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[efrbc1]

Anyone using a Garmin Nuvi GPS?  Hard to justify an extra 300 to 400 dollars when they do almost the same.  Looking for just some basic features and will be used more on my Dual Sport ride on USFS roads.  Garmin is pushing the Zumo because its waterproof and "shockproof".  Thanks for your input.

Chris

[MrSurly]

I use a nuvi 1490.
I have found that there is more to the zumo than you noted.

An important difference exists in the Bluetooth capability.
The Nuvi has Bluetooth, but it functions totally differently (because it's for car use) than the way that we need it to operate on a motorcycle.
The crux of it is that there are many different Bluetooth protocols and the units are built to support the protocols needed for the purpose, not *every* protocol.
The car units use BT to connect to your phone, and the GPS acts as a Speakerphone in your car.
This type of BT connection is useless on a MC.
MOST car units essentially take  your phone's audio and play it through the GPS's speaker.
On the MC we need the GPS to output it's audio to the MC, or to our BT headsets.
Most Nuvi models do not output their audio at all. Most don't even have a headphone jack! Again, they are fancy speakerphones when used in a car.
The Zumos otoh, support specific BT protocols to output audio, connect the phone, control the phone, connect to BT headsets, control the GPS, control the MP3 player and output the music.
And they don't do speakerphone.





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[MrSurly]

The way that I use my Nuvi is by using a headphone cable to connect it to a BT transmitter (SM10) which sends the Nuvis audio commands to my Sena headset. Note that I had to create (solder in) a headphone jack on my nuvi.
The Nuvi's bluetooth is of no use on the MC.
I cannot control the nuvi by voice or anything, I simply get it's audio commands.
I don't use it for the phone, my headset does that.



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[MrSurly]

The confusing bit ( for everyone) is that the zumo supports Bluetooth.
The Nuvi supports Bluetooth.
It seems logical that Bluetooth is Bluetooth, right? But that's not valid

Truth is, there are dozens (maybe hundreds) of specific protocols each for very specific operations.



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[efrbc1]

Not really interested in the Bluetooth options/features.  Taking the Bluetooth capabilities out of the equation, any reason to go with one over the other?

Chris

[MrSurly]

You still can't hear it. How do you plan to receive it's audio direction?

EDIT: Re-reading, it sounds like you plan to use it on a quieter motorcycle, at relatively lower speeds as compared to the touring that I do on the Ultra or the RK.
Maybe you'll be able to hear the Nuvi's little speaker in your application.
I can't hear it on mine above 30 mph, but YMMV.

Other differences:
Touchscreen works with gloves on, my Nuvi doesn't
Screen is usable in sunlight. Mine washes out, have to shade it to view sometimes
Depending on model, the Zumos may have
mp3 player
XM radio



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[efrbc1]

Thanks for the suggestions.  My plan is to use it simply to see where I am.  Off road I will need to see trails (and how to get back) that are named/marked.  USFS roads fit this bill.  On my SEEG I would use it the same - just to see where I am.  Honestly, my iPhone is probably a better navigator where cel coverage is available.  MP3 and XM are not important nor is Bluetooth.  What I am/was looking for is how well the Nuvi will hold up and would it be a practical application for what I need.

Thanks.

[MrSurly]

I have used mine for the map only while using the Google turn by turn on the iphone for the audio. It is 'workable' but the phone app's audio alerts are not as good as the Garmin's and you will miss a few turns until you get used to the differences.

Speaking of off-road, the new 590 Zumo has topo mapping and other features for adventure riding....but at 800 bux still hard to swallow.

[efrbc1]

Yeah, $800 is over the top.  They have a Zumo 390 which would meet/exceed those needs but even those are $600.  Garmin tells me I don't need Topo Maps.  USFS roads are "public" so they are on the standard mapping.  Nuvi 2597 is under $200 so I may give it a try.  If it isn't "right" I can still use it in the truck.

Chris