Gadget : GPS device on bikes

[Kazky]

wah!! the more i read,the more complicated it is..but will try it still.

this stuff really need lots of playing around and i mean seriously play.

 

Btw thanks Demon for helping the pple here including myself. Really appreciate it alot!

 

Maybe can have some form of meetup for fellow GPS users so can share info and pass down knowledge to TOTAL NEWBIES like myself?

btw i work shift so if possible on my OFF days will be good..

[RT]

Hey demon,

 

Looks like you are the guru where this topic is concerned.

Wanna check with you or any other users here as to what is the best deal for us bikers presently?

It seems the Nuvi 500 will do the job and not as costly compared to the Zumo 550.

Would perfect watch be the best shop to get them (some shops may not be that service friendly) and any idea what is the Nuvi 500 priced at if its already in.

 

Thanks

[rideral]

ciggy charger..

did it on my ST11 + garmin etrex legend.

 

Hi bro...I'm also thinking of installing a ciggy socket on my ST11 but if it rains, will the connector kerna water? I'm waiting for my Garmin Etrex Vista HCX to arrive soon and would appreciate if anyone could assist me in loading the latest M'sia & Thailand map into my unit. You can teach me during dinner and it's gonna be my treat of course...

[Demon]

Hey demon,

 

Looks like you are the guru where this topic is concerned.

Wanna check with you or any other users here as to what is the best deal for us bikers presently?

It seems the Nuvi 500 will do the job and not as costly compared to the Zumo 550.

Would perfect watch be the best shop to get them (some shops may not be that service friendly) and any idea what is the Nuvi 500 priced at if its already in.

 

Thanks

 

Don't say "Guru" lah, I just happened to be an early user of GPS so I have a slight head start, and it's a matter of time everyone will catch up with me.

 

Last check with Perfect Watch (PW), the Nuvi 500 is not in yet. The online prices of the Nuvi 500 is about SGD750 (before shipping). The price of Zumo 550, and Zumo 450 at PW is about SGD1250, and SGD950 respectively. With a Zumo, everything is provided for, such as the really nice full featured Motorcycle mount. For Nuvi 500, you have to sort out the mounting, and there isn't any nice one in the market yet.

 

So the Zumo 450 will cost slightly more than a Nuvi 500 with an aftermarket mount, but it (Zumo 450) will look so much more elegant on the bike.

 

[RT]

So to get a decent rider GPS, I guess one must spend about $1K including the mounting for bike use.

 

I heard that the latest and top model may not necessary be the best e.g. the Zumo 550. something to do with the hardware like sensitivity , auto re routing etc. not that any of it makes much sense to me.

 

But in short, could we be paying too much for features that we may not need.

still trying to find out the difference for the Zumo models but what exactly is the main difference with them all? I understand it has more to do with the preloaded map, riight?

 

As a newbie, it would be nice to just be able to plug and play, I mean ride.

I guess the Garmin is the one to go for, not for brand sake but more for the software support it has. However, unfortunately, all this comes at a price .

 

Any recommended links where I can good info too?

[Chubb]

Hi bro...I'm also thinking of installing a ciggy socket on my ST11 but if it rains, will the connector kerna water? I'm waiting for my Garmin Etrex Vista HCX to arrive soon and would appreciate if anyone could assist me in loading the latest M'sia & Thailand map into my unit. You can teach me during dinner and it's gonna be my treat of course...

 

 

i used a water proof type.. u know ST right knee area there a panel can take out de. i put it right there.. rain no prob.. now change to fazer gt headache..

i DIY those car 2 socket port wif usb charger de. hook it up.. rdy to use..

http://www.1powershop.com/images/products_images/400/3-ways-car-cigarette-lighter-charger-b902.jpg

 

dis is 100% not water proof.. im trying to do some cover lik ting so it will be water proof.

[Demon]

So to get a decent rider GPS, I guess one must spend about $1K including the mounting for bike use.

 

To me a GPS is a GPS.

A more expensive GPS is not necessarily a better GPS. You can buy a 60CSx for less than $500, and cable-tie it to your mirror, it will provide you more information than a Zumo or a Nuvi. Typically a handheld GPS has more features than automobile or motorbike GPS.

 

I heard that the latest and top model may not necessary be the best e.g. the Zumo 550. something to do with the hardware like sensitivity , auto re routing etc. not that any of it makes much sense to me.

 

All the current generation Garmin GPS have high sensitivity receiver.

 

But in short, could we be paying too much for features that we may not need. still trying to find out the difference for the Zumo models but what exactly is the main difference with them all? I understand it has more to do with the preloaded map, riight?

 

As a newbie, it would be nice to just be able to plug and play, I mean ride.

I guess the Garmin is the one to go for, not for brand sake but more for the software support it has. However, unfortunately, all this comes at a price.

 

Personally I would recommend garmin solely because it has a very large hobbyist community that provides alot of free online support.

 

Any recommended links where I can good info too?

 

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135

[chinu]

Nice heh.....

 

thanks :D

[rideral]

i used a water proof type.. u know ST right knee area there a panel can take out de. i put it right there.. rain no prob.. now change to fazer gt headache..

i DIY those car 2 socket port wif usb charger de. hook it up.. rdy to use..

http://www.1powershop.com/images/products_images/400/3-ways-car-cigarette-lighter-charger-b902.jpg

 

dis is 100% not water proof.. im trying to do some cover lik ting so it will be water proof.

 

Thanks for the idea & advice bro...

[Kazky]

To me a GPS is a GPS.

A more expensive GPS is not necessarily a better GPS. You can buy a 60CSx for less than $500, and cable-tie it to your mirror, it will provide you more information than a Zumo or a Nuvi. Typically a handheld GPS has more features than automobile or motorbike GPS.

 

 

So true..i think personally the handheld GPS like the E-trex, 60 CSX etc etc are far better GPS than ones made for motorbike use. This is due to it beng more detailed and and way easier to use. and best of all its able to use the normal AAA batteries. and can last up to 3 days. just need to keep extra batt wif u in case ur a heavy user.

 

Unlike my Quest,it the charging unit actually connected wif the mount itself.

so if gps batt die out,i must run back to my bike to charge.

 

An expensive GPS does not mean its good and worst still if ur not even using the function it has. everything has a down side though.. an expensive Zumo 450,550 which average cost ard SGD$1000 yes,has all the up-to-date features and technology.. BUT it has a VERY SHORT battery life of only 4-5 hours max..

[rajeh_bp]

from my view of point... i won't reccomend anyone the Zumo450.... i rather if someone buy the Zumo500 or Zumo550

 

Both the 500 & 550 have exactly the same functions (software)... the only difference are replected below...

 

Zumo500 (S$999 estimated price)

Hard-disk space probably 1GB

 

Zumo550 (S1299 estimated price)

Hard-disk space around 2GB

Pre-installed US map

Comes with car-kit windscreen mount

 

personally, I am using the Zumo500... which includes the below functions that I can use on my Goldwing1500

1. Blueetooth (able to connect to my phone and answer the calls with my bike build-in CB set)

2. MP3 (able to hear the music through my bike sound system)

3. Direct power supply connected to my bike battery

 

hope it helps...

[jonkuek]

To me a GPS is a GPS.

A more expensive GPS is not necessarily a better GPS. You can buy a 60CSx for less than $500, and cable-tie it to your mirror, it will provide you more information than a Zumo or a Nuvi. Typically a handheld GPS has more features than automobile or motorbike GPS.

 

Hi Demon, where could i get a 60CSx for less than $500? I had tried asking different shops from SLS and SLT, all quoted $650 to $670 ... ...

 

So true..i think personally the handheld GPS like the E-trex, 60 CSX etc etc are far better GPS than ones made for motorbike use. This is due to it beng more detailed and and way easier to use. and best of all its able to use the normal AAA batteries. and can last up to 3 days. just need to keep extra batt wif u in case ur a heavy user.

 

Hi Kazky, since Garmin claims that Zumos' are designed for bike use, so how specifically are handheld GPS better than Zumos'? Detailed as in street level details? Easier to use as in friendly user interface? I do agree your part on better battery life. Need your advice, thank you.

 

from my view of point... i won't reccomend anyone the Zumo450.... i rather if someone buy the Zumo500 or Zumo550

 

Both the 500 & 550 have exactly the same functions (software)... the only difference are replected below...

 

Hi rajeh, I happened to visit a shop at the basement of SLT and i ask the boss if there's any GPS meant for bike. He recommended me to take Zumo 400 which he quoted $610, he also mentioned it includes bike mount and will load in S'pore and M'sia maps free for me. He said Zumo 400 is good enough for bike nagivation (which is also the only Zumo he have in his shop). Questions:

1. Is it a good bargain from the shop?

2. What are the differences between Zumo 400, 450, 550?

Please advice, thank you.

[Demon]

Hi Demon, where could i get a 60CSx for less than $500? I had tried asking different shops from SLS and SLT, all quoted $650 to $670

 

I just confirmed that the 60CSx (memory card not included) is selling for SGD495.00 at Blazer located at basement of SLT.

 

[jk911]

Hmm, going have a GPS handheld next week...but duno which to choose*headache*

 

GPSMAP® 60CSx - $490

eTrex Legend® HCx - $390

eTrex Vista® HCx -$430

 

Bikerooozz,..which is the best deal of the above models?

[RT]

How much would one have to pay for the additional bike mount for say the 60 CSx? any 3rd party maker for them?

[jeffreysg]

might consider GARMIN OREGON 300, it abit pricey, i'll get it for $750 @ SLT.

It water proof, touch screen (can be touch using glove), using 2x AA batt n have batt life around 10hrs+. I load 2 map, one on the device, the other on mini sd card.

bike mount cost $20 for the oregon model.

[E.M.F]

You can try the maps from Malaysia Free Maps (MFM).

No need to register, no need to contribute, no need to unlock, and no need to pay.

 

Their latest is v1.22 FREE MAP DOWNLOAD (Updated 17 Nov 2008)

http://www.malfreemaps.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=468

 

 

Hi Demon. Can i directly download the free map from this link that you gave onto my Nuvi 205 or do i need to download any additional software support to use the map on my GPS? Thanks in advance....

[Demon]

Hi Demon. Can i directly download the free map from this link that you gave onto my Nuvi 205 or do i need to download any additional software support to use the map on my GPS? Thanks in advance....

 

No other software required.

 

It's a self extracting file, and it will create a "GMAPSUPP.IMG" file. Just take this file and put in into the GARMIN folder, either in your NUVI205 internal memory, or in the SD Card.

 

You have to wait till tomorrow to be able to download the latest MFM map v1.23 but the SINGAPORE map will be excluded.

 

The owners of MFM is resolving some copyright issues so they have temporary removed the SINGAPORE map tile.

 

[E.M.F]

No other software required.

 

It's a self extracting file, and it will create a "GMAPSUPP.IMG" file. Just take this file and put in into the GARMIN folder, either in your NUVI205 internal memory, or in the SD Card.

 

You have to wait till tomorrow to be able to download the latest MFM map v1.23 but the SINGAPORE map will be excluded.

 

The owners of MFM is resolving some copyright issues so they have temporary removed the SINGAPORE map tile.

 

Thank you Guru.....

[huairen]

Hmm, going have a GPS handheld next week...but duno which to choose*headache*

 

GPSMAP® 60CSx - $490

eTrex Legend® HCx - $390

eTrex Vista® HCx -$430

 

Bikerooozz,..which is the best deal of the above models?

 

hi~

the prices are from?

 

is it worth it to get the vista for the additional compass function?

[jk911]

might consider GARMIN OREGON 300, it abit pricey, i'll get it for $750 @ SLT.

It water proof, touch screen (can be touch using glove), using 2x AA batt n have batt life around 10hrs+. I load 2 map, one on the device, the other on mini sd card.

bike mount cost $20 for the oregon model.

 

 

wah $750,..thought $600

 

$750 comes with any accessories??

[chinu]

might consider GARMIN OREGON 300, it abit pricey, i'll get it for $750 @ SLT.

It water proof, touch screen (can be touch using glove), using 2x AA batt n have batt life around 10hrs+. I load 2 map, one on the device, the other on mini sd card.

bike mount cost $20 for the oregon model.

 

i should have waited for few more month ......... oregon 300 just $30 more than colorado 300.....

 

how you find the touch screen ? easy to use ?

[jonkuek]

i am seeing stars now ... so many models to choose from:

 

Handheld

eTrex Legend HCx - $390

eTrex Vista HCx - $430

GPSMAP 60CSx - $490

Colorado 300 - $720

Oregon 300 - $750 + $20(bike mount)

 

 

Bike

Zumo 400 - $610

Zumo 450 - $950

Zumo 500 - $999

Zumo 550 - $1150

Nuvi 500 - $800

 

to all old birds, please advice how do you choose from these choices? I am very keen to get one for myself...

[mus_19]

garmin zumo 400 at $600 or GPSMAP 60csx at $500???ARRGGHH!!!

 

both are equally good for local use right?(dun flame me for using it locally! )

 

those who already have a gps, do u guys look at the screen often or listen to the commands via earpiece? the big screen for zumo 400 looks !

[lao uncle]

i should have waited for few more month ......... oregon 300 just $30 more than colorado 300.....

 

how you find the touch screen ? easy to use ?

 

GPS units are just like computer, they will be outdated and newer models come in. Prices will drop over time.

 

I remember my 60cs which cost more than $800+ that is about 4 years ago. Now, you cant compare with 60csx then colorado and now oregon. Oregon is just about $750 now.

 

Just buy it and forget about the decrease in price.