[jmvalderrama]

I use the Garmin Montana unit because I need the ability to use/manage .GPX tracks. Mostly for dual sport riding on my other bike where tracks are all I need, but for street rides too I prefer to follow tracks instead of routes.
No bluetooth, no XM, no turn by turn spoken directions on the Montana but much more flexibility when it comes to setting up the unit both on how things are displayed and how I manage tracks and routes, plus the ability to have birdseye satellite imagery or Topo maps loaded. The imagery is great when looking for a place to camp, I can look at the actual roads or trail instead of map data that might not be accurate. It's completely readable in direct sunlight too.
The Montana also acts as a remote for my Garmin Virb camera using a built in app and charges the spare VIRB battery, while one is in use one is being charged with no additional gadgets or wiring.

Lots of wiring info in the wiring gadgets sticky thread, like Bose pointed out.


Thread moved to Electronics.

Agree with you. I used ZUMO 660 for years, but I was anoyed always because of its slow processor and lack of gpx files capabilities.

Now I have Montana 600, and I even use it in my Enduro as well with just batteries. It's lighter, faster, smaller (perhaps the small screen elis not a plus) and with it is easier to share routes with others. Also it keeps longer logs and way points. It's build for ATV vehicles, while the ZUMOs are build for general motorcycle. I do not miss the voice of the ZUMO in my helmet....

IMHO, the Montana looks much better on the nineT.



Saludos from Bogotá, Colombia.

XT1200Z/2014
WR250F/2014
BMW 9T/2015

 

[rkevwill]

The mounts look great, and the ideal solution. However, I kind of like keeping permanent mounts or accessories of any kind off the bike. Of course, I don't do nearly the long distance many of you do. I noticed there is a Garmin Ram mount, which would allow me to stick the Zumo on the Ram mount when I rarely need it. I may go with that option, we'll see. I do have a USB port up top and it's there when needed. Now if I did touring, I would want that sucker mounted with one of those sweet mounts.

 

[TasNineT]

hmm, wondering if there is a way i can use my Hema Navigator for mainland trips? Tankbag i think will do the trick.
What i like about the Hema is the ability to plug and play new maps for all of Oz in street view, 1:25000 or 1:250000 or 1:500000. even better yet, have all layers in the same unit and just toggle between them. very accurate and has everything from towns (you know, pizza, petrol and beer etc) through to forestry roads, tracks, gravel roads, main roads etc, just about every type of road imaginable. looks about the same size as the Zumo units, just isnt waterproof (bugger).
also compatible with mobile phones, ipods etc and connects to helmet via bluetooth.
has more functions than i can control and a favourite of 4wd users for years... now perhaps i need a GS to make the most of its potential.

ultimately, here in Tasmania (as Huntsman points out), you are never far from a town and it is an island so just keep heading in a general compass direction and you will make it home (eventually).

 

[BaldyDave]

Not a "struggle" at all. The BMW mount allows you to rotate the angle of the GPS: where I have it positioned for best viewing (I'm 6'2""), it allows easy access to the ignition. For shorter folks, just rotate it up, put the key in, and then adjust as desired - no tools are required - it's also great for adjustments during a ride as the angle of the sun changes.

Well I've taken the plunge and invested in a Zumo 590. In the process of mounting it to the bike and would appreciate your and anyone else's advice on how to route the Zumo wiring loom that came with the Garmin. I am confident of wiring to the OEM BMW sat nav power socket and have found this on the bike. The USB cable is a HUGE length, whereas the audio in, audio out and mic sockets aren't nearly as long. They look as if they will barely make it to the end of the tank even if I route it down the spine of the bike (tank would need to come off for that). I'm almost tempted to cut the audio cables off and make them safe and just keep the USB and power connections, the bluetooth connection should cater for music, phone and GPS audio surely? However would have to find out if there are any ramifications to hacking off the wires.

Does the tank need to be lifted? I hope not as I brimmed the tank before I laid it up over the winter! lol It'll weigh a ton! Now where did I put that jerry can?

 

[kenshapiro2002]

No need to remove or even loosen tank. I wired alongside the stock wiring, then under the tank on the left side and in toward the battery for the (+) and rearward toward the pillion area for the ground.

 

[BaldyDave]

No need to remove or even loosen tank. I wired alongside the stock wiring, then under the tank on the left side and in toward the battery for the (+) and rearward toward the pillion area for the ground.

What about the length of the audio connections? They look as if they won't reach the seat.....

 

[kenshapiro2002]

No idea. I have a ZUMO 590...not using anything but power from the battery to the unit.

 

[BaldyDave]

No idea. I have a ZUMO 590...not using anything but power from the battery to the unit.

Hmmm I also have a Zumo 590.... Did your bike mount bracket come with a wiring loom with the audio connections too, mate? Have you just tied them up behind the frame?

 

[kenshapiro2002]

Bracket has no loom... No wiring at all. Power cable enters through rear of bracket and attaches with small screw. No idea what you're taking about on this one. Audio other than WiFi????

 

[BaldyDave]

Bracket has no loom... No wiring at all. Power cable enters through rear of bracket and attaches with small screw. No idea what you're taking about on this one. Audio other than WiFi????

Have a look at this video. It's only 3 mins. It shows the loom that came with my 590.

http://youtu.be/nncwIMVXeqQ

 

[kenshapiro2002]

Different than mine. The connector pins on mine are two points on a small square connector. Yours must be a newer addition. My 590 has a built in speaker and the mount is just basically a holder. Looks just like the one in the video but my cable is strictly a power cable...a red and black wire is all there is in my loom.

 

[BaldyDave]

You know the more I think about this, the more I'm convinced that I'm going to design a custom loom for the Garmin cradle. I don't need the audio connections as they'll be handled by Bluetooth. The USB connection might be useful for charging a phone I guess, but primarily I've decided to make the Sat Nav cradle easily removable so think the USB cable will either be omitted or shortened drastically...

Either way I'm going to attempt to take apart the cradle and investigate!

If I really stuff things up I can get a new one for £35, which would smart a bit! Heck I'm going to try anyhow!

 

[BaldyDave]

Different than mine. The connector pins on mine are two points on a small square connector. Yours must be a newer addition. My 590 has a built in speaker and the mount is just basically a holder. Looks just like the one in the video but my cable is strictly a power cable...a red and black wire is all there is in my loom.

Does the back of your Zumo look like the attachment below?

 

[Captain]

Dave, the back of my Zumo 590 is the same as the picture below. It came with the full harness as you have described.

I currently have the harness installed on my R1100RT and it wasn't a problem hiding the excess wiring. I left the USB port under the passenger seat incase I ever wanted to use it, and I bundled the audio stuff together with cloth tape and heat-shrink and cable tied that to the frame underneath the tank.

You could do the same on the nineT, and I would suggest for a neater finish, it would pay to lift the tank to hide the loom and keep it away from the hot stuff.

 

[BaldyDave]

Dave, the back of my Zumo 590 is the same as the picture below. It came with the full harness as you have described.

I currently have the harness installed on my R1100RT and it wasn't a problem hiding the excess wiring. I left the USB port under the passenger seat incase I ever wanted to use it, and I bundled the audio stuff together with cloth tape and heat-shrink and cable tied that to the frame underneath the tank.

You could do the same on the nineT, and I would suggest for a neater finish, it would pay to lift the tank to hide the loom and keep it away from the hot stuff.

Yep exactly the same as mine. I am wondering if @kenshapiro2002 has a Zumo 390 as his description of the connections at the rear of the GPS and the internal speaker tie in exactly with a 390......

I have decided to modify the wiring harness to support just power at this point as I really see no need for anything else as bletooth will handle my connectivity needs. The V1 version will just concentrate on providing switched power to the GPS, the V2 will add USB support and easy disconnection of the wires for GPS removal. The 9T looks so much better without GPS I think, but for me it is a necessary evil as I do like listening to music and rely on GPS for my exploring (or more accurately to recsue me when I get lost!). Oh and for alerting me to speed traps.... For quick domestic trips the GPS is better left at home and I'd rather not have an ugly cradle left on the bike.

 

[Minstermarce]

I use the TomTom app on my iPhone, which is mounted to the handlebar using the LifeProof waterproof case and handlebar mount. Removal and installation is quick and easy, so "Gudrun" is less cluttered and nice and naked most of the time!

In conjunction with a Sena 20s (thanks Lost Rider!), you have wireless turn by turn navigation but I guess Garmin and other navs have the same bluetooth function also.

 

[BaldyDave]

I use the TomTom app on my iPhone, which is mounted to the handlebar using the LifeProof waterproof case and handlebar mount. Removal and installation is quick and easy, so "Gudrun" is less cluttered and nice and naked most of the time!

In conjunction with a Sena 20s (thanks Lost Rider!), you have wireless turn by turn navigation but I guess Garmin and other navs have the same bluetooth function also.

Yeah I have used the Garmin app for my iPhone, and its very good for what it is. However I like the dedicated Sat Nav and the fact that it's designed for bike operation using gloved hands, plus tyre pressure monitoring. Also it is waterproof without having to spend money coating it. The Zumo additionally doubles up for use in my car (which I sort of tried to convince myself that it was worth spending over £400 on a gadget).

 

[Minstermarce]

I wasn't aware of the glove on capability of the Garmin so that's a definite advantage over the iPhone!

 

[BaldyDave]

Bargain Sat Nav case!

Stop press. Slightly off-topic but I just received this Sat Nav case to store my Zumo 590 in. It's great quality and is amazingly cheap! Worth the 3 week wait for it to be delivered from China!

Official Garmin case price = £23 (inc delivery)

MOGOI case price = £2.79!!!! Including delivery!

I doubt if the Garmin case would be any better in quality and it holds my Sat Nav pretty securely. The zip seems sturdy and there's a handy mesh pocket inside to store cables etc in and a belt clip thingy too.....

I'm delighted!

You can get a smaller case for Sat Navs with 4 inch screens too......

 

[BaldyDave]

I wasn't aware of the glove on capability of the Garmin so that's a definite advantage over the iPhone!

It also has the Curvy Roads option to route you down some bike-friendly twisty roads!

You do have to pay a price premium for these vehicle-specific devices though, it's up to the individual to work out if a dedicated Sat Nav is for them or not.