Motorcycle GPS Comparison - Best Motorcycle GPS

Motorcycle GPS is a new addition to the gear of a motorcycle rider, who wants to have a high tech path finder to guide him on his way. This article does a motorcycle GPS comparison and selects the best motorcycle GPS for you! This is a detailed motorcycle GPS comparison, based on various features available in the GPS devices. Read on, to know which is the best motorcycle GPS available in the market now.
Motorcycle GPS Comparison - Best Motorcycle GPS
If you need a motorcycle GPS comparison and want to evaluate the best motorcycle GPS that there is, you have landed at the right place! Along the way, I will also give you some tips regarding how to choose your motorcycle GPS system.

If you are wondering, how does Global positioning systems (GPS) work, then the answer is right here. It is a network of 24-30 satellites especially launched in orbit for navigation assistance on earth. Through a radio link established with GPS receivers, one can know his or her precise location on earth up to an error of 15 meters. GPS navigation is available in variety of products now, including mobiles, GPS tracking watches, cars and motorcycles!

If you frequently travel long distances on your motorcycle, then buying a motorcycle GPS system will help you a lot. Not only will it keep you from getting lost, it will also help you plan your travel routes. You can make travel plans by downloading travel routes and data on your motorcycle GPS. You can plan adventurous ventures into unexplored territories without the risk of getting lost or being stranded for resources. It also shows you gas station, restaurant and other locations on a graphical map of the area you are in. They have an audio instruction facility wherein a voice guides you to your destination by giving directions on the go! All this is made possible by a constellation of many satellites. At least 8 to 9 satellites have your position in line of sight at a moment. These GPS tracking devices establish your position through advanced mathematical techniques. Some devices also double up as GPS real time tracking systems. GPS devices are advanced technologies made available for civilian use by the US defense establishment.

How to Choose your Motorcycle GPS System?

If you are looking for a motorcycle GPS system, then choose it according to your specific needs. Following are the things you should look out for:
  • The type of GPS you need (Portable, fixed or GPS/PDA Hybrid)
  • Reception quality of the GPS and accuracy of location
  • GPS battery life
  • Resistance to vibration and durability
  • 1-way or 2-way Communication (That is, pure GPS or GPS+Satellite Phone)
  • Data update facility
  • Price (of course!)
These parameters will help you in choosing the best motorcycle GPS. In addition to all this information, I am also providing you with a review of the best motorcycle GPS in the following section.

Motorcycle GPS Comparison and Reviews

There are two clear cut choices for motorcycle GPS, which are way ahead of the pack in terms of quality and features.

Garmin Zumo 550
Priced at around $700, Garmin Zumo 550 is the best and most cost effective choice for a motorcycle GPS and beats most of the other products on all counts. It has an excellent quality GPS receiver, built in MP3 player, integrated blue tooth which enables hands free calling and detailed text and audio instructions. The preloaded map database needs to be updated. Due to its bluetooth GPS receivers, it can double up as a satellite phone. Comes with a USB cable, headphones and motorcycle mounting gear. It also has a satellite radio inside, 2D/3D maps and can provide you with time, distance and speed at which you are moving!

Tom -Tom Rider
Priced at around $1100, Tom -Tom Rider is one of the best motorcycle GPS available in the market. It has a robust 20 channel GPS receiver. It provides text and voice guidance to motorcyclists, once they program their destination into it. It comes with an easy installation kit and a set of instructions. The North America maps are preloaded in an SD card on the GPS. The maps are available in 2D and 3D form on the graphic display.

It has integrated bluetooth connectivity which enables hands free calling. The only glitch with the Tom -Tom rider is that its maps are out of date and need to be updated with latest data. It has a rugged body for all types of weather use on a bike.

Hope this motorcycle GPS comparison has helped you in making a decision as to, which is the best motorcycle GPS to buy! Motorcycles give you true freedom and a GPS enabled motorcycle gives you freedom to roam just about anywhere without risk of getting lost!

By Omkar Phatak
Published: 8/14/2009
 
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