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I do know many riders who use automotive GPS units and take steps to protect the charging ports and cables - and throw a Ziploc over the unit when the rain starts. I've done this myself in the past. It's a kludge. Some have gone as far as developing techniques to waterproof a non-waterproof GPS (the Garmin 2797 was popular for this). At some point, doesn't the effort and expense move you to the same overall cost as the motorcycle-specific unit?
I just got a new one off of e bay. Can't get the damn thing to work<shrug>
On a two day ride on the old T-3 exploring the eastern part of north central Kansas. Going old school with no GPS and three pages copied out of of a detailed atlas. Found several new to me roads that were really nice and even had quite a few curves, yes in Kansas!GliderJohn
I've had a TomTom before (550 XXL) - good, but the support was a bit lacking. The maps also aren't quite as good for North America, but they don't take you onto dirt as often as Garmin and they have better speed limit data. I'll probably get one again. BTW, the current TomTom Rider 400 is $400, so not as cheap as they once were.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-TomTom-RIDER-2-Motorcycle-GPS-Set-USA-CANADA-W-EUROPE-MAPS-bike-2nd-Edition-/331538048828?epid=109467719&hash=item4d3135273c:g:QMIAAOSwnDxUjxn310 available of this model...I've been using it now for several years...does everything but provide a radar map. $299 as indicated above...full kit, lifetime map.
I just wish everyone would STAY THE HELL OFF MY LAWN!
That would work, except that phones aren't weather resistant and almost all GPS apps for them are dependent on map information and supporting functionality held in the cloud rather than on the device. Yes, you can sometimes download the data, but you still have to be somewhere that makes downloading practical or even possible. The cost of data plans for situations where WiFi is not present is also an issue. If you ride where I do in the west, you're out of coverage (for either!) more than you are in it. In addition, combining a PC-based mapping and planning app with a GPS gives much more flexibility in planning than any phone app (though Google Maps is starting to get close).
love my garmin montana 650Tthey have a newer one now the 680T and they use the same amps mounts as the 650'sgreat GPS can be used off AA batteries, or use the powered mount, you can use all the maps in it from hiking to marine or aviation.Has great memory built in and can save 100,000 way points you put in and thousands of routes.I am still using NT2014 maps in it and really should update them but I mainly use it for backroad riding and those don't change much or ever. It is also meets IPX7 water resistance, so no need for special covers for it.And has a built in camera as well.
To me, buying a new stand alone GPS makes as much sense as buying a new VCR. I moved on to a iPhone mount and couldn't be happier. The apps like WASE and other map apps are better than any nav unit I have used. The screen is brighter and if I wanted, I could use the Bluetooth to get directions to my Sena communicator. Plus I already own it and never leave the house without it.
I primarily use a combination of Basecamp, Streets & Trips (no longer updated but still invaluable), and Tyre - I can do plans with these three that I just can't do with the phone software. All my tools produce GPX format waypoint files that can be read by most all GPS units; admittedly, the ones from S&T have to be tweaked but that's not surprising given that it's orphaned software. And yes, Basecamp can be horrible - but once you understand its horrors and know how to work with it, it is extremely capable. Tyre is dependent on Internet connectivity, but is perhaps the most user friendly tool of all.
Tony,Have you looked at Gaia GPS yet? I use it for my iPhone and it works great IMO for planning and navigating. There is a one time $20.00 fee to buy the app, but you can play with it online before purchasing anything. You won't be able to sync your iPhone to your computer without the app, but you may find it can do all that you are looking for.https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?layer=GaiaTopoRasterFeetRegards,
You can also get water proof cases for cheap for phones.
What is this iPhone you speak of? This is the Devil's work!!!
When I bought the Norge in '09, I ordered a TomTom Rider for my GPS since it was the "official" Guzzi GPS. The mount was crap - and was a known weak point, but it was less than half the price of the Zumo 550 or the new 660. Not too long after that, they quit being sold in the US.
I use it to confirm arrival time, turns I may have missed, or speed verification. I don't navigate with them often, but they are a handy tool for going around areas that are unfamiliar. Navigating to a specific destination (restaurant, for example) I will just Bluetooth Google maps from my phone to the helmet with turn-by-turn.
love my garmin montana 650TI am still using NT2014 maps in it and really should update them but I mainly use it for backroad riding and those don't change much or ever.
this exactlyafter you get used to an iphone, trying to use the touch screen or features on a tom tom rider is like using a charred stick to draw a diagram instead of a mechanical pencil
My problem last time I tried to use a phone was heat - phone got too hot in the sun and locked up.