Garmin Nuvi on Bike

[dlevett]

Used my Garmin Nuvi 310 on the bike yesterday for the first time - worked a treat!

(The Nuvi 310 connected to the RAM mount, the RAM mount is connected to the Migsel Mount, the Migsel mount is connected to the screen frame, etc. that's the way it goes!)

 

[Mollers01uk]

there really good to use on the bike. just make sure that you don't get them wet.

 

[luke scott]

I intend to put mine in the map window of the tank bag and use headphones to my helmet. Nick Marshall has also used one on his bike (bikes)

 

[Bumpkin]

Fine for A - B riding but can't do a specified route cooked up in MapSource which IMHO is one of the best things about bike GPS. Also not being waterproof needs to be kept where it's difficult to use the controls.

For trips where you just want to get to a destination it's certainly usable but for me that's not what I use my bike for. Horses for courses is what I'm trying to say.

There have been a few riders I've come across who have assumed that you can plot detailed routes on any GPS so have made an expensive purchase only to be disappointed.

 

[luke scott]

Fine for A - B riding but can't do a specified route cooked up in MapSource which IMHO is one of the best things about bike GPS. .

For trips where you just want to get to a destination it's certainly usable but for me that's not what I use my bike for. Horses for courses is what I'm trying to say.

Interesting point. I use my bike monday to friday in Dublin to avoid the gridlock and keep my hypertension under control . On the "very rare" times I ride the bike on weekends it will only be to get from A to B. If I go to Germany to pick up my next GS then the tank bag option will be enough to get me home.

 

[Schtum]

(The Nuvi 310 connected to the RAM mount, the RAM mount is connected to the Migsel Mount, the Migsel mount is connected to the screen frame, etc. that's the way it goes!)

Is there a specific RAM Mount for the Nuvi or does one of the generic RAM mounts connect to the Nuvi mount?

I'm thinking of buying a Nuvi to take to the USA later this year. They're much smaller and lighter than my old Streetpilot so easier to take in hand luggage. Also the 270, 370 and 770 come with City Navigator for the UK, Europe and USA pre-installed.

I know they're not waterproof but the only time I'd be likely to use it on a bike is in Californian and Oregon in June and July when it's unlikely to rain. I'd use it more extensively in our rental car in the US and the rest of the time, at home, it would probably live in SWMBO's car. The only remaining issue is which one to buy and how to fit it to a RAM mount.

Anyone....?

 

[Bumpkin]

Is there a specific RAM Mount for the Nuvi or does one of the generic RAM mounts connect to the Nuvi mount?

There appear to be RAM cradles for all Nuvi models. Suggest that you get onto GPS Warehouse and see if they either stock or can get hold of one for you. Alternatively get one in the States when you're over there.

 

[Schtum]

There appear to be RAM cradles for all Nuvi models. Suggest that you get onto GPS Warehouse and see if they either stock or can get hold of one for you. Alternatively get one in the States when you're over there.

Thanks Chas, looks like it's only a Fiver for a RAM ball to fit the Nuvi cradle....

http://www.gpsw.co.uk/details/prod3451.html

There does appear to be a RAM cradle available but GPSW don't seem to list it.

 

[crackandthump]

310 and rain

have used my 310 in the rain on the GS, it must be something to do with aerodymanics whilst riding, because only a couple of drops touched the gps. Of course when stood still there is no air flow to guide the rain away. But good enough .

 

[vireo]

Is there a specific RAM Mount for the Nuvi or does one of the generic RAM mounts connect to the Nuvi mount?

I'm thinking of buying a Nuvi to take to the USA later this year. They're much smaller and lighter than my old Streetpilot so easier to take in hand luggage. Also the 270, 370 and 770 come with City Navigator for the UK, Europe and USA pre-installed.

I know they're not waterproof but the only time I'd be likely to use it on a bike is in Californian and Oregon in June and July when it's unlikely to rain. I'd use it more extensively in our rental car in the US and the rest of the time, at home, it would probably live in SWMBO's car. The only remaining issue is which one to buy and how to fit it to a RAM mount.

Anyone....?

I use a Nuvi 350 on the bike all the time. The previously mentioned routing short-coming is making consider a Zumo (or perhaps a 2610) but the mount goes straight onto the diamond piece with ball attached and away you go. I have it connected to an Autocom (audio cable comes with Autocom) and its plumbed into my System 5 so as well as visual I have spoken instructions. Works a treat.

Vireo

 

[RAM-man]

Is there a specific RAM Mount for the Nuvi or does one of the generic RAM mounts connect to the Nuvi mount?

I'm thinking of buying a Nuvi to take to the USA later this year. They're much smaller and lighter than my old Streetpilot so easier to take in hand luggage. Also the 270, 370 and 770 come with City Navigator for the UK, Europe and USA pre-installed.

I know they're not waterproof but the only time I'd be likely to use it on a bike is in Californian and Oregon in June and July when it's unlikely to rain. I'd use it more extensively in our rental car in the US and the rest of the time, at home, it would probably live in SWMBO's car. The only remaining issue is which one to buy and how to fit it to a RAM mount.

Anyone....?

There's a raft of new cradles for latest range of Nuvi model emerging for this season.

RAM-HOL-GA23 is for Nuvi 660
RAM-HOL-GA24 is for Nuvi 200 / 250
RAM-HOL-GA25 is for Nuvi 200W / 250W, so widescreen
RAM-HOL-GA26 is for Nuvi 750 / 760 / 250
RAM-HOL-GA28 is for Nuvi 5000
RAM-HOL-GA30 is for Nuvi 800


The old 'issue' has been waterproof but this can be overcome in a few weeks with a new medium sized AquaBox for gps devices with these size constraints, Height = 6" x Width = 4" x Depth = 1.75" it may set those who know the device features/functions inside out, thinking...

 

[aceranic]

nuvi 750 on a 1200GS

just got one of these and tried it out with suction cup on screen. way too much vibrations. than tried it again but with cup on speedmeter. worked great.
planning to get ram mount for nuvi. a bit hard to get it over here to croatia

 

[FazerThou]

carry a couple of small clear plastic bags (sandwich type of thing) and an elastic band for when it rains. My 660 is mounted on the handlebar and is fine.

 

[smartbear]

garmin nuvi

hi,just rigged up my 250w & ram mount + spliced the power supply into the under tank connector on my 1200gs-it came on with its own battery power but upon starting the engine it blinked + went off,it now is "dead"
any ideas?

 

[Bumpkin]

hi,just rigged up my 250w & ram mount + spliced the power supply into the under tank connector on my 1200gs-it came on with its own battery power but upon starting the engine it blinked + went off,it now is "dead"
any ideas?

Does your Nuvi connect with a mini USB? I presume that you cut the cigar lighter adapter bit off the end of the power lead and spliced that into a 12v feed?

If the above is the case then I'm afraid you've probably fried your GPS. Mini USB is 5 volts and there would be a transformer in the cigar lighter adapter that you've bypassed. Not sure if the GPS will have an internal fuse, never seen one inside the 3 Garmins I've had in pieces.

Not sure what the Garmin repair fee is for the Nuvi 250, it's $125 in the US. There's a flat rate repair fee for each Garmin model. I reality you don't get a repair carried out on your unit but a factory refurb (as good as new with up to date mapping and all accessories). If your unit is still in warranty you could try and test their good will, although it's a little cheeky considering what it appears that you've done.

 

[smartbear]

fried gps

afraid someone would say that! damm it!
dont know what a mini usb is? wonder if il get away with an exchange under warranty, its fairly new-damm it damm it!

 

[Bumpkin]

dont know what a mini usb is?

Mini USB on left, regular USB on right, if the plug that connects to the Nuvi looks like the former (maybe it has a right angle but the same actual plug) then it's mini USB and 5 volt.

The automotive power lead for the Nuvi 250W from the Garmin site is shown below, looks very much like mini USB I'm afraid.

 

[RAM-man]

Problem's been solved. Read my post/thread on Nuvi 500 series.

There's Q~Power Lite http://www.locatis.eu/ which evolved from the Q~power development to power boys toys on the bike which some have been testing it amongst us, without moans, so assume its still working.

Charging via USB takes approx at least 3 hours to fully charge and is based from tests done on Nuvi 500 series which shall use a new version Q~Power Lite3 and be part without inline bayonet connector, so underseat mount for scoots and not part of the mount as some twat thought tie wrapping was more securing than a screw/nut .. w*nker ! .