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[charles05663]

Hello Everyone,

I am planning a long trip from Vermont to Arizona this summer.  I have been thinking about getting a GPS for while and I thought I would get some input from members with experience.

I went to the Garmin Zumo site and see that they have 4 models.  The 665 and 660 are well known because of the HD versions.  Since they are long in the tooth, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the 390 or 350 models?  The NIM is really not of interest to me and the HD shops should be able to be imported into the device.  I also don't care about XM.

While the 390 ($690) looks really nice with the tire pressure monitor it is considerably more then a 350 ($500) based upon an internet search at gpscity.com.

It appears that the Garmin's all use the same mounts but I think I will have to buy some HD specific stuff to make it work correctly on my RoadGlide.

Attached is a comparison of the models.

Any thoughts?

[2k]

Have you looked and compared other brands. When I was looking for one for my bike, I quickly ruled out the Garmin as an overpriced unit. Have since decided not to add one, but my research was done. My final choice was the Tom Tom rider 4 1/2" touch screen, for ruggedness and ease of use......and yes its 100% waterproof and have seen them for as little as $300. And since I ride a Harley, I have learned to closely, check and compare HD endorsed products.

[SDCVO]

Looking at the comparison, doesn't look to be any advantage of the newer model unless I am missing something? I have my 665 hooked up thru my audio and though I rarely use the turn by turn it is a nice "crutch" to know it is there if I need it not to mention I listen to the XM about 90% of the time.
With all that bend said though I get very frustrated with the destinations the Garmin takes me sometimes. Last weekend I was going somewhere in a town I had never been to before and it took me literally to the middle of nowhere. I had to put the address in my iPhone (i was about 4 miles away) and had to try and ride switching my phone between my hands for clutch/throttle. It was a PIA and that has happened before. I keep hoping HD will come up with a new vendor that I can retro into my system.

[owl893]

sorry to disagree 2k but I owned the TomTom and it literally (physically) fell apart, so I (for one) cannot recommend it. I have the Roadtech 660 (no XM) and it is "average" compared to a GM automobile system.  Garmin uses sticky strings to link waypoints, and when riding suggests you "turn right" (or left) as you pass your waypoint.  Microsoft Streets (for example) allows you to click on a spot, then click,click,click until you have a route, the last click is the destination, hit "calculate route' and DONE. The clicks are waypoints (not stops), my Enclave operates the same way. I did not install a NIM but I did buy a Bluetooth ear piece, paired it, and I get my turn prompts loud and clear and phone calls show up on the Garmin screen.  

The technology is pretty common between manufacturer's so the "program" and features are worth evaluating. IF the visual screen is of limited importance to you then you might just try using GoogleMaps on your smart phone; add a Bluetooth ear piece, pair, and you have the same thing, OR buy a handlebar mount and leave the screen on (on the phone) and you have a smaller version or the same thing. Carry a zip lock bag, cover and zip if it rains (I do this even though it says "water resistant").

OWL

[Older Guy]

Love the MP-3 player on the 660,I went from 2011 cvo streetglide to the new Softail deluxe and the 660 came with it so I still have tunes on my ride.
              Older Guy

[dmnrdn]

Nothing HD specific will be needed for any of the models.

[Chief2505]

I have a Garmin Zuma 550 and 660 and love them both! I use mapsource for preplanning routes and play my music off of the MP3 player in the GPS plugged into the AUX port on the HK radio. GPS turns music off to give me directions through the radio speakers and then continues the song where it left off.

My only complaint with the Garmin units is the cost and the longevity. I am on my third 550 since 2007.

[2k]

sorry to disagree 2k but I owned the TomTom and it literally (physically) fell apart, so I (for one) cannot recommend it. I have the Roadtech 660 (no XM) and it is "average" compared to a GM automobile system.  Garmin uses sticky strings to link waypoints, and when riding suggests you "turn right" (or left) as you pass your waypoint.  Microsoft Streets (for example) allows you to click on a spot, then click,click,click until you have a route, the last click is the destination, hit "calculate route' and DONE. The clicks are waypoints (not stops), my Enclave operates the same way. I did not install a NIM but I did buy a Bluetooth ear piece, paired it, and I get my turn prompts loud and clear and phone calls show up on the Garmin screen.  

The technology is pretty common between manufacturer's so the "program" and features are worth evaluating. IF the visual screen is of limited importance to you then you might just try using GoogleMaps on your smart phone; add a Bluetooth ear piece, pair, and you have the same thing, OR buy a handlebar mount and leave the screen on (on the phone) and you have a smaller version or the same thing. Carry a zip lock bag, cover and zip if it rains (I do this even though it says "water resistant").

OWL

No doubt take Owl's word for it!!! Never put one on my Scooter, sounds like its stuck together with snot. I just marked it off my list, would suggest everybody do the same. The sharing of real life experience is what makes this site so special.