No subscription necessary. Thank the US taxpayer for the satellites. You won't mystify all Hardley Ferguson riders, Garmin makes an OEM for them I believe. You will find the choices at
www.garmin.com mind boggling. They aren't the only maker, just the tops. Also, good to one meter of water for 30 min so a rain storm isn't going to hurt it. I can transfer mine from bike to truck very easily.