GPS

[Jimmytee]

I have been eyeballing the Garmin Drive smart GPS units. They would require a case , which there are readily available cases with visors and can be permanently mounted.

The Zumo 590 is feature packed, but so is the price tag. I don't need features like the Sirus /XM as I have a tuner already built in with my aftermarket audio system and also have bluetooth from my phone for audio and USB etc... The Drive Smart series has Bluetooth and the ability to answer my phone etc... As I understand it,I can pre plan routes as well with the Drive Smart. I can be equipped for under $200.

My question really is more geared towards whether the other features like the "curvy" road feature and any other features really made it worth while.
My phone has worked fairly well, but it does need a signal to originate a map when searching. This can sometimes be limiting when in remote places looking for directions.

[Hornblower]

I have been eyeballing the Garmin Drive smart GPS units. They would require a case , which there are readily available cases with visors and can be permanently mounted.

Jimmy--I've also been considering the Drivesmart 61. It has a lot of interesting features but really needs to BT with your Smartphone to be fully functional. As I'm sure you know, it's not designed for vibration or weather and Garmin will not honor the warranty if they find out you ran it on a motorcycle. It also won't BT with a pair of BT ear buds or BT communicators like Sena. From what I read, it will only BT to a Smartphone. Also, on cases, I'm not aware of a case with visor for the Drivesmart but I could be mistaken on that. Some say the display is so good you don't really need a visor but I can't confirm that since I don't own one myself.

[2wheelsforme]

You can get a Zumo 390 for around $350 only 150 would have to be added. It is a motorcycle GPS and gives you almost every thing the 590 does but with a smaller screen. The difference between the 390/395 and 590/595 is the five indicates it has the adventure routes as in dirt roads, so not really needed on a touring bike. It is black rather than silver so looks good on the F6B and not old at all so still supported by Garmin.

[Jimmytee]

You can get a Zumo 390 for around $350 only 150 would have to be added. It is a motorcycle GPS and gives you almost every thing the 590 does but with a smaller screen. The difference between the 390/395 and 590/595 is the five indicates it has the adventure routes as in dirt roads, so not really needed on a touring bike. It is black rather than silver so looks good on the F6B and not old at all so still supported by Garmin.

I've looked at the 395. Think the price was close or at $500 for the 395. So more like $300 more. If I could find it for $350, I would probably consider it more. However it does only have I think a 4.3 " screen if I remember correctly.

[Jimmytee]

Jimmy--I've also been considering the Drivesmart 61. It has a lot of interesting features but really needs to BT with your Smartphone to be fully functional. As I'm sure you know, it's not designed for vibration or weather and Garmin will not honor the warranty if they find out you ran it on a motorcycle. It also won't BT with a pair of BT ear buds or BT communicators like Sena. From what I read, it will only BT to a Smartphone. Also, on cases, I'm not aware of a case with visor for the Drivesmart but I could be mistaken on that. Some say the display is so good you don't really need a visor but I can't confirm that since I don't own one myself.

I was looking at the 51 because the case I found that I mentioned only fit 5" screens.
Under the description it mentions being able to answer calls etc.. Short video shows incoming calls / messages coming through on the screen. No the headset ,I imagine, would be connected to the phone as usual.

[2wheelsforme]

Oh I'm sorry the one I was looking at on Amazon was a 390 for $350 but it was refurbished. Used ones can be found sometimes, I purchased my 590 two years ago used and a bargain. I consider it the best addition I have on the bike.