GPS Unit suggestions

RacerCutie · 12-13-2003, 1:31 PM

Looking for a GPS mountable unit. Good reception, large display, route capability required features. Something for under $500. Color would be nice, voice command - no.
I've been checking this site out for some info:
GPS info
A bit confusing as there are so many to choose from.

Suggestions? Comments?

Holeshot · 12-13-2003, 1:44 PM

I personally like the form-factor and durability of these untis.

http://gpsinformation.net/gps5/g5review.htm

A pal of mine wadded his 929 and his GPSIII+ went bouncing down the highway. I found it later in the day and guess what. Not only did it still work the display was totally undamaged (case was scraches to all hell). It took a major beating. He still uses it, it works great! I was impressed by that. I don't think you would go wrong with it but I don't know if they have a color version out for it.

Joel · 12-13-2003, 1:49 PM

The 929 has such a small area where you can mount something like that - at least without obstructing your view of the instruments. Were you thinking of mounting it in your tank bag? All the ones I've seen are virtually impossible to operate with gloves on.

They are really great units though. I went on a 1,000 mile ride with a small group, and one of the guys had one mounted on his 12R (sorry don't remember which GPS model he has). Anyway I'll never forget finding the motel in Gilroy. We were going through all these residential streets none of us had ever been on and wouldn't you know it, GPS led us right to the motel.

Another friend of mine uses his all the time for riding. He sets it up for freeway-free routes, and finds some of the best roads that way.

RacerCutie · 12-13-2003, 2:11 PM

Holeshot, thanks, I'd like color, but it's not something I have to have. I'll check out that unit though.
Joel, I wanted to mount it up front somewhere as I sold my tank bag. How difficult is it finding a proper mounting kit?

ConqSoft · 12-13-2003, 2:21 PM

I had a Garmin 176C on my 929 and could still see all the instruments fine. I have the StreetPilot III Deluxe now though.

http://www.fireblades.org/photopost/...t=500&pa ge=7

ConqSoft · 12-13-2003, 2:23 PM

And a good comparison chart:

http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/gps_compare.html

Bacchus · 12-13-2003, 3:42 PM

RC, another plug for Garmin here. Their units are tops in my opinion!

Holeshot · 12-13-2003, 5:06 PM

My buddy (and a couple others I know have done it too) fabricated a bracket for the 929 that cost them less than $10 in parts. I wish I had a photo but I do not so I will try to explain.

They used a small bicycle quick-release desigend for the seat of an MTB. It's a lever with that pushes down to clamp the seat bracket. They added sleeve just a tad too short and put in a n o-ring. When the lever clamps the o-ring expands and viola it locks into the steering stem (this did not come off the bike in the crash BTW).

Then the took some sheet aluminum available at Home Depot (and other warehouse hardware stores). Cut it so that it was wide enough to drill a hole for the quick-clamp to go through without cracking.

Then bent this back in a curve. On the top of the curve they bolted the factory GPS bracket. This put the GPS front and center bust just below the inst panel. Everything in nice clear view but would take 2 seconds to remove when going inside a store or place to eat. It was so slick if my bike had a hole in the steering stem I'd be doing it with my GPS as well.

I'll see if I can get some pictures from him. It's very cool, very rugged and very inexpensive (and of course.. TOTALLY custom).

This works with the Garmin GPS II/III/III+/V in horizontal mode. Another nice feature of those Garmins is the 90 degree view option.

Let us know what you ende up selecting!

ND4SPD · 12-13-2003, 5:17 PM

I have a GPS V which can be had for under $400 now if I'm not mistaken. Excellent unit, I'm very happy with it. Screen isn't very large if you're in a car, but it's great on a bike. It has auto-routing so you never get lost. Memory is sort of limited, but I've gone on a 500 mi one way trip and was able to load all the detail I needed with some room to spare. My only complaint is that it doesn't know the difference when it comes to bridges or onramps. I guess you really can't call it a complaint since it's just asking you to use common sense. I give it 4.9 stars out of 5. I'd buy it again.

I have it mounted to my bike with a RAM mount setup. I think it ended up costing about $70 total, with hardwiring included in that price as well. I highly recommend their mounting kits, since they're easily adjustable, even while riding.

Hope this helped

RacerCutie · 12-13-2003, 8:16 PM

Holeshot, if you have pics of the fabricated mount, that would be cool. I was wondering how that thing stayed on the bike.
I just found a used Garmin GPSMap 176C (color) for $300. I'm thinking about it.
Conq, why did you get rid of yours?

ConqSoft · 12-13-2003, 8:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacerCutie

Holeshot, if you have pics of the fabricated mount, that would be cool. I was wondering how that thing stayed on the bike.
I just found a used Garmin GPSMap 176C (color) for $300. I'm thinking about it.
Conq, why did you get rid of yours?

I decided to go with one that had built-in auto-routing. But I do miss the size/quality of the screen on the 176C.

2OHOH bought my 176C from me, so you can ask him how he likes it.

Northy · 12-13-2003, 11:22 PM

Another plug for Garmin here. I've had the Garmin GPS III+ for 4 years and no complaints. I was looking at the GPS V earlier tonight. I think the auto routing would be real nice!!!

RacerCutie · 12-14-2003, 12:56 AM

ok, what's auto-routing?

ConqSoft · 12-14-2003, 4:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacerCutie

ok, what's auto-routing?

You pick a waypoint or enter an address and it will calculate how to get there from your current location and tell you how to get there turn by turn.

RacerCutie · 12-14-2003, 2:09 PM

Did some research and I'm leaning towards the Garmin iQue 3600 (with Palm OS, MP3) since I do use my Palm a lot.
My only concern is hooking up a power adapter. I hear GPSs eat up batteries like crazy. Difficult on the 929?

Northy · 12-14-2003, 2:16 PM

Check out this site for your wiring needs:

Jastek

Conq recommended this site a while ago.

RacerCutie · 12-14-2003, 2:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northy

Check out this site for your wiring needs:

Jastek

Conq recommended this site a while ago.

This is just what I needed! Thanks!

Baketech · 12-14-2003, 2:34 PM

My Garmin 76C will go through a set of batteries on a long day 10+ hours, depending on power setting. I have a power tether on the VFR, but not on the 929....never on it with GPS for that length of time....

I would like to upgrade next year to color and landscape screen....not sure what I will end up with, but will probably stick with Garmin. I don't need/use auto-routing, but all the units I am interested in seem to have it anyway.

fivestar · 12-15-2003, 2:31 PM

I've got a Garmin V thx to ND. Excellent choice, and don't regret it. Great features and quality for the $.

RacerCutie · 12-15-2003, 5:26 PM

Ok, I've decided and just ordered the Garmin iQue 3600 GPS/PDA/MP3 hybred.
It's gonna be interesting trying to fit it on my bike, but I'll do it!
I'll post pics when I get it all hooked up.
Can't wait to get lost, so I can find my way back home.

Red Rider · 12-15-2003, 6:00 PM

I have the Garmin III+ and love it. It mounts using the RAM mount and works perfectly on my 929. Can't go wrong with a Garmin, regardless of the model...

929Demon · 12-19-2003, 8:53 PM

Keep in mind that the iQue isn't waterproof like the other models.

Adrian

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacerCutie

Ok, I've decided and just ordered the Garmin iQue 3600 GPS/PDA/MP3 hybred.
It's gonna be interesting trying to fit it on my bike, but I'll do it!
I'll post pics when I get it all hooked up.
Can't wait to get lost, so I can find my way back home.

RacerCutie · 12-20-2003, 1:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 929Demon

Keep in mind that the iQue isn't waterproof like the other models.Adrian

Yes, I know it's not waterproof. It's a nice toy. I just got it yesterday! Waiting for my mounting hardware and electric hookups now.
(and dry weather).

coeff · 12-23-2003, 9:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacerCutie

Yes, I know it's not waterproof.

http://www.otterbox.com/boxes/3600y.gif Otterbox

Holeshot · 12-26-2003, 11:40 AM

I personally like the form-factor and durability of these untis.

http://gpsinformation.net/gps5/g5review.htm

A pal of mine wadded his 929 and his GPSIII+ went bouncing down the highway. I found it later in the day and guess what. Not only did it still work the display was totally undamaged (case was scraches to all hell). It took a major beating. He still uses it, it works great! I was impressed by that. I don't think you would go wrong with it but I don't know if they have a color version out for it.

sheepofblue · 07-26-2004, 12:28 AM

I have been eyeing up the new Quest from Garmin and am wondering about the memory. I typically cross 2-3 states and round trip of up to 500 miles. Is 128MB enough memory to take this kind of distance? Or another case a trip from AL to lower Mi, is there enough memory for side trips (the main route I can do in my sleep)

Any help from current GPS owners would be greatly appreciated.