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[sawyerghost]

I just returnedhome with several other riders from my first trip to Maggie Valley, Cherokee, Deals Gap, Blueridge Parkway, and several other stops around the area.
We had a better than wonderfull time, with the weather being outstanding.
However as I knew it would be, the GPS that comes with SEUC is not much help with navigating around.
I know of the Zumo 550, and have heard many good remarks abount it's abilities.
I am certainly going to purchase a GPS this week, and my questions are.
Is the Zumo 550 still the best option available out there?
And if there is another model I would lke to hear your comments as well.
Also if the Zumo 550 is the one, where can it be found for the best price, and also mounting hardware options that everyone is using.

After this wonderful trip, thinking abount joining all of you in Maggie Valley this Sept.
 

[Fired00d]

Get the Zumo 550 you'll not be sorry.

When you get it here is some info you'll need..

Check out this thread - Standard GPS or Garmin - implementation starting at reply #11. You will find a list of all the parts that others and myself have used. I ordered my Techmount from them directly, used the Radio Shack power plug (but will replace it w/the one Terry found if ever needed), and I also got a cover to put on the face of the Zumo to prevent scratches from - Invisible Shield for the Garmin Zumo 550. Also check out this post - Zumo Tips/Tricks... this is a nice replacement security screw for the mount. The one that comes stock has this special screw/screwdriver that is a pain in the butt for us old guys. It is really small and hard to see. Both of the above threads have good information on parts, installation and tips/tricks for the Zumo.

Techmount 30997MC (these are for the stock handlebars (1") if you've changed yours you'll need to get one that corresponds to the diameter of your bars)

SOUND PROFESSIONALS - GOLD PLATED 3.5MM (1/8 INCH) RIGHT ANGLE STEREO PATCH CABLE (1 meter length)

Either one of the following two will be good for power plug if you want to use your cigarette lighter.

12V Flush Mount Receptacles & Plugs (Plug Only)

Sealink 12V Receptacles, Plugs, and Both (Plug Only)

The only other thing I did was went to a local fastener store w/the screws that hold the Zumo mount to the Techmount and got some shorter screws. You can see the difference in these two posts - stock screws and short screws.

Once you get the unit make sure you go to the following places to update and register your Zumo.

Product Registration

Web Updater (This will allow you to make sure your Zumo has the latest firmware)

MapSource software version 6.13.7 as of February 27, 2008 . Don't try to use the update feature in the Mapsource program because it will not work. You will have to go directly to the previous link download it and then install. Note: You will have to do this w/all Mapsource updates.

If you are going to be interested in loading POI's (Points Of Interest) you'll need this also - POI Loader for Windows software version 2.5.2 as of March 28, 2008.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[bgregston]

I agree 100%. I went with the full setup that D00d recommends and I'm glad I did. The only thing I might add is that even though I bought the cigarette lighter plug, my power source is to the back of the cigarette lighter under the fairing. It's a very easy thing to do. I plan to leave the craddle mount on the bike all the time, also I needed the cigarette lighter plug to power other things like video equipment.

Enjoy,
Bret

[WFP]

hardwire is easy...on 06 and again on my 08, there is a connector under the fairing jsut waiting to be used.  Crimp on a couple of spade connectors and plug it in and you are good to go.  The connector is switched power and is believed to be the one for the European bikes that is unused in US production.

/Bill

[porthole]

Depending on your other interests, the Garmin 478 gives the 550 a run.

The 550 and the 478 each have similar and different capabilities. The 550 is slightly ahead with L or R hand ops, blue tooth and and MP3 capabilities.

For mapping I think the 478 is better, and if your are interested in weather there is no comparison.

The 478 also has the ability for use on boats featuring a "black box sounder" option.

550 you can spell an address
478 you have to scroll through the alphabet

550 scrolling can be a chore
478 scrolling is very easy.

[sawyerghost]

Thanks for all of your reply's.
What is the best price for the Zumo 550, and where would you direct me to for the best price.
 

[WFP]

PCNation delivered mine in 1 day for $12 Shipping and the price was in line with the low ones I could find...

/Bill

Thanks for all of your reply's.
What is the best price for the Zumo 550, and where would you direct me to for the best price.
 

[Fired00d]

PCNation delivered mine in 1 day for $12 Shipping and the price was in line with the low ones I could find...

/Bill

Second that. I used Bizrate.com and the best price at the time was from PCNation (current price $643.80 with free 3 day shipping via FedEx).

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[sawyerghost]

I off shopping at P.C. Nation for my Zumo 550.

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[ad2]

I've been real pleased with my TomTom Rider. Got it when they were first introduced a few years ago. It's weather proof and very easy to program.

[Big Al]

I off shopping at P.C. Nation for my Zumo 550.

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

CameraAddict.com Has it for $578
GarminZumo 550 Motorcycle GPS Navigator
FREE GROUND SHIPPING
for orders over $100 
 Availability: Ships on Order 
 Mfg. Part No: 0100056700
 Our Price: $578.00

   
Al

[WaSEEG]

CameraAddict.com Has it for $578
GarminZumo 550 Motorcycle GPS Navigator
FREE GROUND SHIPPING
for orders over $100 
 Availability: Ships on Order 
 Mfg. Part No: 0100056700
 Our Price: $578.00

   
Al

If it sounds to good to be true it probably is...  See this recent thread.

http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=23089.0

[spydglide]

Can anyone tell me how to quickly insert a 'way-point' in a Zumo 550?  I know I've got the 'HOME' feature that will re-set to current location with one punch, but, is there another way to quickly insert waypoints while riding?    spyder

[WFP]

spyder,

When you are cruising around and want to note a place you currently are for future use, touch the screen on the MC or whatever you are using to indicate your current location...you have to touch the MC itself and then a screen will come up prompting you to save as a waypoint/favorite.

/Bill

Can anyone tell me how to quickly insert a 'way-point' in a Zumo 550?  I know I've got the 'HOME' feature that will re-set to current location with one punch, but, is there another way to quickly insert waypoints while riding?    spyder

[spydglide]

spyder,

When you are cruising around and want to note a place you currently are for future use, touch the screen on the MC or whatever you are using to indicate your current location...you have to touch the MC itself and then a screen will come up prompting you to save as a waypoint/favorite.

/Bill

thanks Bill.  I knew the capability was there, just that I wasn't figuring it out.  har!  spyder