Garmin’s latest for the Motorcyclist

[xcel]

Redesigned and rugged zūmo 350LM designed by bikers for bikers.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Aug. 2, 2012

The $699 retail Garmin zūmo 350LM is yet another all-weather product for those taking the two wheeled approach. Bikers the world over will know the exact route being displayed

A bike navi unit has special requirement including having to be rugged, water, shock and vibration resistant, sunlight readable, high-resolution screen and glove-friendly. Garmin has not only met these requirements with their latest 4.3” screened zūmo 350LM but have added their latest in-car navigation features including lane assist with junction view. It realistically displays road signs and junctions on the route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation.

The zūmo 350LM includes a 4.3 in touchscreen color display housed in a case that resists fuel sprays and UV rays. It can speak street names and will deliver turn-by-turn, voice prompted directions, such as “turn right on Route 66,” via the built-in speaker headphone jack or through a compatible Bluetooth helmet or headset.

The zūmo 350LM, Garmin includes a new Service History Log allowing riders to record the date, mileage and type of maintenance performed on their bikes. Tire mileage, tire changes, tire pressure, chain cleanings, oil changes, new spark plugs – almost anything you can think of, zūmo will keep a record of it.

Another feature is BaseCamp, a free software program from Garmin that allows users to create routes, waypoints and tracks from their computer and transfer them to the zūmo. With the “Track Draw” feature riders can trace their planned route and view elevation changes, helping estimate the difficulty of the ride.

The zūmo 350LM provides lifetime map updates. With an easy to use navigation search bar, zūmo returns results for points of interest (POIs) as they are typed providing a faster, more intuitive experience. There’s also a speed limit indicator and Exit Services that display parks, gas stations, shops and restaurants for upcoming exits. With the new TracBack feature riders really can let their minds be free and ride wherever the road takes them, as it is now as easy as a button push to navigate along that same route back to where the adventure started.

The new zūmo 350LM should be reaching the consumer channel by fall with a suggested retail price of $699.99 in North American and European versions. Riding across the country on the (2010 Yamaha WR250X Adventure Touring Project Bike - X-Country at 100 + MPG), the soft mounted Garmin I used was a requirement. The all-new zūmo 350LM would be even easier to use and far more practical.

[bestmapman]

Real men don't use GPS.

[EdwinTheMagnificent]

Real men get lost. And they LIKE it. At least I do.

But if I actually need to get to a strange place (on time) I look at some Internet maps before I go and make a mental map. That gets me within a mile or two,which is good.
I don't need the distraction of some nav-toy telling me when and where to turn.
Yes, I am a caveman , but I like it.

[EdwinTheMagnificent]

But.......... something like this Garmin would come in handy on my bike outings. I have found myself lost in dense woods with winding trails. Sometimes so thick you can't navigate by the sun. Yes , even in Illinois , don't laugh. I might want to leave a "trail of bread crumbs" so I can later build a map on my puter from that info. But I am not sure what features to look for, cuz mostly these seem to be marketed for "street use" , and where I go , there ARE no roads.

[08EscapeHybrid]

All I did was spend $20 on a waterproof handlebar mount for my car GPS. No way I'm spending $600 for a GPS just for the motorcycle. I have no problems activating the touch screen with my gloved hands. I find that a GPS is useful, not for direction, but to know ahead of time the layout of the road. Helps me better judge curves on unfamiliar mountain roads.

[EdwinTheMagnificent]

I find that a GPS is useful, not for direction, but to know ahead of time the layout of the road

I never thought of that. It does make sense.

[alvaro84]

Hm. Could have saved a few hard braking when surprise T-junctions came after a turn or a hill. But I still don't use GPS. And for $700 (probably well over $1000 here in Hungary) I won't ever.

[herm]

The new iPhone will have a very sophisticated nav program.. assuming you can get a signal.

[08EscapeHybrid]

In all reality, a $100 GPS packaged in a $20 waterproof handlebar mount will let you know the layout of the road, and give directions too. No need to shell out $600.