the cash to do a deal at that time. Since we lost unlimited data I try to not use my phone for GPS.

 

About 2 Gig, I think.

I bought the app when spending a lot of time in a part of the country with poor cell coverage. Without a cell signal, the map apps wouldn't work, let alone directions.

I do. It holds a notebook so I can write down the directions locals give me to the nearest burger joint.

 

Well, I really like my Zumo 550, so I sent it to these folks for repair. Prices seem reasonable and the reviews are good. So I am hoping it is an easy fix.

http://www.palmdr.com/pda-repair/palm

 

Here's a cool/funny/effective idea.....
A couple I know that used to ride all over (Goldwing), did it this way: He had a clear waterproof zip-pouch glued onto the back of him jacket. She'd put the map in There, and via helmet intercom tell him the directions

 

I must have one of those... my wife is always telling me where to go.




P.s. don’t tell her I said that.

 

Just got my Zumo 550 back from these folks and it works great. They fixed the problem, and I had them install a new internal battery and also format my SD card so that I can download the entire US on it, and the total charge including shipping was $98.75. I mailed it on Wednesday, priority mail and received it the next Wednesday by priority mail. When they received the gps they emailed me with the diagnosis and recommended repairs and suggested the SD format. Responses to my emails were the same day. If you have an issue with a gps or palm reader I would recommend these folks.
Short Tronics, INC.
51612 US Highway 169
Mankato, MN 56001-6584
Phone: (612)326-4364
www.PalmDr.com

 

i need a waterproof gps 'cause i get lost in the bathtub

 

@Polock where exactly are you exploring?
Maybe don't answer that...

 

what do i have to do? draw you a picture

 

Wouldn't that be a map?

 

*Checks to make sure it's the Hangout Lounge...
Definitely not a video!