NewTom Tom GPS for Bikes

[hschisler]

Got this info in an email from Amazon.com today:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ACRBT6/ref=pe_7850_2587920_pe_ce_tomrider_b2/104-9516687-4415900

I'm learning about GPSs, in anticipation of a purchase and installation on my '05 LT. Anyone have the Tom Tom, or know about it/seen it, can recommend or un-recommend it?

[JCarver]

I don't know about the specific model you have listed, but I did get to play with a Tom Tom 700 model last weekend. It is a nice unit with all the maps already loaded in, lot of nice features and quick to re-route you when you miss a turn.

But if I were to have to pick a new GPS unit right now, I'd go for the Garmin 376. Reason, it also has the weather and traffic updates built in. The weather function really works, saw the storm coming in on a radar screen on the GPS unit. I thought the sales person was kidding me, but when I walked to the door, the rain was there in less than a minute. You would at least have a heads up to get your rain gear on or find another route.

hth

[jsciullo]

I have the Garmin 276C and love it. I move it between the LT and my cars. Maps are great - even lots of backroads that I couldnt imagine would be in there. Spent last week in Ky and WV backroads - it was invaluable. Waterproof (can be used as a marine GPS), great in the sun. Love the unit.

[Steve_R]

I looked at the Tom Tom Rider, Motorcycle version, last year at Heathrow Airport in London. It seemed a little small to me and I didn't see anyway to do routing on a PC and down load it to the unit, doesn't mean it can't be done, I just didn't see it. I'm going to stick the Garmin just because of what I've heard of thier service and support stateside. If Tom Tom's service and support stateside is good, then I don't know why it shouldn't be a good unit. JM2CW

[Texas42]

The Garmin GPS' really are still the best for a motorcycle. I like the idea that the Tom-tom is for a motorcycle but you can't load routes from other riders, and the routing is limited to the slab. The funny voice stuff is a hoot, but would probably get old really fast.

[hschisler]

Thanks to all for the comments. This thread was intended to be just a "hey, have you seen THIS brand of GPS?" thing, but it rightly evolved into my real question, which is: What IS the best GPS out there?

I won't be going with a Tom Tom, if nothing else because of their annoying TV commercials. I've read a little about the Garmins and they are widespread, which has to mean something. To that end, some new questions:

How does Garmin's 376 differ from the 276?

Do Garmin's 478/378 models replace the 376/276?

I thought the weather service was an extra monthly fee, and pretty expensive? I recall reading a post many months ago about that. It might have been Dave Dragon who has that service on his GPS.