Garmin Zumo 550 installed

[kilthro]

For Christmas I was looking for a GPS that I could use in my truck and also on my bike. I wanted one that had good reviews, lots of features, and that had everything in the box for both my truck and bike. After some extensive searching, I came across the Garmin Zumo 550. You can read up on the features at https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135&pID=414
Since it was winter, I only got to use it in my truck. I have used it on many trips since I travel with work and it is excellent. I never leave home without it.

I just now got around with installing the mount on my bike for it which came in the package. The total install was less than 30 minutes. Running the power wire under the tank took the longest.
I have been able to take it on a few short rides 30 min - hour any where from 40-60 miles. It is extremely accurate as it was in my truck. It also showed me how inaccurate the Speedo is on the bike. Up to 45 miles per hour, it matched the Speedo. After that it starts to get off and the Speedo shows anywhere from 6-10 miles per hour faster than you are going. Overall, I enjoy having this as when I took some new routes home, I could see how the road would be up ahead as they were very windy roads. . I know that the next thing you are asking is where are the pics. I have two sets. One just the mount and one with the GPS in the mount. If you have any questions on it, let me know.

[kilthro]

Here are the pics of just the mount without the GPS in it.

[AJE777]

I like the idea of using gps for long rides. Can you load custom routes into yours? Also how is the sceen in bright midday sunlight?

[robertc729]

Nice

[peter-reebok]

Does it have a logging function?

I use a PDA with Navman sotware in it at present. PDA sits in my pocket, and talks via bluetooth to the receiver on my bars. Sound comes from an earpiece.

I go on rides around parts of Australia, and would like to log the better routes (more fun ones). Would be handy to upload these onto a website for others to enjoy. Fuel locations are pretty handy here, as there are still parts of Oz where fuel stops are 400k+ apart. You can make plans if you know where they are!

[kilthro]

The screen is excellent. It was as bright as it can get today(The sun that is) when I was out and I could see it fine. I only had the brightness on the screen at 50%. That is why I mounted as close to the speedo as I could. It was a very good location while driving and wasn't in my way. I have a Bluetooth earpiece (Motorola hs 830) that I use to hear the directions as this has not external speaker. This makes it water proof. A must have on a bike. I could also use it to route the phone through as well but I disabled that as I don't want to be talking as I am riding. I could use the earpiece as a two way radio if I pair it up with another HS830. I can load custom routes via the GPS itself or through the mapsource program that also comes free with this one. I can do custom routes on the program and them upload them to the GPS. I have done this a few times when traveling to New Castle Delaware. Both ways on making custom routes does great. To day I had it in route trace and allowed it to trace my route and when I got home, I uploaded the route and saved it.
Even though our bikes have a fuel gauge this GPS has one as well and today it popped up an alert that my fuel was low and when you tap the button it automatically brings up the closest gas stations to you. This way you can route to it to fuel up. Very nice especially on long rides.

[ranger04]

sounds great, i may eventually look into getting something similar, see what happens down the road

[Rockhead]

Damn does it tell you to shake after a piss.

That unit looks nice

[robertc729]

Originally Posted by Rockhead

Damn does it tell you to shake after a piss.

That unit looks nice

[peter-reebok]

so, cost?

[kilthro]

Originally Posted by peter-reebok

so, cost?

The unit lists around 1,000 US from retailers or direct.
I bought mine off of NewEgg.com for $749 US and free 3 day shipping. This was the begining of December when I got this one.

It looks like the have two listings on newegg.com one for 699 and one for 999 US. 699 is not bad for everything that this offers.

[kilthro]

Originally Posted by Rockhead

Damn does it tell you to shake after a piss.

That unit looks nice

Yes and it analyses your piss to tell you how your health is.

[digitalbroccoli]

tomtom one. $250. Modified for barmount/hotwire. $15.00.

I love the Zumo, but not for three times the cost.

[MrChicken]

Originally Posted by peter-reebok

so, cost?

Pete,

I have the Zumo 550 on my M50 and it was about $A1,500. I think it's the pick of the GPS' on the market in Oz, though obviously pretty pricey. You can log and map your trips on a pc and then upload them. You can also download Points of Interest from the Garmin web site which alert you to school zones, red lights cameras, etc. Also MP3 and Bluetooth. Very cool little unit.

Geoff

[shmedly]

It's cool but so much of my recreational bike time I am trying to get lost.

Has it taken a major wetting yet? How do you think it will do in cold or wet weather when exposed to high winds?

[BlueMax]

Originally Posted by shmedly

It's cool but so much of my recreational bike time I am trying to get lost.

Has it taken a major wetting yet? How do you think it will do in cold or wet weather when exposed to high winds?

Good questions. I would like to know if there is a GPS designed for motorcycles, that can take all the weather and be bright enough to see in bright sun light.

[kilthro]

That is why this was created. It is plenty bright and easily seen on a bright day. I haven't even put the brightness on 100% yet. I have kept it at 50% and I have had no problems.
I haven't used it in a down pour yet but have had it in rain showers and no problems.
It is rated at IPX7 water proof.
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.

[MrChicken]

Yep, the Zumo is designed for bikes. Even the maps display a motorcycle rather than a car. The touch screen is usable with gloves, though it's a little tricky to work the GPS and ride at the same time. Brightness & clarity are excellent. Waterproofing is first rate and when the unit is not in its cradle, there's a cap that slips over the electronics to keep them nice and dry. I've just bought a Bluetooth headset, so it will be very cool to have the audio on-line. It's still fine without it, though. One thing to note is that it needs to be wired into your bike's electrics, as the internal battery is only good for about 4 hours. Wiring is supplied with the GPS.

Another strong selling point for me was that I can slip it into the supplied car mount which has it's own speakers, and the missus is then good to go in her car.

[Apertureguy]

I've recently gotten a GPS for the cage (it was on sale). What a wonderful thing to have.

So I looked into them for the bikes too....and the Zumo 550 looks like the supreme leader...but the cheapest I can see at the local retailers is $999.00.

Guess I will have to wait a few years for the price to go down. Or look for an on-line price...but still...that is one pricey little toy.

[DaveAlvarado]

Amazon.com has them for about $730. Still not cheap, but better than a grand.