Using an in-car GPS on a bike?

[nerrrd]

So I've been looking around for a GPS solution, couldn't help but notice how cheap the in car GPS units are compared to anything motorcycle specific (or a new phone sigh).

Anyone think using one in a case like this http://www.motomail.co.nz/estore/style/gibas954.aspx would be workable or just a waste of money?

[FJRider]

So I've been looking around for a GPS solution, couldn't help but notice how cheap the in car GPS units are compared to anything motorcycle specific (or a new phone sigh).

Is it waterproof .. ??

[Gremlin]

Is it waterproof .. ??

It's "water resistant". aka, no guarantee, and given enough rain, the cheap GPS has turned into a paperweight.

The reason the bike GPS is more expensive is because they are more rugged and IP67 (some have a higher rating) requires some engineering that car GPS simply don't need.

Most that use a car GPS end up going for a bike GPS if they use it enough, which kinda makes it more expensive in the long run (because you buy two). The bike GPS can be used in the car quite happily. Also, depending on GPS, the bike ones usually have all the mounting gear as well, which adds up pretty quick.

Biggest thing is, if you want to use the GPS a lot, maps that are up to date are important and could cost you more than the GPS itself (again, depending on what you buy). I'd go for a Garmin, then you can use http://www.nzopengps.org/

[gammaguy]

My GPS units are waterproof and tested in new zealand

And they come with a car and a bike mount so you can move it around

[nerrrd]

Is it waterproof .. ??

It's "water resistant". aka, no guarantee, and given enough rain, the cheap GPS has turned into a paperweight.

Thanks guys, makes sense, back to the drawing board...

My GPS units are waterproof and tested in new zealand

And they come with a car and a bike mount so you can move it around

Which ones are they then? Wait, just clicked on the link in your signature, found them.

[Bald Eagle]

My GPS units are waterproof and tested in new zealand

And they come with a car and a bike mount so you can move it around

is the price on your web site nzd?

[Arrowolf]

I am using a case like this since 3 years with my Tom tom gps. And i am happy with it, sun or rain is all good.
Just don`t forget to install a power surce for it.
Arrowolf from Autumn Arrowtown

[blackdog]

RAM Solutions.

http://www.ramsolutions.co.nz/lifest...suits-most-gps

An alternative if you have already picked up a cheap GPS, or like me you may want to use different devices for different purposes. My S3 also fits, as I imagine would an iPod or iPhone.

[Phreak]

I had no issues with my car GPS when it was on the bike, nice big screen, easy to see, easy to hit the buttons (not recommended whilst in motion of course!), plus it played music on the long trips! (External memory card) I made it a habit to remove it from the bracket (was cable-tied to the H-Frame) if it started raining, even though I had all the openings taped over I didn't want to test it's waterproof-ness. Easy enough to wire up a cigarette plug off the battery (fused of course) to provide power. Lol the original reason I got it was for the clock! (my bike isn't flash enough to have one built in!)

Providing you don't mind the map software running out of date pretty quickly, I reckon it's not such a bad idea, so long as you keep the unit dry, plus they are a lot cheaper than going for a proper bike GPS!

(My bike is track spec now, that's why I say I used to have GPS)

This is similar to what I used to use...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics...-590097222.htm

[nerrrd]

Hmmm, see now I'm tempted all over again...

[nzspokes]

My GPS comes in book form. You read it and it never breaks down. I keep it in my top box.

And you dont get a stupid voice telling you to ride in a river.

[nerrrd]

My GPS comes in book form. You read it and it never breaks down. I keep it in my top box.

And you dont get a stupid voice telling you to ride in a river.

Maps are good, but then you have to stop, take gloves off, find map, check out where you need to go, put map away, gloves back on, remember where you're going, read the street signs in the dark with crappy eyesight etc so overall I think GPS sounds better (for me).

Like to think I might not ride into a river even if the GPS was telling me to...although I kind of rode into one all by myself the other night (more of a large puddle really).

[Sable]

What's wrong with a flash phone? Updates automatically, multi use, some like the Defi are rugged enough for nonprotected use

[Zippo]

What's wrong with a flash phone? Updates automatically, multi use, some like the Defi are rugged enough for nonprotected use

My friend in Australia uses his phone as a GPS and plugs his headphones in so he can hear the directions.

I gave this a go on Monday on my Samsung Galaxy S2. It worked pretty well. Only improvement would have been if it specified the road I was turning down. I got lost twice, because I didn't follow directions properly, but once I'd pulled over, I could re-check I was on route. Also, my eyes stay on the road instead of a screen. Just gotta make sure your phone is fully charged

Means I have one gadget for - camera, video, phone, gps, computer

Also, my $200 GPS died

[ckai]

And you dont get a stupid voice telling you to ride in a river.

But that's the most fun part! Everyone likes splashing in water.

My friend in Australia uses his phone as a GPS and plugs his headphones in so he can hear the directions.

Means I have one gadget for - camera, video, phone, gps, computer

Also, my $200 GPS died

This is what I'd do only so I didn't have to carry everything around. I've used the folks GPS and my phone. So much easier just using the phone. The earphones are the big thing for me. Yet to find a comfy way with my lid. The ultimate would be to have a Sena and bluetooth it to my phone.