My Magellan GPS finally fried after 3 years of service. About a 1 1/2 years of that back and forth between the car and bike. For $80 is doesn't owe me much.*

I debated over whether I should get a dedicated motorcycle GPS like the new TomTom RIDER ($400) or the Zumo 660 ($650). After I came to my senses I decided on the TomTom START 55M ($105).*

At first price was the deciding factor to go with a regular GPS. But after I saw that 5" screens are becoming the new standard, I wanted a bigger screen.*

One can argue the merits of spending the extra bread on a Motorcycle specific GPS. But I can't. For the price of those I can pick up a new GPS every other year and in 8 years I'll have the latest GPS technology and still be ahead money wise.*

I won't review the TomTom. It's a nice GPS and does what I need it to. For those that know me, know I need a GPS because of my horrendous sense of direction.*

What I will comment about is that even a seemingly small increase in screen size makes a large difference in visibility, legibility and readability! *The 5" TomTom is much easier to see than the 4.3" Magellan. I'm not sure why they use those numbers (see below). But just like they measure TV sets, the screen size is measured at the hypotenuse.*

Here are the overall screen measurements:

Magellan : 4.17" w x 2.40" h x 4.78" hy

TomTom: 4.42" w x 2.53" h x 5.05" hy

When your eyes aren't what they used to be, every little bit counts.

They do have a 6" GPS but unfortunately it wouldn't have fit in my RAM mount. Maybe in 2 years I'll spring for a bigger mount when I get a new GPS.*

 

Now,

About the garage...

LMAO!

 

It's just one of those things I haven't totally dealt with. Oh well, the bike fits and I have enough space to work on it. Beyond that, the garage will wait!

 

Might as well move it over the speedo and use it as the fairing/windshield.

 

hypotenuse


nice. bet that word has never made the forum before.

 

thanks for the pics, now my garage looks very good. hehe oh and cool with the large screen.
kroozeabout.

 

Not a bad idea if I didn't already have a QD windshield.

Just doing my job to expand everyone's vocabulary.

My garage is a lost cause. lol

 

You're the only one that has to be happy with it. I ain't gonna rag on ya about the usual I would such as rain, sunlight, vibration, yada yada but dude, do something a bit more tasteful with the cable. Surely you can tuck it up under your tank or something. But thanks for making me feel good about my garage!!!

 

I had the power port in a couple of places already. I had it where the wires were hidden well. This setup though is in the best spot for me so far. I don't care about the aesthetics.

A ziploc bag takes care of it when it rains. As for vibrations? I'll be happy to get 2 years of use from it. By then the technology might be a step or two ahead.