Garmin Zumo 595LM

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

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

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

Garmin Zumo 595LM Versus Garmin Zumo 395LM Comparison

Garmin tends to have several GPS models for a similar application.  Their motorcycle lineup is no different as they have two current models.  It’s not always obvious what the differences are so here’s our Garmin Zumo 595LM versus Garmin Zumo 395LM comparison. Take some time to read this if in the market for a new motorcycle GPS.  You want to be happy with the purchase and not regret it.  Trust me, if you regret the purchase and wish you purchased the other, you will probably be back to buy the one that you always wanted.  There are some important differences … Read more