 |
 |
GeeMan
Member
|
 |
Date Posted:
Jul/14/2002 5:29 AM
|
|
I am looking for some help in purchasing a GPS system and I hope that some of the members here have experience with them. (good and bad) I want to use one on my bike, in my car and when I travel for work, especially abroad. So I guess portability, battery life and good maps for both the US and Europe are the things important to me.
Any input on good or bad experieinces, what you would do different if you had to purchase over again, etc... is appreciated.
Bedankt! (that's Dutch for thanks...)
-------------------------
GPG
'00 Concours
|
|
Karaya
Forums Moderator
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/14/2002 5:59 AM
|
|
This new site has quite a bit of info from riders about GPS -
http://www.sport-touring.net/
I ran a Garmin EMap on my Concours, and will be mounting it to my Fazer shortly. GPS is very convenient, and extremely helpful if you know how to use it.
My Emap is a great unit, but eats batteries BAD in the rolling map mode whicxh I always used. So, I just plugged it into the bike. It has a very large general internal map, so major highways and such are always seen. You just don't get the smaller roads unless you download them into it.
The unit I see the most is the GPS 3 from Garmin. Probably the most popular unit around.
I bought my EMap from GPS City - http://www.gpscity.com/. They have everything!
Good luck!
-------------------------
Dave Pawlikowski
davep@sportriders.com
www.motorace.com
2006 Suzuki DL1000K6
1988 Honda GL1500
It's all about Michelin!
Message edited by: Karaya on 07/14/2002 06:00:17
|
|
CBRXX
Junior Member
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/14/2002 11:05 AM
|
|
I have a Garmin GPS-III, but if buying now, would get the GPS-V. The "5" has more memory for downloading detailed maps. The "3" has only 1.44mb and the "5" has 19mb I think. The units look alike. You can download topographical maps, which show detailed road & topo info. Or you can download better road only maps. You get more detail on roads into the unit with roads only map. Like I said, you really want the "5" for the extra memory. Their 76S model, also looks good and you might even consider the StreetPilot-III with large color display if using mostly in vehicles. Size would probably be nice for on your Concours too. These are all waterproof, some are not. Dave's Emap, is not supposedly waterproof, but is otherwise an awesome unit. It uses datacards to store maps, so you can carry extra's. There is a great comparison of the Garmin's here:
http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/gps_compare.html
I haven't outfitted my bike, but have the Ram mount in one of our trucks. Once you have the cradle for your particular GPS unit, you can get extra ball mounts for all your vehicles, bicycle, etc. They have a steering stem plug, to mount a ball to your steering stem if you have a hollow one. Otherwise, some of the mounts can utilize any bolt on the bike, or you could get the handlebar clamp. More links to the mounts here:
http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/gps_mounts_ram.html
http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/gallery/other_gpsmount.html
Steve
-------------------------
Steve C.
2002 HONDA CBR1100XX
1985 YAMAHA XJ700N MAXIM
1992 KAWASAKI KX250
Message edited by: CBRXX on 07/14/2002 11:06:01
|
|
RandyO
Senior Member
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/14/2002 11:34 AM
|
|
my research & sources of info, (recommendations from the LDriders list) are steering me towards the Garmin 176 or possibly the 176C (color version), more memory, faster processor, larger display. I am told that the color version is now desined so that sunlight does not wash out color display like on older ones, infact enhances the display (I wanna see one first) The 176 in a marine version and is more suited for a motorcycle than the SP's that are designed for sittin on the dash of a cage
-------------------------
Later.....
RandyO
SV650
XV920R
XV920R
IBA#9560
|
|
Rookie
Member
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/14/2002 7:57 PM
|
|
While I can't add much to the above, I would pass along what I've heard from others who have the GPS's - that if they had to do it again, they would have used the extra money that they spent on a color unit and bought software and/or mounting brackets. The price difference is considerable and the benefits... well, that's up to you.
-------------------------
Joe
|
|
AdvRider
Junior Member
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/15/2002 11:39 AM
|
|
I have the venerable Garmin III+ as well.
It sounds like you already have some idea of what features are important to you. If you need both Europe and US maps, then you'll need one that will allow you to upload maps from software. My US III+ has a very very basic on board map for the rest of the world, but the US map is passable. I imagine the reverse is true if I had a European spec III+.
In no particular order, here are some considerations baed on 3 years on M/Cing with a GPS.
Consider how and where on the bike you plan to mount the GPS. If you think you are likely to have to refer to it constantly, then the higher up into the line of sight it is, the better. Also consider how you will hook it up to the bikes power supply to save on batteries. Also, some models are prone to faulting if the engine vibration causes the batteries to move about an short.
I have a big bore sngle, so it is a big issue for me. I run without batteries in a Touratech mount. (very nice, and very expensive.
You can see a picture of my mount on my KTM here from last years Maintainance day.
http://www.sportriders.com/2001_rides/042101/dcp_0602.jpg
I've since put in a roadbook holder that allows me to move the GPS up behind the screen (it would be out of the top of this shot if it were fitted). Its almost right in my line of sight now.
Consider the size of the dislay. If you are likely to have to refer to it on the move, then the smaller screen of the GPS III+/V may require you to spend more time with your eyes off the road. To some extent this can be negated with careful setup to only show the level of detail you need on any map display, and careful planning of rotues and waypoint naming.
I can't say whether colour is worth the extra cost. I tmight help on a smaller screen to differentiate the various map components quicker.
Look at the size of the memory for uploaded map content.For example, the III+ and Garmin Map Source software breaks the upload maps into US counties. I can get roughly 3 MA Counties in detail onto my III+, so I have to select them carefully for where I think I'll need the added level of detail.
I've never run into a problem with the # of waypoints or routes that the III+ can store, but I have run into the limitation of the # of waypoints that can be in a single route. This can be annoying when planing a long complex ride, as you have to break it into multiple chunks.
Another feature to look for is the ability to 'rubber band' routes. This allows you to select a start and end point and have the software calculate the waypoints along the way. This makes the route more accurate for the road in question. Initially I missed having this feature. Over time I've become used to it. I've found that I only waypoint my major changes of direction at intersections, or other major intersection ponts of note (like passing under a highway).
If I had to replace my GPS today, I'de buy the Garmin GPS-V, but mainly because I'm used to the III+ and it would fit my mounts and use the same software.
If I were buying new, I'd also look at models with larger displays and larger memory stores.
Hope this helps,
Matt
'99 KTM Adventure
Message edited by: AdvRider on 07/15/2002 11:39:57
|
|
RocketUSA
Active Member
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/15/2002 4:11 PM
|
|
Also for other than using it to not get lost, there is a sport called GEOCACHING. It kinda works out as an enormus treasure hunt. And there are MANY caches all over Mass. The web site also gives reviews of many of the latest GPS's.
Just a thought.
-------------------------
Ken Gancorz
1998 Kawasaki ZX-9R Ninja
|
|
GeeMan
Member
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/17/2002 7:33 AM
|
|
Thanks for all of the input... greatly appreciated!
-------------------------
GPG
'00 Concours
|
|
GeeMan
Member
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/25/2002 6:29 PM
|
|
I got my GPS unit today, a Garmin V deluxe, and I have it installed along with a power plug on the Connie. The unit is very small and fits right on top of the dashboard visor so that it will be somewhat protected from the rain yet very visable. The deluxe version has the unlock codes for all 7 North American regions of the Mapsource City Select map CD and comes with an automotive mount, a 12 lighter adapter plug and a PC interface cable. I'm sure I will put it to use this weekend. Review to follow soon...
Thanks to all who gave me input on this purchase, it is really nice!
-------------------------
GPG
'00 Concours
|
|
MattH
Member
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/26/2002 8:43 AM
|
|
Where did you buy it and what was the cost?
Thanx,
~matt
|
|
royb
Member
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/27/2002 6:38 AM
|
|
I have a GPS-V on my K12RS. Fantastic unit. It replaced a Magellan Map330 that failed and had to be returned for service four times. The GPS-V has command features that will instruct you , turn by turn, to your destination and it works great. West Marine has them on sale right now for $399.
-------------------------
Roy B.
North Dartmouth, Mass
|
|
GeeMan
Member
|
|
Date Posted:
Jul/27/2002 11:25 AM
|
|
I got the Garmin V DELUXE for $425 from GPScity (thanks Superdave for the info!)(www.gpscity.com). The deluxe version has a single unlock code for all of the US and Canada. The Standard model has been discontinued, so that may be what other retailers have on sale. If you plan to travel extensively, then don't buy the standard version unless the price is low enough to allow you to get the upgrade to the single unlock code and still be under $425!!!!
GPScity has lots of info.... check them out.
-------------------------
GPG
'00 Concours
|
|
|
The Graphics And Text On This Site Are Copyright © 1996 - 2006 |
