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Sat Nav - opinions please

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:41 am
by DavShill
Being a very careful Yorkshire chap i have always used my old Garmin car sat nav on the bike. Only really used it for finding hotels etc once I'm at my general destination. however, we are planning a big France/Spain trip next year and I'm thinking I should now invest in a proper bike sat nav.

So, what do you use, do you like it and would you recommend it?..... Discuss.

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 11:20 am
by flatlander
I use road signs a general sense of direction and if pushed wifi to check on stuff whilst having a nice drink and maybe a bite to eat. Sat nav is so last century.
I also keep a note of sites for booking stuff if I need to

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 12:06 pm
by D-Rider
I have a fully integrated nav in my car - it's brilliant.

I used to use an old Garmin on my bike and poke it out of the way of the rain.

These days on the bike I use Google Maps on my phone with a waterproof enclosure for the phone. It also links via bluetooth to the unit in my helmet so I get music from the phone plus voice instructions. Fine at home but roaming charges would knacker that elsewhere. Of course you can download areas of Google maps to your phone to use offline but that's a bit of a hassle if you are continually moving from one place to another.

For a dedicated unit, I like Garmin - just a case of reviewing their current range and seeing what suits you (sir).

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 12:43 pm
by wayno
I have a zumo 660 on the bike, love it, and I use it in the car too.

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 12:44 pm
by spiderwheels
To avoid roaming charges on the phone, try Here maps as it can be used offline after downloading the maps for the relevant country. It's a development of Nokia maps which has always been a good system.

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 6:47 pm
by Aladinsaneuk
Zumo 660 here as well

I use a wired connection via my starcom rather than a Bluetooth set up
(If you are two up it makes like easier to chat etc - and no chance of a failing battery....)

I bought the lifetime garmin maps for it - well worth it!

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 7:04 pm
by Falco Frank
If going for a Garmin, make sure its lifetime maps so not to get ripped off with updates!

Aldi had a giant 7" Motorhome/HGV Sat Nav the last time I was in.

On the phones, Navi maps also allows you to download maps and use them without any WiFi/Internet.

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 8:36 pm
by randomsquid
I've got a Tomtom Rider, works well enough and robust but the software is bloody awful and their customer service drones are about as much use as a sock full of shit.

If I ever replace it I'll buy a garmin of some sort.

I bought it from Handtec who were a decent bunch and I've seen refurbs on their site on occasion.

Things I'd wished I'd known about before I bought one-

Does it have enough memory to hold all the maps you need for your journey?
Does it come with the charging gear or is it extra?
Lifetime map and speed camera updates?
Can you use a wired earpiece if your bluetooth one craps the bed like mine did the other weekend?

Also, lane assist is a thing of wonder.

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:11 pm
by flatlander
So is care in the community ... How's that working for you?

Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 5:57 pm
by DavShill
Thanks everyone. Garmin seems to get the most positive recommendations from my other pals too. I'll have a read of the various online reviews.

Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 6:53 pm
by randomsquid
flatlander wrote:So is care in the community ... How's that working for you?
Well you're still harassing me so not too well.

Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 7:58 pm
by flatlander
Something similar was mentioned in my work appraisal

Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2015 3:02 pm
by Aladinsaneuk
IMHO

The 660 is better than its more modern replacements

Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2015 3:08 pm
by Aladinsaneuk
Oh

Spend some time working out how you want to listen to the satnav - wired or Bluetooth

Also think about placement of the unit - the telferizer headstock mounts are popular - I made a bracket that sits under my double bubble screen

Finally consider how many bikes you want to use this on - make sure that you can cheaply buy other mounting plates etc

Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2015 5:11 pm
by D-Rider
Aladinsaneuk wrote: Also think about placement of the unit - the telferizer headstock mounts are popular - I made a bracket that sits under my double bubble screen
I don't like headstock mounts - the ergonomics are all wrong and you have to move your eyes too far from the road ahead to use them. If you can tuck it under cover above the instruments, you'll find it much easier to refer to quickly and safely.