How to choose a GPS for the motorcycle

last update: December 2000

WARNING: never hang solely on a GPS for navigation ! (see last paragraph)

ATTENTION: the following information is partially outdated

It must be a portable and, preferably, full waterproof (IPX-7 compliant) unit. You can tell if a GPS fully waterproof by what manufacturer says about it: "submersible to water" is always a safe indication.

• Mapping receivers are affordable nowadays. If you plan to use GPS in long trips, they are useful. I would dare to add that they must be your only option, if you never go off - road. Of course, I wouldn't say they are vital on the asphalt but it makes much more sense to use a mapping GPS there. In any case, they are entertaining: it makes a lot of fun to see your position on the built-in map, while traveling. Still they are useless off-road, unless you have an uploadable precise topographic map, if there is one available for the area you are interested of.
• Non-mapping receivers with plotting feature (i.e. graphic display indicating your trail and the pre-defined waypoints) are adequate for off-road bikers and hikers. Plus they are much cheaper than any mapping unit.
• Receivers without user interface are simple boxes that can be controlled only from a notebook PC or a PDA.

I don't know much about MAGELLAN, LOWRANCE, DELORME or any other GPS manufacturer except GARMIN, so I will discuss only about GARMIN products. I suggest a GPS-III+ because it's form factor is perfectly suited for motorcycle usage. GPS12Map is functionally identical but it fits better in a pocket. All the other portable models roughly have the form factor of GPS12Map. Of course, mapping receivers like those mentioned above are significantly more costly than a non-mapping unit like GPS12 or eTrex. The cheapest, alas not really waterproof, alternative for a mapping GPS is the GARMIN eMap.

IMO, when choosing a unit, don't be fooled by those countless (and almost useless) new features. The essential ones are roughly nine:

• Capability of simultaneously receiving signal from 8 or more satellites. Older units use a single receiver that scans more than one channel, this is unacceptable today as it leads to significantly longer acquisition times and lower accuracy.
• Track-logging, i.e. the ability to display on-line the trail of the current course.
• A screen displaying the location of the satellites and the corresponding signal strengths.
• Multiple datum capability is essential when you use printed "gps compatible" maps.
• Waypoint uploading from a PC (that means a RS232 port is needed) and creation on location. 
• External supply connector with automatic disconnection of the internal batteries.
• Internal lithium battery backup for the waypoints, track-logs etc.
• A backlight for the display (it is better to be configurable, since it is power hungry).
• A "pop-up" warning when position cannot be calculated because of poor satellite coverage.

Of course, you may appreciate additional features but that depends on your specific needs. Many people use the programmable "route" and "bearing to waypoint" features but personally I don't find it of great importance in the land.

After purchasing a GPS and learning to use it efficiently, it is essential not to be relied solely on it for navigation purposes. When there is even a slight possibility to be lost in desert inhospitable places, it is essential to carry a good map and compass with you. As with all complex devices, there is always a chance of malfunctioning, power loss or, simply, poor coverage. And the "compass" screen of any GPS (excluding a specific MAGELLAN model, I think) is a bearing indicator, not a real compass. Be careful!

Before deciding what to buy, take a look at the best GPS-related site on the internet: Joe Mehaffey and Jack Yeazel's GPS Information Website