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How do we prepare
for each trip &
what gear do we carry?

To find out more click on the links below:

Navigation

A lot of research went into maps, Guidebooks, GPS and software. Here are our picks.  Since technology is rapidly changing, most of the software and GPS information provided below has been superceded by newer models or software.

Current GPS':

Bought from GPS Central in Munich September 2007. Cost 599.00Euro c/w City Navigator NT Europe.
Model: Garmin Zumo 550 (Mike's)

Bought from GPS Central in Calgary June 2007. Cost $750US c/w City Navigator NT North America.
Model: Garmin Zumo 450 (Ruby's)

 

                      Garmin Zumo 450                                                            Motorcycle Mount for GPS from www.Migsel.com

Basic Data

Physical & Performance:

Unit dimensions, WxHxD:

4.8"W x 3.9"H x 1.6"D (12.2 x 9.9 x 4.1 cm)

Display size, WxH:

2.8"W x 2.1"H (7.2 x 5.4 cm); 3.5 diag (8.9 cm)

Display resolution, WxH:

320 x 240 pixels

Display type:

WQVGA color TFT with white backlight

Weight:

10.6 ounces (300.5 g)

Battery:

removable, rechargeable lithium-ion

Battery life:

up to 4 hours

Waterproof:

yes (IPX7)

High-sensitivity receiver:

yes

RoHS version available:

yes


Maps & Memory:

Basemap:

yes

Preloaded maps:

yes

Ability to add maps:

yes

Built-in memory:

internal solid state

Accepts data cards:

SD card (not included) - Purchased 4GB SD Card

Waypoints:

500

Routes:

50


Features:

Voice prompts (e.g. "Turn right in 500 ft."):

yes (using included mount)

Speaks street names (e.g. "Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.") :

no

3D map view:

yes

Auto sort multiple destinations (provides most direct route):

yes

Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation):

yes

Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road):

yes

Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.):

yes

Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest):

yes

Hands-free calling with Bluetooth wireless technology:

no

FM traffic compatible:

yes

XM Navtraffic (includes basic weather) & Radio for U.S. compatible:

no

MSN� Direct for U.S. compatible:

no

MP3 player:

yes

Audio book player:

yes

Picture viewer:

yes

Configurable vehicle icons (select car-shaped icons for map navigation):

yes

World travel clock, currency & measurement converter, calculator:

no

Touchscreen:

yes

Remote control:

no

FM transmitter:

no

Headphone jack/audio line-out:

yes

Dead reckoning:

no

Garmin Lock(anti-theft feature):

yes

Motorcycle-friendly:

yes

GPS Software:

Software: Garmin Map Source City Navigator Europe NT 2010.20

Cost: $149.99US/unit
Features:

 

Software: Garmin Map Source World Map

Cost: $116.65US/unit
Recommended for travel outside North America, Europe, South Africa and Australia. Provides basic worldwide maps.
Features:


Software: Garmin Map Source City Navigator North America NT 2010.20

Cost: $99.99US/unit
Features:

 

Software: Garmin Map Source City Navigator Russia NT

Cost: $119.99US/unit
Features:

 

Maps:

The best maps we have found are by Freytag & Berndt. We are able to get them at Map Town in Calgary.

Guidebooks:

We use the Lonely Planet Guidebook for accommodation and general information. For example we bought the Middle East Lonely Planet Guidebook and it covered all the countries in enough details for our purpose.  For details on historical sites and tourist attraction nothing beats the DK Guidebooks.  They are truly superb.  Unfortunately they are also very heavy, but each attraction has a color picture, sometimes even tour map and great historical information.

                             

DK Guidebook for Morocco                 Lonely Planet Guidebook for Africa

Previous GPS':

Bought with the BMWR1200GS in July 2004. Cost 1,995Euro or $2,800CDN.
Model: Garmin BMW Motorrad Navigator II

Bought March 2005 from Map Town. Cost $350.00CDN
Model: Garmin GPSmap 76CS

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