Car gps on bike ??

[RandG]

Anyone fitted a car gps on their bike and if so, what was the outcome ?

Just feel a bike specific gps is outrageously expensive. So other than riding in rain what is there to lose.

 

[Karson]

If you can forego the bluetooth feature to your helmet that the Nuvi's lack, there's only minor differences other than what you state.

That being said, I've got a Zumo 665 I scored for a bargain and live and die by the voice directions in urban settings when I simply want to get from A -> B

 

[Checkswrecks]

Lots of folks have and there are all sorts of ways to do it. I ran a couple for a long time with just a lot of Velcro and the cigarette lighter plug for power.
My son has his in a mounted clear Pelican case. It's waterproof but awkward to get to and he needs to look around some casting ridges in the clear case.

 

[Mike91]

The Nuvi line used to include waterproof models that are far cheaper than the true motorcycle units. I have a Nuvi 550, but it is discontinued, and I'm not sure what the replacement is.

A few things you should look for that not all car GPS units will have:
- Water resistant
- Ability to create custom maps with Basecamp (may not be important to you, but I think it is for most riders)
- RAM mount to give you plenty of mounting options

If I was going to give up a feature, it would be the first one, water resistance. Tuck it back under your windscreen, or put a plastic bag around it.

The Nuvi 500 and 550 used to be a good way to do this without going to a full motorcycle GPS, so you may want to do some searching around for replacement models for them.

 

[OldRider]

I would use a Ram X Grip instead of a GPS specific mount. If you change GPS's there would be no need to buy another mount.

 

[XtreemLee]

i used to used car units in a waterproof box with a touch screen that could still be used. I had three units fail on me. I'm not sure car units have the same durability as a bike unit. If the PCB's are not conformally coated then I would stick with a motorcycle unit. I use the Tom Tom rider on a ram mount. Expensive yes but less than Garmins units.

 

[Maxified]

I used the X Grip and it worked alright for an iPad mini equipped with a Bad Elf GPS. The X Grip has a bit of play when spread & attached, a minor complaint. I have gone back to a regular cradle mount for the more secure attachment and a Nuvi 2757. I just use a zip lock baggie for drizzly or misty conditions. If there is torrential precipitation, I just stow the device. Love the Ram mount stuff.

 

[Karson]

XtreemLee brought up a valid point. The moto specific units are going to have a vibration resistance rating on it. I doubt that the auto units are going to have that, likely the most common cause for a premature trip to the grave.

 

[FrontRangeRider]

I have a Nuvi 550 and it is a great piece of gear. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a suitable replacement. I wish I had bought an extra when you could still get them.

 

[Maxified]

XtreemLee brought up a valid point. The moto specific units are going to have a vibration resistance rating on it. I doubt that the auto units are going to have that, likely the most common cause for a premature trip to the grave.

You may be correct. My smaller Nuvi GPS has been going for over three years on three different motorcycles. I switched to a newer one because the GPS costs have come down a lot and I get free lifetime maps with the updated model. Works great in my truck also despite some out local washboard roads. The motorcycle specific unit only are available in smaller size screens but certainly appear to be more robust. Of course, I can get 2 or more auto-type units for the cost of one motorcycle unit.

 

[XtreemLee]

You may be correct. My smaller Nuvi GPS has been going for over three years on three different motorcycles. I switched to a newer one because the GPS costs have come down a lot and I get free lifetime maps with the updated model. Works great in my truck also despite some out local washboard roads. The motorcycle specific unit only are available in smaller size screens but certainly appear to be more robust. Of course, I can get 2 or more auto-type units for the cost of one motorcycle unit.

Conformal coating of electronics certainly adds cost to the unit, but when you have units fail on you it can be a pain. I paid $500 for my Rider more than I wanted but it has to survive rough abuse I dont carry a backup and GPS and the fuel finder feature for Tom Tom is quite nice.

 

[advswede1981]

I use the X-grip with my iphone 5 with a lifeproof case mounted on my madstad bracket and it's pure bad-assery ;D I now have GPS, phone calls, music, etc for virtually the same price as a midget hooker in Manilla.

 

[pnelson]

See this post in the same forum: http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=9233.msg200365#msg200365

Youtube movie on how to make your Garmin Nuvi waterproof: http://youtu.be/s2UvIoL78Cg

There are currently 24 Garmin Nuvi GPSs at BestBuy.com under $100.
http://goo.gl/MyoDi9

I find that I'd rather have my helmet Bluetooth (Sena) connect to my phone so I can answer calls and listen to music, all from one device. So even though my GPS has Bluetooth, I never use that feature. The voice prompt is cool, you can talk to your GPS but it doesn't work when riding, too much noise. Garmin models ending in "LM" have lifetime map updates.

;-) Paul

 

[Mike91]

As someone who owns both a RAM X grip and the GPS specific mount, I would always buy the GPS specific mount. Since I tend to keep a GPS for a few years, the $30 - $40 is well worth it for the more solid mount, in my opinion. The X grip works great for when I want my phone out and mounted (and secured near the 12V outlet for charging), and I get a lot of use out of it, but I wouldn't trust it on some of the unpaved seasonal roads I have found myself on.

 

[Checkswrecks]

As someone who owns both a RAM X grip and the GPS specific mount, I would always buy the GPS specific mount. Since I tend to keep a GPS for a few years, the $30 - $40 is well worth it for the more solid mount, in my opinion. The X grip works great for when I want my phone out and mounted (and secured near the 12V outlet for charging), and I get a lot of use out of it, but I wouldn't trust it on some of the unpaved seasonal roads I have found myself on.

+1

I use the X-grip with a Samsung Galaxy 5S for mainly music and listen with earbuds, because they cut the road noise and the music sounds SO much better. The intercom plays through helmet speakers and is loud enough to be heard over the earbuds. I never use audio off the GPS.

I have snagged the earbud cord with my hand and pulled the phone out of the X-grip. Luckily, it didn't fall off the end of the dangling cord. I definitely don't trust it when riding gravel roads.

 

[talonboy]

Here is another option that I use. Rugged, waterproof, around the same price as many cheaper car units.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=10896.msg180462#msg180462