How do we prepare
for each trip
&
what gear do we carry?
To find out more click on the links below:
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 Since technology is rapidly changing, most of the software and GPS information provided below has been superceded by newer models or software.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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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