Why is a Motorcycle GPS so Expensive?

Why is a Motorcycle GPS so Expensive?Today, we answer the question of why is a motorcycle GPS so expensive.

There are a lot of types of GPS devices.  Most common are the ones that are made for a car.  These models are well known and some examples include the Garmin Nuvi, Garmin Drive and TomTom Go series of GPS devices.  A car GPS has a few things in common.  Most notable is the maps and hardware are made for use within a vehicle.  The other notable commonality among GPS devices made for car use is the lower price.

A motorcycle GPS is different from a car GPS.  One of the things that makes a motorcycle GPS so expensive is the hardware.  It’s weatherproof.  In some cases, it’s waterproof.  This means that you can use a motorcycle GPS in the rain.  Try that with a car GPS and you will soon be buying a new GPS.  Making a GPS waterproof involves a different set of materials and a higher quality of build.  In cases where the unit is waterproof, there cannot be any compromises in the casing.  This comes at a price.

The next reasons as to what makes a motorcycle GPS so expensive is the display.  A common everyday car GPS needs human touch to interface with the display interface.  Try it with a glove.  It won’t work.  A motorcycle GPS uses a special type of display that reacts to a glove as well as one without a glove.  This adds to the price of the build of a motorcycle GPS.

A relatively new feature on motorcycle displays is an anti-glare feature.  It’s difficult to see a GPS display when the sun is at your back.  Many of the latest motorcycle GPS devices now utilize any-glare technology on their units.  This is above and beyond what is furnished with a typical GPS device.

The next contributor to what makes a motorcycle GPS so expensive are the maps.  Most motorcycle GPS units have maps loaded that are specific to riding a motorcycle.  Unlike a car GPS, a motorcycle GPS allows selection of routes based upon unusual criteria such as how windy a road might be.  The creators of these maps charge additional fees for this type of information.

Take a look at the mount that is included with a motorcycle GPS.  That is not your typical plastic suction cup.  A motorcycle mount is typically made of metal and uses bolts to attach to the back of a powered cradle.  The mount is substantial, weighs a pound, and is made of non corrosive powder coated aluminum.  The mounts usually attach to your handlebar or clutch using metal u-bolts or straight heavy-duty bolts.  This is well above and beyond what is in the box with a car GPS.

The power cable included with a motorcycle GPS is normally a hardwire with a built-in fuse along with an audio port for connecting a headset.  The motorcycle GPS such as the Garmin Zumo 595LM also may have additional Bluetooth capabilities for a helmet speaker or accessories such as the Garmin Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS).  Again, these all come at an additional price and adds to the cost of manufacturing a motorcycle GPS.

That’s a lot of features that are unique to a motorcycle GPS.  Hopefully, this article brings about a better understanding as to what contributes to making a motorcycle GPS so expensive.