It's just my opinion as I use to bundle up to ride in the cold and as the years past I came to the conclusion that if it's cold it's not fun for me and I ride to enjoy. That heated gear isn't cheap and covers the cost to use car when it's winter.
Keep in mind guys and gals:
I didn't create the "need" in the title, that's the title of the article
And, it is from a tech site, written by a motorcyclist.
Sent from my custom purple Joe Bass mobile device using Tapatalk
Why someone would spend $600 on a "special" motorcycle GPS when your smartphone can generally do the exact same thing (and most people already own one) is beyond me. For around $50 you can get a waterproof case with handlebar mount for most phones.
Heated gear may be in my future though, particularly if our winters continue to be like this past one was where many, including myself, never put our bikes away.
For me, I'm a big fan of "do ine job, and do it well". Now $600 is a bit pricey, but I like having a dedicated gps.
Plus, what about the sun's glare on the cellphone?
And don't forget, I suck at tech.
Sent from my custom purple Joe Bass mobile device using Tapatalk
I'm quite directionally challenged, and hate the cold.
Heated clothing buys me several enjoyable months of riding that I would ahve to otherwise park the bike, and the GPS gets me out further from home, and back!
The others don't interest me.
Edit: And I only paid $500 for a motorcycle GPS, and more than that on heated gear.
Heated gear is maybe the best riding investment I've made. I don't do well in colder weather (sub 15c), before heated gear I would bundle up, look and feel like the Michelin Man. I remember touring Nova Scotia in early September, wearing four layers and still freezing. Now with full heated setup (socks, leggings, jacket, gloves, wireless troller - ~$500 in total) I can comfortable ride down to 5c. With only base layer/heated layer/jacket-pants. For those days in Spring and Fall that are chilly in the morning/evening but warm in the afternoon it's a lifesaver. Great feeling being able to adjust the temperature on the fly without having to get off the bike and put on/take off a layer.
As for the GPS, I need one, others may not. I need to have the option to know where I am and where I'm going. Maps are great too, one doesn't necessarily replace the other. I have found cell phone GPS's to be way too basic (it has been over a year since I've looked into them, they may have improved). Somewhat more advanced features like on the fly bypassing specific roads, on the fly entering and arranging stops along your route, recalculating route on the fly the way I want it, route logging, and I'm sure some other things. Saying that, you don't need to spend $500+. My 10+ year old Garmin 2720 functionally does everything a modern Zumo can and can be bought for $50. It's the size of a brick but they work great and can be updated to 2016 maps. The only GPS I would replace it with is the current Zumo 590, but will have to wait for prices to come down a bit.
Of course it's subjective, for others these things may not be necessary at all.
Sub 15c is considered cold? My fun point theshold is closer to 5-7c...15-20c is when riding is actually more enjoyable since you don't cook at a stop.
Also still planning on a dedicated moto GPS at some point, but my cost threshold is $400 or lower. I do like dedicated devices that do a few things well, as I like to keep my phone for music and emergency use only. Sucks running it down and then not being able to call if you need to...and the connection to charge a phone isn't designed to handle the vibrations from riding a bike (hence why GPS units don't charge over micro or mini USB ports).
Why someone would spend $600 on a "special" motorcycle GPS when your smartphone can generally do the exact same thing (and most people already own one) is beyond me. For around $50 you can get a waterproof case with handlebar mount for most phones.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
