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[cus]

Hi again - the new guy with LOTS of questions!  I have no idea how to use the HD GPS.  It looks like it will never compare to a Garmin with it's graphics on it's best day.

I see very attractive prices on Garmin Nuvi's on line - full featured, $150.  The motorcycle specific Zumo is MUCH more.  Any reason why I can not use a Nuvi and invest the savings on other fun stuff for the scoot?  I think I can mount it and I can take it off the bike when not in use and use it in the car - thanks!

[naitram]

ever ride in the rain?

[cus]

I think I can slip it in my pocket and ride without it when it rains....

[naitram]

thats the main reason for the zumo its waterproof

[Fired00d]

Along w/the most important thing of it being waterproof I would imagine that the shockproof rating will be better for GPS' designed for motorcycles. You'll be much happier paying the extra and not having to worry about all the other factors it will be subjected to while riding your bike.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[bissjim]

Depending on what series your talking about the Nuvi does not have external audio out, it has an internal speaker and that will be hard to hear if at all at road speeds, it does not have Bluetooth and is not waterproof. The Zumo is built for bikes.

As far as the nuvi not being waterproof if you put one on your bike just carry a zip-lock bag and a rubber band with you for when the sky opens up.

 

[Rooster]

I don't know anything about the Nuvi but I am very happy with the Zumo 550, far superior to the stock one that comes with the bike. Mostly you have to look to far down to use it. Much safer up on the bars where you can just glance at it and not take your eyes off the road.

[cus]

Bottom line - is the 550 "the" model to have for a bike.  If so, where are the best prices on purchasing such - thanks!

[Diamondback]

 

Having a Nuvi 260w, a nuvi 255wt for the cars and a Zumo for the bike, the money is worth it.

The waterproof idea is a good one but can be overcome with a plastic bag.  

However, here are some key differences, the Nuvi's do no allow you to plot a unique motorcycle route, they do not have XM and an audio out.  Most do not have Bluetooth.

And for sure the screens on the Nuvi's are not designed to sit in direct sunlight.

Also, the Nuvi's (except the motorcycle designed one that just came out) is not designed for the excessive vibration on the bike.  I have a friend who road with a Nuvi 260w for three weeks to CA. and it quit working (probably vibration or heat or something but was fixed under warranty) switched to the Zumo.

But the Nuvi's are nice from point A to Point B.

 

[PR3VS56]

I went with the RoadTech Zumo.  Talk about pricey!  But it looks great on the bike -- military like.  Very solid mounted in place, and the side buttons (not touch screen, although that's still there and active) work great with thick gloves.

That said, I'm coming off a NON-waterproof Street Pilot c330.  NOT made for a bike, but very cheap.  I rode with it through all kinds of heavy weather, never a problem.  The display was a challenge under certain lighting conditions, and as stated earlier the audio could not be heard over the bike noise (no aux out).  Beyond those relatively minor flaws, the cheapie worked great.  It took me across the US more than once.

Go cheap & don't worry about it.  If it breaks it breaks.  Or, go pricey and have something special and bullet proof.

[Diamondback]

 

[Fired00d]

Bottom line - is the 550 "the" model to have for a bike.  If so, where are the best prices on purchasing such - thanks!

Majority of those that have went w/aftermarket have the Zumo 550, however Garmin just introduced a new model (Zumo 660) recently so I would look at both if I were buying at this time. Those that have the 550's have been pleased w/the performance of them. I used bizrate.com to find the best price when I was looking for my Zumo.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Indenial]

Been using Nuvi wide screens for 5 years or so and they are great with limitations as listed above. Zip lock bag for rain, can't plot a course, can't hear the directions, easy to remove and easy to see. Like it.

[Diamondback]

 

I purchased the cellset solution to integrate the Garmin Zumo, the HD CB and Intercom.  Works great with any of the HD stuff.  I like having the Zumo advise me as to when to turn etc.

Excellent product.  Never thought I would like being able to answer my phone.  Nice feature when you dissapear for two weeks.  Pick and choose who you talk to.

The new Zumo 660 (at least the one I saw) is $100 cheaper, no XM (but the SE Ultra has it built in).   I do like the wide screen

 

[deaf1]

Been riding with tomtom's for years...  My only problem was with one that had a internal hard drive (bad idea)  But all the new ones have internal flash memory

They have big screens,  bluetooth,  xm ready (some models), MP3, come with automounts and personal opinion says their maps are better.  Of course they arent waterproof,  but a zip lock bag works.. And you can buy 4 of them for the price of a zumo or tomtom rider.  With a shareware package you can import every type of itinerary file any waypoints, even garmin...  I have a 730T (refurb) that cost $180 and got my brackets from cyclegadgets (Ram)

Of course tomtom doesnt 'approve' of using anything but the rider model on bikes.  But their rider2 has old technology and costs a fortune.....

just my .02 cents....