GPS virgin needs advice on 2720

[Mark C]

Apologies for the dumb questions about to be asked but i've never used a GPS system before.I'm looking to purchase a unit for a Euro tour in July and get the impression that the 2720 is adequate for my needs.

Is the 2820 a great improvement on the 2720 and worth waiting for.

If the 2720 is the correct one to go for, what extras do i need to order to hard wire it to bike. Thinking Mounting bracket which clamps to front frame / Lead to wire into loom. Does this unit come with the remote control or is that an extra?? Is there a one stop shop for all these items?

Sorry again for my numbness but i don't want to make a mistake when ordering my unit.

Any advice or links would be greatly appreciated

 

[Deleted account W]

Why don't you want a Quest?

 

[PanEuropean]

Mark:

The 2820 adds support for Bluetooth control of a cell phone, and also adds a music player (MP3 player) to the feature set that the 27xx series of GPSRs have.

If you don't need the telephone control, or the audio via Bluetooth (which requires a darned expensive BMW System 5 helmet and BMW Bluetooth Audio system), and you don't need the MP3 player, then the 27xx would be quite satisfactory for you. FWIW, the quality of the music from the music player when sent to the helmet via Bluetooth is crap. If you hook it into a car stereo system via hardwiring, the music quality is first class.

If you can afford the 27xx, it would be a better choice of GPSR than the Quest.

You will need a few extra parts to mount a GPSR on a bike:

1) A motorcycle power cable and a bracket that grasps the GPSR - this is available from Garmin for about US $50.

2) An arm assembly to hold the thing on the motorcycle. Most people - myself included - use RAM brand hardware. You will need a small backing plate with a ball on it that attaches to the Garmin bracket, an extension arm of the appropriate length for your moto (they vary between 2 and 12 inches in length), and some kind of device to attach onto your moto. Total cost for those three bits will probably be about US $40 or so. There is a vendor (Ram-Man) who posts here frequently - he can give you detailed information.

3) A protective screen cover for the GPSR - to prevent the screen from getting scuffed when you toss the GPSR into a pannier, duffel bag, etc. - costs about $10 from Garmin, and is worth the expense. Alternatively, just store the GPSR in one of those amenity kit bags that the airlines give out when you travel business class. They are the perfect size for storing GPSRs in.

The remote control for the GPSR comes as part of the basic package - it will be in the box with the GPSR, along with a car power and audio cable, a mains power adapter, and a USB cable to let you connect the GPSR to your computer. The maps for all of the EC countries are all preloaded, you just take it out of the box and start using it, no fooling around is required.

Michael

 

[PanEuropean]

Why don't you want a Quest?

Simply because if the extra cost is not a constraint, the 2xxx series of GPSRs offer the user a heck of a lot more features and benefits.

It's kind of like buying a bike: If you can't afford a 1100 or 1200 cc bike, the 650 and 750 cc ones are very attractive alternatives. But, if you can afford the larger bike, it's really hard to think of a single good reason to even bother looking at the little ones.

I think the new VW Fox is quite a remarkable car, certainly very well done - but I'm not in any hurry to trade my Phaeton in for one.

Michael

 

[fcasado]

But, if you can afford the larger bike, it's really hard to think of a single good reason to even bother looking at the little ones.

Michael

Can you put the 2xxx series in your pocket? That's a good reason to start with

 

[lynck49]

I bought a 2720 about 3 weeks ago from GSD Navigation, 0118 971 0630, www.motorsportpromotion.com. They were very competitive on price and their help and customer service was and has been since (when I needed to ask questions) really excellent: they are also clued into bikers' needs.

The 2720 came with the usual car bits - power connector (via cigarette lighter), remote, bean-bag holder (works a treat - no sliding around the dash board) plus a screen cover. The trouble I've had is getting the power/audio cables and a decent headset - these are like hens' teeth and the waiting time is 2-3 weeks. Rigged up a temp headset following advice from elsewhere on this forum. Send a pm if you want more details.

As Pan European says, the 2720 offers a lot and is easy to use - make sure you practice before your trip. Plus, with Garmin announcing the 2820, prices on 2720 are coming down.

Good luck. Keith.

 

[Greg Masters]

Alternatively, just store the GPSR in one of those amenity kit bags that the airlines give out when you travel business class.

WHEN I travel business class??

If, more like!



Greg

 

[PanEuropean]

Can you put the 2xxx series in your pocket?

Can you put your helmet in your pocket? I didn't think so either. Most of us have panniers on our motos to store the GPSR in when parked. In a pinch, you can stuff the 2xxx series GPSRs in your jacket pocket, although they are kind of bulky. Just be sure to put the plastic screen cover over it first, so you don't wind up accidentally scratching the screen whilst it is in your pocket.

Michael

 

[PanEuropean]

WHEN I travel business class?? If, more like!

The fix is easy, Greg... just turn left when you enter the aircraft, not right.

Or - you can always find those little amenity bags for sale on eBay for ₤5 or so.

Michael

 

[Mark C]

I've just been bought an autocom sytem for my b/day. Will the 2820 make this obsolete or is it still a valuable piece of kit to run along with the GPS.

I want to take calls / listen to my Ipod + instructions from GPS. will the Autocom(200 kit) link in with the 2820 or conflict with it.

Back to basics I know but i've got to start somewhere!

 

[Greg Masters]

The fix is easy, Greg... just turn left when you enter the aircraft, not right.

Michael

I've only ever travelled business class on a couple of trans-Atlantic flights, generally because I've normally been paying my own way.

However, a couple of years ago I travelled Air Transat to Toronto on the outward leg of the family summer hols. The seat pitch was so tight that I vowed, whatever the cost, we would upgrade for the return journey. As soon as we laned at Pearson, I hot-footed to the AT desk, only to be told that all upper classes were fully booked!

I swear I'll never travel Air Transat again!!



Greg

 

[John Armstrong]

I swear I'll never travel Air Transat again!!



Greg

Nothing to do with them prefering to dump the fuel over the Atlantic and then because they're off course, they can glide into the Azores

 

[PanEuropean]

Greg:

I've travelled in both ends of Air Transat aircraft. They are a pretty good carrier (they are the company I use to ship my motorcycle back and forth from North America to Europe). However, they are a 'discount' airline, and they use older aircraft - I think the L-1011 is their main tool for the summer transatlantic trade. Their seat pitch is pretty typical of a 25 year old plane.

If you want to know what really tight seat pitch is like, try taking one of those ₤99 return flights from the UK to the Balearic Islands. The seats are crammed in so tightly, you can't even put the tray table down unless you recline your seat first!

Michael

 

[PanEuropean]

I've just been bought an autocom sytem for my b/day. Will the 2820 make this obsolete or is it still a valuable piece of kit to run along with the GPS.

Mark:

Personally, I wouldn't bother paying the extra money for a 2820 if you are going to hook it up to a 3rd party intercom system that will allow you to hook other audio devices (MP3 players, phones, etc.) into the intercom. Get the 2720 instead.

Michael

 

[Mark C]

Thanks for all your invaluable advice everybody. Decided the 2720 is all I need and should last me a good few years before its outta date. Just ordered it from "Blokestuff" for £560.00 + ordered the bracket and power lead as well for £34.00. I assume i'll also need this pivot mount from Ram. Is that correct


Is there owt else before my credit card gets confiscated.