Garmin Zumo

How to Keep a Motorcycle GPS Dry

Clouds on the horizon.  Generally speaking, electronics and water don’t play well together.  Usually.  We’re going to look at ways to keep a motorcycle GPS dry.  We will also discuss if it’s even necessary. There are many different GPS models.  Some are made for motorcycle use, others are made for use in a car.  We discuss using a car GPS on a motorcycle in a previous article.  Each type of GPS has different water resistant properties. Ingress Protection Ratings Weatherproof ratings are expressed in terms of IP rating.  IP means Ingress Protection.  You will see terms such as IP68 used. … Read more

Garmin GPS Map Types Explained

GPS devices are used for a variety of purposes.  A typical map of roads will prove to be less than helpful if off-road or hiking.  Understanding the type of map that is required will help to ensure you have the right GPS and the proper set of maps. We’ll explain the map types that are available from Garmin and provide some guidance on which GPS might be right for your situation. Street Maps The Garmin Zumo comes with pre-loaded Garmin street maps.  This is the same type of map display seen on a Garmin vehicular GPS such as a Garmin … 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

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