Garmin Motorcycle Specific GPS (zumo)

SomeStrangeGuy · 07-20-2006, 3:08 AM

Have I mentioned my severe disdain for TomTom over the years?

Garmin: zūmo

SomeStrangeGuy · 07-20-2006, 3:09 AM

Customize your ride with zūmo™ 550. Born to run, built to last, this rugged GPS navigator is always ready to ride. Designed by bikers, zūmo’s motorcycle-friendly features make it easy to operate while in the saddle. From back roads to rallies, its preloaded maps and high-end navigation features give you the freedom to go where you want.
Operate Easily on Two Wheels
Durable and intuitive, zūmo is built specifically for motorcycles:

Glove-friendly touch screen with left-handed controls makes it easy to operate
High bright sunlight-readable, UV-resistant display makes it easy to view your screen
Motorcycle console for trip information, including fuel gauge to warn you when its time to fill up
Motorcycle mount with universal mounting hardware so you can mount it anywhere
Included motorcycle mount and automotive mount (with integrated speaker) for riding or driving
Custom caps, available in a variety of colors, to reflect your style
Vibration-tested, waterproof and built with fuel-resistant plastics to withstand the elements

Navigate the Open Road
zūmo 550 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps and a hefty points of interest (POIs) database, including motels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply enter a destination, and zūmo takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions that speak street names. In addition, zūmo accepts customized points of interest such as school zones and safety cameras and includes proximity alerts to warn of upcoming POIs. It is also compatible with Garmin's Tour Guide™ — a free utility that allows you to build and upload a database of POIs that are encoded with photos and MP3 files.
A rechargeable, removable lithium-ion battery (three hour typical use) is integrated into zūmo for trip planning or use on foot. In addition, zūmo even accepts electronic maps — making it the ultimate off-road navigator.
Add Optional Traffic, Weather, and Radio
With optional XM subscriptions and an XM antenna, you can check the weather, move ahead of traffic and listen to the radio when you travel with zūmo. As an alternative, zūmo can receive optional TMC traffic alerts (in select cities) when used with a compatible traffic receiver. Simply press a button on the screen, and zūmo recalculates your route to avoid traffic tie-ups.
Make Hands-Free Calls and Receive Wireless Voice Prompts
With zūmo’s Bluetooth® wireless technology, you can talk on the phone safely without removing your gloves or helmet. Connect zūmo to your Bluetooth-enabled headset/helmet and cell phone to make and receive hands-free calls. You can even make phone calls to POIs through zūmo’s Bluetooth interface. In addition, zūmo transmits navigation voice prompts to your headset so you can listen wirelessly.
Plan Your Adventures and Share Your Rides
zūmo 550 makes it easy to plan your next trip and share routes with your riding buddies. Plan trips on your computer before you start. Search for food and fuel stops and local attractions. Then, transfer your route to zūmo and go.
At the end of the day, share your favorite places and rides with other zūmo riders, and review your travels in Google™ Earth. SD card expansion makes it easy for storage and route sharing. Download routes to share with your riding buddies — even load mp3 files to your unit to enjoy tunes on the road. In addition, JPEG Picture Viewer lets you share photos of your adventures with friends and family.
zūmo 550: the navigator that's born to ride
Garmin part number: 010-00567-00
Suggested Retail Price:
$1076.91 U.S.D. (for domestic US market only)

Expected Availability:
Fourth Quarter
zūmo 550 features:

High-sensitivity GPS receiver
Display: 2.8” W x 2.1” H (3.5” diag.), 320 x 240 pixels; high bright sunlight-readable, UV-resistant, touch screen display
Unit dimensions: 4.8" W x 3.9" H x 1.6" D
Weight: 10.6 ounces
Removable lithium-ion battery; three hour typical use
Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling and navigation audio prompts
Supports optional FM TMC traffic alerts
Supports optional XM NavTraffic with XM weather, and XM Satellite Radio
Preloaded maps for all of North America or Europe
Voice announces streets by name
Look up addresses and points of interest
Choose 2D or 3D map perspective
Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cameras
Built-in MP3 player and JPEG Picture Viewer
SD card expansion makes it easy for storage and route sharing
Export and review your travels in Google™ Earth with a free account from MotionBased.com
Glove-friendly touch screen with left-handed controls makes it easy to operate
Sunlight-readable, UV-resistant display makes it easy to view your screen
Motorcycle console for trip information, including fuel gauge to warn you when its time to fill up
Motorcycle mount with standard 4-hole AMPS pattern so you can mount it anywhere
Included motorcycle mount for riding and automotive mount (with integrated speaker) for driving
Includes Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature
Custom caps, available in a variety of colors, to reflect your style
Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 min.)

SomeStrangeGuy · 07-20-2006, 3:10 AM

Fourth quarter...damn. Did I mention it should hopefully make a perfect Christmas gift for those of you not sure what to get me?

Seriously though - this thing looks pretty kickass. I like the fact that they use SD cards! not that damned miniSD.

I should also add that the 2720 is pretty friendly with gloves on, so if they are advertising this one as 'glove friendly' I'd guess it's even better.

sheepofblue · 07-20-2006, 8:58 AM

did you see the optional end caps

Interesting though and if you go to the minisite there is a lot more info.

SomeStrangeGuy · 07-20-2006, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

did you see the optional end caps

Interesting though and if you go to the minisite there is a lot more info.

screw the endcaps, I want a way to change the color of the whole thing

Yeah minisite :
Garmin: Zumo
has some more useful and 'hands on' info.

Any of you going to GP will be able to see this thing hands on, looks like they have a demo there. I'll give you 50$ and an ice cream cone if you jack it for me

Duster929 · 08-23-2006, 1:00 PM

Why the disdain for the Tomtom? I'm in the market for a GPS, so it's a sincere question as I evaluate the options.

I had the opportunity to use a friend's Tomtom Rider a couple of weeks ago on a trip. It was brand new, and unfortunately had a problem with the on/off switch, so it only worked for one day. (Not a glowing review so far!). But when it worked, it seemed brilliant. And it was small, well shaped, looked good on the bike. What are the things you don't like about the Tomtom? And will the Garmin be better?

My Christmas present to myself is either going to be the Tomtom Rider or the Zumo, so I have to start my evaluation now.

--- D

EatnAsphalt · 08-23-2006, 10:04 PM

Zumo looks awesome. On my Christmas list for sure.

Even though the specs on Garmin's site don't mention it, it also has a 10,000 point track log!

seamus · 08-23-2006, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Any of you going to GP will be able to see this thing hands on, looks like they have a demo there. I'll give you 50$ and an ice cream cone if you jack it for me

I'm sure glad I missed this thread, freak.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duster929

Why the disdain for the Tomtom? I'm in the market for a GPS, so it's a sincere question as I evaluate the options.

I had the opportunity to use a friend's Tomtom Rider a couple of weeks ago on a trip. It was brand new, and unfortunately had a problem with the on/off switch, so it only worked for one day. (Not a glowing review so far!). But when it worked, it seemed brilliant. And it was small, well shaped, looked good on the bike. What are the things you don't like about the Tomtom? And will the Garmin be better?

My Christmas present to myself is either going to be the Tomtom Rider or the Zumo, so I have to start my evaluation now.

--- D

I have TomTom installed on my PDA. Minus the time my PDA dumped the com port info on my trip to Putnam Park, it's worked flawlessly for 2 solid years in both Europe and the US.

SomeStrangeGuy · 08-24-2006, 4:14 AM

My dislike for TomTom may be personal, it just seems everyone i know with one that puts it to good use seems to have some glitch with them either losing random data, poor routing choices, or has a 'clunky' interface. My direct personal experience with them was just a frustrating to use interface. I may be used to the Garmin way of life and just sorta knowing how they think...but the TomTom seemed more geared towards a too simple UI, which to me is an issue.

Now thats like 2 people I know of that have these, so its not like I know thousands. I do know alot that have their client on their PDA, but thats a different ballgame from my perspective so I dont consider that a fair judgement.

I do see some others on other forums that rave about the bluetooth and how great the TomTom is for having it long before the Garmin. Truth be told, I could give a **** less about that stuff. I don't want audiobooks, mp3 playback, phonecalls, or anything going through my GPS. I just want it to tell me where and when to go, and maybe some pertinent data (weather/traffic) only.

My 'short set' for the Garmin vs. TomTom discussion is who's stuff meets more IEC specs and who's equipment will you find in an avionics package?

Garmin = good enough for planes, good enough for me

My 2720 will be on sale shortly once I preorder the Zumo.

booracer · 08-24-2006, 6:09 AM

very exciting. comes with a car mount, too. May have to go check it out at a local retailer when it comes out.

Getsome · 08-24-2006, 8:11 AM

I want one.... that is all.

ConqSoft · 09-11-2006, 12:51 PM

I see it available for $999. Anyone have a better price?

SomeStrangeGuy · 09-11-2006, 1:04 PM

Is it in stock or preorder?

SomeStrangeGuy · 09-11-2006, 1:07 PM

Reason I ask is - not sure of the vendor, but these guys had a discount page up for preorder.

Unfortunately now I can only find it in googles cache..hmm

Garmin zumo 550 Motorcycle GPS ($244 REBATE!)

ConqSoft · 09-11-2006, 1:07 PM

Ah yes, you're right. Once it's added to the cart:

Quote:

00567 GARMIN zumo 550 GPS Motorcycle Navigator--EXPECTED 4TH QTR.--NOW ACCEPTING PRE-ORDERS 00567 $999.99 1 $999.99

SomeStrangeGuy · 09-11-2006, 1:28 PM

How were you able to add it? I can't get it to to see the price with discount reflected?

heck..I cant even get to the page with it shown on their site

just the dang cache..

ConqSoft · 09-11-2006, 1:29 PM

I'm talking about on TVNAV.com GARMIN GPS. (Where I usually get all my GPS stuff.)

SomeStrangeGuy · 09-11-2006, 1:42 PM

Oh sorry, I thought you were referencing a discount, didn't realize you meant availability. Yeah I suspect it should be out soon though.

EatnAsphalt · 09-11-2006, 10:44 PM

I had emailed Garmin about some other features I think it needs (audio input jack for radar detectors; w/ audio going out the bluetooth interface) and they said it wouldn't ship till the end of the year.

Duster929 · 09-12-2006, 4:00 PM

I've never really used a GPS for anything longer than a day, so maybe this is a dumb question....

The zumo apparently can act as a datalogger, and you can download your travelled track/route after your trip. Does this mean it could actually be used as a GPS laptimer at the track? For example, would it store your trip along with your time so you could download it and see at what time you crossed the start/finish line on each of your laps? Or is that just too sophisticated to expect from a GPS?

--- D

ConqSoft · 09-12-2006, 4:27 PM

It wouldn't be as accurate as a laptimer.

sheepofblue · 09-12-2006, 4:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duster929

I've never really used a GPS for anything longer than a day, so maybe this is a dumb question....

The zumo apparently can act as a datalogger, and you can download your travelled track/route after your trip. Does this mean it could actually be used as a GPS laptimer at the track? For example, would it store your trip along with your time so you could download it and see at what time you crossed the start/finish line on each of your laps? Or is that just too sophisticated to expect from a GPS?

--- D

It would kind of work. The problem is that you would have to process the data to determine lap time. Due to error in the GPS and that you do not cross the same location you would reintroduce some error. However the nature of IR triggered laptimers have some error also (again you do not pass the same location and interference).

The big advantage is you would get no falses triggers. The downside is you would have to process the data.

SomeStrangeGuy · 09-12-2006, 7:11 PM

one of the new forerunners would probably work pretty nicely though for what you are trying to do. Though I havent personally used one, I'd assume on a racetrack you could get down to 9' accuracy or so pretty easily, and at least get a decent timing. But no certainly not accurate to thou's.

EatnAsphalt · 11-09-2006, 9:11 AM

GPSZone.ca - Garmin zumo 550

From this Canadian site, current exchange rate shows it for $812!

Cheapest I've found so far. Not sure on shipping though.

Duster929 · 11-09-2006, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EatnAsphalt

GPSZone.ca - Garmin zumo 550

From this Canadian site, current exchange rate shows it for $812!

Cheapest I've found so far. Not sure on shipping though.

Thanks for that. That's $100 off the normal Canadian price. Maybe these things will drop in price quickly... wishful thinking?

As far as prices in the US goes, I've seen them new on Ebay, from what look like reputable retailers, at $789-$799. As a US buyer, you should go with one of those. Getting electronics across the border can sometimes be an expensive surprise.

Thanks for finding a Canadian retailer I can use!

--- D

Duster929 · 11-15-2006, 11:28 AM

Just an update for any Canadians reading this thread (or Americans who don't mind crossing the border).

GPS City Canada - Garmin GPS, Magellan GPS, Lowrance GPS & RAM Mount Factory Authorized Dealer has dropped the price on the Zumo to $899 Canadian ($100 off their original price). At the current conversion that's about US$790. Still not available though... they have Nov. 17 as their expected arrival date.

Maybe there will be more sales before Christmas?

--- D

EatnAsphalt · 11-15-2006, 12:05 PM

I wonder if they ship to the US. They have a link on their site that takes you to their US page, where it is $999.99.

Duster929 · 11-15-2006, 2:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EatnAsphalt

I wonder if they ship to the US. They have a link on their site that takes you to their US page, where it is $999.99.

They're charging US$999? That doesn't seem right. You can do better in the states.

I'm sure they'll ship to the US, but don't be surprised if you get hit with some silly customs and courier charges. Despite our Free Trade agreement, most trade isn't free.

--- D

EatnAsphalt · 11-15-2006, 5:05 PM

Yeah I thought that was odd too.

GPS Crazy has it for $739.99. Anchor Express in MA has it for $712. Still darn expensive for a GPS!

I just picked up a Nuvi 660 for a Christmas gift so that killed my GPS fund.

Looks like the Zumo is out. Some sites are showing it instock now.

Still Garmin hasn't released the owners manual on PDF yet. I always check out the manuals before buying something.

EatnAsphalt · 11-17-2006, 11:11 AM

Zumo manual is out on PDF now. It looks like it has all the features for a motorcyclist. Someone needs to buy one and give a review.

Mini Nuvi review.

Nuvi 660 would definitely not be a good choice for a motorcycle. It has a nice features; it's super fast, map redraws are almost instant. The FM transmitter works great, MP3 sound clear, but it lacks a couple key features. First no track log, second you can't load routes into it. It routes from A to B. So no vias or multiple waypoints. You tell it where you want to go (ie, a destination; address, intersection, spot on the map, etc), it creates a route and takes you there. It has a detour function to change the route as you're driving. You can't create a route of your faviorite twisties and have it guide you through them. Definitely works perfect for what they designed, but I wouldn't recommend it for a bike or if you like to create you own route ahead of time.