Motorcycle GPS question..

JackMan · 01-11-2006, 12:10 PM

Hello everyone!
I just finished rebuilding my dad's old 1978 ty 175 trials bike, and I'm looking into getting a handheld gps to log all the trails he and I ride up at the cottage in the summer. My question is, can anyone recomend a good handheld gps for this use? I'd like to be able to save the data from the gps and transfer it to the computer for later viewing.. It would be neat to log all the bike trails (later on the computer) on Google Earth or something. I would be willing to spend up to $500 for a decent trail logger. I am not into colour screens and all that (nothing fancy.. small would be key), I would just love to be able to record the data, and later put it into the computer. It would be great if the screen would also disply a trial log of where you just came from, nothing fancy, but enough to distinguish which way to head back home.. (like the gps trail line in streets and trips) There are endless trails up at our cottage, and being lost is not uncommon up there (each turn looks the same!) .. Any recomendations would be great!

Ohh, before I forget, here are some pics for before and after.. My dad got a digital camera last year for his birthday and went picture crazy, if there is such a thing, lol..

What do you guys think though? I'm still waiting on the YAMAHA sticker for the gas tank, I had to repair the tank as you can see.. and since then, I've started it and it runs around great
Needs GPS now!

Thanks guys

JackMan · 01-12-2006, 09:56 PM

I checked out some fairly simple looking eTrex models, and I'm thinking I'll just get a simple eTrex Venture handheld gps for just as a map to get back home! I'm sure someone out there has had similar experience with the eTrex lines.. has anyone had a good experience (or bad) with these?
thanks for the time

http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVenture/

dazza666 · 01-14-2006, 04:31 PM

cant really help you, but that bike looks great!!!!

JimmyFitz · 01-14-2006, 04:49 PM

Here is a unit that will log everywhere you go, has its own rechargeable battery good for up to 12 hours, and will fit in your shirt pocket. $100. Does not have a screen at all. Meant to use with a PDA or laptop via Bluetooth wireless connection, but it logs position anytime it is on and has a fix. I have one and I like it.

http://www.buygpsnow.com/item.aspx?itemid=263

mp3oplecarrier · 01-14-2006, 04:54 PM

Go for the Garmin, good quality and pretty hardwearing and waterproof, so you can hose it clean when you get home!

Marvin Hlavac · 01-15-2006, 06:32 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JackMan

no one has an opinion on my bike? : (

Very very nice. Is it 15" or 17" LCD? ;-)

JackMan · 01-16-2006, 01:07 AM

hehe, although 17" LCD sounds very tempting.....! I think I'll be checking into a eTrex Legend because it looks like it has good trail logging capabilities. I was originally going to buy eTrex Venture, but after reading many reviews I found that for 20$ more I can have a better unit with more detailed maps (vs. no detail I guess). Thanks for the comments, I was just curious what you all thought of it.. thought I guess it doesn't really fit into the carcomputer category! Thanks for the info anyways!
If you want to see a few more pictures of it, check out my thread at Trials Central.
Once I get this baby rollin' with gps, I'll be sure to map out the trails and put it on a high quality google earth jpeg (spring time is the ride, woo!)

thanks again for the comments!

ca55e5a · 01-16-2006, 02:17 AM

There are 3 possibilities

TomTom has a special unit for Motorcycles but maybe not the best thing to record your wanderings

Then for sure the Garmin and others

But then you have this new device TRIPY (well exists already quite a time) but just discovered it through a friend having a bike,

He really raves about it because it does what he needs, has a huge memory for all the runs he could ever need and also it records new routes on the go

The new software will also export to google earth !!

Now for the states have no idea for a distributor check the site www.tripy.be