BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hello.

I need a new navigator for the R1100RT - a phone is not an option.

Both TomTom Rider 550 and Garmin Zumo XT fit the bill. IMHO XT2 is perhaps too big, definitely costs a lot more.

Both 550 and XT are available for about same price.

Any advise, please?

I used a Garmin Zumo for years on a previous bike; it's a solid product. I switched to a phone running Google maps, and I've not looked back since. I know you say a phone is not an option, but I would reconsider. With a bit of practice using voice commands you never need to touch the phone while riding.

I too would also reconsider the phone option

I use an old phone using Myroute App and its flawless

I have been a long term Zumo XT user and it does have its issues but there is plenty of information on here https://zumouserforums.co.uk/

between your two options I would go for the zumo due to a slightly larger screen

Zumo XT for me, but it depends on what you want a satnav to do.

If you're simply going from one fixed point to another, any phone app will do. If, like me, you want to plan multiple locations over a 12 to 14 hour day, and possibly revise that plan on the hoof, so to speak, then there's nothing that compares to a dedicated satnav device.

As for TomTom, I've never used one. It's very rare for anyone in the long distance community to use anything other than Garmin.

My last Garmin was the Zumo 660,when it fell off me bike(don't ask)I got a great deal on a Tomtom 550 premium, and never looked back.For me,when touring Europe, the tomtom comes into its own(have full European coverage with free updates)especially the side bar that shows fuel stops along your route,which is a godsend for bikers.Far easier to load in info than the Zumo and for me,a far better nav.

owl wrote: Wed Feb 11, 2026 7:48 pm

As for TomTom, I've never used one. It's very rare for anyone in the long distance community to use anything other than Garmin.

What a load of bollox.

What a wonderful, measured reply to a fellow rider.

I didn't make that quote out of ignorance. I have been a member of the Iron Butt Association for a couple of decades, have completed more Iron Butt and Round Britain rallies than I can count, and am currently the rally master for the IBA's Brit Butt 36 hour rally - the toughest regular rally in Europe. I have been associated with Iron Butt riders on a regular basis, week in and week out.

In all that time I know personally of perhaps 2 or 3 riders who use Tom Tom.

What are your credentials, out of interest?

Don't get involved with willy waving.If you class riding round Britain as long distance touring,crack on

You can do over 3,000 miles around Britain.

burridge01 wrote: Wed Feb 11, 2026 8:30 pm Don't get involved with willy waving.If you class riding round Britain as long distance touring,crack on

Sorry - you seem to be a rude know nothing who thinks he knows everything.

If riding round Britain is so easy, I challenge you to enter the 2026 Brit Butt Rally. It's from 1st to 3rd May.

Let's see how easy you find it.

owl wrote: Wed Feb 11, 2026 8:58 pm Sorry - you seem to be a rude know nothing who thinks he knows everything.

If riding round Britain is so easy, I challenge you to enter the 2026 Brit Butt Rally. It's from 1st to 3rd May.

Let's see how easy you find it.

You're doing it again.

Thought so.

No money where your mouth is.

owl wrote: Wed Feb 11, 2026 9:18 pm Thought so.

No money where your mouth is.

If you say so.

Sooo, how about them Winter Olympics?

Ed Harley wrote: Thu Feb 12, 2026 5:38 am Sooo, how about them Winter Olympics?

Watching some of that now,youngsters knackering their knees doing the Moguls.They'll regret I later in life