Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: wally_games on November 14, 2011, 11:41:53 AM
-
Ok, I'm going to pull the trigger on a GPS (Christmas present from my wife) and I'm wondering how many are using M/C GPS units and how many are using automobile units. I'd like a M/C version, but at several times the price, are they really worth the extra expense. (I do limited riding in the rain and Zip-Lock bags are cheap, LOL. Besides, the Concours has pretty good protection where it would be mounted.)
If I knew how, I'd set up a poll to track the outcome.
-
I think you have answered your own question. I think this because I have just been through the same process. I spent a lot of time looking and after thinking about my riding and needs, I went with a Garmin 2300LM. That unit can be bought for less than $130 these days and the free map thing is worth at least $60. Of course I don't "need" Bluetooth, I never listen to that woman tell me where to turn as she sometimes gets it wrong, and the displays are all about the same except for size. If you think m/c vs auto is expensive, check out the aviation units..... DAMHIK! :-[
-
I think you have answered your own question. I think this because I have just been through the same process. I spent a lot of time looking and after thinking about my riding and needs, I went with a Garmin 2300LM. That unit can be bought for less than $130 these days and the free map thing is worth at least $60. Of course I don't "need" Bluetooth, I never listen to that woman tell me where to turn as she sometimes gets it wrong, and the displays are all about the same except for size. If you think m/c vs auto is expensive, check out the aviation units..... DAMHIK! :-[
What he said. MC GPS units are not worth the money. Absolute ripoff.
-
I have an older Garmin 2720 which is a motorcycle unit. It has buttons for some functions and touch screen for others. I have a Garmin 765T as a backup and it works great as well. My answer would depend on a lot of variables. Do you always wear gloves? Is the $400.00 extra dollars for a mc unit in your budget or would it be a hardship? You can find a Zumo 550 on occasion for around $400-450 and it is a good motorcycle GPS. Then again if you have $700 laying around then buy the latest and the greatest. All depends on needs vs wants vs finances.
-
I've used a Magellan Crossover on both my C14 and my DR650 as well as my ATV's for years. I've never used a MC specific unit so I couldn't say if it is worth 3X more but sure doesn't seem like it. I used my Magellan for about 4 years before I left it out in the rain one too many times. Maybe that would be a reason for the MC specific unit but if I can get 4 years out of auto units for 1/3rd the price, it's a no brainer for me.
-
http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php/topic,30417.0.html (http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php/topic,30417.0.html)
Check this out...
-
Another option you can think about is using your cell phone with a good nav app. I have been using the Navigon app on my phone for the past three or four months and I loved it compared to a dedicated gps since I only have to sync one device with my Sena bluetooth and I have music, phone, and gps all in one. It doesn't rely on data or cell signal for the maps since it stores all 50 states plus Canda and Puerto Rico directly to the phone. Best $40 I have ever spent.
-
I'm a Garmin Mapsource fan. Buy a Garmin that you can import routes into and you'll ride on roads that you'd never see other wise. I lay out loops from home on mine all the time.
A GPS will just get you from A to B without getting lost. When you can plan your own route, it turns the trip into your own adventure.
You need a GPS that has spoken directions with street names. Either Bluetooth or a wired connection to helmet speakers. Because of glare, you can't always read the screen.
-
I've lost so many units jerry-rigging them to stay on my bike. What did work was the aquabox on my mad-max Vstrom but didn't want to go that route on my Connie...Definitely don't like the higher price for MC units, so found a used TomTom Rider 2 on Craigslist...complete setup with cradles for car/bike cost me $300 shipped. I put her on a Techmount between the handbars, and looks pretty slick. I don't use the bluetooth option, just watch the map...Keep my bluetooth headset synced to my iphone for radio/mp3/phone calls. I know you can daisy-chain sync them, but not feeling it. I might go the route Jeremy suggest, but thinking I'd like a shockproof/waterproof iphone case to mount on my techmount, plus hardwired power versus going to the utility plug.
-
I'd love to just use my iPhone, but the only apps I've seen have North up and I really want Forward to be up. I like being able to see the layout of the road just ahead. A bigger screen would be nicer too.
-
I'd love to just use my iPhone, but the only apps I've seen have North up and I really want Forward to be up. I like being able to see the layout of the road just ahead. A bigger screen would be nicer too.
Navigon has forward up, I was concerned about that as well. It also doesn't matter which way you have your phone turned, my only complaint is routing options are kind of limited but I have found a pretty good way to ride the roads that I want if you would be interested in hearing about that. It also has a Google search function built into it that is very handy.
FYI: Navigon is a very respected company that is based in Germany. I used one of their units that a friend of mine owned while I was there and it worked as good or possibly even better than a TomTom or Garmin.
-
... If you think m/c vs auto is expensive, check out the aviation units..... DAMHIK! :-[
Yabut, 430/530/G1000 have this spiffy "nearest" button on them :)
Can you imagine the marketing possibilities if Garmin could do the same on M/C GPS's? Like for a Gold wing: "nearest DQ/Crispy-Cream", for a Duc "nearest tire/fuel/chiropractor", for a Hardley "nearest place to buy a pin/patch/beer", and for the Connie "nearest twisty road".
Just plug in your brand of motor-scooter, have all the info you need a finger press away. :) ;)
Rick
PS, Nice RV :)
-
I am using a Garmin 550 Zumo and am very happy with it. I was just a little reluctant to mount a non-m/c gps on the bike.
-
The Garmin Nuvi 500 and 550 are both waterproof. less than 300.
-
I'm a Garmin Mapsource fan. Buy a Garmin that you can import routes into and you'll ride on roads that you'd never see other wise. I lay out loops from home on mine all the time.
A GPS will just get you from A to B without getting lost. When you can plan your own route, it turns the trip into your own adventure.
You need a GPS that has spoken directions with street names. Either Bluetooth or a wired connection to helmet speakers. Because of glare, you can't always read the screen.
I've used both a motorcycle and now a car GPS. I am not wired for sound, but I do load maps. I very seldom miss a turn, and very seldom can I not read the display. I don't think there is a perfect system for everyone, but this works well for me. Like someone mentioned above, I keep some zip lock baggies and rubber bands on my bike for rain.
-
I wouldn't call myself a Mapsource fan but I have not found anything better for making routes and I have tried many. Making routes with the unit is a joke. By the way I have heard Garmin will be phasing out Mapsource in favor of Basecamp. I have tried Basecamp and it looks like it is only for hikers. AS the name inplies..
I can always mage to read my Nuvi screen but I DO wish it had an audio jack. I can only hear the speaker at speeds below 20 mph. I am planning to install my own audio jack.
I'm a Garmin Mapsource fan. Buy a Garmin that you can import routes into and you'll ride on roads that you'd never see other wise. I lay out loops from home on mine all the time.
A GPS will just get you from A to B without getting lost. When you can plan your own route, it turns the trip into your own adventure.
You need a GPS that has spoken directions with street names. Either Bluetooth or a wired connection to helmet speakers. Because of glare, you can't always read the screen.
-
Have used a zumo 550 for several years and now a zumo 665 for a few months. The screen is set up well for a m/c use with gloves, but they can be changed for auto mode easily - I just took the 665 off the bike and out it in my explorer for a recent trip. Being able to stream music to your helmet via Bluetooth and with the 665 get siruis radio and weather radar has been a huge improvement to the riding experience.
-
I have a Garmin 765T, got it new off ebay for about $150 (going off memory)... ;)
Blue tooth directions to my Scala G4, built in mp3 that plays in stereo, a very solid unit and I've had zero problems with it or using it with both summer and winter gloves, best $150 I've ever spent for a gps, have had it for about a year now. :thumbs:
-
Picked up the new Garmin 3490LMT and I really like it.
-
I had a Zumo 550 on my FJR and have been using a Nuvi 765T on my C14. It seemed the Zumo was easier to read in the direct sunlight, but it could just be the mounting/viewing angle is different on the Connie. Other than that, they work pretty much the same. In fact, I just purchased a second 765T (refurbished) from NewEgg. Since it is a dicontinued model, I want to have a back up in case the first one ever goes dead. The headphone jack is a major factor for me. I use the bluetooth from time to time, but for music, the headphone jack is louder and better clarity.
-
definitely not worth the money difference in my opinion. With gloves, you can always put one of those tippy things on the tip of your GPS-operating-finger and get over the (as far as I can see) only drawback of a non-MC GPS: operating the touch screen. I have a 765T and it does everything and more. It can be had for a third of the price of a Zumo ::)
-
I have a Garmin 765T, got it new off ebay for about $150 (going off memory)... ;)
Blue tooth directions to my Scala G4, built in mp3 that plays in stereo, a very solid unit and I've had zero problems with it or using it with both summer and winter gloves, best $150 I've ever spent for a gps, have had it for about a year now. :thumbs:
I just looked at the 765T details and it sounds nice. Have you used the traffic feature and does it work well?
-
in my opinion, the little 765T works lightyears better than a 3000$ navigation system mounted on a BMW car. The instructions are clearer, and of course* the traffic warnings are more up-to-date.
* I say of course because, as I discovered a few days ago, BMW cars (in fact, most cars) use an "official" traffic warning system. Navigation systems like Garmin's use other sources of data that include cell phone signals that are first "anonymised" and then collected to estimate the occupation factor of a road. This will be added to BMWs in the near future and be called RTTI.
-
gave up my ZUMO 550 for a droid and haven't looked back.
smart phones FTW
-
I just looked at the 765T details and it sounds nice. Have you used the traffic feature and does it work well?
Yes, the traffic feature works well, first time I've ever had that feature on a gps though so not sure how it compares to others with that option.
-
Yes, the traffic feature works well, first time I've ever had that feature on a gps though so not sure how it compares to others with that option.
What exactly does it do? Visual and/or spoken warning of traffic up ahead? Does it suggest an alternative route? I just found out my Nuvi 500 is Traffic Compatible, whatever that means!
-
Yes the traffic feature will put a red icon on your screen warning of traffic delays ahead. It will lengthen your arrival time based on the estimated delay, and it does a very nice job of re-routing you around the slow traffic area. I used the feature on my way home from Ohio- cars stopped on the freeway and an exit .1 mile away. Garmin told me the traffic problem was .2 miles ahead so we hit the off ramp and it routed us back onto the freeway downstream of the construction or accident or whatever it was...
-
Another option you can think about is using your cell phone with a good nav app. I have been using the Navigon app on my phone for the past three or four months and I loved it compared to a dedicated gps since I only have to sync one device with my Sena bluetooth and I have music, phone, and gps all in one. It doesn't rely on data or cell signal for the maps since it stores all 50 states plus Canda and Puerto Rico directly to the phone. Best $40 I have ever spent.
Navigon app for my iPhone is $50. This weekend my wife found a Garmin Nuvi 1000LM online at Walmart for about $55 (some emailed special deal) and Walmart's regular price is $75. Yes, I know it's a discontinued model, but it's got "lifetime" map updates. They have the larger screen 1300LM for $117.
Also, check out Garmin's outlet store: http://g.factoryoutletstore.com/ (http://g.factoryoutletstore.com/) for lower pricing.
Walmart also has a Tom Tom Ease and a Motorola TN30 for $55 and $57, respectively. Haven't looked into those yet.
-
Yabut, 430/530/G1000 have this spiffy "nearest" button on them :)
Can you imagine the marketing possibilities if Garmin could do the same on M/C GPS's? Like for a Gold wing: "nearest DQ/Crispy-Cream", for a Duc "nearest tire/fuel/chiropractor", for a Hardley "nearest place to buy a pin/patch/beer", and for the Connie "nearest twisty road".
Just plug in your brand of motor-scooter, have all the info you need a finger press away. :) ;)
Rick
PS, Nice RV :)
:goodpost:
Funny stuff! I love to see other pilots on this board. And we're getting closer to glass cockpits on our bikes every year. I have an iFly 700 with the street nav option that I think would be very cool on the motorcycle, if I could find a way to mount it.
Until then, I use a Zumo 660 on the Connie, which I bought due to recommendations relative to their strength against vibration and weather. I like it, but it's a little flaky. Needs to go back to the factory, it tends to shut down for no apparent reason. Mounted directly underneath the Zumo is my iPhone, so I can navigate, communicate and watch videos while riding. ;D
-
:goodpost:
Funny stuff! I love to see other pilots on this board. And we're getting closer to glass cockpits on our bikes every year. I have an iFly 700 with the street nav option that I think would be very cool on the motorcycle, if I could find a way to mount it.
Until then, I use a Zumo 660 on the Connie, which I bought due to recommendations relative to their strength against vibration and weather. I like it, but it's a little flaky. Needs to go back to the factory, it tends to shut down for no apparent reason. Mounted directly underneath the Zumo is my iPhone, so I can navigate, communicate and watch videos while riding. ;D
:loco:
-
Mounted directly underneath the Zumo is my iPhone, so I can navigate, communicate and watch videos while riding. ;D
:rotflmao:
-
Yabut, 430/530/G1000 have this spiffy "nearest" button on them :)
Can you imagine the marketing possibilities if Garmin could do the same on M/C GPS's? Like for a Gold wing: "nearest DQ/Crispy-Cream", for a Duc "nearest tire/fuel/chiropractor", for a Hardley "nearest place to buy a pin/patch/beer", and for the Connie "nearest twisty road".
Just plug in your brand of motor-scooter, have all the info you need a finger press away. :) ;)
Rick
PS, Nice RV :)
Not exactly the same, but I use custom POI's for similar results. I have a POI file for Dairy Queen, IHOP, Cracker Barrel, Honda Dealers, WalMart stores, Home Depots, Firehouse Subs, Lighthouses, Waterfalls, Motorcycle friendly campgrounds, etc. I haven't done one for Kawasaki dealers yet, but it's just a matter of time. When my wife and I are out travelling, the most common need in unfamiliar territory is a place to eat, and she likes 24 hour breakfast, thus the IHOP and Cracker Barrel. Whe's also a big Dairy Queen fan. Walmart is for supplies and such. Most models of Garmin will support custom POI's, and there are whle web groups dedicated to them.
-
Funny stuff! I love to see other pilots on this board. ...
Not a pilot, just yet, but hope to be :) Think four place 180kt plans built canard :)
Not exactly the same, but I use custom POI's for similar results. ...
It is similar though, but very specific. "Nearest" is a dedicated button on almost all Garmin aviation GPS's. Hit it, and it'll point you to the nearest airport.
FWIW, Garmin aviation GPS's start at around $1k. The 450 runs in the $8k range, 550 in the $11k range, and the G1000 in the $50k range (includes a chrome cup holder though). Plus install ;)
Rick
-
Gone and ordered a Garmin nuvi 500 and a tech-mount.
looks like it will do the job in car on bike and on the boat :)
-
Ok, wife is buying me a Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT for Christmas. As you can tell by our going with a less expensive car unit, keeping the price down is part of the deal. (Saving $ for a radar detector, ;).)
So, now I'm trying to come up with the most "economical" method to mount it. I love the Techmount's looks and mounting location, but the price is about double what I'd like to spend. I know I've read about several methods in the forums, but not having great success with the search option today.
The 1490 is a 5" screen, so it's pretty wide. Suggestions? Has anyone used the ram mount for clutch/break reservoir bracket with a medium length arm to move it closer to the centerline of the bike and keep it out of the wind?
-
Ok, wife is buying me a Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT for Christmas. As you can tell by our going with a less expensive car unit, keeping the price down is part of the deal. (Saving $ for a radar detector, ;).)
So, now I'm trying to come up with the most "economical" method to mount it. I love the Techmount's looks and mounting location, but the price is about double what I'd like to spend. I know I've read about several methods in the forums, but not having great success with the search option today.
The 1490 is a 5" screen, so it's pretty wide. Suggestions? Has anyone used the ram mount for clutch/break reservoir bracket with a medium length arm to move it closer to the centerline of the bike and keep it out of the wind?
I use the clutch bracket mount and a short arm with my Nuvi 500. I also have medium and long arms but I prefer the short arm. Wind is no issue, nor is having the unit to the left of center for me. I position it just far enough inside to clear the rearview mirror view. FWIW I mount the same Nuvi on a steering stem mount while on my VFR and notice no difference in useability and actually prefer the clutch mount location.
-
(http://zggtr.org/Smileys/default/yikes.gif)
(http://zggtr.org/Smileys/default/ROTFLMAO.gif)
Brian
I use the clutch bracket mount and a short arm with my Nuvi 500. I also have medium and long arms but I prefer the short arm.
<snip>
-
(http://zggtr.org/Smileys/default/yikes.gif)
(http://zggtr.org/Smileys/default/ROTFLMAO.gif)
Brian
Some people are easily amused. :-*
-
I have used both. For myself, I find the Zumo's worth the extra money.
-
I use the clutch bracket mount and a short arm with my Nuvi 500. I also have medium and long arms but I prefer the short arm. Wind is no issue, nor is having the unit to the left of center for me. I position it just far enough inside to clear the rearview mirror view. FWIW I mount the same Nuvi on a steering stem mount while on my VFR and notice no difference in useability and actually prefer the clutch mount location.
Thanks.
I think I'll go with the clutch mount, but will probably stay with the medium length arm (at least to start). The 1490 is about 1.2" wider than the 500 and want to make sure that it clears everything.
-
Yeah, Kirby has mentioned that before. :D
Back to the subject: I think the choice depends on the user more than anything else. I have used both dedicated motorcycle GPSs as well as automotive GPSs as secondary units, both covered in plastic baggies as well as inside a Ram Aqua mount. My take is that if you are counting on the GPS and cannot tolerate the time it may take to tinker with the GPS then the weatherproof version is almost required. The automotive types have displays that are not as bright as the Zumos, at least in my experience, and adding anything to shield them from the elements only makes it worse. If the GPS is being casually used and the person using it is not dependant on being able to see the unit clearly or hear the directions, then an automotive unit is probably fine.
Another thing to consider is that the motorcycle units, at least the Zumos, all support bluetooth and MP3 players which makes them much more useful if used with a motorcycle comm. system. They integrate nicely and allow easy and fast control and display of both the MP3 player and cell phone directly from the screen. Auto units are tending away from these functions and I do not think there are any current units that have both MP3 player and blue tooth capabilities.
All of that said, motorcycle GPSs are a terrible value IMO due to their high price. I own a Zumo 550 and use it all the time but I cannot justify the high price really.
Brian
Some people are easily amused. :-*
-
Another thing to consider is that the motorcycle units, at least the Zumos, all support bluetooth and MP3 players which makes them much more useful if used with a motorcycle comm. system. They integrate nicely and allow easy and fast control and display of both the MP3 player and cell phone directly from the screen. Auto units are tending away from these functions and I do not think there are any current units that have both MP3 player and blue tooth capabilities.
The Garmin 765T has both bluetooth and built in mp3 that plays in stereo to your helmet speakers and can be picked up for less than $100... :thumbs:
-
It's not that hard to find units that have Bluetooth. The $130 unit I've ordered has that and also comes with "lifetime" maps. As far as having an MP3, I've got my iPhone.
The display brightness may be an issue, but I guess that's something I'll find out after I start really using it. I can always upgrade to the MUCH more expensive M/C units later if I find that I really need to.
This is my first foray into GPS on a M/C and I've never been "lost" badly enough that I didn't get where I was going, eventually. ;)
-
But I believe that is a discontinuted unit. I do not think there are any current units (non motorcycle) that have MP3 and bluetooth on board.
Brian
The Garmin 765T has both bluetooth and built in mp3 that plays in stereo to your helmet speakers and can be picked up for less than $100... :thumbs:
-
Yep, all of that is fine.
One of the problems with any battery operated unit, like your iphone, is that they need recharging. An MP3 player wired to the bike will work forever. Not much of a consideration for most perhaps but long distance riders definitely prefer non- battery operated devices because we often ride longer than the batteries last.
You sound like an ideal candidate for an auto GPS. A more casual GPS user who is not counting on it working, the auto units will represent a far better value than any dedicated motorcycle unit. Nothing wrong with the performance of the auto units either- in fact, I cannot find any functional difference between a Nuvi 350 and a Zumo 550 other than the fact that that specific Nuvi will not u/load entire routes. I think that GPS will serve you very well.
Brian
It's not that hard to find units that have Bluetooth. The $130 unit I've ordered has that and also comes with "lifetime" maps. As far as having an MP3, I've got my iPhone.
The display brightness may be an issue, but I guess that's something I'll find out after I start really using it. I can always upgrade to the MUCH more expensive M/C units later if I find that I really need to.
This is my first foray into GPS on a M/C and I've never been "lost" badly enough that I didn't get where I was going, eventually. ;)
-
But I believe that is a discontinuted unit. I do not think there are any current units (non motorcycle) that have MP3 and bluetooth on board.
Brian
Yes, this is true Brian, the 765T is no longer offered new from Garmin but you can still pick them up off ebay. I'm tempted to just buy another one now to hoard in case anything ever happens to mine, can't beat the price value IMO...
-
I've gotten flawless performance from my Zumo 550 since I bought it. My main worry with a non-motorcycle unit would be keeping it waterproof. Even if you only paid $50 for a unit, I hate to think that what's going to keep it dry is a 3 cent baggie. I've ridden through some heavy downpours and I was glad I didn't have to worry about the GPS. I also use it in my car a lot, too. With bluetooth, it works great as a hands free device in the car and it came with everything I needed to wire it to the bike (ram mount, cradle and power lead) and use it in the car (windshield mount and cigarette lighter adapter). It was expensive, but I think it was worth it.
-
It's not that hard to find units that have Bluetooth. The $130 unit I've ordered has that and also comes with "lifetime" maps. As far as having an MP3, I've got my iPhone.
The display brightness may be an issue, but I guess that's something I'll find out after I start really using it. I can always upgrade to the MUCH more expensive M/C units later if I find that I really need to.
This is my first foray into GPS on a M/C and I've never been "lost" badly enough that I didn't get where I was going, eventually. ;)
There are different screen brightness levels depending on the type of power you are using. I know this sounds crazy but it is true. The battery option will be diminished, the usb cable option will also have a diminished level of brightness. The brightest screen on the 765T will be achieved using the cigarette lighter connection.
-
There are different screen brightness levels depending on the type of power you are using. I know this sounds crazy but it is true. The battery option will be diminished, the usb cable option will also have a diminished level of brightness. The brightest screen on the 765T will be achieved using the cigarette lighter connection.
The Nuvi 500 and 550 have brightness settings, 0% to 100%. I will set it at about 50% to save battery when not using the 12V connection. With the 12V hookup and 100% brightness setting I have never had a problem reading the screen.
The only compalint I have with the NUvi screen is that secondary roads are drawn in light gray on a pale green background and are hard for me to see in any lighting conditions. This is not an issue for follwing a route as the magenta route line is very easy to see.
For all I know, the above may also appy to Zumos.
-
My 765T is basically useless unless using the cig plug and brightness at 100%
-
But I believe that is a discontinuted unit. I do not think there are any current units (non motorcycle) that have MP3 and bluetooth on board.
Brian
Brian, did you mean BOTH features? There are still plenty of units that have bluetooth, but MP3 is a missing from the current lineup.
There are different screen brightness levels depending on the type of power you are using. I know this sounds crazy but it is true. The battery option will be diminished, the usb cable option will also have a diminished level of brightness. The brightest screen on the 765T will be achieved using the cigarette lighter connection.
I will have to try that. I had a 12volt cable from another model that used the USB plug for connection and it worked so I used it. I have seen another plug that plugs in the the adapter that snaps on to the back of the 765........if that connector will make it brighter then I'll be ordering one.
I'm tempted to just buy another one now to hoard in case anything ever happens to mine, can't beat the price value IMO...
I did just that! I bought a refurbished model from Newegg.com for $109.00. But I am tempted to start using it now becasue it has the newest 2012 map.
-
Brian, did you mean BOTH features? There are still plenty of units that have bluetooth, but MP3 is a missing from the current lineup.
I will have to try that. I had a 12volt cable from another model that used the USB plug for connection and it worked so I used it. I have seen another plug that plugs in the the adapter that snaps on to the back of the 765........if that connector will make it brighter then I'll be ordering one.
I did just that! I bought a refurbished model from Newegg.com for $109.00. But I am tempted to start using it now becasue it has the newest 2012 map.
I've found extra 12 volt cables (cig lighter) online for as little as $5, most under $10. Aftermarket, of course, not from Garmin. If your Garmin doesn't have the traffic feature, I think these inexpensive cables would work for a secondary for your car.
-
Brian, did you mean BOTH features? There are still plenty of units that have bluetooth, but MP3 is a missing from the current lineup.
I will have to try that. I had a 12volt cable from another model that used the USB plug for connection and it worked so I used it. I have seen another plug that plugs in the the adapter that snaps on to the back of the 765........if that connector will make it brighter then I'll be ordering one.
I did just that! I bought a refurbished model from Newegg.com for $109.00. But I am tempted to start using it now becasue it has the newest 2012 map.
Yea, I used the USB with a USB to Cigarette adapter for the accessory plug on the C14 and my brightness was horrible. I used the plug supplied by Garmin with the Cig style end and the screen was MUCH brighter. I almost gave in and bought a Zumo but glad I figured it out.
-
Yes, automotive GPS units with both blue tooth and MP3 players are either difficult to find or are no longer manufactured.
As to the USB thing- note that Garmin uses a proprietary USB plug that allows the units to be powered up by the external 12 volt source as well as charge the battery at the same time. If you use a generic USB adapter, the unit can be powered by the external power source or the battery will be charged but it will not do both at the same time. This is because doing both simultaneously exceeds the current supplied by standard USB spec.'s (1/2 amp).
Brian
Brian, did you mean BOTH features? There are still plenty of units that have bluetooth, but MP3 is a missing from the current lineup.
I will have to try that. I had a 12volt cable from another model that used the USB plug for connection and it worked so I used it. I have seen another plug that plugs in the the adapter that snaps on to the back of the 765........if that connector will make it brighter then I'll be ordering one.
I did just that! I bought a refurbished model from Newegg.com for $109.00. But I am tempted to start using it now becasue it has the newest 2012 map.
-
Yes, Zumos have the same feature that reduces screen brightness to save battery power.
But in the end, the Nuvi units I have and have seen, when set to the brightest setting possible are still quite a bit less bright than a Zumo set to its brightest value. It is like the auto units run at 100% brightness but the Zumos run at 150% brightness :-)
As far as the map colors, they can be changed on the Nuvis that I have seen. You can choose one of several maps (four I think) although the nighttime colors are really only useful at night in my experience. You may also be able to download other map styles from third party sources.
Brian
The Nuvi 500 and 550 have brightness settings, 0% to 100%. I will set it at about 50% to save battery when not using the 12V connection. With the 12V hookup and 100% brightness setting I have never had a problem reading the screen.
The only compalint I have with the NUvi screen is that secondary roads are drawn in light gray on a pale green background and are hard for me to see in any lighting conditions. This is not an issue for follwing a route as the magenta route line is very easy to see.
For all I know, the above may also appy to Zumos.
-
Good info, I really would love a Zumo but have to settle for the Nuvi until I find some funding.
-
I use this to plug my 765T into my powerlet plug on my Heli risers.
http://www.powerlet.com/product/mini-usb-short-powerlet-cable/259 (http://www.powerlet.com/product/mini-usb-short-powerlet-cable/259)
-
Don't feel too left out; I have a Zumo and still think they are vastly overpriced. They also have a couple of quirks that are pretty annoying; the cradles tend to fail because (wait for it....) they are NOT WATERPROOF. Amazing but true- if you go to the start of a long distance rally and look in the parking lot the night before, you will see literally dozens of bikes with Zumo 550 mounts (empty mounts) covered with a plastic baggie! They are not waterproof when the unit is in the cradle either and the pins that make contact with the GPS itself eventually corrode away to nothing. Also, the electrical contacts on the bottom of a Zumo 550 are nothing more than an etched PC board- the discs that are the contacts are only about 0.002" thick. Eventually the pins on the cradle (before they rot away) dig holes through the copper discs on the Zumo and will no longer make contact. Garmin did replace a Zumo that did that on me at no charge but it was still inconvenient to have to do the mail exchange.
One thing that we do not seem to get with the very high priced Zumos, at least not the 450 and 550 version (the 660 and 665 have different electrical contact mechanisms so they may be better) is reliability. I have been through something like 7 or 8 Zumo 550s, all under an extended Best Buy warranty. But I have to say that I have little confidence the current one may will not fail at any moment. I like GPSs but I always carry two unless I am on a long trip when I carry three. The automotive units have the double advantage that they are much less expensive and they are carried by most local stores so the odds that one could be replace on a long trip are much better than a Zumo.
Funny and true story: a friend of mine used to go on about how reliable he has found Garmins to be and implied that the blame must be on me rather than the unit. He was doing a Saddlesore 1000 and was nearly back to the start point when his Zumo showed him the blue screen of death. He knew where he was going but he was counting on the trip log from the Zumo which of course was lost for all time. His confidence in the units is now a bit more ‘reality based’ than it was before IMO.
Brian
Good info, I really would love a Zumo but have to settle for the Nuvi until I find some funding.
-
I use this to plug my 765T into my powerlet plug on my Heli risers.
http://www.powerlet.com/product/mini-usb-short-powerlet-cable/259 (http://www.powerlet.com/product/mini-usb-short-powerlet-cable/259)
OUCH, nice cable but over 1/3 the units cost. How is the brightness? Powerlet makes great cables so I am sure the brightness is the same as the Cig style Garmin.
-
Don't feel too left out; I have a Zumo and still think they are vastly overpriced. They also have a couple of quirks that are pretty annoying; the cradles tend to fail because (wait for it....) they are NOT WATERPROOF. Amazing but true- if you go to the start of a long distance rally and look in the parking lot the night before, you will see literally dozens of bikes with Zumo 550 mounts (empty mounts) covered with a plastic baggie! They are not waterproof when the unit is in the cradle either and the pins that make contact with the GPS itself eventually corrode away to nothing. Also, the electrical contacts on the bottom of a Zumo 550 are nothing more than an etched PC board- the discs that are the contacts are only about 0.002" thick. Eventually the pins on the cradle (before they rot away) dig holes through the copper discs on the Zumo and will no longer make contact. Garmin did replace a Zumo that did that on me at no charge but it was still inconvenient to have to do the mail exchange.
One thing that we do not seem to get with the very high priced Zumos, at least not the 450 and 550 version (the 660 and 665 have different electrical contact mechanisms so they may be better) is reliability. I have been through something like 7 or 8 Zumo 550s, all under an extended Best Buy warranty. But I have to say that I have little confidence the current one may will not fail at any moment. I like GPSs but I always carry two unless I am on a long trip when I carry three. The automotive units have the double advantage that they are much less expensive and they are carried by most local stores so the odds that one could be replace on a long trip are much better than a Zumo.
Funny and true story: a friend of mine used to go on about how reliable he has found Garmins to be and implied that the blame must be on me rather than the unit. He was doing a Saddlesore 1000 and was nearly back to the start point when his Zumo showed him the blue screen of death. He knew where he was going but he was counting on the trip log from the Zumo which of course was lost for all time. His confidence in the units is now a bit more ‘reality based’ than it was before IMO.
Brian
More great info. I have a 2720 that I use and the Nuvi 765T is the backup. I just require Mapsourse capability so no need for all the bells and whistles. If Garmin made a MC unit that had basic functions and was glove friendly they would make a MINT.
-
And just a little off- topic, what I think would make the ultimate GPS would be a 7" or 10" tablet running some form of Windoze and Streets & Trips. It would also function as an MP3 player and if blue tooth equipped, it may interface with a cell phone. It would have to be weatherproofed but with a touch screen it should be great as a real- time GPS (using a GPS receiver). The prices are dropping pretty fast so this may be an option to a true GPS before long.
Brian
-
OUCH, nice cable but over 1/3 the units cost. How is the brightness? Powerlet makes great cables so I am sure the brightness is the same as the Cig style Garmin.
Brightness is good when using the cable Alpha, much brighter than built-in battery only. The screen does show glare though if the sun is directly on it, but still very functional IMO and I'm usually listening to the direction turn prompts rather than looking at the screen anyways, a quick glance every now and then does the trick for me...
-
Powerlet makes great cables
Yep, quality products indeed! A little off topic, but I also have this powerlet cable that can charge my Scala G4 in use on my helmet while riding if need be... :thumbs:
http://www.powerlet.com/product/micro-usb-standard-powerlet-charging-cable/484 (http://www.powerlet.com/product/micro-usb-standard-powerlet-charging-cable/484)
-
Don't feel too left out; I have a Zumo and still think they are vastly overpriced. They also have a couple of quirks that are pretty annoying; the cradles tend to fail because (wait for it....) they are NOT WATERPROOF. Amazing but true- if you go to the start of a long distance rally and look in the parking lot the night before, you will see literally dozens of bikes with Zumo 550 mounts (empty mounts) covered with a plastic baggie! They are not waterproof when the unit is in the cradle either and the pins that make contact with the GPS itself eventually corrode away to nothing. Also, the electrical contacts on the bottom of a Zumo 550 are nothing more than an etched PC board- the discs that are the contacts are only about 0.002" thick. Eventually the pins on the cradle (before they rot away) dig holes through the copper discs on the Zumo and will no longer make contact. Garmin did replace a Zumo that did that on me at no charge but it was still inconvenient to have to do the mail exchange.
:yikes:
Wow Brian, I didn't know that, that's just messed up... :nuts:
-
As far as the map colors, they can be changed on the Nuvis that I have seen. You can choose one of several maps (four I think) although the nighttime colors are really only useful at night in my experience. You may also be able to download other map styles from third party sources.
Brian
The 500 and 550 nuvis have three (really just two) color modes, day and night and auto. The secondary roads do show up better in nightime mode but as you say that does not work work well in daylight.
I was not aware of third party map "styles". I do have several third party maps which are major improvements in some ways, unfortunately they are not routable. I am currently learning how to make my own routable maps but it is a daunting challenge for this old dog..
-
Yep, quality products indeed! A little off topic, but I also have this powerlet cable that can charge my Scala G4 in use on my helmet while riding if need be... :thumbs:
http://www.powerlet.com/product/micro-usb-standard-powerlet-charging-cable/484 (http://www.powerlet.com/product/micro-usb-standard-powerlet-charging-cable/484)
I am probably adding a Powerlet socket on the left side to match the factory socket so these two cables may be future products on my list. I can use the same cable to charge my Sena SMH-10.
-
I use this to plug my 765T into my powerlet plug on my Heli risers.
http://www.powerlet.com/product/mini-usb-short-powerlet-cable/259 (http://www.powerlet.com/product/mini-usb-short-powerlet-cable/259)
Less expensive = http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/mfx-10747-03.htm (http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/mfx-10747-03.htm)
-
I am probably adding a Powerlet socket on the left side to match the factory socket so these two cables may be future products on my list. I can use the same cable to charge my Sena SMH-10.
Any chance that one of these would work? I'm not sure of the current draw of a GPS and maybe a radar detector both going through the factory socket.
http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/mfx-2way.htm (http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/mfx-2way.htm)
-
With the cost of the new Garmin Nuvi 40's at only $75 last week at Meijers ... i could not see have a M/C unit.
sucks that i cant upload routes ... but i mostly just aimlessly wander around till i am at half tank ... then turn the GPS on to find my way back home.
-
Less expensive = http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/mfx-10747-03.htm (http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/mfx-10747-03.htm)
That won't work for me WG, I have a powerlet plug.
Thanks anyway though... :chugbeer:
-
might still probably be cheaper to buy the cable and cut off the end and put a male powerlet end on. Could still come in quite a bit cheaper than 45 bucks.
-
That would seem to be the perfect product for that kind of usage IMO. And if (or when) it stops working it will be extremely easy to replace and the next unit will probably be even better. Sort of a win- win situation.
Brian
With the cost of the new Garmin Nuvi 40's at only $75 last week at Meijers ... i could not see have a M/C unit.
sucks that i cant upload routes ... but i mostly just aimlessly wander around till i am at half tank ... then turn the GPS on to find my way back home.
-
With the cost of the new Garmin Nuvi 40's at only $75 last week at Meijers ... i could not see have a M/C unit.
sucks that i cant upload routes ... but i mostly just aimlessly wander around till i am at half tank ... then turn the GPS on to find my way back home.
The 765T does routes and is not much more expensive..
-
Yea, I used the USB with a USB to Cigarette adapter for the accessory plug on the C14 and my brightness was horrible. I used the plug supplied by Garmin with the Cig style end and the screen was MUCH brighter. I almost gave in and bought a Zumo but glad I figured it out.
Alpha, I currently have my 765T hard wired using an almost identical cable to the one linked below, except this one has a USB style plug for the Garmin. This cord however http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/ghs-b.htm (http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/ghs-b.htm) uses the proprietary plug the connects to the 765T cradle which then attaches to the GPS unit itself. Is this the cable you are using, except with a cig lighter plug? I dont mind hard wiring a new cable if it will brighten my screen.... just trying to get a little reassurance before I drop the cash for it. The factory Garmin cig lighter plug would work, but I just dont like wrapping up a 3' cord for something that is about 8 inches away. The hard wired cord is just a cleaner install IMHO.
-
Bad news for the guy with the 1490T. It will pair with a cell phone but not with, say, a Sena SM10 headset. I do like the big screen, but I can't get the spoken directions while on the bike so it's basically worthless to me.
-
Alpha, I currently have my 765T hard wired using an almost identical cable to the one linked below, except this one has a USB style plug for the Garmin. This cord however http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/ghs-b.htm (http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/ghs-b.htm) uses the proprietary plug the connects to the 765T cradle which then attaches to the GPS unit itself. Is this the cable you are using, except with a cig lighter plug? I dont mind hard wiring a new cable if it will brighten my screen.... just trying to get a little reassurance before I drop the cash for it. The factory Garmin cig lighter plug would work, but I just dont like wrapping up a 3' cord for something that is about 8 inches away. The hard wired cord is just a cleaner install IMHO.
I use a RAM cradle and the end that attaches to the 765T is just like the end on the wire in your link. I use the cig style as it is my backup to the 2710 and I want to keep the option of taking it on and off easy.
-
The Garmin Nuvi 500 and 550 are both waterproof. less than 300.
Amazon, refurb unit, $189.
Thanks.
-
holy resurrected threads, Batman! :o
-
I figured why not let people know. :)
-
holy resurrected threads, Batman! :o
:) Much better than starting a new one, though!
-
I've got a Nuvi 500 on my KLR. Decent GPS for the $$$, washes out in sun light sometimes, no head phone jack but you can import routes from MapSource. Works perfect for me.
-
Interesting that this thread was revived. I just finished a 7K mile ride with both a Zumo 550 and a Nuvi 765t.
The Nuvi is adequate even in sunlight (barely) but the screen cannot be covered with anything. On the first part of the trip the Nuvi was in a Ram Aquamount and with the extra layer of frosted plastic (the Aquamount front is a rubber- like plastic) I simply could not see the screen during daylight. At night it was OK but using the touch screen through the Aquamount plastic left something to be desired too. So I bought a Ram motorcycle mount which is basically a plastic ring that surrounds the Nuvi but leaves the front and back bare. I covered the back with cellophane tape and wrapped electrical tape around the entire edge making the unit basically waterproof. I put a coating of axle grease on the mount contacts and where the cable enters the Garmin mount. I did ride through a lot of rain and the unit didn't suffer in any way; I assume it really is waterproof but of course do not know for sure and I would not submerge the unit like that.
With a bare screen the Nuvi is sufficient and virtually equal in performance to a Zumo 550- both recalculated at the exact same speed but I think the Nuvi responded a bit faster to the touch screen than the Zumo did. A couple of nice features of the Nuvi that the Zumo does not have are the satellite screen as well as the 'where am I' function. The satellite screen is certainly not necessary but it is handy waiting for the GPS to find its position, basically to make sure the unit is working correctly and just does not have a fix yet. The 'where am I' function is outstanding though and I ended up using it to mark all my fuel receipts as to were I was when getting them- the longitude and latitude are more than close enough to track down exactly where on the road I was later given a PC- it is faster to write down the lat. and long. than it is to write down the city, state and locality.
Otherwise the Nuvi had all the functionality of the Zumo and given that I use both the MP3 player for music, and the Bluetooth connection to connect my cell phone the older series of Nuvis are about the only ones that do that. No current automotive GPS offers both MP3 and Bluetooth to the best of my knowledge. The new Montana series from Garmin does, and they look fantastic but again we are back to a very expensive unit. The older Nuvis are getting to be in short supply though so soon enough they may not be available at all- they have not been available new for some years but there are occasionally refurbished units for sale.
Brian
-
agreed. I also have a nüvi 765t and am very pleased with it. I mount it on a RAM mount and in a waterproof bag from the local shop. Visibility could be better in daylight, but I just make shadow with my left hand if necessary, and that is rather seldom. All in all, I'd buy it again (I paid a third of the price of a Zumo) and keep the difference for other farkles.
-
Neither.
Garmin Montana
/thread