Need a GPS, affordable and weatherproof

[blue01]

I just got convinced how useful a GPS is after spending a week in an unfamiliar city with streets going everywhere and many street signs lacking. It saved our bacon a few times.
I'm in the process of planning a few weeks of riding next year throughout western Canada and the USA. As much as I would like to avoid many of the large cities, that won't be possible. And being on two wheels, we'll be guaranteed of more than a few days of rain.
I'm looking for a GPS that's under $400 and won't crap out on me if it get's wet. And there's no way I'll settle on putting a baggy over it.
What have you guys got for a GPS that'll meet my needs?

[Tmaximusv]

I picked up a Garmin 60Csx with maps etc. Can't say just how good all of the software is because it's not very intuitive and won't run right on my Mac so I don't play. Mostly use it for geocaching.

as for waterproof, it's meant for handheld outdoor use and has seals around all of the access points. Says it'll survive 30 minutes in 2m of water...

I picked it, Maps 2008 and a Ram mount for 250 on Fleabay. Current Garmin 76 is very similar, but more stuff on board.

[EricD10563]

I have the Garmin Nuvi 550, short on features but it's been working in all kinds of weather for 40k miles.

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[francs]

Zumo 210 (or 220).
It's "version" of Nuvi 550, but "biker friendly"

[Terence FFM]

I am faced with the issue of wanting to upgrade my current gps (a Garmin Colorado) with something that is motorcycle friendly, does tracks, and feature lane guidance. The conclusion is the zumo 350LM is pretty much the only choice but I choke every time I see the price of it.

So my current line of thought is to keep th Colorado for tracks (in this capacity it is actually pretty good, it just is not really the right tool for the job of navigating in a car or on a bike on busy European streets) and buy a Nuvi 2590 or similar for a small fraction of the the price of the Zumo 350 and house the thing in a waterproof Ram case.

A few members here are running a car gps unit in an appropriate case and have had no issues. I hate having redundant articles of anything (I'm a bit of a minimalist that way) but on the other hand I just can't stomach over paying by 200 - 300 Euro. As an added bonus, you get a significantly bigger screen if you go this route too.

[Yossarian™]

Originally Posted by Terence FFM

I am faced with the issue of wanting to upgrade my current gps (a Garmin Colorado) with something that is motorcycle friendly, does tracks, and feature lane guidance. The conclusion is the zumo 350LM is pretty much the only choice but I choke every time I see the price of it.

At that price point you may consider a Montana. Better screen than the 350, and does tracks, has lane guidance (Nuvi mode). Rugged and waterproof.

[joon1911]

When I bought my new BMW I got a free BMW Navigator IV which is a version of the Garmin Zumo 660 I believe. That being said, I have a practically new Garmin Zumo 220 that I have no use for. It came with maps from 2010 and a new update just became available. Garmin now offers the option for lifetime map updates for about $70.

I've probably only used the 220 maybe 4 times total as I haven't had many chances to take road trips with young'uns at home. Most of the accessories are still factory sealed. Motorcycle mount, hardwiring kit, car mount, etc. the unit is specifically motorcycle friendly so it is waterproof. If you are interested, I'd like to get $225 for it. Even paying For the lifetime maps you'd be saving $100 off retail.

Hopefully I haven't broken any forum rules by not posting this in the flea market. If so disregard and I'll post a for sale there.

[thescumbag]

I have had a 60Csx since it was introduced. Love the unit and you will find that it will do more than you want it to. As far as the mac goes, I use both and have no problems with the mac. Just load BaseCamp and play around with the software and unit to figure everything out. I have used it backpacking, with a suction cup mount on the windshield, but the screen is small for this application. I am considering a Montana for use on a vehicle and the bike for this reason, but will not get rid of the 60Csx. I also use a Dakota, but like the Csx better.

[DRTBYK]

Originally Posted by Terence FFM

I am faced with the issue of wanting to upgrade my current gps (a Garmin Colorado) with something that is motorcycle friendly, does tracks, and feature lane guidance. The conclusion is the zumo 350LM is pretty much the only choice but I choke every time I see the price of it.

What do you mean by it "does tracks"? The zumo 350LM will record a Track (Trip) Log and allow you to save them as a Route. But as far as I know, it does not Import or accept Tracks from another source (computer or GPS) and it can not display Tracks or navigate Tracks. Unless of course Garmin zumo Dev Team have made a major software release (miracles can happen I suppose).

Cheers,

[kimzx1000r]

Nuvi 500 been drowned and works perfectly!

[SmellyGoatBoy]

I see the nuvi 500 mentioned several times as a motorcycle gps. Does it have the "off road" track options that the 660/665 have?

[abhibeckert]

Originally Posted by SmellyGoatBoy

I see the nuvi 500 mentioned several times as a motorcycle gps. Does it have the "off road" track options that the 660/665 have?

I've never used a Nuvi, but as far as I know it is not suitable for riding anywhere except on roads/streets that are actually on the GPS.

I think it can record/export tracks, but not import them. That's would be deal breaker for me, even for street riding.

[findlj]

The Nuvi 500 comes loaded with Topo maps.

[kalaharigeorge]

Originally Posted by Terence FFM

Nuvi 2590 or similar for a small fraction of the the price of the Zumo 350 and house the thing in a waterproof Ram case.

This is precisely what I did for a comprehensive tour of the UK, Europe, Turkey and Iran. I had no problems whatsoever.