I've just ordered my Garmin Zumo XT and thought I'd first of all check to see if someone has already reviewed this device. So I was delighted to find this review by CruiseMan. What a woderfully clear and consise spoken dialogue. As I am Emglish, It is not often I can understand an American accent but CruiseMan spoke every word in clear English... Phew... What a relief. I am so looking frorwad to receiving my Garmin Zumo XT in a day or so, as it will replace my 11 year old Garmin Zumo 660, which is still working as good as it did when I first bought it. I just wanted to gain a few more nice features that this latest Garmin seems to offer and which were illustrated so well by CruiseMan So my Heart-felt thanks to you CruiseMan for an excellent review. Incidentally I had to laugh at yet another casualty of the English language. The word Route is derived from the old French, so we in England pronounce it as "Boot" whereas CruiseMan pronounces Route as the fish "Trout". So funny. Two Countries seperated by a common language.
I am going to take a moment to compliment you on your awesome reviews. Not just this one, but all of them. I appreciate your time and effort to make these user friendly. I clicked on the link and purchased the new ZumoXT when I finished watching this video. I will watch the install instructions next. Five ☆'s for you.
I have a Garmin 660 for the past 15 years with upgrades done every month currently installed on my 2018 DCT. I was going to purchase the 595LM over the past year but the screen brightness was a concern. the new XT model was ordered 2 weeks ago and should be delivered in the next few days. I have been you tube watching XT videos and yours was the best for walking through the programs. Great job!! Thanks, Bob BLGL1833.
The screen brightness and system "snappiness" really makes a big difference. Also if you use it for turn by turn and/or music you can hear there are fewer artifacts when the unit breaks in to announce something. Overall its just a better unit. If only garmin would have come up to 2018 standards at least and included a USB-C connector.
I bought one last week after seeing your installation video. I was thinking about a different gps for my wing but am very happy with the xt, I think that I will be using it for a long time. Thanks for the great videos.
Agree with you Jeff. It has some drawbacks (smart notifications not going away) but they are fixable. Its hands down better than any other GPS i've used.
This is yet another excellent video. The unit I bought has a rubber cap to cover the mounting electrical area. You mentioned that it didn't have a cover. Maybe look again on your power cord for the mount. The unit is good though. Thanks again for excellent video. The one for trip planning was great!
What I would like in a GPS device is the following. To be able to create a custom route which would than generate a magenta line on the map [Then have the device follow the magenta line (not waypoints) in either direction with turn by turn intructions] Right now no GPS device does this. Riding a motorcycle is about the journey not the destination. So why is the device designed to get you to destinations (waypoints). If you go off route, for any reason, on (even the zumo) you're not directed back to the custom route (magenta line) but instead the device will recalculate for the fastest route to the next waypoint NOT BACK TO THE MAGENTA LINE (CUSTOM ROUTE). So Garmin, if you're listening, design a device that follows ROADS in either direction, NOT DESTINATIONS.
Very good review and I appreciate you speak clearly for foreigners :-) Have you used it to play music from your cell phone (I mean MP3 files in your phone)?
You did a really great report to this new device. Thank you for sharing this video. Take care of yourself and have always a safe ride. Greats from Germany, Burkhart
One of the the things that I have not ever heard mentioned in a review is the Weather Radar map. I've only been through Texas/Oklahoma area on a motorcycle but oh man would a weather radar view ever been helpful. The fact that they included it really makes me glad I purchased this thing, somebody was thinking.
Brilliant video watched it a couple of times now , now have my XT fitted , so I’m up and running now. But I’ll be going back to your video to refresh my memory , 😂 thanks a lot
I have the Garmin 660 and now the 595LM. Garmin has a few quirks but I believe they are the best choice. I learned a few things: don’t Bluetooth phone to the Garmin and a headset simultaneously. I delete the Sena from my IPhone BT list so it doesn’t pair. Otherwise the Garmin voice and the phone will cancel it out the other. I use Basecamp extensively: create routes and trips on Basecamp and then transfer to device. The weather app provides weather on your route at the time you will be there. Great for avoiding storms and deciding on what to wear. My Garmin 660 flew off it’s mount (my fault) while on the highway and still works great (took a while to find it in the medium).
Thanks for this post. Just received my XT but I will be mounting it on a snowmobile with a microSD card that contains all the sledding trails. I too use the Base Maps to create my routes I will be using and downloading to my Garmin. I am moving from a Zumo 665 which is awful in direct sunlight. My video will be on mounting the unit on a sled with in a Aqua Box because at temps below 10 degrees, our screens would freeze up. The power button and screen touch would not work. I hope to get this up in another week. Waiting on a special ball mount from Ram that attaches to the back of the aqua box plus I am sure I'll have to modify the mount a tad for all to work correctly. Were we ride, there are no cell phone signals. Look forward to reviewing your Base Map tutorial, not a user friendly system....at least for me.
Thanks mate... great introduction to the unit, I just bought one based on your review! It will replace my trusty Montana 650t... a staple of my last 6000miles off road! Thanks!
Excellent review. The big question: To what degree is the this Garmin rendered redundant by OEM “on-board” GPS systems and phone systems? Given ApplePlay connectivity and apps like Waze, is the Zūmo XT really necessary?
Excellent review. You hit on points I didn't think of that were very important. Now, my question surrounds the off-road maps. Any plans to do a review on the offroad features of this device? I'm thinking it may serve a dual purpose - for my cycle and my Jeep. Thanks for all you do.
$500 is a steep price for a Garmin. I have a $199 Garmin I use in my car and my bike. It works as a dash cam too. Would have been nice if they included it on the Zumo.
Great review! I am really glad I pulled the trigger on the XT. I too moved up from the Z595LT with no regrets. Just a little learning curve but agree with your rating on the product. Ride Safe!
Thank you! I have bought a BMW motorcycle and I was thinking about getting a second hand Navigator VI but this video launched some second thoughts on that because the only advantages on the Navigator are the BMW controller and the included gps mount which is already on the bike ...
Hi cruiseman, Good review. I got the Garmin XT based on your review. I’ve had it for a week. Two questions. 1) How do you manage saved trips? Right now Garmin sorts by distance only. Not by name and they don’t support folders which would really simplify multi day routes. 2) How do you mange Bluetooth devices? I have a Sena Headset connected to my phone, bike and the Garmin. My phone is connected to my Sena , the bike and the Garmin. It seems wrong. ✌🏼Thank you again.
It's official: I have GPS Envy! Great and thorough review Cruiseman. The zūmo XT is the best GPS I've ever seen. I've wished for 'Cities Ahead' for YEARS and now, here it is. But most important to me is the ability to plan routes with multiple waypoints on a desktop computer and send those routes to the zūmo XT on the bike. If the rumored 'massive update' to the waste-of-space GPS on my 2018 Goldwing DCT Tour disappoints, I'm getting the zūmo XT!
I couldn’t find the choose curvy routes initially but then see it’s part of main screen now called Adventurous routing. Interesting slider feature that offers levels of how off route you’re up for. Nice. I think the rubber door on SIM card is likely to fail waterproofing over time. It’s a direct entry to guts of GPS unit. I also miss being able to select more than two ‘large print’ call outs on the map screen. I like to have speed, eta, and compass heading up. Hopefully a software upgrade fixes these issues. I ride R1200GS (NavV) aggressively off-road and this XT unit is for a more serious extreme rally bike 701. I like the larger and brighter screen. I also can’t find the off-road maps you mentioned in review. I have ordered the Touratech locking mount to better secure the XT to my nav tower. Not sure I trust the spring loaded ‘Garmin Rugged mount’ to hold this $630CDN unit or how it will hold up. I am also lazy and don’t want to be taking my gps off and in with me if I am grabbing a bite somewhere. Remember when we used to eat out at places. Great review, certainly looks like a great gps all else considered.
Excellent video! You never disappoint. Ive been a long Gamin user since around 2003. I love the cities ahead feature & the screen brightness. Also prices seem to be dropping for Zumo units. I will buy this model.
Thank for doing this review. I have a BMW NAV 5 made by Garmin so I am familiar with the 20th century interface that Garmin uses. I am in no way trying to be snarky. I just want to know if this device is worth getting. Does the XT allow you to use voice commands to search for a place or address or do you need to stop your bike, pull out your smart phone, search for the address and then manually enter it into the Garmin as you scroll through 3 different screens to access a full keyboard? I had to buy a waterproof smart phone and mount it to the handlebar because of the massive limitations of my Garmin and I end up using google maps more than the GPS. I'm trying to compare this XT to using a waterproof tablet and the Gaia App so I'm making a list of pros and cons.
Thanks for the review... just wondering what happened to Spotify and Pandora... a little music someone else provides is something to appreciate.. the 396LMT has it... perhaps in a later software iteration... thanks again.
In fact there is nothing you cannot do with CarPlay (Waze, Google Maps, and so on ...) ! The lone feature I was not able to find for the time being is the Garmin Weather to anticipate the rain on your trip. But anyway, thanks for your videos ;-)
Chris, I could not find your instructions on setting up the SOUND for the Zumo on the 2018+ Goldwing. I saw a "comment" reference to making the Zumo tie to my i-phone via bluetooth. I am guessing that I then plug my phone into the bike via the wired USB cord in the cubby? Do I need to activate any app in CarPlay? Maybe, I find the Zumo listed as one of my phone apps in CarPlay? Does the Zumo then cut into whatever music I am listening to on the bike to give me directions (as with the Honda GPS)? Thanks!
I have yet to learn the limitations to my current navigation system (with or without apple car play), but I'm pretty sure I'll be adding this to my arsenal soon. Thank you for the concise review.
Cruiseman, my XT came with a rubber cover that covers up the pogo pins on the cradle when the GPS is not installed. It has a built in clip to keep it attached to the power cord.
Hello Again Cruiseman Just a Bit of information on the MP3 Player for your Viewers. Unlike the Previous Zumo,s from the 400 up to the XT The Music Player WILL NOT READ MP3s from the Memory Card . The MP3s MUST be Placed into the MP3 Folder in the Internal Memory , I Have Over 400 Songs on a Micro SD Card which worked on my Earlier Zumo,s But WILL NOT WORK in the Card slot as it comes up Blank . The Card Slot must be Just for Extra Maps , Hope this Helps Cheers Francis
I purchased one on 4/17 directly from Garmin, still processing. Apparently they found an issue with the mount because of slippage and are modifying this mount! With NO completion date, all they tell me is eventual shipping as soon as possible. Update; I received a shipped email
Hi...i see that you prefer to view in landscape instead of portrait...(where i was thinking you could see turns and twists further up the road)...id appreciate your thoughts on your preference here....thankyou
Hi, thanks for putting this together . I currently have a 595LM. Happy with it except for the dull screen and more importantly , the fact that it will not allow me to pass a waypoint that is even slightly off the route. It tries to route me back to that point until I get ticked enough to just turn the unit off. The short question is , has Garmin corrected that in this unit? My previous one (350) would pop up a window and allow me to continue on my route. Also, if I went off route on purpose to check out a road off of the route, it would pick up the route as soon as I was back on it. The 595 will not. Thanks again for your input
I have an older Zumo 550 and I create routes using Garmin's Basecamp SW and then upload the routes to the GPS. When I created the route, and then view is zoomed out, sometimes a waypoint gets placed slightly off of the road being traveled. When I select and am following the route, and skip the off track waypoint, my GPS will indicate something like 'Off Route. Do you want to recalculate/re-route?' If I choose N it usually figures out that I just want to continue on the route ahead. If you choose Y then it will continue to try and get you back to the missed waypoint.
Good job Chris. I have the 595 on my Wing now and like it too. It’s annoying that they always come out with something new that I think I need. I call it the subscription program. I see an upgrade in my future and my brother will get a really good deal on my 595.
You have most of these features on the smaller Zumo 396LT... the 595 is an apples-oranges comparison, as the 595 is not motorcycle specific. The 396 is and has been out for a few years. The new XT is just bigger and adds topo maps. It's good, just not that technologically new. The apps are just upgraded. It's an "improved" unit to be sure, but it's not truly anything they haven't already introduced other than a couple of features.
First one had software issues replacement wouldn't charge on the third one now and can't see it lasting. When TomTom launch their new one I will go back to them
Question , how do I connect zumo xl voice nav to my zena 50s speakers . I rather hear my directions than seeing them. Probably something simple. thank you
I did a search on Amazon for a replacement battery. everything but specifically for Zumo XT came up. An "extra battery" came up, but after looking closer it is exactly that, extra, not replacement. It seems to plug in externally. The application would be I suppose, for hikers and such. I assume anyone using this on their motorcycle would use power from the bike, not relying on internal power of the unit.
Hi Cruiseman. Excellent review! How well does the Cellphone-connected music Application work? I'm always using my phone in combination with Bluetooth to get both google navigation plus simultaneous Music/Audiobooks. Its very important to me that I get a unified audio experience to a single bluetooth device. So is the Music application more an Audio pass-through feature (whatever you phone pushes it plays) or is it dependent on very specific applications (i.e. Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Audible, iTunes, etc) to work properly? Bonus Question... Do you know if you can connect it with a phone and an inReach device at the same time?
I have my zumo XT and it is a beautiful device but I am sad the weather app does not allow me to enter an arbitrary city and see the current weather and forecast, like the dezl 770. I am a long-distance rider and occasional competitive rally rider. I also would like to see the inclusion of TPMS which I used on my 590. Including TPMS would allow Garmin to sell those massively over priced monitoring valve caps. I will just get another TPMS but adding yet another screen to ay attention to while riding. WiFi mapping updates is just FABULOUS. So much faster than going through Basecamp. No rain cover - unfortunate mistake. As per usual, great video review on your part.
Good review, although I really had to wonder if you worked for Garmin despite your disclaimer 😄. I bought one and love it. Anyone upgrading from the 595 should be aware that the xt does not support Garmin's tire pressure monitoring system, so if you have the pressure sensors with your 595 you cant use them with the xt.
I’d like to use this in a GPS dash extension on my snowmobile. Do I need to have the back snapped into the mount or can u just plug the USB in to my USB port and power up from there? Thanks
I would have like to see you test it out in the wet since capacitive touch screens like this usually dont like water, they will start to do random touches and the like. A feature that the 595 wont show since its a resistive touch screen rather than capacitive.
The "cities ahead" is not "available" to select...?...and i put in a micro sd card but i dont know how to view it or how to see my screen copies....appreciate your help...thankyou...and the weather...i obviously don't have something hooked up correctly
How do you get rid of the large green street banner? A nice big screen that uses all that space to say up coming track. I am put off this device for off road use where I want to maximize the view of the actual map, not buttons, banners, menus, speedos.
Hey Cruiseman, an unrelated question for you... I am currently in the process of buying a 2020 Honda gold wing and was wondering if you put out a video on tools to use while working on the gold wing? Would be great to start getting them before I buy your maintenance videos!! Thanks
I see they dropped the TPMS I just added that to my 2005 Goldwing 3 years ago and I am kind of used to having it and not having to check my tires with the air gauge manually. I do however struggle to see the 595 in the daytime depending on the location of the sun.
I was a bit bummed out that I cant connect my phone to the XT and to my Cardo Packtalk Bold at the same time. That means you have to choose between live traffic updates on the XT or being able to use voice-commands with the Cardo. Off course I could choose not to connect the XT to my Packtalk, but then I cant get voiceguide from the XT..
No voice commands still? I have a 595, not enough difference to warrant a trade up.....yet. I also use a cellphone mounted below the 595 in portrait for voice commands . The sun will wash out the phone depending on time of day, the zumo can clearly been seen. If the new garmin has the same screen as a cellphone that could be a problem. And the Bluetooth audio in turn by turn directions can get choppy on the Garmin, music on the cellphone and turn by turn is crystal clear. The custom maps and gps signal vs cellular is where the zumo shines
You do some great reviews - third ive read / watched from you now - all very helpful for a new adventure biker ! Do you have to wire it to the battery directly I have a USB port on my africa twin bike and a 12v adapter port too. Would prefer to use one of those
Hello and thanks for the review! You told that "...you can also import a route from BaseCamp or some other mapping program." Do you know what other mapping programs are supported? I currently have a smaller Zumo 395 and trip planning in device is a quite cumbersome and with BaseCamp I would have to travel with laptop. A trip planning using lighter device like a iPad/phone and GoogleMaps/Ios Maps would be perfect.
Great video. I have a Garmin Montana 600 which I have tracks but also IMG files. Just want to know if the XT is capable of loading IMG files and be used on the offroads like a Montana?
Cruiseman's Garage actuall YES!!!!! I just purchased the XT and it worked. However the folks at Garmin Tech Support didn’t know how to make it work. A buddy GIS expert explained that it’s the same was as on the Montana. Basically create an image file through your third party program. On your computer, put in the MicroSD and save the IMG file to a root folder called Garmin. That’s it! Worked fine. I just have to play with the thickness of the lines for the tracks as they were a little bit thinner.
Question for Cruiseman. I have the Zumo 595lm and it cost a lot to run the cables to power the unit with my africa twin. I realize the cradle is different but the cable from bike battery power to the cradle, is it the same? I do not want to pay 3 hours labour to run new cable.
Hi there, first off excellent review thank you very much for this. A question for you, is there a way to ask for your route to go via "back/curvy roads" instead of most direct? I saw the part that said no highways but am wondering if there was a "curvy fun ride" selection if ya get my drift? Thanks again brilliant video, am going to check out your other videos now! Oh and ya picked up a new subscriber! Cheers from Australia
Thanks for the review. My impression from your review was that it was very easy to use. You pointed out several shortcuts and other benefits of the UI. Can you explain what made you rate it a 4 on ease of use instead of a 5?
For some on the market for a GPS, this review just kills it! I was to order a mounting support for my Xiaomi 9 se which is not IP rated. I reckon I can do much more with one of these and still keep the mobile safe from damage. Garmin could actually thank you for this review, it's worth millions! Thanks
Good review. I have a couple of questions. 1. What’s the internal hard drive memory size (alway an issue on older Zumo models as I was only able to load parts of North America). 2. Is the micro SD card supplied and what it’s maximum capacity?
There is 32gb of internal storage and you can use microSD cards. I don't see a spec for haw large, but I think it would handle up to 128 gb. microSD card is NOT included.
@@cruisemansgarage do you know if you can load the whole North American Maps? Maps eat up a lot of data - however Garmin car GPS’s seem not to have this problem. I know on the new GW the memory card for the saddle bad (maybe 2018 model) has a limit of 32GB.
To test? Do you get to keep it or do you have to return it afterward? Because lot of people said that they are not paid for reviewing but get to keep it. To me, it’s the same thing. Money or else is to me a form of a paiement
![ประสบการณ์ จ้าง Developer ที่ผมจะไม่มีวันลืม [ภาค2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pZbsSDRrmXA/mqdefault.jpg)
Watched your video, ordered one last night. Looks like a great unit, thank you for the review!
I've just ordered my Garmin Zumo XT and thought I'd first of all check to see if someone has already reviewed this device. So I was delighted to find this review by CruiseMan.
What a woderfully clear and consise spoken dialogue. As I am Emglish, It is not often I can understand an American accent but CruiseMan spoke every word in clear English... Phew... What a relief.
I am so looking frorwad to receiving my Garmin Zumo XT in a day or so, as it will replace my 11 year old Garmin Zumo 660, which is still working as good as it did when I first bought it. I just wanted to gain a few more nice features that this latest Garmin seems to offer and which were illustrated so well by CruiseMan
So my Heart-felt thanks to you CruiseMan for an excellent review. Incidentally I had to laugh at yet another casualty of the English language. The word Route is derived from the old French, so we in England pronounce it as "Boot" whereas CruiseMan pronounces Route as the fish "Trout". So funny. Two Countries seperated by a common language.
I am going to take a moment to compliment you on your awesome reviews. Not just this one, but all of them. I appreciate your time and effort to make these user friendly. I clicked on the link and purchased the new ZumoXT when I finished watching this video. I will watch the install instructions next. Five ☆'s for you.
Glad you like them! I think you will love the XT.
I have a Garmin 660 for the past 15 years with upgrades done every month currently installed on my 2018 DCT. I was going to purchase the 595LM over the past year but the screen brightness was a concern. the new XT model was ordered 2 weeks ago and should be delivered in the next few days. I have been you tube watching XT videos and yours was the best for walking through the programs. Great job!! Thanks, Bob BLGL1833.
A new moto vlog will be coming out later today and a few more important items will be covered.
The screen brightness and system "snappiness" really makes a big difference. Also if you use it for turn by turn and/or music you can hear there are fewer artifacts when the unit breaks in to announce something. Overall its just a better unit. If only garmin would have come up to 2018 standards at least and included a USB-C connector.
I bought one last week after seeing your installation video. I was thinking about a different gps for my wing but am very happy with the xt, I think that I will be using it for a long time. Thanks for the great videos.
Glad I could help
Agree with you Jeff. It has some drawbacks (smart notifications not going away) but they are fixable. Its hands down better than any other GPS i've used.
This is yet another excellent video. The unit I bought has a rubber cap to cover the mounting electrical area. You mentioned that it didn't have a cover. Maybe look again on your power cord for the mount. The unit is good though. Thanks again for excellent video. The one for trip planning was great!
What I would like in a GPS device is the following. To be able to create a custom route which would than generate a magenta line on the map [Then have the device follow the magenta line (not waypoints) in either direction with turn by turn intructions] Right now no GPS device does this. Riding a motorcycle is about the journey not the destination. So why is the device designed to get you to destinations (waypoints). If you go off route, for any reason, on (even the zumo) you're not directed back to the custom route (magenta line) but instead the device will recalculate for the fastest route to the next waypoint NOT BACK TO THE MAGENTA LINE (CUSTOM ROUTE). So Garmin, if you're listening, design a device that follows ROADS in either direction, NOT DESTINATIONS.
Very good review and I appreciate you speak clearly for foreigners :-) Have you used it to play music from your cell phone (I mean MP3 files in your phone)?
You did a really great report to this new device. Thank you for sharing this video. Take care of yourself and have always a safe ride. Greats from Germany, Burkhart
One of the the things that I have not ever heard mentioned in a review is the Weather Radar map. I've only been through Texas/Oklahoma area on a motorcycle but oh man would a weather radar view ever been helpful. The fact that they included it really makes me glad I purchased this thing, somebody was thinking.
Brilliant video watched it a couple of times now , now have my XT fitted , so I’m up and running now. But I’ll be going back to your video to refresh my memory , 😂 thanks a lot
Nicely done several features were shown that I just did not know were there.
I have the Garmin 660 and now the 595LM. Garmin has a few quirks but I believe they are the best choice. I learned a few things: don’t Bluetooth phone to the Garmin and a headset simultaneously. I delete the Sena from my IPhone BT list so it doesn’t pair. Otherwise the Garmin voice and the phone will cancel it out the other.
I use Basecamp extensively: create routes and trips on Basecamp and then transfer to device. The weather app provides weather on your route at the time you will be there. Great for avoiding storms and deciding on what to wear. My Garmin 660 flew off it’s mount (my fault) while on the highway and still works great (took a while to find it in the medium).
Thanks for this post. Just received my XT but I will be mounting it on a snowmobile with a microSD card that contains all the sledding trails. I too use the Base Maps to create my routes I will be using and downloading to my Garmin. I am moving from a Zumo 665 which is awful in direct sunlight. My video will be on mounting the unit on a sled with in a Aqua Box because at temps below 10 degrees, our screens would freeze up. The power button and screen touch would not work. I hope to get this up in another week. Waiting on a special ball mount from Ram that attaches to the back of the aqua box plus I am sure I'll have to modify the mount a tad for all to work correctly. Were we ride, there are no cell phone signals.
Look forward to reviewing your Base Map tutorial, not a user friendly system....at least for me.
Great video mate! Loved it!
Thanks for taking the time to do this video. I had to subscribe after watching it.
I just ordered one for my 21 GW DCT Tour. I love Garmin products.
Thanks mate... great introduction to the unit, I just bought one based on your review! It will replace my trusty Montana 650t... a staple of my last 6000miles off road! Thanks!
Excellent review. The big question: To what degree is the this Garmin rendered redundant by OEM “on-board” GPS systems and phone systems? Given ApplePlay connectivity and apps like Waze, is the Zūmo XT really necessary?
Excellent review. You hit on points I didn't think of that were very important. Now, my question surrounds the off-road maps. Any plans to do a review on the offroad features of this device? I'm thinking it may serve a dual purpose - for my cycle and my Jeep. Thanks for all you do.
Very informative. I just bought a Zumo and still learning. You covered a lot of details I didn't realize were available. 👍
$500 is a steep price for a Garmin. I have a $199 Garmin I use in my car and my bike. It works as a dash cam too. Would have been nice if they included it on the Zumo.
Great review! I am really glad I pulled the trigger on the XT. I too moved up from the Z595LT with no regrets. Just a little learning curve but agree with your rating on the product. Ride Safe!
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the video. Ordered one last week and after watching, I know I made the right decision.
Hope you enjoy it!
Thank you! I have bought a BMW motorcycle and I was thinking about getting a second hand Navigator VI but this video launched some second thoughts on that because the only advantages on the Navigator are the BMW controller and the included gps mount which is already on the bike ...
Do you ever wish for an optional screen hood?
Very good review, thank you, John
Can't beat Garmin - it's the best out there. One drawback to this vs the 595 is the (apparent) lack of removable battery. Still, I think I need this.
Hi cruiseman, Good review. I got the Garmin XT based on your review. I’ve had it for a week. Two questions.
1) How do you manage saved trips? Right now Garmin sorts by distance only. Not by name and they don’t support folders which would really simplify multi day routes.
2) How do you mange Bluetooth devices? I have a Sena Headset connected to my phone, bike and the Garmin. My phone is connected to my Sena , the bike and the Garmin. It seems wrong.
✌🏼Thank you again.
It's official: I have GPS Envy! Great and thorough review Cruiseman. The zūmo XT is the best GPS I've ever seen. I've wished for 'Cities Ahead' for YEARS and now, here it is. But most important to me is the ability to plan routes with multiple waypoints on a desktop computer and send those routes to the zūmo XT on the bike. If the rumored 'massive update' to the waste-of-space GPS on my 2018 Goldwing DCT Tour disappoints, I'm getting the zūmo XT!
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I couldn’t find the choose curvy routes initially but then see it’s part of main screen now called Adventurous routing. Interesting slider feature that offers levels of how off route you’re up for. Nice. I think the rubber door on SIM card is likely to fail waterproofing over time. It’s a direct entry to guts of GPS unit. I also miss being able to select more than two ‘large print’ call outs on the map screen. I like to have speed, eta, and compass heading up. Hopefully a software upgrade fixes these issues. I ride R1200GS (NavV) aggressively off-road and this XT unit is for a more serious extreme rally bike 701. I like the larger and brighter screen. I also can’t find the off-road maps you mentioned in review. I have ordered the Touratech locking mount to better secure the XT to my nav tower. Not sure I trust the spring loaded ‘Garmin Rugged mount’ to hold this $630CDN unit or how it will hold up. I am also lazy and don’t want to be taking my gps off and in with me if I am grabbing a bite somewhere. Remember when we used to eat out at places. Great review, certainly looks like a great gps all else considered.
After watching this review I ordered one to replace my 595LM
Excellent video! You never disappoint. Ive been a long Gamin user since around 2003. I love the cities ahead feature & the screen brightness. Also prices seem to be dropping for Zumo units. I will buy this model.
Much appreciated!
Thank for doing this review. I have a BMW NAV 5 made by Garmin so I am familiar with the 20th century interface that Garmin uses. I am in no way trying to be snarky. I just want to know if this device is worth getting.
Does the XT allow you to use voice commands to search for a place or address or do you need to stop your bike, pull out your smart phone, search for the address and then manually enter it into the Garmin as you scroll through 3 different screens to access a full keyboard? I had to buy a waterproof smart phone and mount it to the handlebar because of the massive limitations of my Garmin and I end up using google maps more than the GPS.
I'm trying to compare this XT to using a waterproof tablet and the Gaia App so I'm making a list of pros and cons.
The unit has a rubber cover for the contacts when the XT isn't connected
Thanks mate this was a great review!
Thanks for the review... just wondering what happened to Spotify and Pandora... a little music someone else provides is something to appreciate.. the 396LMT has it... perhaps in a later software iteration... thanks again.
Very professional review. Thank you. I just bought the XT. This is very helpful.
In fact there is nothing you cannot do with CarPlay (Waze, Google Maps, and so on ...) ! The lone feature I was not able to find for the time being is the Garmin Weather to anticipate the rain on your trip. But anyway, thanks for your videos ;-)
The weather requires the Garmin Drive app on a paired smartphone.
Chris, I could not find your instructions on setting up the SOUND for the Zumo on the 2018+ Goldwing. I saw a "comment" reference to making the Zumo tie to my i-phone via bluetooth. I am guessing that I then plug my phone into the bike via the wired USB cord in the cubby? Do I need to activate any app in CarPlay? Maybe, I find the Zumo listed as one of my phone apps in CarPlay? Does the Zumo then cut into whatever music I am listening to on the bike to give me directions (as with the Honda GPS)? Thanks!
I have yet to learn the limitations to my current navigation system (with or without apple car play), but I'm pretty sure I'll be adding this to my arsenal soon. Thank you for the concise review.
Cruiseman, my XT came with a rubber cover that covers up the pogo pins on the cradle when the GPS is not installed. It has a built in clip to keep it attached to the power cord.
I was going to point that out too 👌..and make sure you slid it over power cable before fixing to the cradle!, I had to dismantle mine and re-fit 🤦🏻♂️
Good point. I think I mistakenly mounted my cable with the rubber flap behind the cradle. Oops.
I just pulled the rubber cover up into place and will show it in my next moto vlog!
screen resolution looks so much better.
Ride to FM 455 is a fun road. LOL! I ride all the time. Love your review video of this GPS. Keep up the good work.
Hello Again Cruiseman Just a Bit of information on the MP3 Player for your Viewers. Unlike the Previous Zumo,s from the 400 up to the XT The Music Player WILL NOT READ MP3s from the Memory Card . The MP3s MUST be Placed into the MP3 Folder in the Internal Memory , I Have Over 400 Songs on a Micro SD Card which worked on my Earlier Zumo,s But WILL NOT WORK in the Card slot as it comes up Blank . The Card Slot must be Just for Extra Maps , Hope this Helps Cheers Francis
I purchased one on 4/17 directly from Garmin, still processing. Apparently they found an issue with the mount because of slippage and are modifying this mount! With NO completion date, all they tell me is eventual shipping as soon as possible.
Update; I received a shipped email
Hi...i see that you prefer to view in landscape instead of portrait...(where i was thinking you could see turns and twists further up the road)...id appreciate your thoughts on your preference here....thankyou
Hi, thanks for putting this together . I currently have a 595LM. Happy with it except for the dull screen and more importantly , the fact that it will not allow me to pass a waypoint that is even slightly off the route. It tries to route me back to that point until I get ticked enough to just turn the unit off. The short question is , has Garmin corrected that in this unit? My previous one (350) would pop up a window and allow me to continue on my route. Also, if I went off route on purpose to check out a road off of the route, it would pick up the route as soon as I was back on it. The 595 will not. Thanks again for your input
I have an older Zumo 550 and I create routes using Garmin's Basecamp SW and then upload the routes to the GPS. When I created the route, and then view is zoomed out, sometimes a waypoint gets placed slightly off of the road being traveled. When I select and am following the route, and skip the off track waypoint, my GPS will indicate something like 'Off Route. Do you want to recalculate/re-route?' If I choose N it usually figures out that I just want to continue on the route ahead. If you choose Y then it will continue to try and get you back to the missed waypoint.
Another excellent, intelligent review, thank you!!
Good job Chris. I have the 595 on my Wing now and like it too. It’s annoying that they always come out with something new that I think I need. I call it the subscription program. I see an upgrade in my future and my brother will get a really good deal on my 595.
I hear ya. 595 is still a great machine. And, it has Live Track, which the XT does not have.
Cruiseman's Garage Another big plus...FEWER WIRES!
Thanks for a very good video. I just ordered a Zumo XT. Greetings from Sweden .
Good choice!
You have most of these features on the smaller Zumo 396LT... the 595 is an apples-oranges comparison, as the 595 is not motorcycle specific. The 396 is and has been out for a few years. The new XT is just bigger and adds topo maps. It's good, just not that technologically new. The apps are just upgraded. It's an "improved" unit to be sure, but it's not truly anything they haven't already introduced other than a couple of features.
Very good. I just got mine for the $399 special. I’m coming from a 660. Question, how can I transfer all my data and maps from the 660 to the XT?
How well can you see the screen on this Garmin Zumo XT on the bike while wearing polarized sunglasses???
First one had software issues replacement wouldn't charge on the third one now and can't see it lasting. When TomTom launch their new one I will go back to them
Question , how do I connect zumo xl voice nav to my zena 50s speakers . I rather hear my directions than seeing them. Probably something simple. thank you
I like mine, I do wish you could do bigger GPX tracks
I did a search on Amazon for a replacement battery. everything but specifically for Zumo XT came up. An "extra battery" came up, but after looking closer it is exactly that, extra, not replacement. It seems to plug in externally. The application would be I suppose, for hikers and such. I assume anyone using this on their motorcycle would use power from the bike, not relying on internal power of the unit.
Nice review!
Hi Cruiseman. Excellent review! How well does the Cellphone-connected music Application work? I'm always using my phone in combination with Bluetooth to get both google navigation plus simultaneous Music/Audiobooks. Its very important to me that I get a unified audio experience to a single bluetooth device. So is the Music application more an Audio pass-through feature (whatever you phone pushes it plays) or is it dependent on very specific applications (i.e. Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Audible, iTunes, etc) to work properly?
Bonus Question... Do you know if you can connect it with a phone and an inReach device at the same time?
I have my zumo XT and it is a beautiful device but I am sad the weather app does not allow me to enter an arbitrary city and see the current weather and forecast, like the dezl 770. I am a long-distance rider and occasional competitive rally rider. I also would like to see the inclusion of TPMS which I used on my 590. Including TPMS would allow Garmin to sell those massively over priced monitoring valve caps. I will just get another TPMS but adding yet another screen to ay attention to while riding. WiFi mapping updates is just FABULOUS. So much faster than going through Basecamp. No rain cover - unfortunate mistake. As per usual, great video review on your part.
Good review, although I really had to wonder if you worked for Garmin despite your disclaimer 😄. I bought one and love it. Anyone upgrading from the 595 should be aware that the xt does not support Garmin's tire pressure monitoring system, so if you have the pressure sensors with your 595 you cant use them with the xt.
I’d like to use this in a GPS dash extension on my snowmobile. Do I need to have the back snapped into the mount or can u just plug the USB in to my USB port and power up from there? Thanks
Does the Zumo XT have a feature for enlarging the Text size of elements of the map screen like Street Names? I have poor eyesight. Thanks. Kam
What was the orange icon with the two mountains?
I really like the design on the 595LM. Is it possible to Update it, so it has the XT’s functions and look ?
595LM looks just much better 😊
I do not get any weather information on my Zumo XT. Still I have the drive app and all is connected...
I would have like to see you test it out in the wet since capacitive touch screens like this usually dont like water, they will start to do random touches and the like. A feature that the 595 wont show since its a resistive touch screen rather than capacitive.
The "cities ahead" is not "available" to select...?...and i put in a micro sd card but i dont know how to view it or how to see my screen copies....appreciate your help...thankyou...and the weather...i obviously don't have something hooked up correctly
Nice review Chris. Thanks.
I see you connected to a switched power supply. I think it’s odd that Garmin says to connect direct to the battery with NO inline fuse.
How do you get rid of the large green street banner? A nice big screen that uses all that space to say up coming track.
I am put off this device for off road use where I want to maximize the view of the actual map, not buttons, banners, menus, speedos.
Not sure if there is a way to do that.
Will it show the distance until you are upon a speed camera ?
Also will it tell you when you enter and exit a average speed camera area ?
Thanks!
Hey Cruiseman, an unrelated question for you... I am currently in the process of buying a 2020 Honda gold wing and was wondering if you put out a video on tools to use while working on the gold wing? Would be great to start getting them before I buy your maintenance videos!! Thanks
I have that video as part of my 2018-2020 Goldwing Maintenance series. Along with 63 other videos! gw18.cruisemansgarage.com
I see they dropped the TPMS I just added that to my 2005 Goldwing 3 years ago and I am kind of used to having it and not having to check my tires with the air gauge manually. I do however struggle to see the 595 in the daytime depending on the location of the sun.
I was a bit bummed out that I cant connect my phone to the XT and to my Cardo Packtalk Bold at the same time. That means you have to choose between live traffic updates on the XT or being able to use voice-commands with the Cardo. Off course I could choose not to connect the XT to my Packtalk, but then I cant get voiceguide from the XT..
No voice commands still? I have a 595, not enough difference to warrant a trade up.....yet. I also use a cellphone mounted below the 595 in portrait for voice commands . The sun will wash out the phone depending on time of day, the zumo can clearly been seen. If the new garmin has the same screen as a cellphone that could be a problem. And the Bluetooth audio in turn by turn directions can get choppy on the Garmin, music on the cellphone and turn by turn is crystal clear. The custom maps and gps signal vs cellular is where the zumo shines
Excellent review. Thank you.
You do some great reviews - third ive read / watched
from you now - all very helpful for a new adventure biker ! Do you have to wire it to the battery directly I have a USB port on my africa twin bike and a 12v adapter port too. Would prefer to use one of those
Thank you for the review. However, with some of the features you mention that are missing and at that price. I will stay with my 395.
Hello and thanks for the review!
You told that "...you can also import a route from BaseCamp or some other mapping program."
Do you know what other mapping programs are supported?
I currently have a smaller Zumo 395 and trip planning in device is a quite cumbersome and with BaseCamp I would have to travel with laptop.
A trip planning using lighter device like a iPad/phone and GoogleMaps/Ios Maps would be perfect.
Any program that exports to a GPX file should be supported.
@@cruisemansgarage Thanks for the information!
Great video. I have a Garmin Montana 600 which I have tracks but also IMG files. Just want to know if the XT is capable of loading IMG files and be used on the offroads like a Montana?
Unfortunately not
Cruiseman's Garage actuall YES!!!!! I just purchased the XT and it worked. However the folks at Garmin Tech Support didn’t know how to make it work. A buddy GIS expert explained that it’s the same was as on the Montana. Basically create an image file through your third party program. On your computer, put in the MicroSD and save the IMG file to a root folder called Garmin. That’s it! Worked fine. I just have to play with the thickness of the lines for the tracks as they were a little bit thinner.
Question for Cruiseman. I have the Zumo 595lm and it cost a lot to run the cables to power the unit with my africa twin. I realize the cradle is different but the cable from bike battery power to the cradle, is it the same? I do not want to pay 3 hours labour to run new cable.
where did you get the cover plate ?
Cruiseman, a large amount of the features you've covered are already present in the 595. Maybe next time, just cover what's new? Thanks.
Uh no, not everyone is coming from another model of zumo.
Hi there, first off excellent review thank you very much for this. A question for you, is there a way to ask for your route to go via "back/curvy roads" instead of most direct? I saw the part that said no highways but am wondering if there was a "curvy fun ride" selection if ya get my drift? Thanks again brilliant video, am going to check out your other videos now! Oh and ya picked up a new subscriber! Cheers from Australia
Yes, there is a curvy road option
@@cruisemansgarage hey thanks for the fast reply👍
Thanks for the review. My impression from your review was that it was very easy to use. You pointed out several shortcuts and other benefits of the UI. Can you explain what made you rate it a 4 on ease of use instead of a 5?
Just ordered one for my ktm 1190
For some on the market for a GPS, this review just kills it! I was to order a mounting support for my Xiaomi 9 se which is not IP rated. I reckon I can do much more with one of these and still keep the mobile safe from damage.
Garmin could actually thank you for this review, it's worth millions!
Thanks
Also...how do you get the Garmin Drive app? Thankyou....i have an android phone
Is the Zumo XT compatible with past GARMIN cradles? Would like to use on other bikes with older Garmin configurations
Sorry, but it is not. At least not the Zumu 595.
Good review. I have a couple of questions. 1. What’s the internal hard drive memory size (alway an issue on older Zumo models as I was only able to load parts of North America). 2. Is the micro SD card supplied and what it’s maximum capacity?
There is 32gb of internal storage and you can use microSD cards. I don't see a spec for haw large, but I think it would handle up to 128 gb. microSD card is NOT included.
@@cruisemansgarage do you know if you can load the whole North American Maps? Maps eat up a lot of data - however Garmin car GPS’s seem not to have this problem. I know on the new GW the memory card for the saddle bad (maybe 2018 model) has a limit of 32GB.
Nice review, I was not sure to buy the veeeery expensive nav 6 from BMW, I know that I will take the XT now. Thanks!
Very pleased with my XT. I am about to post an updated video.
I like the wifi update
Forgot to ask, with the glossy screen, are reflections an issue?
Not a huge issue. There is some reflection, but you can easily adjust the angle of the screen to compensate.
To test? Do you get to keep it or do you have to return it afterward? Because lot of people said that they are not paid for reviewing but get to keep it. To me, it’s the same thing. Money or else is to me a form of a paiement
is the screen made out of glass?
Can the Trip Data be displayed in the map view like the Zumo 590/595 does?
Very through review. Thank you for posting.
Is it possible to draw preferred routes?