I relented and bought a Garmin Zumo XT
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- Опубліковано 23 жов 2022
- After years of scoffing at specialist navigation devices for motorcycles, I finally relented and bought a Garmin Zumo XT. Very happy with it - it solves all the problems I was having using my phone for navigation on my motorcycle. In this video I explain the reasons behind my change of heart, and go through a couple of mounting options for the device - including an inexpensive RAM mount for the handlebar bracket which allows central and low-profile mounting on my 2011 BMW R1200R Classic.
Equipment used: RAM Mount Ball for Handlebar Clamp: shop.touratech.com.au/ram-mou... - Наука та технологія
I think you made a good call. I personally consider the phone my safety line in case I breakdown, get hurt etc. Of course if you ride out of coverage you might get a text off.
Thanks for your vid.
I've used the XT for a couple of years after using a few various gps sets and Google Maps for years before that.
I find XT knocks spots off all the rest. There is a bit to learn to become expert but applies to the others too.
It has the brightest screen of any device I've seen which is the main factor as I live in a very bright and sunny Southern Spain.
A pleasure to use on my long distance European and UK tours.
Several very useful apps and tricks to make the most of the unit.
Good luck using it but just remember not to look at it unless necessary ... especially on curves. Such a great toy is so distracting!
Here it's illegal to fiddle with it while under way on a public road ... one of the few laws here that makes sense👍
Great video. I've had the 550, 660, 590LM, XT and I've ordered the XT2. What I really like about the devices is they are not compromised. They are designed to do one job and one job well. Particularly if you head into the mountains in Spain (or wherever), there'll be long stretches with no phone signal, the heat (or rain) can be intense and you need something you can rely on. Phones are also becoming less and less suitable for use on motorcycles as they continue to be more complex. Finally I love that when I'm out on my bike I don't have to look at my phone. I spend enough time on it already, it's nice to have it out of the way.
I run a my Zumo XT and Garmin Montana 610T side by side down on the handlebars like you. Like you said, it just looks better. I create routes and tracks for my rides. The Montana gets the route and the Zumo the track. I often see other interesting roads when viewing the Zumo so I do some exploring and then get back on my route/track.
Even here in British Columbia, Canada, I've had my phone go blank due to heat at a bad moment. I have never needed navigation in rain (yet) but it's inevitable. For those reasons, and to protect my phone's camera, I'm looking at the Zumo XT. I also use the Quadlock on the MC and bicycle. Thanks for the video.
I'm expecting my delivery if my Zumo XT in the next day or two, replacing my quad lock on all my bikes as well... I have also experienced cooking phones in Central QLD as well as my Samsung phone now has a bad camera... expensive lesson learnt.
Thanks for the vid mate.
Had a homestay many years ago in Randwick. XT is good unit, but you have to invest some time figuring out how to get it to do just what you want it to. I have one on my Moto Guzzi V85 TT Centenario. Fair dinkum!
Worth getting a bumper for the Garmin. It’s a rubber / plastic thingy that goes around the edge of the device and helps protect it from the inevitable drops. It also has a lanyard which I personally loop over the mirror.
Thanks - will look into it
@@donaldomoto thanks for the video -- it was such a no-nonsense clear cut video - thanks for that. Also if u do find or get the suggested bumper -- pls drop a link to it.. thanks :)
Thanks for the video Don! Helped me make up my mind on ordering one for my new 300L Rally. I think it will look stellar right above the dash at the top of the screen. I don't mind getting lost, but a wrong turn in the middle of outback SA doesn't really appeal to me too much.
Matt, good luck with it. It's now 6 months since I bought it and I'm still happy I did for the reasons mentioned in this vid. But, I haven't found the trip planning capability of the Garmin software/apps to be anywhere near as user-friendly as Google maps. That being said, getting a google maps-planned route onto your Garmin Zumo XT is not super intuitive. I've got it pretty-well down pat now, but this video by Richie Vida helped. ua-cam.com/video/YNWQ2F0JjMs/v-deo.html
I have also got a Garmin Sumo XT that I mounted on my bike. I did not like the phone being open to the elements and vibration or even being taken.
I did spend a bit more money on a mount that I got from Touratech. This actually locks the Garmin into the frame so that it can not be un clipped easy. There is also a Ram pin lock you can fit instead of the wing nut. This again gives extra security.
Nice little video😊
Good video - thanks. I’m thinking of getting one of these myself and I like that mounting option. P.s. your voice reminded me of someone and I couldn’t think of who but then realised it’s the guy off “the curiosity show” from back in the day 😂
Thanks. Really? I think you might mean Deane Hutton from the Curiosity Show (dude with the mo)? I think he was a Queenslander, which would explain the accent similarities! Best wishes, Don
@@donaldomoto yeah that’s the guy haha. I used to live on the Northside (Bracken Ridge) back in the 80’s.
Good video really enjoyed it and like you I will get a Garmin xt over the phone i use.
Many thanks, David. A few months later and I remain happy with the Garmin. However quite a learning curve to get head around some of the route-planning software, which could be more intuitive (Garmin Basecamp, specifically). Best wishes, Don
After 5 years of using phone in my handle bar and following google maps y day ordered garmin zumo xt since now my phone is 14 pro max and dont want to damage it
Great vid. I’ve had same heat problems down here in South Texas with my phone. Triple digit heat in the summertime and phone quits working. Been looking at the XT. Give us an update on how it’s working for you. Ride safe….just subscribed! 🙏🏻🏍🙏🏻
Thanks - yes, good not to have to worry about phone dying in the heat! Still very happy with the Garmin, but still learning about best ways to plan routes etc.. I'm using Garmin Basecamp and I've mostly got the hang of it now, but took me a while to get my head around it. Not super intuitive for me. Best wishes, Don
The easy part is mounting to the bike. Now trying to create my rides on dirt trails is a challenge, still can,t figure the basecamp
Can we please get to the zumo?
i love using navigation on my bike but i hate using my phone. these garmins seem great
So, now you do not like it in vertical position any more.
feel sorry for you buying a Garmin Zumo XT. Worse sat nav I have ever used. Going back to TomTom
Hey Jeremy, would be interested to know what gave you the biggest problems? I've basically found it pretty good, but have been disappointed with the ease and lack of intuitive process in the associated apps for planning routes and uploading to device.
@@donaldomoto hello my Zumo Xt in the last 3 years has been in for repair 2 times. Both times it would not start and now every now and then message saying lost external power and will turn off. As for the route planning who ever came up with the software needs a kicking. Base camp is a waste of time. When editing the route on the unit it can't be saved. Every time I use it I just start getting angry and swearing at it. Glad I'm going back to TomTom
Ay mate Garmin bike computer might be better for your cycling.
And you’ll be selling it in 3,2,1 ……
What a waste of money I’ve been biking from the 1960’s how on earth did I manage without satnavs I enjoyed the challenge. Well now I have a hand me down iPhone with google maps. Well the phone was free the app was the quadlock was a sale deal no problem with vibration or water. I’ve had the iPhone with the quadlock case on my little sailing dinghy no prob with any water, vibration so I’m afraid I don’t go with your recommendations I’ll spent the hundreds on fuel.
Fair enough, John