GPS - which system is best?

[graeme0309]

I am going to buy a new GPS system for my bike next week. Who has one?

And which manufacturer/model do you recommend? (I will be using it heavily in the London area).

I am interested to know:

+ which has the best LCD screen?
+ other features I must not forget to obtain with my new system?
+ installation charges and how long does it take?
+ am I better to get Honda to fit it or a third party?
+ any good websites you can recommend that explain well the GPS systems available for bikers?
+ should I expect any particular problems or hazards attaching it to a TRANSALP? (2007 TRANSALP)

[matthelliwell]

I am going to buy a new GPS system for my bike next week. Who has one?

And which manufacturer/model do you recommend? (I will be using it heavily in the London area).

I am interested to know:

+ which has the best LCD screen?
+ other features I must not forget to obtain with my new system?
+ installation charges and how long does it take?
+ am I better to get Honda to fit it or a third party?
+ any good websites you can recommend that explain well the GPS systems available for bikers?
+ should I expect any particular problems or hazards attaching it to a TRANSALP? (2007 TRANSALP)

Well I've got a Zumo on my bike and am very pleased with it. Personally, I'd make a list of features that you actually want on a gps to narrow down your choice eg battery, blue tooth connection to phone, route planning on a pc.

Amongst other places, http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=37 might be a good place to start browsing.

[RainMan]

This one has been done to death, check the link for probably the best discussion on this :-

Which gps system

[graeme0309]

This one has been done to death, check the link for probably the best discussion on this :-

Which gps system

Hi RainMan.
I can appreciate that this one is probably discussed over and over but that's the thing about engine revisions in a new TA - they occur once every two years.

However, a GPS unit is old tomorrow. I am reading about so many new features and changes I can't keep up.

The other thing which I can't see anyone is talking about is related to my question: "Self install? Honda dealer installed? Or third party installed? (e.g. Halfords)". Is there a rule here? Trust only one and all that?

[matthelliwell]

Hi RainMan.
The other thing which I can't see anyone is talking about is related to my question: "Self install? Honda dealer installed? Or third party installed? (e.g. Halfords)". Is there a rule here? Trust only one and all that?

Don't know about on a TA but on a KTM, even I could self-install. They (usually?) come with a mounting that just bolts onto the handle bars and you then need to get power from somewhere. The KTM has a couple of power take off points so it literally was just a case of pushing together a couple of spade connectors. Mine is wired so it only gets power when the ignition is on but unless you leave it on your bike for weeks at a time, I can't that that will make any difference.

[RainMan]

Hi RainMan.
I can appreciate that this one is probably discussed over and over but that's the thing about engine revisions in a new TA - they occur once every two years.
The other thing which I can't see anyone is talking about is related to my question: "Self install? Honda dealer installed? Or third party installed? (e.g. Halfords)". Is there a rule here? Trust only one and all that?

OK, to be more constructive, my weapon of choice is the Garmin Quest2, mainly because it is so small that you can slip it into your pocket and is not in the slightest bit bulky, and secondly because it is totally waterproof and therefore ideal for the bike. As regards mounting, the vast majority of people mount the units themselves, you can usually run the cable neatly back to the battery for power, but I took the supply from the switched power behind the dash, therefore the unit gets powered off when the key if removed, I mounted the unit right over the clocks where it can be seen at a glance, without really taking your eyes off the road, haven't got a photo, but I've nicked ChrisH's shot of his which is mounted the very same way.

[graeme0309]

Thanks Rainman. I have a 2007 model. I am not sure if my GPS device will fit over the dials. Will check and advise.

I like the idea from both of you regarding the unit switching off when the key is pulled out.

But does your unit have its own battery so that it can be pulled off and used independently? You know, if you pulled up to a cafe in Switzerland and then sat down for a coffee and started surfing the thing to plan your next route?

[RainMan]

It sure does, and as long as your coffee doesn't last more than 9 hours, you're good to go, as this is roughly the amount of time that the rechargable battery will last. If you were going to get the Quest, I can give you plenty of shots on how I mounted mine ('04 Transalp altough largely identical to your model), but from what you're saying, it sounds like you already have a GPS that you want to use.

PS Looking forward to your report from the Paris show

[Lumiya]

Weird how people are giving totally wrong answers...From these answers people would think that you were after a Sat-Nav system and not a GPS.

A GPS will tell you where you are and in which direction your destination or way-point is.
A mappable GPS will tell you where you are and in which direction your destination or way-point is as well as portraying it on a topographical map.
A sat-nav will tell you where you are and which roads to take step by step to get to your destination.

Which one are you after???

Kymmy

PS..don't get an idiot to install it, especially if you;re gonna use it offroad. Otherwise you'll end up with a broken unit!

[RainMan]

Weird how people are giving totally wrong answers...From these answers people would think that you were after a Sat-Nav system and not a GPS.

A GPS will tell you where you are and in which direction your destination or way-point is.
A mappable GPS will tell you where you are and in which direction your destination or way-point is as well as portraying it on a topographical map.

So let me apologise of behalf of the entire forum that we're not all so bloody PERFECT !!