You got exactly what you needed. I end up using both the phone and my Garmin, because south of the border they will be different and you don't know which road is really there or not. I keep my phone in my pocket and paired to my Bluetooth and the Garmin as a visual only map. Good buy for the price, the way you did it is a great way to go. Thanks for the mention!
Google maps and Waze are handy (when I have cell coverage) but before buying this GPS, I was using an older and disconnected cell phone as a slave with MAPS ME which also works great. If wasn’t for the fact I couldn’t see the screen on sunny days, I would’ve saved my USD 70 bucks.
I wouldn't call that as being cheap at all Eddie, it's actually pretty smart rhinking. You know, now that I'm thinking about it, I really don't need my Spyder, I might not need my camper, and I certainly don't need my Zumo... 🤔🙄... but I did want them, and my little "want" devil whispering in one ear overpowered and won against the little smart "need" angel whispering in my other ear, Oh well, it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.✌️😁👍
I hear you loud and clear Wayne ! The “I want” devil is strong and I am not always able to control it. So …. I give in every so often to get some treats that I want. (Like the camper and maybe spending more than 1,000 on a helmet)
I have an older Zumo 660 and I am constantly planning routes for most of my rides. It's easy when using accompanying Base Camp software for the computer. I have all of my trips and rides stored in case I want to do them again. Enjoy your Zumo Eddie, cheers
I hate routines and most of my trips are last minute decisions. I avoid doing the same route or trip (or at least change the route towards the same destination) as I am always looking for different sceneries or experiences. Thanks for stopping by Dave. ! Cheers amigo
The Nuvi USB port is known to fail (from vibrations and/or general use). It will eventually start cutting out. There are some YT tutorials on how to resolder, but it’s not easy. Because of this issue the Nuvi is not a great moto GPS. 😢
I got a zumo XT for Christmas and we just got it installed yesterday...I haven't even used it yet. This sounds like a good setup for you, Eddie... And very economical! Have you had any issues with the waterproof case?
I got rain when I was coming back from Vancouver but it is a well known hwy so I didn’t use the GPS but looking at the construction it seems to be pretty water tight. Plus considering the tall windshield the GPS won’t get really wet. (Unless I am stopped in the traffic or so)
Indeed buddy ! It is not easy to focus on needs as the “I want dark force” is pretty strong. Knowing the kind of stuff you’re into it you also made the right choice. (Plus you can add a tracker on your pickle and golf balls too) 😂
Just to be clear, you do not need cellular coverage for GPS. You do need maps that you would have to download first. There are still maps available from various sources such as TomTom, Genius or Sygic to your phone. Rant over Great idea on using the Nuvi with a case. 👍👍👍👍👍👍
For sure ! I used to download maps through the wifi and use them offline but they main issue is the fact my cell phone (slave / no SIM card) is hard to see during a bright day.
@@WindyTherapy my iPhone has a 1,000 nit screen brightness which is equivalent to the Zumo but not sure about the new XT2. You did mention the ability to download maps so my rant was misplaced.
For my trip across Italy I left the Zumo at home (didn't pay for it, came with my bike) and just took my cell phone and got a 15 € sim card that gives me 50 GB. Like you said, it really comes down to where you're going
That's cool, Eddie. Did you update the unit to ensure it's zeroed and has the most updated maps. I have a Garmin BMW Navigator V which I think needs a software update. I've found that it's about 50 metres out, ie It tells me to "Turn Now" after I've passed the turnoff. I haven't updated it since I bought my bike in 2016. Ride well. Cheers
Thanks for sharing about the GPS. I'm like you where I don't ride off road although I do like the XT2 because of other features. Is it harder to see the Nuvi's screen with the waterproof case on? Also, I love the looks of your Triumph motorcycle. I have a 22 Spyder RT Limited and hopefully I'll get another 2 wheeler in my future.
As you noticed, I am somewhat comparing apples with bananas as the Garmin Zumo XT is a motorcycle GPS with the latest and greatest technology while the Garmin Nuvi is for cars and the particular model is a couple years old. (The newer Nuvi’s can also pair with a Bluetooth speaker but I didn’t feel necessary) So … as long you’re open to compromise I don’t see any issues. (Plus worse case you just blew a couple of bucks or 3 Starbucks coffee)
The case has a plastic screen which adds a bit of a visual constraint but not enough to compromise. (I still can see if better than my bike middle digital / green dashboard)
Hi, I have been thinking of doing the same thing on my Trophy. I assume the Nuvi came with a cigarette lighter type power cord ? How did you power it from your bike ?
Hi Derek, yes it came complete ! It looked brand new. It came with the cigarette lighter (how I am powering the unit), suction cup holder, and the cable to connect to the computer to make updates. (The unit suction cup holder is good for a car but not motorcycles. I am using my Ram cell phone mount and works perfectly)
Considering the are inexpensive you may consider a newer model too. I think for USD 50 you get get additional features if necessary. If you’re thinking about getting a GPS I would recommend this route before spring serious money with a Zumo. Worse case it costs less than a tank of gas.
@@WindyTherapy Ah, so you are plugging into the cigarette lighter socket in the glove box on the left side ? I was looking at how to connect to the battery, never thought of going that route. Thanks for sharing
That’s how I did it for years (a slave old android with off line maps downloaded) but because the phone is 7 years old (not sure if the newer ones are better) I couldn’t see the screen on a bright day. Other than that it is totally fine.
The extra benefits this old Nuvi provides is to allow us to search for gas stations, restaurants, rest areas, etc … For the price of “2 Starbucks” you can’t go wrong
Thank you ! The Garmin Nuvi has been pretty handy as it shows gas stations, rest areas and restaurants close by which my cell phone (offline) maps didn’t provide
Hi Eddie, I have an older Nuvi as well. Works perfectly for what I need and all my map upgrades are free. I did put just a small amount of silicone around the edge of the display for better protection when it rains.
Yes I was planning to do the silicone job around the edge of the screen too but then I came across the case that fits on my RAM mount and I went that direction. The free maps upgrade is awesome as it brought my older Nuvi the latest updates. (I couldn’t go wrong for the cost of 4 Starbucks coffee)
