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The GPS was used extensively on a recent trip to Alaska and performed as it was supposed to do. He will probably get the 550, but the 450 is sufficient for me. As most of the reviews attest, this is a fine GPS. That feature was useful in previewing the next days ride which is useful when changes occur. I detached the GPS at the end of the day, using the security screw driver and was not inconvenienced by the process. It was always very accurate and particularly useful in finding motels and the next available gas stop, no small matter when traveling in some of the remote regions in British Columbia and the Yukon. My son was with me and is now enthusiastic about getting one for himself.
Some folks do not like the on line manual, but I printed mine out, trimmed it and put it in a zip lock and took with me. I mounted mine on my BMW 1100GS using a BMW plug so that I can quickly detach and use in my auto. Just a great buy. It runs off the bike on batteries for about four hours. I also used the MapSource software to update the map info to 2009. No problem. Just remember a good safe place to keep it.
Since it's portable, I purchased the car kit and use the unit in my car as well. Selecting this unit (it doesn't come with Bluetooth connectivity which I wasn't interested in) was a great choice. After researching GPS units for motorcycles, I concluded the Garmin 450 zumo was the best product for the price. The Garmin 450 gets me where I need to go every time. It mounted easily on my motorcycle, is easy to use, is waterproof for rainy days, and comes with periodic map updates. The user guide is user friendly and covers everything about the unit. whether on my bike or in the car. Go Garmin.
It tracked us quickly and was easy to use. I registered it with Garmin and did all the hokie pokie internet stuff that you should do when you get these things and then mounted it to the bike with ease. I bought this so my wife and I could go out riding, get lost, and not worry about it. I also have a mount for my vehicle and when I get off course, the corrections are usually pretty quick. It came with all the necessary equipment. The same day we went for a ride and I tested it out. It may be a little more expensive than the regular Garmin's but, if your luck is like mine and you know you will be caught in the rain it is worth it and it comes with the mount for the bike. If you shop around and get a deal on this one, it works out to be a little bit more but you also do not have to take it off and store it when it is raining.
The MP3 feature will only recognize up to 1,000 files, so don't buy a large SD card, you can't use it all anyway. The Zumo 450 works as advertised. The touch screen works well and is easy to use while in traffic. Installation is easy on the bike and software installation is easy on the computer. Getting used to putting in enough waypoints takes some getting used to, but in the end, this allows you to really customize a route as much as you want. Overall a good product and the prices are down below $400. Too bad they quit making this model.
It arrived right away. I bought this for my fiance for his birthday. It was just as promised. He's new to this area and rides his Harley most of the time. It was a great price for the motorcycle gps. He loves it and can't wait for the weather to turn and stay nice. Debbie
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