I don't get it. I travel throughout Europe every year and I think it is a very good unit with a good directory structure and I love the "where am I" and the "detour" functions as well as the auto recalculation of routes. This and Garmin Basecamp make it a versatile unit. The screen could be a little clearer in bright sunlight I admit but other than that no complaints from me. Another good option is the TPMS.
Cheers for the great and honest review. You saved me quite a few euro there as I was considering buying one. Like some of the other commentators, I will try out google maps, waze or other free apps first before opening the wallet. Thanks again for taking the time buddy and enjoy the trips over the summer.
I would recommend the app Maps.me it works offline, it is free, very detailed and works like a charm. Google Maps lacks offline support in many areas, but as long as you have data it works great, much better than any GPS out there, and it keeps getting better. However after travelling around there is nothing better than a good old map, GPS tend to screw up your sense of orientation since you rely on the real time on the spot screen and do not offer a big picture that can orient you better. Also you get fixed on the GPS screen while riding instead of making up the route on your mind which is much better and safer. Since then I have switched to paper maps and ocassionally use the cellphone when Im stuck somewhere. I hope this helps!
Unfortunately, cellphones are useless in remote location where there is no cell service. Stand lone GPS devices use satellite for position tracking unlike cellphones. I'm still trying to to figure out what is the best GPS for my motorcycle.
+CycleCruza Depends on the cellphone and the app, I just used an iPhone 6 in Africa with the app Maps.me and it works offline with no reception. The iPhone GPS and compass work without using internet data. Google Maps will work with offline maps but the guided navigation wont ;(
Adventure Rider Also, phones don't allow you to use it with motorcycle gloves and they are not waterproof and the screen can;t be seen as well as dedicated motorcycle gps units.
Old post but this is totally wrong information. All cellphones has GPS like the stand alone GPS has. Only difference in the beginning was the software, most of them were online versions only but now there are many different options and free downloadable maps with free updates. A stand alone GPS is worthless as they usually don't get free updates. Also they are very slow compared to cellphones.
Most people try planning a trip on a motorcycle and you have a good idea where you're at. Under Apps you have a trip planner and it always shows places near you. Another option is use the map view and select the location you want. How many phone or computers can with stand hail and rain? My 390LM has. Oh you can't learn something new?
I'm in the Netherlands and I found Canillo after typing 5 letters! And it's up to new places like hotels to register with Navteq in order to apear on the map. It's stupid to wait until someone from the mapcompany happens to pass by and discover the new hotel by accident, duh! The scolling of the maps is getting better every year. Building maps is very hard on the processor. All of this you could have found out in the shop before buying it. So don't complain afterwards!
Thanks for your video is very interesting have you thought about just buying a more inexpensive navigation system untill something comes out that's more integrated with Google? I might do that, just buy a refurbished unit. I've been using my android phone which works perfect but it's not completely adequate specially for off road riding
+Dan Ashland I just sold my Garmin Zumo last week. I am planning to try the TomTom Rider 400. Ill let you know how it goes. At the moment I think the smartest solution is Google Maps with an Android phone, however phones are not meant for GPS, it can have its downsides.
You are criticising the wrong thing about this unit. Its ability to create motorbike routes using Basecamp is a nightmare. Nobody can use Basecamp, people have to use MyRouteApp and then import the gpx file into BaseCamp which will re-route your intended route away from the original route. Following a Route is a nightmare - if you miss a waypoint by more than a few metres it will always try to turn you back and ignore any other waypoint until you have done so. There should be an override to allow continuation to next waypoint. Tracks are supposed to overcome this deficiency but I have not managed to get one working on this device so that I can follow it. Any advice welcome
Hate the iphone1x that uses face IDs. Whenever u receive a call it closes the navigator and after the call it locks the screen. The only way to unlock is to stop the bike and enter the unlock code because it doesn`t recognize your face ID with a helmet on. So good luck with those who still wants to use their iphones, I go with my Garmin Zumo
none of that, i find it very expensive with $500 somewhat, shouldnt these things be a bit cheaper than that? i know that they have to shoot a sattelite in the air and do some more r&d.. but still
+Stephen Curran not yet, I doubt it would be better than Google Maps. In the end it is all about having smart software that can improve your navigation. Garmin and Tomtom are still using the oldschool GPS approach. I'd rather wait until someone comes out with a smart GPS device that can connect to Google's APIs and gives you the ability to install all sorts of apps through the Internet.
A lot of BS! I could find all the places you tried to find on the Zumo without any problems on the same device..... Apparently you did not even tried to understand the search functions of the Zumo, Read the manual?
Many stations in Spain do not appear easily, minor spelling mistakes make the search useless. Campings, hotels and restaurants are outdated in most of Europe. Future updates should fix that but I am not using the Zumo anymore.
Haha, took me 1 day to sell mine. Still stuck to the zumo 660 as it seems to work slower, but better. As a friend of mine said, its the least shitty option on a motorcycle.
Adv Rider - Do you mind sending me a message to let me know what unit you are using now?? Im a new rider and trying to do as much research as possible; Im in the states and prior to reading or watching this video i was just about to purchase the ZUMO 395 or 595 I'm a bit hesitant now obviously; what would you suggest in the interim
I agree completely with the statement that the Garmin Zumo 660 is a very disappointing, very expensive, slow and annoying device to own. Crap! No more to add. Avoid.
I thought my 390 as a problem, but after I saw the video, now I know, it's very very slow and the max brightness it''s not that bright, Zumo 550 still wining in these field. I regret I upgraded and I back to the Zumo 550 and I'm moving to TomTom.
Was about to fork out $800 for this until I saw what an unresponsive undeveloped POS it really is. It's nothing short of pathetic that a premium dedicated GPS device, especially in this day and age, can fail so miserably at doing such a simple task. It seems to have the computing power of a 1980's wrist watch. And to think they are asking $800 for this shit. Google should make official GPS devices using their maps, it would absolutely kill off every GPS on the market.
+surg23 I think what will happen is that some manufacturer will bring out a programmable GPS with Android Auto. These are already being delivered on car GPSs. Garmin could just stop shipping their GPSs with their shitty software, focus on the hardware and pre-install Android Auto. Then Google hopefully will release an Android Moto OS for GPS. That would be amazing!
Smart phones killed many business including GPS, at least in city Waze phone application is outstanding! it is a community constantly updating the road conditions. You can find GPS units for under 100 bucks but when come to motorcycles you overpay for a sealed waterproof unit, high bright screen and touch friendly screen. If you dont like it dont buy, use your phone or a map.
hahaha .. mate 25min curse .. but 10/10 .. all valid points.. pheww I have almost bought it ..but what Im gonu do is that I will buy dedicated second hand smart phone with some shit prove case , hook it up to the x-mount on the handlebars and off I go ;)
I don't get it. I travel throughout Europe every year and I think it is a very good unit with a good directory structure and I love the "where am I" and the "detour" functions as well as the auto recalculation of routes. This and Garmin Basecamp make it a versatile unit. The screen could be a little clearer in bright sunlight I admit but other than that no complaints from me. Another good option is the TPMS.
buy an old phone and just use is as a gps with offline google maps
Cheers for the great and honest review. You saved me quite a few euro there as I was considering buying one. Like some of the other commentators, I will try out google maps, waze or other free apps first before opening the wallet. Thanks again for taking the time buddy and enjoy the trips over the summer.
Dont ride offroad? Go for the tomtom rider. Hella good navigator, but no tracks option makes it useless offroad.
Same with me. It's a shame, that new and expensive navi has almost the same flaws as an old and cheap one.
Hi guys - don't go off road really. Will check out the tomtom rider. Cheers for the advice and ride safe :-)
I would recommend the app Maps.me it works offline, it is free, very detailed and works like a charm. Google Maps lacks offline support in many areas, but as long as you have data it works great, much better than any GPS out there, and it keeps getting better.
However after travelling around there is nothing better than a good old map, GPS tend to screw up your sense of orientation since you rely on the real time on the spot screen and do not offer a big picture that can orient you better. Also you get fixed on the GPS screen while riding instead of making up the route on your mind which is much better and safer. Since then I have switched to paper maps and ocassionally use the cellphone when Im stuck somewhere.
I hope this helps!
Unfortunately, cellphones are useless in remote location where there is no cell service. Stand lone GPS devices use satellite for position tracking unlike cellphones. I'm still trying to to figure out what is the best GPS for my motorcycle.
+CycleCruza Depends on the cellphone and the app, I just used an iPhone 6 in Africa with the app Maps.me and it works offline with no reception. The iPhone GPS and compass work without using internet data. Google Maps will work with offline maps but the guided navigation wont ;(
Adventure Rider Also, phones don't allow you to use it with motorcycle gloves and they are not waterproof and the screen can;t be seen as well as dedicated motorcycle gps units.
Hey man, what GPS did ya get?
Old post but this is totally wrong information. All cellphones has GPS like the stand alone GPS has. Only difference in the beginning was the software, most of them were online versions only but now there are many different options and free downloadable maps with free updates. A stand alone GPS is worthless as they usually don't get free updates. Also they are very slow compared to cellphones.
Most people try planning a trip on a motorcycle and you have a good idea where you're at. Under Apps you have a trip planner and it always shows places near you. Another option is use the map view and select the location you want. How many phone or computers can with stand hail and rain? My 390LM has. Oh you can't learn something new?
I'm in the Netherlands and I found Canillo after typing 5 letters! And it's up to new places like hotels to register with Navteq in order to apear on the map. It's stupid to wait until someone from the mapcompany happens to pass by and discover the new hotel by accident, duh! The scolling of the maps is getting better every year. Building maps is very hard on the processor. All of this you could have found out in the shop before buying it. So don't complain afterwards!
Thanks for your video is very interesting have you thought about just buying a more inexpensive navigation system untill something comes out that's more integrated with Google?
I might do that, just buy a refurbished unit. I've been using my android phone which works perfect but it's not completely adequate specially for off road riding
+Dan Ashland I just sold my Garmin Zumo last week. I am planning to try the TomTom Rider 400. Ill let you know how it goes. At the moment I think the smartest solution is Google Maps with an Android phone, however phones are not meant for GPS, it can have its downsides.
You are criticising the wrong thing about this unit. Its ability to create motorbike routes using Basecamp is a nightmare. Nobody can use Basecamp, people have to use MyRouteApp and then import the gpx file into BaseCamp which will re-route your intended route away from the original route. Following a Route is a nightmare - if you miss a waypoint by more than a few metres it will always try to turn you back and ignore any other waypoint until you have done so. There should be an override to allow continuation to next waypoint. Tracks are supposed to overcome this deficiency but I have not managed to get one working on this device so that I can follow it. Any advice welcome
Hate the iphone1x that uses face IDs. Whenever u receive a call it closes the navigator and after the call it locks the screen. The only way to unlock is to stop the bike and enter the unlock code because it doesn`t recognize your face ID with a helmet on. So good luck with those who still wants to use their iphones, I go with my Garmin Zumo
none of that, i find it very expensive with $500 somewhat, shouldnt these things be a bit cheaper than that? i know that they have to shoot a sattelite in the air and do some more r&d.. but still
Had no problem with mine. Toured around France and Spain no problem at all. On any journey if you fail to plan, then plan to fail.
Have you tried out the new TomTom Rider 400?
+Stephen Curran not yet, I doubt it would be better than Google Maps. In the end it is all about having smart software that can improve your navigation. Garmin and Tomtom are still using the oldschool GPS approach. I'd rather wait until someone comes out with a smart GPS device that can connect to Google's APIs and gives you the ability to install all sorts of apps through the Internet.
Not yet but I would like to. I might the Tomtom Rider and make another review!
A lot of BS! I could find all the places you tried to find on the Zumo without any problems on the same device..... Apparently you did not even tried to understand the search functions of the Zumo, Read the manual?
Many stations in Spain do not appear easily, minor spelling mistakes make the search useless. Campings, hotels and restaurants are outdated in most of Europe. Future updates should fix that but I am not using the Zumo anymore.
I had a Zumo 390LM it was junk and would freeze up even with the supposedly fixed firmware. I sold it in 2 weeks. Garmin Zumo clearly are junk!
Haha, took me 1 day to sell mine. Still stuck to the zumo 660 as it seems to work slower, but better. As a friend of mine said, its the least shitty option on a motorcycle.
+Wayne L Zumo 390 is a ripoff!
Adv Rider - Do you mind sending me a message to let me know what unit you are using now?? Im a new rider and trying to do as much research as possible; Im in the states and prior to reading or watching this video i was just about to purchase the ZUMO 395 or 595 I'm a bit hesitant now obviously; what would you suggest in the interim
I agree completely with the statement that the Garmin Zumo 660 is a very disappointing, very expensive, slow and annoying device to own. Crap! No more to add. Avoid.
I thought my 390 as a problem, but after I saw the video, now I know, it's very very slow and the max brightness it''s not that bright, Zumo 550 still wining in these field. I regret I upgraded and I back to the Zumo 550 and I'm moving to TomTom.
+360 Motorcycle Adventures Yeah unfortunately it is a piece of crap for the price. Garmin has really screwed up this one!
Was about to fork out $800 for this until I saw what an unresponsive undeveloped POS it really is.
It's nothing short of pathetic that a premium dedicated GPS device, especially in this day and age, can fail so miserably at doing such a simple task. It seems to have the computing power of a 1980's wrist watch. And to think they are asking $800 for this shit.
Google should make official GPS devices using their maps, it would absolutely kill off every GPS on the market.
+surg23 I think what will happen is that some manufacturer will bring out a programmable GPS with Android Auto. These are already being delivered on car GPSs. Garmin could just stop shipping their GPSs with their shitty software, focus on the hardware and pre-install Android Auto. Then Google hopefully will release an Android Moto OS for GPS. That would be amazing!
Smart phones killed many business including GPS, at least in city Waze phone application is outstanding! it is a community constantly updating the road conditions.
You can find GPS units for under 100 bucks but when come to motorcycles you overpay for a sealed waterproof unit, high bright screen and touch friendly screen.
If you dont like it dont buy, use your phone or a map.
Love mine. No problems.
Star Rider same here...don't understand wtf he's on about..
hahaha .. mate 25min curse .. but 10/10 .. all valid points.. pheww I have almost bought it ..but what Im gonu do is that I will buy dedicated second hand smart phone with some shit prove case , hook it up to the x-mount on the handlebars and off I go ;)
Thanks a lot!
Garbage. The review, not the device. Guy just does not how to use it.
Jussi Väisänen true. Only garmin knows how to use their shit. Fk garmin. I want them to shove their shit back up their arsehole.
Jussi Väisänen exactly. ...I've used mine for thousands of miles with no problems what so ever..
What a whiney sh*t, RTFM, the Garmin is just fine. Let us know how the phone fares in a rainstorm
Stop complaining and try to appreciate what it does and appreciate what it does instead of what it doesn’t do ! 😵💫🙄
have the same garmin also, never gonna buy any garmin again.