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.