Garmin GPS for motor bikes [Archive]

chasio

7th January 2011, 17:17

I'm new to it but the answer is definitely a big yes.

You state Garmin and that is the only make for which you'll find free autorouting maps (http://nzopengps.org/) for NZ.

Based on my recent research (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/131575-Sanity-check-Garmin-76cx-as-first-GPS), most folk seem to use the 60cx/csx (or chipset-identical 76cx/csx).

Both the latter are discontinued (replaced by 62 and 78 series) so are available for about NZ$320 ex USA if you're into that sort of thing. (See link above for details).

For a bigger display with touchscreen, the Nuvi 500 has followers (and was recently available at a good price from Trig Instruments in Welly) and Zumo models add bluetooth. The 550 is the Zumo of choice, as I recall. Bloody good option for gadget freaks as it'll link to radar detectors, phones and plays music etc.

I went with a 76cx as I also tramp and kayak, but for bike/car only use the Nuvi/Zumo models look the bizzo if you have the pockets for it.

HTH - Chasio

Edit - forgot to mention that if I had the money I'd have gone for a 78s for my purposes.

steve_t

7th January 2011, 17:19

Welcome to KB. It's been recently discussed. Have a look via the search function :drinkup:

That looks like fun

7th January 2011, 17:38

Hi All

Does anybody run GPS on the bike, if so what brand and model, and does it have optional mapping ie fresh maps, Topo etc

Cheers Paul

Tried Fresh maps when I first got my Garmin 60CX. Worst investment I ever made :facepalm: Didn't research enough first. You cant Auto Route with Fresh Maps and they don't load into Map Source. So even though they are good maps you cant plan very well with them. Went back to the Dealer who was less than no help at all :angry:
(Still with no research :facepalm:) Tried to write NZ-Open maps to Garmin and ended up overwriting the Fresh-maps :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Contacted Agent again and they were very helpful. Offered to rewrite my Fresh
Maps .................... for a fee :angry:
As a monument to lack of research I have framed that chip and look at it when on impulse I say "should be goodo mate" :blink:
Now I use NZ-Open GPS auto-routing and topo maps. They work bloody well :woohoo:

YellowDog

7th January 2011, 17:40

I prefer TomTom software and functionality :yes:

Waihou Thumper

7th January 2011, 17:40

Welcome to KB. It's been recently discussed. Have a look via the search function :drinkup:

you are right. Been done to death mate.....Really look at the search function...:) Welcome to Kiwibiker.....

dino3310

7th January 2011, 17:48

i just follow everyone else

banditrider

7th January 2011, 17:56

Tried Fresh maps when I first got my Garmin 60CX. Worst investment I ever made :facepalm: Didn't research enough first. You cant Auto Route with Fresh Maps and they don't load into Map Source. So even though they are good maps you cant plan very well with them. Went back to the Dealer who was less than no help at all :angry:
(Still with no research :facepalm:) Tried to write NZ-Open maps to Garmin and ended up overwriting the Fresh-maps :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Contacted Agent again and they were very helpful. Offered to rewrite my Fresh
Maps .................... for a fee :angry:
As a monument to lack of research I have framed that chip and look at it when on impulse I say "should be goodo mate" :blink:
Now I use NZ-Open GPS auto-routing and topo maps. They work bloody well :woohoo:

Not sure why you had issues with updating your maps but when downloading from Garmin you do have to make a selection so that they are also updated in Mapsource as well as on the device. Made this mistake twice and ended up downloading the Maps 3 times to get it to work...

Trials Rider

7th January 2011, 18:42

Hi Again

Yes I did try the search option but couldnt find much, I currently run a Garmin 765 with fresh maps for 4WDing and it s great, I was looking at the option of a water proof bike unit I could use my fresh maps in.

Will have another search around the forum or if any of you have the link I would appreciate it and I will stop asking dumb questions

Cheers Paul

steve_t

7th January 2011, 18:53

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/search.php?searchid=3389194

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/search.php?searchid=3389199

:drinkup:

cromagnon

7th January 2011, 18:57

Yea the search function doesnt work too well sometimes, using google to search is better, ie add "kiwibiker" to your google search. You might have missed a couple of links eariler in one of the replies. Here is the most recent discussion about which gps is best: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/131575-Sanity-check-Garmin-76cx-as-first-GPS
and here is the link to the free auto-routing maps that most people use: http://www.nzopengps.org/

Blackbird

7th January 2011, 19:13

My Garmin 76 Cx is waterproof as I use it out on the boat too. See: http://geoffjames.blogspot.com/2011/01/using-gps-what-do-you-really-need.html. Had it for 4 years and have just switched to Open Source maps which work well for road use.

timg

7th January 2011, 19:16

I use the Garmin Zumo. It's made for motorbike use and waterproof etc. Comes with M/C and car mounting systems. Can blue tooth with phone and earphones. I travel a lot for work and take it with me & just plug it into the rental car at the airport. Can also use it with topo maps as a hand held for tramping/hunting. I'm not too flash with technology but seem to get on with the zumo ok. Get's my thumbs up.

JATZ

7th January 2011, 19:17

You coulda had a look at my setup :yes: but there wasn't much to see, most of it was at home.
I use a 76cx with open gps maps (cause they're free :woohoo: ) and mapsource for all my gps requirements, also use a bit of stuff from cooneyR's website.
Very easy to use, even for a numpty like me :D

BTW... your more than welcome to stick some pics of last w/end up in the jatz thread :drinkup:

Transalper

7th January 2011, 19:38

Just got back from around 4500km tour up to the top of the NI and back home to CHCH.
I used the new GPS Map62s on the DR650.

It generally done me well.
Only thing about the hand helds I would have liked would have been when in the citys like Wellington and worse Auckland I would like the bluetooth to helmet speaker Lane Assist instructions which some other bigger units like the Zumo (IIRC) can give if they have suitable maps installed.
Out of the big Citys away from the spagetti junctions the mapping handhelds do fine... also especially on foot when the longer lasting batterys and small size are a bonus.

junkmanjoe

7th January 2011, 20:22

you are right. Been done to death mate.....Really look at the search function...

why be so negative. lots of questions get repeated on here.simple question really..
if you haven't an answer dont reply.

That looks like fun

7th January 2011, 20:25

Not sure why you had issues with updating your maps but when downloading from Garmin you do have to make a selection so that they are also updated in Mapsource as well as on the device. Made this mistake twice and ended up downloading the Maps 3 times to get it to work...

After the dealer told me you couldnt run Fresh Maps into Map Source I stopped trying :blink: and believe me I had tried :angry:

Padmei

7th January 2011, 20:53

why be so negative. lots of questions get repeated on here.simple question really..
if you haven't an answer dont reply.

Bugger you JMJ you stole my thunder I was going to say the same thing but use nasty words. :angry: :D

Besides the search function being Fecking useless, products/ theories/ methods evolve & without the subjects being readdressed any one of us can end up without of date information.

Perhaps for some people a book would be better entertainment...

chasio

7th January 2011, 20:58

Just checked and Trig still have the Nuvi under $500: click here to see it (http://www.triginstruments.co.nz/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1299&osCsid=60d02d9b7071096ab808dea7601090b9).

And by the way, I bought a case for mine off Tony at www.kiwigps.co.nz and his service is excellent (as I had heard from others before I bought off him) and his prices are very good for NZ. He's in Christchurch and would be a good bloke to go and see about this stuff. He'll certainly be my first port of call if I buy another GPS at some stage.

Chasio

Edit: I got my RAM handlebar mount and power cables from www.gpscity.com when I ordered my GPS because they are WAY cheaper than any supplier I could find in NZ. But beware the NZ $400 break-point if you do import stuff, as it will add considerably to the cost if you incur GST plus fees on top.

junkmanjoe

7th January 2011, 21:00

Padmei

7th January 2011, 21:09

Hi Padmei..

i use a navman gps on my bikes..its not a flash unit like some guys use..but it dose tell me where the nearest fuel stations are, distance between points, time of arrival, when im speeding..it looks real cool at night time...it talks and lets me know when i get lost................

sorry to steel ya thunder mate i buy you a pie aye...

JMJ

Chur bro Won't be long till you're down in the Good Island:yes:

Back on topic, TR I use a Garmin 60csx & it never fails to delay me getting lost. I use the clock & speedo function all the time as they're easier to see.

Taz

7th January 2011, 21:44

I started off using a Garmin E-trex venture cx which was fine but now I've got the Garmin Zumo 220 which is the smaller lighter version of the 550. It's great, waterproof and can be operated with gloves on. Nice size screen too. I have both Garmin and NZ open maps loaded and can easily switch between the two. Well worth the $770 it cost which included mounts and hardwire etc.

Gremlin

8th January 2011, 01:47

Yeup, as per other threads, I have a Zumo 550 with NZ Open GPS maps. Short battery life of 3-4 hours, but its always in a powered mount on bike or in car.

Crim

8th January 2011, 07:39

Edit: I got my RAM handlebar mount and power cables from www.gpscity.com when I ordered my GPS because they are WAY cheaper than any supplier I could find in NZ. But beware the NZ $400 break-point if you do import stuff, as it will add considerably to the cost if you incur GST plus fees on top.

I got the 60CSX, RAM mount and card from the same place - the god's must have been looking after me cos it come in a gnat's foreskin under NZD$400 (didn't know about the $400 threshold - but will be careful in future!), Cheers for the info Chasio

NordieBoy

8th January 2011, 15:53

I got the 60CSX, RAM mount and card from the same place - the god's must have been looking after me cos it come in a gnat's foreskin under NZD$400 (didn't know about the $400 threshold - but will be careful in future!), Cheers for the info Chasio

Less than $400 now.
Once the GST bit hits $50 you're in trouble.

Squiggles

8th January 2011, 16:15

Someone talk me out of a Zumo 660...

banditrider

8th January 2011, 16:33

Someone talk me out of a Zumo 660...

Have seen Zumo's at around $800 new....

Taz

8th January 2011, 16:38

Squiggles -

Get the 220. all you need really. Unless you're one of those riders who really has to take that call or have music while you ride.

rustic101

8th January 2011, 16:39

I was using a Tom Tom XL, stored in a waterproof case, attached to the bars. However I recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy GT I9000 which is fantastic. The navigation application sends directions to my blue tooth ear piece using text to speech.

chasio

8th January 2011, 20:17

Less than $400 now.
Once the GST bit hits $50 you're in trouble.

It was $50 but when GST went up to 15%, the 'de minimis' was raised from $50 to $60 so $400 *including delivery* is still the magic number on current rules.

I believe it is technically possible for the authorities to decide to charge import duty and the MAF fee if the total is under $400, should import duty rate be greater than zero on the item you're bringing in. But practically speaking the GST minimum collection amount of $60 is the thing. At least based on what I can find out from the govt websites.

I hear if you continually ship at just under $400 they will spank you eventually, but that's just hearsay as I'm not sure what they'd do you for. But it is probably advisable to stagger your orders so they don't some in on the same day totalling over $400, just in case...

Waihou Thumper

8th January 2011, 20:27

Bugger you JMJ you stole my thunder I was going to say the same thing but use nasty words. :angry: :D

Besides the search function being Fecking useless, products/ theories/ methods evolve & without the subjects being readdressed any one of us can end up without of date information.

Perhaps for some people a book would be better entertainment...

Yes, you are right...Apologies...It was unneccesary. I take it on the chin. :facepalm:

NordieBoy

8th January 2011, 21:21

I believe it is technically possible for the authorities to decide to charge import duty and the MAF fee if the total is under $400, should import duty rate be greater than zero on the item you're bringing in. But practically speaking the GST minimum collection amount of $60 is the thing. At least based on what I can find out from the govt websites.

No import duty on motorcycle parts.

chasio

9th January 2011, 10:32

No import duty on motorcycle parts.

Good to know. I couldn't find anything about GPS units on the list, but marine navigation is also zero rated for duty, so I was planning on claiming that if they pinged me!

NordieBoy

9th January 2011, 12:43

Good to know. I couldn't find anything about GPS units on the list, but marine navigation is also zero rated for duty, so I was planning on claiming that if they pinged me!

"motorcycle" gps.

:niceone:

reofix

10th January 2011, 19:54

Night Falcon

10th January 2011, 20:25

I have the 660 with oz and nz maps ... perfect ... route planning and uploading is best feature ... follow the magenta brick road all day .. find gas or food in a flash ... it cost but it aint a halfarsed thing ... not available at the warewhare for $29.99... mate bought a "strike" or something ... half the money ... piece of shit ... mounting bracket broke on first trip ... stupid thing had to be reprogrammed after every stop ... he might as well have put the money on the ground and set fire to it ... do the research ... then buy the proper tool for the job

what he said....I have a zumo 550. its my first GPS so cant compare with others...but it works well for me...they are pretty reliable but I'm on my 2nd as the first one conked out. Lucky for me I bought it from Trig's who replaced it under warranty....was looking at importing one to save some cash but glad I didn't!

NordieBoy

12th January 2011, 20:57

My Garmin Nuvi 500 is now for sale.

Only a couple of weeks old (refurbished unit after I camera'd the last one) and NZ Open GPS mapped up.

Comes with a RAM cradle but no attachments as they're going to be used with my new GPS.

I'll put it up in the for sale section and TM soon.

Crim

13th January 2011, 05:33

My Garmin Nuvi 500 is now for sale.

What are ya gettin' Fran?

NordieBoy

13th January 2011, 05:47

Got a little Garmin Oregon 300.

The Nuvi 500/Zumo 220 are great but if my old Quest had a high sensitivity aerial, I'd still be using it.

All the features I liked from the Quest with customisable fields etc and also has "profiles" so I can select the "work" one and it instantly has only routeable roads, no tracks and time and distance to destination on top of the map.
If I pick "adventure" it has the routable maps overlaid with 10m topo, tracks turned on, elevation profiling etc.

Barometric compass etc...

Everything is customisable.

1000 waypoints vs 500 and 50 routes vs 10 and proper track management.

A lot smaller though. But I picked it up 2nd hand...

The newer Oregons have cameras too...

Eddieb

29th August 2011, 11:38

Another thread dedge, what the hell.

Garmin GPS with built in UHF radio.

http://www.ja-gps.com.au/Garmin/rino-650-gps-uhf-radio/

http://www.ja-gps.com.au/_images/screenshots/rino-650-01.jpg

NordieBoy

29th August 2011, 13:10

They've finally bought out a new Rino.

The old one was illegal in NZ as the UHF radios weren't permitted.

Eddieb

29th August 2011, 13:37

They've finally bought out a new Rino.

The old one was illegal in NZ as the UHF radios weren't permitted.

Thats an Aussie link, I don't know if they have the same standards as here or not.

jim.cox

29th August 2011, 15:59

They've finally bought out a new Rino.

The old one was illegal in NZ as the UHF radios weren't permitted.

Actaully there was a special Aus version (also ok for NZ) of the old one - but they were extremely hard to find

jim.cox

29th August 2011, 16:01

Thats an Aussie link, I don't know if they have the same standards as here or not.

That link says it uses the FRS (USA) channels - Aus and NZ are PRS - so it is probably not legal in either country

But I note that Trig Instruments are listing it also http://www.triginstruments.co.nz/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27_83&products_id=924

Edit - Did some digging on the Garmin website - there IS an Australian version of the 650 (garmin SKU 10-00928-05 )

Appears not to have provison for external mic or speaker :(

Padmei

29th August 2011, 16:42

So the idea is to have 2 or more in a group to communicate positions? Are they able to be monitored by other people - ie someone at home? They text to each other using the uhf frequency?

NordieBoy

29th August 2011, 17:34

So the idea is to have 2 or more in a group to communicate positions? Are they able to be monitored by other people - ie someone at home? They text to each other using the uhf frequency?

5W go very good range but not that good.

Txt over UHF - yes.