Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Product Features
3.5-Inch Screen
High-Sensitivity GPS Receiver
10,000 Point Tracking
Bluetooth-Enabled For Hands Free Calling & For Sending Audio To Compatible Helmets
High Bright Display For Sunlight Readability & Uv Resistant

Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Technical Details
Condition: New
Type: Motorcycle
Waypoints: 500
Trip Computer: Average Speed
Trip Computer: Resettable Odometer
Trip Computer: Timers
Trip Computer: Maximum Speed
Inputs: USB
Display: Color
Screen Size: 3.5"
Touch Screen: Yes
Voice: Yes
Battery Life: 4 hours
Antenna: Built-in patch
Special Features: Bluetooth
Special Features: MP3 Music Player
Special Features: XM Radio Capable
Special Features: Traffic Ready
Maps Included: United States
Maps Included: Canada

Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

The new Zumo 550 is a big step forward in ease of use, but sacrifices some of the flexibility of previous units (Streepilot series, x76C series). The touch screen display and integrated buttons on the left side of the unit are easy to use even with riding gloves, and the new locking mount is a big improvement. GPS reception also seems to be GREATLY improved; not getting lost under dense tree coverage. The display is relatively big, bright and clear; but difficult to read in really bright sunlight. Also, much of the screen is used for large display items and touch "buttons", so the actual map display is fairly small. The built in battery is an improvement over the StreetPilot, allowing the unit to be used when the motorcycle is off. The battery also allows the unit to be connected to a PC without an AC adapter.

Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

The new operating system is easy to learn and use, but lacks some of the flexibility of other units. Long time GPS users may feel restricted by the fixed display formats, but new users probably won't notice. The operating software still has a few bugs and route guidance prompts need some work, but Garmin does a good job of making updates available (with WebUpdater) and has already released v2.3.
The MP3 player is simple to use but does not support playlists and still seems to have software bugs.
I have linked the ZUMO to a bluetooth helmet (Dainese) and phone (LG-VX8500) and it seems to work very well. Although told that the MP3 would not work over bluetooth, it does in my set-up.
In summary: even with the display restrictions and software issues this is a great GPS for motorcycle use

Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

I've been using the Zumo 550 on my motorcycle (Yamaha FJR1300) for concerning a month now and am very happy with the performance and simple use. Very user friendly and a quick learn. I have it tied to my Autocom AVI professional unit and it provides very clear audio and higher sterio Mp3 sound than my little Zen Mp3 player did when it was tied to the Autocom. I did notice that it didn't recognize a 4 year old, paved, back-road I typically travel in northern Calif. (between LaPorte and Quincy) but can see if there are mapping updates accessible to rectify this. The Mapsource Software is not as user friendly because the MicroSoft Streets and Journeys I am used to but maybe with more and more observe I will become more profficient with it?. I have used the coordinate search tool with the software and it is terribly neat. Overall, this is often a terribly nice GPS and with more practice, I know I'm going to love it even more.