GPS recommendation?

[FastDoc]

The KLX and I are venturing further and further off the beaten track. Whats a good GPS?

I want one that's fairly compact, durable, simple, and has trails and/or dirt and forest service roads in its database.

[frostbite]

I'm currently using a Garmin H

https://static.garmincdn.com/en/products/010-00631-00/g/cf-md.jpg (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=144&pID=8705)

It's cheap, tough, and allows me to learn the basics of GPS (waypoints, track usage, finding my way home, etc...). It doesn't do mapping or anything fancy.

I plan on getting a Garmin Oregon (when budget allows):

https://static.garmincdn.com/en/products/010-00697-40/g/cf-md.jpg (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=63349)

Touch screen and map support. I have a RAM (http://www.ram-mount.com/Products/MotorcycleMounts/tabid/128/Default.aspx) mount on my KLX for the Garmin H. A great mount, makes the GPS easy to look at/reach but the side-mounted buttons on the Garmin H are hard to use while riding. That's why I'm looking to upgrade to the touch screen GPS.

[Barnone]

frost,
I have the Garmin H also. Where did you get the mount? Photo?
Thanks

[SpudRider]

I really like my Garmin eTrex Legend HCx, Doc. :)

http://www.chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=8914&highlight=garmin+etrex+legend

Spud :)

[JTCAndrew]

These Look Cool - I think some even have an SD Memory Card Slot for uploading maps and saving maps etc.....Sorry it's not Too COMPACT

http://trailtech.net/voyager.html

EDIT : I almost bought this one.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220753562844&ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT


Andrew

[frostbite]

frost,
I have the Garmin H also. Where did you get the mount? Photo?
Thanks

I purchased the mount via GPS Explore NB (http://www.gps-explore-nb.ca/). The GPS mount plate is independent of the articulating bracket that mounts on the bike. Subsequently if you change GPS units all you need is a new mounting plate and not an entirely new mount. It's a really good system if you want to use the same GPS across multiple vehicles.

I'll see if I can get a pic of my bike mount tonight.

JTCAndrew,

I'd avoid a Magellan GPS. I've heard nothing but bad things (signal loss/strength, accuracy, etc..) and the Garmin's (while pricier) have a much better rep.

[FastDoc]

I'm liking the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx.

It runs off of batteries and does not need to be plugged in, huh? How long do the batteries last? I like that a lot.

How does it do on the road? If I understand right it does not come with data? You have to buy the maps seperatly? :roll:

[frostbite]

To be honest Doc, I highly recommend against any handheld GPS for a motorcycle where the control buttons on are on the sides . Not only are they hard to reach but they're not especially sensitive - you gotta press them pretty hard.

_very_ hard to use while riding. I have mine mounted on the left side of the bars. Picture trying to use the buttons with your left hand while you're cruising down the street. It's doable but very awkward and uncomfortable, especially if you have to hit a button on the right-side of the unit.

[katoranger]

I like garmins. Have a magellan and its not as user friendly or accurate.

[FastDoc]

Maybe I'll visit Sportsman's Warehouse and check out the different types.

[lego1970]

This won't answer your question Doc, but it may help give ideas to others that may already have a auto gps.

I have a cheap Garmin Nuvi which can easily get you lost if you get on back roads. Most of the back roads shown on the gps are either not there or vice versa, you are on a road that is not displayed on the gps. In any case it does seem pretty accurate as far as placing where you are at. Based on that, you can normaly get to where you need, however in the Ozarks where logging roads twist and turn, an unmarked road seemingly going the right direction may do a 180 and take you the wrong direction. While it's a useful tool, it's not 100% fool proof and is not a "do all" tool.

On a motorcycle. If I have my tank bag on, I'll just slide it in the map pocket and be on my way. Most tank bags have a headset hole and I'll run the power cord thru that to keep it charged. As for a charger, I have a weather resistant 12v cigarette outlet that I bought at the local auto store for maybe $10 bucks. It's the extension kind. It was about 8' long with a male and female side. I just simply cut off the male side and have it wired directly to my battery and the female side mounted on my handlebar. If I don't have my tank bag on then I just keep the garmin in a ziplock bag and get it out every now and then to see where I need to go....normaly just to find the nearest gas station....especially when I get further out in Kansas.

On a canoe, I do the same thing, I'll keep it in a ziplock bag and only get it out every few hours to see how far along I've gone or to calculate the currants speed. The Missouri river has mile markers on it so there is little use for it there, however it's still nice to look at a screen to see where you at in relation to other landmarks or towns along the river. Again, I found an old 110v to 12v transformer from one of my kids toys or some other device that I spliced to a female cigarette adapter and use it to charge the garmin when I get off the river.

Hiking or backpacking, I again keep it in a ziplock bag and put it in my pocket or backpack in case something bad happens. This sounds morbid, but my son knows how to turn it on and press on the car to get the cordinates in case for some reason I have a heart attack or whatever. Most of the parks or places around here were we arrowhead hunt still have cell phone signals so he can simply tell them the cordinates as to where we are. When we go to Colorado, he knows to stay with the body, plus we never stray from trails and or take remote trails so while some places don't have cell signal, other hikers are normaly not far away.

That's all I can contribute to the subject. Good luck.

[katoranger]

The batteries in my magellan would go about 6-8 hours. Alkaline AA.

[FastDoc]

On a canoe, I do the same thing, I'll keep it in a ziplock bag and only get it out every few hours to see how far along I've gone or to calculate the currants speed. The Missouri river has mile markers on it so there is little use for it there, however it's still nice to look at a screen to see where you at in relation to other landmarks or towns along the river. Again, I found an old 110v to 12v transformer from one of my kids toys or some other device that I spliced to a female cigarette adapter and use it to charge the garmin when I get off the river.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply.
Canoeing down the river sounds like a GREAT way to spend a day. Very Mark Twain-ish.

[katoranger]

I am planning to add a power source on my scooter for the garmin. Also can use it to charge my phone.

[SpudRider]

I'm liking the Garmin eTrex Legend HCx.

It runs off of batteries and does not need to be plugged in, huh? How long do the batteries last? I like that a lot.

How does it do on the road? If I understand right it does not come with data? You have to buy the maps seperatly? :roll:
I can confirm the side-mounted buttons on my Garmin eTrex Legend HCx are hard to press. ;) If you plan to manipulate the buttons while riding, I don't recommend the eTrex Legend. In addition to the "firm" buttons, it is sometimes difficult to view the display in direct sunlight. ;) However, I primarily use my GPS while riding away from the pavement. ;) Therefore, I have a topographic map set loaded in the unit, and I usually stop before fiddling with my GPS. For off road use, I really like my eTrex Legend. :) However, I would recommend another GPS if you plan to manipulate, and view the GPS while riding on pavement. ;)

The batteries last a long time in my eTrex Legend. :) I don't remember, but I think Garmin claims the batteries will last 12-15 hours. I use rechargeable batteries in my eTrex Legend, and they last so long I have not bothered to hook up a DC power source for the unit. :)

You need to purchase the maps separately for all the Garmin, hand held, GPS units.

Spud :)