Garmin

Using GPX Files with a Garmin Zumo

GPX, also known as a GPS Exchange Format File contains waypoints, tracks and routes that can be used on many GPS models.  It’s a nice concept in that it’s intended to share mapping information between applications and devices. The GPX format was originally released in 2002 and is a standard for the exchange of GPS data.  Not all GPS manufacturers support GPX files let alone a means to transfer it to their GPS models. Fortunately, most Garmin Zumo models support GPX files.  This article will discuss what’s good about GPS, why you might want to use it and lastly, how … Read more

Garmin Zumo Versus TomTom Rider Motorcycle GPS Comparison

Garmin and TomTom are the most prominent GPS players.  It’s been that way for many years.  Garmin has a larger presence in the US and TomTom is larger in Europe.  However, both are worldwide brands with a good presence in North America, Europe and Australia.  What’s the difference?  We look at a Garmin Zumo versus TomTom Rider motorcycle GPS devices. Both companies have been making GPS devices for motorcycles for over ten years.  Plenty of time to get their acts straight.  For the most part, both have done a splendid job of giving riders what’s needed to see where you’re going. … Read more

Garmin Zumo 395LM Motorcycle GPS Review

The Garmin Zumo 395LM is the successor to the Garmin Zumo 390LM.  The hardware is basically the same although Garmin claims a longer battery life of up to 7 hours.  The real difference is the software.  The Garmin Zumo 395LM was introduced for the 2016 model year along with it’s larger cousin, the Garmin Zumo 595LM. Hardware The Garmin Zumo 395LM has a 4.3 inch screen.  While I think this size screen becomes somewhat of a limitation especially for use with gloves, it can be seen clearly on your handlebar.  Like most motorcycle GPS units, the Garmin Zumo 395LM is weatherproof. … Read more

Garmin Zumo 595LM Motorcycle GPS Review

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 … Read more

Power for a Garmin or TomTom Motorcycle GPS

Purchasing and installing a Garmin or TomTom motorcycle GPS device is half the work.  Installing your new GPS is often much more difficult.  After figuring out where to put it, you need to determine how to power it.  We covered How to Mount a Garmin Zumo or TomTom Rider GPS in a prior article.  That’s a great article to figure out how and where to attach the motorcycle GPS on your bike.  Often, hardwire is the selected method to get power to your motorcycle GPS and that’s what we’ll talk about in this article. First – If all of your anticipated rides are short … Read more

Garmin Zumo 590LM Motorcycle GPS Review

Garmin has been making a GPS specific to the motorcycle market for roughly ten years.  The Garmin Zumo 590LM is their first GPS with a screen size greater than 4.3 inches and naturally includes a lot of new features unavailable in their older Zumo products. The photo that accompanies this article is of a Garmin Zumo 590LM on a BMW motorcycle. A good question to address is if you need a motorcycle GPS or can one that’s made for car use be sufficient.  As you will see from the remainder of this article, the Zumo 590LM has features that are specific to … Read more