GPS bike and car

[longtmrdr]

Do most of you using GPS use the device on multiple vehicles? I am thinking about one and would like to be able to use it in my car also.
Is the weatherproof type needed for use on the LT? thus are only units specific to motorcycle use a first requirement. I had a cell phone get wet once and it never worked again. Thanks, Denny

[JATownsend]

Yup. I use a Garmin 2720 on my bikes, my car, rental cars while traveling, etc. My wife's SRX has one built-in. The problem with many built-in units, however, is they can not be interfaced with while driving. A really stupid safety feature IMO!

All the Garmin Streetpilot series, SP III, 26xx, 27xx, 28xx and the MC specific Zumo are waterproof. For using one on your bike, that's what you want.

All the Streetpilot series units also come with a car kit, that includes a dash bean bag mount, remore control, power/speaker unit and AC cable (if the unit does not have internal batteries.

Amazon has the 2720 on sale right now for $556.00. Such a deal!

[jsciullo]

yes- I move my Garmin 276C between bikes and cars. Works just fine. The 276C is a marine unit so it can get wet.
Jim

[messenger13]

Once you start using a GPS, you won't want to ride or drive a vehicle without one...ever. So your choice is either buy a GPS for each vehicle, or move the same one from vehicle to vehicle. My Garmin 2720 comes with me ALL the time.

[STARFIGHTER]

I move my 2720 between LT and my car.............................
Wife has a trafficPro in her car (no maps, voice only)...........

[karp]

Am I missing something? I don't see where the "c" series StreetPilots are water resistant/proof. The only streetpilots that have that notation on Garmin's site are the zumo and the 2XXX series.

[Steve_R]

Am I missing something? I don't see where the "c" series StreetPilots are water resistant/proof. The only streetpilots that have that notation on Garmin's site are the zumo and the 2XXX series.Click here (http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap276c/spec.html) and scroll to the bottom of the page. Read the line about case. Then go here (http://www.garmin.com/footnotes/IEC_60529_IPX7.html) to see what IEC 60529 IPX7 standard is.

I just checked the Garminn website and the xxxC Chartplotters and the Zumos are IPX7 and the 2xxx are only gasketed.

[rando]

I just got my 2610 ($354 "newly overhauled" from the 'bay) and have been switching back and forth between truck and bike. The bike mount is semi permanent, but the car bean bag thing and cord are easily switched from car to car.

Mounted on the stingray, I hope the gps is mostly in a dry location. Or at least less wet than out in the open.

Randy

[VADIVER]

Can you switch the Navigator III from the LT to the car? If not, if you purchase a Garmin 2720, I've read that the four buttons on the LT GPS mount (that the 2720 will fit) will not work. What do those four buttons do? In other words, if I want the functionality to switch between car and bike (which Garmin gives me), what am I losing if I don't have the NAV III?

I am probably going to purchase an LT within a month and am doing research on all of the farkles I want to add. GPS is high on the list.

The dealer I visited said that the GPS for the LT cost around $1,400. That seems pretty high compared to what I can buy a Garmin for. I've read that Chicago BMW gives a discount. Do they do that for the NAV III too? Or, just regular maintenance stuff? With the discount, it may be a good purchase.

BTW, I purchased a Tom Tom 910 several months ago for the car and the maps are way out of date. I bought new maps, but they are no better. I would give Tom Tom a rating of sux sux. If anyone is looking at Tom Tom units for USA driving, give it a pass. The unit is nice with good functions, but if the maps are not up to date, the GPS is useless. The maps are at least six years out of date in my area.

[Steve_R]

Can you switch the Navigator III from the LT to the car?YesIf not, if you purchase a Garmin 2720, I've read that the four buttons on the LT GPS mount (that the 2720 will fit) will not work. What do those four buttons do?The provide a way to get to functions on the touch screen that may or may not be convenient with motorcycle gloves on. Some folks don't have a problem working a 2xxx unit with gloves and the touch screen and others do. In other words, if I want the functionality to switch between car and bike (which Garmin gives me), what am I losing if I don't have the NAV III?Nothing

The dealer I visited said that the GPS for the LT cost around $1,400. That seems pretty high compared to what I can buy a Garmin for. I've read that Chicago BMW gives a discount. Do they do that for the NAV III too? Or, just regular maintenance stuff? With the discount, it may be a good purchase. As with everthing BMW badged, it is going to be expensive. Bring My Wallet or Bring More Wampum is a very common saying for those of us that ride a BMW. :) You need to remember the BMW package brings you everything you need to hook it to your BMW motorcycle without nickle and dimeing you to death for all the little extras. The BMW unit also has all the dealer locations preloaded into it and the software to work with the extra button on the BMW cradle.

If it has a BMW part number on it, BMW of Chicago will sell it to for a discount. But don't expect them to have all items in stock all the time. A friend of mine waited a month or more for replacement throttle cable for his LT.

[VADIVER]

Thanks Steve. I am familiar with the cost issue, I've owned Harleys for several years. It seems there is a common theme with BMW. At this point, if I can not work the BMW Nav III at a good price into the deal of the purchase of an 07 LT, I may just go with a Garmin.