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Recommendation for GPS devices to take RTW Recommendation for GPS devices to take RTW
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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




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  #1  
Old 9 May 2024
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Recommendation for GPS devices to take RTW
What devices have folks found to be worthy of mention in regard to GPS devices to use on my motorcycle? Currently I have a Garmin Zumo which is relatively new to me but I suspect will do the job on a RTW trip. I have not used the in-helmet function yet but naturally it is a must. The Zumo is connected to another bike and the cost to transfer it to the RTW bike is prohibitive here and buying another may be the best option. Any suggestions?
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Old 9 May 2024
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You'll get about a squillion answers to this according to personal preference, here's mine.

Garmin Montana 700i running OSM in powered cradle in primary position. Backup, smartphone with choice of Google/Osmand/Yandex/Maps.me on RAM mount and USB power.

The Garmin has InReach capability in case you need to send a satcom distress signal from a remote area with no cell signal. It's rugged and I find the display easy to use. I've actually got 2 smartphones of the same model (with eSIM capability) in case one gets broken or stolen so hopefully I'll never be devoid of GPS in some form. It's one of my phobias.
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Old 10 May 2024
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I use a garmin montana 600 with OSM mapping on sd cards never had an issue with it, although due to its age it doesn’t like getting too hot anymore
Also have phone with maps.me and magic earth on it as well as the Apple Maps.

As for your Zumo, if it will take an sd card and work from OSM mapping then just buy an unpowered cradle and use a usb cable to keep it charged, assuming your bike has a usb charging capacity! It will be a bit cheaper to do it this way rather that buying a new device

Wayne
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Old 11 May 2024
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Although I much prefer Garmin devices, and I also have a Zumo, I think you would be better off with a TomTom Rider. This is because you can download maps for all the different countries of the world at no additional charge from TomTom. You can't do this with Garmin without spending a heck of a lot of money on maps.

I have used a TomTom Rider 550 in the past. It's not the greatest GPS device in the world, and there's a bit of a steep learning curve to get used to it if you are used to Garmin (kind of like switching from Windows to Mac or vice-versa), but I think it would be the best choice for a RTW. It's also small enough that you can easily disconnect it from the moto and stuff it in your pocket when you dismount.

Mcihael
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Old 11 May 2024
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It has to be a Garmin. An XT or one of the Montana's if you want to use it off the bike too.

A good waterproof smart phone mounted on your bars in a Garmin Mount is extremely useful and BETTER than a Sat Nav when you're in cities and towns.

Google maps is EVERYWHERE.
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Old 11 May 2024
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GPS for RTW TRIP
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'll do some research, buy a unit and will probably get hopelessly lost regardless ( what am I doing in Timbuktu, I should be in Cairo!!).
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Old 13 May 2024
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PanEuropean View Post
... This is because you can download maps for all the different countries of the world at no additional charge from TomTom. You can't do this with Garmin without spending a heck of a lot of money on maps.
I have a now-ancient Garmin Montana 600, with OSM I've never spent any money on maps for it.

It works ok, I suspect the newer versions are indeed better but I can't justify spending more while it still works. It's been completely immersed in water a few times, and I now use it with rechargeable AA batteries since I lost the original battery pack.
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Old 15 May 2024
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I justified the switch from Garmin Montana 600 to 700i after a mild prang in a remote location while riding alone.

Nothing serious about that incident. Still a wake-up call about riding alone while not appearing to get any younger. Satellite communication can only help part of that, but it could be important help.

The InReach satellite services can be used by bluetooth from your smartphone.
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