Motorcycle GPS Comparison

If you need a motorcycle GPS comparison and want to evaluate the best one that there is, you have landed at the right place.

GPS 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, watches, cars and motorcycles!

If you frequently travel long distances on your motorcycle, then buying a GPS device 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 GPS navigation device. 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 real time tracking systems. These devices are advanced technologies made available for civilian use by the US defense establishment.

How to Choose your Motorcycle GPS?

If you are looking for a GPS device, then choose it according to your specific needs. Following are the things you should look out for:

• The type you need (Portable, fixed or GPS/PDA Hybrid)
• Reception quality and accuracy of location
• 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 device.

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 receiver, built in MP3 player, integrated Bluetooth which enables hands free calling and detailed text and audio instructions. The preloaded map database needs to be updated. 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 GPS devices available in the market. It has a robust 20 channel 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.

Motorcycles give you true freedom and a GPS enabled motorcycle gives you freedom to roam just about anywhere without risk of getting lost!