With GPS navigation devices becoming so popular with motorcyclists, it perhaps ushers in the question of whether or not riders can navigate down the road looking ONLY at their GPS.

When you encounter very thick fog, or find that you're headlight isn't working at night, the GPS can tell you when a curve is approaching, or when your next turn is.

A rider going by the nickname of "Havana B" claimed to have done something similar to that, when he encountered thick fog on a mountain road...

As I entered the cloud cover, the visibility went down to a few hundred feet, then 50 feet, then virtually nothing. Stopping was not an option – rock wall on one side, precipitous fall on the other, unknown crazy traffic behind me and no visibility to find any turn-outs. All I could see was the double yellow and it appeared to vanish only a few feet ahead of me. Then I discovered a new use for my trusty SP III. By occasionally taking a quick glance down at the GPS, I could at least determine whether the next turn was to be to the left or the right and get an idea of how sharp a lean I would need to make. Finally, I saw a waypoint coming up on my screen that represented one of my favorite scenic outlooks. By watching the double yellow, glancing at the GPS and following my nose, I managed to make it onto the turnout and turn around.

Labels: GPS Navigation

Garmin today announced its latest motorcycle GPS navigation system, the Garmin Zumo, which appears to be the motorcycle GPS to end all motorcycle GPSes.

The darn thing has customizable end caps to match the color of your bike. It also comes with decals in flames or tribal stripes.

It's waterproof for all weather riding, and has large buttons so that you can punch it with your gloves on. Bluetooth technology allows it to connect to your Bluetooth helmet, and your Bluetooth cell phone, as well as your Bluetooth bootstraps.

In fact, it will even calculate your mileage, tell you when you fuel is running low, and direct you to nearest gas station. It can also track your blood-alcohol level, tell you when you need another beer, and locate the nearest biker bar.

If your cell phone is ringing, the Garmin Zumo will answer the call, and display it on its screen, so not only can you talk while riding down the freeway, but watch the conversation as well!

That's not all, it has software to track your route and will record it on to a memory card which you can transfer on to your PC or laptop, and map it all out using Google Earth.

The Zumo will retail for $1,000, and is expected to be available in October.

Labels: GPS Navigation

TomTom International, which manufactures GPS-based navigational devices, will soon make available a device for motorcycle riders, called the "TomTom Rider".

Today, TomTom announced that NAVTEC will be providing the map data for their new device.

The TomTom Rider will sport the following features:

• weatherproof


• anti-glare screen technology and an integrated sun-visor


• drive mode tailored for simple touch-screen operation, even with gloves


• Clear 3D maps and spoken instructions: hear crystal clear turn-by-turn instructions in your helmet in the language of your choice using Bluetooth TM wireless headset


• Home charger (battery life up to 5 hours) + battery cable (recharges from bike's battery)


• Door-to-door planning: Find your way to any address in the United States


• Hands-free calling: TomTom RIDER routes calls from your mobile phone using a wireless Bluetooth link so that you can keep in touch safely without taking off your gloves or helmet.


• Wireless headset included: Bluetooth receiver + earphone cable with integrated microphone


• Mounting kit available to make RIDER fit any bike or scooter

Labels: GPS Navigation, TomTom GPS

Honda Access Corp, a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., said today that it will release a motorcycle navigation system costing ¥173,250 ($1,651.00) on April 28.

Published on Forbes:

The navigation system, with a 3.8-inch touch-panel screen, will be installed for Honda's Forza large scooters. It is attached to the center of the handlebars. In addition to showing a map, the navigation has a voice message to tell directions, Honda said.

Labels: GPS Navigation, Honda