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Bonnie Cha,
Senior Associate Editor
May 23, 2007
In a world where the roadways are largely dominated by cars, sometimes we forget about our two-wheeled friends: motorcycles. And just like drivers, bikers need help with directions, too. Yet, there aren't a ton of GPS devices out there that are built just for motorcycles. In fact, there are only two motorcycle-specific units: the Garmin Zumo 550 and the TomTom Rider. Fortunately, they're both decent systems so you're not left driving in circles. They offer all the navigation basics, including text- and voice-guided turn-by-turn directions, automatic route recalculation, and points of interest, as well as integrated Bluetooth so you can make hands-free calls with your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. So which is better? Well, CNET's resident photo wizard, Morty Okin, took them both out for a test-drive on his trusty 1998 Honda Magna VF750, so check out his reviews to see how they fared.
| Product name | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | $548.62 | $618.40 to $999.99 |
| CNET editors' rating |
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| Average user rating | ||
| Review date | September 29, 2006 | February 21, 2007 |
| The Bottom Line | Despite some performance glitches, the TomTom Rider is a solid navigation system for motorcyclists, with good Bluetooth integration, but we recommend swapping out the included Bluetooth headset for a higher-quality one. | Despite some very slight performance glitches, the Garmin Zumo 550 is a fantastic navigation system for motorcyclists (and cars), with good Bluetooth integration. |
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| Features | ||
| Data memory type |
SD Memory Card |
SD Memory Card |
| Waterproof |
Yes |
Yes |
| Included GPS accessories |
Bike mount Headset |
Bike mount USB cable Carrying case Power cable Vehicle mount AC power adapter Car power adapter |
| SBAS | Info unavailable |
WAAS |
| GPS receiver |
20 channel |
Info unavailable |
| Antenna | Info unavailable |
Built-in |
| System features |
2D / 3D map perspective Preinstalled POIs |
XM Satellite Radio support 2D / 3D map perspective XM weather support Custom POIs Hands-free calling via Bluetooth Preinstalled POIs |
| Destination |
Motorcycle |
Motorcycle |
| Color | Info unavailable |
Black |
| Weight |
10.9 oz |
10.6 oz |
| Navigation waypoints | Info unavailable |
500 |
| Audible assistance |
Navigation instructions |
Street name announcement Navigation instructions Warnings |
| GPS functions / services | Info unavailable |
Time/date Speed Distance |
| GPS PC connection |
USB |
USB |
| Body material | Info unavailable |
Plastic |
| Maps Included |
USA Canada |
North America |
| Included GPS software | Info unavailable |
MapSource City Navigator NT |
| Design features |
Rugged case |
Rugged case |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices |
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