After going the same places on the bike because I don't know any other routes I decided im going to get a little set up fairly cheap from ebay seems how I cant afford a proper bike satnav (they seem to be around the £300 mark). So far I have come up with this:- Its 5" screen so hopefully it will be big enough (cant find cover for the 7" screens) it has not got Bluetooth but I doubt I would listen to the directions anyway just glancing would be fine, and has 4gig storage plenty for just maps. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-Inch-12...ics_GPSSystems_GPSSystems&hash=item19d1e665b1 Just a case really. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycl...S_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item4d150fb55c Item 12 on this menu, has normal ciggy lighter port a USB port, cable is 1.5m long and is waterproof. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-Motor...t=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item2ed5cbf10b So, Im not going to order them until Sunday/Monday, what are your views? any feedback is welcome .
In my job I have seen lots of crap sat-navs from eBay. One lad had a carrier bag with 5 in it Some people don't learn I suppose. I definitely wouldn't get one that you need to look at, even a glance. A lot can happen in a couple of seconds. If you have a smart phone, why not download an app? You can get some free ones, or at least very cheap. You can then listen to the instructions through headphones and keep your eyes out for the killer retards who are out to get you
+1 on the smartphone app ( Nav Free is pretty good) - I have a Tomtom rider which is ok but not the best - the other route you've sussed ( but with a 2nd hand car unit in a case) - the main thing with the free apps is you don't have to buy map updates etc...
That does not work. While your listening to the instructions you gaze will be transfixed and you'll see very little. Research and maps are best. Good call but there are smaller ones.
im king of cheapness lol. i bought a cheap sat nav and ended up selling it again. i have a map and an app if needed. i find the app or phone signal tends to die around areas like wales ect. only time i think my app comes in handy is if im in the middle of no where and i cant find out where i am or i need to find a petrol station asap lol. personally ive been forcing myself to learn to use a map, my farther in law gave me his "best rides motorcycle atlas" its not bad, highlights a lot of good routes, points out speed cameras and a lot of other info. http://www.mapsman.com/store/product.php?id=57
also bought a tank bag too to stick the map in to make it easier for when i pull over and check where i went wrong
I have to agree with that, but my memory is like a sieve ! I carry a waterproof map in my pocket and program in the route on the Sat Nav - I generally use it for visual reference (i.e. distance to next junction) then just check at key route points - once I've done the route once or twice it starts to stick ! You're right though, any distraction isn't particularly safe...
Save your cash and use your mobile phone - Google maps is very good although you do need mobile phone signal reception. A few people on NWB have waterproof cases for their phones that mount to the bars - maybe someone can make a suggestion of any good products they have had experience of.
I use the Ultimate Add-Ons range - pretty good and watertight, plus allows operation of touch screens on android and iphone - I've also got their power to battery kit so I can charge the Sat Nav / phone as I go. http://www.ultimate-mobiles.co.uk/Vehicle_Accessories/Motorcycle_Accessories
I'm not sure about your "gaze being transfixed" I have never seen any evidence suggesting this. If this was the case every road would be littered with bodies because people were listening to their TomTom's. I know you like your maps, (and so do I,) but things move on. The latest Sat-navs have an option for Twisty Roads for bikers. Maps and Sat-Navs are tools for us to use, each has pros and cons. You need to pick the most suitable for the circumstances at the time.
sat nav's are basically retarded, it will take years before the software becomes 'rational' we as a species survived for thousands of years without them but if people want to have an idiot device on display then fair do's
I know what you are saying, but they have their uses. An example: We had booked a hotel in Bruge. We were travelling in the car. We got to the outskirts ok, but then turned on the electronic "retard." The roads got smaller and smaller until we were convinced the Sat-Nav was having a glitch, I was just about to turn around when it announced that I had arrived. There was a wooden gate to the right with a small sign asking us to get a car park key from the hotel reception! I would have really struggled without it. At the end of the day it's just a tool. If you follow every command it will probably get you into trouble, but if you apply common sense it can be useful - just like a map
Noddy should of asked for advice on decent map recommendations , might of been given some advise on decent sat nav's then
Thought he was looking for decent routes, rather than a hotel in deepest Brugge. Can't argue with in strange town navigation using a Sat-nav. It is the one place it makes sense. But navigating for good biking routes.
i bet people found it before sat nav i just despise the bloody things, smashed mine ages ago. head to santa pod and you find a good few roads signed with 'do not follow sat nav'
I have had a few cases were the instructions have been nuts as well, but up to now I have kept the hammer in the tool box, (I know yours is always handy.) lol I have seen quite a few camp sites with "do not follow a sat Nav" as well. BTW there was quite a few vintage cars with pensioners driving in circles around Brugge City centre, so I am guessing not everyone found the hotel
