Best Motorcycle GPS Units
~$600#1: Based on numerous reviews (and yours truly), the Garmin Zumo 550 remains the best performing motorcycle GPS in 2011. Also, it’s the easiest to use. This unit has one of the clearest screens and an intuitive touch screen interface. It comes with 2 mounts – for your bike and car. It used to have a couple of minor issues, but these were fixed with updated software back in 2007/2008. I have this system on my bike and it rocks. Bluetooth integrated: Yes. Average price: $600.
#2: The Garmin nüvi 255W is an auto GPS, but it works well on bikes too. You would simply need to purchase a few accessories: a RAM mount, good case, and sun hood. Talking about the mount, some people utilize the suction cup mount that it comes with and place it on their motorcycle windscreen. Even with all the accessories, it’s much cheaper than buying a dedicated motorcycle GPS like Zumo 550 or 665. Cons: there’s no audio out jack. Bluetooth integrated: No. Average price: $100.
#3: The latest Garmin Zumo 665 is a good motorcycle GPS, but it has a design flaw and it’s expensive. Pros: it has many new useful navigational features, it has an XM antenna, and it has a nice and wide 4.3 inch diagonal screen. Cons: its USB port and SD slot placement is very awkward – you need to take the battery cover off each time to access them. By the way, purchasing the 550 and an XM antenna comes to the same cost. Bluetooth integrated: Yes. Average cost: $775.
There are other GPS units that people buy for bikes, for example these:
- Garmin Street Pilot 2820: It was NOT designed for motorcycles, but I have a couple of friends that swear but it. The touchscreen display is very readable and is easy to use. It’s waterproof and rugged. The problems: its screen is not as bright, it has a few unresolved performance issues, and the motorcycle RAM mount is not included. Bluetooth integrated: Yes. Average cost: $650.
- Garmin Zumo 660: It has huge potential, but unfortunately it also has numerous flaws and software issues. Also, it’s just too large in size. All in all, I wouldn’t recommend purchasing it. Bluetooth integrated: Yes. Average cost: $650.
- TomTom Rider 2: This GPS unit has a number of operational issues and is the lowest rated motorcycle GPS on Amazon. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing it. Bluetooth integrated: Yes. Average cost: $500.
Any good motorcycle gps that can be interchanged between a bike and a car. I don’t have a need for a full time bike gps. Appreciate any advice that you may have.
Having a GPS on my bike was phenomenal last summer when I went on a trip across country. I am looking for new one where the vibes of the road don’t interfere as much. My current GPS shuts off occasionally and I think it is due to vibrations.
I have a VRod Muscle and I want to get a GPS primarily to link to my phone so I can see who is calling when I am riding. I figure that with a chatterbox (or some helmet mounted headset) and say the Garmin 660 which HD brand I can screen calls and get important ones when I am riding. This is the difference between jumping in the truck in the morning or taking the bike (which I would rather do on any given day).
Am I missing something here? Is this the right idea or is there a better solution? The GPS would be nice … I have it built-in to the truck so I wouldn’t mind having it also but the big thing is caller ID and the ability to not miss the odd important / business call.
Coffee.
I have a GPS. How do I power it from my motorcycle?
Just use a 12V motorcycle cigarette lighter adapter. My bike even pumps mattresses and lights the tent. The adapter will work with all devices that have cigarette lighter adapters (cell phones, iPods, GPS, etc.).
I have the Streetpilot 2720 on my Honda. I bought it refurbished (it looked brand new) for a little over $100. If I put my Garmin customer service experience aside, I’d give it 5 stars. They refused to provide a free map update. They said that this model is unsupported, so they can only sell the update. This doesn’t sound right.
Other than that, I like it. It’s compact, with good anti-glare screen. The directions are accurate, except for a couple of glitches (nothing serious). It’s waterproof. It can hold up to 50 routes. There is a 3D view. The route recalculation is good. You can choose the route with the minimum time/distance, off-road, etc.
I wish it had XM radio, MP3-player, and Bluetooth, but I can do without for the price. Otherwise, it’s a sound motorcycle gps.
I bought the 4.3″ garmin zumo 660 in early summer to travel across the country. Everything works fine and it guides you well. It is convenient, simple, easy menus, large screen, and it’s well visible in the sun. It’s a reliable and much needed device. I’m satisfied. My only complaint is how the battery case covers the USB port. Before this I used the 3.5″ tomtom rider, but the screen was too small and it had its flaws too.
StreetRider
Anyone heard of Tibo? My friend got it somewhere. It looks good and is dust/moisture/impact proof. It’s definitely easy to use and as I understand it’s quite affordable too, but… I think they made a mistake when they decided to market it is as a motorcycle gps. Its mount won’t fit many bikes, it won’t connect to the phone, as there’s no lock… Amazon doesn’t have it. Any thoughts on it?
It’s sold in Europe, I found it on Hungarian websites, or Russian. I was in Europe last summer and if I could have seen one in a store, I would have bought it. What’s good about it, IMHO, it runs windows mobile so you can install any navigation program you want. All the rest have their proprietary navigation program so if you don’t like it you’re stuck with it. It comes with a version of iGo which I personally like. Compared to others, it is a bit cheaper but not much.
All my life I did without a motorcycle gps and I will continue to ride without it. It seems to me that the whole point of riding is to enter the mysterious. And a gps is only good to take you from point A to point B. Moreover, they are terribly expensive. If I must, I can do just fine with a map.
I disagree… Everyone needs a gps. Instead of trying to sort through a messy pile of maps you just enter your destination and it takes you there. It shows the shortest route plus any points of interest you need as you ride. If you want to choose the best motorcycle gps from the first try don’t take shortcuts – read all the reviews that you can find.
Steve
True, a GPS will take you from Point A to Point B. But where a GPS really shines is letting you know where the nearest banks, restaurants, dealerships or hotels are at just about any point on your trip. If you do get turned around somewhere, a GPS is always there to help you get back on the right track.
There are sites online that will give you a route that others enjoyed that you can download for your GPS and follow. Much easier than trying to memorize 20-25 different turns or just “winging” it.
A GPS for $900 is a rip-off! You can buy a $150 GPS smartphone, build a DIY mount and save several hundred dollars. You will be enjoying the same satellite signals that will get you where you want to go. Sure, the screen will be smaller and it won’t be waterproof but you can buy 5 of them for the price of one “motorcycle GPS”. Anyone agree?
The problem with a smartphone approach is that it must be connected to the Internet. This is not always possible out in the boondocks where you need GPS the most. I tried this with an iPhone and two different GPS apps. My compass App was more helpful. I added a real GPS unit which has maps in its memory. Much better. Nuvi 2360.
A motorcycle GPS is a necessity if you ask me. Especially if you do any long distance riding like me. I have wanted to have one for a long time and am seriously looking into one. I see that there is a lot of research to be done. Hopefully, I can wrap this up (research) very soon.
I bought the zumo 550 because my old magellan kept freezing on me… Before I bought this new zumo I tried using my iphone as a gps but it was often inaccurate when showing my location. I wish it worked. It would have saved me $600! I have a question and hope someone can answer. My friend’s gps was stolen several weeks ago. Can it be traced?
My buddy told me that he doesn’t need a GPS. Says he likes to get lost in the wilderness and that he can always find his way around. I told him approx what you said in your “Do I need a GPS” article – there are so many things that you can do when you have it. I can’t imagine riding without mine.
Yeah I’m literally lost without mine
I remember years ago I used to use Google maps and it was awful. Now it’s a piece of cake. If I need a hotel or meal I can find it. If I like the place I save it. I mean, how can you do without a GPS?? It’s like living without a cellphone.
I use the nuvi 550 on my motorcycle and everywhere else – walking, hiking, car, bicycle, and even my friend’s boat! Personally, I believe that it’s the best gps on the market for the price. It doesn’t have some features of the expensive motorcycle gps like bluetooth, but I don’t need that – I just glance at the screen for directions every now and then. It’s waterproof, small, light, and cheap. What else could you ask for?
When I read people complain about the cost of motorcycle gps I always think to myself: did you forget about refurbished units? I never buy electronics new – either refurbished or used. Refurbished is way better – they are a bit more expensive but they come like-new and often with the same warranty! Just look around on Amazon.
I use a GPS at all times. I have the Zumo 550 (the best motorcycle gps in my opinion) for my car and motorcycle, and I use my smartphone with satellite navigation embedded for hiking, etc. When driving or riding a motorcycle, a GPS saves a lot of fuel and time. Considering that gasoline is now topping $3.50 per gallon it’s a great thing. During the summer travel season, it’s a must. For me, a GPS is as important as a phone or laptop.
I use my phone (ASUS P526) as a navigator. I have a standard (naked) bike, so there’s nowhere to place it on the bike. So, I carry the phone in my pocket and listen to voice prompts through my headphones. For charging, the phone is connected to the cigarette lighter, via USB charger. I use the Garmin software. I don’t do things the easy way
Question: which GPS is best for a rider – auto or motorcycle? While auto GPSs cost about $200, those designed for bikes are $600 and up… The high price is explained by their special navigational features, water resistance, etc… But many people cannot afford them. As a result, many riders are forced to use various cheap solutions, from portable navigators (placed in a bag) to PDAs. What say? Also, can I use a navigator with no connection to the bike or will it discharge too fast?
There are a few differences between smart-phone, car and, bike GPS units.
1. bike units are water proof
2. bike units are built to take far more vibrations
3. bike units touch screens will work with gloves
4. bike units you can read in the sun
5. less market for bike units
These are some of the reasons they are higher priced. A lot of touring bikes have built in units these days. Issue I have with these is they are only OK for function. The portables are connectable to your computer to aid in planning routes, or downloading routs you just finished.
You can also update maps on the externals far easier and cheaper than the built ins.
At this moment I am looking for one for my new wing. I am leaning to the Zumo660 (will connect to the bike audio with my iPhone and all come through my headset/intercoms). Still researching…..
I have a bluetooth-enabled tablet computer with a touch screen (stylus, actually), built-in (tinny) speakers, a 10in diagonal screen, and 60 GB Hard disk drive running Windows XP, so I can potentially view large maps, listen to street directions, touch the screen, and all that, much like the high-end Garmin units.
What might be out there–hardware and software–that would allow a tablet computer to emulate these kind of GPS devices?
Heck, the GPS part could be USB-connected to the tablet rather than wireless BT for all that.
Thanks in advance.
@Tony
You can buy any cheap car GPS and use it on your motorcycle. It’s much cheaper. For instance, my friend has a TomTom One on his bike. He bought a used one online and just had to buy some accessories for it (RAM mount, cable, and sun hood). In total, it came to around $100. The only issue is that there’s no bluetooth and no sound, but the way he uses it he’s find with on-screen directions.
Hi. Can you suggest any other good brand that’s cheaper? Garmin is too pricey. Thanks in advance! I don’t know if it makes sense to buy a motorcycle gps for $700 – $800 or better buy a cheap car gps for $100 – $150 instead. One of my friends actually uses his phone (ASUS) instead. He carries it his pocket or backpack and listens to voice prompts through the headset. Not very convenient but free! Tony
Hi Tony. Your friend is awfully creative
As for buying a GPS for less, check out my article “Auto GPS vs Motorcycle GPS”. Good luck
I use a GPS called Mitac Mio. It’s compact and cheap. I was choosing my unit based on the size and ease of use, as well as the price of course. It’s perfect in size – perfectly fits into a small pocket on my tank bag. You can find maps and updates for it online. If the GPS unit has bluetooth, you can connect it to your headset system (e.g., the Scala Rider). This way, you won’t ever have to be distracted to glance at the screen, as it will transfer the directions right into your headphones.
I haven’t decided yet for sure but I’m leaning toward the zumo 665. It looks great. It has a GXM 40 XM antenna, so you can just sign up and start receiving traffic and radio. The screen is larger compared to the other option I was considering – the 550. Touch buttons seem larger too. Plus, it has many nice new functions like lane assist and multiple options for the same route. Any owners here willing to share their experience?
Hi! I hope you can help, because choosing the right gps for my bike has given me a headache. I’ve been reading reviews for months and still don’t know which one to choose. Garmin has good reviews and functionality, but the prices are outrageous. Advantages are numerous though. TomTom (Rider 2) has a good price, but poorer functionality/quality/support and no replacement parts.
Should I save the money or buy a Garmin?
My 2¢ for those who want to save… I bought my Zumo 550 for $800 but it works very well. It proved to be completely reliable. My opinion is that if you own a motorcycle for $10000 or so, is doesn’t make any sense to try to save a couple hundred dollars on this crucially important device. I have had my 550 for almost 3 years. Very satisfied. Some time ago, I tested the 220 for 2 days in the hope of saving some money (I needed a GPS for my second bike). I didn’t like it and ended up buying a second mounting kit for my 550. I never used anything other than Garmin but they really are the best…
Good afternoon. I want to buy a motorcycle GPS… Budget – $300-$500… I just need it to show me the way – I type where I want to go and it shows me where to go with an arrow or a line… No other functions needed. Actually, I was even thinking of buying a regular car GPS. Will I be able to attach it to my bike? Please advise a model… Thank you.
A bike GPS in that range is the GArmin Zumo 220. MSRP is $399
I bought the Zumo 660 for my BMW R1200GS a few months ago. The reviews were good and it was one of the latest Garmin’s motorcycle GPS models.
It has a large and clear display with all the information that I need. The fuel indicator is great – now I know how many miles I can drive until the tank is empty. Good visibility both during the day and night. Too expensive but other than that just great. Now I feel free to go wherever I want.
I just bought a ZUMO 550 and it’s great. Its size and display (3.5-inch) is just right for my bike. I have already used it on a two-day trip and everything worked fine. Overall, I have a feeling that it’s very well made but time will tell. I can attest to that it was designed for motorcycles – it was easy to operate even in my gloves. The maps are very detailed. It looks modern.
The 550 rocks! It has the best screen ever and it’s easy to use while riding. The motorcycle mount is reliable and installs in a snap. The car mount is a nice added bonus. My last 4000 mile trip was harsh and it proved that it’s definitely vibration-proof and water-proof. Everything works as promised. Just get one – you’ll enjoy it!