Garmin GPS Zumo 660

Modern GPS is accurate, depending on the number of satellites available, to within less than a yard. So anyone seeking to navigate by use of a GPS system can obtain extremely accurate positioning. And this is now user friendly. In the past this information was only available as a longitude and latitude figure.

This was only really useful to someone with the technical expertise to actually use this to plot the position on a map.

So motorcyclists can now buy dedicated motorcycle GPS systems, like the Garmin GPS Zumo 660, that they can use as a total navigation system. There are various ways they can do this. It's quite possible for the motorcycle rider, who may also, for example, be a keen hiker, to get a handheld portable GPS unit that can be taken anywhere, including mounted on a motorcycle.

And a motorbike rider needs to be able to program or use it whilst wearing heavy motorcycle gloves.

Overall I love this GPS. The first thing I notice about it is the wide screen. I have looked at other GPS's in the store and a lot of them have nearly square screens with not a lot of information on them. I'm an HDTV kind of guy and I appreciate the wide aspect ratio and larger view of the map when driving. I have a modestly sized bike (BMW F800ST) and it fits nicely on the left part of the handlebars without hitting the windscreen or otherwise getting in the way. In my case, though, I had to face the main clamp of the mount straight forward so the cradle didn't sit to high. Still, there is plenty of space for it.

I moved up from a GPSMap 60C to this and am extremely satisfied with it. The bluetooth integration with my phones worked flawlessly, if a little slowly for the initial pairing. I'm able to receive calls while riding, which is important for me due to the type of work I do. I simply cannot miss calls while I'm carrying the on-call phone, and short of driving during my rotation, this is the best solution.

I spent the past 6 months with a Tom Tom 720. I tried to like it, I really did. The celebrity voices were cute, and the bluetooth was a nice idea, but I just got way to frustrated with the wrong directions, and huge multi-block detours instead of just making a perfectly legal U-turn in places...

So I decided to try the Garmin. I read a review of the Zumo 660 in the Overland Journal, and was impressed. Then I read some of the reviews here and got a little worried.

However, I can now say I LOVE IT.

There are some excellent GPS manufacturers who have come to the rescue of the motorcyclist by manufacturing dedicated motorcycle GPS systems, like the Garmin GPS Zumo 660 that combine all these features and more. The GPS mounts are designed to allow mounting without the problems of vibration, and the GPS units are vibration resistant, waterproof and can be read, and used, by the motorcyclist.

Program in where you want to ride and it will take you there every turn, turn by turn. Ask it to and it will tell you all the places of interest along the way, like food or fuel stops, and accommodation. With the right extras it will even tell you in real time where the traffic jams are and how to ride around them. This saves you both time and fuel..

GPS is the new wave of navigating, and motorcycle GPS is no exception. But what exactly is GPS and why would you want it on a motorcycle?

A GPS, including a motorcycle GPS, works by receiving radio signals from a series of satellites that are positioned in orbit around the globe. By cross referencing these satellite signals your motorcycle GPS unit can work out, to an accuracy of around 6 meters or less, exactly where you are.

The Garmin GPS Zumo 660
also comes standard with a digital fuel gauge so you can keep track of how many miles you have left before it's time to get gas.

Keep In Touch

You can also call POIs through the zumo's Bluetooth interface--perfect for last-minute change of plans or a quick pit stop for food and fuel.

Have a long ride planned?

The zumo 660 is your all-in-one entertainment center.

Featuring an on-board mp3 player and advanced Bluetooth A2DP technology, you'll enjoy crisp and clean stereo sound with your compatible headset.