[ncgrizz]

Hi guys..getting ready to buy a new Goldwing, and looking at the options on Navigation units. If possible, I would like to have something that quick detatches, so I could lock it in the trunk. Price (unfortunately) is a factor as well. Would like to spend less than $700 for one if possible...I saw a guy a few weeks ago with some brand called a Lowrance...had a very nice sized screen, was touch screen, included step by step routing, and also was an MP3 player....anyone have an idea which one it might have been, or have opinions on that brand?
Thanks for the help.

 

[sammisgrammy]

It was probably the Lowrance Iway 500c. I have one, and although some have had issues with them, mine has worked fine. I bought the quick mount off of Barry and it too works fine. The price of the Iway varies greatly, depending on where you get it, and if a rebate sale is available. Board member Jon sells them, and is the guru of GPS. Give him a try

 

[Jon]

There are two common models of the iWay - the 500c is the larger of the two and is the only one that's waterproof.


Unfortunately, it has been plagued by some QC teething issues and almost two years into the product is still having issues with touch screen failures and other annoying problems.

If you're not afraid of being on the 'bleeding edge' and won't get bent out of shape if you have to end up sending it back for a couple of weeks if you have problems with it, you might like it.

For the features it provides, you can't touch it for the money. It has the largest screen available on a waterproof unit, is arguably the easiest to use and definitely the most customizable. I've played with all of the current Garmin units and would replace my iWay with another one if it got stolen tomorrow.

The new Garmin Zumo unit looks promising, but we won't know until they start shipping next month how usable it is and what features it really has.

 

[DrtiBird]

To stay within your price range, look at the Garmin 2610. With the Garmin m/c mounting kit it is lockable but quickly/easily removable for storage. I only remove mine when on the road and staying overnight at a motel.

These can be had for $400 - $500 on ebay; originally sold for around $1,200.

 

[Arn Butt Bill]

Best value, portable, never lose signal...

 

[t-bear]

Arn Butt Bill,
Where did you get that neat map holder? Would love something like that.

 

[MotorcycleBoy]

I was going to say a large atlas from WalMart but Arn Butt Bill kinda beat me to it.

 

[Ellary]

If you can wait, Garmin is launching a new GPS designed for a motorcycle called the Zuma. It will have an mp3 player built in. check it out on their website. It should be available Xmas.

 

[bangladave]

Garmin 276C. Great screen in the daylight. I think it may be the best out there. You can load about 1/3 - 1/2 the US on the Garmin memory card. Very nice unit.

 

[woe]

I have a garman 276 C that is great. Easy to use (including while driving and changing info) and probably one of the best screens to see in sunlight. I would buy another one. (IF this ever dies) very reliable. Has a baterry as well. I move it from the bike to the cage whenever I travel.

Lots of good stuff out there.

 

[chuck_b24]

Hello 2610 are 459.00 at getfeetwet just so you know...chuck

 

[Jon]

The $459 2610 will cost you about $690 once you mount it on the bike, hardwire it up for power and audio into the intercom, add a sunshade and a 2GB CF card (so you don't have to worry about downloading maps like he was interested in) and doesn't have an MP3 player (not to mention that it's a discontinued model).

The Zumo will run you about about $875 once you mount it, wire it to the AUX input and add a 4GB flash card so the MP3 player is usable. Add another $230 or so if you want to use any of the XM features.

 

[MikeVB]

I'm upgrading from my Garmin from the StreetPilot III to the Zumo 550 myself. Honestly you can't go wrong with a Garmin -- overall they are totally solid in all regards.

However, over the last few years there's been a good number of worthy competitors entering the consumer GPS field so you have a myriad of choices. No need to rush into anything until you've researched for your needs adequately. If you've got the money, there's always a GPS just for you. Enjoy and best of luck!

 

[BACKDRAFT]

Member on here has a street pilot 3 for $275-$300. I have one and it may be obsolete but if it works why spend the big bucks for others.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Arn Butt Bill]

Arn Butt Bill,
Where did you get that neat map holder? Would love something like that.

http://www.stacksandstacks.com/html/670 ... p-case.htm

I like maps. I didn't buy the organizer yet either...

 

[wvnnva]

I bought the iWay 500 at the end of Dec 05 for $650 but got $100 back on a rebate. I did not use the unit until the 1st of Jul 06 when I used it in my vehicle to travel from NW VA to the Outer Banks. Next I used it for four weeks in Jul - Aug on a cross country trip of 6800 miles on my VTX 1300. The unit worked flawlessly both times. Have also used it on a couple of day trips and it worked well.

The unit has all the US and most of Canada loaded into it. All the wiring and mounting devices for vehicle and motorcycle came with the GPS along with an AC/DC adaptor for use in your home. Regrettably I did not learn how to load the music into it before I made my trips, but that was at no fault of the GPS. I bought an inexpensive set of head phones that worked very well for hearing the travel directions. I would want something better that blocked out external noise (from wind and exhausts) if I were listening to music.

The screen is very easy to read in bright sunlight even w/o a sun shade. I hard wired the unit to the battery on the bike so it has power as soon as I turn it on regardless of whether the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON position. Of course you have to remember to turn it off when not using it to prevent battery drain. That was NO problem for me.

I really like the Lowrance iWay 500c and would buy it again if necessary. I recommend that you take a look at some different manufacturers' models and their features before you decide what will best meet your needs. Best wishes in finding what you want.

Ride safely always.

Todd

 

[BlkPirate]

I bought the iWay 500 at the end of Dec 05 for $650 but got $100 back on a rebate. I did not use the unit until the 1st of Jul 06 when I used it in my vehicle to travel from NW VA to the Outer Banks. Next I used it for four weeks in Jul - Aug on a cross country trip of 6800 miles on my VTX 1300. The unit worked flawlessly both times. Have also used it on a couple of day trips and it worked well.

The unit has all the US and most of Canada loaded into it. All the wiring and mounting devices for vehicle and motorcycle came with the GPS along with an AC/DC adaptor for use in your home. Regrettably I did not learn how to load the music into it before I made my trips, but that was at no fault of the GPS. I bought an inexpensive set of head phones that worked very well for hearing the travel directions. I would want something better that blocked out external noise (from wind and exhausts) if I were listening to music.

The screen is very easy to read in bright sunlight even w/o a sun shade. I hard wired the unit to the battery on the bike so it has power as soon as I turn it on regardless of whether the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON position. Of course you have to remember to turn it off when not using it to prevent battery drain. That was NO problem for me.

I really like the Lowrance iWay 500c and would buy it again if necessary. I recommend that you take a look at some different manufacturers' models and their features before you decide what will best meet your needs. Best wishes in finding what you want.

Ride safely always.

Todd

I just bought a Garmin 2720...Jon is setting me up with a plug and play setup, including Kennedy stuff...going to have to get...Todd (wvnnva)...to teach me how to use it...since he is my neighbour...

 

[wvnnva]

I just bought a Garmin 2720...Jon is setting me up with a plug and play setup, including Kennedy stuff...going to have to get...Todd (wvnnva)...to teach me how to use it...since he is my neighbour...

Jerry, you will probably learn faster by reading the directions and telling me how it operates. :lol: I have not learned nearly as much about how mine works as I should. Congratulations. From all that I have read I believe you will really like the 2720.

Todd

 

[Guest]

There are two common models of the iWay - the 500c is the larger of the two and is the only one that's waterproof.


Unfortunately, it has been plagued by some QC teething issues and almost two years into the product is still having issues with touch screen failures and other annoying problems.

If you're not afraid of being on the 'bleeding edge' and won't get bent out of shape if you have to end up sending it back for a couple of weeks if you have problems with it, you might like it.

For the features it provides, you can't touch it for the money. It has the largest screen available on a waterproof unit, is arguably the easiest to use and definitely the most customizable. I've played with all of the current Garmin units and would replace my iWay with another one if it got stolen tomorrow.

The new Garmin Zumo unit looks promising, but we won't know until they start shipping next month how usable it is and what features it really has.

I have had to send my iWay back twice for problems. In both cases a new unit came back in 10 days. The last unit that I got back last spring has been flawless and I love it. In spite of the problems, I have no regrets. Lowrance customer and tech support is outstanding. Great screen, and easy programming. The included 10gb MP3 player is marvelous. It includes most everthing you need for auto or motorcycle mounting, and supplied power/audio hookups are a piece of cake.

As Jon says, it is arguably the most powerful and feature rich aftermarket automotive GPS unit you will find. At least that is true today, but in the electronics world, nothing is forever.

A friend just ordered one from Amazon.com. About $560 and there is a $100 rebate in effect. Talk about value!!!

Ride safe

 

[Toyo]

Jon, I believe Garmin units have alot more waterproof capibility than you would ever need on a bike.

The Iway just says it has an enclosed case to "prevent" corrosion.

Most newer Garmin® GPS units are waterproof in accordance with IEC 60529 IPX7. IEC 60529 is a European system of test specification standards for classifying the degrees of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment. An IPX7 designation means the GPS case can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. An IPX8 designation is for continuous underwater use.

I belive the Garmin 376 has more useful features for the bike. 2k more waypoints than the Iway, the screen is much better in regards to clarity, more pixels means better screen. Xm ready, etc. And you cant forget the problems people are having with it.