Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Which unit for city use? Which unit for city use?
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 17 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 27
Which unit for city use?
G'day. I know there's alot of comparisons around here and opinions on which are the best satnav/GPS units but I'm interested in what you think is the best option for my particular situation. There may be a system out there that is ideal for my needs. I'm doing a 4 month trip around Scandinavia and Eastern Europe this summer on a Yamaha Fazer, so there will be no off-road riding and I will have plenty of time so for most of my riding I don't mind using a compass and a European map book. I don't care much about which routes I take (though preferably not the motorways) or getting lost on back roads (half the adventure). What I would like a navigation system for is finding my way around towns and cities. Apart from this trip and a 2 week trip to Spain next year, I probably wont have any use for a sat-nav since after that i'll be selling my bike and moving back to Australia. I would probably use a GPS device for hiking from time to time, if i had one. The bike units are very expensive, esp for only using on one or 2 trips. Ideally I'd want a unit that included all Eastern European cities.
Ideas???? Opinions??
Tony
Last edited by fattony; 17 Jun 2008 at 23:10. Reason: accidently posted before finished
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Cheapest unit that is

1) water proof - europe weather
2) includes maps
3) larger screen

---------------------
The bushwalking thing .. well I'd seperate that from the unit you buy now... for that you want good battery life .. and shonky maps (free and not shonky) will do you fine for the walking! I'd recomend the Garmin 60Cx .. it is becoming obsolete so may go on special sometime...
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 27
garmin quest and Atlantic autoroute
Cheers Frank,
Ive seen a garmin Quest for £190. Its waterproof and comes with Atlantic Autoroute basemap. Does anyone know how detailed are the city/town maps in Eastern Europe on this basemap? and up to what size towns/cities have street maps or is it just the really uckin big cities that are covered?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Jun 2008
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
That's not very detailed unless you buy the city navigator data with it.

I'd get tomtom one, mio, garmin something in a sale somewhere and put that in the tankbag.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Jun 2008
djorob's Avatar
Seek and thou shalt find.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Midlands/UK
Posts: 231
Satnav
Hi.
Have to agree with Frank.
Having had a few units (tomtom rider, navman, etrex, etrex vista, magellan) now own a garmin 60csx.
I use it on the bike, in the car, on foot and sea kayaking.
Not the biggest screen for bike and car use doesn't give voice prompts (don't like them anyway) but a bonus when walking or in cities.
Uses 2xAA batteries or power from car/bike, and takes a variety of maps for road navigation or topographical for hill walking ect.
V good GPS ariel and battery life and buttons aren't too bad to operate when on the bike.
Depends on personal pref at the end of the day but I like the fact it uses off the shelf batteries and is more pocket sized than most ones with a bigger screen and internal batteries.
Dave.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 27
garmin 60
Thanks for your input. Can both the 60csx and 60cx be powered from the bike? Is that with a 12V adapter? Which mounting system do you recommend? Do you know which available maps would be best for Eastern European and Scandinavian city navigation?

Cheers
Tony
Last edited by fattony; 19 Jun 2008 at 19:24.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Jun 2008
djorob's Avatar
Seek and thou shalt find.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Midlands/UK
Posts: 231
gps
Hi.
The csx takes micro sd cards, mine came with a 2 gig one pre loaded with maps of europe (city navigator 7 I think) which I used in Sweden/ Norway ok.
I made a mount for mine but TT do one and you can get a garmin one for the car you could convert.
The power cable goes direct to 12v supply, I believe the cs is powered the same way.
It doesn't charge the batteries (if they are re-charge ones) when powered by the cable just the unit.
eBay seems to have a few deals with pre loaded cards, I got mine there with a US base map (not really a prob unless you zoom out).
If you get one and need some maps let me know.
Dave.
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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Looking for a GPS unit Expert TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 8 24 Jul 2008 12:47
Any recomendations for $500 GPS unit michaelo Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 9 24 Jul 2007 23:21
XT600 CDI Unit Jez1965 Yamaha Tech 1 26 Feb 2007 10:02
GPS Unit for Australia Ghostbat Australia / New Zealand 7 29 Aug 2006 01:43
CDI unit DAVSATO Yamaha Tech 5 26 Oct 2002 16:18

 
 

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 07:47.

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