Still Using a GPS in 2020? Garmin Zumo XT Motorcycle Review 

*Still worth it in 2020?*

How can you not love the no bullshit style of this guy. Thumbs up.

Using the Zumo XT on the bike will have you pocketing your very expensive and fragile phone. Trust me……..this is good. It’s too bad this great product has come as many have given up on motorcycle GPS. It’s got a large, bright screen. A million nice functions. Good connectivity. And waterproof! I like that it also pairs to Garmins IN-Reach satellite products….just in case. I use Touratech’s locking mount which isolates the unit from vibration and locks it to the bike. All this AND it’s STILL cheaper than the glitchy BMW Navigator on the R1250 GSA. Winner!

Very easy to watch and insightfull review. Thank you! I was not even interested in the subject, but i watched and enjoyed it anyway! :)

Touratech has a specific mount for the XT, improves grip and has a key lock.

I have previously always used Tomtom right up to the 550. I bought a Zumo XT, my first Garmin, and it is so much better than the Tomtom in just about every respect.

Excellent! Thanks for the review, I was looking to buy one, this helps a lot. 👍👍

I had the old Zumo for 6 years, toured over 80 000 kilometers with it. It came with a pouch. I didn't use it once, it does not get damaged in your pocket unless you have keys or other hard/sharp objects in there, so no, the pouch really isn't necessary and You can't be bothered to fiddle with it everytime you step in to a shop either. I now have the version reviewed here and I absolutely love it. It makes motorcycling so much more fun and the adventurous routing option is a gem, that I personally think you should have gone into in more depth, as it is perhaps the greatest feature of the device. Also, coupled to this is the great function of "Round trip"... I can't praise the Zumo enough. Highly recommended. Apart from that, thanks for a great review. You do such a good job.

I have used the XT for 7 months a d have NO issues. I like to use it on the fly as my Honda DCT GPS won't allow it. The screen brightness is fantastic, the touch screen is sensitive and fast. As far as cost, I spent more on my 660 unit that the XT. I would purchase again.

Thanks for reviewing the XT. I have the now ancient 590LM. It's fitted to my '14 Vstrom 1000. I'll be buying the Suzuki Vstrom 1050XT later this year, so it'll be appropriate that the Zumo XT be fitted to it.

I know I'm really late to comment on this but here goes... I've used Garmin since 2007 starting with the Zumo 550 and then the 665. I've planned detailed local and remote routes and the Garmin does pretty well. I usually flesh out my route idea in Google Maps on my computer because it's quick for that. Then I recreate the route in Base Camp, Garmin' s route planning software and once complete I transfer it to the Zumo. I've done several 2 week and even a 30 day ride relying on the Garmin through all kinds of weather. Nothing beats it. Phones are great, but they have drawbacks. They get hot when using the GPS constantly. And the GPS isn't so great with no coverage. Also, if you get separated from your bike in a crash and are injured or dump your bike and your phone takes a bad hit, you lose critical phone functions. But if you keep your phone on you and your Garmin on the bike, worst case is your Garmin is toast. Of course, if you have no cell coverage when this happens, the Garmin isn't going to save you. Oh wait, if you get their service, it can. You can send a text or SOS message. Pretty slick! I hardwire my Garmins to my bike's battery. It is not switched. Yes, it drains your battery, but they draw very little power. Unless you leave it in the mount and powered on for a few hours, you'll be fine. And while you're riding... not a problem, your stator has your back. I'm wondering if the bluetooth audio is better on the XT. I use a Sena headset and I often stream music from my phone. I have music loaded on the GPS, but you want something different, so Spotify or Pandora is nice when you have coverage. The problem I have is the audio quallity is iffy. I forget which connection sucks, probably the on board Garmin music to my headset. The phone connection seems to use a higher quality audio and I guess there's only one high quality connection? TBH, I'm not sure if this is the Garmin's fault or the Sena's, could be either. I used to use noise cancelling in ear phones, so I didn't have dual bluetooth going on and it was great. But those earphones fell apart on me (literally) and I decided to go wireless. Since covid, I've really not ridden much. Definitely need to fix that.

I have a Tom Tom which had to be hard-wired to my Honda CB500F as the bike doesn't have a pop in outlet. It has an anti-theft cradle that can swivel. Absolutely brilliant, still worthwhile in 2020.

Excellent review. Helped me with my purchase. I am so done with the iPhone.

Clear, concise review, thanks.

Bought one about 2 months ago. loving it, had a Zumo 395 before it and this is 100 times better.

Just came back from a 14000 km Trip in Australia. From Brisbane down to Tasmania and back up to Gladstone. A windblast smashed my Samsung S10 from the pillion seat in Tassie which I used for my navigation. After that I kept on going with my Iphone 6s. So all good. Never missed a GPS System like Garmin. I recommend a second (spare) phone for verious reasons. Taking pictures amd filming for example and as a back up off course.

I have been using it for more than a year, and the XT an excellent GPS. Wi-Fi updates and you can make your routes directly whithout base camp. I do recommend this equipment. I use Garmin XP and as a redundancy Google Maps. It is the perfect combination to travel in South America!!!

I prefer the TomTom 550. Its normal price is $400 but I got it on sale for $320. It has lifetime world maps, traffic, and safety cameras. For a commuter the real-time traffic is invaluable. The traffic updates within 5 minutes of an incident occurring. TomTom also understands about the HOV lanes to help the motorcycle commuter. You can twist it to landscape or portrait mode while you're riding. It does not have all of the apps that Garmin has, but who cares? I can use apps on my phone. I like the separate GPS because the map display is always on even if a phone call or a dead spot or a music change or a notification comes across the phone.

Good review! I purchased a Garmin 660 in 2010; then a 595. I have a Nav V (?) on my ‘09 BMW RT, but use it only for backup. A big irritant for me is Garmin will occasionally route one off the Interstate into downtown traffic despite settings; however, I like the route creation on Basecamp and then transfer into the Garmin. I occasionally create or modify a route without difficulty. I have used at least half dozen IPhone apps, but only for backup. Connectivity on the Garmin can sometimes be a pain, even after learning the settings and sequence for pairing. E.G. don’t pair the Sena with the IPhone, turn Sena on first, then the Garmin. Sometimes it takes long time to pair or won’t pair or the remote and/or Sena will control volume not other functions. On plus side, will provide weather reports on your route (so you know when to get out the rainsuit and snorkel), has a 3D map that shows you where the mountains are located and the adventure routing can work well. The Iphone is primarily for music and backup navigation.

Good video, thank you. At the end of the video you said you were from Romania. Back in 2002 I took a hill-climb racing car to Resita. I was co-driver. The main driver brought a car Garmin. Wires everywhere, aerial on the roof. Mapping was good until Hungary where it was a bit iffy. Got to Romania and the car symbol was out in the fields! We had to look at road signs again. Maybe things are better now. Beautiful country though. I'll go back on my Moto Guzzi when I have chosen a GPS. Cheers, John

A proper navigation system does cost you a considerable amount of money, but you may consider it will last about ten years so the pain doesn't itch that much anymore. In my country a zumolock is availble and a pouch is even included in the packet...

I only use a GPS for over landing. Zumo`s topo maps saved my ass a couple times in the wild

I used an automotive Garmin on my bike for years and never got lost. I just smeared black silicone over the cracks and speaker holes to seal it for weather. Spent about $90, never regretted it.

Thank you for the good review precise and to the point. I wouldn't leave a garmin on my bike even if it had a lock takes a few seconds to pop it in your pocket or whatever. Cheers from UK

I was about to buy the device but luckily I asked if maps of my destination countries are included or available. Apparently it was not the case. And local dealer in Latvia was unable to say where to find map of Georgia for example. It amazed me that in 21st century map coverage on Garmin devices remains limited to regions where you need it least as your phone could be enough.

There is a great lockable holder made by Touratech. I have it and it’s simply great. No need to remove the unit for every short stop. I though remove it only for overnight.

Very crispy review :)

I still use a Garmin in my cars. I like to buy used cars so I'm not state of the art, even if I was I like my Garmin better then any car nav I have seen. I do like Waze so sometimes I have that on using my phone. You are also very correct about having two devices not just one to do everything. Farther out I go, I don't like being dependent on one device for everything. Have to say $500 is a little rich for my blood.

Will that fit in the r1200 rt housing. Great vlog by the way. Keep them coming. All the best and stay safe

Great review...thanks for posting

EXCELLENT JOB WELL DONE 👏

Geat review, very helpful.

I have a Garmin 396, which I love. The ability to plan trips on my computer is priceless. Plus it is a bit smaller than the XT, which is nice.

Great bit of kit,Love mine ,and you can even read your messages or have the system read it to you ,And i agree what they have spent on the features they have neglected on the cradle why didn't they make a cradle similar to the BM branded Navigator?

Useful review . . . . you got me wondering if I could swamp my Navigator VI for this new unit . . . . or maybe I just want a 'Beeline Moto'.

I purchased a Sony 7000 for my Harley Street glide, it has Apple play and I believe a 7 inch screen, works fine

Excellent review, can I use it in my car for offroad trips?

Good Review!

If you do serious long distance off-road riding, yes a GPS is still the way to go because a smart phone even in the best protective case will rattle to death (especially the new ones with stabilization). And anything powered via USB is just hopeless, USB is meant to live in your office computer on your desk. GPS with powered cradle direct of bike 12v like the Montana, it's super robust, can live on the bike. Plus the other reasons you mention, like overheating, screen visibility and glove compatibility.

Mine came with a bag. You can choose to wire it switched or unswitched. Switched is safer for the battery. Unswitched is easier to install and less to think about.

Good review, thank you, but It's Basecamp that needs a big upgrade and it's looooong overdue. I'f I could just spend a few hours with one of there developers!!

I’ve been using the 660 for nearly 10 years and I think I paid over $500 for it. My 660 has been solid and I use it daily. If the screen is brighter and sharper on the new one I’ll make the switch. I used the 660 from Ushuaia to Tuktoyaktuk plus many other epic trips. I keep a GPS Mount on every bike I have (3). To justify the high cost remember it works well in your car also.

Traveled a few days with only a phone over some bad terrain and without cell coverage.. Used OsmAnd+ all the way while listening to spotify - no problems.. I know a few phones that overheat while navigating and charging at the same time, but not every phone is like that. For my next big trip I will just take a second cheap phone and a second charging cable "just in case" - it will be enough.

Well, I agree to a point. Imo the best selling point of a dedicated GPS is waterproofness. Maybe a display that's great in the sunlight. But that's it. I just bring 2 phones and a power bank. And have my girlfriend's phone as well when we're touring. I've used normal ass midrange phones in almost every type of climate and conditions and had almost none of the issues you mentioned. In 40+ is a bit much for them, so is sub 0 C, but they either throttle and work slower + battery gets drained, or simply shut off. But I don't need to check it every 10 seconds if I need to go straight for another 300 km, so not really an issue. It's nice, and frankly, compared to BMW's crap Nav units, is actually reasonably priced. But in my personal use cases, it's simply a waste of money, when I could buy a 200$ phone that's much faster than this, maybe water resistant to, and also go 10.000 km more (in maintenance cost) for the same price, with a marginally worse display maybe. Generally I do most of the guidance by phone and physical map, and ask people for directions in places that are more remote.

Is it worth the extra money buying the XT 5.5" Over the 396LTM-S I appreciate the bigger screen but other than that there seems no difference other than the price. £200 for the 396 or £350 for the XT? Thanks for the help, Regards Rob 👍

Great review but a huge NO if there’s no way to lock it on the bike. Still using my 660 with Touratech lock.

Can you do a comparison with BMW navigator 6? The advantages and disadvantages for a BMW motorcycle owner. Thanks

Always bring a Montana in a Plecan case as back up.

XT vs Montana 700i???? Great review by the way! Thanks much.

With the Trail Tech Pro down to $539, how does the Garmin stack up in comparison? Maybe a side by side? Thanks! 😎👍

Let us hope the cradle power connectors have been improved so that they don't disconnect.

Thanks for the review. Do they offer free maps update?

Thank goodness it’s not a Zuma , now that would have been a real piece of shyte 😂. Thank you for the great content and to the point!. Please help to convince me not to buy the 1250. The itch doesn’t want to go away 😁

He didn't list the most important reason for Adventure Riders! A phone is not designed for motorcycle riding off road. The bumps and bouncing your bike takes off road will kill it, the internal mechanisms of a phone get destroyed over time on a motorcycle. So your $1000 iPhone just became trash because you didn't buy a $500 unit designed for beating... I know several friends whose phone has broke this way... Also it will get extremely dirty off-roading and cause multiple issues this way as well...

I’ve been using one for 3 months. It took a little time to figure out how to add tracks but is easy now that I have. Mine reconnects to my cardo headset as soon as it’s turned on, even after pumping gas. I’ve hardwired the cradle to my bike so it stays fully charged, makes it nice when taking it off the bike for a hike or lunch. The apps are nice and easy to use. It tracks every ride and stores it for 60 days unless I save and name the track, then it’s permanent. Also displays unpaved roads which is nice. My riding buddy works at a BMW/ KTM/ Indian dealership, rides a GS ( it’s an older model) with their GPS and is purchasing an XT to replace his after seeing mine. I love it and haven’t used half the features yet.

Long way home where getting your motorcycle news is easier than stretching your legs on a BMW R18 but not by much...

Be careful don't go anywhere near that clip while riding, really easy for it to drop off. Have attached a 3M stick on tether to stop it dropping off while riding, don't ask how I know 😀 Agreed, I don't need email on my bike so that notification is turned off via Garmin Drive App on the phone.

I use my gps on my bike, but it's most important for me on my snowmobile. I was really curious about what the sumo was like where in there are no roads.

Can it display a compass face with a red arrow that points to the destination (as the crow flies)? My Nuvi does this when I tell it I am hiking toward a destination. I love motorcycling this way on cloudy or dark sky trips (no sun to orient by) whether the destination is 400 miles away or 50.

Still got the Zumo 550 ,gets me there and back.

Great review… I have the Garmin Bmw nav 6 and the notifications drive me crazy, so ridiculous….. why can’t we just turn them off….

The lack of an included bag grated me too.

Touratech makes a lockable cradle. Part #: 065-1397 about $180, just ordered one.

Only makes sense if it worked with bmw wonder wheel or at least had some physical buttons mounted on handlebars for remote controlling without taking the hands off.

Looks like it fits on a BMW 1200GS... somewhere... for about 1/2 of BMW’s GPS

Why would you not mention the unit is Bluetooth enabled for turn by turn directions to your in helmet communications system? I can't easily see a little screen while I am riding my motorcycle, nor do I want take my eyes off of the road so a gps unit not bluetooth enabled on a motorcycle is useless. I am going to buy the Zumo XT because I currently listen to the turn by turn navigation directions transmitted by my cell phone to my in helmet Sena helmet communications system with in helmet speakers but some times there is no cell service. This GPS device doesn't depend on connection to a cell phone to transmit turn by turn directions, but can do so directly to your in helmet communications system via bluetooth.

Hi ya I got the Zumo 396 and it’s just as good and bad like yours. Problem is at night it flickers under a lower light setting which is very annoying 2nd annoying thing is when I set to faster route it can take you down side roads that I would need a dirt bike instead of a car. I used it for both bike and car and have checked the settings many times

Being new to sat navs can i plan a route on my laptop and send to nav? great vid btw

Do you have any tips on optimizing adventurous routing om the garmin? Even on the most extreme settings the roads are still mostly boring N roads, I had a tomtom rider 550 before. The garmin zumo xt doesn't even come close to choosing its own interesting road over the tomtom. I am disappointed

I have a previous Zumo model and as an adventure rider, I am dissappointed that you are only given the choice to "avoid" unpaved roads. You are not allowed to "prefer" them. Nor are there trail maps such as you get in apps such as Gaia. The so called "adventurous routing" mode will always take you on paved surfaces. Has this been changed in the newest model or is it still a road-bike only GPS?

I'm gutted I bought a TomTom rider 550 this year, it's no way as good as Google maps ,and it didn't know the over night road closures we have here in the UK . £350 that could of gone on a new exhaust 😟

I had Zumo XT for about 3 months and it's not worth, it should run smoothly for the price, the device itself is slow. You zoom out or move the map, it loads like a phone from 20 years ago, especially when you upload more detailed custom maps.It was my first motorcycle navigation and it did not impress me, I back to the phone where I can use the app that I like. When I listen to music from the phone and navigation in the background, the music mutes a little and tells the direction of travel with navigation. There was a problem when I connected the phone and nav to the intercom, the music turns off completely because the devices must switch to give priority. Another problem was the sound after the navigation voice command was so loud that it was impossible to use and mute it.

Hi. Hope you’re well. Do you use the Garmin Drive to import GPX routes onto the XT? Do you find it straightforward? Thank you.

Great device however ... playing music and having Navi guidance at the same time is not that good. I hooked it all up via my sena 20s and whilst music is playing, the Navi guidance ‘scratches’ it’s way in, sounds terrible and then ‘drops’ off. Trying to troubleshoot this with Garmin at present.

So great if you're touring on paved roads. Garbage for offroad directions?

Thanks for the video. How did you mount the XT to your GSA? Some stole my Navigator VI and now am looking for a replacement. I am not sure If I want to buy another Nav VI. Any advice?

I have the older and cheaper 396 ... that's enough kit for me

Hi, I just brought a Tracer 9 GT, great bike, and idea's how to fit the wiring from the underseat battery to the zumo GPS i'd like to fit on the handlebars ? i'd guess a tank remove ? cheers M

Is it legal to use in the UK with provisional licence and L-plate?

What's the XT like against the Nav6?

I'll give u "the reason" several phones. Several cameras within the phone. Damaged. Done. With every type of mount including the quad lock anti vibration mount. Just got the new pixel 6 and don't plan on seeing if mounting the phone screws this camera. So yes I can really see using a good gps again

Good review, but you missed the important thing - when planning trips, Garmin Basecrap is one of the worst applications anyone has ever used. They need to make that available via online portal and send to device via wifi and share with friends via media options.

Can you download different Maps? I really liked the detailed map of my LocusMaps app. Can you import gpx files and how does it with off-road navigation?

Can you map out custom routes like on google maps? Or can you import routes?

After owning this unit for a few months now I would like to add my biggest problem is the audio quailty when listening to MP3s stored on the SD card. The audio is, to me at least, geared toward 'voice' and makes listening to music awful, no bass what so ever and way over the top hi-mids. This really disapoints me from such a flag ship device, music is front and centre on the front screen and you'd think it would focus on good sound, especially when connected to something like a Cardo with JBL speakers! For me it really needs a graphic equaliser for when music is playing, with easy access and user settings.

Hello. Can I mount it on the original BMW R1200GS GPS mount?

Touratech makes a locking mount for this. The bad news./... $174 usd. Still worthwhile.

Nice review.

Using the TomTom app on a phone allows complicated rout planning; it also provides live traffic information and speed camera warnings. And there's a lot more. My advice is to buy a second phone for around 200 €$£ and use that for navigation. I've been doing it this way for over four years and have found TomTom to be superior in many ways.

Might be an idea to also review the TomTom Rider satnav?. It's less expensive, has better routing, and the real time traffic updates are excellent. "Plan a thrill" is also excellent for interesting route creation.

Zumo: got the 396 - nice unit but software update is very bad over here in Japan. Only could update it once, after that it costs ¥25,000. Outrages ! Unit price is ¥65,000 here in Japan. The XT version is ¥128,00 here in Japan (too expensive !). Then considering software update again a lot of money so maybe my phone Google is the best solution !!! Garmin is nice but a ‘Rip-Off’ here in Japan !

My only complaint is that it doesn't have a port for audio, just Bluetooth. Using a phone for a motorcycle trip sucks. I've had pre-planned routes changed without my consent. The XT is a good piece of equipment. It is small enough for a pocket and has a quick release system so I don't consider that a con.

'Eggs in one basket.' 👍

A good processor? Map is so slow to load and refresh.

1. You can set the brightness on most phones. 2. You can buy a crappy phone in case it gets damaged 3. A decent phone is "snappy" and fast.

My motorcycle Garmin Zumo XT wireless GPS after I update for the first time , what ever address I input or going to saved address says : "Cannot calculate the route" please HELP - How can I fix that?Thanks

Is it easy to go on my computer and build a turn by turn route then load it onto the unit ive never owned a stand alone gps but thats what i would like to use it for.

For me phone notifications are a complete nuisance when I'm riding my motorbike. I would immediately turn it off. Strange that it does not pickup your headphone connection after switching it of, even my BMW Navigator 6(which in fact is a Zumo with specific BMW addons) will pick up everything after a restart. Furthermore the most interesting apps will only work when it is connected to a smartphone so you will still need your smartphone but only as a source for specific information.

Kick a$$ review! My bike has a usb port by the head stock. Does this unit come with a usb power cord?

I bought a Garmin and it took me the "long way home". i now have the TOM TOM