TomTom Rider 400

How About a Carry Case for Your Motorcycle GPS?

So you have this expensive motorcycle GPS.  Do you need a carry case for it?  Maybe.  Let’s discuss the subject and then recommend a few in case you decide a carry case for your motorcycle GPS is needed. Is a Motorcycle GPS Carry Case Necessary? It all depends upon the frequency of removal.  We see some motorcycle GPS owners keep their device on the mount all the time.  Never remove it from the bike.  In that example, a carry case is unnecessary.  We wrote an article on how to deter theft of a motorcycle GPS and pointed to the number one way … Read more

How to Protect an Empty Motorcycle GPS Cradle

After coming in from a ride, everyone is faced with the question of what should they leave attached to the bike.  I suppose if the motorcycle is stored in a locked garage, the answer to that question is probably to leave everything as is.  However, if your motorcycle is stored outdoors, the answer might not be that simple.  This article is for those that bring their device indoors but leave the motorcycle GPS cradle on the bike. If you’re thinking about leaving the GPS attached outdoors, think again.  These are expensive devices and easy to steal.  Don’t leave it to … Read more

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

Bluetooth Headsets for a TomTom Rider 400 GPS

Like any good motorcycle GPS, the TomTom Rider 400 supports integration of a Bluetooth headset.  That’s a mighty important feature.  If a motorcycle rider has any hope of hearing GPS directions, a Bluetooth headset or enabled helmet is necessary.  Good Bluetooth headsets for a TomTom Rider 400 makes using your GPS safer and more enjoyable. Bluetooth support is a funny thing.  Not all headset work with a given brand of GPS.  Interestingly, the supported list of manufacturers that have been tested to work with a TomTom Rider is very similar to those that work on it’s main competitor, namely the … 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 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