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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg The mount and GPS device are vibration-tested, waterproof, and designed to withstand fuel sprays and UV rays. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=219667)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Garmin_-_BMW_Motorcycle_NAVIGATOR_IV_unit.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - July 3, 2009

Bikes are not being left behind when it comes to Navigation units with an expected price close to $1,000 USD.

Olathe, KS. -- Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation, announced it has expanded its relationship with BMW Motorrad and the companies have developed the next generation BMW Motorrad Navigator, the Navigator IV, a motorcycle-friendly GPS navigator that is based on Garmin’s zūmo™ 660. The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV takes the best of Garmin’s navigation technology and adds exclusive, BMW specific features such as a customized mount, preloaded BMW dealer database, unique audio and Bluetooth handling capabilities, and more.

“Garmin and BMW are known within their respective industries for providing high-quality, high-end products with superior customer satisfaction and support,” said Roger Jollis, Garmin’s director of OEM and mobile marketing. “By equipping BMW motorcycles with the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV, riders can let the GPS device deliver spoken turn-by-turn instructions while they focus on the road and enjoy a worry-free ride.”

This portable, 4.3-inch navigator has a bright touchscreen display that is glove-friendly and comes preloaded with detailed street maps with millions of points of interest that include locations like restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, hotels and specific street addresses. After the rider selects a destination, the system calculates the best route and gives turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions to the final destination. This feature can also work with a compatible Bluetooth enabled helmet or headset. The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV’s stereo (A2DP) Bluetooth wireless technology makes it possible for riders to pair their phone to a Bluetooth enabled helmet or handset so that they can safely talk on the phone or listen to MP3’s without having to remove their gloves or helmet.

The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV comes with a BMW exclusive, four-button motorcycle mount that enables many quick-key functions for extra control and usability.

While riding, it is easy to access trip information directly from the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV’s trip information page like speed, heading, altitude, and a customizable fuel gauge that can be modified to the motorcycle’s maximum fuel range. It also has sophisticated routing capabilities so that riders will never have to wonder if they are in the correct lane, because the device will guide them with arrows to the appropriate lane for approaching turns or exits. In some major metropolitan areas, surrounding buildings are displayed in a 3D transparent view.

If a rider wants to share rides with others or keep a detailed log of trips, it’s easy to do. Routes can be shared between Navigator IV units via Bluetooth, or by connecting the device to a computer and logging on to a free online community of routes specifically for motorcyclists. In addition, owners can also plan routes online through Google or MapQuest and send the routes or points of interest to the device before they begin their journey.

The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV is expected to be available in the third quarter from authorized BMW Motorrad retailers in North America and Europe.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/NAVIII-Plus-F650GS.jpg
Last years Garmin – BMW Navigator III mounted on a 2008 BMW F 650 GS.

With the Review Ride of the BMW R 1200 RT and F 800 GS just 10 days away, I doubt we will have time to incorporate a Navigator IV prototype into the review but I will make the call ;)

That would come in handy, Wayne!

Quite a few long-distance riders use a system very similar to the one pictured. These things are popular with bikers. As you mentioned to me, it's very hard for motorcyclists to refer to a map while riding. You might be able to fasten part of a map onto a tank bag, or sleeve on your jacket, but the elegant solution is a unit like the Navigator IV. So for someone who travels a lot on a motorcycle (me after I retire, I hope!) a system like the new Navigator IV makes sense, especially with the mounting hardware, resistance to rain, UV, and vibration, and the added features. I'd say the price compares with nav systems for cars.

Harry

Hi Harry:

___Since we will be on the BMW's next week and our Google Maps turn by turn route planning is almost complete, would you like to try a Garmin Navigator IV out? Although we are close to the edge on time, I will call them on Monday (they were already out of the office for the Holiday weekend when I called about 01:00 CST) to see if they are able to supply a -IV prototype including the headset features for us? We should be able to upload the route maps to the unit according to the description. I will give the BMW fleet coordinators a call to see if they can supply us with one as well.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Wayne, sure that would be great. I believe I could get by just fine with the visual display. I've got a new Arai Profile helmet, and I'd be a bit reluctant to modify it to fit the hearing part. The visual display would suit me just fine, if you can swing it!

Serious touring riders do use these devices.

thanks,

Harry

PS: I'll do some more map work tomorrow, to finalize our route.

Hi Harry:

__Thanks!

___A new Arai Profile? Between that, my brand new Arai XD-3, your BMW Aero Shell and my Aerostitch HiViz Darien's, we are going to be walking, talking and riding billboards for Aria, Aerostitch and BMW with all this new gear and world class bikes to match ;)

___I will make the call on Monday morning to Garmin to see if we can conjure up one of these prototype NAVI IV’s for the first "on the road" review. I am just glad I saw the Garmin release to post this story.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Wayne,

Even the wife of the BMW dealer where I bought that Airshell jacket said I would be a poster boy for BMW with that jacket. I bought it anyway. ;)

My old Arai Signet had a problem with the faceshield, and it was six years old, so rather than replace parts, I replaced the helmet.

Harry

Hi Harry:

___All the development work for the Navigator IV including the BMW integration is happening in Germany so receiving the Navigator -IV at this late a date is impossible... HOWEVER, Garmin is sending you a Garmin’s zūmo™ 660 (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135&pID=15000) for a 30-day Press Trial. It should be at your home by Thursday before we leave for NJ!

___Still working on that GoPro Hero Camera for vids of the two bikes in action...

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Oh, wow.

I better get cracking and up to speed on that Garmin unit!

thanks,

Harry

Hi All:

___The Navigator IV is now available with some additonal details released this morning.

The Ultimate Bike Navigation System

Take the long route on your next motorcycle adventure with confidence and ease. BMW Navigator IV – the latest generation of motorcycle navigation systems from BMW in partnership with Garmin – has arrived in U.S. BMW motorcycle dealerships.

BMW Navigator IV features a new slim design and custom BMW four-button mount cradle, a bright widescreen 4.3 inch display and waterproof design, configurable fields and display, stereo Bluetooth for hands-free calling, turn-by-turn directions and lane assist features with lane guidance and junction view.

Wearing gloves? The Navigator IV’s motorcyclist-friendly map display has a large-key multiple-page keyboard that makes typing with gloves a breeze, while the large glove-friendly zoom keys make the map easier to read.

Debating which lane to take at the next exit? Using the lane assist features, riders are advised whether there are multiple lanes and guided to take a specific lane. They are also able to view overhead signs just as they appear to drivers and guided to specific junctions.

How far will this tank of gas take you? On the trip computer and compass page, a fuel gauge displays both a graphical fuel level and the distance remaining until empty. The reserve point can be customized for the motorcycle.

Need to get there in a hurry? Or taking the long way home? When planning a route or selecting a new destination, a custom routes menu allows riders to select the option of the shortest route, the fastest route or an off-road route.

Planning a trip? With the BMW Navigator IV and its accompanying MapSource DVD, riders can plan trips on or off their bikes by completing trip planning functions from their computer, , saving routes directly to and from the Navigator IV, transferring TrackLogs and saving those as routes, adding points to existing routes and using avoidance functions to build routes and stay on preferred roads.

The BMW Navigator IV is available at BMW Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $900.17 and includes a BMW four-button mount cradle, a head unit, a carrying case, mount cover, AC chargers, USB cable, MapSource DVD, a Bluetooth GPS compatible with over 200 phones, a three-year warranty and an owners manual.

___Good Luck

___Wayne