Garmin Zumo XT or TomTom Rider 550
Discussion
Rather than the actual devices, have a look at the software for them (Garmin Basecamp or TomTom MyDrive) if you think you will be doing any sort of advanced route planning.
I didn't like Garmins in general, but really couldn't get on with the base camp software, i went for a TomTom 550 rider and i must say its been excellent for my usage. That said, the traffic thing doesn't work when you are on mobile data (with an android phone), appears to be a known bug.
Thanks
Matt
I didn't like Garmins in general, but really couldn't get on with the base camp software, i went for a TomTom 550 rider and i must say its been excellent for my usage. That said, the traffic thing doesn't work when you are on mobile data (with an android phone), appears to be a known bug.
Thanks
Matt
te. Myrouteapp works well, is easy to use and creates Garmin files. Probably does Tom Tom tooIminquarantine said:
Can’t use touchscreen with gloves. Motorcycle vibrations kill phones, specifically the OIS in the camera. Many reports of cactus phones after bike use.
Old phone + quadlock perhaps? I wouldn't be fussed by the screen not working tbh.I use a BeMoto, but that's a different ballgame to the OP
Krikkit said:
Iminquarantine said:
Can’t use touchscreen with gloves. Motorcycle vibrations kill phones, specifically the OIS in the camera. Many reports of cactus phones after bike use.
Old phone + quadlock perhaps? I wouldn't be fussed by the screen not working tbh.I use a BeMoto, but that's a different ballgame to the OP
Reasonable option if you want a phone is a rugged smartphone - then it is waterproof, so no need mess with it if it rains. You can buy quite reasonable Chinese Android rugged phones for under £150. Plus SIM. It should be waterproof. Unlike an iPhone, there will be no phone specific case for it from Quad Lock or SP Connect. So you need to use a generic case to attach it, or buy a RAM X-Grip.
Quad Lock and SP Connect now make a vibration damper, which should fix the dead phone camera problem..... but personally I still would not put a near £1000 phone on vibrating bikes.
Back to OP: the XT has a bit better screen than the 550, but is also a bit more expensive. The XT has a poor battery and is designed for continuous bike power. The 550 you could use unpowered for a while if you want. Both come with powered mounts so should not be a problem unless your powered mount cable comes loose.
Iminquarantine said:
How do you find BeMoto?
Awesome for what it is - it's not as detailed as a proper full-size nav in terms of showing you the junction in advance, but considering what a tiny screen it is you get more than enough detail to follow your route. Battery life is enormous, and easy to mount anywhere on a bike. Screen is clear even in direct sunlight, app is constantly improving. The only snag is you need it tethered to a smartphone which is handling the GPS etc, so you'd either need it attached to a power bank or plugged in somewhere. I leave mine plugged in with a battery power bank in a rucksack or bag on the bike.
KTMsm said:
Why wouldn't you just use your phone ?
(Genuine question in case I'm missing something)
If it's just a route A to B then I don't think a phone can be beaten, although having killed my Iphone's camera twice I would highly recommend using one of the new anti vibration mounts.(Genuine question in case I'm missing something)
But if there's any route planning involved with multiple waypoints to pick up great roads/places then a good Satnav makes this so much easier. The new ones also do so much more like planning routes using different types of roads, off road options, they can generate return to base ride outs plus loads of other benefits.
One of the reasons I prefer to use a sat nav is for the phone management. Being able to access my contact lists, accept or reject incoming calls etc. are all very useful for me.
I moved from a Garmin 660 to a Tomtom 450, using the same Scala headset. The call quality of calls via the Garmin was noticeably clearer/better than with the Tomtom. (same bike, same phone, same headset, same helmet .. ) The Garmin allowed for clear calls at autobahn speeds where with the Tomtom about 50 - 60 mph is at the limit of call clarity.
Likewise, the Garmin allowed a number pad to be presented so I could dial from the satnav., which the Tomtom doesn't allow. When it comes to phone and call management, the Garmin wins hands down.
That said, the route management, especially when uploading routes from MyRoutApp is easier on the Tomtom.
I moved from a Garmin 660 to a Tomtom 450, using the same Scala headset. The call quality of calls via the Garmin was noticeably clearer/better than with the Tomtom. (same bike, same phone, same headset, same helmet .. ) The Garmin allowed for clear calls at autobahn speeds where with the Tomtom about 50 - 60 mph is at the limit of call clarity.
Likewise, the Garmin allowed a number pad to be presented so I could dial from the satnav., which the Tomtom doesn't allow. When it comes to phone and call management, the Garmin wins hands down.
That said, the route management, especially when uploading routes from MyRoutApp is easier on the Tomtom.
I agree with TomToms call handling.
Mine seems to work like 75% of the time. Usually the phone will ring, it will display on the screen, you can answer/reject etc but frequently, this doesn't happen/respond in time and you end up answering via headset (Packtalk in my case) rather than the navigation.
Now, I just use google assistant via the pack talk to make calls/answer calls.
I haven't noticed any issues though with call quality though.
Navigation wise though, I think the Tomtom is excellent, its web based software is excellent and easy to use, display is clear etc.
I bought it after doing the NC500 using just my phone in a phone case, it was a PITA.
Shame they are not cheaper though, its quite a commitment for bike based sat nav versus a phone which most of us already have with us anyway.
Mine seems to work like 75% of the time. Usually the phone will ring, it will display on the screen, you can answer/reject etc but frequently, this doesn't happen/respond in time and you end up answering via headset (Packtalk in my case) rather than the navigation.
Now, I just use google assistant via the pack talk to make calls/answer calls.
I haven't noticed any issues though with call quality though.
Navigation wise though, I think the Tomtom is excellent, its web based software is excellent and easy to use, display is clear etc.
I bought it after doing the NC500 using just my phone in a phone case, it was a PITA.
Shame they are not cheaper though, its quite a commitment for bike based sat nav versus a phone which most of us already have with us anyway.
I have to say this, a dedicated navigation device really strikes me as no longer the "best tool for the job", more of a technological dead end. I'm not sure why anyone would bother.
You literally carry, at all times, a device that is more advanced in (almost) every regard. So much so that these dedicated navigation devices (especially beeline etc.) need to connect to it in some way to have full functionality. So much so that you'll need to even charge your mobile at the same time.
Spend the money on a suitable mobile phone, the application which works best for you, and a decent mount.
I've done it for years. Big trips, very poor mobile signal, off and on road. It's worked really well.
You literally carry, at all times, a device that is more advanced in (almost) every regard. So much so that these dedicated navigation devices (especially beeline etc.) need to connect to it in some way to have full functionality. So much so that you'll need to even charge your mobile at the same time.
Spend the money on a suitable mobile phone, the application which works best for you, and a decent mount.
I've done it for years. Big trips, very poor mobile signal, off and on road. It's worked really well.
I think you're right but the additional functionality is only of benefit if you use it.
For me, it's the screen size and the ability to use it with a gloved hand, in the rain, while the device is mounted securely, with a permanent power supply and without dangling cables, extra covers etc. that keeps me with a dedicated sat. nav.
It's the difference between functionality and use. The phone option may win the functionality battle but the dedicated sat. nav. wins the use battle. At least for me for now!
For me, it's the screen size and the ability to use it with a gloved hand, in the rain, while the device is mounted securely, with a permanent power supply and without dangling cables, extra covers etc. that keeps me with a dedicated sat. nav.
It's the difference between functionality and use. The phone option may win the functionality battle but the dedicated sat. nav. wins the use battle. At least for me for now!
Yeah it's certainly fair enough. I certainly agree if you already own a dedicated device, it absolutely makes sense to continue with it.
For me, when I was upgrading my phone, I bought one with a bigger screen and water resistance, partially due to the fact at the time I was taking a lot of long trips on the Africa Twin, using my phone as the Sat Nav. I also get to use that extra "investment" on a daily basis, as like most people I use my phone a terrifying amount, so it's nice to have a better one.
It was definitely more fiddly, but "in the field" (literally) it worked. The option to get an earpiece for calls, notifications and media, was always there as well with good cheap accessories.
The notifications especially being on screen all times was good for me as I'm not sure how easily that carries over to other dedicated devices, I mean realistically no one calls nowadays. During a long ride, it's for me it was far more useful to just see you've had umpteen messages and pull over to review them.
For me, when I was upgrading my phone, I bought one with a bigger screen and water resistance, partially due to the fact at the time I was taking a lot of long trips on the Africa Twin, using my phone as the Sat Nav. I also get to use that extra "investment" on a daily basis, as like most people I use my phone a terrifying amount, so it's nice to have a better one.
It was definitely more fiddly, but "in the field" (literally) it worked. The option to get an earpiece for calls, notifications and media, was always there as well with good cheap accessories.
The notifications especially being on screen all times was good for me as I'm not sure how easily that carries over to other dedicated devices, I mean realistically no one calls nowadays. During a long ride, it's for me it was far more useful to just see you've had umpteen messages and pull over to review them.
Prof Prolapse said:
Yeah it's certainly fair enough. I certainly agree if you already own a dedicated device, it absolutely makes sense to continue with it.
For me, when I was upgrading my phone, I bought one with a bigger screen and water resistance, partially due to the fact at the time I was taking a lot of long trips on the Africa Twin, using my phone as the Sat Nav. I also get to use that extra "investment" on a daily basis, as like most people I use my phone a terrifying amount, so it's nice to have a better one.
It was definitely more fiddly, but "in the field" (literally) it worked. The option to get an earpiece for calls, notifications and media, was always there as well with good cheap accessories.
The notifications especially being on screen all times was good for me as I'm not sure how easily that carries over to other dedicated devices, I mean realistically no one calls nowadays. During a long ride, it's for me it was far more useful to just see you've had umpteen messages and pull over to review them.
I can only speak for the tomtom 550, but it handles notifications (phone, texts, whatsapps etc) all pretty well, they are displayed on the screen unless you choose to hide them.For me, when I was upgrading my phone, I bought one with a bigger screen and water resistance, partially due to the fact at the time I was taking a lot of long trips on the Africa Twin, using my phone as the Sat Nav. I also get to use that extra "investment" on a daily basis, as like most people I use my phone a terrifying amount, so it's nice to have a better one.
It was definitely more fiddly, but "in the field" (literally) it worked. The option to get an earpiece for calls, notifications and media, was always there as well with good cheap accessories.
The notifications especially being on screen all times was good for me as I'm not sure how easily that carries over to other dedicated devices, I mean realistically no one calls nowadays. During a long ride, it's for me it was far more useful to just see you've had umpteen messages and pull over to review them.
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