The Benefits of Motorcycle GPS Trackers

A good way to keep an eye on your motorcycle is to have technology do it for you.  That’s where GPS trackers come in. I first became familiar with GPS trackers many years ago with the introduction of a LoJack GPS System.  You might remember those.  Hide a box somewhere in your car and once activated, the police could find a stolen car.  Over the years LoJack had some competition from other companies.  These GPS trackers got more sophisticated and before long were installed within the ignition system so that the ignition could be killed remotely along with a vehicle location. Much … Read more

Garmin Zumo Versus Google Maps

Google Maps has been around for awhile.  So has a Garmin Zumo.  The question is which is better.  We are going to compare a Garmin Zumo versus Google Maps. If you aren’t familiar with Google Maps, a screenshot accompanies this article.  Google Maps is a smartphone app available free of charge.  The endeavor first started in 2004, was purchased by Google and turned into a web app.  Today it’s been transformed into a navigation app with a few unique features such as satellite imagery.  Google Maps is one of the most popular navigation apps around. The Garmin Zumo has been available for … Read more

Garmin Zumo Versus Waze on a Motorcycle

When it comes to navigation apps, Waze reigns as the best available.  Waze was purchased by Google a few years ago and has developed into what’s likely the most widely used navigation app available.  I personally use it a lot in a car but what about a motorcycle?  Is a standalone GPS better?  Let’s compare a Garmin Zumo versus Waze on a smartphone. If you aren’t familiar with Waze, a screenshot accompanies this article.  Waze is a smartphone app available free of charge.  It’s not a typical GPS app.  Real time traffic flows and user generated alerts are embedded in … Read more

The TomTom Rider 400 Motorcycle GPS

When it comes to a motorcycle GPS there are two major players and TomTom is one of them.  The TomTom Rider 400 is their most recent update to their successful Rider lineup.  While TomTom might be a bigger name in Europe than the United States, they have sold GPS devices in the US for over a decade.  Typically lower priced than a Garmin with features that are on par with the latest from their main competitor. So let’s take a look at the TomTom Rider 400. Hardware The TomTom Rider 400 has a 4.3 inch screen with 480 x 272 resolution. … Read more

How to Select the Best Motorcycle GPS

Not all motorcycle GPS devices are the same.  In fact, not all GPS devices are made for use on a motorcycle.  We look at the most important features to help you decide which is the best motorcycle GPS for you. There are a lot of different features on a GPS.  Some are absolutely required while others are unneeded and simply add to the price unnecessarily.  You would be surprised, at times, how little you get for an additional $400.  Having a list of the important features to you can result a fairly significant cost savings and better ownership experience. So let’s … Read more

Bluetooth Headsets for a Garmin Zumo GPS

Not all motorcycle GPS devices support Bluetooth headsets.  If a motorcycle rider has any hope of hearing GPS directions, a Bluetooth headset or enabled helmet is necessary.  While I suppose you can wire the audio output into an external speaker, I just can’t see how the directions can be heard when riding on a highway.  It’s safer and makes sense to use a Bluetooth headset. Fortunately, all Garmin Zumo motorcycle GPS units made over the past several years support directions and calls through Bluetooth. Since Garmin is the largest GPS manufacturer, Bluetooth helmet and headset manufacturers try to ensure their … Read more