Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Navigator 2 Navigator 2
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Sep 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
Navigator 2
I currently have a Garmin 3+ which has given almost 5 years of reiable service but, am contemplating a new GPS unit, in particular the BMW Navigator 2 (mainly because I can add it to the finance on the new bike!)

I will be using it mostly in the UK and Europe.

I have a couple of questions. Is this model worth the huge amount of cash BMW are asking for it? Are the extra features useful and easy to use? Are there any other units that have a similar spec but, cheaper.



[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 24 September 2004).]
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Essex, UK
Posts: 42
Hi Darbyfeast,

Still getting up to speed on the GPS systems at the moment but I have heard that the BMW unit is overpriced and you can by the (Garmin) unit much cheaper elsewhere. Check out www.gpsw.co.uk for prices and specs. They are based near Heathrow so might be worth a ride out to see what they have. Also www.garmin.com has some good information about models/specs etc.

PanEuropean recommended a good BMW site to me that has a good thread on GPS. Well worth reading

www.ukgser.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=46

Hope this helps
gazzr
__________________
Gazzr
www.theworld-ismyoyster.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Sep 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
Many thanks for the info. I work at Heathrow so I can take look.

Bob.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 39
It might be worth looking at the street pilot three... plus world map source CD.. although there are much more uptodate versions.

The street pilot three has an excellent screen and is easy to read on the move.
Also, if your not too proud you can buy a Honda handle bar bag instead of the rip off touratech mounting block. Hondas bag costs about 20 quid.. If you do get it you need to cut a GPS size holein the top!! It works well and absorbs heavy off-road vibrations ad the gps stay put! however... It doesnt look great tho...but does work..


Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Sep 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
Yes, being easy to read on the move is one of the reasons I'm considering a change from the 3+. The screen and consequently the figures are a little too small to just quickly glance at. The buttons are also very small to operate, especially with winter gloves on.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 39
I'm not familiar with the 3+, but the street pilot three's buttons are OK but the zoom buttons are a bit small. Also there is a facility to remove the compass and speed indicator and then the map is shown to its fullest vis. Which makes it easier to read and shows more info, and finally easier to move the cursor over, without waiting for the map to re-build...

PS was it you who replied to my question about Ohlins??

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Sep 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
Hi, The 3+ has the same feature ie; being able to remove the speed etc from the screen to increase the map area, but the screen is very small to start with on this model so this only gives a minimal advantage. The fact that the display is black and white (although it's more various shades of grey and green than black and white) means that the definition is not as good as it could be.

Yes it was me who replied to your Ohlins thread. Maybe I've just been unlucky as there are lot of satisfied Ohlins customers.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Sep 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 39
HI Bob,

Just for reference Garmin sold me my street pilot at cost as they were moving onto a newer version... it might be worth dropping them a line and see if they have any stock left of the SP3.

I might save a couple of hundred quid...
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:36.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top