Garmin Smartphone Link Overview

Garmin Smartphone Link is an app available for iOS and Android phones.  This app enables integration beyond the basic Bluetooth connectivity for voice calls.  This app is available for us on many of Garmin’s GPS models from the past several years.  These models include the higher end Garmin Zumo 590LM and Garmin Zumo 595LM.  Smartlink also integrates the Garmin DriveSmart, DriveAssist, DriveLuxe and many of the Nuvi models introduced over the last several years. Garmin Live Services This service provides real time traffic, weather and live services to your GPS.  Garmin Smartphone Link retrieves this information using your smartphone and … Read more

Garmin Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) Overview

TPMS is an acronym for the Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor from Garmin.  This is a nice feature offered by Garmin as an optional accessory to many of the latest Zumo motorcycle GPS models.  We’re going to discuss what it does and how it integrates into a Garmin Zumo motorcycle GPS. How TPMS Works The Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor is a smart valve cap.  There are integrated sensors and a battery.  The sensors not only check the tire pressure but even detects motion.  The motion sensor helps to preserve battery life.  When you turn off your Garmin Zumo, the TPMS enters … Read more

Can I Use a Handheld GPS on a Motorcycle?

Handheld GPS devices pack a lot of useful features in a small footprint.  These GPS devices are typically used outside a moving vehicle.  Very popular with hikers, geocachers and hunters, you don’t normally see a handheld GPS used on a motorcycle or in a car.  The question that we will try to answer:  Can I use a handheld GPS on a motorcycle? Not an easy decision.  It all depends upon your requirements, budget and available space for mounting the device.  Quality handheld GPS devices used to be available from a variety of companies.  Lately though, Garmin is the only game … Read more

How to Use a Motorcycle GPS in a Car

Let’s face it.  A motorcycle GPS is expensive.  Especially for a device that will only be used part time.  It’s time to go full time.  At least in terms of driving.  We’re going to show how to use a motorcycle GPS in a car. Garmin was the first to think about doing this.  As part of the first generation was the Garmin Zumo 550.  You could use this motorcycle GPS in a car right out of the box.  The initial purchase included a special mount and DC power cable specifically for use in a car.  In fact, that’s the Garmin … Read more

How to Control a Garmin Virb with a Zumo

The Garmin VIRB line of action cameras was introduced a few years ago.  Made sense.  GoPro was making a lot of money selling action cameras.  Garmin had less revenue coming in from automotive navigational devices.  Why not try to leverage the Garmin name with a growing segment like action cameras.   Integrate the Garmin VIRB with a Zumo to provide features that can’t be had with other action cameras.  Makes sense. The Garmin VIRB line of action cameras is fairly rugged and many can be used on a motorcycle.  The Garmin VIRB Elite is a good start.  It’s a 1080p … Read more

How to Deter Theft of a Motorcycle GPS

Leaving an expensive motorcycle GPS device on your handlebar can be risky.  Many motorcycle GPS devices are easy to lift off the bike.  It’s often a simple matter of lifting a latch and slipping the GPS off the holder.  We are going to discuss methods for deterring theft of a motorcycle GPS. The first and most obvious way to prevent theft of a motorcycle GPS is to take it with you when leaving your bike.  As already stated, most are very easy to install and remove.  Often a matter of lifting up a latch, a Garmin Zumo or TomTom Rider … Read more