TomTom Rider Motorcycle GPS Review
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The TomTom Rider is one of two GPS units that have been designed and built for use on motorcycles. It was the original GPS device launched on the market and was a hybrid of TomTom’s successful car GPS units.
One of the most mooted features of the TomTom is the cell phone hands free capability. Using the Bluetooth headset for your helmet, you can receive and deliver calls on your cell phone with the telephone number and name of the caller coming up on the TomTom’s screen.
While the display is a LCD touch screen, if you wear thick motorcycle gloves you may have some difficulty in using the TomTom’s motorcycle GPS devices more detailed screens. Screens affected by this include the one where you input the address you wish to travel to. The solution in this case would be to input the information before you begin your trip with bare hands and then put your gloves on before you take off.
The Rider ships with the following: a screen wipe cloth, wired headset, a SD card, an AC adapter, USB cable, mounting kit, 12 volt-power cable, carrying pouch, Bluetooth headset and required reference material.
Using the mounting kit, the TomTom rider can be mounted on to your motorcycle’s handlebar, mirror and an flat service that you can find using the adhesive mount. The mount is secure enough to keep your GPS unit attached even off the most bumpy of rides. The 12 volt-power cable can be attached via the mount and enables you to have constant power to your unit without having to recharge it.
The TomTom rider’s downsides? The Bluetooth headset has poor sound quality and could be improved. The screen could have been a little bigger with larger icons and the hooded sun protection case could have been a little longer to shade more of the screen. The POI database is out of date and can give the wrong street address or street names at times.
The TomTom Rider can sustain five hours of battery life, and that’s possible on a single charge. If you let it sit for a week without powering up, it will still have a half-charge left the next time you turn it on. The Rider feels like it can surpass knocks and bumps that it is inevitably expected to experience due to daily use.
While the TomTom rider does have some issues, it is a very tough, hardy and capable navigation unit for use on a motorcycle. The Bluetooth integration is a nice touch that will probably be soon picked up by other brands. Its just a pity that the Bluetooth headset is of average quality. But all in all, the TomTom rider is very much worth it and you should do some investigating for yourself.
Garmin Zumo 550
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The Garmin Zumo 550 is designed to be used as a motorcycle GPS and it fulfills this role spectacularly. Inside the box it comes with a classy silver shell but if this doesn’t suit your style you can exchange the default shell with other colors and designs.
A part from the GPS unit, inside the packet there is: a motorcycle mount, a car mount, an AC charger, a tiny screwdriver for the “safety screw” on the unit, a motorcycle power cable connecting to the bike’s battery, a car charger, black plastic faceplates and tools needed to mount the Zumo to motorcycle handlebars.
And there is even more. The Zumo comes with a City Navigator DVD, a USB cable to connect to your computer to get updates and new maps, an electronic copy of the Zumo owner manual and quick setup guide to enable you to use the GPS unit as quickly as possible.
While this is a lot of stuff for a GPS unit, the Zumo 550 doesn’t have a Bluetooth earpiece for your motorcycle helmet. I’m not sure why the company didn’t include it in the package but it is easily fixed by purchasing some of the many Bluetooth earpieces available on the market. It is a small problem in light of all the other extras included but one that should have been thought of by Garmin.
There are two options for mounting the Garmin Zumo 550 to a motorcycle: a u-bolt mount or a clutch mount. The unit is compressed, measuring 4.8 inches wide, 3.9 inches high, and 1.6 inches deep and weighing 10.6 ounces - a hair lighter than the TomTom Rider’s 10.9 ounces.
The Garmin Zumo is waterproof, enabling you to leave it submerged in water for up to 30 mins. This makes it ideal for attaching to a Jet Ski, if you also own one. With the display, you have the choice of choosing either standard or large icons.
Some say that the Garmin Zumo should only be used as a motorcycle gps device but it’s just as effective in the car. The unit is placed at eye level on the dash and therefore there is no need to take your eyes off the road at all.
The Zumo 550’s screen is UV resistant, measures 3.5 inches in a diagonal line, has a white backlight and is 320 by 420 pixels. As far as motorcycle GPS units go, the Garmin Zumo 550 is one of the best money can buy.
Selecting the Very Best Motorcycle GPS Mounts
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After you have bought your motorcycle GPS device it is now time to turn your attention to what type of motorcycle mount you will use to hold your GPS unit safe and secure while you travel. The right motorcycle GPS mount will save you money and time in the long run.
A motorcycle GPS mount will enable you to use all of the GPS’s features. You may think you can keep your GPS in your pocket but you won’t be able to use it safely without stopping nor will you be able to see the screen. Mounting it on your bike will enable almost handsfree use once you have put your destination into the unit.
The Garmin Bicycle Mount is an inexpensive option. The cost for this mount will be between six to thirty dollars [$6 - $30] based on which GPS unit you have. The Garmin bicycle mount does not contain vibration dampening capabilities, which is in a way bad news to your motorcycle GPS unit’s life, so you should only use this mount sparingly.
The RAM Mount is one such mount which fixes the vibration issue. A double sided clamp fixes the plastic cradle which houses the GPS device and a vibration absorbing rubber ball to your bike’s handle bars. The rubber ball is made from 1 inch thick rubber and does an excellent job of absorbing the vibration from your bike.
This option will cost you around $40, and you can buy extra rubber balls for the cheap price of $10 each. This will allow you to mount your motorcycle GPS unit on your other vehicles such as a car or truck dash board, other motorcycles, even to your precious mountain bike.
If you are looking for the ultimate in vibration absorption, then the TouraTech mount is the best option available. You will have to fork out about $100 but it has the best reverberation dampening technology that you will buy. So, if you take the protection of your GPS unit seriously, then you should take a look at this mount.
A Touratech Mount is the best GPS mount that you can use on your motorcycle. All Touratech Mounts are intended to be affixed to a crossbar on your handlebars, but they can be mounted in a number of cool ways.
It is definitely the most secure of all the GPS mounts available and is one that the enduro and other professional racers are known to use when they race.
Garmin StreetPilot
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If you are a beginner to GPS devices or simply horrible with technology, then a good GPS unit for you will be the Garmin StreetPilot c320. Garmin calls this a Beginner’s GPS and this is an accurate statement. As far as GPS devices go, this is remarkably easy to use with it being so simple to input your desired destination and other information, and the lack of the more complicated features of other models.
Although, if you want your GPS to be more hardcore, then this is not your GPS model. Don’t expect anything extreme from these units. The StreetPilot markets an easy to control, able car navigator with the necessary features of other car direction-finding units but without the hassle that a lot of users expect from other models. You can definitely operate as soon as you get it, with only a small amount of time learning to use the model.
It has to be remembered that this GPS device is a car navigator. This device comes with a built in speaker and one of the best audio and routing directions. It is currently using Garmin’s version of Naqteq road maps. The c340 allows the user to key in 3rd party provided CSV files with locations of speed cameras, school zones, and other traffic hazards.
Like many Motorcycle GPS units the screen can be read in sunlight and it comes with a battery charger that can be re-charged using the USB holder that comes with it. The battery will last about 8 hours after recharging.
Like most Garmin GPS units, the StreetPilot utilizes a touch screen to enable users to enter information like their chosen destination or route into the system. Besides the touchscreen, the unit has two other controls which keeps it in line with the theme of being simple and easy to use. The two other controls are an ON button and a sliding volume control which can be used using your fingertip.
With regard to the map loading and Map Memory, StreetPilot uses a USB data interface for map loading and data input/output. But the map may also be loaded faster if the SD card is removed and the loading is done through a memory card writer.
Like all contemporary car navigators, this GPS device free itself of almost ALL of the bad effects of GPS measurement inaccuracy that bother a lot of users. When CitySelect is used, the Street Pilot will “lock” your vehicle track to roads as long as you travel on the road. Another useful feature with CS/CN maps is that all approaching cross street names are displayed prior to arrival.
The StreetPilot is a great unit when you want a gadget that is both easy to handle and a little low-cost. It is ideal for a technostressed beginner who just starting out with the wonders of GPS.
How Good is the Garmin Quest 2?
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If you have been shopping around for a portable GPS device, then you will know that there are many options on the market today. Some devices claim that they can be used in the car and while walking, but despite the fact that they are small, their shape makes this far from ideal.
However, the Garmin Quest 2 is different. Looking a lot like a PDA means that it will be a great portable GPS no matter whether you are in the car or on foot. The Quest 2 now has maps included on the device, which is an upgrade from the Quest 1.
Due to its portability and precise directions, the Garmin Quest 2 is a reliable option if you’re looking for a flexible GPS device. The device has a solid build and is comfy in the hand.
The Quest 2 also has a USB port and external antenna jack on the back. Both are secured by an attached rubber cover. Aside from the aforesaid windshield mount and adapter, Garmin bundles the Quest 2 with a USB cable and reference material. Unfortunately, you can’t use the USB cable to charge and because it is so portable, a carrying pouch would’ve made it more perfect. With a GPS mount, a Garmin Quest 2 can make a good Motorcycle GPS device.
One of the biggest changes that Quest 2 has since the original Quest, is the inclusion of pre-stored maps on the device. This means you don’t have to download any maps when you first fire up the Garmin Quest 2. Just turn it on and off you go by choosing your destination by intersection, pre-saved location or address.
Points of interest can be found on the Quest 2’s map and include such things as motels, hotels, food outlets and gas stations. The Quest 2 is also able to learn and remember the routes that you take, and can calculate the fastest time or shortest distance to wherever you want to go.
You also have the alternative of avoiding certain roads, such as highways or toll roads. If you turn out to veer off course or run into a construction zone or blocked road - don’t fret. The Quest 2 will mechanically recalculate your route or accommodate detours. There’s also a ingenious TracBack feature that acts like a Hansel and Gretel trail and keeps track of your travels whether on the street or off the road.
Of course, there are some opportunity costs for its minuscule size. The display is slightly tiny and it isn’t a touch screen. Voice-guided instructions are only accessible when the unit is used with the built-in automobile mount. In addition to what was above mentioned, it is at a higher price of $750.
What are the Benefits of Motorcycle GPS Devices?
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Why are Motorcycle GPS devices a great benefit to motorcycle riders like youself? Well, a GPS system can turn a motorcycle riding trip into an opportunity for more adventures.
With a motorcycle GPS device you will no longer need to worry about getting lost. You will be able to discover new country sides, sceneries and destination all with the confidence of knowing exactly where you are at all times. You will have a new found freedom in exploring the open road.
When you attach a GPS to your motorcycle you will be able to have a hassle-free and easy ride. Whenever you want to have a meal or drink, go to the restroom or fill up on gas, the GPS will point you in the right direction. The voice guided instructions and maps filled with points of interest will ensure that you know where the nearest gas station, restaurant or hotel wherever you are.
Once you have decided to buy a GPS for your bike, what things should you look for when searching for the right GPS to buy? You will want to get the right balance between price and features. You will want a GPS device that is within your budget but which will also have the features that you will need. GPS devices purpose built for motorbikes have everything that a motorcyclist will need and are also vibration resistant, ensuring that the reverberation from your motorbike won’t effect its internal workings.
If, on the other hand, you are trying to look for a more serious and cooler gadget to work with, and a GPS that will definitely lead you from one place to another, then a hand held device could be a better alternative.
Such hand held GPS devices include the Mio 268 and Garmin Quest 2, and they are great for not just your motorbike but also other outdoor activities. They include such features as compass mode, MP3 player and portability.
With motorcycle GPS systems becoming conventional, and new technology features and models incessantly striking the shelves, it can be quite a complex and difficult undertaking to decode the riddle of which GPS device will best suit your needs.
But don’t be discouraged. A GPS device will make your riding experience a whole lot more fun.
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