Post by: lefthander on May 03, 2020, 10:27:34 PM
I'm looking for a good quality motorcycle GPS that I can mount on my 1992 K75. I don't know alot about them, so any guidance would be appreciated. Waterproof and be able to see with my 64 year old eyes would be a plus. I want to drive from coast to coast to see my boys and grandkids with some side trips if time allows. If you have one you would sale or can direct me to what would be a good choice with mounting ability I would be grateful. If you are looking to do any trading with this I have a BMW low seat for my bike that I don't use and lots of real good quality riding gear as well. I am 5'11' and 180 for reference. I also have a fried BMW motorad navigator3 with mounts and wires, cover and sunshade along with 2 of the cradles. Anyway I can also do cash. Thank you very much
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on May 03, 2020, 10:55:01 PM
DSCN2063 (3).JPG (43.5 kB . 629x576 - viewed 628 times)The only time I had a problem was a few years ago when I didn't update the maps before a trip to the West Coast. On the way back, it got a bit confusing in Albuquerque, New Mexico when I got into a downtown area where there was a lot of new construction on the interchange from I-40 to I-25. Other than that, it has never steered me wrong(no pun intended).
I don't know how you want to use it, for me, the GPS allows me to take side trips or alternate routes as something catches my eye and still keep me on the way to the day's destination if it's important. When I'm not out touring I set the destination for home and take off for the hills south of where I live. Watching the GPS for arrival time, I know when I need to head home to be there on time for dinner. The wife appreciates that function.
Post by: K1300S on May 04, 2020, 10:04:24 AM
i have a garmin zumo 396 on the k1300s. it rocks. waterproof. some MC specific functions. easy to use. lifetime maps and traffic. bluetooth connect to helmet sena for voice directions, speed camera warnings, and sharp curves. only downside is the smaller screen.
best option would be zumo 596. all of the 396 stuff, plus much bigger screen and i think you can also get weather overlays from a phone connection.
if you are going cross country, don't cheap out. get a good motorcycle specific one. it makes a difference and it will REALLY add value to your trip.
Post by: milq on May 04, 2020, 10:38:27 AM
That one stays mounted to my dual sport and on my other bike I've since started using a Kyocera DuraForce rugged phone I picked up used on eBay, loaded with OSMand. Screen size is the same as the Zumo 665 and graphics are way better. You don't have to have cellular service to use it as a gps, but you do have to be tech savvy enough to install a memory card and the app. OSMand maps are updated monthly and you get 7 state maps free, if you want unlimited you have to pay around $12 and they often have sales for $5.95. You can also get contour line maps and such for a similar fee if you're into hiking.
Plenty of mounts available to mount the phone to different bikes out there, I use a Perfect Squeeze from Hondo Garage as it's near bullet proof.
OSMand also has the app for iPhone but I chose to use the rugged Kyocera and keep my normal phone safely tucked away.
https://osmand.net/
Post by: natalena on May 04, 2020, 02:17:11 PM
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on May 04, 2020, 05:04:28 PM
As far as accuracy, the only time I've had a problem was on a trip where I didn't download new maps before I left. I also carry a set of paper maps that I use for planning each day's ride. Out west I've found that skinny black lines on the map that follow a squiggly blue line usually are nice canyon roads.
Post by: lefthander on May 04, 2020, 06:34:30 PM
Sounds like the garmin zumo 396 or 596 or 665 would be a solid choice. Would you be comfortable with a used unit if it doesn't seem abused? Also how old is too old as far as map updates go. Also on the 396 can you see it ok? I'm not that blind but my bmw motorad navigator lll was a bit too small. The screen on it is about 3 and a half by 2". Thank you in advance for all the help.
Post by: K1300S on May 04, 2020, 09:13:39 PM
A year or two old model is ok, as long as it comes with lifetime free map updates. Garmin updates their maps about every three months. Easy to do with a computer.
I have a 396. If I had to do it again, I would get the bigger 596.
Post by: alexg on May 04, 2020, 10:11:10 PM
I am probably not up to speed with the latest GPS gadgets, but I am considering buying a cell phone holder for my K75 and attaching via a custom made bracket just above the toggle switches.
Post by: K1300S on May 05, 2020, 07:19:45 AM
I don't like the phone outside of my pockets. If I have an off, I want the phone on me, not on the bike which may be somewhere else.
Dedicated mc gps's have far better route planning capabilities. Google maps sucks for that.
Cell phone screens that I have used are not good in direct sunlight.
New mc specific gps's do some really cool things that a generic map app on a phone don't.
Post by: Rcgreaves on May 05, 2020, 09:41:55 AM
Ive experimented using Google maps but my rub is that I want to retrace my route. I don't believe Goggle maps will track me.
So I subscribed to the Rever app on my iPhone 5 SE. I created a custom mount and this past weekend did 500+ miles in Wisconsin's upper peninsula. Tracking feature does what I wish.
Rain:
The SE is rated to survive an hour submerged. Not sure if I want to test that, nor do I really see myself continuing for long in a deluge. I think a smartphone option is workable even in the rain. Adjustments with a fingertip would require the screen be wiped dry in even a drizzle. That would frustrate.
Power: GPS apps like Rever, Google Maps et al suck battery in a big way. looking at my first ride, this past Sunday, the app and my phone lasted all of 67 of 413 miles from full charge....I have been sitting on a USB power jack for over a year- its time to install it for continuous recharge.
Mounting headaches: K75S is a challenging set up. I opted against center mounting. (I mounted, ok TIG welded a RAM phone mount on my right mirror above the throttle. I'm a righty, the hand moves at a minimum.
I'll stash the charger out of sight and thread one of these aftermarket fabric sheathed cables up the handlebar to my right mirror position mount for stealthy power....
I like the Apple 5 SE form factor, smaller works better for me in general, I can mount it to the control yolk of a 172 airplane (foreflight app), but on my K maybe a larger screen would be beneficial.
Miscellaneous ramblings,
Cheers
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on May 05, 2020, 11:00:17 AM
DSCN1597 (2).JPG (45.96 kB . 650x576 - viewed 611 times) DSCN1599.JPG (39.37 kB . 432x576 - viewed 580 times)Post by: Rcgreaves on May 05, 2020, 11:22:54 AM
we've been this road you and I:
It's centered, super useful. For my part I sat for several minutes "mocking up" your set up last year, I couldn't bring myself to cover controls, complicate key access, dash visibility.
You say it was easy... ok, nothing about this bike for me has come easily! I value your inputs as always.
I have never used one of these Garmins, might be worth a try. Cheers.
Post by: mw074 on May 05, 2020, 11:43:30 AM
Post by: Rcgreaves on May 05, 2020, 11:52:15 AM
I may be mistaken but None of those will just clamp to my S bars without considerable carving. I do like that upper clamp bracket...my wheels are turning.
Im attaching a pic of my creation documented in the classic motobrick area. A work in progress, but hey it is painted now.
Post by: Rcgreaves on May 05, 2020, 11:55:31 AM
Phones not usually water proof.
I don't like the phone outside of my pockets. If I have an off, I want the phone on me, not on the bike which may be somewhere else.
Dedicated mc gps's have far better route planning capabilities. Google maps sucks for that.
Cell phone screens that I have used are not good in direct sunlight.
New mc specific gps's do some really cool things that a generic map app on a phone don't.
+2 displays wanting!!! in the pocket after an off - thanks.
Post by: edgeoftheworld on May 05, 2020, 11:57:08 AM
I got a BMW Nav V for my R1200GS last year. I kind of hate it. Much less user friendly than a phone and google maps and its taken me some weird routes on occasion. A friend of mine has been using an older Kyocera phone as a GPS. Seems like quite a few people are using them because they are waterproof and really rugged...not to mention fairly cheap, under $100. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MQWJRVQ (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MQWJRVQ)
I primarily use my phone for navigation and only use the Nav 5 for loading GPX tracks. I'll also add that I got into a motorcycle accident in October in a foreign country and my phone was in my pocket and it broke in the accident. Now I take a second phone with me on motorcycle trips :laughing1:
Post by: mw074 on May 05, 2020, 12:09:34 PM
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on May 05, 2020, 12:12:46 PM
For the price, I have never regretted the Nuvi vs. the Zumo. 300+ bucks buys a lot of gas.
I typically travel in two modes. I am either trying to cover as much ground in a day as possible, or just meandering about. The Nuvi and a bunch of AAA maps keeps me from getting lost which is all I need. If I'm looking for cool roads to travel, the interweb has lots of good suggestions. I highlight on the maps the roads I want to travel and things to see, set waypoints to them on the Nuvi and go for it. I put the place I want to be at the end of the day as the final waypoint when I'm done having fun.
I usually travel in the off season, so accommodations aren't a problem. I just get into town and look at what's available and choose something that looks good to me. My Nuvi just helps keep me from making wrong turns and keeps track of when I am getting to my spot for the night. YMMV
Post by: Rcgreaves on May 05, 2020, 12:20:48 PM
Before I bought my K75S, I did some research on mounting a GPS/Phone since there isn't any handlebar room. I ended up getting a cheap mount on a goose neck from Amazon that bolted on to the front of the dashpad. I have the same mount on my R65 and took it on a 1000 mile trip with no issues at all. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B075PJT7NC (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B075PJT7NC)
I got a BMW Nav V for my R1200GS last year. I kind of hate it. Much less user friendly than a phone and google maps and its taken me some weird routes on occasion. A friend of mine has been using an older Kyocera phone as a GPS. Seems like quite a few people are using them because they are waterproof and really rugged...not to mention fairly cheap, under $100.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MQWJRVQ (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MQWJRVQ)
I primarily use my phone for navigation and only use the Nav 5 for loading GPX tracks. I'll also add that I got into a motorcycle accident in October in a foreign country and my phone was in my pocket and it broke in the accident. Now I take a second phone with me on motorcycle trips :laughing1:
Edgeoftheworld, welcome! A second phone is an option I never considered. Several retired to a drawer, thanks. What I want to know is how you manage to suspend your bike upside down for service! My pics inexplicably invert too.
Post by: edgeoftheworld on May 05, 2020, 12:39:02 PM
Edgeoftheworld, welcome! A second phone is an option I never considered. Several retired to a drawer, thanks. What I want to know is how you manage to suspend your bike upside down for service! My pics inexplicably invert too.
Thanks! Glad to find an active community for the K bikes! Give the phone a shot. I find Google maps to be the easiest mapping app to use. Wish Garmin would make theirs as easy to use. If you have an old phone, do a factory reset, uninstall most of the apps and install your favorite map app (google, waze). Since it won't have a SIM for data, you will have to download maps for offline use but google makes that pretty easy and there should be plenty of space on the phone for them. You can also turn on the wifi hotspot on your primary phone and connect the second phone to it for data. Most recent phones are water resistant too.
Seems like any vertical picture gets turned the wrong way...oh well :)
Post by: Laitch on May 05, 2020, 12:43:49 PM
Seems like any vertical picture gets turned the wrong way...oh well :)Not any vertical picture. Just photos that haven't had exif adjustment to compensate for positioning. If they're downloaded to a computer first, positioned correctly then uploaded, they'll likely be ok. That's what I did with yours.
Post by: edgeoftheworld on May 05, 2020, 12:52:04 PM
Not any vertical picture. Just photos that haven't had exif adjustment to compensate for positioning. If they're downloaded to a computer first, positioned correctly then uploaded, they likely be ok. That's what I did with yours.
Cool...good to know. I'll make sure I do that next time. I just opened an image with GIMP and it prompted me on the rotation. then I just exported it and overwrote the original.
Post by: Laitch on May 05, 2020, 12:53:57 PM
Post by: Martin on May 05, 2020, 04:37:52 PM
Regards Martin.
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Post by: milq on May 05, 2020, 11:12:03 PM
WiFi, GPS, etc. all still work with no cellular connection and has serviceable camera.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VERIZON-KYOCERA-DURAFORCE-PRO-E6810N-ANDROID-RUGGED-PHONE-32GB-LTE-WATERPROOF/323471119553?hash=item4b506194c1:g:0bAAAOSwk6dbrVxE
Post by: K1300S on May 06, 2020, 10:53:54 PM
Thanks! Glad to find an active community for the K bikes! Give the phone a shot. I find Google maps to be the easiest mapping app to use. Wish Garmin would make theirs as easy to use. If you have an old phone, do a factory reset, uninstall most of the apps and install your favorite map app (google, waze). Since it won't have a SIM for data, you will have to download maps for offline use but google makes that pretty easy and there should be plenty of space on the phone for them. You can also turn on the wifi hotspot on your primary phone and connect the second phone to it for data. Most recent phones are water resistant too.
Seems like any vertical picture gets turned the wrong way...oh well :)
google maps (or waze) work great if you just want to go from point a to point b on the fastest route. but if you want to plan a long multi-day trip and have a bunch of waypoints to hit along a route each day along more fun roads than slab.....then google/waze don't just suck, they won't do that at all. that is where MC specific GPS's like Garmin shine. they actually are easy to use, you just have to get used to them a bit. I'll use waze all day in my car to get around, but the bikes get Garmins, each with the same set of regular routes i ride so i can just jump on and pull up a route in a couple clicks. super ez. program it all on my laptop at home, then dump the same plans to both Garmins.
There is no "right" solution. Depends on what you want to do and how little or much money you want to spend.
Post by: edgeoftheworld on May 07, 2020, 10:46:42 AM
google maps (or waze) work great if you just want to go from point a to point b on the fastest route. but if you want to plan a long multi-day trip and have a bunch of waypoints to hit along a route each day along more fun roads than slab.....then google/waze don't just suck, they won't do that at all. that is where MC specific GPS's like Garmin shine. they actually are easy to use, you just have to get used to them a bit. I'll use waze all day in my car to get around, but the bikes get Garmins, each with the same set of regular routes i ride so i can just jump on and pull up a route in a couple clicks. super ez. program it all on my laptop at home, then dump the same plans to both Garmins.
There is no "right" solution. Depends on what you want to do and how little or much money you want to spend.
Absolutely correct. No "right" solution. Garmin definitely has a steeper learning curve...I haven't put in the time yet to really learn it. I've only done a few week long trips and they tend to be very loosely planned. Dedicated GPS (or one of the lesser known phone apps like OSMand) is needed for a really planned trip.
Post by: alexg on May 07, 2020, 05:46:05 PM
Post by: CTDOM! on May 13, 2020, 02:43:15 PM
I enjoy seeing everyone's set ups! Great ingenuity!
Post by: lefthander on May 15, 2020, 04:38:10 PM
Post by: alexg on May 15, 2020, 06:18:46 PM
can you post a picture of the final install?
Thanks,
Alex
Post by: K1300S on May 15, 2020, 09:53:40 PM
Thank you for all the help. I bought a Garmin Zumo 396 lmt-s. I got it installed using the motorcycle mount from Garmin that comes with the gps. I hardwired? it in along with my Valentine 1. I really don't think I need the r. detector but I had it. Maybe the model GPS I got is a little over kill but it seems to work great. I get lost easily. Anyway thank you everyone for all the help.
Not overkill, excellent choice.
Post by: lefthander on May 19, 2020, 08:13:59 PM
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on May 19, 2020, 09:01:23 PM
If you don't have one already, find an OEM tank bag with the rain cover. I carry a flashlight, AAA maps, snacks, a first aid kit, spare eyeglasses, a magnifier to help my 72 year old eyes read the maps, a bottle of water, sunscreen and toilet paper(in a ziploc bag). If you take any medications, you might want to put them in the tank bag as well. A small bottle of BugSlide and a microfiber cloth fit in the bag to clean bugs off my windshield.
I carry some spares and a tire repair kit stashed around the bike. Stuff I carry is what I might break in a spill that could strand me. Clutch cable, throttle cable, clutch and brake levers, shifter, fuel pump, and a 12v compressor to inflate tires.
I also have some extra tools: A harbor freight 1/4" drive socket set and a couple extensions along with a set of ball end Allen wrenches and a 4 way screwdriver with big and small Phillips and flat bits. Sometimes I pack visegrips.
A good touring jacket and pants both with CE rated armor along with boots and socks. I usually wear a pair of cargo shorts and a t-shirt under my gear in the summer or down south. A good investment is a wet vest when you are riding west of the Mississippi. They really do keep your core temperature down but only work really well in dry heat. Good hearing protection will make riding all day a lot easier. I have found 3M Skull Skrews ear plugs to be very comfortable and they block out more noise than any other plugs I've tried. 1 or 2 pairs will easily last an entire trip.
I think my best idea is what I call a "rescue box". It's a USPS flat rate box packed with spares to fix almost any mechanical problem short of throwing a rod. Relays, monkey knutz, Hall Effect Sensors, starter, coil, plug wires, engine temperature sensor, and a fuel pressure regulator, etc., along with a multimeter. It's all packed and ready to be mailed by my wife to wherever I'm stuck. It saves me having to describe what I need and where it's stashed along with her having to pack it so it won't break.
My jacket has a secret pocket where I carry a stack of $100 bills for emergencies. My pants have a small pocket above the right knee where I carry my credit card for fuel, about 4-5 twenty dollar bills for stuff like food or tolls and a spare key. That saves fumbling with my wallet at fuel stops. My cheap flip phone goes in the same pocket on the left side.
Hope this helps.
Post by: Laitch on May 19, 2020, 09:55:30 PM
Post by: milq on May 19, 2020, 11:08:47 PM
EX-OFFICIO Give-n-Go sport mesh boxer briefs. Hope this helps. :laughing4-giggles:
An excellent suggestion, I've tried nearly every kind of men's undies but those are still the best.
Post by: Laitch on May 19, 2020, 11:32:13 PM
. . . men's undies . . .Really now, that must be an NYC item. I don't think a product named UndieArmor would have gotten many commercial endorsements. :laughing4-giggles:
Post by: TommyT on May 20, 2020, 07:33:47 AM
An excellent suggestion, I've tried nearly every kind of men's undies but those are still the best.Well for long multi day trips, I use a pair of compression butt padded mountain bike under shorts, since my ass has little of its padding. They seem to help.
Post by: Filmcamera on May 20, 2020, 09:21:40 AM
Moto Skiveez (https://motoskiveez.com/)
Post by: natalena on May 20, 2020, 04:13:46 PM
I ride with a thigh pouch pilfered from quartermaster's, it's awesome for small stuff. Good luck with the trip prep.
Post by: alexg on May 20, 2020, 05:55:18 PM
Bought the 10$ thing from Amazon and made a double stud (M6/M8) to hold the arm. Picture is as much as possible from the rider's view. I will try a few more days, but I consider the outcome more than satisfactory.
Post by: edgeoftheworld on May 21, 2020, 09:24:15 AM
Update:
Bought the 10$ thing from Amazon and made a double stud (M6/M8) to hold the arm. Picture is as much as possible from the rider's view. I will try a few more days, but I consider the outcome more than satisfactory.
That is exactly what my bike looks like with that phone holder! I'm pretty happy with mine too.
Post by: volador on May 21, 2020, 09:51:19 AM
Post by: edgeoftheworld on May 21, 2020, 10:03:46 AM
that is until the phone goes 'eject, eject' when I hit a NYC pothole
It holds the phone pretty securely. I used it on my R65 for a 1000 mile trip through 5 of the 6 states in New England. But true, I haven't encountered NYC potholes :)
Post by: Hilltopper46 on May 21, 2020, 11:44:53 AM
I would suggest that you start by going through all the maintenance items, fluids, brakes, splines, filters, etc. A set of new tires at the start is a good idea because tires for these old bikes can be hard to find on the road. I had to buy a set in Colorado that cost me nearly $700 installed. Valve gaps, throttle bodies should be checked. A good inspection of the clutch and throttle cables. Install a new headlight bulb. I use cheap Volar organic brake pads, and change them every 10,000 miles. You get the idea.
If you don't have one already, find an OEM tank bag with the rain cover. I carry a flashlight, AAA maps, snacks, a first aid kit, spare eyeglasses, a magnifier to help my 72 year old eyes read the maps, a bottle of water, sunscreen and toilet paper(in a ziploc bag). If you take any medications, you might want to put them in the tank bag as well. A small bottle of BugSlide and a microfiber cloth fit in the bag to clean bugs off my windshield.
I carry some spares and a tire repair kit stashed around the bike. Stuff I carry is what I might break in a spill that could strand me. Clutch cable, throttle cable, clutch and brake levers, shifter, fuel pump, and a 12v compressor to inflate tires.
I also have some extra tools: A harbor freight 1/4" drive socket set and a couple extensions along with a set of ball end Allen wrenches and a 4 way screwdriver with big and small Phillips and flat bits. Sometimes I pack visegrips.
A good touring jacket and pants both with CE rated armor along with boots and socks. I usually wear a pair of cargo shorts and a t-shirt under my gear in the summer or down south. A good investment is a wet vest when you are riding west of the Mississippi. They really do keep your core temperature down but only work really well in dry heat. Good hearing protection will make riding all day a lot easier. I have found 3M Skull Skrews ear plugs to be very comfortable and they block out more noise than any other plugs I've tried. 1 or 2 pairs will easily last an entire trip.
I think my best idea is what I call a "rescue box". It's a USPS flat rate box packed with spares to fix almost any mechanical problem short of throwing a rod. Relays, monkey knutz, Hall Effect Sensors, starter, coil, plug wires, engine temperature sensor, and a fuel pressure regulator, etc., along with a multimeter. It's all packed and ready to be mailed by my wife to wherever I'm stuck. It saves me having to describe what I need and where it's stashed along with her having to pack it so it won't break.
My jacket has a secret pocket where I carry a stack of $100 bills for emergencies. My pants have a small pocket above the right knee where I carry my credit card for fuel, about 4-5 twenty dollar bills for stuff like food or tolls and a spare key. That saves fumbling with my wallet at fuel stops. My cheap flip phone goes in the same pocket on the left side.
Hope this helps.
Post by: Laitch on May 21, 2020, 12:19:14 PM
Maybe it already is, but this post should be made a sticky under a topic title that would lead to it (in my humble opinion).If somebody musters enough energy to go up to the search function at the top of the page, selects entire forum from the drop down menu, enters gps in the box then clicks Search, this thread will be the second entry but there will also be much more information in other threads offered up than this single thread contains.