Best GPS?

**thepom** · 27th January 2010, 08:24

So after doing the dusty butt I think I would like to invest in a gps so any comments on the best type,easiest to use,bang for buck and does it use a moving picture or just directions?...

**Eddieb** · 27th January 2010, 09:20

How big is your budget?

Anything from Garmin designed either for outdoor use or specifically for motorcycles. The grandaddy of them all is the Zumo range designed especially for bikes, but they cost.
They also have a number of models designed for outdoor/tramping/hiking use that are waterproof, dustproof etc.

Many models designed for in-car use only don't like it when you leave the road and won't deal with trails very well so do your research around that.

They use a moving picture, and can provide directions using auto road routing or a simple arrow/direction indicator depending on the mode you are using it in.

I use a Garmin Colorado and love it, I think the Oregon is the replacement model for it and they have recently released some new models that look fairly well priced.

Check out Trig instruments http://www.triginstruments.co.nz for Garmin models and features.

There's also a very active garmin group in NZ that provides free open source maps for download that are updated every couple of weeks.
Posted via Mobile Device

**NordieBoy** · 27th January 2010, 10:45

Originally Posted by Eddieb

There's also a very active garmin group in NZ that provides free open source maps for download that are updated every couple of weeks.

Very active.
The last updates were on the 22nd and 23rd

**Padmei** · 27th January 2010, 11:09

I got a garmin 60csx. c = colour, s= sensative (gotta watch how I talk to it) & x = expandable memory - ie you can save all aussie maps onto a card & swap it over when you go over there. I'm a relative noob to advriding & it does everthing I need - except play music. If anything I would get one that is sensitive cos lots of our tracks etc are in valleys.

Check out mapworld in CHch. Mine cost around $600ish?

**cooneyr** · 27th January 2010, 12:36

Originally Posted by Padmei

I got a garmin 60csx. c = colour, s= sensative (gotta watch how I talk to it) ...

Shows us how much you know s=sensors i.e. magnetic compass and barometer (which works as a pseudo altimeter).

Definatly get a Garmin for use in NZ - very little software for any other brands. First up I havea Etrex Legend hcx.

Etrex Legend Hcx, Etrex Vista Hcx, GPSMap60cx, GPSMap60csx, GPSMap70cx, GPSMap70csx are all very similar if not identical in what they can do. Vista, and the two csx models have the sensors, all have a similar accuracy gps sensor (minor differences), Extrex's are the "budget" model and are ever so slightly smaller in the screen. GPSMap70's are for marine purposes so float. The GPSMap series has waterproof external sockets for power and an external antena (will not need on a bike).

Then there is all the newer models such as the Colorado and Oregon. Again these are very similar to the ones mentioned above in what they can do, just their form/buttons/screen are different. The biggest benefit of one of these is that they have a significantly bigger screen but then they chew batteries faster as well. Oregon is touch screen which might or might not be good for on a bike cause when you wipe the dust off the screen you might change screens. I'm not sure about this cause I've never used one but I do know I have to wipe the dust of the screen often enough - oh yea definitely get a screen protector.

Good luck. R

**Eddieb** · 27th January 2010, 12:46

The screen imagery is also a lot nicer/prettier on the newer models also. I loaded the Aussie maps on mine recently and used it over there and it was very handy.

**Triwi** · 27th January 2010, 16:07

Try Tony Savage at (KiwiGPS@paradise.net.nz) He is in ChCh and will provide answers to any GPS question you have. He can sell you a unit as well. Brilliant to deal with. Have just purchased a Zumo 660 from him. ph 0211679428.
also look at( http://www.gpsoz.com.au/) for online info and the GPS threads on ADV website. Contributor 'BurnieM' works at GPSOZ (I think) and is great for his massive knowledge and prompt answers.
cheers
Triwi

**Waihou Thumper** · 27th January 2010, 17:10

FWIW I have a Garmin GPS...The 60Cx, I bought some Ram mounts and put it onto the bike. I hard wired it to the battery and have two AA's in there as back up. If there is a power loss somehow, the GPS keeps running. Sometimes there is a spike, but keeps going and no issues as it is fused as well.
I use it all the time for making tracks over my rides. I used it for the Dusty ride and it performed flawlessly (thanks Ryan for the route..)
I like the versatility of the smaller hand held as I can take it tramping and use it in the car etc...
Easy to use, easy to see the detail and the only downside that I can think of, is the buttons are small and they don't do what I tell it to when I have my gloves on....
No biggie though.....
I did my research, asked lots of guys here and on ADV - read plenty of literature etc....
Once you have one, it will open up a lot of country that you drove past in the cage....and the bike...
Haven't you always wondered? I wonder where that road goes to when you zoom past on the tar seal...
I now ride probably 80% or more back roads now thanks to the GPS...

**P38** · 27th January 2010, 17:19

Garmin Zumo 550 or 650 + NZ Open Source Maps and a Bluetooth equiped Helmet like the Nolan N-102 or N-103.
They cost a bit but are worth every cent.
There's really no competition that'll come close if they are in your budget.

**Rockbuddy** · 27th January 2010, 17:33

Originally Posted by P38

Garmin Zumo 550 or 650 + NZ Open Source Maps and a Bluetooth equiped Helmet like the Nolan N-102 or N-103.
They cost a bit but are worth every cent.
There's really no competition that'll come close if they are in your budget.

What he said

**junkmanjoe** · 27th January 2010, 18:03

my $100 navman F20 and watertight case works a treat, even in the middle of the rainbow road...

JMJ

**.chris** · 27th January 2010, 20:25

I have a HTC touch screen windows mobile(tm) phone. Which has a hardware gps.

With a copy of Garmin Mobile XT, which pretty much works like the other garmin gps units.
Works great, but means the phone battery lasts about 2 hours with it running, so I have hardwired a phone charger onto the bike for some extended stamina.

I am using the NZ free garmin gps maps which are pretty good, and probably the best you can get.

Pretty good option if you can appreciate a decent touch screen phone, as phone + garmin gps = $1000+ and this costs about $700.

Downsides; not dust or waterproof, small screen, no easy handlebar mounts
upsides; one device one charger (for the lightweight touring), more than just a gps, cooler than an iphone, pretty robust (mine survived a 70kph+ fall out of tank bag onto road)

**Snails pace** · 27th January 2010, 20:49

Have both the Zumo 550 and 60csx. Both have their pluses and minus. Strictly on road use the Zumo is better as it has talking directions as well as on the screen. It is also more responsive to changes such as if you are following a route and go off route it will recalculate sooner. More responsive to when you are coming up to a turn off etc. speed calculation is also quicker as if entering a 50kph zone it drops down speed as you do. the 60 lags some what. Pluses for the 60 smaller so if walking in town or decide to hike off bike tucks in pocket better. Has the tracking function so if off road it is far easier to retrace your ride. Battery life is far better, somewhere round 16 hours on two AA versus 4 hours with a built in battery. You would be happy with either. Dollar wise the 60 wins hands down and for trail riding is fine. Though a smaller screen then the zumo it is still easy enough to see as pottering down the road / track. I bought both my units from the USA online and were in my hands several hundred dollard cheaper than the best deals in NZ. Beware of the postage cost as that is quite often the killer.

**Hitcher** · 27th January 2010, 21:05

Originally Posted by P38

Garmin Zumo 550 or 650 + NZ Open Source Maps and a Bluetooth equiped Helmet like the Nolan N-102 or N-103.
They cost a bit but are worth every cent.
There's really no competition that'll come close if they are in your budget.

Couldn't have put it better. Anything else either involves a pokie wee screen designed for trampers, or a car unit in a Click Clack box or wrapped in Gladwrap: very stylie and functional.

My zumo 550 has covered about 40,000km in all weathers and temperatures, faultlessly. Opensource maps are a big plus too.