Best GPS for R1200GS?

[robbie69]

Hiya,
A mate has just bought a 2012 R1200GS (actually, it might be the Adventure). We're all thinking of chipping in for a GPS for his big Europe trip later this year. Should we go with the BMW Nav 4, or something else? Whatever the choice, do they come with a mounting kit, or do you have to source separately. Can anyone recommend a dealer for purchase please? Thanks for any input

 

[Sgt Bilco]

I've always used Garmin which are far as I'm aware, the same as the BMW Nav range but a fair bit cheaper.

I've had my Zumo 550 for about 4 years and it's been perfect. The latest model is a 660 which has a few better features. Have a look on their website for all the spec and you can pick them up from a number of outlets. Lockable mounts are available from Touratech and Nippy Normans.

Easy to mount and wire up and the best way to wire them up is via the plug right next to the headstock. The right connector is available from your dealer.

 

[polecat]

Garmin 660 Zumo. Same as the BuMW Nav 4 but a lot cheaper. Satnaveasy is a good place to start. It should come with everything you need to set it up

 

[sven]

Tomtom Rider http://www.satnav-discounts.co.uk/tomtom-go/find-tomtom-rider.htm?gclid=CM3B1cLzo7YCFcHHtAodRjAAEA

Better routing and more user friendly than my two Garmin units.

 

[kevingrahambutler]

Bmw Garmin navigator 111 locked onto the bike with the iPhone as a back up,
Never used a tomtom rider they are suppose to be good to

 

[Pablo1]

Garmin 660 Zumo. Same as the BuMW Nav 4 but a lot cheaper. Satnaveasy is a good place to start. It should come with everything you need to set it up

+1

 

[Sleepy]

Tomtom Rider http://www.satnav-discounts.co.uk/tomtom-go/find-tomtom-rider.htm?gclid=CM3B1cLzo7YCFcHHtAodRjAAEA

Better routing and more user friendly than my two Garmin units.

.... but!
no mapping program available... unless you have Internet connection.. so very limited use....

 

[alan29]

This
http://www.globalgps.co.uk/object-22885-garmin-zumo-220-uk-maps-noh?gclid=CIKbptmYpbYCFZDKtAodcBIA4Q
Had one for a couple of years - faultless. Going to Europe with it this summer. Planning and downloading routes already to load up.
Or a car satnav with a waterproof strap-on case - total £100 tops.
I am trying (and failing) to work out why a satnav would need to be bike-specific. Someone enlighten me. Does it direct your routes past BMW dealers or something?

 

[kevingrahambutler]

This
http://www.globalgps.co.uk/object-22885-garmin-zumo-220-uk-maps-noh?gclid=CIKbptmYpbYCFZDKtAodcBIA4Q
Had one for a couple of years - faultless. Going to Europe with it this summer. Planning and downloading routes already to load up.
Or a car satnav with a waterproof strap-on case - total £100 tops.
I am trying (and failing) to work out why a satnav would need to be bike-specific. Someone enlighten me. Does it direct your routes past BMW dealers or something?

Why have a gs when any bike will do, if you can't work that forget it

 

[Sleepy]

This
http://www.globalgps.co.uk/object-22885-garmin-zumo-220-uk-maps-noh?gclid=CIKbptmYpbYCFZDKtAodcBIA4Q
I am trying (and failing) to work out why a satnav would need to be bike-specific. Someone enlighten me.

Because we're not all tight arses, trying to 'make do' with inappropriate equipment..

Bike Sat-Navs, already waterproof, shock resistant.. no need for waterproof boxes, Can be seen clearly at night.. can be used with gloves on... no special wiring, just clip it in the mount. etc... etc... etc...

 

[slimbo]

Zumo660 is a cracking bit of kit. Been using one for 18 months now and it has been excellent cant comment on other makes as I have always had Garmin

 

[robbie69]

thanks everyone. We're gonna go with the Zumo660

 

[sven]

.... but!
no mapping program available... unless you have Internet connection.. so very limited use....

You can plot routes via Tomtom Home (but it's a bit clunky) or using Microsoft Autoroute + itnconverter which is much quicker and slicker than Mapsource Who doesn't have an Internet connection nowadays anyway, especially if they frequent an Internet motorcycle forum

 

[Bryn]

Zumo 660 for me as well

I'm sure the Tomtom does an excellent job... its just a case of what you are used to

 

[The Grey One]

Because we're not all tight arses, trying to 'make do' with inappropriate equipment..

Bike Sat-Navs, already waterproof, shock resistant.. no need for waterproof boxes, Can be seen clearly at night.. can be used with gloves on... no special wiring, just clip it in the mount. etc... etc... etc...

And more reliable, I see hundreds of bikes with various sat navs every summer.
The majority are Garmin probably around 70%, 25% are Tom Tom and the rest car units. Highest failure rate is for car ones, followed by Tom Tom (usually connection issues). That said the biggest problem is still the operators!

John

 

[adventuredon]

I have only used tom tomcar one and like their simple interface. But iirc the bike ones do not have audio out Jack so you have to ruse blue
tooth ting. I want audio out so can get music through auto com

 

[Ali-bear]

I bought a Zumo 350 but wish I'd got the 660 instead.

The 350 comes with a horrible power lead and that alone is enough to make it worth the extra money for the 660. The 350 works fine though.

 

[seisobs]

Had the 660 for 4 months now, pretty good, only problem I have is sometimes it flags up 'USB cable not properly connected' - No USB cable connected while it's on the bike, anyone know why it coes up with message?

 

[ghiribizzo]

Nope. Have you got the most recent firmware installed?

 

[brucewayne]

Had a Garmin Zumo for years but now I've opted for TomTom on my iPhone 5 (£49.99) plus one of these

Music, phone, satnav all in one place and charged while you ride, plus a bigger screen than most navs