[motorcyclistonline] - Tested: Garmin GPS V

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Tested: Garmin GPS V
For adventure motorcyclists, a global positioning satellite (GPS) is an essential tool that can make navigating foreign countries a much simpler proposition. We tested one of Garmin's hallmark motorcycle-specific models, the GPS V, during our adventure tour with Ayres Adventures in Brazil.

The GPS V is a top-of-the-line model that comes with a MapSource base map loaded for North and South America. This means most roads and highways are shown on the unit, as well as waysides and, in more populated areas, gas stations and other services. The GPS V has 19 megabytes of memory for loading more detailed topographical maps on the unit. The unit is waterproof and powered by four AAA batteries that offer a claimed 25 hours of power.

Using the GPS V is fairly intuitive. The basic screen shows a map that you can zoom in and out of, with a bar of indicators on the right letting you know how far away the next way point is and your final destination. Other screens display current latitude and longitude, speed, direction and elevation. Several companies offer GPS mounts. I've used RAM's mounts on off-road bikes, ATVs and streetbikes, and they are quite simply the best out there. The unit has a simple ball mount that clamps to the bars, or a mount that bolts to the top of the triple clamp. They are easy to adjust so that the unit is visible and doesn't block your instruments. To make things work a bit slicker, hardwire the power cable to your battery.

The big advantage of having a GPS on an adventure tour is the ability to go on your own during the day. Ayres Adventures provided GPS tracks and routes for each day, which made navigation relatively easy. You simply load the day's route and the screen tells you how far away the next way point is, how far away the final way point is, and also gives you an estimated time of arrival based on your current average speed and remaining distance.

The ETA was surprisingly accurate, helping us gauge how long we could afford to stop and sightsee. Current location was also a tremendous advantage, showing us which towns were passing nearby and where we were on the map. In countries with poorly marked roads or signs in foreign languages, this is invaluable. I've used Garmin units with topographical maps loaded, and these are a tremendous advantage. The topo maps show lakes, rivers and mountains, and these landmarks allow you to pinpoint your current location on a good map. Topo maps are more useful for the off-road rider, where signs are minimal, but they add a bit of accuracy for street riders as well.

One of the key things to making a GPS unit effective is combining the unit with a high-quality map. A GPS alone gives you a good idea of the route you have to travel, but the built-in world map on the unit is not necessarily the complete solution. We found that the road map was not quite precise enough. For example, when we came to Y intersections, the correct turn wasn't always quite clear. We found that we had to go down one or two roads for a while before the right track became obvious. When you match the correct road to a highway map, the GPS unit's inconsistencies are minimized and you can navigate with confidence.

The unit's waterproofing is exceptional, by the way. We used the unit in pouring rain over nearly six days and it never fogged or missed a beat. If you want to add a slick way to navigate to your travels, a GPS is a sound investment. And if you travel extensively, I'd go so far as to call it a necessity. The GPS V sells for around $400.

What we liked:
Waterproof, security in unknown territory, easy to figure out, well priced.
What we DIDN'T:
Nothing.

CONTACT
Garmin
www.garmin.com
800-800-1020

RAM
www.ram-mount.com
(206) 763-8361


Photo Gallery: Garmin GPS V Tested - Motorcycle Escape Review - Motorcyclist Online



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