This has to be the most hilarious off-the-cuff English dry-humor motorcycle channel I have ever listened to. It’s like Hugh Grant shaved his head, grew a beard and fell in love with a motorcycle. Too awesome.
Another Zumo XT fan here. I like all the features you mentioned and when it is paired with your phone it also displays calls and messages which can be quite handy if you're out for a ride when you should be at work.
Couldn't agree more - you'll notice I'm one of those motorcycle "influencers" who isn't sponsored by Quad Lock either - I was one of the the first to use a Quadlock, it completely trashed my £800 phone camera and QuadLock's answer was (a few months later) buy a vibration dampener!! Stable/Horse/Bolted. Like you I'll never risk another phone with them again, vibro dampener or not.....
I also have/use a Garmin XT and love it! I know, old tech compared to a modern smartphone, but the reasons you mention are all relevant and real. I live in the Southwest of the US, and in the summer months, temperatures can be quite warm (sometimes over 40C) and I have experienced the dreaded overheating scenario with my phone, which became quite inconvenient when riding somewhere I had never been before. Also, another “feature” of a smartphone is to automatically dim/darken the screen in certain scenarios - also happens (always) at the most inappropriate times, at least for me and my phone. I will always have a dedicated GPS unit on my bike designed to handle the environment and activity of riding a motorbike…
Good choice. Imagine using your phone and you crash…phone flys away or the mount fails and the road ate it. Reaching into a dedicated, zipped pocket for your phone is a life saver
Great Video. I use my phone as primary but on trips I also take the Zumo XT. I'm in the US and traveling through the mountains, you will loose cell signal. We nearly ran out of gas and had trouble finding a gas station. After that, I purchased the Zumo as a backup. I will use it to import map files for pre-planned routes but I really don't use it to it's full potential. Thank you for the reminder of it's other features. Weather is a big one.
Hi Tim, just happened across this video. I'm with you on the phone in the pocket and dedicated GPS on the bike. Have a garmin Montana which I've had for around 3yrs now that has served me well. Looking to upgrade to the Zumo XT for the bigger screen ( got old ) and this review has sold it for me. Love your outlook and humour now liked and subscribed to your channel 👍
I found when driving LGV's or delivery vans that I used my dedicated satnav for main guidance but used my phone to get postcodes for cafes, petrol stations etc. Do the same on my bike so best of both worlds.
Hi Tim, i bought one Garmin zumo xt.i really liked... anyway I lived in Plymouth for 6 years. Now I am in Berlin. Greetings from Berlin to all motorbike friends.
Just bought a Zumo XT for my KTM. Also subscribed to My Ride basic whilst waiting to have it fitted to the bike. Your review has convinced me that I've done the right thing. Thanks...
Just to add to this very useful review, during my last winter trip to Krystallrally Norway my garmin has performed perfextly in temperatures down to -15C whilst all of my friends mobile phones and tablets gave up at -5C. So in one hit you loosing navigation and call-for-help resources
After having owned a Navigon 5, Navigon 6, Zumo 550 and Zumo 595 I vowed never to own a Garmin again. I have been using TomTom Rider 550 for years now and my goodness how much simpler and better that works, and for a much lower price. Nonetheless, I think it is time that the 550 gets un update.
I’ve used Tom Tom, Garmin and Phone apps. For a road bike I think the Sat Nav is the easiest option. Do note that a Mount to lock the Garmin on the bike or to use on multiple bikes will cost just as much as Quad Lock. I ride road and trails so a phone gives me apps for both styles of riding and allows me use the app/map that’s best for the country I’m in. Overall for mixed riding and multiple bikes I think the phone wins by a small margin.
@@timrodierides I’m glad I did, you’re video made mine! I’m a new rider and trying to figure out what GPS to get or if I should just use my phone. Also maybe you could share you’re riding wisdom with me this morning and help me make another decision. Here in about 5 hours I’m scheduled to take my skills test to get my motorcycle endorsement (I live in the US, Ohio) I’m debating on which bike of mine to take it on. I hear it’s easier on a smaller bike. I’m trying to decide between using my CRF250L or my Tuareg 660. I know the Tuareg is a lot bigger but I feel like I’m more confident on it at low speeds vs the CRF because it forces me to push forward out of fear of dropping it haha. I also have a 2015 Caponord 1200 but I know that would be a disaster since it’s super heavy and I have only ridden it once since picking it up last weekend. There is also my wife’s 2020 Vulcan S I could use if I wanted. I have way to many bikes for a new rider lmao.
Thanks, you just saved me £92.50 off the price of the XT. I didn't realise Bennetts gave a reward discount for Garmin, so thanks again. Great video too 👍
Great video, just a couple of questions:- I only have a phone no computer i phone 13 pro can i download onto the xt from that? Also will it show green lanes are they already installed, excuse my lack of tech knowledge
Thanks for the video, I've been debating on gettng one of these, I ride my bike so I can forget about my phone lol I prefer it in the tank bag hidden away.....I think I might invest in the XT....sláinte!
I’m very much against my phone on my handlebars , they have become too important to us with the info they have at hand for our ease of use .my iPhone was over £1k not a top of the range but certainly around what you expect to pay for iPhone . it has all my important information on it , banking etc , if it became detached , stolen or damaged I’d be lost ..if you lost your phone and were stuck beside the road do you remember your wife’s or riding friends numbers , breakdown contact, your insurance company even the hotel your going to , even finding a roadside phone box is pretty difficult nowadays if somehow you can recall anything . I have got the XT as well and it’s brilliant ,…..I challenge you to turn your phone off and see how many numbers you can remember , don’t forget also if your phones damaged you might not be able to use internet either to help you out ,
The older we get the harder is is to read the smart phones in the sun. Then the iphone will get hot and go dim. I order the Garmin. No brainer. Thanks for the entertaining video.
Been using my quadlock for 2 years I bought the one with vibration dampner I ride 60-80 miles nearly per day had no issues with my phone and I have the same phone as you.
Just stumbled on your channel. You’re freaking hilarious. I just had the rear camera on my iPhone replaced after 40 miles of riding with it on the handlebars of my Himalayan. Now that wasn’t vibration isolated, on the other hand, I rode for 16,000 miles on the same bike and the same mount with my Motorola G6 and it didn’t have any camera problems. Now to be fair the one flaw in that phone is it couldn’t really make a phone call. Life’s about give-and-take I guess.
I couldn't agree more. I don,t want my phone "bouncing" on the handlebar and risking loosing it, and yes, Zumo XT might be expensive but a new "top" phone nowadays is way over that price. Also, I live in Spain and I have had some overheating problems with my phones when navigating+charging+music during my summer rides; that's what finally made me get a dedicated gps a few years ago
Hmmm quite a difference between european and usa software. What program loads on a mac? Thanks for the review. I have one of these fine piles! My old garmin 450 was SO much better!
I use sat nav because it doesn't over heat and people can't call me when I need to know which way to turn. Also I don't get distracting nonsense on sat navs.
I couldn't make my mind up, on this one, having had with nightmare with a Garmin Navigator 6 and all of it's uncontrollable screen problems. I had almost decided never to buy another Garmin and just go with a phone mount. After seeing your video my mind was changed. What swung it was being able to get £92 off by having Bennetts Insurance. I've been with them for a few years. Just an offer I couldn't refuse! Thank You.
I'm still using my older phone for my sat nav, so vibration not a problem, I divert my good phone that I keep in my pocket to the old phone, and I can also see who is calling me when I'm riding and can also text/phone etc from the old phone on the bike in front of me. Also, I can charge my phone from the USB charger and swap it from bike to bike. The only downfall I would say is the screen is not as bright as a sat nav. Many Thanks
First-love that bike. I’m riding a 2018 1290s. Currently I have the 396. Thinking of upgrading to the XT. Do you think the extra real estate is worth the upgrade? Eric, Black Swan Odysseys
Maybe you find it a stupid question. But can you put movies and music on a sc card and play them right on the garmin xt2 ? Does is also play Flac music files or only mp3 ? The movies could be usefull when in the tent at the evening. Now i have the 595 world edition. I can only find the xt2 that is for Europe. Would it be possible to put on a few other countries on the sd card. F.e. when you go from Turkey to Iran ? It would be silly if you have to use your phone while having a dedicated gps device in your sight.
I'm curious why you don't use the app with your KTM TFT that connects your phone to the display. I have the Norden 901 Expedition which came with the Husqvarna Connect app. My phone stays in my pocket connected via bluetooth to my bike. I can navigate maps, music, pretty much everything via the control buttons on the left side of the handlebar (the same buttons that control ride settings, etc.).
I just order the XT, replacement for my 14 year old Zumo. I thought this summer I would just use my iPhone on my Harley, did not work for these reasons, screen too small on iPhone 11, and it vibrate too much for my old eyes to see it.
I ‘ve never considered being distracted by music a benefit to safe riding nor to enjoyment of the bike or the journey. I keep my phone for calls and photos and that’s it. I prefer a dedicated satnav for touring. Bmw navigator allows curvey route alternatives, multiple way points and the ability to skip any. Waterproof, less to lose if damaged and just perfect for the job.
Awesome quick wit, well explained, after a few reviews, pretty much convinced the XT is the way to roll on my adventure bike. Keep the sunny sideup…thank you 😎
I would like to know how to import a list (for example an Excel table) of points of interest directly from a PC to the Garmin Zumo XT? Or how can I add POIs (defined by coordinates) via computer?
I've got the Zumo XT & Quadlock which I don't use for all the reason outlined The other thing about phones in hot weather using nav will absolutely overheat your phone & it will shutdown, the Satnav won't
Great video - I’ve a new Tenere 700 coming and I’ve spent days and days trying to find a phone solution - they’re really expensive and there are loads that won’t ship nice mounts to the UK.
I use a Garmin Montana because I do a lot of off-road and I can send messages or SOS over satellite without any signals. I still think it’s a pain to use so I mostly use my phone and run them both when touring. Never had a phone die on me, and if I did, I always have AppleCare so I’d just walk into any Apple Store and get II replaced or repaired.
I'm looking to buy a sat nav for my bike, this looks like it fits the bill. I have some really good routes on PC from my little bicycle Garmin. Can I put these onto something like this?
I'm doing a lot of research into getting a Sat Nav for my own bike. Biggest worries are battery life and of plugged in to the bike if it will kill it as I want to get a bike/dash cam too. I have see a TH-cam creater put the phone under a tap and it no longer responded or changed screens because you can't lock it. The speaker and suction cup are for use while in a car or hiking as you can change the travel mode.
The greatest issue with the GPS units I've tried has been performance. Since all of the chips are being thrown at phones, perhaps the better move is to switch to GPS units without screens that a phone can connect to for GPS data and display through a dedicated app. Otherwise, the GPS could just use faster chips with more memory. I'd like to see that and a return to resistive touch screens with interfaces based on taps rather than slides AND big directional & volume buttons. A phone is ok for around town, but a more rugged, weatherproof device with large screen text/icons focused on just directions/mapping is better for long trips. There's less need for it to be small/slim, so they good be built to be handled and repaired.
I picked up my first bike yesterday from the shop. It was a 65km trip back home and it took me 4 hours because I kept getting lost - my 65km had become 122km. I had tried memorizing the map before leaving but had to find a petrol station which threw my mental map out of kilt. Had to keep stopping to look at the phone as it was very difficult while trying to ride (and probably illegal). Verdict - need a GPS - and was looking at this one. Very timely review, thanks. P.s. Can't believe the size of that monitor on the KTM - it's huge! Shame you they don't partner up with Garmin to offer gps functionality on that big screen.
Hi could you advise what aluminium mount that is you’re using for the Garmin. It looks very sturdy and ideal for my new Adventure R that I have on order. Thanks
Like the review, funny and informative. I’ve actually bought a refurbished older iPhone which I only use on the bike. Doesn’t have the camera tech to ruin so I’m not too worried about damaging it. However, the downsides are the phone is not waterproof, if I lose signal it stops functioning properly and finally, in the heat of the summer (🤷🏻♀️) it can (and has) just shut down! I actually agree that a satnav device is probably better, but the Garmin 346 I had was just awful. As for the XT, I just wince at paying £350 for it, and the XT2 at £550 is just ridiculous. If you are a dedicated tourer then it might be justified, but for local riding and the odd excursion I don’t really see it gives value for money.
I wonder if to buy this, although now I use my old Samsung S21 for a satnav. But my biggest issue with Google maps is that I cannot save a route how I want it. But 500 EUR for this, I am still thinking..
Thanks for this really entertaining clip. I use Garmin XT since a while now and I am happy with it. It does a good job. I do have a QuadLock mount as well for my phone, but I am actually not sure why..... The only thing I hate with the Garmin (but this was also an issue with my former TomTom): It starts to go wild when rain is heave enough since it thinks raindrops are fingertips. But this is pretty much the only negativ I can say about my Garmin.
Hi, I used a Garmin 660 on my previous bike a Triumph 955i for quite while. I covered parts of France and Spain (Picos.) Initially it struggled with the Mac but I eventually managed to get it work ok with Basecamp using an ordinary 3 button mouse ( didn't like track pad and Mac Magic Mouse.) I created several routes on the Mac and transferred them to the old Garmin 660 with out any problem although some of the routes were a bit quirky sometimes routing down an off slip road on a motorway and then back up the on slip road. The maps are def out of date now but I still occasionally use locally if in my wife's older car that does not have a sat nav. Great video thnx.
looking at buying a dedicated satnav, did try sticking an older phone on the handlebars with quadlock but it rattled about so much! even with the anti-vibration dampeners, on longer rides the phone would get really hot from having the screen on for ages, the camera also ended up not working right as it just wouldn't focus on anything (a known problem for many), battery life was abysmal too sadly and like you say at the start here if you were to have an accident you risk the phone being destroyed - atleast in your jacket or a bag it stands half a chance of still being usable. It's just such a pity that the few satnavs that are out there are about as expensive as a lower budget phone and some require being directly hooked upto your bikes battery which is fine for long rides but a battery only mode would be nice with the ability to charge via USB or from your bike battery if needed!
Thanks for the video! I was just about to buy one from a local retailer for £350, when you mentioned the Bennetts rewards. Checked it out and I saved £87!!!! Thank you for the tip!
There are many fantastic riding spots on the East Coast of the United States where cellular reception doesn't exist. In the middle of the country, it's the same story. I'm in the Philippines right now and can confirm there are fairly large swaths of land where phones don't work. We're a very long time from where not having a GPS on an adventure bike makes sense.
Might be a bit ott for your usage but check out the Carpe Iter nav unit. Next level and what the Garmin could be. If they could size the Carpe Iter down to the XT size or thereabouts no one would buy anything else.
I have the identical setup and find it great within its limitations. I also purchased the Touratech locking dock which allows me to leave it on the bike when its in view without some light fingered so and so making it disappear. Everyone I know whose had a quad lock has had issues from them disintegrating or disengaging......Hmmmm
Yes, much prefer a satnav to a phone. I use TomTom and it gives speed camera alerts, ETA, miles remaining, average speed through average speed cameras and has a side bar that shows distance to petrol stations, speed cameras, etc, en-route. Does the Garmin do this, please? 🤷🏼♂️ Edit: What was the fly's name?
Hello? F#$king thank you! I never thought it was a good idea to mount my phone on the handle bars. You've summarized my exact feelings/opinions about the phone/standalone GPS argument. Although, I don't recall having the accent.
I was using a phone on the bike until I got stuck in a downpour at night in the middle of nowhere. The phone started screaming at me that it’s detecting water(no s***). Had a beeline on the bike. Couldn’t get it set up in the dark and in the rain. So I got pi***ed off. Bought a zumo xt next day. Phones are great-yes! Most of ‘em don’t like water though!
That was a great review , exactly what I was looking for and very entertaining presentation. Made me want to watch right to the end. Packed with non stop information , thanks. First time on your channel , now subscribed !!
Interesting video 📹...I've used my phone in an UltimateAdons case, but thats a pain when you want to take a quick photo. A Garmin or TomTom....maybe a second phone is my way ahead. And I still use a thing, you may have heard of it, called a ' map' 🤣!!. I fold up a page of the 'map' and put it in my UltimateAdons case. Cheers Steve
A map?! That'll never catch on! I do love the idea of using a proper paper map and plotting routes. I took a paper map on my first ever tour in 2010. It got soaked through in my tank bag on the first day 😂
Hi Tim - love the channel - can I ask what mount you used to mount the Garmin onto your Nav Bar - just got the Zumo and a Givi nav bar ( 12mm ) but finding a decent non cheap plastic bracket is a bit elusive - thanks and safe riding - Maf in Brighton
I’ve had it for almost a year. In Canada it costs $679.99+ tax. Worth every penny! There is a lot of areas without the cell coverage where it works flawlessly.
Big Calimoto fan with Quadlock then I bought the XT, now I hardly ever use my phone for navigation, huge improvement over my BMW Nav V too. Otherwise I use Google maps as a back up…
Thank you for the review. It was very helpful, and it wasn't a boring topic at all. I purchased a Zumo XT today to mount onto my bike for the same reasons you did. It's too bad you didn't show the Topo Map and Bird's View that was in the product description. Those are features I'm really looking forward to checking out.
Good information there. I am running a second phone in my BMW cradle via an inexpensive adaptor and using Calimoto mainly but with the option to use Google maps and all was good and I especially like Calimotos clear speed camera warning. My Troubles have begun to surface in the the vibration, dust ingress etc has made the USB charge port a bit loose so the phone now intermittently charges and is getting worse so there is another potential pitfall there with phone use. I can get it repaired for about £50 but as another option I've been looking at the Garmin XT ( Nav 6 is crap, now sits in a drawer) especially as it's easy to load routes in via wifi. Does the Garmin offer speed camera warnings, especially in Europe?
From memory the Garmin does tell you about upcoming 'safety camera zones'. At least I think it did in France. These are usually about a 2km stretch, it won't tell you exactly in that bit where the camera is (because that's illegal in France so far as I know).
Yup I've seen the lockable mount! The 1290 SAS has an accessory switched live wire behind the front-right side panel. I just soldered some plugs on my Zumo wires and plugged it in there. I say just, I have the soldering skills of a shaved ape, so it was an adventure, but it all worked out!
@Tim Rodie Rides Motorbikes Hi Tim. Ok thanks . Ive got a Honda Africa Twin 1100L 22 reg. I may have to get Honda to possible sort as my warranty may be void if i mess with electrics . Thanks Tim
Really good video, buddy - I am about to make the 'leap' to the XT (having used the Nav V for for years on the BMW GS) - made the move to Triumph and now need a new sat-nav. The XT is a chunk of change, but I think your video has swung it - thank you!
I use maps (on iphone) when i want to find something on the road and send it to garmin drive to send it to xt. Find something in garmin is always a pain
I can confirm earlswood McDonald's is terrible!!!. Thanks for info in the video dude ,think I'm gonna have to get one for gpx tet routes. The garmin is 20x better to read the screen on a sunny day compared to a phone screen.
![[LIVE] นาทีนี้ต้องพี่ทนาย | ทนายแก้ว vs ทนายไพศาล | #คุยให้เด็กมันฟัง EP.47 (02/11/67)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HmquaO-PL_M/mqdefault.jpg)
![🔴 ฟุตบอลแชมป์กีฬา 7HD แชมเปียน คัพ 2024 [รอบรองชนะเลิศ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zPm8ClLVhoE/mqdefault.jpg)
I've since done a review of the Garmin Zumo XT2! That's here: th-cam.com/video/4rkP-1ImvjA/w-d-xo.html
This has to be the most hilarious off-the-cuff English dry-humor motorcycle channel I have ever listened to. It’s like Hugh Grant shaved his head, grew a beard and fell in love with a motorcycle. Too awesome.
That has absolutely made my day, thanks Dani! Welcome to the nonsense part of TH-cam!
Loose comparison...don’t forget to mention he’s male like Grant, not female
Another Zumo XT fan here. I like all the features you mentioned and when it is paired with your phone it also displays calls and messages which can be quite handy if you're out for a ride when you should be at work.
Yup, though I had to turn that off because I kept getting notifications from my smart doorbell when I was trying to relax in Germany :D
Couldn't agree more - you'll notice I'm one of those motorcycle "influencers" who isn't sponsored by Quad Lock either - I was one of the the first to use a Quadlock, it completely trashed my £800 phone camera and QuadLock's answer was (a few months later) buy a vibration dampener!! Stable/Horse/Bolted. Like you I'll never risk another phone with them again, vibro dampener or not.....
Thanks for the comment TMF! Absolutely agree - there's no way I'm going to risk an expensive phone, no matter how much assurance they give me…
I also have/use a Garmin XT and love it! I know, old tech compared to a modern smartphone, but the reasons you mention are all relevant and real. I live in the Southwest of the US, and in the summer months, temperatures can be quite warm (sometimes over 40C) and I have experienced the dreaded overheating scenario with my phone, which became quite inconvenient when riding somewhere I had never been before. Also, another “feature” of a smartphone is to automatically dim/darken the screen in certain scenarios - also happens (always) at the most inappropriate times, at least for me and my phone. I will always have a dedicated GPS unit on my bike designed to handle the environment and activity of riding a motorbike…
Good choice. Imagine using your phone and you crash…phone flys away or the mount fails and the road ate it.
Reaching into a dedicated, zipped pocket for your phone is a life saver
This is a great point, living in Texas myself
Iphone X overheats and shutsdown very quickly in AUS on a mild 35c day. Just ordered a ZUMO 2 today.
I’ve had mine for over a year and didn’t know it did any of that😂
Excellent vid again. Thanks
Thanks again Philip! Honestly it can do so much more than what I had time to show. It's mega.
I've had many Zumos over the years, 660, 595LM, XT and now the XT2. I've used them on the bike and the car. Wouldn't be without one.
Great Video. I use my phone as primary but on trips I also take the Zumo XT. I'm in the US and traveling through the mountains, you will loose cell signal. We nearly ran out of gas and had trouble finding a gas station. After that, I purchased the Zumo as a backup. I will use it to import map files for pre-planned routes but I really don't use it to it's full potential. Thank you for the reminder of it's other features. Weather is a big one.
Hi Tim, just happened across this video. I'm with you on the phone in the pocket and dedicated GPS on the bike. Have a garmin Montana which I've had for around 3yrs now that has served me well. Looking to upgrade to the Zumo XT for the bigger screen ( got old ) and this review has sold it for me. Love your outlook and humour now liked and subscribed to your channel 👍
I found when driving LGV's or delivery vans that I used my dedicated satnav for main guidance but used my phone to get postcodes for cafes, petrol stations etc. Do the same on my bike so best of both worlds.
I enjoyed the fly on your head in the first segment, nice video, learned a bit.
I knew civilization was finished when Mcdonalds started calling themselves a restaurant
Civilization finished when women started with claims of equality for them
amen
Hmm, by definition, McDonalds is a restaurant. The same is true for all other fast food restaurants.
@@BikerGirlTraveler maybe time to adjust the definition
Cannot stop laughing 😂
Hi Tim, i bought one Garmin zumo xt.i really liked... anyway
I lived in Plymouth for 6 years. Now I am in Berlin. Greetings from Berlin to all motorbike friends.
Just watched your review I couldn’t stop chuckling I do love your humour anyway you’ve convinced me I’m going for the Garmin XT.🤘🤘
Nice review, does it cover the whole world or do you have to load different maps in it and do they charge more for those maps?
just returned from Mexico, used the Zumo the whole time, it was terrific .
Just bought a Zumo XT for my KTM. Also subscribed to My Ride basic whilst waiting to have it fitted to the bike. Your review has convinced me that I've done the right thing. Thanks...
This was all I needed to finalize my purchase decision. Thanks a lot for the great video and perfectly clear information.
Thank you! Enjoy your adventures :)
Just to add to this very useful review, during my last winter trip to Krystallrally Norway my garmin has performed perfextly in temperatures down to -15C whilst all of my friends mobile phones and tablets gave up at -5C.
So in one hit you loosing navigation and call-for-help resources
I love the dedicated Navi concept still. My old Garmin was solid and never had issues with signal. Great review!
After having owned a Navigon 5, Navigon 6, Zumo 550 and Zumo 595 I vowed never to own a Garmin again. I have been using TomTom Rider 550 for years now and my goodness how much simpler and better that works, and for a much lower price. Nonetheless, I think it is time that the 550 gets un update.
Just upgraded from a Zumo 660 to the XT. I tried to use an old phone and not even close.
I’ve used Tom Tom, Garmin and Phone apps. For a road bike I think the Sat Nav is the easiest option. Do note that a Mount to lock the Garmin on the bike or to use on multiple bikes will cost just as much as Quad Lock. I ride road and trails so a phone gives me apps for both styles of riding and allows me use the app/map that’s best for the country I’m in. Overall for mixed riding and multiple bikes I think the phone wins by a small margin.
I randomly came across your video today and I have to say I love your humor and you will have a long-time viewer in me!
Aww thank you! That’s made my day!
@@timrodierides I’m glad I did, you’re video made mine! I’m a new rider and trying to figure out what GPS to get or if I should just use my phone. Also maybe you could share you’re riding wisdom with me this morning and help me make another decision. Here in about 5 hours I’m scheduled to take my skills test to get my motorcycle endorsement (I live in the US, Ohio) I’m debating on which bike of mine to take it on. I hear it’s easier on a smaller bike. I’m trying to decide between using my CRF250L or my Tuareg 660. I know the Tuareg is a lot bigger but I feel like I’m more confident on it at low speeds vs the CRF because it forces me to push forward out of fear of dropping it haha. I also have a 2015 Caponord 1200 but I know that would be a disaster since it’s super heavy and I have only ridden it once since picking it up last weekend. There is also my wife’s 2020 Vulcan S I could use if I wanted. I have way to many bikes for a new rider lmao.
Thanks, you just saved me £92.50 off the price of the XT. I didn't realise Bennetts gave a reward discount for Garmin, so thanks again. Great video too 👍
Great video, just a couple of questions:- I only have a phone no computer i phone 13 pro can i download onto the xt from that? Also will it show green lanes are they already installed, excuse my lack of tech knowledge
Thanks for the video, I've been debating on gettng one of these, I ride my bike so I can forget about my phone lol I prefer it in the tank bag hidden away.....I think I might invest in the XT....sláinte!
Thanks for the kind comment!
I’m very much against my phone on my handlebars , they have become too important to us with the info they have at hand for our ease of use .my iPhone was over £1k not a top of the range but certainly around what you expect to pay for iPhone . it has all my important information on it , banking etc , if it became detached , stolen or damaged I’d be lost ..if you lost your phone and were stuck beside the road do you remember your wife’s or riding friends numbers , breakdown contact, your insurance company even the hotel your going to , even finding a roadside phone box is pretty difficult nowadays if somehow you can recall anything . I have got the XT as well and it’s brilliant ,…..I challenge you to turn your phone off and see how many numbers you can remember , don’t forget also if your phones damaged you might not be able to use internet either to help you out ,
I’m an Android user but have an old iPhone 8+ for fixing to the bike. Big screen and I don’t care if it gets damaged. Best of both worlds!
The older we get the harder is is to read the smart phones in the sun. Then the iphone will get hot and go dim. I order the Garmin. No brainer. Thanks for the entertaining video.
Been using my quadlock for 2 years I bought the one with vibration dampner I ride 60-80 miles nearly per day had no issues with my phone and I have the same phone as you.
Just stumbled on your channel. You’re freaking hilarious. I just had the rear camera on my iPhone replaced after 40 miles of riding with it on the handlebars of my Himalayan. Now that wasn’t vibration isolated, on the other hand, I rode for 16,000 miles on the same bike and the same mount with my Motorola G6 and it didn’t have any camera problems. Now to be fair the one flaw in that phone is it couldn’t really make a phone call. Life’s about give-and-take I guess.
I couldn't agree more. I don,t want my phone "bouncing" on the handlebar and risking loosing it, and yes, Zumo XT might be expensive but a new "top" phone nowadays is way over that price. Also, I live in Spain and I have had some overheating problems with my phones when navigating+charging+music during my summer rides; that's what finally made me get a dedicated gps a few years ago
For my upcoming tour of South America, I am happy that Garmin has licensed iOverlander data to display in the XT.
Zumo XT for me. The larger font size is so much easier to read especially with all the vibrations.
Hmmm quite a difference between european and usa software. What program loads on a mac? Thanks for the review. I have one of these fine piles! My old garmin 450 was SO much better!
Like a Which Magazine crossed with a Carry On film, ooh matron! Fantastic review Tim.
Hahaha I’m changing my bio to that. Thank you Sean 😂
Great review does the Garmin come with all you need to mount and wire it in or do you need some extra bits?
Comes with a mount and wiring to your battery.
I use sat nav because it doesn't over heat and people can't call me when I need to know which way to turn. Also I don't get distracting nonsense on sat navs.
I couldn't make my mind up, on this one, having had with nightmare with a Garmin Navigator 6 and all of it's uncontrollable screen problems. I had almost decided never to buy another Garmin and just go with a phone mount. After seeing your video my mind was changed. What swung it was being able to get £92 off by having Bennetts Insurance. I've been with them for a few years. Just an offer I couldn't refuse! Thank You.
Also the drive app is great for typing in addresses quickly
Yes! Totally forgot to mention that.
I'm still using my older phone for my sat nav, so vibration not a problem, I divert my good phone that I keep in my pocket to the old phone, and I can also see who is calling me when I'm riding and can also text/phone etc from the old phone on the bike in front of me.
Also, I can charge my phone from the USB charger and swap it from bike to bike. The only downfall I would say is the screen is not as bright as a sat nav. Many Thanks
First-love that bike. I’m riding a 2018 1290s. Currently I have the 396. Thinking of upgrading to the XT. Do you think the extra real estate is worth the upgrade?
Eric, Black Swan Odysseys
Hi Tim I'm the same I don't like my phone on my bike ... you have just convinced me to buy the zumo xt ...!! Cheers 😊
Maybe you find it a stupid question. But can you put movies and music on a sc card and play them right on the garmin xt2 ?
Does is also play Flac music files or only mp3 ?
The movies could be usefull when in the tent at the evening.
Now i have the 595 world edition. I can only find the xt2 that is for Europe. Would it be possible to put on a few other countries on the sd card. F.e. when you go from Turkey to Iran ? It would be silly if you have to use your phone while having a dedicated gps device in your sight.
Now dropped the iphone and garmin gps for the Carplay units C5 to use Calimoto, google maps, wazes and pandora music. So far not missing the garmin
I had to stop partway through, this is comedy genius, loving it!
Now, back to the video!
I'm curious why you don't use the app with your KTM TFT that connects your phone to the display. I have the Norden 901 Expedition which came with the Husqvarna Connect app. My phone stays in my pocket connected via bluetooth to my bike. I can navigate maps, music, pretty much everything via the control buttons on the left side of the handlebar (the same buttons that control ride settings, etc.).
It's never worked on my bike
I just order the XT, replacement for my 14 year old Zumo. I thought this summer I would just use my iPhone on my Harley, did not work for these reasons, screen too small on iPhone 11, and it vibrate too much for my old eyes to see it.
I ‘ve never considered being distracted by music a benefit to safe riding nor to enjoyment of the bike or the journey. I keep my phone for calls and photos and that’s it. I prefer a dedicated satnav for touring. Bmw navigator allows curvey route alternatives, multiple way points and the ability to skip any. Waterproof, less to lose if damaged and just perfect for the job.
True, but listening to music or podcasts on long motorway schleps is good fun (for me at least… your risk aversion levels may vary!).
Ive been searching for reviews and this way the best ive found, good work
Awesome quick wit, well explained, after a few reviews, pretty much convinced the XT is the way to roll on my adventure bike.
Keep the sunny sideup…thank you 😎
I would like to know how to import a list (for example an Excel table) of points of interest directly from a PC to the Garmin Zumo XT? Or how can I add POIs (defined by coordinates) via computer?
I've got the Zumo XT & Quadlock which I don't use for all the reason outlined
The other thing about phones in hot weather using nav will absolutely overheat your phone & it will shutdown, the Satnav won't
Good point!
Great video - I’ve a new Tenere 700 coming and I’ve spent days and days trying to find a phone solution - they’re really expensive and there are loads that won’t ship nice mounts to the UK.
Ooo. Enjoy the new bike! I've got a review on the Zumo XT2 in the works... but if you can find an original XT cheaper, get that
I use a Garmin car sat nav, they're a third of the price of a specific bike sat nav and does the same job.
I use a Garmin Montana because I do a lot of off-road and I can send messages or SOS over satellite without any signals. I still think it’s a pain to use so I mostly use my phone and run them both when touring. Never had a phone die on me, and if I did, I always have AppleCare so I’d just walk into any Apple Store and get II replaced or repaired.
From one Brit to another, you nailed it, mate. I'm sold.
I'm looking to buy a sat nav for my bike, this looks like it fits the bill. I have some really good routes on PC from my little bicycle Garmin. Can I put these onto something like this?
I'm doing a lot of research into getting a Sat Nav for my own bike. Biggest worries are battery life and of plugged in to the bike if it will kill it as I want to get a bike/dash cam too. I have see a TH-cam creater put the phone under a tap and it no longer responded or changed screens because you can't lock it. The speaker and suction cup are for use while in a car or hiking as you can change the travel mode.
The greatest issue with the GPS units I've tried has been performance. Since all of the chips are being thrown at phones, perhaps the better move is to switch to GPS units without screens that a phone can connect to for GPS data and display through a dedicated app. Otherwise, the GPS could just use faster chips with more memory. I'd like to see that and a return to resistive touch screens with interfaces based on taps rather than slides AND big directional & volume buttons.
A phone is ok for around town, but a more rugged, weatherproof device with large screen text/icons focused on just directions/mapping is better for long trips. There's less need for it to be small/slim, so they good be built to be handled and repaired.
I picked up my first bike yesterday from the shop. It was a 65km trip back home and it took me 4 hours because I kept getting lost - my 65km had become 122km. I had tried memorizing the map before leaving but had to find a petrol station which threw my mental map out of kilt. Had to keep stopping to look at the phone as it was very difficult while trying to ride (and probably illegal). Verdict - need a GPS - and was looking at this one. Very timely review, thanks. P.s. Can't believe the size of that monitor on the KTM - it's huge! Shame you they don't partner up with Garmin to offer gps functionality on that big screen.
Thanks for the kind words! The KTM does have basic turn-by-turn GPS stuff built in, but I've never managed to get it working…
great review! I'm new to the GPS world, is there a monthly subscription and/or cost to download maps, local or international?
Hi could you advise what aluminium mount that is you’re using for the Garmin. It looks very sturdy and ideal for my new Adventure R that I have on order. Thanks
Hi! It is very sturdy! It’s Touratech part no. 373-5415
Like the review, funny and informative. I’ve actually bought a refurbished older iPhone which I only use on the bike. Doesn’t have the camera tech to ruin so I’m not too worried about damaging it. However, the downsides are the phone is not waterproof, if I lose signal it stops functioning properly and finally, in the heat of the summer (🤷🏻♀️) it can (and has) just shut down!
I actually agree that a satnav device is probably better, but the Garmin 346 I had was just awful. As for the XT, I just wince at paying £350 for it, and the XT2 at £550 is just ridiculous.
If you are a dedicated tourer then it might be justified, but for local riding and the odd excursion I don’t really see it gives value for money.
Excellent! Fantastic review; love the humor. Keep them coming!
Thanks Frank!
I wonder if to buy this, although now I use my old Samsung S21 for a satnav. But my biggest issue with Google maps is that I cannot save a route how I want it. But 500 EUR for this, I am still thinking..
Thank you for the helpfull video. But I am struggling to find ''dirt/offroad'' roads in my phone. Does this Garmin know offroad roads to travel?
Thanks for this really entertaining clip. I use Garmin XT since a while now and I am happy with it. It does a good job. I do have a QuadLock mount as well for my phone, but I am actually not sure why.....
The only thing I hate with the Garmin (but this was also an issue with my former TomTom): It starts to go wild when rain is heave enough since it thinks raindrops are fingertips. But this is pretty much the only negativ I can say about my Garmin.
Interesting i plan to fit a sat nav inside my screen above the console, will prevent this
Hi, I used a Garmin 660 on my previous bike a Triumph 955i for quite while. I covered parts of France and Spain (Picos.) Initially it struggled with the Mac but I eventually managed to get it work ok with Basecamp using an ordinary 3 button mouse ( didn't like track pad and Mac Magic Mouse.) I created several routes on the Mac and transferred them to the old Garmin 660 with out any problem although some of the routes were a bit quirky sometimes routing down an off slip road on a motorway and then back up the on slip road. The maps are def out of date now but I still occasionally use locally if in my wife's older car that does not have a sat nav. Great video thnx.
looking at buying a dedicated satnav, did try sticking an older phone on the handlebars with quadlock but it rattled about so much! even with the anti-vibration dampeners, on longer rides the phone would get really hot from having the screen on for ages, the camera also ended up not working right as it just wouldn't focus on anything (a known problem for many), battery life was abysmal too sadly and like you say at the start here if you were to have an accident you risk the phone being destroyed - atleast in your jacket or a bag it stands half a chance of still being usable.
It's just such a pity that the few satnavs that are out there are about as expensive as a lower budget phone and some require being directly hooked upto your bikes battery which is fine for long rides but a battery only mode would be nice with the ability to charge via USB or from your bike battery if needed!
Thanks for the video! I was just about to buy one from a local retailer for £350, when you mentioned the Bennetts rewards. Checked it out and I saved £87!!!! Thank you for the tip!
Great talk about the Zumo XT as I got one coming for Xmas :) can't wait
Gives you an excuse to go on a big tour in 2023 Dean!
@@timrodierides that's the plan
great review and very helpful - seriously thinking about this. what is the speedometer like - is it accurate? and does it pick up all speed traps?
There are many fantastic riding spots on the East Coast of the United States where cellular reception doesn't exist. In the middle of the country, it's the same story. I'm in the Philippines right now and can confirm there are fairly large swaths of land where phones don't work. We're a very long time from where not having a GPS on an adventure bike makes sense.
Might be a bit ott for your usage but check out the Carpe Iter nav unit. Next level and what the Garmin could be. If they could size the Carpe Iter down to the XT size or thereabouts no one would buy anything else.
I have the identical setup and find it great within its limitations. I also purchased the Touratech locking dock which allows me to leave it on the bike when its in view without some light fingered so and so making it disappear. Everyone I know whose had a quad lock has had issues from them disintegrating or disengaging......Hmmmm
Yes, much prefer a satnav to a phone. I use TomTom and it gives speed camera alerts, ETA, miles remaining, average speed through average speed cameras and has a side bar that shows distance to petrol stations, speed cameras, etc, en-route.
Does the Garmin do this, please? 🤷🏼♂️
Edit: What was the fly's name?
Get the rain poncho for your phone on quad lock and you are good to go
Hello? F#$king thank you! I never thought it was a good idea to mount my phone on the handle bars. You've summarized my exact feelings/opinions about the phone/standalone GPS argument. Although, I don't recall having the accent.
Haha, apologies for the accent!
I definitely agree a dedicated GPS is the best option for the reasons you mentioned. The phone is better with ‘you’ in case something happens.
Funniest and most factual motorcycle reviews subscribed!!!!
I was using a phone on the bike until I got stuck in a downpour at night in the middle of nowhere. The phone started screaming at me that it’s detecting water(no s***). Had a beeline on the bike. Couldn’t get it set up in the dark and in the rain. So I got pi***ed off. Bought a zumo xt next day. Phones are great-yes! Most of ‘em don’t like water though!
Good honest review, and comparison. Subscribed, looking forward to seeing more.
Thanks!
That was a great review , exactly what I was looking for and very entertaining presentation. Made me want to watch right to the end. Packed with non stop information , thanks. First time on your channel , now subscribed !!
Thank you kindly!
Interesting video 📹...I've used my phone in an UltimateAdons case, but thats a pain when you want to take a quick photo. A Garmin or TomTom....maybe a second phone is my way ahead. And I still use a thing, you may have heard of it, called a ' map' 🤣!!. I fold up a page of the 'map' and put it in my UltimateAdons case. Cheers Steve
A map?! That'll never catch on! I do love the idea of using a proper paper map and plotting routes. I took a paper map on my first ever tour in 2010. It got soaked through in my tank bag on the first day 😂
Hi Tim - love the channel - can I ask what mount you used to mount the Garmin onto your Nav Bar - just got the Zumo and a Givi nav bar ( 12mm ) but finding a decent non cheap plastic bracket is a bit elusive - thanks and safe riding - Maf in Brighton
Got the Zumo and agree with everything you say in this video. It’s a great piece of kit, love it
I’ve had it for almost a year. In Canada it costs $679.99+ tax. Worth every penny! There is a lot of areas without the cell coverage where it works flawlessly.
Big Calimoto fan with Quadlock then I bought the XT, now I hardly ever use my phone for navigation, huge improvement over my BMW Nav V too. Otherwise I use Google maps as a back up…
Ah that's interesting Ian! Do you miss any of the Calimoto features?
Thank you for the review. It was very helpful, and it wasn't a boring topic at all. I purchased a Zumo XT today to mount onto my bike for the same reasons you did. It's too bad you didn't show the Topo Map and Bird's View that was in the product description. Those are features I'm really looking forward to checking out.
3:23 mini usb (not micro, which is very similar). You're right that's an old connection, wonder why it uses that!
My bad! The new Zumo XT2 is USB C thankfully
Clear and reasonable analysis. Thanks buddy. Cheers from Brazil.
Good information there. I am running a second phone in my BMW cradle via an inexpensive adaptor and using Calimoto mainly but with the option to use Google maps and all was good and I especially like Calimotos clear speed camera warning. My Troubles have begun to surface in the the vibration, dust ingress etc has made the USB charge port a bit loose so the phone now intermittently charges and is getting worse so there is another potential pitfall there with phone use.
I can get it repaired for about £50 but as another option I've been looking at the Garmin XT ( Nav 6 is crap, now sits in a drawer) especially as it's easy to load routes in via wifi.
Does the Garmin offer speed camera warnings, especially in Europe?
From memory the Garmin does tell you about upcoming 'safety camera zones'. At least I think it did in France. These are usually about a 2km stretch, it won't tell you exactly in that bit where the camera is (because that's illegal in France so far as I know).
Thanks for that mate . Great review. You can get a Tourtech lockable mount to . How do you hard wire it to your bike ?
Yup I've seen the lockable mount! The 1290 SAS has an accessory switched live wire behind the front-right side panel. I just soldered some plugs on my Zumo wires and plugged it in there. I say just, I have the soldering skills of a shaved ape, so it was an adventure, but it all worked out!
@Tim Rodie Rides Motorbikes Hi Tim. Ok thanks . Ive got a Honda Africa Twin 1100L 22 reg. I may have to get Honda to possible sort as my warranty may be void if i mess with electrics . Thanks Tim
Really good video, buddy - I am about to make the 'leap' to the XT (having used the Nav V for for years on the BMW GS) - made the move to Triumph and now need a new sat-nav. The XT is a chunk of change, but I think your video has swung it - thank you!
Thanks for the kind comment - hope it serves you well
I use maps (on iphone) when i want to find something on the road and send it to garmin drive to send it to xt. Find something in garmin is always a pain
Just purchased one of these for my multisrada enduro 👍
I sold sold my Tomtom 440 because it was too slow. Fine, until you get out of signal range then you've no satnav, now looking to buy a better satnav
I can confirm earlswood McDonald's is terrible!!!. Thanks for info in the video dude ,think I'm gonna have to get one for gpx tet routes. The garmin is 20x better to read the screen on a sunny day compared to a phone screen.
Good review!!!! Question: does Spotify (still) work on the XT via the phone?
Yup!