Satnav options?

I've been looking into Satnav for the bike lately and would appreciate some advice.

I've been looking at the likes of the TomTom Rider v5, Garmin Zumo 390LM and other Zumo Garmin units.
Does anyone have any experience with either and what's your thoughts on them.

Currently I'm using my iPhone with the Tomtom app which is ok but not quite what I'm looking for.

Also are there any car Satnavs out there that would be up to the job with gloves on, and possibly a waterproof case?

Thanks

 

I have a TomTom rider 2 and it's the best motorcycle accessory I have ever bought. You plan routes on google maps, use a program called Tyre to convert them to itn files and it takes you (90% of the time) on the exact route you planned. I've followed it all over Europe and it's only let me down when it had really old maps on it, since I updated them it's been fine.

 

Pictures of my Car based 5" Tom Tom etc here Col

http://1000rr.co.uk/mods-upgrades-accessories-products/11358.htm

 

do you not have a smart phone mate?
loads of good apps CoPilot, tom-tom etc, plus if you buy a peered mount it means you've never got a dead phone whilst your touring too.
Ive got CoPilot on an IPhone and its brilliant!

 

As said mate I have the iPhone and already have it rigged up with the TomTom app and case.
It's just not quite what I'm looking for.

Thanks anyway.

 

Thanks for that Sinewave.

I'll just need to add up the cost of a bike specific Satnav compared to buying a car 1 and all the bits needed to suit the bike.

 

What l3nny said

 

I know this isn't on your list of options but thought I'd put it on your radar as you might already have everything you need.
Last year I took a trip to nurburgring and used my ipad and put it in the front window of my tank bag, as you can imagine the extra size really helps when on the bike. If you have a ipad it will need to be a cellular version as the wifi only does not have the GPS chip required. You will not need to insert a SIM card and it will cost you nothing after buying the app. As for the app, I got Western Europe which was £55 iirc which I actually got cheaper by buying a £70 itunes card for £45 on gumtree.
Hope this helps and feel free to give me a shout if you need any more info on it.

Andy B

 

I've done the iphone fixed mount and didn't like it, so went back to fully designed for bike satnav
http://1000rr.co.uk/mods-upgrades-accessories-products/2209-218.htm#post173455 details here.

With a proper satnav I can meddle with routes on the go, quickly pull up petrol stations with two jabs of a gloved finger, and I never have the slightest worry over water getting in, and being too rough with screen. There's no way to get an iphone screen to react to a glove touch.

Swap sd cards with mates to make sure we're all on same routing in the morning before setting off.

 

I was talking about ipad not iPhone and you can use it with a leather glove on.

Andy B

 

i was toying with the iPad route as you also have a decent computer when you get to your destination rather than trying to read a small phone screen.

 

I honestly can't recommend it enough. It didn't need plugging in either, it lasted about 6hrs and still had a little battery when we arrived at the hotel.

Andy B

 

Tried the iPad in my Tankbag and found it too close to my eyes when riding to read the dam thing.

Hence my return to a stem mounted TomTom which I can read.

 

An iPad mini between the speedo and screen would be nice... Shame they're not waterproof

H

 

I don't use a tankbag, don't like having them there, so the use of any fruit based mapping software in the top of one is off the agenda. As I said though I tried the iphone in an otterbox and although it works ok, it's not as fit for purpose as a system designed specifically to do the job.

 

I've had a 550 for years. Use a mobile in my pocket these days but if I was going to do a tour I would fit the 550 to the bike as it is easier to be able to look down to confirm the next turn etc. I also got the traffic alert thingy which saved my butt a few times when motorways etc got closed. Another add-on you would want is the lifetime maps. think I paid £80 about 3 or 4 years ago.

Garmin are also good on repairs, know a few people who sent their 550s in for paid repair after the warranty expired and got a 600 series back in return. One mentioned that he had bought some extra bits for his 550, lifetime maps I believe, and they swapped it across to his 600.

There's a pretty good looking 550 on fleabay at the moment with an opening price of £50 + £10 delivery.

Garmin zumo 550 Motorcycle GPS Receiver 0753759061760 | eBay

 

If you go for a 550 I can supply a free car holder unit for it, got mine left over from when I had one.

 

Thanks all

I've kind of set my heart on a Garmin 350lm with lifetime maps.
Looks to be a decent bit of kit.