How to Select a Motorcycle GPS Unit
The “buying criteria” for purchasing a motorcycle gps unit are the following…
1. Ease of use
2. Mapping capability
3. Ruggedness and vibration resistance
4. Battery life
5. Memory
6. Good reception in the woods
7. Manufacturer support
8. Price
So who makes the best GPS units for motorcycles?
Garmin are by far the most popular motorcycle gps units, and for good
reason. They are easy to use, have a logical layout of buttons and
program functions, they work well and are dependable, and the Garmin
factory support is excellent. Generally, you just can't go wrong with a
Garmin. I’ve been told that Magellan also makes some very nice gps units as
well.
Here are the 3 different types of motorcycle GPS units:
Basic GPS:
The
basic GPS units such as the Garmin eTrex ($100) or Garmin Geko 101
($100) are good GPS units, but they’re a bit small and don’t have the more
advanced features of the newer GPS mapping units. I recommend a basic GPS unit
if you want to start with an inexpensive option, and/or want a unit that is easy
to learn on. A basic GPS unit will definitely help you keep your bearings (not
get lost) while you’re on the street or trail.
GPS Mapping:
If you want all the benefits of owning a motorcycle GPS unit, dive in and
purchase a GPS that has the advance mapping features. This is what “Motorcycle
GPS’ing” is all about – using electronic maps to experience adventures in new
areas. Learning the mapping features is not difficult, and they make riding much
more enjoyable.
I recommend the following GPS Mapping unit for motorcycle GPS'ing:
Garmin GPSMAP 76CSX:
This
GPS unit is designed for mapping and is very rugged since it was developed to be
marketed to military units throughout the world! This “Mil-Spec” (military
specification) GPS unit also has a screen that is big enough to read at 60mph
off-road, is not sensitive to vibration, has a superior antenna, expandable
memory to store your maps, and is
virtually indestructible. This is the unit they use to map out and navigate the
Baja 1000 course! Today the GPSMAP 76 has a street price of $250.00 new - an
incredible deal for that much GPS.
Garmin GPSMAP 60CSX:
This
GPS unit is THE most popular with the dualsport crowd over on
www.ADVrider.com and
www.ThumperTalk.com. It looks great,
has all the GPS maps and tools that the GPSMAP 76 series has, plus some other
cool options. Cost is about $400 w/ 1 Gig Memory Card. A 2 Gig card is about
$16.
Get the "CSx" version with expandable memory capabilities. That way you can buy a 2 gig card for it and load the whole USA map set onto it. Then you'll be able to go on LONG cross-country or Alaska rides and never have to worry about not having the right maps uploaded. You'll have the WHOLE COUNTRY! Plus, the maps allow you to look up information while you're on the road or trail such as... distance to the next gas station, motel, lake resort, restaurant and bar, etc.
2-Way Communication:
This
GPS technology offers 2-way communication features with GPS positioning –
they’re GPS units and radios. For example, the Garmin “RINO” series GPS units
have FRS/GMRS radio and the ability to pin point another RINO user on your
display, and communicate with them.
Think about how useful this communication feature can be…
* Use it for tracking (and not losing) other riders in your group.
* If you’re a parent, use it to track and communicate with your kids.
* If you’re a hunter, use it avoid shootin' yer cousin Billy Bob. ;-)
Here is an example: A parent (me) can track
his kid on a trail ride or desert race through a 30-40 mile loop. If something
goes wrong such as a motorcycle break down or crash, I can use my motorcycle GPS
to communicate with and ride directly to him with out waiting for the sweep crew
to (hopefully) find him. Not to mention all the worrying when he doesn't show up
when he's supposed to!
NOTE: Garmin FRS/GMRS units are compatible
and can communicate with other Garmin and Motorola FPS/GMRS units and have a
range of 1 to 5 miles.
Motorcycle GPS Tips From Riders:
"I've bought 3 different gps, buy the Garmin 76S.
It's rugged, it works with great topos and has a screen big enough to
read at 60mph offroad. It's not sensitive to vibration, has a superior
antenae and mounted with a Touratech mount is indestructable. Remember VHS vs
Beta? enuff said. I was leaning toward upgrading to a 60cs, the color screen
model soon to be available. But I just dont think it's gonna be Mil-spec like
the 76S. The 76S has a street price of $250.00 now. That's an
incredible deal for that much GPS."
"Kinda related... I was at the Long Beach Cycle show a couple weeks ago. I was
talking with the Touratech factory rep. They don't make GPS, just the mounting
hardware. Anyway, I was telling him about my unit, the 76S and he went on
to tell me how durable that unit is. He said it was developed to be
marketed to military units throughout the world. I can say that in my 2
years it's been flawless, Rob Barnum used my unit to map out his pit stops on
this years Baja 1000, then 3 days later it was back on my bike doing
LA-B-Vegas."
Next Section: Motorcycle GPS Software
Motorcycle GPS Section Index:
Motorcycle GPS Intro
Motorcycle GPS 101
How to Select Motorcycle GPS Unit
Motorcycle GPS Software
Motorcycle GPS Mounts
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