[drjcl]

Can anyone recommend the best GPS unit, that would still be visible in direct sunlight.. looks like you can use a RAM mount right under the sideview mirror post. A battery operated unit would be nice, no need to run a power supply.

 

[gpsnut2003]

the Garmin quest (the one i use) is excelent.
great anti reflective screen that's perfectly readable day or night, even in direct sunlight.

it has a 20 hour battery life on the built in Lithium ion battery.

jason

 

[RonStewart]

From a lot of reading, but no actual experience, I recommend investigating the Garmin 2720 and 2730 as well as the Tom Tom Rider. The older 2610 is a good buy if you upgrade the memory, but the screen is not as good in the daylight as the newer models. The Garmin 2620 has a hard disc drive, and is unsuitable for the vibrations of motorcycle use.

The Garmin Quest 2 has fewer features and is less expensive. Many riders find it quite satisfactory. Many of the BMW sport-touring types are fans of the Garmin products. You might find a search of this forum enlightening.

 

[Bobb]

I use a 2610 and find it viewable in all light situations. It's fast, easy to use and now gotten quite cheap [under $500].

I drilled a hole in the dumb handlebar cover to mount the "U" bolt so it sits front and centre.

I tried leaving the cover off but there were too many wires and it looked messy.

 

[avslack]

While normally a Garmin person, I recently bought a Lowrance Ifinder H2OC for the boat and it is a fantastic unit. This is the first color handheld I've had and there is absolutely no comparison to black and white, especially in bright sunlight. Add in the fact that it takes SD memory chips for custom maps and its a real winner. Now the key part...its only $225 to $265 depending on where you get it, way cheaper than the closest Garmin color unit.

A great unit at a great price, and its waterproof and shock resistant. Mounting it on the Majesty with a ram mount would be a snap. Take a look at one when your out shopping, I would not purchase another black and white screen.

Andrew

 

[Larry Newman]

While normally a Garmin person, I recently bought a Lowrance Ifinder H2OC for the boat and it is a fantastic unit.
Andrew

...pardon my confusion, but isn't this a fish finder ? [I can't recall running into too many on the bike...there was a wild turkey...]

...and, if it does load maps, how many street signs are there on the water ?? :roll:

 

[Majic12]

The Lowrance Ifinder has a 16-channel GPS capability. Works on land or water. Even has Interstate exit markings, for land trips(not many interstates on the lakes). Meets the need at around half the price of the Garmin.

 

[jhosler]

I have a Garmin Zumo and had to buy a Ram mount, but what a first class setup. The GPS mount is always wired, waterproof and ready to mount the unit. The Zumo units are built strictly for motorcycles.

 

[happypuppy]

I would get the Zumo. Yes it costs a lot, but it is made for bikes it is what I am getting next. I have had other GPS systems, but always go back to Garmin.

 

[raymacke]

AVSLACK -
I too have the Lowrance H2O and am quite pleased with it. Hard to beat for the $$. BUT mine is the B&W. I use it on the Majesty, boat and car and hiking. I had the color , H2OC unit but took it back. In direct sun the display looked great but in the shade I had to have the back light on to see it. My past experience with several hand held units was running the back light is a battery killer. So on the bike I thought it would be fine but in the car, boat (both under roof) or hiking in the woods I thought it would be a problem. The B&W unit will run about 12 to 14 hrs on a pair of batteries and is easy to see in the sun or shade without the back light. Have you ran the color unit with the back light on for any length of time to get an idea of battery life?

 

[Digitalwolf]

The Garmin Zumo is my recommendation, and yes, you can view it rather well in direct sunlight. That was an important selling feature for me. If you get one, I recommend ordering it through Amazon.com, they have it the cheapest online (at least that I could find).

Other important Zumo features:

1. Weather resistant
2. Made for Motorcycles
3. You can map your own routes on it using the PC mapping tool (Not all GPS's have this feature)
4. Touch screen works even if you have gloves on.

 

[The Other Steve]

TigerDirect had the Quest for $99 as a refurbished model. I am planning my Wisconsin trip, and then later this summer we're going to take the car to Colorado, and I thought it'd be nice to have a GPS of some sort to help along the way, and I don't mind having to load my own maps where needed. I also ordered a flat surface RAM mount from amazon, and I'm hoping to be able to mount it like gpsnut2003 did.

I thought about the Zumo or many of the others, but $99 for that Quest was just too good to pass up. Getting something I've not had before technology wise, I like to buy cheap and then after I learn more and whether or not I even use the gadget, I'll sell it on ebay and get something different.