Motorcycles call for specialized GPS navigation equipment. They need to be able to handle vibration, be weatherproof, fuel-spill resistant and glove-friendly. More advanced units will add a Bluetooth connection to your helmet’s headset and some even offer live weather information. Garmin is clearly the leader with their zumo line. Here’s their entire lineup (the links below go to our pages for each model, where you can find detailed information along with links to hands on reviews from around the Web):
Garmin zumo 220
A relatively new model in the zumo line, introduced in the spring of 2010. The zumo 220 is now Garmin’s entry-level zumo.
- 3.5” screen
- Bluetooth
- Speed limit indicator
- Flat form factor
- Our Garmin zumo 220 page
Garmin zumo 450 (discontinued)
The only discontinued zumo to date, the 450 has been replaced by the zumo 220 as the low end model. This is also the only unit that doesn’t call out actual street names (so you hear “turn right in 1/4 mile,” rather than “turn right on Oak Street in 1/4 mile”).
- 3.5” screen
- Our Garmin zumo 450 page
Garmin zumo 550
The high-end model in the older, non-flat form factor line.
- 3.5” screen
- Bluetooth
- XM Radio and Traffic compatible
- Our Garmin zumo 550 page
Garmin zumo 660
The first flat-form factor zumo.
- 4.3” screen
- A2DP Bluetooth
- Speed limit indicator
- Flat form factor
- Our Garmin zumo 660 page
Garmin zumo 665
The current high-end model in the zumo line.
- 4.3” screen
- A2DP Bluetooth
- XM Radio, Traffic and Weather compatible (receiver included)
- Flat form factor
- Our Garmin zumo 665 page
Image courtesy sfxeric
I couldn’t imagine riding my bike and looking at a gps device at the same time. Just seems too dangerous. I like to keep my eyes on the road at all times because you never know when another driver is not paying attention.
I agree. I think the best use of these is with a Bluetooth headset, to hear the prompts. If you need to fiddle with the device or look at, pull off the road!
I do Motorcycle touring as well as snowmobiling in winter, I would like a unit capable of street navigation as well as use of Topo maps. I like the lane assist but don’t care about MP3,picture view, etc. My stereo on my bike has weather,etc. but weather might be nice when used on sled. I have a $500 limit. not including topo map,or accessories, mounts etc.
Would like your opinion, too many models for me too separate.
Thanx
Shane
The problem you’ll run into is that there are few waterproof options. There is the zumo series, the nuvi 500/550 (no lane assist) and the Montana series. The latter is pricey and you would still have to pony up for highway maps…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/09/on-the-road-with-the-garmin-montana.html
Those are probably your best options unless you’re willing to give up lane assist.
the mini USB to powerlet cable I have tried to use on my motorcycle to power my Garmin Nuvi is 5v but the Nuvi came with a cigarette adapter and no converter so I’m assuming it is 12v. I cannot find a straight mini USB to powerlet cable that isn’t 5v. What’s up? Thanks
No idea. Does this help?…
http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=22262
thanks. I think my powerlet to mini-USB cable is bad.