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[moscooter]

 

Just recently bought a Garmin GPS unit.  Tried it out locally,  by bringing up local places to eat on the menu.  I selected a nearby Deli in Calabash,  N.C. which I knew exactly how to get to..........the unit directed me to turn left at a curve that would have put me into the intercoastal waterway and that is where it suggested this Deli was..........which was really another two and half miles away.

I also noted what is likely a (common problem) when you are navigating strange roads.  The unit will tell you a name of upcoming crossroads,  so you will know where to turn assuming you already know the name of the road.  PROBLEM IS.......
if at that particular intersection,  the road going West is named XYZ,  while the (very same road) going East has another name completely.   You see the name of the upcoming road,  and it is NOT the one you are looking for,  but oooooooopps,  it was indeed the one you wanted,  but the unit (does not) give you both names..............Which I believe is a shortcoming that should be resolved.

[2 ROSE]

For sure there are the occasional bad stories you hear about gps taking you to a dead end street the wrong way. But for every one of those you hear there are thousands or hundred of thousands of travelers including bikers getting to their destinations safely without missing turns, fumbling with maps and not having to stop and ask directions. I do not use mine unless I am traveling to a destination that I have never been to before. When I do use it I do not worry about reading signs for miles to a city our even what city or state I am in. I just enjoy the ride and the scenery turning when instructed. How much more easier can it get? And the best part is after riding all day to parts unknown, getting lost not knowing where you are...instead of stopping and asking where you are or pulling out some old, archaic out dated map or worse yet riding until you are nearly out of gas...all you have to do is hit the home icon and you are on your way home from anywhere. Simple and safe. You map users need to learn how to relax and enjoy your ride a little more...map free.

[Indenial]

Heck, I can't get to my pole barn without my GPS. I use it for everything. Even when on a 100 mi drive to the kids, I like to know how far it is to the next turn.  It just keeps me tuned in.

[TN]

GPS data is only as good as the one using it. Kinda funny hearing tales about following down trails and such then blaming the GPS. 

You can always use the data from them to see where ya been. 




TN

[FLSTFI Dave]

I use my GPS all the Time when traveling.  Nice in big cities to know which lane to be in, and how many lanes exit and so on.  I usually program my planned route into the GPS.  Have not tired this yet with the new infotainment GPS.

Also like couple times in Sturgis, I program day trip loops for each day, and load them into the GPS.  Now I do not have to watch so hard for signs and such.

Use the map to plan what I load into the GPS.  Great for finding food in the town you in for the day or nigh.

[2 ROSE]

Besides being able to find the nearest restaurants, hotels and gas stations here is a true emergency scenario that I have used the gps for on more than one occasion. I am riding somewhere I am not familiar with then all of a sudden traffic comes to a complete halt. Why??? It doesn't matter but it is not moving. So all you have to do without stopping and getting off your bike and opening some damn map is turn on your gps. Right there in front of you on the screen is all of the local side streets that you can use to continue along your journey without getting lost thereby allowing you to bypass all of the backedup and stopped traffic. Then after you have bypassed the stopped traffic area you just follow the mapped roads shown on the gps to get back on your original road. You do not have to program it for such an emergency...just turn it on. So while everyone else is still back sitting in traffic I am continuing along my journey.
How much more easier can it get???

[FlaHeatWave]

Besides being able to find the nearest restaurants, hotels and gas stations here is a true emergency scenario that I have used the gps for on more than one occasion. I am riding somewhere I am not familiar with then all of a sudden traffic comes to a complete halt. Why??? It doesn't matter but it is not moving. So all you have to do without stopping and getting off your bike and opening some damn map is turn on your gps. Right there in front of you on the screen is all of the local side streets that you can use to continue along your journey without getting lost thereby allowing you to bypass all of the backedup and stopped traffic. Then after you have bypassed the stopped traffic area you just follow the mapped roads shown on the gps to get back on your original road. You do not have to program it for such an emergency...just turn it on. So while everyone else is still back sitting in traffic I am continuing along my journey.
How much more easier can it get???

The real time traffic updates in Google Maps (iPhone5) are great! It will ask if you want to reroute based on traffic on the intended route. 

[porthole]

Been using GPS's since they were first available on boats, wouldn't be without them.

Have been using the same type Garmin portables since the 276 series came out. Using my current 478 since March 07.

Wouldn't travel without it. For me it makes traveling more enjoyable and adds the ability to find new places. GLB-GPS

Neat thing about the series I have is you can use it to drive right to and into the water 

[2 ROSE]

Neat thing about the series I have is you can use it to drive right to and into the water 

Hmmm...never tried that.  I am not sure if Rose can swim.

[GregKhougaz]

Apparently, the new Rushmore GPS is working very well!  Saw this this morning at my local dealership.      

 

[Fired00d]

Apparently, the new Rushmore GPS is working very well!  Saw this this morning at my local dealership.      

 

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Chains]

I can vouch for portholes GPS and his ability to use one. He took us all over MV on roads I'm sure were not known to many people.  I would have been lost if I was by myself even with my GPS.  As TN stated most the time it is user issues. 

[Keats]

I use a Garmin almost 100% of the time even when I am very familiar with the roads. 
Do not misunderstand I am very direction savvy when it comes to road travel, but the GPS gives me so much more freedom of travel. 
Most of the routes I ride are preplanned for Motorcycle routes using google earth, Maps and map source. It would be a major mistake for me to try to follow a complicated back road route without GPS.
I never want to stop for directions or map reading, it disturbs the flow.

I ride 80% on secondary roads and find the reduced traffic and scenery so much better.

Can I get around without a GPS? obsolutely

Do I ride without turning the GPS on? No   has become a security blanket to explore.

I do not see a GPS as an accessory, but is required equipment.

[2 ROSE]

Keats I do agree with everything you say. I am thinking within our lifetime you will not be able to buy a new car without a gps/communication system. It will become just as important or maybe more important than the radio. Maybe on all touring motorcycles also.

[ultrafxr]

Keats I do agree with everything you say. I am thinking within our lifetime you will not be able to buy a new car without a gps/communication system. It will become just as important or maybe more important than the radio. Maybe on all touring motorcycles also.

I also agree.  Since I've been using a gps (about ten years) it has become as integral a part of riding as my protective gear - I just don't leave home without it.  I do not view it as a crutch but like Keats it adds to the enjoyment of the riding experience since I do not have to be concerned about searching for upcoming turns - and on those secondary roads they are sometimes not well marked and / or easy to see until you are right upon them.  Using the gps  adds to my feeling of comfort and safety.

I use paper maps when planning routes and then all the other tools mentioned.  I've been able to travel on some awesome roads I'd never have found if I relied on paper maps alone.