I've never used a GPS device before... but I'm getting fed up of fluffying up a route and having to pull over to get my phone out and find the maps... I've thought about just cutting out the middle man and getting a mobile phone holder, does anyone else do this? Does it rinse the battery/internet minutes? I've found this... iPhone Motorcycle Mount | Waterproof Case | iPhones But I've also found this... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterproof-Motorcycle-Mobile-Phone-Straight/dp/B005PVGPMQ
Google maps doesn't use much data on mine, but its the battery that lasts for **** on mine if maps are used to much In my car I have to keep it plugged into the charger, which I don't have no my bike
Think ram mounts are very popular. As yet not used one myself probably plenty on here that have. Think the zips tear did a video of him fitting one to his repsol blade ages ago. RAM Mount UK
Mainly use google maps through headphones, not having the screen on saves loads of battery. I used to use the Zumo550 on my 600F connected to a Starcom but have never fitted it to my blade.
So none of you would advise sticking your phone on the bars? - I might go mental with the maps talking at me though... does it not bug you?
Here ya go Ro! http://1000rr.co.uk/showthread.php?t=12244 Disable voice guidance if u want, not that you'll hear it anyway!
Personally I wouldn't attach my phone to the bike, but that's mire because I would probably walk away and leave it there . As for it bugging me, well I am married with 2 step-kids who are 12 and 14, so it is relatively quiet on the bike even with the sat nag on LOL
I have a Garmin Zumo 590, mounted on a Telferizer ram mount. Bluetooth linked to my iphone and Sena helmet set . I have ultimate soundears due tomorrow to finish the system off. I must admit I have become reliant on sat nav for both the car and the bike.
I use co-pilot in an ultimate addons waterproof case, wired to battery and has switch under seat to turn on/off. I never turn mine off even when phone not connected, it uses GPS on co-pilot so no data/internet worries and your phone is always fully charged, win win
Have a look at Twisty Rides site they do case mounts and more importantly a power supply for iPhone, they just sorted me out, i've also put a small bluetooth receiver int my helmet connected to some helmet speakers, hope this helps.
I've used sat-navs on bikes for years and have used several phones for navigation. Here's my tuppence worth of experience if it helps anyone. Sat-navs and phones are both good but I'd give the edge to sat-navs. In town phones are often better than sat-navs for detailed info' inc' photos of say, a hotel you're looking for as you ride down the road, but I've found they're less reliable in remote areas depending on what app' you're using. I'm not a big fan of the latest Google maps which are zoomed in too much by default near a turning point, often not showing if you should take a left/right/straight on turn until the last few seconds! It's easier to mount sat-navs on Trailie bikes which is what I used to ride but they can be very tricky to mount on sports bikes due to limited space in the dash area. IMHO sat-navs or phones are much better mounted deep in the dash area rather than tank and steering stem mounted which is a much worse option and can be downright dangerous. The problem with tank (especially) and steering stem mounts is that you drop your head taking your eyes off the road almost completely, sooner or later you'll have a brown pants moment using one, I know cause I've done it. When mounted near the clocks/speedo etc you drop your vision much less with an eye still on the road ahead, easier and safer to use. Tank/stem mounted devices are also often harder to view as the screen is usually in full sunlight (when we have sun). Don't understand why some people have trouble powering the devices, every sat-nav and phone I've used has been powered direct from the battery via a 12V cigar lighter connector and USB connector, sometimes switched. Here's my current set up, a small (specifically) Garmin sat-nav with full euro maps, and an old Sony phone which uses the included navigation apps which are good. Don't use 'em both at once tho' I have done. Being deep in the dash area sat-nav/phone screen visibility is excellent, also they don't need to be waterproof being set deep under the screen away from any rain.
Impressive set up!! ^^^ I've fitted the Telferizer RAM mount (£32 inc postage), bought myself a waterproof case from amazon (£55 inc postage), a Tom Tom 730 second hand for £75 on Amazon and a back up battery charger so I don't have to faff with wires and charging for £7 Total spend = £129 woop woop! Hope it all fits behind my steering damper... or it could all be in the for sale section next week!
Tom Tom 520 in waterproof case on ram mount (telferizer) on bike... Updated euro maps (Bluetooth) if you want headset Optimate USB in tail 2m lead to front of bike
. Surprised I'm the only one who's thanked Mike for his very useful and interesting post. He's so right about having to look too far down at a screen. I mounted mine as high as I could on an old McGuiness screen that I was about to ditch 'cos it was a little too dark for my gopro. I thought, WTF, and drilled a hole in it for a custom made bracket and it works a treat. I can almost 'read' it without taking my eyes off the road now.
On last years euro tour with mates one of the guys was using his iphone with the iphone waterproof mount linked below (it worked well) however it was mounted from the steering stem on a little stubby mount. He had a few dodgy moments precisely because he was having to drop his head right down to read the screen. If poss' take the trouble to mount it in the dash area, much better. http://shop.twistyride.com/waterpro...motorcycles/?gclid=CIeX-cjZvL8CFc7MtAodTE8Agg
