Zumo 595LM takes the first position as it’s a stunning and premium device with a 5” dual-orientation screen with rugged design for harsh weather conditions. It’s also glove-friendly and sunlight readable so that users can enjoy optimum functionality no matter the potential inconveniences. Zumo is ready for your riding adventures as it is able to find curvy or hilly roads, limiting major highways. Additionally, as safety is the most important,it will alert for sharp curves, speed cameras, and helmet laws, on when you are about to drive in the wrong direction.
Features
- Lifetime map updates: The gadget includes free map updates for a lifetime, so you don’t have to spend your time searching. Thus, you’ll find the latest points of interest and maps available.
- PhotoReal Junction View: It will display realistic views of connections and changes your route so to ease navigation. There’s a colorful arrow together with voice prompts that will show you the right lane position for your next turn or exit. Even more, there’s the TracBack feature that lets you navigate on the same route, for your return trip.
- Smart notifications: You will receive helpful text notifications on your smart device and you can also customize the route to suit your personal preferences. Additionally, the fatigue warning will suggest break times or rest areas after the longer rides.
- Hands-free operation: Synchronize your Zumo with a compatible smartphone and a Bluetooth headset or helmet and enjoy wireless and hands-free communication, without having to remove the helmet or gloves. More than this, you can receive notifications right on your navigation display.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Sturdy and durable construction
- Great routing options
- It is water resistant
- Versatile and easy to use
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- The fatigue warning takes a while to activate
- Some warnings might not apply in all regions
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| VERDICT
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| There are many reasons why this model is a popular pick among the customers, from the features and its design. It’s ideal while riding your motorcycle as it’s able to keep you safe and properly informed of anything in the traffic, such as laws, environment and other relevant aspects. |
The upgraded version of the TomTom rider comes with really advanced features and cutting-edge technology so to offer users an easy-to-follow design. It has a practical 5” screen that allows you to see everything without damaging your eyes. It is glove-friendly and sunlight readable, thus you can easily view detailed information on the display no matter the weather conditions. The gadget features a customized path, so you can find winding roads and climbs and avoid boring straights. What’s great about is that it is compatible with Siri and Google Now, therefore it allows you to unlock all great benefits of your smartphone when on the road. You can answer your calls, listen to music and navigate easily. Even more, it easily connects to Wi-Fi so you can enjoy using the Internet and get the latest updates the device requires. TomTom comes with a long lasting Lithium battery able to offer you long hours of riding. In also encloses a regional but you can download other maps from the globe completely free.
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CONS
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- Great battery life
- Remarkable Wi-Fi connectivity
- Easy to use
- Reliable, solid construction
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- The audio quality could be better
- Minimal mounting options
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| VERDICT
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| Reliable and easy to use, the TomTom 550 is a great purchase for every motorcycle owner. It works great in all weather conditions and it uses high-end technology so to offer customers a high-performance operation. |
We come to your attention with another great Garmin device, this time the 396LMT-S. If you want to enjoy adventurous rides, this model is surely what you are looking for. It has a 4.3” solid, glove-friendly, and sunlight readable screen, which is also resistant to all the weather conditions so that you can always enjoy your rides. This navigation will turn the straight, boring rides into curved and twisted adventures. Moreover, it’s a great choice for group rides as it can be paired via Bluetooth on multiple devices while on a group road trip to allow everyone to listen to music, take calls or receive messages. In addition to this, it supports safe riding, so it will alert you of what is coming, such as sharp curves, speed changes, and such other relevant information. There’s also the Garmin Adventurous Routing feature, which lets users know the conditions on the route, especially if there are hilly regions. The in-built Wi-Fi is another amazing feature to consider, as you can check the updates without using a computer.
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CONS
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- Easy to operate
- Friendly interface
- Amazing navigation features
- Solid and steady design
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- Some have complained about connectivity issues
- Some would have preferred a wider display
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| VERDICT
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| If you are a group rides fan, this model will completely suit all your needs, as it will offer a great application while taking rides with your friends. This is because of the features it comes with, such as the multiple device pairing, which allows for better group communication. |
Garmin Nuvi has been specially designed to get you from place to place with ease. It features a 6” display with dual-orientation and it’s able to offer direct access, by simplifying navigation. It’s a high-quality navigator with multiple smart features that help diminish interference. Enjoy lifetime map updates with this amazing gadget and also lifetime traffic, without ads or subscription fees. You can easily control and operate the device, as it features voice-activated navigation that lets you control it with your voice, instead of using the hands. Furthermore, it’s Bluetooth compatible, so you can enjoy hands-free calling, thanks to the wireless connectivity. Even more, it features Real Junction View and Bird’s Eye View, therefore it will guide you using common landmarks, and it will quickly let you notice the intersections. Nuvi 2689 comes with an Active Lane Guidance feature, too, thus offering even more versatility and specific directions.
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CONS
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- Effective and easy to use
- Wide display size
- Great for unknown routes
- Cost-effective
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- Some have complained about software issues
- Prone to work improperly
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| VERDICT
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| The reason why we love this model is the great accuracy it brings while on the road. It is certainly the best option for the locations you haven’t already visited, as it is able to provide you with direct access, exactly where you want to reach. |
5. Koolertron 03MT20GMPS403
The Koolertron gadget is one of the most versatile units as it is great for all-terrain navigations. Therefore, it can be connected to a cigarette lighter of a car or a motorcycle battery. The 4.3” touch screen display has a user-friendly interface so that everyone can enjoy effortless operation even, no matter if a beginner. It has an amazing construction, able to resist all weather conditions, thanks to the IPX7 rating, so it can handle rain, snow and submerse up to 1 meter. With the ability to store up to 4GB of maps and other information, the internal storage of this navigation system is enough for a convenient ride. If not, you can insert a micro SD card to boost the memory up to 16GB. More to be mentioned, it has Bluetooth connectivity that allows for hands-free operation, together with echo-cancellation, for added safety when riding on crowded roads. If you are rid of tricky interfaces, then this model is the best option to consider, as it will not disappoint you. You just have to pick the features and settings and start using it.
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CONS
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- Sturdy and resistant construction
- User-friendly interface
- Remarkable Bluetooth connectivity
- Convenient memory storage
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- Some have complained about bugs
- Drains the motorbike’s battery if not turned off
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| VERDICT
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| If versatility is the main aspect you’re looking for on a navigation unit, you can really rely on Koolertron navigator. Its all-terrain design makes it ideal for both dual-wheeled vehicles and cars, without any adjustments required. Weather-resistant and extremely durable, this system will serve you anywhere, anytime. |
The 3 Types of Motorbike GPS Units
Special: This is the most common category, and all of the above-listed products fall into it. The special navigation devices come with all the features needed to offer the best rides and last for many years to come. This is because they are made out of durable materials, thus being able to resist any type of weather. They are usually waterproof, too, and they can withstand fumes and UV rays. Furthermore, they have Bluetooth compatibility and come with loads of navigation characteristics. Even though they are pricier than other navigators, we can truly recommend them as they are worth the investment.
Portable: The second type was specially designed for those who love to explore the road and trails. They are great for hikes while mounting them on your motorbike. They feature a smaller body and a smaller screen, but they do also offer more maps and can get through any type of terrain.
Hybrid: Lastly, the hybrid unit is a portable one, too. The distinctive feature is that it provides the large screen of a regular GPS device. At the same time, it is as effective as the portable unit, and it brings lots of convenience for the motorbikes’ users.
Frequently Asked Questions
?Why to purchase one?
One of the main advantages of purchasing one is the reliability it brings. It features built-in updated maps, so unlike the specially designed Apps, they will provide you with information even when you have no data.
?How to install a GPS unit?
Installing them is effortless, so it shouldn’t take too much time to do it. Most interfaces are user-friendly and all you have to do is to connect the device to a charger or to the motorbike’s battery. Even more, some models come with their own mounting systems.
?Why are they so expensive?
It’s true that require higher costs, for instance, the waterproof units will always be pricier than the less rugged ones. Plus, base models are cheaper than those that include map and traffic updates but you might have to shop for extra updated maps or spend money on subscriptions.
