GPS for an Africa Twin

[fewtrees]

Does anybody have experience of using GPS units on a bike? I'm looking for a colour unit that is easily removeable from the bike and can be used whilst wearing gloves..

Do they work (do they work well)?
Can you hook them up to the battery?

Has anyone used the Wayfinder solution that uses your mobile phone?

[SteveLee]

I use a Compaq iPAQ with TomTom 3 software and either the TomTom wired GPS receiver or a Haicom CF GPS card. It's done a lot of trips this year and has worked really well. If the weather is bad I put it in a waterproof Otter box and use the wired GPS otherwise I just have it mounted in a RAM mount with the Cf GPS. Power is taken from a car cigarette lighter socket. I'll post some pictures up when I get round to it.

This was the most cost effective solution for me as I get an iPAQ to use from work FOC.

If that wasn't the case I'd probably be tempted by the Garmin StreetPilot III.

Steve

[DaveS]

I use a Dell Amix X5 with a CF GPS from eBay (about £60) with the Tom Tom Navigator 3 software (approx £100).
I have a car cigarette lighter socket plumbed in to the AT and have a car charger lead for the Axim.
I too use a RAM mount for the Axim which bolts to my handle bars.
My only issue is with the vibration in the bars and the concern that it will disintegrate the Axim eventually.
So far though it has been excellent.

The Tom Tom software works well with gloves as it has big icons.
I have an add-on for the Tom Tom software which lists all of the speed cameras in the UK. You can see on the screen when they are coming up and ensure that you pass through that area safely. That alone is worth the money for me.

Medion are doing some PDA's that have the Tom Tom software rebranded and included for around the £250 mark, including the GPS card as well. Stunning deal I think. Aldi's have been selling them.

[paultheold]

Mine is Garmin StreetPilot III, mounted on the bars with the Touratech mount, the unit is waterproof, and is also used in the car.

[iswoolley]

I've been using a Garmin GPS V (£350 from http://www.gpsw.co.uk) for a couple of years now. It's waterproof, has street level mapping, and is a compact size.

Mounted on a Touratech AV mount onto the crossbar that normally has the TripMaster on. Went for this position as opposed to the handlebars to avoid interference with my tankbag. It's hardwired direct to the battery, and uses a remote aerial because the unit is too close to the windscreen to retain the stubby OEM aerial. Easy enough to pop off and use in the car or handheld as well. I don't have batteries in it when it's in a vehicle, as poor battery compartment design leads eventually to corroded battery terminals and a unit that keeps shutting down.

Iain

You can kinda get the idea from this photo:

[fewtrees]

I've gone for a cheap Mitac Mio (built-in GPS) with TomTom software £320 the lot (but the AA are now selling them for £299). Seems to work fine and after testing it in the car with audio only instructions I'm quite impressed!

[KEIFER]

Yep, I use a Mio 168 with built in GPS and at the moment I too have only used it in the car .. but if you look at my other thread at the moment am trying to get it mounted on the AT.

Will let you know how I get on when I get it fitted

My first impressions of the Mio 168 are that for the size it can't be bettered. Go to http://www.pocketgps.co.uk/mitacmio168.php for an impartial review.

K

[Tikka]

I use the Garmin GPS V and it hasn't failed me yet. Great peice of equipment. To bad it only has 19 mb storage space. it uses the power of the bike ( rightside next to tripmaster)
It is mounted with a RAM mount

[Gilbert]

Garmin GPSMap 60 C in a lockable Touratechholder.

[scorch]

I use the 276c, best gps ever. And very custom.

I hear good things about the zumo