The Garmin Zumo 595LM is the successor to the already popular Garmin Zumo 590LM. It might look the same from the outside, but the software within the GPS is an improvement as Garmin steps up their smartphone integration game.
Hardware
It’s a 5.0″ display which is the minimum size needed to effectively interact with these GPS devices using gloves. The Garmin Zumo 595LM is weatherproof. Rated to IPX7 which means it withstands incidental exposure to water of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Good for light to moderate rain.
The Garmin Zumo 595LM has a glove sensitive display which means that you don’t have to take your gloves off to interface with the display. These are ruggedly constructed to endure the daily vibrations of a motorcycle.
Like previous versions of the Garmin Zumo, a neat feature is the ability to check your tire pressure using the optional Garmin Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor accessory. This is an additional accessory that can be added which is basically a smart air valve cap that speaks to the GPS. This is a very useful feature that makes the Garmin Zumo line of GPS units somewhat unique.
Software
The Garmin Zumo 595LM provides lifetime map updates at no charge. Updates are done using the cable provided while attached to your home computer.
The Garmin Zumo 595LM has a new feature called photoReal Junction View. I like this feature a lot. It provides a view of the approaching junction with lane guidance. A brightly colored arrow on the GPS display, along with voice prompts, will indicate the proper lane position needed for your next turn or exit.
Like almost all motorcycle GPS devices made over the past few years, this GPS includes Bluetooth integration so that you can hear the directions through a Bluetooth enabled helmet or speaker.
Bluetooth is an integral feature if you have any hope of hearing GPS commands. The Garmin Zumo 595LM has a Bluetooth interface to your phone or Bluetooth enabled helmet. You can use this feature to hear the directions and street names. The feature also supports interfacing with your smartphone. You can also use the Bluetooth feature to ask for points of interest, like gas or food.
The Garmin Zumo 595LM has a trip gauge to help plan gas consumption. This works better than the one that’s included in my new Nissan Murano. There’s also a nicely integrated service log history so you can track when it’s time to do routine maintenance such as change the tires or air filter.
Fun and Different
New to the Garmin Zumo 595LM are rider alerts for sharp curves, state helmet laws, speed cameras and other useful notifications. Can’t get this in older Garmin Zumo models and certainly not in any car GPS. Not a new feature, but you can also integrate this GPS with the Garmin VIRB Action Camera.
Mounts
I guess Garmin has decided to include both a motorcycle and car mount with all future Zumo models as this has been standard for the past few Zumo introductions.
The Garmin Zumo 595LM includes both a motorcycle and car mount which is a nice touch. No reason why you can’t use these in a car as well as a motorcycle. Saves some money in that you don’t need a second GPS for your car. The car cradle has the standard 17mm socket on the back so a lot of the mounts that are available for a Garmin Nuvi that have a 17mm ball on the end will fit the car cradle for a Zumo 595LM.
We like the Arkon Suction Cup Mount for Garmin Nuvi as a suitable replacement that’s a notch above the Garmin entry and fits the cradle real well. Don’t worry about it saying Nuvi, these fit the Zumo 595LM car cradle as it has a 17mm socket the same way that the Nuvi does. There’s a vacuum lock on the mount to make sure it sticks firmly, just be sure to clean the windshield with the included wipe before use. It also includes a dash disk if you would like to use it there instead of the windshield.
Another nice mount is the Garmin Portable Friction Mount which is a bean bag attached to the typical Garmin 17mm ball. Just attach your car cradle to the ball. These mounts weigh almost two pounds and sit on a flat level dash.
Summary
The Garmin Zumo 595LM is Garmin’s current flagship when it comes to motorcycle GPS devices. While I’m sure they will top it with some new features in a few years, this is currently the most feature packed motorcycle GPS Garmin makes. It’s a great device.
Specifications Summary:
| Glove Friendly | Display | Battery Life | Bluetooth | Smartphone Support | MP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | 5" | Up to 4 Hours | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Manufacturer Link: Garmin
I’m Mike, the author of all of the articles on this site. MotorcycleGPSHub is written from many years of experience outfitting motorcycles with GPS devices and mounting configurations. I’ve had a chance to use not just the old school Garmin Zumo, but more contemporary GPS apps like Waze and Google Maps. To each their own. There’s a good market for a traditional motorcycle GPS as well as those that want to keep it basic with a smartphone app.
