Triumphrat

RickyT · 01-13-2007

Before my long ride into the unfamiliar Florida area, I thought I should ad a GPS to my bike. Any advice? I plan to have a dealer hardwire it in but my accessory port is already overloaded with heated suit and grips. Can the gps be run through another port. Which brand is easiest to use.Do I need earphones or can I just read off the screen

ricster · 01-13-2007

I swear buy garmin products. I would say check out gpscity.com in vegas. I bought one from them awhile back and pricing and service was excellent. I would look at the 2720/2730 model as its the most durable.. I believe it has a military spec rating on it. By the way i live in ct and have lived in florida florida is easy to get around...much easier than poorly marked ct roads as you already are aware of :hammer:

trotsky · 01-13-2007

another on ehere for Garmin. I have the Quest II. Works really well witht he cycle mount that is hard wired into the bike. I have a RAM mount to hold the Garmin mount onto the bike and it hasn't come off yet...even when I take the unexpected trek on an unpaved road.

The Quest II comes with all the maps for North America or you could buy the Quest I and only buy the maps you need if you want to save a few bucks.

The best thing about it is that I am able to use it in my car too.

01-14-2007

I've been using a Garmin 276C on mine for the last year and love it. It's a very capable unit and also durable enough that it spends a lot of time on my KTM dual sport as well.

I also use a 60CSx that's an awesome gps, just a smaller screen!!

Sport · 01-15-2007

You won't regret Garmin.

My wife and I are pilots and Garmin is an industry standard for GPS's.

I use a Garmin C330 and purchased a RAM motorcycle mount on ebay. I have it hardwire'd in with my Autocom system. One drawback to RAM is that you must swap the power connecter female adapter to the new RAM mount. Otherwise it works great! There is no plug-in for headphones as it has built in speakers, but I have NO PROBLEMS following screen directions without verbal commands. For me, the screen size is perfect. Not too big that it takes up too much room and not too small that you can't read the display. The C330 is not waterproof, but I just tiewrapped a glad bag over it and rode 4 hrs in the pouring rain (from Virginia to South Carolina) with NO problems. Paid round $500 for the package.

Garmin makes a true motorcycle GPS called the ZUMO 550. It runs about $1k, but comes with two mounts, car and motorcycle. It is waterproof, more durable, comes with bluetooth, XM radio (must pay for service), Traffic Watch (must also pay for service), MP3 player with a memory slot, and the ability to plug into headphones. This model you are able to listen to while riding.

I figure in a couple of years I'll move up to the ZUMO 550.

Hope this helps

Sport

NinjaRAT · 01-15-2007

I too would like to get the Zumo, once I find myself with some disposable income. However, I'm a bit confused about this GPS connector, I've read about in other forums.

Color me dumb, but there is a connector that allows the GPS unit to be powered from? Supposedly it's underneath the high-beam headlight, or so. Any ideas if the Zumo requires a special adaptor to plug into said connection?

dgilmore · 01-15-2007

Yes, there is a connector next to the headlights - on the right side of the bike. However, it's not ideal, as it is always on. With my setup, that means that the gps (if it has an internal battery) is always charging, drawing power when you don't need to. What I prefer to do is wire in a bosch style relay so the gps operates with a keyed source.

As far as which gps, I prefer the Garmin 376c, as it has a large screen, is easy to operate, is waterproof, has an internal battery so you can take it off and use it in the hotel room, and best of all, has Nexrad weather radar. That function alone has saved my bacon several times, during tornado season here in the midwest.

Dave

Sport · 01-16-2007

All my gadgets are connected from the APU (BMW plug at left knee) to a multi automotive DC connector. see below:

This cable leads to my tank bag and plugs in all my goodies and has served me well.

Robdan · 01-16-2007

I use an older Garmin Streetpilot, not sure if you can still buy them. Advantage is it has a large screen, but no colour and no audio...who needs that anyway?
I went to Canadian Tire (any auto supply will have these) and bought a cigar lighter female plug with just 2 wires ($5.95) coming from it. I extended the wires with an inline fuse holder on the positive side, and wired it directly to my battery. Running the wires under the seat was easy, and out the right rear side under the side cowling, then attached it with 2 plastic zip ties to the side bag brackets. I then run the Garmin electrical cord down the side of the bike, tucking it in as best as I can, using a bit of duct tape to secure it. The Garmin comes with the standard size electrical adaptor, so will plug right in to the cigar lighter female plug. Hope this helps. It's not a real difficult job, with a bit of wire, electrical tape and a few tools.
Cheers and ride safe.
Rob

Robdan · 01-16-2007

Forgot to mention this site...not sure about custom duties but great if you live in Canada...they have good deals on refurbs, fully warranted. Just go to "Products".
http://www.gpscentral.ca/

Rob

[ This message was edited by: Robdan on 2007-01-16 10:12 ]