Motorcycle GPS

GPS navigation systems have been increasingly popular to car owners lately and a lot of new cars coming out have their GPS system already built into the dashboard of their car. How about if you are a motorcycle rider? Well, motorcycle GPS has been gaining ground too and big named GPS Navigation Manufacturers like Garmin ( Garmin Zumo GPS - made especially for motorcycles.); TomTom (TomTom Rider and the newer TomTom Rider 2) are making GPS systems especially made for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. They are not cheap units though because they have to be made to withstand the elements, vibration, weather that you normally endure when you are bike riding.

Motorcycle GPS Systems were added the following features that made them stand out especially in the cost as compared to regular portable GPS units for cars.

1. The screen needs to be sunlight readable (just like Kindle ;). It would be hard for a motorcycle rider if he needs to shift his head while driving just to see his GPS system. It can be a safety issue. The TomTom Rider 2 has an integrated sun visor aside from his anti-glare screen.

2. Glove Friendly screen - the screen needs to be responsive even if the rider is wearing gloves and the touch buttons/icons needs to be big enough and isolated enough so that a bulky gloved finger can easily select menu items without the tendency to make mistakes.

3. Rugged and Waterproof - a motorcycle GPS including the accessories and mounting hardware needs to be designed to resist the bumps, rain, sunlight, heat, drops that are normally associated with motorcycle riding.

4. Bluetooth Connectivity - In an automobile with your windows closed, you will be able to listen to your radio and the directions given by your navigation system but in a motorcycle, road noise is predominant, you need to use your helmet headset so that you can listen to the voice of your GPS unit. And with a bluetooth headset, you can make and receive cell phone calls without problems.

The usual GPS features also you need to check out before purchasing like the software part it - up to date maps like on the US, the GPS system normally have the North America street map already preloaded on the units and some also adds the Canada map as an added bonus. And also access to map upgrades needs to be considered and some even give you lifetime access to latest maps which can be a very good deal.

Other features that you need to look for are traffic updates (mostly an optional accessory and subscription based) so that you know real time traffic updates which you can avoid traffic jams especially in city areas. Points interest - where you can easily find places like gas stations, restaurants, motels etc. Some even have a fuel gauge meter so that you will know when to fill up and others.

Overall, if you are planning to purchase a motorcycle GPS, at this time, you might have limited choices as compared to the navigation systems for cars and the price might be too steep but you can check out the Garmin Zumo and the TomTom Rider.