The Missus is thinking of buying a Sat Nav Techno thingy.
Now i like a good paper map, you can see everything relative to everything else and if you Know where north is i can usually find anywhere that i need to find.
Having said that, if she does get one id like to be able to wire it up to the bike.
So, which one do you good people sugest?
Ta , dazco
My experiences with Sat Nav have all been with Garmin products. Street Pilot III, 2720 and now the Zumo 550. The 550 is designed for bikes and it shows. Performance is excellent on the bike or in the truck. It comes with mounts for both. It's weather resistant (most are not). A little pricey but I am completely satisfied with mine.
I was slow to make the transition from paper to techno myself, but once I did, I've never regretted it.
I love the GPS' 'You Are Here' feature, showing you exactly where you are in relation to towns and other roads. A paper map in the tank bag's map pocket comes somewhat close... if you've been riding with one finger on the map, keeping track of every town and intersection as you go.
I haven't tossed my maps out, though. They're still better for trip planning than scrolling through various map scales on the GPS screen. Even in the middle of a trip, I like to lay the map out and look at the surrounding area from time to time.
My GPS is a Garmin GPSMap 76CSx. It's a waterproof handheld that floats... right handy in the boat, canoe, kayak, Jeep, on foot, etc. This one also has a compass and altimeter.
I like my Garmin 450, have used it quite a bit this year and it seems to get a signal where other units do not. The 450 does not have the bluetooth, xm, or travel alert capabilities that the 550 has. So if you do not need the bells and whistles it is a bit more affordable.
Quote from: "dazco"The Missus is thinking of buying a Sat Nav Techno thingy.
Now i like a good paper map, you can see everything relative to everything else and if you Know where north is i can usually find anywhere that i need to find.
Having said that, if she does get one id like to be able to wire it up to the bike.
So, which one do you good people sugest?
Ta , dazco
I have had a few, all Garmins. My current is the Streetpilot 2730 (like the 2720 but has the XM antennae). It is discontinued. Go to edgegps.com and they have factory refurbs at a wicked good price (I paid around $400 when I got a refurb and I got one for my Mom). Touch screen, good maps, good on a bike or in a car.
Good luck, AndyB, NH.
I need a GPS to earn a living,times money,and the quicker i get somwhere the sooner i get home,i just can't relate to that on a bike when on my travels or on holiday,i'll stick to a map,it's nice to know i can still wipe my own arse when i have too!!! :wink:
But if you feel unable to peform without one,then Garmin,just don't depend on e'm to much,because they can really get you in the soft and smelly,perfect they ain't.
Quote from: "Chris Canning"I need a GPS to earn a living,times money,and the quicker i get somwhere the sooner i get home,i just can't relate to that on a bike when on my travels or on holiday,i'll stick to a map,it's nice to know i can still wipe my own arse when i have too!!! :wink:
But if you feel unable to peform without one,then Garmin,just don't depend on e'm to much,because they can really get you in the soft and smelly,perfect they ain't.
And you know a piece of technolgy that IS perfect? Hmmm, that I'd like to see!
I'll admit that Garmin (or most any GPS) has some quirks about routing and stuff. It is nice to know where you are at that moment or have a decent idea of the nearest gas station when in parts unfamiliar. It's a fun thing and good in an emergency but I never expect it (or me) to be perfect.
I'm curious, what do you use the GPS for to earn money? Trucking?
AndyB, NH.
The only problem I find with GPS is that when you use it you tend to turn your brain off and let the machine do the thinking and that ain't smart :wink:
i would kinf of agree with that a little bit. when i was flying alot i got a lorance air map and would use it in the champ.it was great till one day i was wingin along and it died and left me scrambling for a chart that i put in the back seat. then had to find my self on the map. not huge deal,but just the same i put to much trust in a machine. there's nothing like a good map and compas.
Quote from: "armadillo76"Quote from: "Chris Canning"I need a GPS to earn a living,times money,and the quicker i get somwhere the sooner i get home,i just can't relate to that on a bike when on my travels or on holiday,i'll stick to a map,it's nice to know i can still wipe my own arse when i have too!!! :wink:
But if you feel unable to peform without one,then Garmin,just don't depend on e'm to much,because they can really get you in the soft and smelly,perfect they ain't.
And you know a piece of technolgy that IS perfect? Hmmm, that I'd like to see!
I'll admit that Garmin (or most any GPS) has some quirks about routing and stuff. It is nice to know where you are at that moment or have a decent idea of the nearest gas station when in parts unfamiliar. It's a fun thing and good in an emergency but I never expect it (or me) to be perfect.
I'm curious, what do you use the GPS for to earn money? Trucking?
AndyB, NH.
I move motorcycles all over the Uk,anymore than that is too much info!!!
I've got 2 not one is a Zumo
If you can afford it get the zumootherwise a nuvi works ok at around 160 bucks
I can affirm...... a GPS in an unfamilair, large city is worth it's weight in gold!
As a sales rep I can punch in addresses and make my calls without getting lost!
I went "GPS" about 8 years ago but I still use proper maps to plan everything, then upload the routes onto the GPS. I find that I can enjoy the route and everything around me without having to worry about missing a turn. You just follow the pink line and know that you'll end up exactly where you planned. It'll even tell you when you're going to get there.
My current GPS (only had it for a couple of weeks) is the Zumo 550. Previous was a Street Pilot 3. Once you get the hang of everything it just becomes second nature to follow the routes.
The Zumo550 has just about everything you could possibly want in a GPS, including a compass, altimeter, fuel gauge and full trip computer. And, as has been mentioned before, you get mounts for bike and car in the box.
Recommended.
I think ill be staying with the map for a while and just make sure the wife has her mobile on her just in case :roll:
The uk isnt realy that big a place to get seriously lost.
Thanks Daz 8)
ZUMO ZUMO ZUMO :shock:
GPS on a bike is superb for touring. I use a Zumo550. Just make sure you plan your routes on PC first and carry maps with you for reference. Set to shortest route and switch off auto-recalculate. Use your brain and don't totally rely on it and you can get on with enjoying the riding. Go where you want and navigate freestyle back to the planned route line whenever you like. Superb for finding fuel in unfamiliar territory. I could go on....
Quote from: "dazco"I think ill be staying with the map for a while and just make sure the wife has her mobile on her just in case :roll:
The uk isnt realy that big a place to get seriously lost.
Thanks Daz 8)
Maybe not but a GPS will take you straight to the hotel you pre-booked. Will find the nearest fuel station etc. etc. All this all over Europe.
Of course, if you never go anywhere.................
Come on, it's a GADGET. You know you want one really.
Blimey after reading above,makes me wonder how i've survived travelling Europe 3/4 times a year for last 35 years,prebooked hotels,fuel stations :cry: yea right.
Turning up in a semi closed down ski resort on the Czech/Polish boarder,do you have a room? yes,but you must pay first,how much, £16, each?,no for both and the evening meal :wink:
Finding hotels by chance,and were the next tank of fuel is coming from is all part of the game,or is biking becoming that clinical.
I don't think it's becoming that clinical. It's another tool that allows me to get off my planned route for some limited adventure. For me I'd love to live the romantic rides you just discussed but I'm fortunate to get out and ride when I get the time. I can't afford to screw up with lack of planning as much as I would enjoy the spontaneity. I dream of the day when I'm retired and have the luxury of time. 8) For now my GPS allows me to take whatever route I feel like at the time and gets me back on track for my final destination. That's as much improv as I can afford for now.
I'm a map and navigation freak. I keep maps, rollcharts, and GPS going all at the same time. I simply enjoy knowing exactly where I am at any given time. I'm not being 'clinical', it's just part of the fun.
I've always believed that Maps were for planning and GPS for navigation within your route. That's always worked well for me. I rarely follow my route as planned but travel the general path that I set up with the map. And I always cary maps.
To clarify, I'm not a Route Freak. I might plan something out the night before, but if I see a sign for the World's Second-Biggest Ball of String, I'll detour in a heartbeat. And if there's something cool off of that detour, I'll detour again.
I'm not eaten up with routes and schedules, but I do like knowing where I am and what's nearby.
I'd call you a freak Stretch but never a "route" freak...... :roll:
Same here. Planning a route allows me to have a plan that I can veer from. It just gives me a final destination.
Quote from: "HappyMan"I'd call you a freak Stretch but never a "route" freak...... :roll:
Or a Root Freak. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v638/Stretch67/cheeky-smiley-025.gif)
:qgreenjumpers
The best part of GPSs is this: when I plan a trip on a map, I am limited to a certain sized road depending on the map scale. When I get there and am riding, and I see a little dirt road that didn't show on the map, I think, is it a half mile dead end, or is it a different leg to connect me to a different part of my journey? If its a dead end, I ignore it, but if it's a little dirt road that actually takes me somewhere, I turn, and only a GPS can give me that.
Geof
That's it in a nut shell Geoff!
Another useful feature if you use Garmin and Mapsource software is the ability to view a chosen route in Google Earth. This really provides a good indication of the profile and type of landscape you'll be riding through.
I often select routes from the mapping based on how squiggly the line is, but without checking with google earth it's difficult to see if you'll be riding through open hills with great views or stuck in a closed in forrest.
And for those who prefer to just set off on a random unplanned ride-out;
When you get home you can upload the track log and easily see where you've been and save the best bits to build into a route for the future.
Bloody hell do you like bikeing with a touch of antiseptic!!,were's the fun and excitment in that,you know the road,you've seen the views,were the next fuel station is, how to find your hotel,and you can remember it for the next time,i'm just trying to work were the fun is?? i know!! putting the fuel in the bike :wink:
Quote from: "Chris Canning"Bloody hell do you like bikeing with a touch of antiseptic!!,were's the fun and excitment in that,you know the road,you've seen the views,were the next fuel station is,
Keep in mind, that where I live, the next fuel station might be 150 miles away on a road that sees a couple of cars a day, and knowing where gas is is the difference between a fun ride, and sitting on the side of the road for eight hours. (no cell reception either.)
(http://xy.cx/pics/bikes/DSCF1732.jpg)
Geof
Firstly if you see an earler posting i use one every day of the week i'm afraid,i don't use one unless i'm makeing money,makes you wonder how the world has survived before GPS,re your posting,it's extreme,but in central France on the Autoroute there is also a black hole for fuel,hence why over the years,i've always i've always bought a bike with a big fuel range and always look for fuel at the 80/90 mark,GPS is a nice gadgit,but the reality,it just stops people engageing their brain,e'rm!!! speaking from experience,when i'm on holiday,i use a map,the sun,and bloody good sense of direction,when i've got my GPS on i just follow the instructions,thinking is optional :wink:and thats a dangerous combo on a bike.
Plus the fact when lost,i've had some great experiences asking for directions from the locals
Just to let you know, the missus has just bought an RAC unit, very basic in terms of route planning etc
However i do like its simplicity and the cost :) (£75)
Its got all the usual route planning stuff, Home , office, post code search, it even shows most of the green lanes aroud the peak district which suprised me, etc etc, shows petrol stations and something she will need, Speed camera Alerts :?
Shes already got 6 points so gotta be careful.
Ill have to borrow it at some point for the bike so will have to use it in the map pocket of a tank bag or make a waterproof case, cant wait to get tinkering.
Daz
I still believe that a GPS enhances the ride experience. If the route is pre-planned then it's quicker than having to keep stopping and refering to a map. It doesn't get soggy and fall apart in the rain.
Really, the thing that did it for me was that you get a detailed street map for every town in Europe built in. So navigation in, around and through strange cities is easy and certain.
Quote from: "Chris Canning"GPS is a nice gadgit,but the reality,it just stops people engageing their brain,e'rm!!! speaking from experience,when i'm on holiday,i use a map,the sun,and bloody good sense of direction,when i've got my GPS on i just follow the instructions,thinking is optional :wink:and thats a dangerous combo on a bike.
My brain is engaged in riding the bike and enjoying the roads and scenery. Not dangerous at all. The navigation bit is a chore that the GPS makes easy.
I guess there will always be the die-hards who resist progress. I see them now and again riding with goggles on staring down at the tank bag !
I know Chris C is just baiting us. As anyone who has used GPS is familiar with all the benefits. How you apply them to your enjoyment of riding is up to the individual.
Knowing how important GPS is,i'm feeling pretty happy with myself,haveing done my first trip to Europe in 1973 on my twostroke 750 Kawasaki,and by this year reckon our trip total is over 110,blimey i must some kind of navigator :wink: ,the problem being as i use GPS as much as i do in the Uk,i can tell that ability is going down the pan,although had to smile when planning one of next years trips,my GPS doesn't go to Hungary!!
Quote from: "Chris Canning"Knowing how important GPS is,i'm feeling pretty happy with myself,haveing done my first trip to Europe in 1973 on my twostroke 750 Kawasaki,and by this year reckon our trip total is over 110,blimey i must some kind of navigator :wink: ,
I too, started touring in the mid 70s with a map on top of a tankbag but since I started needing reading glasses I couldn't read the map so easily so I started using a GPS because the writing on screen is a bit bigger and also when I've done all the planning indoors I can just follow the set route. I think it's safer by GPS because I don't have to try to find where I am on a map whilst going along or stop to turn the map etc etc.
Quote from: "Chris Canning"had to smile when planning one of next years trips,my GPS doesn't go to Hungary!!
Mine does. Ha! In fact I was thinking of following the Carpathian mountains right round into Romania next year.
You need Garmin EuroCN2008NT in a Zumo. Full coverage Hungary, Czech Rep, Slovakia, Poland & Slovinia.
Quote from: "abruzzi"Keep in mind, that where I live, the next fuel station might be 150 miles away on a road that sees a couple of cars a day, and knowing where gas is is the difference between a fun ride, and sitting on the side of the road for eight hours. (no cell reception either.)
(http://xy.cx/pics/bikes/DSCF1732.jpg)
Geof
One thing I wish the Zumo could do is search along the set route. Or, say, within 5 miles each side of it.
Quote from: "Chris Canning"....my GPS doesn't go to Hungary!!
Well that means there must be no roads there then :roll:
And the world is flat to the extent of Garmin's mapping - isn't it ?
:D :D :D
Quote from: "ChrisN"I guess there will always be the die-hards who resist progress. I see them now and again riding with goggles on staring down at the tank bag !
You been following me then?
Seriuosly, I use GPS when I want to get to a specific place and don't want to bother with a map; when I need to find places (eg LPG stations for the car) which might otherwise be difficult; when I'm going through cities; when I'm travelling to arrive rather than to enjoy the trip.
I still prefer the map in the tankbag when I'm not sure where exactly I'm going but just the general direction; where enjoying the ride and the diversions from it are more important than "arriving"; and most of all when I don't want to predetermine what the day may bring. Generally these are when I'm touring on the bike.
But I'm not suggesting anyone else should do as I do, Chris. You do seem to have a one size fits all attitude to this.
Oh, and Blacktiger: varifocals are magic.........
Quote from: "iansoady"Oh, and Blacktiger: varifocals are magic.........
Yeah! Tried them. The optician somehow got the prescription hopelessly wrong so that I couldn't see straight. I ended up with a retest and some bi-focals which I like. I won't go back to maps in the top of the tankbag though.
Quote from: "blacktiger"The optician somehow got the prescription hopelessly wrong so that I couldn't see straight. I ended up with a retest and some bi-focals which I like.
Yes, it's quite difficult to get them right but some opticians seem better than others (my local Specsavers has been excellent). The main advantage of vari- over bifocals is the "mid-distance" region which I find great for the computer screen and vehicle instrument panels, as well as the smooth transition between zones.
It does seem a bit weird to start with though.
Quote from: "iansoady"Chris. You do seem to have a one size fits all attitude to this.
Well I apologise if that's how my enthusiasm for SatNav comes across. :shock:
I've used conventional maps for decades but find GPS so much better in all areas of navigation, whatever your state of mind or purpose for the journey. Maybe it's because I'm also very computer-literate and the ability to combine the two with PC mapping software I find is nothing less than brilliant. It almost certainly makes the best use of your valuable time when away on tour.
This doesn't mean I dont carry maps or use them for reference. It doesn't mean I don't have a feel for where I am or which direction I'm heading regardless of the SatNav. And it doesn't mean I don't wander off my pre-planned routes to explore when I feel like it. I just make the best use of GPS for my convenience.
I suppose it's each to their own Ian, and I wish you well with your goggles and soggy maps :wink:
Quote from: "ChrisN"Quote from: "iansoady"Chris. You do seem to have a one size fits all attitude to this.
Well I apologise if that's how my enthusiasm for SatNav comes across. :shock:
I've used conventional maps for decades but find GPS so much better in all areas of navigation, whatever your state of mind or purpose for the journey. Maybe it's because I'm also very computer-literate and the ability to combine the two with PC mapping software I find is nothing less than brilliant. It almost certainly makes the best use of your valuable time when away on tour.
This doesn't mean I dont carry maps or use them for reference. It doesn't mean I don't have a feel for where I am or which direction I'm heading regardless of the SatNav. And it doesn't mean I don't wander off my pre-planned routes to explore when I feel like it. I just make the best use of GPS for my convenience.
I suppose it's each to their own Ian, and I wish you well with your goggles and soggy maps :wink:
Wot he said. Exactly.
No mention of the Tom Tom Rider Version 2 on here which is surprising? It really does have some excellent improvements over the Version 1, especially the mount. I use mine in conjunction with the TYRE programme which you can download for free and Google mapping and I have enjoyed 2 fantastic trips this year to Scotland and Dorset/Devon/Cornwall. Reliable, waterproof, well made too.
Quote from: "Upthepalace"No mention of the Tom Tom Rider Version 2 on here which is surprising?
Not really. They're a minority.
Can you confirm if they've made working routes on a PC easier? Originally it was a PIA so I'm told by a TT1 owner who gave up and bought a Zumo.
Tom Tom is much more prevalent in Europe and U.K. than in the U.S. Most everyone I know and visit there use them.
I use a Mapquest download to my Garmin that works fantastic as well.
Quote from: "HappyMan"Tom Tom is much more prevalent in Europe and U.K. than in the U.S. Most everyone I know and visit there use them.
Not round these parts. Garmin rules.
Quote from: "blacktiger"Quote from: "HappyMan"Tom Tom is much more prevalent in Europe and U.K. than in the U.S. Most everyone I know and visit there use them.
Not round these parts. Garmin rules.
Ditto
but Tom Tom are no.1 for pizza delivery and white van man :roll:
Quote from: "ChrisN"Quote from: "blacktiger"Quote from: "HappyMan"Tom Tom is much more prevalent in Europe and U.K. than in the U.S. Most everyone I know and visit there use them.
Not round these parts. Garmin rules.
Ditto
but Tom Tom are no.1 for pizza delivery and white van man :roll:
They're probably great for just getting from A to B whereas Garmins are easy to create a route on the PC and load up for your ride.
Quote from: "ChrisN"Quote from: "blacktiger"Quote from: "HappyMan"Tom Tom is much more prevalent in Europe and U.K. than in the U.S. Most everyone I know and visit there use them.
Not round these parts. Garmin rules.
Ditto
but Tom Tom are no.1 for pizza delivery and white van man :roll:
Yep I'm Tom Tom man.
I've always stayed with Garmin because the seem to be the only GPS manufacturer that is serious about mapping. They have the US topo maps which are great around here, plus lots of others. There also seems to be a third party market creating maps of other countries for the Garmin.
I do think Garmin's move to keyed map sets sucks. For that reason I keep my 10 year old set of topo maps--they load on any modern garmin.
Geof
Quote from: "abruzzi"I do think Garmin's move to keyed map sets sucks. For that reason I keep my 10 year old set of topo maps--they load on any modern garmin.
Geof
That's because the map makers are Navtec and they were bought by Nokia who then insisted that Garmin don't give free reign. I also believe it was Nokia who forced Garmin to refuse an unlock code free for a second GPS unit.
Quote from: "abruzzi"I've always stayed with Garmin because the seem to be the only GPS manufacturer that is serious about mapping. They have the US topo maps which are great around here, plus lots of others. There also seems to be a third party market creating maps of other countries for the Garmin.
Geof
Talking about third party map makers..I found these guys for a recent trip south. It loaded on my 60csx fine and worked great the whole trip. If you dig around there is more out there.
http://www.gwprojects.org/gps/ (http://www.gwprojects.org/gps/)
A lot of it, is learning how to use it, which ever gps and software you use. For me, after 2 magellans and 2 garmins, I prefer garmin.
curt
Quote from: "Chris Canning"Quote from: "ChrisN"Quote from: "blacktiger"Quote from: "HappyMan"Tom Tom is much more prevalent in Europe and U.K. than in the U.S. Most everyone I know and visit there use them.
Not round these parts. Garmin rules.
Ditto
but Tom Tom are no.1 for pizza delivery and white van man :roll:
Yep I'm Tom Tom man.
Aha! so when you're not touring on the Tiger you're delivering bulk pizza in a white van ? :wink:
No no,bulk motorcyles :wink:
Bulk motorcycles? Gold Wings?
I've moved a few :cry: