GPS for a 2009 bmw R1200RT - recommendation

[Frank123]

Hi my 1st post. Can anyone recommend a Garmin GPS for my 2009 BMW R1200RT. The NavV is too expensive and as I cannot use all the functions therefore I was thinking more of a Garmin Zumo 660 or 345. Any suggestions please?

[beemerboy9]

Hi Frank,
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you are new to Motorcycling SatNavs. I'll phrase my advice accordingly.
I would be tempted to go for the Zumo 395 for the following reasons:-
1) The Zumo 660 is a previous-generation model that has been replaced by the Zumo 595. Garmin are less able to support the rapid repair and return of previous-generation models.
2) The newer models have more sophisticated navigation instructions using "Real Directions" etc.
3) The newer models are completely compatible with the new Garmin Basecamp route planning tool, whereas the Zumo 660 was designed to use the previous planning tool called Mapsource.
4) The motorcycle mount on the 395/345 is easier to install than the Zumo 660, because it has fewer wires.
5) If my RT did not have a radio, then I would want an MP3 player in the SatNav. Navigation instructions will then mute the music, which is neat. The 345 does not have an MP3 player. If music was not an issue, then the 345 would be fine.
I am sure others will chime in with their thoughts and experiences ..and some will tell you that Garmins are rubbish compared to TomTom. My stance on the latter point is that I would be delighted to buy a TomTom for my wife if she preferred it, but would only ever buy a Garmin for my own use.

[Frank123]

Many thanks for the advice! At last I can limit my research to the Garmin Zumo 395 LM. You are right about my newness to motorcycles as it is circa 40 years since I sold my Yamaha 350 RD before investing in the 2009 R1200RT in July of this year.


One more question, please, do you have a trade name/model for a GPS mount for the 1200RT that would allow the Zumo 395 to be located in my 'field of view' (rather than having to look down) and also that it does not block the instrument cluster and windscreen adjustment.
Regards, Frank

[Maz12]

Migsel mount..  I have one somewhere but with 2 ram balls on it

[beemerboy9]

If you want lockable theft protection then this and this from Touratech and Wunderlich respectively would do the job.
For something simpler, the Migsel mount looks really neat. I locked my gloves, helmet, SatNav away in the top-box at every stop.
If your bike does not come with a top-box then either go for one of the numerous 49-litre top-boxes going second-hand on eBay or Motorworks (Huddersfield). Alternatively spend on a Givi bo[size=2px]x (with optional remote control central locking to avoid multiple keys).

The above is good quality gear which will have some value if and when you need to sell it.

[Frank123]

Hi a special thanks to [size=1em]beemerboy9 and [/size][size=1em]Maz12. I have spent weeks trawling the internet trying to get a reasonable solution to the GPS issue but thanks to you guys, and this Forum, the answer is right there. Now who said "men won't ask for directions ..."[/size]
[size=1em]Regards[/size]
[size=1em]Frank[/size]

[GuzziRick]

Hi Frank I know I'm a bit late to this thread but I have a Garmin 590LM on my 2010 RT, its fitted with the BMW GPS bar and the mount that comes with the satnav, fits really neat and easy and doesn't interfere with my field of view or the screen. I've attached a photo. The Garmin works brilliantly through Bluetooth with my smartphone and Nolan helmet. Only downside no way of locking it to the bike so I have to remove it if I leave the bike.

[guest2360]

I recall that the bar mount is not shown by BMW as being suitable for pre 2010 bikes and Real OEM only lists the handlebar mount.  I think it can be made to fit but there might be a problem of screen clearance . The fixing bolts are also not suitable.

[Sullivj]

Or a cheap solution:


https://1200rt.com/viewtopic.php?t=5