Garmin Zumo 550 or 660LM

[Shimster]

Hi All

I need a new GPS but I'm not sure which one to go for. I've previously had a Zumo 550 and thought it was the dogs bollocks, but as they're not supplied new anymore (I think), I'm stuck between buying a 2nd hand 550 or going for a brand new 660LM which I've never tried before Can someone who has used both let me know which they prefer or would recommend?

Cheers

Shim

 

[glenn2926]

Eyup Shim

I have used both (550 was my brothers and only used a couple of times) and I found there was not much difference in day to day use. 660 has a bit bigger screen but not a lot. I have not tried using routing on the 550 but using basecamp it is very easy on the 660. You cannot screw the 660 to its mounting bracket like you could the 550. So some scrote could have it away but I always put mine in my pocket anyway. The 660 fits in your pocket better it's slimmer. 660 feels a better made bit of kit but that probably doesn't make it better. It all comes down as usual to money. but would I reccomend the 660? Yeah definitely, it's a good bit of kit.
Hope this is of some help Glenn.

 

[Blackal]

I'm not sure if the 660 is a more robust model than the 550 - to be honest.

That said - I probably would have bought one, had I not invested so much in mounts for the 550 I have, and the smaller size which suits my non-GS bikes - better.

Al

 

[Shimster]

You cannot screw the 660 to its mounting bracket like you could the 550. So some scrote could have it away but I always put mine in my pocket anyway.

I was just gonna ask about when you can lock the 660 to the mount.

I've gone for a new 660, so hopefully it'll be fine. I am worried though about not being able to lock it to the mount... When I was last 'away' on the bike, I found myself just leaving the unit on the bike without a second thought... I just hope I can get out of this habit quickly. Is the 660 easily removed from the mount?

Cheers

Shim

 

[Shimster]

Just found this

http://shop.touratech.co.uk/handlebar-mount-motorbike-for-zumo-660-v2-0-lockable-anodised-black.html

looks more like it should be in the Transformers movies!

 

[russ996duke]

I was just gonna ask about when you can lock the 660 to the mount.

I've gone for a new 660, so hopefully it'll be fine. I am worried though about not being able to lock it to the mount... When I was last 'away' on the bike, I found myself just leaving the unit on the bike without a second thought... I just hope I can get out of this habit quickly. Is the 660 easily removed from the mount?

Cheers

Shim

Its easy to dismount off the standard garmin mount, so quick to slip into pocket when leaving bike...no mount will protect against someone rippin' the unit off the bike.

I also have a little leash that clips to back off 660, connected to bike, because the garmin mount relies on the locking clip being fully home to lock the unit to the mount, and its easy to think you have clipped unit on and then have it come loose at the first "bump"........or have someone come along and fiddle with the unit and unclip it with out you noticing..

guess how i know

 

[Andy B]

I've had both and apart from the bigger screen on the 660 (which I'm not convinced makes that much difference) I'd say you pays your money and.....!

I've always used Touratwat lockable mounts to try and keep the scoots at bay so the OEM fixing method hasn't bothered me.

There is one really annoying feature of the 660 though - you have to remove the battery cover every time you wnt to connect it to a PC. Gets bl@@dy tedious when your uploading/downloading routes and maps all the time!

Why not take a look at the 350LM if you're not fussed about music and using your phone?