Like Wessie I hadn't used anything more modern than a Zumo 340 and 390 before I started using my Zumo XT in 2022 (my wife bought it for me as a retirement present). I'd never thought too much about the mechanics of navigation. I used Mapsource with an old Garmin 2610 and transferred to Basecamp when I started using a NAV IV and the Zumo 3XX units. As long as you had the route settings the same on Basecamp as on the earlier Nav IV and NT Zumo units then what you produced on Basecamp would be reflected in the route on the NAV IV or the Zumo 340-390. Simple.
The only issue with these units was the requirement to carry a device that could run basecamp if you wanted to create new routes on tour. Or go through the interface on the unit which tends to be slow and frustrating.
Not so with the XT. The routing algorithm was changed to mean "Faster time" now means faster roads and this means that extra work is required (more strategically placed shaping points) to ensure that what you intend in Basecamp (or MRA) is reflected in the route produced in the unit. The unit drove me nuts until I got to grips with it and this change.
The process of "getting to grips with it" was not helped by the Online software to support the Zumo XT unit, "Explore" which purports to sync routes that you have created or imported to your online Garmin account with your Zumo XT unit. It should be good.....but. Its a crap system just don't connect to it. I've tried a couple of times to use it (documented on this site somewhere) and its an exercise in frustration and futility.
Garmins other support product for the Zumo XT is "drive" which connects your unit to your phone for all sorts of warnings and alerts (most of which I've turned off due to inaccuracy) but importantly you can easily transfer GPX files from your phone to the Zumo XT device and this works very well.
In 2023 I started using MRA for planning routes and the then newly created Navigation app for navigation on a two week trial. I was so impressed (and there was an offer on of 99 euros for both products) that I bought lifetime "Gold" membership and am glad I did. The route planning aspect of the system has always been top notch and for me has the following advantages.
MRA route planner.
1. Quick easy and intuitive to use as a (reasonably competent) basecamp user it's much easier to get your head around than that software.
2. You don't need a device capable of running basecamp while on tour to plan routes just an internet connection (and if not maps downloaded onto a phone or tablet)
3. This give the option of easily creating routes on the fly.
4. You can download the routes to your phone and send them to your ZumoXT using Garmin "Drive" app on your phone.
5. For old garmin units with no "Drive" app you can connect your (Android in my case) phone to the unit using a garmin cable and USB A-C adapter and transfer routes directly to the unit files in Android can "see" the Zumo file system (documented on this site somewhere). I use this method with my Zumo 340 and 390. And for the groups of riders I ride with on tours.
6. You have a backup of all your routes on the MRA website (or your phone if you have the navigation app and sync your route library see below)
The things that the software doesn't handle as well as Basecamp are.
1. Poi's.....but I'm working on this to make it better for me and can still use basecamp/poi loader
2. Tracks. Don't use them often and I can still use basecamp.
3. Offroad routes. Don't do off road so its not important to me.
None of which are show stoppers for me the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
MyRoute app Navigation next phone app.
In 2023 this was still very much a work in progress but i was interested in it because it runs both on the phone and in Android Auto. This was of interest to me because I currently ride a Honda Africa Twin and this has an Android Auto screen (ironically made by Garmin
) that I could connect my phone to and run GPX routes on a 6.5 inch screen, which you can toggle back and forward between phone maps and bike information and navigate the map with the many buttons on the left hand switch cluster on the Honda.
Long story short the app was a bit glitchy at the start and certain phones rapidly overheated in its use or run down the battery. It made the phones I tried it on hot (a Motorola G7/G8 and Neo Edge 40) but they kept charge and didn't stop working. It has rapidly improved over the last couple of years. By about August 2024 I would have been happy to use it as my Navigation device on the phone and by late 2024/early 2025, I started to use it as my main navigation device using Android Auto. The warmest temperatures I've used it in June 2025 was 33 Celsius with a Motorola Neo Edge 40 (screen off) in a bar bag and the phone was fine and displayed the route and instructions on the Honda screen. The latest iterations of the app have been much better for energy consumption and the Honda has a gps antenna (remember its a Garmin unit) built into the screen which I think reduces the load on the phone.
Advantages of the app.
1. The navigation app has its own stand alone route planning functionality which works even if there is no internet connection (as long as you have downloaded the required maps), and when there is it will sync with your route library.
2. I sync my complete route library with my phone so that I have all my routes available wherever I am; they are on my phone and in the cloud. I can select any of the routes through the Android Auto interface on the Honda screen when I connect my phone to the bike.
3. The routes you run are the routes you planned there is no recalculation required.
4. Using Android Auto the phone is tucked away on a bar bag, or my pocket, with little vibration.
Finally. You have much more flexibility with a phone. I've used it in three hire cars in the last year and have used MRA to plot multiple stop routes instead of Google maps. I often use Google maps for point to point navigation and with a headset or in a car you just say "Hey google take me to......." and off you go.
All that said I'm also using OSMand+ for navigation. Its great on the bike and would be fantastic for an offroader its very stable and runs on humble hardware.............but it has a long and frustrating learning curve. My Route app route planner and navigation app are way easier to use.....though basecamp and MRA route planner play well with OSMAnd+
Hope this is useful.......it has been for me. The rains now off and I'm off for a walk
