I got this one. Works great. I added a 1" strip of black Velcro and attached it just to the lower right of the radio on the fairing. It also comes with an extension cable if you want to put it somewhere else. Thinking of getting another for my car.

 

I also question whether less-expensive Garmins can be seen well in daylight, and I would like to hear recommendations from folks who use these units like this.

I have the Nuvi 40 and have no issues seeing it in direct sunlight.

 

Iclick, as far as cheaper GPS go, I've been using a garmin 660 for the past 6 years on my bike, and though it wasn't necessarily cheap when I bought it ($400) it wasn't designed for outside use. That said, I have used it for at least 30k miles including in the rain, with no problems. Obviously I did try to keep it as dry as possible, but will not be worried about getting another non Zumo.
It did finally succumb to time though, but so did your Zumo.
I'll be looking for another Nuvi this winter, just need to narrow down my options. Keeping it below the $200 mark is mandatory. Most likely ill be missing my music piped into the stereo system through the GPS though. Loved that feature.
Going in knowing I'll only get 3 years supported, does make my decision easy as far as price is concerned.

 

As far as using a smart phone, I'm not sold on it yet. I downloaded Garmins trial app on my iPhone for a trip as a backup to my recently ailing GPS, and was seriously underwhelmed! Took to long to map, recalculate, and would lock up mid travel. Seemingly at the most I opportune times.
It would be nice to have everything in one device, but its still not there in my opinion.

 

Have a Garmin Zumo 550 since 2006.

Designed for motorcycle. Weather resistant. Works with gloves.

Worked flawless for six years and recently the touch screen started to go.

Out of warranty I contacted Garmin for my options. $150 for a factory refurbished unit or purchase a new unit. The 550 is discontinued so I would have to purchase a newer model.

Features I wanted need to be:
Weather proof
Glove Friendly
Create own Maps
Play MP3
XM receiver

Many newer models don't have the XM receiver. Some don't have an sd slot.

I opted for the refurbished 550. The one I received was in better condition than the one that I sent back.

 

Something else I wanted throw out there. Seems like there really isn't any new features in Garmins line-up, and their model count seems to have dwindled.
Makes me wonder if there isn't some totally new tech looming on the horizon?
With the way electronics manufacturers are luring new buyers with techno gadgetry to spend big money to upgrade. I wonder if this is the calm before the storm?
The holiday buying season has been notorious for deeply discounted outdated tech, while keeping new tech prices at their retail level.
I for one am tired of the 1 - 3 year tech window, making anything outside that obsolete.
Just a thought....

 

I downloaded the Garmin USA to my IPhone 4 and have had no issues. Places that I don't have cell service the GPS is still up and running. It has the trip planner and has never had any problems be able to look up a location. So far, it has been a pretty good $40.00 app purchase.

 

Wonder how many storms you have ridden through depending on your GPS??? I know, put a condom over it and all is good right??? Guess they are also making waterproof android phones now as well??? And I wonder what the battery life is on them

I have the Zumo 660 with chrome handlebar mount and love it. Garmin's latest motorcycle unit, the 350 LMT has lifetime updates but you can buy lifetime updates for any of their units. You can also do the other things you want with a little research.

 

I have had a garmin since 2010. It is of great benefit out west. Won't work with my Mac. It has been very useful for finding the nearest fuel which can be critical is some areas of the USA.

 

I use my Zumo 550 with my mac all the time.