Who uses Garmin GPS?

[upthemaiden]

I did some searching but really only came up with threads about different ways to mount them. So that part was easy enough.

I was hoping someone who's a bit more technologically inclined could give me some advice about what these can do. My two main questions are about bluetooth and pre-mapped routes. I'd just play with it for a few hours to see what I could figure out, but since I'm debating on returning it for a different one, I don't really want to try programming too much and putting my fingers all over everything. I'd rather trade it in still in new condition if I go that way.

As far as bluetooth, is it useful to have on a motorcycle so I can just hear the directions instead of just glancing at the screen on occasion? This thing does turn up kind of loud, but I doubt I'd still be able to hear it over my Hawk pipe and the wind unless I was moving pretty slow. Is that the kind of thing you definitely want in a GPS, or is it a big enough help just to glance down at the screen for the arrow and mileage countdown to the next turn? Mine is a 255w, and it looks like they have a 265wt(has bluetooth) at target for the same price I could possibly just trade for.

http://www.target.com/Garmin-Portab...gory-bin,price&searchRank=pmrank&frombrowse=1

http://www.target.com/Garmin-Portab...gory-bin,price&searchRank=pmrank&frombrowse=1

Second question is about loading the maps. Is there a way to plot out detailed routes on google and then load that onto the GPS, or is that really not something you can do until you get into the more expensive ones. I could only get google to send the address to my GPS, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Obviously I can tell it where I want to go and it'll tell me how to get there, but really I'd like to tell it how I want to get there, and just have it repeat those directions back to me. I'm not sure if that's an option or not.

 

[strmvt]

Ram Mounts will have just about anything you need to mount it to your bike. I'd get the bluetooth version IMO and get a scala headset thats bluetooth and will pair with the gps so you can hear the directions. I have the Garmin Zumo 550 and have had no issues with it being "made" for bikes. They have a new version the Zumo 600/650 or something with a bigger screen and some newer functions. Both come with a mount for your bike and one for your car which I found to be a plus. Anyway you go pics or it didnt happen and good luck

 

[upthemaiden]

I just ordered a motorcycle/handlebar clamp mount off of ebay. It just clamps around the bar. Otherwise I was just going to use the suction cup on the airbox so I doubt I'll go too fancy with the mount, but I'll check out the site and see if there's anything I really like.

I'm due for a new helmet anyway, so I was thinking about picking up one that was bluetooth already. I also want one with the drop down visor so I was looking at an AGV S4 that does both. Unfortunately there's no AGV dealers near me that I can find.

Does yours let you plot out the route you want to take, or do you just type in the address and have to go the way it wants you to go?

 

[strmvt]

Mine came with software called Mapsource that I can plot a route on and upload to the gps so yes I can plot but not on the unit itself. I can also use mapquest to get a route and upload it to the gps. You may be able to download the Mapsource software from Garmin's website.

 

[upthemaiden]

I was reading a little about mapsource. i watched a tutorial about it but the guy was just highlighting blocks on a map then it ended, so I wasnt sure. I'll see if I can find it to download it. I'll look into mapquest. can you send it from mapquest straight to the gps or do you still send it through mapsource?

 

[strmvt]

you'll need a cord to connect your gps to your computer it may come with one not sure though mine did. and mapquest has a function to send it to your phone gps and other devices just click the send to button up top.

 

[Baal]

The best advice I can give you is go to the "Layin' Down Tracks" section of ADVrider.com. The regulars there are seasoned GPS guys. I don't care enough to study it in too much depth, but I was able to learn what I needed by reading there. A bit of warning though: They can be a bit crusty. Search, search, and search again before you ask a question. Do not open up with "What GPS should I buy?" It will end badly.

 

[Jobe Zeebuh]

There is a plastic round disk with adhesive on it that comes with the 255w. Mount that on the inside of your windscreen and the suction cup thing will attach to it. Works great. I have the same bike and same gps.

As for blue tooth.....Never been a fan of having **** in my ear while I am riding. I would rather look down every once and a while. I can hear the bitch in the regular speakers to if i wish. But she is muted. One nagging ol' lady is enuff for me

 

[upthemaiden]

I'll definitely check out ADVrider and see what I can find out. I tried out mapquest last night, and it seems like it works a little better than google as far as what you can do. I loaded the plugin I needed and everything, but unfortunately when I'd go to send it, the bottom of the screen would say it was sending, and the little circle would keep spinning to tell me it was doing something, but it never actually loaded. I even thought 'maybe it just takes a while' so I went back downstairs and watched tv for 10-15 minutes and came back, and it was still doing it, so for some reason it wasn't getting through. I know the GPS was at least hooked up to the computer right though because I did go to the garmin site and download the little sportbike avatar so that's on my map now instead of the little car.

I have the same bike and same gps.

Good to hear someone else likes it. Have you made some progress with loading maps into it, or do you always just type in the address and go where it tells you? Do you usually use mapquest, or which one seems to work best with the 255w?