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[103_RK]

I see Harley finally sells a GPS that fits the Road King.  I also see that most any small unit will adapt to the bike with a universal mount.  I wonder with all of the models  out there if the is really a lot of difference betwen them.  I see Harleys is a Garmin Quest.  It seems to have good battery life so I can choose whether or not to connect it to the electrical system.  I also see that the same model from either Harley or Garmin will mount in car.  I just would like some help with all of the choices.  Maybe pro's & Con's.
Thanks

[ezrider]

There is a dedicated GPS forum full of good information, try doing a "motorcycle" search there: http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=86
You could also try doing a "Garmin GPS" search on this Harley forum: http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums//forumdisplay.php?f=92

I'm partial to the Garmin 2820 now: http://www.garmin.com/products/sp2820/

The newly announced Garmin Zumo looks promising too: http://www.garmin.com/products/zumo/

Here is some additional forum discussion on the Zumo:

[Tbone]

103,
I think you've asked the first question that you have to figure out the answer on.  Do you want an internal powered GPS or one that requires external power?  That's the place to start.
Bob

[103_RK]

Thanks EZ Rider, I will check these out

[103_RK]

Tbone, If the unit has enough battery life, I don't care if it is powered by the bike.  The part of most trips that require navigation is short and I can use it only when needed.

[WFP]

Tbone, If the unit has enough battery life, I don't care if it is powered by the bike.

[JCZ]

Honestly...once you start to use it you will want it all the time...there is so much potential for use that you feel lost without it!

[Tbone]

I went the Quest route.  It's the same one Harley sells for a lot less money.  The Quest2 has now come out that eliminates the need to download maps from your PC.  Mine also matches the Haze which is a plus!  I've been very happy with it and can use it all day on one charge as long as I leave the backlight off, there's really no need to use the backlight because you can still see it without it.  There are others with external power that the guys can fill you in on, as a matter of fact I think the links have already been posted in a previous post.

[Midnight Rider]

103...From experience...I have one that is either externally or internally powered,Garmin model 76SCX...it is great, but does not compare in features to the 2820 I now have. I still use the 76, as it is more of a "hand held" type unit, but generally for purposes other than the bike. You will find that once you get this little item, you will use it MUCH more than you ever thought you would.  It is useful to find places to eat, gas stations, and other POI's (points of interest), as others have mentioned above.  It is also great to get a view of the road ahead, so you know what to expect.

Once you get this, you will wonder how you ever lived without it...also very useful in the car!!

Take a look at the other threads below, for numerous reviews, mounting options, power options, etc..

[SBB]

I have the Quest 2.
Before even mounting on the bike I played with it in the truck for a couple of weeks.
Now I just move it around as needed.

It's like JC and Bill said,
Once you start, it's hard to not drive or ride without it.
As much as I drive my truck I count on my Quest EVERYDAY!

Besides the Screaming Eagle speedometer only went to 120. A good gps will tell the truth about your speed!

 [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[WFP]

Or get one of these GPS trackers so you can remotely download the data...while Ol' Maudie is in the trailer after a ride...

Web based, password protected

[ezrider]

Unless you have to have a GPS now I would wait for reviews of the new Garmin Zumo (made just for motorcycles), it is not shipping yet. As much as I like the Garmin 2820 I don't like it's lack of internal batteries, the Zumo has batteries.

For power GPS users I think the Garmin 2720/2730/2820 units would be considered best at this time because of all their extra features.

I used a Garmin Street Pilot III (with internal batteries) for many years hardwired to the bike and frequently would remove it from the bike and take it into restaurants on the road to have a look at upcoming route details, research hotels for the night or look at points of interest along the way etc. Unless you have a clunky external battery pack or the ability to plug in the AC adapter (ok in a hotel) you are at a disadvantage with the 27XX/2820 units because of their lack of internal batteries.

It is a simple matter to hardwire the GPS to your bike battery to save the GPS batteries for later use, if you have a GPS with internal batteries. You can also route the GPS voice navigation to your bike radio sytem (if you have one) so you can hear the actual navigation turn information, a most valuable feature.

The 2730, 2820 and Zumo have XM radio receiver capability and MP3 players which is nice if you want to add these features to your bike's radio system. The 2820 and Zumo also have a Bluetooth interface to pass the navigation and other audio information.

[naitram]

i opted for the quest because it has an internal battery thats good for up to 20 hrs. i figured that gave me the option of hardwireing to the SERK. but that said with the back lighting on max you will only get a few hours

[103_RK]

Thanks to all for the responses.  I also like the idea of ezternal batteries and the ability to use it in my car.

103 RK