It has to be a tough gig selling GPSs. Once a must-have device for the traveller, the inclusion of GPS technology into smartphones has somewhat dulled the appeal. Well, definitely for car drivers, but for the motorcyclist the stand alone GPS unit is still a viable purchase thanks for the need to be rugged, waterproof and have a touchscreen that can operate with gloves on.
Aware of this, GPS manufacturers are tailoring more and more to these niche markets and Garmin’s latest releases – the Zumo 395LM and 595LM add some interesting features that should appeal to the two-wheeled rider.
A big new feature is ‘Adventurous Routing’ that offers the rider a way to get to their destination avoiding highways and erring toward twisty and hilly side roads. Also, it does not target the adventure rider by including easy gravel roads, but maybe that time will come.
It also comes with safety features, warning the rider when a red light is coming, a speed camera is located or a sharp curve is just around the corner. There’s also notifications of known animal crossing zones and if you are about to cross into a US State where a helmet is required. As is the norm, you get hands free calling and music streaming when paired with your smartphone.
There’s also mention of a potentially very interesting option that could take on devices such as Spot, called Live Track that let’s your friends and family know where you are (presumably after you give them access) that links your device to your phone but it appears to be only available on the 595. Talking of which ,the 595 can also display info from your phone such as texts, weather apps and traffic reports.
More info is available on the 395LM here and the 595LM here, as well as a comparo page between the two units. No Canadian price is listed yet, but the 395 is listed at US$600 and the 595 at US$900 in the States, they ain’t going to be cheap.
[…] New Garmin GPSs get smarter – Aware of this, GPS manufacturers are tailoring more and more to these niche markets and Garmin’s latest releases – the Zumo 395LM and 595LM add some interesting features that should appeal to the two-wheeled rider. A big new feature is … […]
[…] New Garmin GPSs get smarter – Aware of this, GPS manufacturers are tailoring more and more to these niche markets and Garmin’s latest releases – the Zumo 395LM and 595LM add some interesting features that should appeal to the two-wheeled rider. A big new feature is … […]
[…] New Garmin GPSs get smarter – Aware of this, GPS manufacturers are tailoring more and more to these niche markets and Garmin’s latest releases – the Zumo 395LM and 595LM add … warning the rider when a red light is coming, a speed camera is located or a sharp curve is just … […]
Interested but at that price I’ll stick to printing google maps of my planned route and stopping to turn the page.
I had a Garmin Zumo 550 for a few years, wasn’t very happy with it. Bought the TomTom Rider 400 last summer for $600 (including tax) and find it to be more accurate and useful than the Zumo.
It doesn’t show a scale on the map, but otherwise I find it superior to the Garmins, and much cheaper too !
I’ve dropped my Zumo 350 twice, (both at speed….. don’t ask), Took an hour and a half to find it the first time but when I picked it up, it was still navigating. Can’t say enough about the ruggedness of this unit. Does all I need so to pay 9 bills for one?….I don’t think so!
Looks we all have the exact same opinion. I am also still using a Nuvi 550. Good luck garmin selling these for $900
I threw in the towel and instead took a chance on a Rage ordered online. Built very solidly for water resistance and drops.Runs iGo navigation. Pressure screen instead of capactive which need skin to screen conductivity.
Just looked this up. Never heard of these before. Need to read up. Any others you know about Like this ?. I AM A Harman product fan but man there motorcycle line cost is put to lunch.
Wish they would release a cost effective one. The nuvi 550 was water proof and 200 bucks. I am still using those for my bikes. So why can’t we have decent price value units. Note a cheep zumo was the nuvi 550 with different colour but 2x the cost
I have a 660 that I like a lot. Not really looking for more features.
I currently own a Zumo 590LM, and I love it more than my previous 660, 550, and Quest.
The 595LM is interesting. Not sure if the new features over the 590 are worth shelling out USD900 for, but yeah, probably, I will.
I knew I was holding out on buying European maps for my 590 for a reason. Man I wish we could transfer map licenses.
I bought a Garmin Nav 5 for my R1200RT and it is close to useless in ambient daylight! Cannot see the screen, way too dim in sunlight.
I appreciate the advances but $900??? I recently bought a like new Nuvi 1490LMT for $25 on eBay. 5″ screen, custom routes, tracks, 32MB sdhc card to hold lots of maps. Add a shockproof / weatherproof case for another $25 and with the remaining $850 I can go for a nice long ride.
I had zumo 665 just because it came standard with bike. Its junk. Sat radio never works. Music player keeps skipping. And turn in to a lake come on!!! 1000 bucks including tax. Sold it for 400 bucks. Felt sorry for the guy but look on amazon. All bad reviews. Now i use phone in cradle for gps and installed sat radio head unit. Total cost 150 bucks and so much better
They are so expensive and don’t need to be. They are ripping bikers off. In car one for 150$, I would pay double but no more!
Exactly. So instead of getting some money from me, they get $0 and I continue to use my 60Cxs–a great GPS but not exactly ergo on a bike.
I went with a Givi S-850 GPS bag which mounts on the bars. Cost about $60-$70. It accepts any GPS up to a 5 inch screen. The S-950 has a different mount and accepts up to 4.5″ display. And for the actual GPS I picked up whatever seemed to be a good deal at Canadian Tire, Best Buy, Staples etc. for around $100. The bag is padded and water resistant with a water proof cover. This leaves the GPS protected from vibration and water for far less than a motorcycle specific GPS. If it fails , gets damaged or is stolen, at least you are not out much.