American Voyager Association

I am using the Tom Tom 720 go it is a nice reasonable priced unit. I like it because of the real time speed factor and it seems to adjust quickly to route variations. One of my fellow riders go with the BMW group a lot and those guys like the Garmin products. I had a Harmon Kardon before and it worked well too. I typically have the route mapped out rand mcnally first then use the Gps to keep track along the way. Never leave home without a map.

I'm using a smaller updated version that I get at AAA, it's simi H2o pruf even with a ziplock.. and folds up in an instant...



But I may see about the Zumo 550 like RR or maybe one of the Garmin units that can be used on my KLR650 for GeoCashing....

I use a Garmin 2720. It is a little large but works great and is very visible in all light conditions. Also it is capable of using routes I program in on the PC, which is great for trip planning. A Ram mount holds it in place above the speedometer. TS

I am using the Garmin 2820 with gps and mp3 audio through the VXII radio via cassette adapter. Also has bluetooth capability for hands free phone communications but the microphone is too sensitive to use while riding because it doesn't have noise limiter capabilities. Excellent for making a phone call from the side of the road without having to remove your helmet and reach for your phone. All of the phone functions are performed by the gps unit. Should be able to be easily paired to the new bluetooth helmets on the market now. This gps unit can be paired to two separate bluetooth devices.

Nate does that unit have FM transmitter capability? why the cassette deck? I am curious to if you do this because the fm transmitter is not reliable?

Probably the same reason that I use the cassette player adapter. The volume is 10 times louder than using fm frequency because it is a direct feed.

It will work. You could plug in an FM modulator to the phone jack but the problem that I have had with those is that sometimes you enter a region where the frequencies on the FM modulator are being used and causes interference with reception. It is more convenient to use a cassette adapter. Another feature of the 2820 is that when playing mp3's, the directions override the music and the music continues from the spot where it was interrupted once the directions are finished. The only downside to the mp3 player of the 2820 is that you have to have a way to convert cd's to mp3 before it can be downloaded to the 2820. Garmin didn't think to add a conversion program to the unit but mp3 files are a direct download. However, there are many free cd to mp3 conversion products on the internet so don't let that be a factor in not purchasing this unit. Overall the 2820 is a real good unit if you can find one that is relatively inexpensive.

Most PCs have Windows Media Player which has a rip function that can do this for you.

I have been using the Mio C520 for about 3 years now. I use the suction cup and attach it just above the fuel door and a zip lock bag with a rubber band if I think its going to rain. It has the jack for an ear piece that I can plug my helmet speaker system into so I can hear the text to speech.

http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/mio-c520-navigation-receiver/4505-3430_7-32461192.html

Most PCs have Windows Media Player which has a rip function that can do this for you.[/quote]

Mike, the Media Player will not convert music to mp3 on the Garmin. I think that most mp3 players have a built in converter that allows Windows Media Player to rip directly to the player. Media Player ripped fine to my Sansa but not the Garmin. I had to get a conversion program.

I use a Gramin 350 and purchased a RAM mount, which is perfect.
I also purchased one of those tapes that have a cord coming out of it that you can play other devises through cassette players.
This works perfect as it allows for me to down load music onto the GPS and play it though speakers or helmet also. You can then hear the voice directions on the GPS also.

I appreciate everyone's responses. Great help!
I was using a Tomtom One XL until it died a horrible death. My luck with small electronic devices and Motorcycles doesn't have a good track record!

From the looks here though, it appears that the Garmin 2700/2800 series is a good bet as well as the older Garmin Quest.

Thanks a bunch!

-- JD

Zumo, I use it mainly going through towns so I can be in the correct lane for upcoming turns and can pre-plan route and use google earth and fly over them looking at the terrain and roads.

I've got a Garmin 250W car unit that I have used on occasions where I needed a GPS. It works ok, no fancy features but gets the job done. I suppose I will opt for a more feature packed unit later on. I posted on here last year setting it up on the bike with a Ram mount.

Getting close to time to find some very good deals on these items, no matter which one you're looking at. That's why Air Rider quit selling them.
Due to the popularity of GPS/phones most companies are being 'dumped'. Witness the stock price of Garmin and such latley. Clearance specials will probably hit the Best Buy and Wally World stores soon.