When I took my first cross-country motorcycle trip 30 years ago we took along the basics - tents & sleeping bags, a change of clothes, maps and a couple apples. The bike had a gas tank, a speedometer and saddle bags. Off we went! Riding can be as simple today but is usually not. At the least each rider today would have a cell phone and it is very likely there would be a couple mp3 players. And of course a digital camera and perhaps the blackberry....and the technology does not stop there. How about a GPS made especially for a motorcycle?
Perhaps you've had a GPS navigation unit in your car for a while and wondered if there was such a device designed for the bike. If so, you are in luck because there are a number of models on the market. The question is what do you need to know to shop wisely and make the best decision about such a unit?
Some of the features of motorcycle navigation units you should look at are the same that you would consider for a car unit. How long does it take for the satellite signal to find and redirect routes? Are map updates free and if so, for how long? Will I eventually have to pay for them and how much? And in the topic of updates what about the unit software - are upgrades downloadable and free? Other general issues that should be investigated are the type of mounting hardware, extent of POI (points-of-interest such as motels, restaurants, gas stations, ATM's)) databases (and are they customizable), is there a battery so the unit can be disconnected and used portably for hiking, geocaching and trip programming? Does the unit use "Text to Speak" technology which means does it say "turn left at Washington Street" or "turn left at the next street"? Speaking of technology, find out what kind of technical support is offered with the brand you choose and this includes online support, FAQ's and forums. Be aware that there are several chat/user groups related to specific brands that you may want to investigate.
In addition to the general features there are some that are more specific to motorcycle use. Is the unit waterproof and how UV resistant is it? How will the visibility be in the sun? How durable is the unit and can it function properly when subjected to constant vibration? If you wear gloves when you ride be sure to check how well the unit can be manipulated with the gloves on your hand! Is there an anti-theft device included? And last but not least there is a feature on many units today that I wished I would've had on my trips long ago - Gas Level Indicator!
There are other interesting technical features available on motorcycle GPS navigation units that are not directly related to the navigation process but are extras that may be quite useful to some. Satellite radio subscriptions can provide special information about weather and traffic but note you may need a special antenna for this. Bluetooth-enabled helmets and headsets provide a means to pick up and make phone calls and hear voice prompts of the navigation system and all these can be synched in with your nav unit. Many units have SD card slots for adding images and mp3 files from your computer.
Last but not least on the optional/not really needed features are trip-tracking which allow you to save, download and share your route with friends via Google earth. For pure pleasure there are voice-choices and custom-color caps and wrappers to personalize your device.
After reading this article I think you will be well-equipped to start searching for a motorcycle GPS navigation unit for your motorcycle that is right for you. Just as when you pick out a cell phone or a digital camera there will be many features available that you may never use, some that one unit excels in while it is another's weak point. The challenge in picking out the best model is to prioritize your needs and find the model that best meets the requirements you want the most. Once you have fulfilled your priorities you can enjoy the extra features that work and ignore the ones that are inferior! Good luck!
Garmin Zuma 550 Motorcycle GPS navigation units are one of the best on the market today for meeting the needs and requirements of today's high-tech riders. Happy Trails 2 YOU!!
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