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[Heatwave]

I and many thousands of others have used the Zumo GPS for many years (almost 4 years for me). It seems incomprehensible to my that "reading" directions versus clearing viewing your position on a map could ever be safer or easier, but I guess different preople visualize differently.

There's good reason why every GPS on the market that's either integrated into vehicle dashboards or into standalone units are based on visual maps that can be updated. In fact, I can't think of a single GPS technology that can be bought new on the market today that primarily uses "text" to provide GPS guidance other than the HK system.  

There's also a very significant safety factor from my perspective that a Map provides vs text. The ability to "see" intersections, curves and other road "events" in advance is one of the biggest and best safety features when used properly by a motorcycle rider.

[Heatwave]

The Navi on the CVO is not a bad of a system. Try riding a new Goldwing for awhile to see how lousy a stereo & navi system can be. On the Goldwing if you aren't using the intercom & helmet speakers you can't hear the stereo or the navi system beyond 110 kms per hour (65 mph). Even at full volume.

No offence intended to any Goldwing owners.   

I'm not sure what year Goldwing you're talking about but the 2010 Goldwing is FAR ahead of the Navigation system on a 2010 HD SE Ultra. I'm not promoting the Honda Goldwing as I own a 2010 SE Ultra, but the facts are very clear. The SE Ultra is simply in the stone age when compared with the Honda's fully integrated, LARGE, touch screen, Map GPS that provides verbal directions though various audio options. Honda has offered a Garmin GPS integrated into the Honda Goldwing as an option from the factory since 2006 http://www.gpsreview.net/garmin-announces-gps-for-motorcycles-honda-satellite-linked-navigation-system/

To get close to what Honda offers as an option from the factory you have no choice but to add a Garmin Zumo to your HD. Honda's GPS system should be used as a role model for HD's system in the future. Its just a shame that the MoCo has decided to be a follower instead of a leader when it comes to the use of technologies like GPS.

You can check out the Honda's very large and well integrated GPS screen here: http://powersports.honda.com/2010/gold-wing/innovations.aspx

[ragtop13]

Seems like the MOCO comes up short on simple things like the GPS (I already had a Garmin and had read that the factory supplied left something to be desired...so no big deal for me) and tour pack hinges (what were they thinking... ).  Upgrades in little areas like that would make alot of us probably say..."now they got it..." (maybe.. )

Oh well if they did everything right, then what would we all have to talk and B^*$h about...

[Heatwave]

Well there's certainly more differences than the size of the screen. The HK screen is merely a couple lines of text, there's no map at all. To me it's a whole lot more dangerous to put your head down and concentrate on reading multiple lines of text vs glancing at a map to see where you are, see what's ahead of you and knowing how far from your destination all in a mere glance.

It would simply be impossible (at least for me) to get that level of detailed information by staring down at the HK's very small faint orange screen to read through multiple lines of text to get the same level of travel information. I guess anything can be learned through repetition but it sure seems more dangerous to me vs looking at a map screen closer to the rider's line of sight.

[DESERTBEAR54]

Tucson Harley has the SEUC that you are looking for.

[Heatwave]

Sounds like you're a Goldwing fan and I apologize for hitting a raw nerve. But many folks think that hearing the directions from a good sound system is just as important as seeing them on screen. In my car I actually listen to the Navi far more than I would look at the screen. The initial point I tried to make was that the CVO Ultra and the regular Ultra have superior sound systems when compared to the bikes manufactured in Japan and assembled in North America. HD's also have far superior ABS brakes and in the opinion of many, HD touring models offer a much more comfortable ride. If you have ever ridden a newer Goldwing in a crosswind you would think you were actually riding a sheet of plywood. The wind buffeting is that bad. Plus they just downright sound like an older Honda Civic. Maybe they'll get it right with the next model that is supposed to be manufactured and assembled in Japan.            

I'm hardly a Goldwing fan. As stated earlier I own 2 Harleys including the new 2010 SE Ultra, so if I wanted the Goldwing I would own it. Your other comments about the Goldwing are irrelevant. That doesn't mean that Harley's Nav system shouldn't be called out as the POS that it is. Come on...you must be a contrarian for the fun of it.

HD's mapping info is 5 yrs old. Nav instructions are provided in "TEXT without a map. The screen is almost impossible to read in daylight. You can't use the DVD player if you want to use the Nav system. THERE'S NO MAP TO VIEW. There's a good reason why ZUMO is so popular...namely because the HDs system is a literal POS.

The Honda has used the Garmin Nav engine that all Harley owners love in the ZUMO. Honda has used Garmin's color screen and mapping software since 2006.

I can only view your defense of HD's ridiculous Nav system as facetious since any other view of your comments can only be viewed as absurd. Views like yours are one of the reasons why Harley thinks that can continue selling outdated technology at exorbitant prices.

[Boatman]

Looks like the "super secret" soon to be released SEUC has the new Zumo so the MOCO must be throwing in the towel on the HK..

[DESERTBEAR54]

I'm sure it's just a mid year promo to get someone to buy a SEUC. Bling with a Zumo!! 2011 we will be back to the HK Nav System.

[Heatwave]

I'm hardly a Goldwing fan. Could have fooled me. You sure do defend the Wing. As stated earlier I own 2 Harley's including the new 2010 SE Ultra, so if I wanted the Goldwing I would own it. How impressive. Your other comments about the Goldwing are irrelevant. It is important to look at the big picture. How many people really care if the Wing has a bigger screen or better Navi system? It's the overall comfort, ride and experience that really matters. That doesn't mean that Harley's Nav system shouldn't be called out as the POS that it is. Come on...you must be a contrarian for the fun of it. It's hard to believe the majority of CVO Ultra owners think the Navi system is crap. HD's mapping info is 5 yrs old. Nav instructions are provided in "TEXT without a map. The screen is almost impossible to read in daylight. You can't use the DVD player if you want to use the Nav system. THERE'S NO MAP TO VIEW. There's a good reason why ZUMO is so popular...namely because the HDs system is a literal POS. Whatever you say. Obviously you have high regards for the Wing. Honda has used the Garmin Nav engine that all Harley owners love in the ZUMO. Honda has used Garmin's color screen and mapping software since 2006. Then why not sell the crap and buy a Goldwing? I can only view your defense of HD's ridiculous Nav system as facetious since any other view of your comments can only be viewed as absurd. Views like yours are one of the reasons why Harley thinks that can continue selling outdated technology at exorbitant prices. What's really absurd is that even though you feel Harley's are so outdated and crappy, you still spent your money on two of them. Hmmmmm.......   Hope you have a nice day.    

I'm afraid you seem to be unable to critically look at your own vehicle. In sum, my SE Ultra is far superior to a Goldwing. That does not mean that every component of that sum is the absolute best on the market just because Harley built it. You seem to be such a fanboy that you're unable to provide Harley constructive insight on where they can make their products better. Which explains why I'm on HD's customer advisory panel and receive a new survey once a week. HD surveys me about once a week on their products, their website design, dealer service, etc.

If HD was getting feedback from owners like you they'd be wiped out by the competition while you informed the company that their products were the best they can be.

HD motorcycles are not the best they can be. Innovation is the only way they will stay ahead of foreign competition. Their GPS is crap, every customer knows it (that's why Zumos fly off the shelf) and my guess is the MoCo knows it as well. The good news is that the rest of the bike design more than makes up for the ridiculous design of their Navigation system. Let's just hope the competition doesn't continue to innovate where the rest of an HD bike design falls behind just like the GPS design. If we don't speak up, you can look at HD quickly falling into the footsteps of GM. Now if only HD owners (myself included) would take their blinders off and speak up when they are disatisfied with a Harley product instead of just chugging another gallon of Kool-aid.

[grandpadoc]

My cheap Garmin clone ($100) plays through my sound system and its nice not to have to look at the screen all the time for directions. Its also a MP5 so I can watch music videos or read a Ebook while riding...ok while I'm at the pool after a long ride.    ...so maybe an advantage not having it built into the system and portable. It also uses the Garmin mounting hardware made by RAM.
Hey Harley you can do this, how about a detachable entertainment MP5/GPS system.  Doc

[Heatwave]

Egultrac,

I understand you think the HD Nav system is "fine", to use your words. My point is that its "not fine" and many other HD owners agree. In fact, you're the only owner, ever, to suggest it's "fine". In reality, its so bad you're actually one of the few, if not the only owner, I've heard on this forum that has actually used the HK system which speaks volumes about it's horrendous design.

It's good to hear that you find the system meets your needs. For many others they simply ignore the system which is a real waste when buying a $45000 motorcycle. I think most owners have the right to feel ripped-off for such a poorly designed nav system when compared to other alternatives HD could be using.

You seem to be having difficulty reading my posts as you reference my views as "critical of everything Harley". You really must be mistaking me for someone else since of my hundreds of posts this is the only feature offered by Harley that I have ever been critical of.

Harley needs to modernize its bikes and listen to its customers. I would hope you would agree. Otherwise the company that both you and I enjoy buying from, may be in peril. You need to be aware that their 1st Qtr sales (4th qtr 2009) announced today are down 40%...yes 40%. Global shipments of bikes are down 53%. They are shutting their test centers in Alabama and Florida. They have sold off Buell and MV Augusta. They're looking for a buyer for Varese (Italian bikes).

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-01-22/harley-posts-first-quarterly-loss-since-1993-on-sales-update2-.html

These are not good developments and if guys like you and me are going to have the opportunity to enjoy riding new Harleys in the future, they had better start updating their bikes with the latest technology (such as modern GPS) or unfortunately we may see the company we both buy from .....disappear.

[Heatwave]

During the last resession someone coined this phrase.........."its the economy stupid". Everyone is hurting not just Harley Davidson.

I hope you're right, but I'm afraid Harley is seeing a decline in sales far greater the the average US company that sells "luxury" or "recreational" toys. Let's hope we see a change in sales during the Spring selling season or I'm afraid HD may be in trouble. They have a heavy debt load because they borrowed extensively to provide lending themselves to bike owners, instead of using banks. A tremendous number of guys have just walked away from the payments on their bikes and given the plummetting prices of used Harleys, the MoCo is taking it on the chin financially.

This is why I say they need to innovate and listen to their customers to get them back in the showroom.

[Boatman]

I'm happy you two agreed, thought you may get the thread closed for a while.   

[Heatwave]

I'm happy you two agreed, thought you may get the thread closed for a while.   

Nahh....it was a good exchange of views, opinions and ideas. At least I never thought the exchange would have warranted any moderator input. Not at least compared to some of the silliness I've seen posted on other threads.

[1abastarsmda]

I'm afraid you seem to be unable to critically look at your own vehicle. In sum, my SE Ultra is far superior to a Goldwing. That does not mean that every component of that sum is the absolute best on the market just because Harley built it. You seem to be such a fanboy that you're unable to provide Harley constructive insight on where they can make their products better. Which explains why I'm on HD's customer advisory panel and receive a new survey once a week. HD surveys me about once a week on their products, their website design, dealer service, etc.

If HD was getting feedback from owners like you they'd be wiped out by the competition while you informed the company that their products were the best they can be.

HD motorcycles are not the best they can be. Innovation is the only way they will stay ahead of foreign competition. Their GPS is crap, every customer knows it (that's why Zumos fly off the shelf) and my guess is the MoCo knows it as well. The good news is that the rest of the bike design more than makes up for the ridiculous design of their Navigation system. Let's just hope the competition doesn't continue to innovate where the rest of an HD bike design falls behind just like the GPS design. If we don't speak up, you can look at HD quickly falling into the footsteps of GM. Now if only HD owners (myself included) would take their blinders off and speak up when they are disatisfied with a Harley product instead of just chugging another gallon of Kool-aid.

I'm on the HD Advisory Panel also and I don't see them asking many useful questions regarding actually improving the bikes.  It seems that they are more concerned with their marketing efforts in those surveys.  I'd love to see them pose the question:  what do you think about the HK Nav System, but we won't see anything like this.  It would come out in the survey more like: on a scale from not likely at all to very likely, would knowing that a bike came with a GPS system influence your decision to purchase a bike?  I have realized from those surveys, that HD does not care about the bike owners, but rather only how they can market the bikes to sell more of them.