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Nick Mystic · 02-06-2008, 04:14 PM

I've been posting information about wiring my Garmin StreetPilot c330 up to use on my Suzuki M50. This unit is made for a car, but so far I've been using its suction cup mount by placing it on the faceplate for my speedometer. Since the GPS unit gives a digital readout for mph I don't need my speedometer. However, it also covers up my gas gauge.

I've ordered a RAM handlebar mounting bracket system, but it hasn't arrived yet. As far as the Garmin unit goes, I've taken a few rides with it now and I'm very impressed. I can even hear the spoken directions through my full face helmet at speeds below 30 mph. Since it is mostly turns that I need to hear that works out okay since I'm already slowing down to make the turn.

The Garmin works with a touch screen and has very few controls. I've used it wearing winter gloves and had no problem operating it. In addition to showing your position on a real time map it also gives the name of the road you are on and the direction you are traveling across the top of the screen. When you are approaching a side road or intersection it posts the approaching street name across the top and then reverts back to the street you're on once you pass by the side road.

One additional feature that I've found helpful is the way the map shows the magnitude of the curves up ahead on the road you're traveling on. Here in western NC most of our country roads seem to be one turn after the next making it very important to be always judging how fast or how slow you must take the unfamiliar turns you come across. Most have reduced sight distances, so all you can see as you approach is that you are entering a turn. With the GPS map I can now tell how sharp the turn is going to be. I am really amazed at how accurately the unit displays the turns. When the maps shows that I'm approaching a sweeping curve, as opposed to a sharp curve, I can slow down, but not have to slow as much as I used to have to before I knew whether or not it was going to be very sharp or just a gradual sweep left or right.

I know it would be unsafe to completely rely on the map for judging curves on unfamiliar roads, but having this added piece of information is making for a more relaxed and enjoyable riding experience.

02-06-2008, 04:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
Nick Mystic In Training Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: Suzuki M50 Limited Edition 2007 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 127	I've been posting information about wiring my Garmin StreetPilot c330 up to use on my Suzuki M50. This unit is made for a car, but so far I've been using its suction cup mount by placing it on the faceplate for my speedometer. Since the GPS unit gives a digital readout for mph I don't need my speedometer. However, it also covers up my gas gauge. I've ordered a RAM handlebar mounting bracket system, but it hasn't arrived yet. As far as the Garmin unit goes, I've taken a few rides with it now and I'm very impressed. I can even hear the spoken directions through my full face helmet at speeds below 30 mph. Since it is mostly turns that I need to hear that works out okay since I'm already slowing down to make the turn. The Garmin works with a touch screen and has very few controls. I've used it wearing winter gloves and had no problem operating it. In addition to showing your position on a real time map it also gives the name of the road you are on and the direction you are traveling across the top of the screen. When you are approaching a side road or intersection it posts the approaching street name across the top and then reverts back to the street you're on once you pass by the side road. One additional feature that I've found helpful is the way the map shows the magnitude of the curves up ahead on the road you're traveling on. Here in western NC most of our country roads seem to be one turn after the next making it very important to be always judging how fast or how slow you must take the unfamiliar turns you come across. Most have reduced sight distances, so all you can see as you approach is that you are entering a turn. With the GPS map I can now tell how sharp the turn is going to be. I am really amazed at how accurately the unit displays the turns. When the maps shows that I'm approaching a sweeping curve, as opposed to a sharp curve, I can slow down, but not have to slow as much as I used to have to before I knew whether or not it was going to be very sharp or just a gradual sweep left or right. I know it would be unsafe to completely rely on the map for judging curves on unfamiliar roads, but having this added piece of information is making for a more relaxed and enjoyable riding experience.