It's just as important to know where you're going while you're on a motorcycle as when you are in a car. In fact, motorcyclists may have even more use for a GPS than the typical car-driving GPS user, because bikers are more likely to explore unfamiliar back roads and to look for good touring terrain. The big two GPS makers, Garmin and TomTom, are the only companies that make GPS specifically for motorcyclists, but fortunately they offer a range of models, with some truly useful features for bikers.
1. Garmin Zumo 550
Photo © Garmin
The Zumo 550 ($700 - $800) is at the top of Garmin's four-model Zumo motorcycling line. All four of the Zumo models have the same, color, 3.5-inch diagonal touchscreen, and the same durable, waterproof, made-for-biking metal body. The main feature setting the 550 apart from the other models is its text-to-speech directions capability. You may hear the directions via the unit's speaker, or via your helmet-mounted, Bluetooth-enabled mike/speaker (not included). The Zumo 550 will also sync with a compatible, Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to permit hands-free calling and touchscreen phone control and dialing. The 550 comes with special bike mounting hardware.
2. Garmin Zumo 450
Photo © Garmin
The Garmin Zumo 450 ($560-$700) is similar to the Zumo 550 (above) but lacks text-to-speech directions and hands-free calling support. Both the 450 and the 550 feature: detailed, pre-loaded basemaps and points-of-interest databases; ability to add maps via an SD card; internal memory to store up to 50 routes; quick-calculating auto-reroute; car-mounting bracket, permitting in-car use; accept custom points of interest; "Where Am I?" feature (find closest hospitals, police, gas stations, and nearest address & intersection); Garmin Lock anti-theft, and gloved-hand operability.
3. TomTom Rider 2nd Edition
Photo © TomTom
The TomTom Rider 2nd Edition ($590 - $650) comes with a Cardo brand "Scala-Rider" Bluetooth-enabled wireless, helmet-mounted headset that allows you to hear the Rider 2nd Edition's text-to-speech directions. The headset also enables hands-free calling when the Rider is paired with a compatible cell phone. The TomTom Rider blocks outgoing calls when the bike is moving for "safety reasons" but allows incoming calls, automatically routed to your earpiece. The Rider also features a simplified, "ride mode" four-icon menu system that helps you focus on the road while you're moving. The Rider has a 3.5-inch (diagonal) screen, is sturdily built, waterproof, and may be mounted in a car with an accessory mounting kit.
4. Accessory: Garmin Travel Guide, Fodor's North America (SD Card)
Find the best places to stay, eat, and shop on your next bike tour. Search base on many criteria, and let the Zumo show you the way.5. Accessory: Scala Rider Bluetooth Headset
Scala Rider Bluetooth helmet headset, for motorcycle GPS units that are Bluetooth-compatible, but don't come with a headset/mike.