Product test: motorcycle sat navs

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Product test: motorcycle sat navs
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Navis, communication, apps

Product test: motorcycle sat navs

A new generation of motorcycle sat navs with waterproof housings and sturdy brackets should revive the market. These electronic maps now fulfill all the wishes of two-wheeler pilots? The test clarifies where there are still stones on the way.

Jorg Lohse

11/11/2010


Product test: motorcycle sat navs


archive

MOTORRAD tested five navigation devices for motorcyclists.

You shouldn’t rub it in your wife’s nose right now, but motorcycling is an expensive hobby. This becomes particularly clear when you are looking for special accessories for your vehicle. For example with navigation devices. In the shops, the cheap electronic scouts are stacked up in all facets and forms. But so far only a few manufacturers have dared to tackle the topic of motorcycle navigation. The expected sales figures are low compared to car products. In addition, motorcycle navigation systems require a significantly higher development effort, which drives up the price.

Of course, standard low-budget devices for less than 100 euros can somehow be accommodated on the motorcycle. However, with such a solution you have to bring a certain amount of ability to suffer and be prepared early on that you will eventually fire the rustic solution into the corner in a frustrated way.

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A robust, weatherproof housing is therefore essential for a good motorcycle navigation system. All devices in this test meet the IPX-7 standard. The degree of protection for electrical equipment says: The device is waterproof for around half an hour. An aspect that should not be neglected as a motorcyclist. Navis that are only splash-proof (IPX-4) can be damaged in a rain shower. It is more than questionable whether the manufacturer will treat this as a guarantee case. The same applies to the trendy smartphones à la Apple I-Phone and Co. Moisture paired with vibrations can quickly put an end to the sensitive devices.

Of course, the navigation system can also be packed watertight using a special tank bag adapter. But then it is usually over with the good top view, quite apart from operating the device with sausage gloves. That is why a good motorcycle sat nav should be provided with a solid bracket ex works. The robust ball head screw connections from Ram-Mount, with which the navigation system can be attached to almost any bike, from all-rounders to superbikes, have proven themselves. Such a holder should hold the device securely and supply it with on-board power when it is inserted. What is missing in the end? A current, reliable map, of course. You should definitely not do without them when planning your route.

A-Rival PNX 35 M.


Product test: motorcycle sat navs


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A-Rival PNX 35 M.

Providers: Baros, phone 0511/12383506, www.a-rival.de
price: 299 euros

Furnishing: 3.5-inch TFT monitor, Li-Ion battery (1800 mAh), micro SD card slot, loudspeaker, Bluetooth headset, motorcycle and car holder, on-board power supply, 12/24 and 220 V charging cables

Map coverage: Europe (excluding Russia)

Weight: 240 grams

service: Entering on the screen is a test of patience. Without a key or pen, the very small touch areas can hardly be hit exactly, and operation with motorcycle gloves (e.g. scrolling or zooming) is almost impossible. In addition, there is a lack of logical and intuitive menu navigation.

depiction: Overall, a confusing and difficult to understand structure in an unusual portrait format and in too little space. Only half of the screen is used for the 3D route view, which is additionally narrowed by the display of lane assistants and road signs. The other is marked with pictograms and data on the route. Those who prefer the landscape format can switch to car operation, but then have problems with the already poor glare protection of the device holder. The display is hopelessly overwhelmed by the sun.

navigation: The bottom line is that it is too imprecise and also with sometimes confusing and difficult to understand voice instructions. In addition, there are gross blunders like the announcement to turn in a one-way street. The A-rival reacts sluggishly to deviations from planned routes.

Attachment: The handlebar mount and ball head screw connection are well solved, but the navigation system itself has to be screwed into the holder and connected to the on-board network via a USB port that is prone to vibration.

Plus:
Equipment, price

Minus:
Operation, presentation, navigation practice

CONCLUSION:
In terms of price / performance, the A-rival impresses with its extensive equipment package: charging cable, on-board power supply, bracket, Bluetooth headset, waterproof housing according to IPX-7 standard. Operation is possible in portrait or landscape format. In tough motorcycle use, however, there are a number of weaknesses: inconvenient device mounting, display that is difficult to read, confusing menu navigation with a screen that is difficult to use and, on top of that, mistakes in the navigation.

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Product test: motorcycle sat navs

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Product test: motorcycle sat navs

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Garmin Zumo 220


Product test: motorcycle sat navs


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Garmin Zumo 220

providers: Garmin, phone 089/8583640, www.garmin.de
Price: 399 euros (RRP); 346.69 euros (Garmin online shop)

Furnishing: 3.5-inch TFT monitor, Li-Ion battery (1800 mAh), micro SD card slot, loudspeaker, motorcycle and car holder, on-board power supply, 12V and USB charging cables

Map coverage: Europe (excluding Russia)

Weight: 210 grams

service: The large touch areas with clear lettering and easily recognizable pictograms make entering data on the small Garmin child’s play, even with motorcycle gloves and while driving. The logical menu structure also fits this. Only scrolling through the menus is cumbersome and no longer up-to-date with the only available back function.

depiction: The high-contrast, white-backed display is not only easy to read, but also practical. Large 3D map display, displayed lane assistant, plus individually assignable tabs with important driving information (e.g. speed, compass, altitude). Also well done: the display of the speed limits and the radar warning.

navigation: The performance on the MOTORRAD test lap remains weak overall. Dropouts when entering tunnels and the correct approach to two destinations are just as annoying as the jerky page structure and the sometimes choppy and therefore difficult to understand voice instructions. But the Garmin shines with extras such as route recording.

Attachment: The docking station is screwed to the motorcycle with an ultra-stable ball head (ram mount), but the fuse for the device itself is just as poor as the on-board power supply via USB.

Plus:
Display, menu structure, operation

Minus:
Routing, bracket

Conclusion:
Garmin’s 220er appeals with its compact, slim shape and intuitive menu navigation. Travel professionals will particularly appreciate the options for recording routes and the information about the respective location that can be quickly accessed. When navigating from A to B, the display is correct, but less so with the correct approach to the desired destinations. In terms of speed (graphics, voice output), the Garmin is now in the second league.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

MOTORCYCLE test winner: Garmin Zumo 660


Product test: motorcycle sat navs


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MOTORCYCLE test winner: Garmin Zumo 660

providers: Garmin, phone 089/8583640, www.garmin.de
Price: 599 euros (RRP); 507.95 euros (Garmin online shop)

Furnishing: 4.3-inch TFT monitor, Li-Ion battery (1800 mAh), micro SD card slot, loudspeaker, motorcycle and car holder with on-board power supply, 12V and 220V charging cable, protective bag, SD card with 800 Motorcycle tours

Map coverage: Europe (excluding Russia)

Weight: 270 grams

service: Thanks to the large screen buttons, the Zumo 660 can be operated safely and without errors. Important travel information (distance to the destination, altitude, compass display) or overview maps can be called up quickly, but it is difficult to select important destinations while driving (e.g. the nearest petrol station).

depiction: The 660 scores with its good-resolution 4.3-inch TFT screen with an attractive widescreen look. Even in direct sunlight, the display of the 660 remains rich in contrast.

navigation: The Garmin navigator only leads astray on one section of the MOTORRAD test track. Otherwise, all objectives are met with flying colors. In addition to the clear voice instructions, a lane assistant with partially photo-realistic overlay helps. Thanks to the route import and recording option, as well as an SD card with around 800 tours from the MOTORRAD tour planner, there are hardly any planning wishes left unfulfilled.

bracket: The docking station with integrated on-board power supply securely holds the device and can be firmly anchored to the motorcycle thanks to the sturdy ball-head screw connection.

Plus:
Display, announcements, bracket

Minus:
Destination selection while driving

Conclusion:
With the Zumo 660, Garmin is at the forefront of motorcycle navigation. Weaknesses that were criticized in terms of routing in the 550 predecessor, among other things, have been eliminated, and user-friendliness has increased noticeably thanks to the widescreen screen. With a waterproof housing, universally applicable device holder, smart networking via Bluetooth to headset and mobile phone as well as long battery life, the Zumo 660 leaves nothing to be desired.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good


Product test: motorcycle sat navs


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Navgear Tourmate MX 350

providers: Pearl, phone 07631/3600, www.pearl.de
price: 329.90 euros (RRP); 199.90 (Pearl online shop)

Furnishing: 3.5-inch TFT monitor, Li-Ion battery (1000 mAh), SD card slot, Bluetooth headset, motorcycle holder with on-board power supply, 220V charging cable Map coverage: Europe (excluding Russia)

Weight: 230 grams

service: The start menu can be operated quickly and easily thanks to large touch fields with clearly recognizable pictograms, the input mask for addresses is exemplary. Problematic: scrolling, where you quickly make a mistake due to the narrow arrangement of the input fields and have no chance with motorcycle gloves.

depiction: The screen shines with a very easy to see route view in 3D. Important information about the route (lane assistant, signposts, petrol stations) is displayed clearly and clearly. Additional information such as B. the speed display must be called up on an extra page. The bottom line is that the display is too low in contrast for sunny days, despite the glare protection on the device, and looks a bit pale.

navigation: When it comes to precision, the Tourmate sets the bar very high. The reaction time when deviating from planned routes is extremely short; the alternative route is available in seconds, even if the GPS signal is interrupted in the tunnel. In addition, there is a fluid, easily understandable voice announcement. The only mistake on the MOTORRAD test lap: the target approach via a closed farm road.

Attachment: The docking station with on-board power supply locks securely. The weak ball head screw connection and the holder, which causes problems with butted handlebars, are less appealing.

Plus:
Precision, speed, equipment, price

Minus:
Bracket, pale display, battery power

Conclusion:
The debut in motorcycle navigation was a success. Visually based on the top dog from TomTom, the Navgear goes its own way when it comes to navigation. Comfortable operation, clear presentation and clear announcements are convincingly solved. The equipment package, including a weatherproof Bluetooth headset for the helmet, is extensive and, considering the current offer price of less than 200 euros, unbeatable. You also accept the weak battery performance.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

MOTORCYCLE purchase tip: TomTom Urban Rider


Product test: motorcycle sat navs


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MOTORCYCLE purchase tip: TomTom Urban Rider

providers: TomTom, phone 0031 / 20-7575000, www.tomtom.com
Price: from 249 euros (RRP)

Furnishing: 3.5-inch TFT monitor, Li-Ion battery (2200 mAh), motorcycle mount, 220V charging cable

Map coverage: Central Europe (excluding Scandinavia and Great Britain); with all of Europe (including Russia) 299.95 euros

Weight: 310 grams

service: When it comes to user-friendliness for motorcyclists, the TomTom Rider continues to set standards. A special bonus is the operation while driving. For example, the next petrol station is programmed as a destination using two key commands. The touchscreen can be operated very safely even when wearing gloves.

depiction: Thanks to the high-contrast representation, the display is very easy to read in all lighting conditions. The lane assistant is also supported by realistic 3D views at large waypoints (motorway junctions). Additional information on the current speed, speed limits, radar warning, the route or arrival time is displayed.

navigation: The urban rider likes his precision on the MOTORRAD test lap – all destinations are precisely controlled. When deviating from the route, the route is updated within seconds, and tunnel crossings with GPS demolition are also mastered very well. The clearly understandable announcements can also be implemented easily without looking at the display.

bracket: There is no better way to accommodate a GPS on the motorcycle than with the ingenious doking station of the Urban-Rider. Small drawback: the variant with integrated on-board power supply is only available for an extra charge (64.95 euros).

Plus:
Display, operation while driving, precision

Minus:
Only battery operation possible

Conclusion:
The low-budget version of the well-known Rider 2 is in top form when it comes to functionality: TomTom continues to set standards when it comes to motorcycle suitability. There are also useful candies such as Bluetooth networking with helmets and cell phones. The presentation has gained significantly again through the photo-realistic 3D overlays. Instead, the red pencil has been applied to useful features such as the docking station powered by an on-board power supply.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Furnishing


Product test: motorcycle sat navs


Drawing: archive

The table for the equipment of the individual navigation systems.

MOTORCYCLE rating


Product test: motorcycle sat navs


Drawing: archive

The final ranking of the navigation systems.

Deserved victory for the all-round carefree package from Garmin. The Zumo 660 is not for bargain hunters, but leaves little to be desired: stable seat on the bike, large display, good routing, many extra settings. TomTom’s slimmed-down rider lures just like the newcomer from Navgear with a low cost price.


Product test: motorcycle sat navs


Touratech

Ingenious to the power of two: Apple I-Phone with Touratech holder.

Smartphones like the already cult iPhone from Apple, a much sought-after electronics fetish, score with great versatility (large displays, internet access, high image and video quality) and often do not need additional devices such as digital cameras or electronic diaries. Especially with the recently released iPhone 4, which is also available without a SIM lock, the question quickly arises: Can the multifunctional mobile phone, like its competition, also be used as a motorcycle navigation system? Conditional. After all, useful maps are now available. But even if some devices have GPS satellite reception (otherwise you may be stuck in a transmission hole of the respective mobile network provider), vibrations and weather influences would quickly destroy a device attached to the motorcycle without protection.


Product test: motorcycle sat navs


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Broadband benefits for GPS junkies: Garmin 62st.

Special brackets from Touratech and other suppliers allow motorcycle navigation via smartphone. However, how long-term use on the machine will affect the service life of the good piece is uncertain and could cause problems in the event of a warranty claim. All in all, a solution with many compromises. However, if a global player like Google with an already existing, excellent software basis were to bring their own hardware in the form of an absolutely shock and weatherproof smartphone onto the market, the much-cited egg-laying woolly milk pig – and this is exactly where the trend is going – would be very similar.

With appropriate brackets, outdoor devices like the Garmin 62st are already a hot alternative not only for expedition freaks who perfectly juggle coordination data, but also for enduro riders and motorcyclists with additional outdoor hobbies such as hiking, canoeing, cycling and winter sports. The operation and map display have been significantly improved for a long time, but the extremely robust outdoor handheld devices also often have additional functions such as heart rate and altimeters. Still a long way off: comprehensive, convenient routing functions for detailed topographic maps. Companies like Geove are currently working intensively on it. Motorcyclists have to do without comfort gimmicks such as glove-compatible touchscreens or voice-controlled route guidance, but they get a good tool for occasional touring. It can then run away from normal traffic.

This is how MOTORRAD tests

On a tricky test track, MOTORRAD scrutinizes the quality of the navigation devices. The following points are important, which are finally summarized in the final ranking on the following page:

Navigation practice (max. 30 points): How safely does the device lead through the jungle of Stuttgart with its one-way streets and many tunnels? Precision and exact route display are also required for overland navigation. Also in focus: speed and quality of route calculation and updates, GPS reception and battery performance.

Suitability for motorcycles (max. 40 points): How well can the navigation system be used on the motorcycle? For this, not only the device holder is carefully examined. A robust, weatherproof housing (minimum: IPX-7 standard) as well as the quality of the display, the quality of the display in sunlight, the voice transmission, operation with motorcycle gloves while driving, the connection options to the on-board network via Bluetooth are just as important on headsets, helmets and possibly the mobile phone.

Navigation function (max. 20 points): How comfortable is the input mask when entering addresses or planning routes? Which map material is available (extent, currentness), are there motorcycle-specific extras for points of interest, the POIs or even your own route templates? Driven routes can be saved or planned tours can be transferred?

Equipment / service (max. 10 points): In addition to the device features (processor performance, memory size, etc.), the included extras such as headset or chargers as well as the quality of the instructions are also important.

Terminology

No astronomical training is required to use space technology on the earth. The basics of motorcycle navigation.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System and describes the satellite-based basis of today’s navigation systems. The GPS signal was originally installed by the US military and has only been practical for everyday use for a good ten years.

Waypoint or in German “Waypoint” is the basis of navigation and represents a position stored in the GPS receiver. It is either entered via coordinates or selected from the database installed in the device (address, POI). TIP: When creating tours, the waypoints should be defined as precisely as possible beforehand when planning with a classic map.

Track In GPS jargon, it describes the path covered and is the opposite of the route (the planned path). TIP: If the navigation system supports track recording, this data can be used for route planning via PC applications such as Google Earth.

POI called “Point of interest” and is the abbreviation for “interesting places”. This usually includes petrol stations, hotels, restaurants, museums, workshops, etc. TIP: The POI list stored on a GPS at the factory can be updated or adapted online by many GPS providers.

TMC stands for Traffic Message Channel and is a digital traffic service from VHF radio stations with information on the traffic situation. Depending on the equipment, the navigation system can therefore include traffic jams or other traffic obstructions in the planned route.

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