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[JCZ]

Got it last night.  Plugged it in the wall to charge it, set the sattelite antenna outside for a few minutes to get it's bearings and turned it on.  Waallaaaaaa [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Don't have the XM radio activated yet but will piggy back off the account from the one in the BMW soon.  Never had a GPS before, so of course I found it very interesting and fascinating.......new toy satisfying the OCD! [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]  

I do need to get some way of attaching it to the bike.  Any suggestions, ideas or what have you guys found to work?

[naitram]

www.gpscity.com check out the selection of ram mounts

[VANAMAL]

whats do they cost? ive been watching them on ebay but that isnt always the best place to buy. jc - your going to like that for you cross country trip this summer

[MJZ]

www.gpscity.com check out the selection of ram mounts

I'm telling you, he is better than google! [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]

[Twolanerider]

http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1132935548/12#12

JC, check out that post.  Has links to specific parts.  The whole thread was about mounts if I remember correctly.

[SEUC-OCD]

I got mine too.  Not as happy as I'd hoped I would be.

#1  It didn't come with the MapSource software, which is half the fun wile planning trips.  We have some nice but complicated routes in the Hill Country down here, and I wanted to be able to set my Nav Points in advance, etc.

#2  The FM Transmitter has a lot of static because there are very few channels that aren't picking up a little something, so transmitting to a channel that will be open in differnet areas is almost impossible.  It will require you to change to a new channel on the radio and the GPS.  It is not a huge issue because the I can use the aux input, but in the car, it doesn't work which means the XM is as useful.

#3  The XM doesn't work to well indoors of course, so I can really use the GPS as my XM radio for this reason and #2.

#4  Of the 4 or 5 pre-loaded destinations I have navigated to, 3 of them have been wrong, and one of them had me get off the highway, just to through the light to the next on ramp back to the highway.

#5  Map updataes are about $50, and I you cannot tell if it has any updates that will be beneficial.

#6  The XM Traffic/Weather is not available in my area.

Don't get me wrong, I like the unit, it's just that those things were just sort of a bummer.  I think I'll enjoy it more when the MapSource Software comes in and I can program my destinations myself rather than relying on the preloaded ones.

[greglyon]

I have owned a number of Garmin gps units, both on the water and for land use.  For those that have no prior experience with a gps here are a couple of observations:

1. Don't be obsessed with the gps instructions to the point where you abandon your own good judgment.  They don't always get it right.  You can increase your chances by setting up the "preferences" to tell the unit what type of roads to avoid.
2. When using the auto-route function try not to give the gps too much discretion.  Anotherwords, do not give it a start and end point and let it choose the entire route.  The more waypoints you specify the more input you have in the actual route.  
3. Bring a back-up hard copy map which can be used at your evening's destination to go over the proposed route in your gps.  Put the gps in simulation mode and see if you still like the route after comparing it with your hard copy map.    
4.  The hardest part of the route for me is finding my actual destination for the evening.  This has become a great deal easier by programming in the actual street address of the motel/hotel  vs. the name of the town.
5. Don't forget batteries so you can do the simulations off the bike and over a cold one.
A gps is a great tool that can allow you to enjoy the scenery without having to stop for directions.  Upon furthe rreview, I retract that last comment since we all know stopping for directions is never an option.


  

[JCZ]

I appreciate all this information guys.  Being new to GPS, I didn't know what to expect.  Haven't played with it too much, yet.....just been to busy.  But am curious how you load in a specific address that you want to go to?  Guess I probably better read the directions. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Thanks again, for your contributions to this thread! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[greglyon]

I appreciate all this information guys.  Being new to GPS, I didn't know what to expect.  Haven't played with it too much, yet.....just been to busy.  But am curious how you load in a specific address that you want to go to?  Guess I probably better read the directions. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Thanks again, for your contributions to this thread! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Putting in an address:  use the "find" option on your gps.  It will give you choices including finding an address.  Use the keypad (kind of like adding a name in your cell phone directory) to plug in the actual address.  It becomes a waypoint on your route and will give you  directions to the front of the establishment.  Very cool!    

[porthole]

I do need to get some way of attaching it to the bike.

[JCZ]

Yes, I'd like to see a photo of just the mount if you get time.

[JCZ]

Putting in an address:

[porthole]

Yes, I'd like to see a photo of just the mount if you get time.

[CVOJOE]

I've been using SAENG mounts for years, and really like their new models. One bolt mounting and very flexible as far as adjustments,etc. They offer 'platforms' for GPS as well as radar detectors.
Here's the front view of the GPS mount

[JCZ]

Finally getting ready to order the mount for the handlebars.  Used the GPS several times last weekend up in Reno and Tahoe and am quickly learning it's value.

I know the 2730 interfaces with the newer Harmon Cardin stereos but can somebody tell me what, if any advantage it'd be for me on my 04 SEEG in regards to the stereo system?