They say that the only silly question is...

[young1]

One you don't ask.
SO - GPS on motorbikes, how does it work (no not the technology). If, say, I am in Paris on my motorbike and want to ride to Rome I presume I key something in and then a map or something shows for me to follow? Do you plug it in to earplugs so you can listen to directions or what?

I also presume that you buy the map software for the part of the world you are in. How big an area does this software cover. Would one "disk" cover Europe or just one country.

Sorry if this is a silly question but in the depths of my mind (a scary place yes) is the thought of doing a big trip someone overseas on a bike.

[Grub]

There is quite a selection of GPS products and they were recently explored in a huge Thread about 2 months ago ... use the advanced search function and look for just threads with "GPS" ...

I think you'll find what you're looking for. That thread ahd all the models, all the options and all about maps

[young1]

Thanks I didnt realise that sorry. Now can I delete this thread or can someone else PLEASE???

[Ixion]

Yes. Pretty much as you say.

The GPS knows where you are at present. So you select a destination, and it then works out a route. It will display that route on a map, on its screen. Most will also give you audible instructions ("in 100 metres, turn left"), and supplement the map route line with big arrows etc.

I use an earplug in my helmet, works fine. Around town I find I can hear the instructions without the earpiece. But even without the instructions the arrows are usually self explanatory.

I don't know how big an area is covered by each map . One map covers New Zealand, and another Australia. I think one map covers USA, so probably one would cover most of Europe. But it probably varies from maker to maker

I find the device very useful, and a good investment.

I do suggest a good map book also for overall strategic planning. ("Where next week ?" )

[xgnr]

One you don't ask.
SO - GPS on motorbikes, how does it work (no not the technology). If, say, I am in Paris on my motorbike and want to ride to Rome I presume I key something in and then a map or something shows for me to follow? Do you plug it in to earplugs so you can listen to directions or what?

I also presume that you buy the map software for the part of the world you are in. How big an area does this software cover. Would one "disk" cover Europe or just one country.

Sorry if this is a silly question but in the depths of my mind (a scary place yes) is the thought of doing a big trip someone overseas on a bike.

Yep you have it.

Generally the maps are like Europe, United Kingdom, Australia, etc. You can buy an SD card with the map or a full blow CD where you can install on the GPS. There are "free" maps available on the internet,

Most have a "where to" menu where you key a specific address, "point of Interest" , waypoint etc. The GPS will calculate a route and tell you (voice via earphone) and display ETA, route etc etc.

You can also display the map and "pick" a place to go to on the screen and select otion to travel there. It will calculate and display the route as above.

Cheers

Stu

[cooneyr]

Yep you have it.

Generally the maps are like Europe, United Kingdom, Australia, etc. You can buy an SD card with the map or a full blow CD where you can install on the GPS. There are "free" maps available on the internet............

Yep there is one normally one CD/data card for the whole of western Europe. The only places that have free Auto Routing software are NZ and Singapore as I understand it.

For the "normal" users, there are two basic types of GPS, handheld and vehicle orientated. A few handhelds are mapping and only a portion of those will do auto routing (what you were asking about). Almost all vehicle units will do auto routing but only one is truly motorbike "resistant" i.e. weather proof, easy to use with gloves etc etc. This is the Garmin Zumo (lottsa $$$).

Almost all car units are "talking" so you get verbal instructions. As far as I know the zumo is the only one that sends out a bluetooth signal (I stand to be corrected on this). With a BlueAnt interphone (bluetooth coms for helmets) you can pair the two and have a very neat cordless set up.

You use them like you say - open a search page, key in the address or "point of interest" (i.e. gas station, Colosseum, Eiffel Tower etc), hit goto (or similar), then it chooses the fastest or shortest route (depending on what you have selected) then away you ride following the instructions.

Cheers R

[NordieBoy]

Almost all vehicle units will do auto routing but only one is truly motorbike "resistant" i.e. weather proof, easy to use with gloves etc etc. This is the Garmin Zumo (lottsa $$$).

And the Quest I/II
Sweet for NZ but not enough memory for overseas.

[tri boy]

Baah humbug
Map n compass will see you right.

[Taz]

I use a garmin etrex venture cx and the free NZ maps. Works great and is small and waterproof. Also has a 512MB micro sdcard. I have a handlebar mount and power lead on both the BMW and the ducati. Mainly want it on the ducati so I can give exact co-ordinates of where I break down.......

[young1]

Thanks everyone for your replies they were most helpful.