New Farkle

[mikesim]

I ran across a new Farkle yesterday that I thought was interesting and useful. I use a Garmin GPS Zumo 595 which is a dedicated motorcycle unit that is truly waterproof and also has in internal TPMS system which I really like. I recently learned that Garmin no longer offers the TPMS sensors so when mine shoot craps I will need to find an alternate system. Also after all these many years the display on the unit is faded badly after a 24/7 duty cycle.

Here is a dedicated motorcycle GPS display system that like the Garmin is truly waterproof. It uses a different approach to functionality however. Instead of having each function integral to the display unit, it uses your favorite apps from your phone via bluetooth. I know many of you use your phone and Google Maps for navigation and so did I at first but a standard auto GPS is not waterproof and covering it up with a Ziploc bag seldom keeps it high and dry.

This new system will use a TPMS app from your phone, along with weather, Waze, music, GPS mapping, cell phone, voice dialing, Bluetooth to helmet comm, etc., pretty much anything on your phone using Android Auto and also Iphone.

CarPlay Lite C5 | Motorcycle GPS Carplay/Android Auto - Ottocast – OTTOCAST

Whatcha think?

Mike

 

[Moto-Kafe]

Mike............what if one is in an area without cell service?? Does the GPS "go down" as well.......I would think so?? I ran into this a few times in Canada/Alaska this past summer.

 

[mikesim]

I don't understand all I know about cellphone GPS, but I believe the cell phone communicates directly with the satellites without regard to the cell signal thus you will always have gps readout. Someone pls correct me if I am wrong.

 

[mikesim]

Moto, I just did a bit of research on your query, and yes, my understanding of cellphone/gps functionality is correct. I phone and Android phone gps will function correctly without a cell phone signal. Google is your friend.
Mike

 

[Fieroguy]

Apple Car Play for the motorcycle? Without having to buy one of those $27K bikes to get it??? Only $250? And can also be used in my pre-Apple Car Play car? This is genius.

Okay, who's gonna be the Guinea Pig and order one from Hong Kong and give us a complete review? Let us know how it goes, Mike!

 

[mikesim]

I'm doing some more research on the company before I spring for anything. One item of concern for me is there 30 day money-back guarantee. I would hope that there is a longer warranty than 30 days. I will update info as I find it.

Mike

 

[harryhendo]

And if you use code "CHRIS40" upon checkout, you get $40 off. $210 is a LOT less than the Garmins I've been researching. Very interesting find Mike!

 

[mikesim]

I emailed 'em yesterday to ask about a US sales agent and what warranty was offered beyond their 30 day moneyback period. I have not heard back from them yet. If it does what they say and it is a reputable firm, their product answers a lot of needs of the motorcyclist.

Mike

 

[ST1100Y]

Dunno...
Navigation wise I see the phone/car apps suitable as plain address-finders but hardly useable for serious touring...
I do all pre-planing on MapSource, load those on the Garmin, nicely sorted in commencing numbers and go...
This maintains redundancy: phone, route plotting, navigation, radio/coms, tunes... all has it's designated device...

 

[DirtFlier]

Similar to ST1100Y, I use a Garmin with routes either developed on Mapsource or BaseCamp. At least for me, the major problem with getting a non-Garmin GPS is my loss of backup since our club (MSTA) has tons of "institutional knowledge" about Garmin. Those who've tried other brands, such as Tom-Tom or Lowrance, are hard pressed to find any help at an event when they run into a problem.

ps. A club pal mentioned to me that it was possible to update my ancient Mapsource 2006 with newer maps so I did it and now it has 2023.2 maps! In all honesty, I think most of the map upgrades are mainly changes to non-road items such as gas station locations, new hotels, etc., because the roads don't change too often.

 

[ST1100Y]

... the roads don't change too often.

Yeah, they don't move mountains and lakes around by much, but over here they constantly add roundabouts, new/enlarged settlements, bypass roadways, etc...

 

[DirtFlier]

My Garmin 590/w 2023 maps shows roundabouts as a normal intersection with a slight jog in the center - no big deal.

 

[mikesim]

My preference is also Garmin but they seem to be abandoning the GPS market as it relates to motorcycle touring. It has got to be tough to sell a full featured Zumo when most people reply on their cell phones. I still am frustrated at Base Camp. My all time fave was MS Streets and Trips.

Mike

 

[Phil Tarman]

MS Streets and Trips was my favorite navigation program, too, Mike. Since roads themselves don't change a lot and where motels were in '13 tends to be where motels, gas stations, restaurants, etc. still are, I've been very happy using MS Map Point which can still be downloaded.

 

[DirtFlier]

During my working days, I often used MS Streets & Trips but it has gradually been replaced by other software. I still have my original Streets & Trips DVD (non-GPS version) somewhere!

 

[ST1100Y]

During my working days, I often used MS Streets & Trips but it has gradually been replaced by other software. I still have my original Streets & Trips DVD (non-GPS version) somewhere!

Yep, prior Garmin we had MS AutoRoute Express
Unbeatable features, still harshly missed in the Garmin plotting softwares:
- profile/scheduler: start/end day, lunch stops, fuel range/stops, arrive at 88:88hrs...
- show POIs in XX km distance along the entire route
You just drag'n'drop the entire round trip (Scotland, Norway etc...) on the screen, and it instantly shows how many days, overnight and fuel stops it'll take you...
The program also "back calculated" when you'd need to leave in order to reach a particular port/ferry in time at the end of the tour...
Unfortunately was the *.axe file format not/never compatible to *.gdb or *.gpx...

 

[Chucksklrst]

Call me old fashion which I am. This is my favorite way of navigation. "Where am I? I don't care."

 

[coaster]

Call me old fashion which I am. This is my favorite way of navigation. "Where am I? I don't care."

That makes two of us.

 

[ST1100Y]

This is my favorite way of navigation.

I've to agree, old fashioned paper maps are always included out on the road; they're providing the global overview required to plot route/stages properly on my netbook...
the limited graphics in CityNavigator or OSM maps won't cut it...
and it's wise to carry that hard copy backup along in case technology fails you...

 

[mikesim]

For me, half the fun of taking long motorcycle journeys is the preparation. For this, there is nothing better than a paper map... (there is my Ludditeness showing again ) I usually spend hours going over the road atlas exploring route alternatives. At the motel each night, I break out the atlas once again and review my planned route for the next day. Once on the road however, nothing beats the instantaneous view of the GPS. It can route you around traffic, show local attractions, fuel stops etc. I rely on both to navigate a successful voyage.

Mike