Gps

[SteveST1300]

I am trying to decide on a GPS unit I have never owned one but from what I have read on the MSN board I think it is a great addition to a touring bike. My questions are:
1. Which model do you reccomend and why?
2. How you power them?
3. Is a flash card the best memory to use?
I have seen several mounts but the one in the center of the bars looks like it would interfear with the ignition key, does it?
I have looked at the Garmin 2610 and the quest.
Which one is the most weather resistant

Thanks I know its a lot of questions but any help is greatly appreciated.

Steve
STOC# 5079 :03biker:

[basco]

I am trying to decide on a GPS unit I have never owned one but from what I have read on the MSN board I think it is a great addition to a touring bike. My questions are:
1. Which model do you reccomend and why?
2. How you power them?
3. Is a flash card the best memory to use?
I have seen several mounts but the one in the center of the bars looks like it would interfear with the ignition key, does it?
I have looked at the Garmin 2610 and the quest.
Which one is the most weather resistant

Thanks I know its a lot of questions but any help is greatly appreciated.

Steve
STOC# 5079 :03biker:

1. I recommend the 2610. But quest if you lack power on your bike. Quest is good for off road since it has 10000 track points vs 2610 with 2000
2. Two ways you can - A. Hardwire with Garmin MC cord. You can get this from Garmin or GPS City and a few others. B. Buy a Jastec Powerlet cord and run it thru the Powerlet socket (if you have one, which I recommend)
3. Flash is the best for MCing. 2620 is NOT recommended for MCing.
4. No but might be blocked by your tank bag like I am experancing
5. Both are IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 mins.)

You can go to the Garmin site and compare the two side by site. The memory limitation for the Quest is a major drawback for me. I bought a 1 gig chip and have 1/2 the US and Canada on the GPS without the aid of a laptop

[SteveST1300]

Yes I have Gen mar risers.

Thanks for all the info big help.

[toad]

I just went through the exact same process Steve. I settled on the 276C.

First the 276C uses a different screen technology in that makes the display EASIER to read in bright sunlight. The 276C is also waterproof...their adds claim it was tested for 30mins fully submerged. It uses flash cards...in my book this has to be better than a harddrive equiped units in an environment such as bolted to a motorcycle.

I have mine mounted with a RAM ball screwed into my Heli risers...works like a champ.

The only downside I see is the cost of course...and having to purchase a 12v cord (which I have hardmounted to an aux fuse block int he tail) and mapsource seperately.

[NormanPCN]

I also have a 276C. You can use it battery powered. It has a rechargable lithium battery that last 20 hours with no backlight and 15 with it at half backlight and 7 at full backlight. The unit does come with the pwoer cable you can use to wire to you bike. Since I only use the GPS as needed I have run on battery power. I use a cycle gadgets mount on the clutch reservior with a RAM ball mount. The 276C is a dual mode unit. Marine and auto. The marine part is the reason the display has a transreflective display to make it more readable in direct sunlight than display that are 100% backlight like the streetpilots. With a 256MB flash card you can load the entire western US maps. New Mexico to Montana and to the coast.

[basco]

I just went through the exact same process Steve. I settled on the 276C.

First the 276C uses a different screen technology in that makes the display EASIER to read in bright sunlight. The 276C is also waterproof...their adds claim it was tested for 30mins fully submerged. It uses flash cards...in my book this has to be better than a harddrive equiped units in an environment such as bolted to a motorcycle.

I have mine mounted with a RAM ball screwed into my Heli risers...works like a champ.

The only downside I see is the cost of course...and having to purchase a 12v cord (which I have hardmounted to an aux fuse block int he tail) and mapsource seperately.

Not knocking down your choice and I am sure the 276C is a good product but both are rated IPX7. Correct you should not use harddrive units like the 2620 and the 2660. In fact reading some of the other threads, there is someone here that bought one and it crashed. A good place to go for information (not necessarily mc stuff) is www.gpspassion.com (http://www.gpspassion.com)

BTW what turned me off on the 276 is the size. Twice the size overall and same size screen.

[NormanPCN]

BTW what turned me off on the 276 is the size. Twice the size overall and same size screen.

276C
Unit dimensions: 5.7"W x 3.2"H x 1.9"D
Garmin 276C webpage (http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap276c/)

2610
5.6" W x 3.2" H x 2.0" D unit dimensions
Garmin 2610 web page (http://www.garmin.com/products/sp2610/)

[NormanPCN]

Yes, the 276C ($588) is a more expensive solution. You do have to buy City Select ($109) and a map card ($129 for 256MB). Due to the marine heritage (proprogrammed cartridges) of the 276C it still uses the proprietary flash card.

The reason(s) one might go for the 276C is the transreflective display and/or the battery operation ability and/or the higher resolution display (pixels).

[NormanPCN]

gpsdiscount.com

I was not quoting the auto navigation kit. I only quoted the City Select. The autonav kit is 249.

[basco]

276C
Unit dimensions: 5.7"W x 3.2"H x 1.9"D
Garmin 276C webpage (http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap276c/)

2610
5.6" W x 3.2" H x 2.0" D unit dimensions
Garmin 2610 web page (http://www.garmin.com/products/sp2610/)

Sorry my mistake, I was looking at another Garmin page apparently it was off.

[DubT]

I bought the Garmin etrex Vists C. It is small and easy to mount. I did end up buying the auto navigation kit which included the city Select program. The complete package cost me right at $500. I use it in my car and on the bike and am very satisfied with it. It only has 24mg of memory so you have to be selective about the maps you install. The unit uses two AA batteries but I power it through the powerlet outlet with an adapter.

DubT

[toad]

Norman thanks for clearing up the size confusion.

And yes...the 276 IS the more expensive solution. However, in my case...wanting to use it primarily on the bike, secondarily on my boat and rarely in the car...the 276C was the ticket.

Guess I should have mentioned the boat earlier. =)

[EdsST]

If you go with Garmin 2610 realize there is no battery back up and you will probably want to get MC hardwire set up. Finding out the hardway - got a powerlet and had planned on using that to plug it into (didn't realize the powerlet is a different outlet that the lighter plug cord)

Anyway I ordered the hardwire setup from GPSCity today and should get it by next week

[NormanPCN]

Norman thanks for clearing up the size confusion.

And yes...the 276 IS the more expensive solution. However, in my case...wanting to use it primarily on the bike, secondarily on my boat and rarely in the car...the 276C was the ticket.

Guess I should have mentioned the boat earlier. =)

For me the marine features are a waste, but I got the 276C because of the transreflective display and battery powered option.

[toad]

For me the marine features are a waste, but I got the 276C because of the transreflective display and battery powered option.


Agreed that would have sold me on the unit right there...but...I also have a boat in need of GPS...so as they say...it was a slam dunk. =)

[NormanPCN]

Agreed that would have sold me on the unit right there...but...I also have a boat in need of GPS...so as they say...it was a slam dunk. =)

Yea, but does your boat have the necessary hookup to have the 276C steer your boat along a course. :D

Ever push sombody overboard just so you can use the man overboard feature. :D

[ST_Jim]

Ever push sombody overboard just so you can use the man overboard feature. :D
Norman, remind me to NEVER go on a boat ride with you!!! :eek:

Jim

[EdsST]

Leo - wish I had seen your post a little earlier - have already ordered the hardwire plug for the GPS. Was thinking about how to wire it up - might still order the adapter.

I guess I didn't understand the powerlet setup - my previous bike was a 95 ST and because it has a weak alternator never really put any extra electrical farkles one it (Had a 85 Goldwing where the alternator went bad twice and didn't want to have to deal with that again)

Thanks anyway Leo

[basco]

Leo - wish I had seen your post a little earlier - have already ordered the hardwire plug for the GPS. Was thinking about how to wire it up - might still order the adapter.

I guess I didn't understand the powerlet setup - my previous bike was a 95 ST and because it has a weak alternator never really put any extra electrical farkles one it (Had a 85 Goldwing where the alternator went bad twice and didn't want to have to deal with that again)

Thanks anyway Leo

I have both and the powerlet cord is long. You might end up just using the hardware for riding and the powerlet for taking it off the mount and choosing your routes while off the bike.

[EdsST]

Basco do you have any pics of how you wired the hardwire? My ram mount is connected to clutch reservoir

[basco]

Basco do you have any pics of how you wired the hardwire? My ram mount is connected to clutch reservoir

I ordered one for my new one and should be here today. I will put it on and take some pics. On my 03, I took the gas tank up and routed it under and thru the fairing and up past the mirror housing and out the hole to the right and up the fairing.

Again, I have a different place to put it from the 03 but it might be similar in your mounting scenario.

[toad]

Yea, but does your boat have the necessary hookup to have the 276C steer your boat along a course. :D

Ever push sombody overboard just so you can use the man overboard feature. :D


Funny you should mention that... =)

Heh...naw...really I use the boat on area lakes. Its supa handy for finding or returning to hot fishing spots...and we occassionally dive as well...so having GPS on board helps us pinpoints interesting features etc.

And yes...I have pushed someone overboard...but not to test that feature. It was...well it was a long story. =)

[basco]

I thought about that but I did that with my cell phone and after awhile of doing that, the door to the glove compartment becomes warped and the screws loosen up over time and might catch you by suprise one day like on my bike.

Thanks for the warning, I do that usually anyways with the cap and also the contacts oxides faster without it. To me the hardwire is easier, no slack to coil and use the bikes clips at the steering column to hold the wire stationary. And one powerlet plug not being occupied because of GPS

[SteveST1300]

If I understand you guys I will need the Garmin powerlet adaptor and that will connect to the BMW powerlet? I have decided on the 2610.

Thanks Again
Steve

[SteveST1300]

Had an afterthought whoi makes the mount for the 2610 that goes on the Clutch Cylinder?

Steve

[SteveST1300]

Thanks Leo

Steve

[Wes]

I have the 276C -- It is very easy to read in bright sunlight - direct sun is no problem. I have it mounted to Ram Ball on Motorcycle Larry's bar risers. Motorcycle Larry also has ram mount covers for the clutch and brake reservoirs.

[EdsST]

Steve - I got my RAM from Cyclegadets.com, when you order it you actually order 4 different parts: the 2610 holder, a ram ball that connects to that, a RAM arm and the RAM ball that connects to the clutch resevoir (HB1)

I got the standard 3 in arm, but if I had to do it again I think I would have gotten the shorter arm - being on the clutch resevoir its already closer to you and the 3 in arm puts it that much closer.

When I get home (I'm at work now - I will take a picture and post)

[basco]

Steve - I got my RAM from Cyclegadets.com, when you order it you actually order 4 different parts: the 2610 holder, a ram ball that connects to that, a RAM arm and the RAM ball that connects to the clutch resevoir (HB1)

I got the standard 3 in arm, but if I had to do it again I think I would have gotten the shorter arm - being on the clutch resevoir its already closer to you and the 3 in arm puts it that much closer.

When I get home (I'm at work now - I will take a picture and post)

You can buy a shorter arm from RAM. Of course it would cost more but not much somewhere 10 usd plus shipping. I bought a 5" and Larry Mount. I had to see it over a tank bag. I got a 3" and an extension so it is almost where I mounted it on the dash without drilling holes in it.

[SteveST1300]

I just wanted to thank you all again. I have orderd the 2610 and all the necessary cables and mounts. Thanks for all the tips on what to get and where to get it from. Let the Farkeling begin.
ON ORDERD

Staintunes
Garmin 2610


Thanks all
Steve

[SteveST1300]

Thanks for that bit of Info Leo. I think that will be a big help. I am really looking forward to the new toys. Still have to find a music source. I will probably wait and see whats available at Americade. They are predicting a Noreaster here tomorrow morning man I need some riding weather. I have new tires that are not even scuffed yet!!!

Steve