Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

Search Sort Posts:  Oldest to newest Newest to oldest

10-18-2009, 3:11 PM ladyeclectic Joined on 04-07-2009 Hanford, CA Posts 323 GPS on a bike? I'm looking to get a GPS that I can use on longer, more remote trips. I've looked into assorted Garmins and a SPOT, but ran into the problem: how do I attach them to my bike? Doing a search I found the Garmin Zumo 550 is made for motorcycle riding but the price.... the PRICE!! *faints* I can't afford much more than a basic unit at this point - mostly I need something for the urban areas as they're the worst imho. Does anyone here have ideas on how to attach it to the handlebars? I'm looking into a tank bag, maybe put it under the clear portion atop some of those models? Recommendations on appropriate GPS (any brands) would be much appreciated as well. Thanks! Sarah from Cali '81 Honda GL500 (Mah seksay beast) '73 Ford Maverick    Report

10-18-2009, 3:47 PM MikeCMP Joined on 05-27-2009 Chardon, Ohio Posts 354 Re: GPS on a bike? I just use the car based garmin nuvi on my bike, it is not waterproof but I avoid the rain :) You could put it in a plastic bag or something too. Before I got a handlebar mount, I just stuck it in my map pocket on my tank bag. That would be water proof. Mike 1979 CX500 Custom My first bike and loving it!    Report

10-18-2009, 4:29 PM Panther Joined on 05-09-2006 Las Vegas, NV Posts 1,264 Re: GPS on a bike? Not a perfect solution, but I would vote map pocket on the tank bag. You can go cheap & thin in the car market. Not sure what to recommend though. My treo 755p has the ability to connect to a blue tooth GPS receiver and use it to read tomtom maps off a SD card. (my maps for Las Vegas suck, but most paper maps you can by here have the same roads as the tomtom maps, so it may just be a "growing to fast" thing around here.) I plan on using a waterproof pelican case for it while traveling until I do the research to find the best GPS for on & Off road use. but I figure i'll be doing most of that research on ADV. they use theirs off road a tun more than most. lol. As for the spot, I would Always use it in the tank back map pocket or just under it. It will transmit from there just fine. in the pocket you can keep an eye on the indicator lights without being to distracted. and as long as it is "face up", you are fine. Peace & Light >^..^< .......... '83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady" '82 GL500swi parts bike '78 DT175 '86 LS650 Milady's bike    Report

10-18-2009, 4:29 PM DaveF Joined on 06-11-2008 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 1,232 Re: GPS on a bike? Thom (drneo) has a write-up on his site with good info. I fabricated a mounting bracket with a RAM ball that is permanently attached to the GL fairing.  It was designed so no additional holes had to be drilled in the fairing.  On the rare occasions I use a GPS, a Garmin 2720 can be installed in less than a minute. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650    Report

10-18-2009, 4:39 PM Panther Joined on 05-09-2006 Las Vegas, NV Posts 1,264 Re: GPS on a bike? ADV GPS thread: "Which GPS Do I Buy" Thread Fest - Ask your question/Find your answer HERE!  http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=363483 Haven't read it yet. I guess i have my homework for the next two weeks. lol. (still can't get a link to go "Live") Peace & Light >^..^< .......... '83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady" '82 GL500swi parts bike '78 DT175 '86 LS650 Milady's bike    Report

10-18-2009, 5:05 PM ladyeclectic Joined on 04-07-2009 Hanford, CA Posts 323 Re: GPS on a bike? I too have a Treo 755p that I use for the maps. However all I have is the Google maps, not a GPS or an active tracking program. What exactly is it you use? It could certainly be cheaper than buying a cheap GPS that I'd be replacing eventually anyway. Sarah from Cali '81 Honda GL500 (Mah seksay beast) '73 Ford Maverick    Report

10-18-2009, 5:50 PM Blue fox Joined on 04-18-2008 COLUMBIA, MISSOURI Posts 1,533 Re: GPS on a bike? Sarah,  I picked up a Garmin 255W on the bay a month or so ago.  About $100 for it and another $6 for a vent mount for the car.  I really like the unit and mounted it to the Goldwing for a trip a couple of weeks ago.  I just used the vent mount and slid the clips out and mounted it in the upper speaker screw hole.  Worked great and kept it at the right angle for 150 miles. Downside of probably most GPS systems is that I couldn't hear the turn instructions at highway speed.  I could make them out at 20-30 MPH, but above that, the wind noise was too much.  I still really liked the system to show actual speed, distance, time, etc.  And if you were traveling in a unfamiliar area, they can't be beat to locate addresses.  Mine is not waterproof either, I packed a zip lock bag if the weather would have turned on us.  Blue Fox 1983 GL650I, 79-CX500C, 1980 CX500C, 82-GL500I, 82-GL1100, 76-CB550, 81-CB750C, 73-CB350F, 71-CT90,    Report

10-18-2009, 6:13 PM Panther Joined on 05-09-2006 Las Vegas, NV Posts 1,264 Re: GPS on a bike?  ladyeclectic wrote: I too have a Treo 755p that I use for the maps. However all I have is the Google maps, not a GPS or an active tracking program. What exactly is it you use? It could certainly be cheaper than buying a cheap GPS that I'd be replacing eventually anyway. I got one of these: http://cgi.ebay.com/PALM-3262NA-TOMTOM-NAVIGATOR-6-GPS-FOR-TREO-680-700p_W0QQitemZ400033180761QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPDA_Accessories?hash=item5d23d5ec59 It does work for my 755p, but is very slow and I am not happy with the Las Vegas maps. I have not had the opportunity to use it anywhere else yet. This one specifically mentions the 755p and is Not the Tomtom software, so it might be better. (at twice the cost) http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-GPS-VOICE-NAVIGATION-SYSTEM-FOR-TREO-755P_W0QQitemZ370087427069QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGPS_Devices?hash=item562aedfbfd Not sure it is better than getting an older unit for a car. I don't trust my suction mount on my bike, so either one would be in the tank bag. If you want to try mine on your trip, you can borrow it. but i demand a in-depth review when you are done! lol. (not enough time to ship it to you, so you would have to wait & pick it up from me here.) Peace & Light >^..^< .......... '83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady" '82 GL500swi parts bike '78 DT175 '86 LS650 Milady's bike    Report

10-18-2009, 6:13 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: GPS on a bike? Google Refurbished GPS and you will find a lot of places that sell them. They are as cheap as EBay and they have warranties. I bought a Garmin 2720 just like Fr Neo's for only $119 and it included one free map update. If you can find one, get a motorcycle unit so you don't have to worry about the weather, but at the same time I know people ho simply put a baggie over their units with a rubberband and haven't had a problem with their GPS. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

10-19-2009, 1:33 PM PWG in Lowgap NC Joined on 01-07-2008 Minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway Posts 2,380 Re: GPS on a bike? I have a handlebar mount for a Tom Tom that I tried but can't see the screen without taking my eyes off the road for too long a period. I could not hear it either, so, it's not for me. Maybe they will come up with a ghost screen on your helmet and an ear bud, I could try it again. I will be installing a star wars type ( trail Tech, Vapor) dash board on La Cosa, waybe I'll have better luck with that. You can have the mount for the postage. 06 Suzuki S50 daily ride CX500c Honda Magna BC age 72    Report

10-19-2009, 1:43 PM DavidfromWisconsin Joined on 03-19-2008 Appleton, WI Posts 2,458 Re: GPS on a bike? Phil, You should check if there is a motorcycle wiring kit for your GPS. When they do that they usually have an earphone jack. David From Wisconsin ... R80Dave '82 GL500I alias Candy '82 GL500I alias Candy II '00 BMW K1200LT & trailer '81 KZ440 (Wife's learning bike)    Report

10-19-2009, 4:14 PM PWG in Lowgap NC Joined on 01-07-2008 Minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway Posts 2,380 Re: GPS on a bike? Nah. It requires too much attention. I gave it to my wife. She needs it more than I. 06 Suzuki S50 daily ride CX500c Honda Magna BC age 72    Report

10-20-2009, 9:21 PM nippongreen Joined on 03-16-2006 Ottawa, Canada Posts 587 Re: GPS on a bike? Sarah, I'll post pics of the set up i have for my Garmin GPS. (maybe tomorrow) I have it set up so that i can easily transfer it between my 2 bikes and the car. Be warned i'm cheap and a MASTER of velcro :-) All The best........Keith........ 79 CX 500D / 82 GL 500i / 79 CX 500 parts bikes x 2 01 ST1100 Chris's Bikes 84 Honda Shadow VT500/78 Honda 185 Twinstar (ride safe).......SKYPE....(nippongreen).. My D.O.B. 21/04/59    Report

10-21-2009, 4:16 AM CXSarnia Joined on 01-11-2008 Sarnia, Ontario, Canada Posts 2,623 Re: GPS on a bike? I use a Garmin C550 on the bike. I have two mounts - handlebar (lots on ebay), and windshield suction cup (to the Vetter) This model has all the features of the Zumo, (blue tooth, and MP3 music wired into the Vetter stereo) but at a fraction of the cost. It even works with gloves on too!. If it rains, simple, I put the cover on the bike, take the gps with me, and park for a while. (Okay, getting older, and figure "I don't need this" more often a fair weather rider!) Also available is this Analog GPS (if IE works for me today! - Nope..didn't see link) http://www.mcwetboy.net/maproom/images/analog_gps.jpg 2009 DN-01 Spakin' New! 1982 CX500 Turbo & Parts bike 1981 SL185 Yamaha Exciter 198? V45 Magna 1979 CX500 Deluxe 1982 CB750K Daily rider September 1999 1982 CX500 Custom - project Originally bought April 1982 safetied and on the road 09/2008    Report

10-21-2009, 10:15 AM AmericancClassic Joined on 08-25-2009 Naples, FL Posts 297 Re: GPS on a bike? Id just get a tomtom and use the suction cup to stick on your speedo. Maybe add a safety wire just in case it slips loose (it wont). Also the tomtom (or most other gps's) have a speedo on them so you dont have to worry about blocking it. 1981 Honda gl500    Report

10-21-2009, 4:16 PM malcoops Joined on 03-23-2006 australia Posts 203 Re: GPS on a bike? Aldi a supermarket chain of sorts in oz had some bike gear on sale a month or so ago ,jackets,boots etc and also a GPS for a bike, $200 new which is about $150 approx US dollars, comes with handle bar mount,earphones (look like crap),waterproof and made for the bike enviroment. Comes all preloaded with maps and also it suncs up with the route 66 maps ,these are used for the Nokia phones as well. I have yet to put it on the bike to try it out but it works around home etc no problems and seems to have better reception than my car one mal from Down under    Report

11-14-2009, 5:50 PM die2sk8 Joined on 10-19-2009 Long Island, NY Posts 27 Re: GPS on a bike? how do you charge it? 1981 CX500 Custom    Report

11-14-2009, 9:26 PM Gene McCall Joined on 03-02-2006 Murfreesboro Posts 1,147 Re: GPS on a bike? On our trip to Alaska in 08 Don Seedsman & I used a TomTom.  It distracted Don but I enjoyed using it.  It used bluetooth to give me instructions.  Mostly we went where the wind blew us and used the gps more to keep up with where we were than directions.  It was a great help in towns & cities.  The TT Rider has its own mounting bracket.  The bracket never broke but the unit did come out a time or two.  We had a safety on it so there was no danger of dropping it.  The picture below was taken on the ferry across the Yukon river as we were leaving Dawson City, Yukon Territory.  The screen can be seen at the front of the tank.  The mount provided for an electrical connection but it gave us some trouble in that it did not supply enough current to charge, just to maintain.  We charged it from a plug in the sidecar.  When Don was driving & I was in the car we charged the unit.  When I drove it was in the mount.  Also, I had to keep the blue tooth battery charged to hear the sexy female voice tell me to turn around, I had made a wrong turn! The next picture shows the mount.  This was on the street in front of the DownTown hotel in Dawson City.  It was quick & easy to dismount the unit and of course it always went into the trunk when we left the hack. I think using gps on a bike is the greatest thing since sliced bread!  Many times I have wandered the back roads of Tennessee, then mounted the TomTom and let it lead me home, they are a lot of fun! Gene PS:  As we left Dawson City the gps showed the "Top of the World Highway" and for over a hundred miles there was nothing, nada, zip.  The road was mostlly gravel (read mud when we were rained on) and is only open from April to September.  The ruins of a cabin were beside the road, about 60 miles in. The US border crossing is shown below, it was still another 20 or 30 miles to Chicken, Alaska! Sorry, I sort of got carried away, enough with the pictures already!! My pictures are Here I didn't get this old by being timid, just not being stupid! 2000 ST1100 Hack 1983 GL650    Report

11-15-2009, 3:41 AM geeinsf Joined on 08-07-2009 San Francisco Posts 87 Re: GPS on a bike? never too many pics. nice bike. looks like a trooper. 1978 CX500, 2007 r6s formally owned--1994cbrf2, 1992cbrf2, 1990ex500 1981xs400 special II, 2 ch250s, 3ch80, and a 2 riva 180s. all maintained by me.    Report

11-19-2009, 8:54 PM nippongreen Joined on 03-16-2006 Ottawa, Canada Posts 587 Re: GPS on a bike? Yea Gene "NEVER TOO MANY PICS".....we love em..... Sarah,  So sorry for the HUGE delay in posting my GPS pics, but with work etc GRRR . It was great to see you finally made your EPIC trip and you got back safe and sound... My Velcro job Velcro attached to accept my digital clock or GPS    GPS in position    Made a bracket for mounting on my GL, but still more Velcro........     GPS mounted, including paper clip for safety......    On both bikes i powered the GPS from a lighter outlet wired from the switched side of the horn wiring...            All The Best................Keith............................... 79 CX 500D / 82 GL 500i / 79 CX 500 parts bikes x 2 01 ST1100 Chris's Bikes 84 Honda Shadow VT500/78 Honda 185 Twinstar (ride safe).......SKYPE....(nippongreen).. My D.O.B. 21/04/59    Report

04-02-2010, 6:46 PM surforski Joined on 10-25-2009 Maple Grove, MN Posts 120 Re: GPS on a bike? I was just checking out the Garmin Nuvi 550 at REI.   It is only 250 in the store and it is actually listed as waterproof.   I think my rebate may be enough to get it and I was considering this one so I could put it on the bike as well as use in the car.   The guy behind the counter suggested using a RAM-Mount but I was wondering if anyone here has ever purchased a RAM-Mount for their CX and if so, what model or style did you get?    Surforski 1981 Honda CX500-C    Report

04-02-2010, 7:30 PM wridley Joined on 06-28-2007 Didsbury, AB, Canada Posts 246 Re: GPS on a bike? I use RAM mounts with my TomTom and mp3 players all the time on the bike.  Here is a link to a RAM mount for the Nuvi 550(Canadian link)  Nuvi 550(US link). Never had a problem.  To mount the unit you just unscrew the bolts on the brake handle and the place this in front on it and use the long bolts to secure it.  Works great!  Will post a picture tomorrow. Willy 1983 CX650E !! Newest addition 1982 CX500C 1982 CM450A 1981 GL500I (wife)    Report

04-02-2010, 7:42 PM surforski Joined on 10-25-2009 Maple Grove, MN Posts 120 Re: GPS on a bike? Cool I'll look forward to the pic.   Do you mind having out to the side like that.   I was thinking right in the middle, right over the fuse box, would be pretty sweet.   Surforski 1981 Honda CX500-C    Report

04-03-2010, 3:53 AM Interstater Joined on 12-10-2006 La Crosse, Wisconsin Posts 217 Re: GPS on a bike? I have mounted an automotive Garmin Nuvi 255W using a handlebar mount purchased for $16 w/free shipping from mymotomount.com.  They also list a Garmin 550 handlebar mount for the same price but they do not show a pic of it, but from the description it sounds very similar. http://www.mymotomount.com/product_p/lm-1000%20nuvi%20200w.htm http://www.mymotomount.com/Motorcycle_mount_for_Garmin_Nuvi_500_p/lm-1000%20nuvi%20500.htm For another $15 I also bought the cable unit that wires into the bike to convert 12v to the 5v that the Nuvi needs, otherwise it runs out of battery in 3 or 4 hours.  The output connection of the cable unit is a mini-USB, I have found that it will also charge my cell phone and my camera very nicely. http://www.mymotomount.com/product_p/usb-b.htm '81 GL500 Interstate '82 GL500 Interstate '82 GL1100 Interstate '99 Valkyrie Interstate '99 750 Shadow ACE '99 1100 Shadow Spirit I first hit the highways in '78 on a CB200T.    Report

04-03-2010, 4:44 AM CXSarnia Joined on 01-11-2008 Sarnia, Ontario, Canada Posts 2,623 Re: GPS on a bike? I've gone with this 'garmin mount' - very nice, and compact.  Holds it tight too.  It's a bad picture, but the device screws on with a single phillips screw, and is very tight, and discrete - when the gps is removed.  later, I'll take a pic on the bike.   here's a better pic, although, this one is listed for 'Tom Tom'. Please wait Image not available Please wait Image not available 2009 DN-01 Spakin' New! 1982 CX500 Turbo & Parts bike 1981 SL185 Yamaha Exciter 198? V45 Magna 1979 CX500 Deluxe 1982 CB750K Daily rider September 1999 1982 CX500 Custom - project Originally bought April 1982 safetied and on the road 09/2008    Report

04-03-2010, 1:56 PM wridley Joined on 06-28-2007 Didsbury, AB, Canada Posts 246 Re: GPS on a bike? Here are the pictures that I promised. Willy 1983 CX650E !! Newest addition 1982 CX500C 1982 CM450A 1981 GL500I (wife)    Report

04-09-2010, 5:13 AM surforski Joined on 10-25-2009 Maple Grove, MN Posts 120 Re: GPS on a bike? Thanks All.   I went with the Nuvi 500 and ordered the mount and power converter from MyMotoMount.     Excited to be able to just take off on the bike and explore but then be able to find my way home.    It's tough here in Minnesota cause there are no landmarks (mountains, hills) to help you gauge your direction and it is very easy to end up somewhere with no clue what direction you need to go.    Thanks again for all the help.   Surforski 1981 Honda CX500-C    Report

04-18-2010, 6:36 PM InWeldingWeTrust Joined on 04-13-2010 Kentwood, Michigan Posts 97 Re: GPS on a bike? I use a regular Car Gps, a tomtom in the top pocket of a Hein Gericke tankbag where I modified the base to contain a 12v power socket so the unit can be powered normally, easy to see and hear, far less than a Zumo and just as portable. I can also plug a headset into it so in the case of severe rain, I put the storm cover over the tankbag and just listen to the instructions which is more than adequate, after you get used to using GPS you hardly ever look at it, and just follow the verbal instruction  '82 GL500    Report

04-26-2010, 7:19 PM surforski Joined on 10-25-2009 Maple Grove, MN Posts 120 Re: GPS on a bike? Trouble with MyMotoMount.com  surforski wrote: I went with the Nuvi 500 and ordered the mount and power converter from MyMotoMount.     Excited to be able to just take off on the bike and explore but then be able to find my way home.    Man I'm getting jacked by MyMotoMount.com       I'm going to give them one last chance but they still haven't shipped my stuff, then when I inquired they have been very sporadic in communicating, Today, they finally they said they issued a credit (which I haven't seen yet), because they said they thought I wanted to cancel.     Surforski 1981 Honda CX500-C    Report

05-03-2010, 7:46 PM WraithsLotus Joined on 05-04-2010 San Antonio, TX Posts 26 Re: GPS on a bike? Trouble with MyMotoMount.com Well being the cheap bastard I am, I would just buy some velcro tape lol. nah but i did that to my Ipod in my pt cruiser, works good, idk how safe itd be ona bike lol 1981 Honda Silverwing GL500 My first bike!    Report

06-01-2010, 8:16 PM TIMKIM Joined on 04-27-2010 Norman Oklahoma Posts 20 Re: GPS on a bike? Tomtom makes killer GPS's and they don't cost a lot, under $100, you can find them for $60 used at a pawn shop.. I have mine on my windshield or you can stick it on your tank (it comes with a suction-cup)and you can see it fine, and if your not toOOo loud you can hear it just fine. 1981 GL500    Report

Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » Travelling, Fri... » GPS on a bike?

(please select) Forums Home |- Search Forums |- Active Topics |- Unanswered Posts User Options |- Sign In |- Join this community |- Forgot Password CX500 GL500 Transverse Twins Discussion Forum |- General Discussion |- CX Customization and Modifications |- CX500 & CX650 Turbo Forum |- Travelling, Friends, and Trips |- Selling and Buying Forum |- Technical Help Forum Other Forums |- Off-Topic Posts |- Test Forum