I love my Zumo 550. You can use it right out of the box by punching in an address, and it will route you to it. As with any electronic device, if you want to use all the features, you have to spend time to learn how to use them. I spent quite a bit of time on http://www.zumoforums.comto learn how to create routes on the MapSource software and download them to the Zumo. (See their How-To section.) This technique is especially useful if you like to cruise back roads, as I do. I'll sit down and plot out a route on MapSource, favoring back roads, and download it to the Zumo. Then when I ride, I don't have to try to worry about when the next turn is coming or if the upcoming turnis theone I want to take. It makes my excursions more enjoyable. Yeah, I could just get on the bike and ride, but I don't like surprises and trying to figure out where I am. I've also used the Zumo in a car and motor home using the included automobile cradle.

I originally installed mine using the RAM mount on the handlebars, with a connection to the lighter socket on my FLHX. The audio is wired into the front aux input on the HD radio. I added the XM antenna and mounted it right above the Zumo on a bracket from Cyclegadgets, and replaced the RAM mount with a chrome one that matches my chrome controls. If you ever considered adding satellite radio to your Harley, you can add a Zumo 550 and its XM antenna/receiver for about $850, which is only$150 more than adding justXM to the H-K radio using the H-D option. The neat thing about this approach is that the Zumo will interrupt the XM music for directional prompts. There are linkson the Zumo Forums as how to do a much more custom installation, including how to add a rear aux input jack to your radio.

The lower cost Zumo 450 doesn't include the automobile cradle and doesn't have Bluetooth or XM capabilities. So far I've not had any problems with my Zumo.

All in all, it's definitely a nice accessory for your motorcycle. There are other, cheaper GPS options, but none as full-featured as convenient.

 

Good Information

Thank You

 

If you can live without bluetooth and want to save some bucks you should check out the Zumo 450. Same GPS just with a few less bells & whistles.

 

Have not ordered on yet. Lack of funds.

http://buyeretail.com/product.asp?fi...u=010-00567-00

This one has good feed back from customers.

http://www.millenniumcamera.com/view...4&l=Nextag

This one has no feed back as of yet. they are a new seller.

Your choice.

 

I got mine at COSTCO online, I love it, the battery is pretty weak though, it only lasts about 4 -5 hours.

 

Do we really need all the bells and whistles?

 

What I've been able to find out is,
1. the 450 does not come with Bluetooth ( I don't need that)
2. Does not come with XM ( don;t need that either)
3. Does not come with a car mount, need that, around 70.00
4. Does not come with AC charger, need this also, around 20.00

so, for a extra 100.00 I get the car mount, AC charger. Bluetooth, and AM....

resale value would also be better on the 550

 

I want something that I can download google directions, and also the HD dealership locations en route

 

I downloaded the POIs for all the HD dealers in the western states. Pretty handy when out in unfamiliar territory.

 

google directions, get a Palm TX with wireless internet....although why you would want that over a mapsource program...

lots of POI downloads on the net and forums, HD, Honda, Barnes & Noble, Walmarts ETC.....