Would you use this GPS?

**Mustek** · 21st March 2010, 13:14

Hi Folks, I have recently come across a TOM TOM Rider. This is a GPS which is specifically designed for motorbikes as they are waterproof and glove friendly but can also be used in your car (assuming you own one of these)

If they were available for between $310 and $350 would anyone else buy one?

**phill-k** · 21st March 2010, 14:04

Looks like a good unit and cheaper than the other dedicated bike unit. Does it have NZ maps, and which version?

**Mustek** · 21st March 2010, 14:15

Its called exactly that. Its a "Tom Tom" brand and its model is "rider". It comes with the latest New Zealand Maps.

Comes with Charger;
Bike Mounting Unit;
A Wired Headset;
A Bluetooth Headset. It apparently has poor sound quality but I also sell bluetooth intercoms which might be a bit better quality.
The charger works with 230v but might need an adaptor.

**Bikemad** · 21st March 2010, 14:28

not for me cheers mustek..........thats half the fun of it.........findin your way there

**Mustek** · 21st March 2010, 14:44

I guess that depends on if you low on gas. These are able to direct you to the closest gas station. Or hospital or school for that matter. :-)

**dogsnbikes** · 21st March 2010, 14:48

Nor me,I would rather go exploring off the beaten track so to speak,I can read a map and not get lost

not like others I have ridden with who have a GPS and still get lost

**MarkH** · 21st March 2010, 14:55

Originally Posted by Mustek

Hi Folks, I have recently come across a TOM TOM Rider. This is a GPS which is specifically designed for motorbikes as they are waterproof and glove friendly but can also be used in your car (assuming you own one of these)

If they were available for between $310 and $350 would anyone else buy one?

I'd consider it if I didn't already have a GPS unit. I don't use mine every day, but it is pretty handy when you are touring. I've used mine to find me the nearest Burger King and to see how many kms to my destination so I could work out whether I needed to refuel or not. I like how you can ride wherever you like, if you get lost the GPS will give you directions back to civilisation.

**sunhuntin** · 21st March 2010, 16:27

the only time ive ever wished for a gps was when i got myself lost in chch at about 9pm, after being on the bike all day from invercargill and was in danger of falling asleep, but needed to get to my hotel.

other than that, ive never needed one and a map book suits me fine, along with some directions from friendly locals.

i dont think i would use it often enough to justify the cost.

**Hopeful Bastard** · 21st March 2010, 16:32

Originally Posted by Mustek

Hi Folks, I have recently come across a TOM TOM Rider. This is a GPS which is specifically designed for motorbikes as they are waterproof and glove friendly but can also be used in your car (assuming you own one of these)

If they were available for between $310 and $350 would anyone else buy one?

If i got me a job so i had income comin my way, Then yeh.. Sure i would

**MarkH** · 21st March 2010, 16:45

Originally Posted by dogsnbikes

I can read a map and not get los

Originally Posted by sunhuntin

other than that, ive never needed one and a map book suits me fine

I find map books hard to read while riding. But my GPS plugged into my helmet gives me the turn by turn voice directions which I can follow safely while riding. If I am not using the GPS I can use the same helmet speakers plugged into an MP3 player - I didn't add the headset to the helmet just for the GPS.

It is also hard to give a map book your destination and then have it provide a constantly updating display of how many kilometres are remaining. Sure I can find my way from wherever I am to wherever I want to be by using a map book - but there is more functionality to a GPS. My GPS also warns me when I am approaching a fixed speed camera site and it can warn me when I am exceeding the speed limit (with programmable tolerance like 10% over or 20% over).

I know my way around Auckland well enough that I don't bother attaching the GPS for local commuting. But when I head off to a motorcycle rally somewhere I have never been before the GPS is handy to have. It didn't hurt that I got my GPS for free either.

**Ocean1** · 21st March 2010, 17:08

My nephiew's just off on a wee south island tour with a Tom Tom of some sort. It was there with his father last year also. Both rekon it's a good device.

They might not have the functions of the top end beasties but if the maps were good enough I'd pay 3hundredandmumble for one.

**Mustek** · 21st March 2010, 17:15

Thanks folks, I appreciate your feedback.

For those who already own one: How much did it cost you and is it one designed for bikes or just a normal car one???

**Ocean1** · 21st March 2010, 17:29

Originally Posted by Mustek

Thanks folks, I appreciate your feedback.

For those who already own one: How much did it cost you and is it one designed for bikes or just a normal car one???

Dunno which model his was, supposedly water & impact proof...