Magellan Motorcycle
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 GARMIN MAGELLAN NEXTAR WATER RESISTANT MOTORCYCLE MOUNT $9.49 Time Remaining: 15h 41m |
 GN032+SPH+WPCS Bike Motorcycle Mount Case for 43 Garmin TomTom Magellan GPS $14.25 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 24m Buy It Now for only: $14.25 |
 ME MM+WPCS 5D Motorcycle Mirror Mount for 5 TomTom Garmin Nuvi Magellan GPS $20.99 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 6m Buy It Now for only: $20.99 |
 MAGELLAN Motorcycle Bike Mount 2000 2200T CROSSOVER GPS $12.00 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 24m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 Magellan RoadMate Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 1230 1400 1412 1430 handlebar atv $9.93 Time Remaining: 17h 31m Buy It Now for only: $9.93 |
 MAGELLAN Roadmate 3030 3045 3055 3065 GPS WATER RESISTANT Bike Motorcycle Mount $15.07 Time Remaining: 15d 20h 29m Buy It Now for only: $15.07 |
 RAM Motorcycle Mount for MAGELLAN EXPLORIST 510 610 710 $39.95 Time Remaining: 5d 13h 9m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 |
 GARMIN MAGELLAN NEXTAR WATERPROOF Motorcycle Bike Mount $15.07 Time Remaining: 11d 58m Buy It Now for only: $15.07 |
 Bike Motorcycle handlebar mount for TomTom One XL GO Garmin Magellan 35 43 GPS $15.97 Time Remaining: 10d 16h 23m Buy It Now for only: $15.97 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 3030LM 5045LM $14.99 Time Remaining: 14d 2h 33m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 MAGELLAN Motorcycle Bike Mount 800 860 860T 4050 4040 $12.00 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 50m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 GARMIN NUVI Magellan 5 GPS WaterProof MotorCycle Mount $17.77 Time Remaining: 17d 14h 11m Buy It Now for only: $17.77 |
 Magellan RoadMate Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 1230 1412 1430 handlebar atv 1400 $9.91 Time Remaining: 27d 14h 9m Buy It Now for only: $9.91 |
 NEW Motorcycle Bike Mount Magellan Triton 200 300 400 500 Holder handlebar gps $13.78 Time Remaining: 2d 11h 44m Buy It Now for only: $13.78 |
 Magellan Roadmate GPS Motorcycle Bike Handlebar Mount $15.07 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 42m Buy It Now for only: $15.07 |
 RAM Motorcycle Handlebar Mount for Magellan eXplorist 510 610 710 GPS $23.95 Time Remaining: 25d 18h 45m Buy It Now for only: $23.95 |
 ME 04B+WPCS Bicycle Motorcycle Mount Case for 43 Garmin Nuvi Magellan GPS $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 16h 19m |
 MAGELLAN Motorcycle Bike Mount Roadmate 1200 2000 3200 $12.00 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 28m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 Motorcycle Clutch RAM Mount for Magellan eXplorist 600 500 400 300 200 100 GPS $39.95 Time Remaining: 28d 22h 26m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 |
 Magellan Roadmate GPS Waterproof Motorcycle Bike Mount $15.07 Time Remaining: 4d 10m Buy It Now for only: $15.07 |
 New Waterproof GPS Motorcycle Bicycle Mount for Garmin TomTom Magellan GPS032 $19.75 Time Remaining: 29d 18h 6m Buy It Now for only: $19.75 |
 Magellan 2000 2200T Crossover Cradle Motorcycle Mount $27.95 Time Remaining: 14d 2h 2m Buy It Now for only: $27.95 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 2120 TLM 2145 TLM 3120 MU 5145 5145 TLM $14.99 Time Remaining: 24d 15h 28m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 2036 MU 3045 MU $14.99 Time Remaining: 28d 2h 29m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 MAGELLAN Motorcycle Bike Mount Roadmate 1200 1400 2000 $12.00 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 28m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 Bike ATV Motorcycle Handlebar Mount Bracket Holder 4 Magellan eXplorist 500 600 $21.99 Time Remaining: 18d 14h Buy It Now for only: $21.99 |
 Bike Motorcycle HandleBar Mount Bracket 4 Magellan Roadmate 1424 1445T 2035 3045 $13.99 Time Remaining: 11d 14h 3m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 Magellan RoadMate Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 1230 1412 1430 handlebar atv 1400 $9.95 Time Remaining: 14d 18h 12m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 3030 3045 LM MU $14.99 Time Remaining: 14d 2h 12m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 1420 1424 1440 $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 34m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 5120 LMTX 2136T $14.99 Time Remaining: 14d 23h 57m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 Bike Motorcycle Mount Bracket Holder Magellan 3250 4250 1400 1412 3050T 1212 GPS $11.99 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 42m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 GARMIN MAGELLAN NEXTAR WATER RESISTANT MOTORCYCLE MOUNT $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 54m |
 ME 04B+WPCS B Powered Motorcycle Mount for Garmin Nuvi TomTom Magellan GPS $24.99 Time Remaining: 22d 17h 44m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 700 800 2200T $11.99 Time Remaining: 2d 1h 59m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 2036 5045 LM MU $14.99 Time Remaining: 14d 2h 13m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 NEW Motorcycle Bike Mount Magellan Triton 400 200 300 500 Holder handlebar gps $14.49 Time Remaining: 8d 14h 55m Buy It Now for only: $14.49 |
 Bike Motorcycle HandleBar Mount bracket Holder Magellan Roadmate 1324 1420 SE4 $13.99 Time Remaining: 20d 20h Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 RAM B 149Z MA9U Magellan Triton Motorcycle Mount $37.95 Time Remaining: 2d 1h 23m Buy It Now for only: $37.95 |
 MAGELLAN Roadmate 5045 5120 5145 5175 GPS WATER RESISTANT Bike Motorcycle Mount $15.07 Time Remaining: 15d 20h 28m Buy It Now for only: $15.07 |
 Bike Motorcycle handlebar Mount Case Garmin Nuvi TomTom Magellan 35 43 GPS $15.97 Time Remaining: 10d 16h 25m Buy It Now for only: $15.97 |
 Magellan RoadMate Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 1200 1212 1220 1210 handlebar atv $9.92 Time Remaining: 8d 14h 53m Buy It Now for only: $9.92 |
 GPS Bike Motorcycle Mount Holder for Magellan Maestro 3200 3250 4250 4200 4370 $5.59 Time Remaining: 16d 12h 8m Buy It Now for only: $5.59 |
 RAM Motorcycle Mount for MAGELLAN EXPLORIST XL GPS $37.95 Time Remaining: 9d 23h 34m Buy It Now for only: $37.95 |
 RAM Motorcycle Bike Mount for Magellan eXplorist 100 200 300 400 500 600 GPS $38.95 Time Remaining: 11d 1h 20m Buy It Now for only: $38.95 |
 BRAND NEW GARMIN EDGE 800 GPS BLUE PERFORMANCE NAV BUNDLE $499.00 Time Remaining: 11d 3h 1m Buy It Now for only: $499.00 |
 Magellan RoadMate Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 1200 1210 1220 handlebar atv 1212 $9.91 Time Remaining: 27d 14h 9m Buy It Now for only: $9.91 |
 Magellan Roadmate GPS Motorcycle Bike Handlebar Mount $17.99 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 58m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 GPS Bike Motorcycle Mount Holder for Magellan Maestro 3200 3250 4250 4200 4370 $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 53m |
 Motorcycle Mount for Magellan RoadMate 5045 5045 MU GPS $19.95 Time Remaining: 24d 20h Buy It Now for only: $19.95 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3100 3140 3200 $11.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 1m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Waterproof Motorcycle Mount Hardwire for Magellan GPS $34.95 Time Remaining: 19d 10h 41m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 Magellan MAESTRO GPS Waterproof Motorcycle Bike Mount $15.07 Time Remaining: 4d 10m Buy It Now for only: $15.07 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 3045 5045 LM MU $14.99 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 13m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 RAM Motorcycle Mount for MAGELLAN TRITON 1500 2000 GPS $37.95 Time Remaining: 9d 13h 57m Buy It Now for only: $37.95 |
 Motorcycle Mount Magellan Maestro RoadMate Crossove GPS $11.99 Time Remaining: 6d 2h 11m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Magellan MAESTRO GPS Waterproof Motorcycle Bike Mount $16.99 Time Remaining: 5d 15h 26m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 Magellan Maestro Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 4220 4250 4350 4370 handlebar 4210 $9.91 Time Remaining: 27d 14h 9m Buy It Now for only: $9.91 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN MAESTRO 3250 4000 4040 $11.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 3m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Magellan Maestro Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 3200 3210 3220 3250 4200 ATV 3225 $9.91 Time Remaining: 27d 14h 8m Buy It Now for only: $9.91 |
 NEW Motorcycle Bike Mount Magellan Triton 1500 2000 Bracket Holder handlebar gps $15.91 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 21m Buy It Now for only: $15.91 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT FOR MAGELLAN ROADMATE 3055 T LM $14.99 Time Remaining: 24d 16h 18m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 1200 2000 3050T $11.99 Time Remaining: 13d 1h 7m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Bike Motorcycle HandleBar Mount Bracket Magellan Roadmate 3055 2036 1475T 2036MU $13.99 Time Remaining: 11d 14h 11m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 ME 04B+WPCS Bicycle Motorcycle Mount Case for 43 Garmin Nuvi Magellan GPS $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 14h 10m |
 GARMIN MAGELLAN NEXTAR Waterproof Motorcycle Bike Mount $17.99 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 58m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 1445T 1470 2035 $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 35m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 Magellan Roadmate GPS Waterproof Motorcycle Bike Mount $17.99 Time Remaining: 5d 15h 26m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 MAGELLAN 5 GPS WATER RESISTANT Bike Motorcycle Mount $15.07 Time Remaining: 28d 3h 14m Buy It Now for only: $15.07 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 3100 3140 3200 $11.99 Time Remaining: 22d 14h 48m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 MAGELLAN Motorcycle Bike Mount Maestro 3220 3225 3250 $15.00 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 50m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 |
 RAM MAGELLAN TRITON 200 300 400 500 Motorcycle Mount $37.95 Time Remaining: 9d 13h 55m Buy It Now for only: $37.95 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE HANDLEBAR MOUNT MAGELLAN MAESTRO 4700 $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 37m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 Magellan RoadMate Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 1200 1212 1220 handlebar atv 1210 $9.95 Time Remaining: 14d 18h 12m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Magellan Maestro Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 4210 4220 4250 4350 handlebar 4370 $9.95 Time Remaining: 14d 18h 14m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Magellan Maestro Motorcycle Bike Mount Holder 3200 3210 3220 3250 4200 ATV 3225 $9.95 Time Remaining: 14d 18h 14m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 MOTORCYCLE BIKE MOUNT MAGELLAN ROADMATE 2136 T 2136T LM $14.99 Time Remaining: 14d 23h 58m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 RAM Motorcycle Mount for MAGELLAN CROSSOVER GPS $37.95 Time Remaining: 15d 23h 55m Buy It Now for only: $37.95 |
 Bike Motorcycle HandleBar Mount Bracket Magellan Roadmate 2045 3045MU 3065 5145 $13.99 Time Remaining: 11d 14h 12m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 NEW Motorcycle Bike Mount Magellan Triton 1500 2000 Bracket Holder gps handlebar $16.77 Time Remaining: 14d 18h 22m Buy It Now for only: $16.77 |
GPS Navigation for Motorcycles
An essential part of touring is knowing where you’re going – and if you’re not the type to trust your instincts when you’re on unfamiliar ground, some kind of navigational aid should be a vital part of your equipment. There’s nothing worse than getting lost in the middle of nowhere!
The days having your entire touring group pulling to a halt to gather around a cumbersome folding map are long gone – and it’s satellite navigation, also called global position system (GPS) units that have taken over. They’re lightweight, easy to use and you can have it right there in front of you as you ride. Too easy!
As with most things in life, there is a range of options when it comes to GPS units. From the bare-bones basic to top-shelf with all the bells and whistles. But what will you really need?
Three Styles of GPS
There are three types of GPS that are suitable for use on a motorcycle. For starters, there are the basic hand-held types used by hikers. These offer an easy-to-use interface, and can be linked up to a laptop computer to help you plan your trip. They can also be used while boating and off-roading, if that’s what you’re into.
The downsides to a hiker-style GPS are that the features and menus can be tricky, and you’ll need to sort out a mounting system if you want to keep one eye on the map and the other on the road.
Next up are the motorcycle-specific devices, such as the TomTom RIDER. The RIDER has been designed with motorcyclists in mind – it comes with a specialized mounting that the unit clips into when you need it, and has large touch-screen controls, ideal for plotting your way around, even with thick winter gloves on. The housing has been designed to handle the rigors of life on two wheels, and is weather-proof.
The RIDER also has a cool headset attachment, which rests inside your helmet and can relay spoken commands to the unit via Bluetooth, so you won’t even need to take your hands of the bars – just tell the GPS you want to head “Home” and it’ll plot you a route and lead you there.
The third type of GPS unit that motorcyclists tend to use are the GPS / PDA hybrids, such as a Blackberry with GPS software loaded on. The upsides are that it doubles as a communications device, has a large screen and is highly portable. The downsides… well, let’s just say that if you’re out cruising on a weekday, you probably don’t want the office to be able to email you!
Other Factors to Bear in Mind
Once you’ve decided what kind of GPS you want to look at, there are more factors that you’ll need to consider before making a purchase. Such as, how good is the battery life on the model you want? Can you have it wired into your bike’s electrical system so that it draws power while you’re on the road? Is the GPS accurate enough? Can it be updated?
They’re all good questions – and they’ll all need answering before you fork over your pay check. Good battery life is essential – on a long trip (six hours or more), you’ll need to consider a unit that has exceptional battery life. What could be worse than getting six hours from home, relying on the GPS for directions, only to have the batteries die when you need them the most? If you decide on a cheaper unit with lesser battery life, the lesson here is simple: carry spare batteries! Most handheld GPS units run on 4, 6 or 8 ‘AA’ size batteries, so they’re easy to source and carry.
To avoid the issue of battery life, consider having the GPS hard-wired into your bike’s electrical system. For the most part, GPS units draw very little current, and because the battery is being recharged by the alternator while the bike is running, your battery power will not be compromised.
As for accuracy, most road cruisers won’t need to have a super-accurate GPS. Most units on the market at the moment offer accuracy up to 26 feet. The more accurate models (which use a system called Wide Area Augmentation System) are good for accuracy within a 9-foot radius.
The final, and perhaps most important factor for many riders, is price. How much do you want to spend on a GPS, and how do you get the best bang for your buck?
Starter models, such as the Magellan Roadmate are available from $250. For the better models you can pay anything up to $1400. Widely regarded as the best value for money for motorcyclists is the TomTom RIDER, which retails around $700. It’s got all the features riders need, including door-to-door address route plotting anywhere in the United States – it’s a winner.
Things to Remember:
A GPS system is only as good as the maps it has loaded into its memory – an out of date map on the GPS is as bad as an outdated folding map. Make sure you keep your GPS maps as up to date as possible.
GPS units don’t work well undercover. They rely on being in line-of-sight contact with satellites outside earth’s atmosphere, and anything – including trees – can interfere with the signal. If you spend a lot of time on roads that run through forested areas, it’s worth considering one of the new SiRF Star III Chipset models. They offer superior coverage in leafy areas.
Security for GPS units is an issue – because of their portability, they’re very easy to steal. Make sure yours has a secure place to rest when you stop for lunch.
See how HaulBikes uses GPS to enhance its customers' shipping experience.
About the Author
Ken Durik is the Co-Owner of Daily Direct-HaulBikes Motorcycle Shipping in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.