Whay are Garmin Nuvo models so expensive?

[djm_ct]

In this day and age, where high quality technology has become affordable to the masses, I cannot fathom why the cost of motorcycle specific GPS systems, like the Gamin Zumo line, are so ridiculously expensive.

I'm nomally not a cheap guy. I don't mind paying for something if I feel like the end justifies the means, and that the price is in line with the market. But it has always galled me that to get a GPS with a few extra features that make it motorcycle friendly, you will have to shell out a minimum off 500.00, all the way up to four figures. Most prices I see are in the 700 to 800 region. That's a lot of cash for something that I can get for free with any smart phone, albeit in a package that's more condusive and convenient to motorcycle riding.

I have owned several GPS models made for cars, and like mose electronic tech, the price has dropped dramatically as they become more mainstream. But for some reason, manufacturers have stubbornly refused to lower prices on any model deemed specific to motorcycles. It seems that Garmin in particular has determined that there is a limited market for these models, and that that market will continue to bear these high prices.

Anyone have an opinion?

 

[Dogdaze]

I also cannot justify the cost of a MC specific unit so I just have a car unit that I have made a MC friendly bracket ( has a little flex) and a sun shade. If it pours down then it goes in the tank bag. I also rigged a acoustic air tube to it and it's crystal clear.

 

[racer1735]

My uneducated guess would be that they make and produce fewer motorcycle specific units. Combine that with the fact that a motorcycle specific unit needs to be more vibration and weather resistant and that just adds to the cost. I am another follower who uses an automotive GPS and mounts it on my motorcycle

 

[djm_ct]

I do the same. I have an old Garmin Nuvi model (cost around 200.00) that I mount to the handlebars with a ram mount.
If it rains I just stick it under the map window in my tank bag.

It's not ideal but I can't justify what they are charging for the difference in functionality.

 

[BravoBravo]

I went a slightly different route with my latest GPS purchase. I switched from Garmin to TomTom, as the new generation Rider is just a little over $400 and has all the features I needed. I agree the motorcycle-specific Garmin units are very "spendy."

Bruce

 

[fredz43]

Some good Zumo models that aren't the latest and greatest, but still very good models are available for less. I have a Zumo 660 and like it very much. New ones can be had on ebay now for as low as $429 with free lifetime maps.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Garmin-Zumo-660LM-Motorcycle-GPS-Navigator-w-Lifetime-Maps-010-00727-04-/231359351327?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35de178a1f

 

[OldRider]

I'm still using my old Garmin 2610 & 2720 units. Last time I looked you could still pick up some 27XX series units on Ebay pretty cheap/

 

[advnewbie]

I just couldn't justify paying that much money for a GPS either. I opted for buying the Tom Tom app for my iPhone for $24 and got a $50 weather proof case and I have the perfect GPS unit that also plays my MP3's and can make phone calls.

 

[fredz43]

I'm still using my old Garmin 2610 & 2720 units. Last time I looked you could still pick up some 27XX series units on Ebay pretty cheap/

I just sold my 2820 for $125 on ebay, since I was convinced that I liked the 660 much better.

 

[Just Bob]

I just couldn't justify paying that much money for a GPS either. I opted for buying the Tom Tom app for my iPhone for $24 and got a $50 weather proof case and I have the perfect GPS unit that also plays my MP3's and can make phone calls.

Until you get into areas with no cell service. Out west we have these large states Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas, Oklahoma, California, Utah where we still have wide open spaces with no cell service...grin. Try using your IPhone there... ::025::

 

[justbob]

just a quick interruption here to point out that Just Bob is not justbob.

 

[trikepilot]

Until you get into areas with no cell service. Out west we have these large states Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas, Oklahoma, California, Utah where we still have wide open spaces with no cell service...grin. Try using your IPhone there... ::025::

Amen! Likewise in the home of the best ADV riding in the east - much of West Virginia

 

[advnewbie]

Why would you need cell service? All iPhones since the 4 have a GPS chip in them. When you install the Tom Tom GPS app you also download the maps ahead of time. You have the maps installed so no need for a cell signal to constantly update your location. I rode all through WV and didn't have a problem. The Tom Tom app is the same as the Tom Tom Rider GPS unit. It has some great features such as Winding Road which allows you to select the level of winding roads in order to get to your destination.

 

[barkingllizard]

Anyone have an opinion?

Because they can...
there could be some advantages, like glove friendly touch screen,
but mostly they are overpriced with bloated software with ridiculous prices for map updates.....

 

[vilageidgit]

put a car GPS in one of these

http://www.rammount.com/products/aquabox

downside battery life is less on a car GPS and not sure how well these Aqua handle vibration

 

[Bushyar15]

Add Colorado to the list of places where cell service and be spotty…. I agree. I couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of cash on a unit. I went with a Garmin Montana. Which while not cheap I can use on my bike, car and take hiking with me...

 

[Toto]

Because they can...
there could be some advantages, like glove friendly touch screen,
but mostly they are overpriced with bloated software with ridiculous prices for map updates.....

I agree...little or no competition for motorcycle specific GPS. And the fact that they have engineered that ability to use the Bluetooth headset connect to be bike specific only.

 

[sail2xxs]

You could look for a Nuvi 550. It has many of the same features as the Zumo for a lot less money. It's waterproof, and with a little practice, can be operated with riding gloves. Aside from the USB style power cord, I've been very happy with mine so far. With lifetime maps, it was about $275 on Amazon.

Best,

Chris

 

[HoebSTer]

If you want to know one example of how motorcycle stuff is so high, take a look at the PIAA 530 LED light price under motorcycles, then compare the same light under the automotive or off road section on PIAA website. There is a $100 difference last i checked. Every vendor which makes something for our bikes is under the same mind set. "What is $300 accessory when we just dropped $14k on a bike". But for us, it is for each item and each vendor. Look at ALTRIDER stuff, they are marketing direct against and alongside Touratech which has set the bar for pricing and their customer base. WE are most all SUCKERS in this game!!!!
Harley started this years ago with their branded items to go along with the bike purchase, we all jump on the wagon in some way or another and hitch a ride whether we want to or think we are doing it.

jeff

 

[racer1735]

I agree to an extent, esp. regarding 'branded' items such as H-D and BMW. But when comparing lighting accessories, you need to look at what is included. The PIAA 530 lamps marketed for autos includes a wiring harness and the two lamps. The Super Tenere-specific kit includes the two lamps, the harness, a switch, the relay and mounting brackets. The kit costs $50 extra, which would probably be eaten up by the brackets alone.