Can I use a regular GPS system for my car on my motorcylce too?
Sassy Shut Your Mouth asked:
The small GPS systems are too small to see while riding, I am curious if I can just take the GPS system used in cars and mount it on our bike…. it’s a HD Ultra Classic. HD’s GPS are too expensive. Tomtom is too high too.
The small GPS systems are too small to see while riding, I am curious if I can just take the GPS system used in cars and mount it on our bike…. it’s a HD Ultra Classic. HD’s GPS are too expensive. Tomtom is too high too.
I know that Tomtom and Garmin make separate product lines for motorcycle GPS needs. I think the biggest differences are in the mount, vibration resistance and waterproof design. Car GPS units are not waterproof and I think that alone would make them not suitable for motorcycles.
But, if you are willing to custom build a special mount with shock, and weatherproof housing, anything is possible…
Yes, the main difference between the Garmin Auto GPSs (Nuvi) and the Motorcycle GPSs (Zumo) is one of waterproof ratings, and slight changes to the UI to make it more glove friendly. After doing quite a bit of research, I ended up going with an Auto unit (Nuvi 660). It has better battery life, and the changes to the UI don’t make that much difference. As far as not being waterproof, I keep a ziploc bag in my saddle bags. If it looks like it might rain, I put on the Nuvi’s “raincoat”, and go about my business. As there are no moving part in the unit, vibration should not be a problem.
If the waterproof issue is a concern to you, some of the Garmin Marine units also will perform on road routing, and are waterproof. The Garmin GPSMap 276c is waterproof, and will allow you to turn by turn routing. You can also get a Ram Mount (see next paragraph) to mount it on the motorcycle. Unfortunatly, you give up the touch screen.
Check out the Ram Mounting system. They have mounts for most of the GPS units out there as well as many other devices. I use a handle bar mount with a cradle designed for my Nuvi 660. It works very well as it keeps it behind my windscreen so that the GPS is protected. (Note: Garmin ships Ram Mount components with the Zumo Motorcycle units)