The Sat Nav minefield!
 

Just spent the last couple of hours trying to figure out which sat nav to buy. It's bloody hard to find the right solution! Apparently the 4 choices are ...

1. Buy a cheap car sat nav and put it in your tank bag clear pouch. Cheapest, easiest solution. The problems are that you have to look down, it may be harder to see, you probably can't charge it, and you always have to have a tank bag.

2. Buy a cheap car sat nav and a waterproof case and bike mount. Sounds like a good shout, but it's hard choosing the right sat nav (so many options), plus finding a case that fits it properly. Not sure if you'll be able to rig up a charger either. Seems like the best option overall price wise.

3. Use an iPhone as a sat nav and buy a posh iPhone specific case and mount. I think some of these come with charging options which is cool, but I've heard that the GPS on iPhone isn't very accurate (maybe as little as 20m). I need a really accurate sat nav, and apparently garmins etc. are better for that.

4. Buy a bike specific sat nav which will do it all great, but essentially pay 3-5 times as much as the equivalent car sat nav without getting much (if any) extra functionality. So basically have your pants pulled down in a highly degrading fashion.

I'd really appreciate some input on what people are using and what they'd recommend. My want list is:
1. Precision of GPS coordinates
2. Safe to use (so needs to mount in a good place)
3. Preferably plug-in-able so it doesnt run out of juice
4. Best value for money.

Any advise would be great! :)

Re: The Sat Nav minefield!
 

Well I think you know my experiences with using your phone.

Not great, need to run a charging lead, prone to crashing or switching away if you get messages or phone calls.

Given what you're spending on the bike I'd get a bike sat nav.

Surely it'll be tax deductible?

Re: The Sat Nav minefield!
 

It's possible, but not easy to get the money back via a tax break. I suspect it might be too awkward right now, though could potentially claim it back later. Worth looking into though.

I don't really want to use the phone option tbh. Accuracy isn't supposed to be great, and as you said, prone to issues.

Re: The Sat Nav minefield!
 

Garmin are the boys for satnav... their bike ones are boss as far as I've experienced them (rob has one).

Re: The Sat Nav minefield!
 

do you really need to see it or coulde you work with audio only?
I rarely look at my car sat nav, and have it set to blank the screen over 30 mph anyway

Re: The Sat Nav minefield!
 

I have option 2 at the moment. Givi sat nav holder and a Garmin nuvi car sat nav which I power from the socket on the bike using an £11 adapter from Nippy Norman's. I could Bluetooth the sound but haven't.

Pros are it's cheap and I just grab it from the car.

The GS has bars that suits the Givi case. The socket is easily accessible.

Cons are it's hard to see in bright sunlight, you can't use a tank bag, if you forget the waterproof over cover it gets wet. Plus being a touch screen unit under a plastic cover you have to pull over and undo it all to press a button such as setting up a detour.

Fine for me as I don't use it often.

Re: The Sat Nav minefield!
 

Garmin zumo660 is the dogs dangles, expensive but great. if its something you really want or need always buy the best you can afford.

Re: The Sat Nav minefield!
 

Si, I have a case that would fit pretty much any car sat nav, but with the miles you will be doing and how much you will need it, cut the crap and look at it as an investment. Get a proper bike one. I have a Garmin zumo 550 and it is very good. The 660 is even better.

Re: The Sat Nav minefield!
 

Droid mobile co pilot
its accurate don't use the phone mode if I don't know were im going ,
Got me to the lakes and back no issues
H G sat nav bag cable tied to top yoke, usb charger .Blue tooth

Re: The Sat Nav minefield!
 

I have a old garmin zumo 400, is great, never plays up. Look for 550 or 660 (as stated the mutts). Stay clear of tomtom, garmin are masters of nav have nav systems for flying by them to.

Boys on tour :)