Best Value for GPS Unit?

[SmithSwede]

for a 2012 Ninja 250.

I have two problems. First, I'm a geezer who isn't computer savvy and has little inclination to get that way. However, I do have and use an iPhone. Second, I'm a cheap bastard.

Can someone recommend the best value in a GPS unit? I don't think I want a lot of fancy stuff. Just something that is easy to read, can be manipulated with gloves, and can show a route and help me get un-lost. Have grown weary of stopping to look at a paper map or my iPhone map when I've decided I'm lost.

Thanks!

[Joshorilla]

You could buy a cheap chinese one for $200 that will do all that, but it will be a bitch to use, will need you to upload the maps yourself and somehow find all the maps and it'll be of inferior build quality, if you used it to the max it'll fall apart. You will give up on it after a few weeks and it'll be $200 wasted.

OR

You could spend $400 on a nice easy Garmin / TomTom that will integrate with your iPhone and will be easy to use and last, you will have spent $400 but you will use it and it'll work well.

Motorcycle GPS units ARE NOT CHEAP! They cost a lot more as they are built to a higher standard, are waterproof, come with mounts, have bigger batteries, connectors to hook up to the battery etc.

[Alex]

/moved to general

[bfpower]

Having been paid to update maps for people who bought cheap GPSs, I'd say you'll save money in the long run by buying something that's easy to use, good quality, and well supported by a manufacturer with a substantial support presence in the US.

[Alex]

There's a decent thread from a few years ago here: link

It goes through some of the differences between the different types of units. The cost for general purpose GPS's has come down quite a bit, with decent ones being available in the $100 - $150 range. If it has the features you require, and you can find a reasonable mount to hold it securely, it might be a smart purchase. The motorcycle-specific ones are still comparatively expensive, so if you do go that way make sure that the added features are worth paying for.

I run 3 different generations of GPS's on my different bikes. On the Ninja 300, I still use a Garmin GPS60Cx from a million years ago, and it works fine for my needs. I run a Garmin Zumo 550 and a BMW Navigator IV (Garmin 660 clone) on my BMW.

[alex.s]

stop and ask for directions. the experience is much better than GPS.

[adouglas]

Paper maps are pretty cool, you know.

Since you're cheap, don't want to futz with a new gadget and already have an iPhone, the answer is obvious.

Just use your phone.

Google Maps is my go-to for reference prior to the ride. It's free and shows traffic very well (unlike Apple Maps, which uses almost-impossible-to-read traffic indicators). For actual navigation, I use CoPilot GPS and have purchased the upgrades to make it actually useful. While not free, it is excellent. You get a free two-week trial but trust me... you'll want to buy it. It's way cheaper than a standalone GPS.

The thing I like best about CoPilot is that it's truly useful while riding. Trying to analyze a map display while riding is neither safe nor practical. What I REALLY need to know is how far it is to the next turn and which way I need to go. CoPilot GPS has a fantastic turn-by-turn display that I can glance at and absorb in a fraction of a second.



It also does the usual map thing, plus cue sheet lists... and audible turn-by-turn directions if you've got a headset.




I made my own mount for my phone and wired up a USB outlet to keep the phone charged.

[NevadaWolf]

I've mounted a Delorme PN-60SEW on my dash and it has worked reasonably well though I am hesitant to recommend it as Delorme is not the most user friendly unit out there.

Honestly, I would lean towards an inexpensive Garmin. Their handheld units are fairly durable (I've not managed to kill my Legend despite years of abuse) and their customer service is simply outstanding.

RAM mounts makes cradles for the more common GPS units and there is a ball mount that can be screwed into the handlebar to hold the unit within easy reach and eye sight. The newer units are all touch screen so I cannot say if they are usable while wearing gloves. But the older units had physical buttons that can be operated as long as the gloves are not too thick.

If you have an REI near you (or similar outdoor store) take your gloves into the electronic department and grab a sales creature to pull out the different models and try to operate them. But I do think Garmin is going to be your best option.

[akima]

Originally Posted by Joshorilla

You could buy a cheap chinese one for $200 that will do all that, but it will be a bitch to use, will need you to upload the maps yourself and somehow find all the maps and it'll be of inferior build quality, if you used it to the max it'll fall apart. You will give up on it after a few weeks and it'll be $200 wasted.

ss.png

This doesn't look like a map to me.

I think a lot of you would crash if you bought this Chinese system.

[Alex]

Insert jokes re: mountains, contour maps, what a great latitude, etc.

[250rr]

Originally Posted by akima

Attachment 27385

This doesn't look like a map to me.

I think a lot of you would crash if you bought this Chinese system.

Just crashed. Thanks a lot.

[akima]

Originally Posted by Alex

Insert jokes re: mountains, contour maps, what a great latitude, etc.

Originally Posted by 250rr

Just crashed. Thanks a lot.

[cuong-nutz]

There's a local member selling his GPS unit.
http://www.motohouston.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=269147

[Joshorilla]

Ah @akima, I misread the amazon page, it's a Girl Picture System!

[choneofakind]

What lovely topography!