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Garmin

 

No one piece of technology has given the touring motorcyclist so much benefit for so little cost since the invention of map pockets on tank bags.  CycleGadgets has been a Garmin GPS dealer since 2001.  The current crop of GPS receivers includes all detail road maps for the USA & Canada pre-loaded on solid-state, shockproof memory.  Many models include other features such as MP3, satellite radio, and Bluetooth support.  We pride ourselves on our experience with all of the various GPS receivers; I switch my "primary" GPS to a different model at least a couple of times a year just so that I can learn all the subtle details of each model's operation.

We often get the question, "What's the best GPS for a motorcycle?"  The answer is always the same - "It depends on how and where you ride, and what you want the GPS to do for you."  Do you tour extensively?  Will you be using the GPS just on your bike, or also in a car, or boat, or hiking?  Do you want something compact, or is a large screen more important?

I've put together a comparison chart below that highlights the major features, and even the drawbacks, of the various models that we carry.  We feel that these GPS's are the "Cream of the Crop" for motorcyclists.  Take a look at the major features below, and you can click through and read more detailed information on those models that look like they will meet your needs best.

Why don't you see the Magellan Roadmate, Garmin C330/340 or iQue, TomTom Go, NavMan, Lowrance 350C, etc offered here?  For use on a motorcycle, we feel that a mandatory feature is watertight construction.  All of the models you see below are rated to the marine IPX7 waterproof standard, which means that the GPS can withstand 30 minutes submerged 1 meter (3 feet) under water.  In addition, those below with voice prompts have a way to plug in an earphone or intercom interface, so that you can hear the voice prompts on your motorcycle.  Any GPS with a built-in speaker will not be waterproof, or water resistant!

Model Motorcycling Benefits Drawbacks
Garmin Zumo 660
[More Info]
Designed for motorcyclists. Waterproof. Pre-loaded data for USA/Canada. Includes car kit. Bluetooth interface.   
Garmin Zumo 550
[More Info]
Designed for motorcyclists. Waterproof. Pre-loaded data for USA/Canada. Includes car kit. Bluetooth interface. XM Radio optional.   
Garmin GPSMap 378/478
[More Info]
Very large "Daylight" color screen, waterproof, full US/Canada maps. Optional XM audio/weather/traffic.  Large unit limits mounting options. 

The following GPS receivers are not stocked, but we supply a variety of accessories and mounts for them:

Model
Garmin 2610/2620
[View Accessories]
Garmin 2720
[View Accessories]
Garmin 2730
[View Accessories]
Garmin 2820
[View Accessories]
Garmin eMap
[View Accessories]
Garmin eTrex
[View Accessories]
Garmin GPS III+
[View Accessories]
Garmin GPS V
[View Accessories]
Garmin GPS60C
[View Accessories]
Garmin GPSMap 176C
[View Accessories]
Garmin GPSMap 276C
[View Accessories]
Garmin GPSMap 376C
[View Accessories]
Garmin iQue 3600
[View Accessories]
Lowrance iWay 500c
[View Accessories]
Garmin Nuvi 500/550
[View Accessories]
Garmin Quest
[View Accessories]
Garmin Quest 2
[View Accessories]
Tom Tom Rider
[View Accessories]
Garmin Rino
[View Accessories]
Garmin StreetPilot
[View Accessories]
Garmin StreetPilot III
[View Accessories]
Garmin Zumo 450
[View Accessories]