Help! Is GPS that complicated?

[Ringo]

Having read through some of the relevant threads on GPS I thought I would be wiser about what is best to buy and put on the GS. Wrong!

I want the unit to cope with the UK and Europe. Don't want to go around the world thanks. Talked to a bloke on the BMW stand at the NEC last year and was advised to wait until March 04 for the BMW Nav 2, which would cost £1000, only to see it advertised by SPC at £1400 and I bet that don't include fitting.


Any info would be gratefully recieved but please keep it simple!

Me no technohead. Me thick biker.

 

[richie]

Me no technohead. Me thick biker.

Nothing wrong with being thick, but a biker thats something else

 

[ralphy]

Having read through some of the relevant threads on GPS I thought I would be wiser about what is best to buy and put on the GS. Wrong!
I want the unit to cope with the UK and Europe.

Garmin StreetPilot III

 

[PanEuropean]

GPS is simple, just like motorcycles are simple. All motorcycles have two wheels, a set of handlebars, and seating for (usually) two people. The odd motorcycle only seats one. There are off road motorcycles, and on road motorcycles. The on-road motorcycles have a place at the back to affix a licence plate, that's how you tell them apart.

Now that you know everything you need to know about motorcycles, why should it be so difficult and take so much time for you to choose the appropriate motorcycle to buy? They're all the same, aren't they?

GPS selection works the same way.

PanEuropean

 

[Ringo]

Thanks Ralphy I'll try and get some info on the streetpilot III

Sorry to Mr Pan I didnt mean to turn your pet subject into a consumer issue - though I thought all GPS were devised with a view to someone wanting to purchase them - not just discuss them?

I only asked the question to start getting more info with a view to purchasing after meeting a cool bloke on a GS, (with a bread basket on the back) in Stockbridge who told me that I really should try a GPS on the bike.

Ah talking of bikes - oh sorry make that motorcycles, I do know a little about those, and love most of them in their many differing styles and variations. Each make and model handle and perform differently and riders tend to choose one that gives them pleasure and puts a grin on their face to look at - let alone ride.
You dont sound like a man who enjoys his motorcycle? Perhaps you should change your V-4 for a flat twin?

 

[roadrider]

Thanks Ralphy I'll try and get some info on the streetpilot III

Sorry to Mr Pan I didnt mean to turn your pet subject into a consumer issue - though I thought all GPS were devised with a view to someone wanting to purchase them - not just discuss them?

I only asked the question to start getting more info with a view to purchasing after meeting a cool bloke on a GS, (with a bread basket on the back) in Stockbridge who told me that I really should try a GPS on the bike.

Ah talking of bikes - oh sorry make that motorcycles, I do know a little about those, and love most of them in their many differing styles and variations. Each make and model handle and perform differently and riders tend to choose one that gives them pleasure and puts a grin on their face to look at - let alone ride.
You dont sound like a man who enjoys his motorcycle? Perhaps you should change your V-4 for a flat twin?

!!!!Ehhh!!!!

 

[ebbo]

Ringo, GPS isn’t complicated in its basic function. You switch it on, the GPS boots and looks for satellites, when it finds 3 it locks on and shows your position on the screen.
If you just want to know where you are or where you’re heading, that’s it.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on GPS ether, you could try a S/H Garmin 111 plus for around £150.

Later on you can have a lot more fun with waypoints and routes, but to just get started its easy and in my opinion one of the best things you can buy for the bike.

 

[Keith Davies]

GPS

Ringo, a GPS is a complicated piece of equipment. The experts can the discuss the niceties of routing, waypoints, mapping etc.

However, for a simple user (me) it's easy - switch on, enter destination and follow the instructions. It's a revelation - no maps blowing about, no checking at junctions, if you decide to vary the route - auto recalc of route. It really is that easy. You'll find roads that you didn't know existed.

I've got a SPIII and it's the best, most useful gadget I've ever bought.

Regards

Keith

 

[judge]

My Mrs hates gadgets but loves the SPIII and finds it very user friendly. But like anything you can get over-enthused in all the possibilites. Luckily for you and I Garmin have taken GPS technology and in the case of the SPIII (and to a lesser extent the 2610/15/20) have dumbed it down to a straightforward Sat Nav system suitable for automotive use.

Don't get me wrong they are great built for a purpose units but I still miss the versatility of true GPS systems which is why I still have a GPSIII.

In contrast she didn't get on at all with my GPSV which I loved to bits.

 

[Timolgra]

Thanks Ralphy I'll try and get some info on the streetpilot III

Sorry to Mr Pan I didnt mean to turn your pet subject into a consumer issue - though I thought all GPS were devised with a view to someone wanting to purchase them - not just discuss them?

I only asked the question to start getting more info with a view to purchasing after meeting a cool bloke on a GS, (with a bread basket on the back) in Stockbridge who told me that I really should try a GPS on the bike.

Ah talking of bikes - oh sorry make that motorcycles, I do know a little about those, and love most of them in their many differing styles and variations. Each make and model handle and perform differently and riders tend to choose one that gives them pleasure and puts a grin on their face to look at - let alone ride.
You dont sound like a man who enjoys his motorcycle? Perhaps you should change your V-4 for a flat twin?

Off route, recalculating

 

[Ringo]

Many thanks for all the 'feet on the ground' replies - was beginning to loose my faith and all that!

Ebbo, thanks for the info + a look at the GPS on your bike. Brill site - very RT tolerant me, but as your info is so clear and concise persuadeing you to get a GS would make my life so much easier.

Keith, thanks for the encouragement. Thought I may be the only simple user.
Sounds like you have fun with your GPS which adds another dimention to your riding. Another endorcemnt for the SPIII seems like that is the way to go.

Judge, dont think my Mrs will play with Sat Nav, she still has problems with the climate control in her motor - but I still luv her to bits.

 

[PanEuropean]

Hi Ringo:

I didn't mean to sound snarky in my earlier post - what I was trying to say, in a tongue in cheek kind of way, is that the concept of a GPSR is pretty simple (like a moto), but there are dozens of different models out there, and finding out which one is most suitable for you (depending on what your needs and wants are) is a bit like buying a bike.

Some of the GPS manufacturers have 'comparison' features on their websites - you can select two or three different models, and then compare capabilities and features.

There are a few technical 'traps' you need to look out for (sort of like how you need to ask about fuel tank range capacity when buying a moto) - things like how much memory the GPSR has, the type of display (TFT vs LCD), what market the GPSR is primarily aimed at (automotive, marine, outdoor hiking, or 'do it all'). It will take a bit of time to figure that all out. But if you do take the time to do the research, you will benefit from it, because what you eventually buy will be the product best suited to your needs.

About bikes - I have been thinking about getting a BMW - but I am not too familiar with them - seems most of them still use that old motor design (one cylinder sticking out each side) that has been around since the old King died - I am wondering if BMW will ever introduce a new motor for bikes in sort of the 'sport-touring' segment.

Went to the Swiss dealer the other day - saw dirt bikes with opposed twins, touring bikes with opposed twins, Harley look-alikes with opposed twins, etc. - There was one moto there that looked like it might be a good ST1100 replacement, it was about the same size as a ST, and it didn't have the old motor in it. Maybe I will take it out for a test ride in a week or two.

PanEuropean

 

[ebbo]

Pan, BMW did try another engine layout, the K series. It was and is an excellent engine, but it wasn’t entirely what the BMW bikers wanted. So, to cut a long story short, the flat twin was re designed as the Oilhead, and everyone was happy again (well as happy at they can be).
What’s even better news is the new GS1200. That engine is being developed for the RT, we will all moan about its looks, then buy them buy the bucket full.

 

[PanEuropean]

Ebbo:

So, is this new engine going to be another one with a cylinder sticking out each side? Has this engine been changed (updated) in the last 30 - 50 years since it was first introduced?

PanEuropean

 

[ebbo]

Yes the new engine has cylinders sticking out the sides and 1923 was I believe the date for the first BMW flat twin.