Garmin And Harley-Davidson Team Up To Offer GPS Navigator

Garmin today announced the introduction of the Road Tech Zumo, from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. A customized version of Garmin’s popular motorcycle-specific GPS device specially enhanced for Harley owners, the Road Tech Zumo is on display and available for sale beginning the week of Aug. 4 at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and around the world in Harley-Davidson authorized dealerships. “The Road Tech zumo helps Harley riders plan and navigate their route with ease,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales.Β “Packed with all of the preloaded features that Zumo users have come to expect and appreciate, the Road Tech Zumo anticipates the needs of Harley riders everywhere.” Road Tech Zumo’s extensive directory of Harley-Davidson dealerships adds to the preloaded database of more than six million points of interests, such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. A custom handlebar mount quickly secures the Road Tech Zumo while providing the option of easily transferring the Road Tech Zumo to your car or truck for four-wheel navigation. And for those adventurers who want to plan and envision their road trip in advance, the ride planner at Harley-Davidson.com helps users find, create and adapt great rides and easily download them to the Road Tech Zumo. In addition, riders can swap routes and waypoints with other Zumo owners via the unit’s SD card slot. Navigator $799.95. Mounting Bracket: $79.95. Harley-Davidson Road Tech Zumo.

27 Responses to “Garmin And Harley-Davidson Team Up To Offer GPS Navigator”


  1. 1 An Actual Customer Aug 5th, 2008 at 11:53 am

    Thanks but I will just use my I-Phone, $250.

  2. 2 Ryan Aug 5th, 2008 at 12:51 pm

    Thanks but No Thanks, I’m a relative young to the motorcycle world. With that in mind I’m into the newest electronics as the next guy, but do you really need this. What ever happened to getting everyone together and planning out your trip on a good old fashioned state map. And if you took a wrong turn who cares getting there is the real fun right. What’s next trip programing so that you can take a nap while your motorcycle drives you there. I hope not.

  3. 3 Brian Johnson Aug 5th, 2008 at 6:40 pm

    I went kicking and screaming into the electronics world. My daughter calls me a technilogical immigrant. But let me tell you I have a Garmin nuvi 200W GPS and it is wonderful. You don’t have to worry about getting lost so you can enjoy your trip even more……….I used to say I would never get rid of my paper maps but I think they will have to go into storage as a keep sake!!!

  4. 4 Dave B. Aug 5th, 2008 at 9:58 pm

    This is a nonsense item for dumb people. If you honestly don’t know how to get where you want to go without a machine telling you how, you just need to stay home. I swear, I don’t know how much dumber people can get!

  5. 5 David K Aug 5th, 2008 at 11:24 pm

    $799.95 will sure buy a lot of maps.

  6. 6 Nicker Aug 6th, 2008 at 12:30 am

    RE:
    “…This is a nonsense item for dumb people!…”
    “…$799.95 will sure buy a lot of maps…”

    Ya, well call me “dumb” because i got one for my last trip north.
    The map on my tank bag doesn’t tell me:
    – where all the gas stations are,
    -where the local camp grounds are,
    -where the local Wal-mart is,
    -etc, etc,….etc…

    When my speedo went out it doubled as a speedo and trip computer.
    I can operate ti with heavy gloves on.
    The screen is bright and readable in most riding conditions.
    It shows me exactly where i am at all times.
    Keeps a running log of my trip.
    And it’s water proof.

    I got it tucked under my clutch hand, sort-a outof the way,
    (right under the $65 automotive-cruse-control adamted to my scoot to give my arthritis a break.)

    It works for me.
    -nicker-

  7. 7 rodent Aug 6th, 2008 at 9:55 am

    More crap to look at instead of the road ahead

  8. 8 J Aug 6th, 2008 at 11:33 am

    Easy to bitch about, until you actually use one and see how cool it is.

    And no, the I-Phone GPS sucks- tiny little screen, not so easy to use while riding at 70mph- Garmin has nothing to fear….

    Anyone else see the irony of people coming onto an internet blog to bitch about technology? Save the “old school” ranting, kids….

    LOL!

  9. 9 Dave B. Aug 6th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

    J,
    I am quite familiar with this product and its many alter-egos. I like technology, but I stand by my original statement, “this is an item designed for dumb people”.

  10. 10 Nicker Aug 6th, 2008 at 4:20 pm

    RE:
    “…More crap …”

    Well, ya, may be…..

    But… when those hard core, experienced bikers who got wet in the ice & sleet of Montana (because they didn’t know anything about making themselves waterproof) needed a Wal-Mart …Quick!!!…. they all come running to the GPS…. πŸ™‚

    Quite comical to watch when your warm and dry.

    Hell, they make em small enough to fit in a pocket, if the their visibility is offensive.
    All i’m saying is they certainly have value on the road.

    -nicker-

  11. 11 Brian Johnson Aug 6th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

    Well Dave B. I for one an not dumb and resent a close minded pea brain like you telling me this. Grow up and live your own life. If I want to use great new technology its my choice. Want to give me your address I can come met you and “talk” about this. I have been using paper maps all my life but really enjoy my new Garmin nuvi 200w……..the w is for wide screen in case you don’t know. If you are so smart maybe you should get with the new century and learn a thing or two.

  12. 12 Dave B. Aug 6th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    Brian,
    I also design CNC machines (mostly lathes) when I’m not building bikes and designing parts. You can see some of them in action on my YouTube channel if you like, and you can also get directions to my shop. I am not close minded at all, or afraid a good “talk”.

  13. 13 Nicker Aug 7th, 2008 at 2:53 am

    So Dave,

    No CAD systems for you…. You do all your G-code by hand…… Right?……. πŸ™‚

    -nicker-

  14. 14 Dave B. Aug 7th, 2008 at 4:36 am

    Nicker,
    All the CNC turning machines I’ve designed can be programmed via G & M codes directly, or can be programmed by loading/converting a DXF, CAD, etc. file, or can be jogged-to-code (which means moving the machine controls manually via MPG dials) to record moves and create a part rendering program.
    This has nothing to do with my point…
    my point being that devices like the Garmin, TomTom, and other GPS locating devices are a product of a “dumbed down” America. The public is sold on ideas like GPS locators, cell phones, PDAs, and the like, on the pretense they will be safer and in-touch. What they are really selling you is fear. What if I get lost? What if they need to call me? Oh my God, what if ???????????
    My gripe is Americans are getting dumber. We are allowing our natural senses and instincts to be replaced with little trinkets like this. I remember a time (not so long ago) when we rode to get out of contact with people that would find these kind of devices a necessity, and would roll our eyes and laugh at the very thought of this nonsense.
    Dave B.
    longitude -85.35637
    lattitude 37.34501

  15. 15 Mike Greenwald Aug 7th, 2008 at 7:38 am

    Years ago, I worked on boats and saw variations of electronic instrumentation applied to the marine industry. It was always a back up and not a primary method of course plotting. I agree with Dave B. that people are being dumbed down if they choose to rely solely upon these latest renditions. That being said, I also agree with Nicker that these are wonderful compact devices with great features available.

    Without the knowledge of how to figure out getting from point “A” to point “B” in any other way than with these devices, it is money ill spent.

    If you choose to run with one of these GPS devices, learn how to operate it so that you don’t put yourself into a crash situation while trying to figure out where you are and where you are going.

  16. 16 David K Aug 7th, 2008 at 1:06 pm

    My problem is not with the technology but the price. Seems kinda high compared to what is out there for cages.

  17. 17 J Aug 7th, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    LOL- actually, Dave B, it has everything to do with your point;

    If we go by what you say, then we don’t need CNC machinery- we should all be able to whip out our 1922 Bridgeport lathes and turn out anything we need, right?

    Has increased technology hurt the machinist industry? Has CNC “dummied down” the business- can any fool buy a five-axis CNC machine now and crank out parts for Boeing?

    Your point is hypocritical, actually, but the problem is, now you’re vested in it, and will attempt to defend it past the point of logic.

    I suspect that, when maps became widely available to travelers, there were those who scoffed at anyone who used them, because really, who needs more than a compass and the stars?

    My guess is, not only do you own a computer and participate in blogs (not really the best way to “get away from everyone”), you also own a cellphone….

    If you don’t want a GPS, then don’t buy one- but don’t look down your nose at me because I enjoy the technology until you’re ready to dust-bin that CNC and go back to only the Bridgeport……

    “Dummied-down” is the excuse the ignorant use when the world is passing them by…..

  18. 18 Dave B. Aug 7th, 2008 at 5:52 pm

    J,
    You not only missed the point, you failed to realize that you are the point. You and many others comprise a marketing demographic that have been convinced having one of these things will make your life easier, when actually it means let the machine do the thinking for you, it is better suited for the job. That presumption is also why I am called on from time to time to design a CNC or other automated solution, to replace the shrinking number of qualified individuals capable of producing quality components without it. In essence, the machine, when properly programmed, does the thinking for you, because you can’t, or won’t. It is a sad reality, and a rapidly expanding industry.
    I am not suggesting we all become farmers and use smoke signals to communicate… I just find the number of Americans that can’t do simple math without a calculator, can’t read a tape measure, read a map, or find north without a compass, very troubling. I don’t know if you can understand this or not, I’m not trying to make you mad at me (although you probably are anyway) I am trying to make you mad at the people selling you this needless thing because they think you are too dumb to be without it.

  19. 19 burnout Aug 8th, 2008 at 7:18 pm

    a GPS is fun, watching a rider with a GPS is fun, watching a rider with a GPS trying to figure out why their destination is right in front of them but the GPS says turn left and drive 4.4 miles is downright hilarious! I will always keep a globe to go with my GPS! peace

  20. 20 Scott Aug 9th, 2008 at 7:47 am

    I agree with Dave B. The machining industry has gone from machinists to appliance operators. The only person who needs to conceptualize a part is the programmer. The “machinist” simply chucks up the piece and hits the run button. I have seen way to many of these operators in my years of machine tool repair. As far as GPS I don’t have one and won’t have one. I would much rather blindly wander America and see it for what it is. Who cares if I get lost. After all I ride to relax. When I go for a ride I leave my phone at home, and don’t even own a watch. Just get out and ride. This industry needs to get back to the basics. Right Nicker? Well so do the riders. Being a biker is about the ride not the accessories, or the image we portray. I know I get a laugh out of all the wannabe’s on there harleys trying to look cool. The bottom line is who gives a rats ass if you have a GPS, cell phone with bluetooth, a pda straped to our bike? Get out and ride. All the time spent on here bellyaching about bullshit is just a grand waste of time. Time where you should be riding or spending time with your family, or even doing the job you are getting paid for. Shame on you all !!! Get out and ride.

    Life comes without a money back guarentee So I vote for using all of it up before I go.

  21. 21 Nicker Aug 11th, 2008 at 2:02 am

    Dave

    RE:
    “…My gripe is Americans are getting dumber…”

    Can’t argue with ya there……… πŸ™

    RE:
    “…The public is sold on ideas like GPS locators, cell phones, PDAs, and the like, on the pretense they will be safer and in-touch. What they are really selling you is fear…”

    Aren’t they just trying to sell stuff…??? No conspiracy there….

    RE:
    “…[using a CAD system] has nothing to do with my point…”

    What…?
    I thought ya said we should use a paper map, instead of relying on a device to figure out “what turns to take” …. Right…???

    So, my point was simply when ya post-process a CAD model into a G-code tool path list, your automating the human process of creating a blueprint and generating a G-code toolpath list manually…… from reading paper.

    Seems to me that’s the exact analogy to Manually looking up directions on a map, as opposed to punching in the destination name and having the GPS produce the “Go-to-turn-list.”….. πŸ™‚

    What did i miss….?????

    -BTW-
    I really need a small CNC mill.
    What do ya think of the small Bed Mill that Smithy is selling?
    Looks like the same frame is also sold under another label.
    I sure like the size of that little bed-mill.
    And it’s not just a 2.5 axis “Mill-Drill-on-a- pipe.”
    My shop is REALTY limited in floor space.
    Fitting in a regular Bridgeport would be problematic.

    Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
    thanks in advance.

    -nicker-

  22. 22 Nicker Aug 11th, 2008 at 2:32 am

    rodent,

    RE:
    “…More crap to look at instead of the road ahead…”

    Ya, that too is a real problem. But then so is a Radio.
    My neighbor is truly scary when he rides “under the influence” of his CD player.
    I stopped riding in front of him because of his “inattention problem.”

    This year i caught him damn hear rear-ended one of he guys and had a quite talk with him. He said he now realizes this is a problem and said he has stopped riding with “that distraction”…..

    So, ya … some people can’t multi-task.
    Personally, I’m not very fond of riding with tunes or radio. It’s somehow detracts from the riding experience.

    But i can also remember when there was no way i would even consider saddlebags, let alone cruse-control….

    But i’m here to tall ya, times change with age.
    No way i could have done this 3K mile ride without cruisecontrol.
    My wrists simply can’t handle it anymore….. πŸ™
    Sadly, no comfort, no ride…… no excuses.
    If i wanna do this i have to have the technology.
    Now, obviously i don’t NEED a GPS…
    But i do need the cruse, a reasonable seating position, and good suspension.
    And camping doesn’t work without a 6” thick air mattress.
    For me, touring on a chop is no longer an option.

    -nicker-

  23. 23 Dave B. Aug 11th, 2008 at 7:56 am

    Hey Nicker,
    As Smithy goes, my only complaint would be they are small and difficult to automate due to their multi-use framework being in the way to mount servos or steppers. As far as their new CNC platform, I notice they offer no software to program their machine, leaving the owner to source that feature on their own, which can be a daunting process… if you choose this option I suggest MachIII Mill/Turn or MicroKinetics programming software. Be advised, you will also have to provide your own computer, which will require 2 parellel ports to control the steppers/servos. Serial, or USB ports WILL NOT WORK, it must be parallel ports as they are the only method to provide both step and direction signals utilizing the old 5 volt Hi-Lo to achieve this.
    To make this as simple as possible for you, I suggest you look into Micro-Kinetics, they are in the Atlanta, Georgia area and provide a turn key system (the P.C. and Mill or Lathe) for automating small column style mills available from Enco, Rong-Fu, and other small frame manufactures. With small framework comes small power, but these micro mills and lathes can surprise you with their ability, as long as you move them slowly.
    Manufactures of CNC machines are a tight lipped bunch and getting info to build or improvise your own can be extremely difficult, in spite of all the message boards, web sites, books, and the like, the reality is you need to be well versed in Visual Basic, C++, and the actual NC program that drives the machine. That is why I suggest buying a turn-key system, which has enough headaches of its own. Hope this helps….

  24. 24 Nicker Aug 12th, 2008 at 12:55 am

    Dave,

    Good Info.

    I was actually thinking Smithy “EZ-Trol CNC 1043 Bench Top.”
    It’s a turn-key deal. I don’t want to get into trying to upgrade a manual machine.
    What little experience i’ve had with the Post mounted Mill-Drills has produced marginal results.

    But the Smithy looks an awful lot like the Novakon ProSeries and Tormach systems.
    They all may (appear to?) share the same column and bed supplier/foundry…???

    Jet, Rungfru,…etc…. advertising their quill as a full, true Z axis is a bit of a stretch IMHO anyway.
    As you say, ya gotta go REAL slow to keep the pipe from wobbling.
    Consider the quill a “Half-Axis” at best.

    However, the Column on the Tormach ( end etc…) looks to be a hell of a lot more stable.
    But probably much more expensive…… πŸ™
    Retirement income makes justifying such a purchase a real tough decision.

    And tooling and new design software are all issues.
    I’m running AutoCAD 12 which was a very expensive deal back in 1990 when i first got it.
    But it’s a Model-T now. So, i probably want to go for SolidWorks or Pro-E more $$$s and a learning curve.

    Any way, enough of my problems.
    Thanks much for the help.

    -nicker-

  25. 25 Mike Greenwald Aug 12th, 2008 at 8:30 am

    Speed camera GPS locations in the USA. This USA POI GPS file will help you to detect high risk locations and to adjust your speed.
    Here you can download GPS POI file with all speed camera locations in the USA, a part of a GPS POI data collection with over 5000 speed camera and red light camera locations in North America (combined).
    http://www.gps-data-team.com/poi/united_states/safety/

  26. 26 Tim Dec 12th, 2008 at 12:28 am

    I was never going to use a GPS on a ride.
    But now that i have one >> it’s awesome!!
    Never go back.
    Tourist info, Weather, Traffic, Sightseeing, Music, Never get lost, and tousands and thousends of POI’s . Point of interests.
    History tour guide, and many many things more.
    It’s much much more, then just a computer map !!!!!
    You miss out if you don’t use it.

  27. 27 Sly Oct 23rd, 2009 at 9:03 pm

    For those that cant figure out their cell will have a learning curve. For those that are ignorant to tech and or completly focused on the road will have to use their paper map when they pull over. I have been using my zumo 550 for a little over 2 years. The Garmin people have been very good to satisfy their customers. I use mine on my bikes, trucks, cars, & boat. Yes, all the same unit can travel with additional mounts or take your portable cradle. My GF got me the GXP 30 Smart XM satelite antenna. Now I have the Grateful Dead station 24/7, realtime weather & traffic. Also bluetooth for the cell & headset. This Zumo is just too cool. So much more efficiant finding customers, fuel, food, lodging, and the POI is very educational. I ride my bike touring the USA. If your like me and travel abroad you can obtain maps for other countries. I have to say not much wasted time looking around. A good choice and worth the $$$$

Comments are currently closed.
Cyril Huze