New Garmin Zumo 220 GPS Device for Motorcycles

garminzmo220sg1garminzmo220sg2When it comes to GPS device most people think about cars. As a matter of fact the sales of GPS devices conceived for motorcycle use is getting huge. Of course, bikers have a different set of needs, of course robustness and water resistant. This new Garmin Zumo 220 GPS can even endure fuel splashes and the touch screen will work with your gloves on! For spontaneous road trips or detailed route planning, the Zūmo 220 makes life easier with preloaded street-level maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and more than six million points of interest including gas stations, lodging, restaurants and other locations.

It has a 3.5″ slim color screen, includes text-to-speech guidance, lane assist, Bluetooth headset compatibility and on-road/off-road travel options. It provides the information you need at a glance in an easy-to-read format as you travel down the road. The screen displays speed limits on most major roads and articulates turn-by-turn directions through spoken street names, such as “turn right on Main Street,” via the built-in speaker or through a compatible Bluetooth helmet or headset. With an expected availability date of March 2010 for an expected suggested retail price of $599.99, the zūmo 220 is packaged with a motorcycle mount and an automotive mount for an easy transition between bike and car or truck. Garmin Zumo 220 GPS.

15 Responses to “New Garmin Zumo 220 GPS Device for Motorcycles”


  1. 1 Jay Feb 16th, 2010 at 8:37 am

    When you can buy other Garmins for $129 with 4.3 inch screens why purchase a bike dedicated one. I can go through several units before adding up to the price of this one. When will the motorcycle dedicated models come down in price? How much does a motorcycle mount cost really? Other than water resistance cheaper auto models have all these features. If you want a water proof model I have a cheap fix, ziplock bag.

  2. 2 Woody Feb 16th, 2010 at 10:15 am

    I wouldn’t want to have to use a sandwich bag over my bike’s speedometer or turnsignal switches to save $200 or so, just me maybe. Things seldom sell for anywhere’s near the MSRP in the electronics world so I’m sure it’ll be less in due time. I like the Bluetooth feature and water resistance. One of the problems with add-on units is that you can hear an auto versions internal speaker and routing it into your bike radio’s aux input means no music ’cause the radio has to be set to AUX. Could be a nice solution for a lot of folks, and I’m glad their supporting the industry with a bike-specific model because I’ve seen a lot of mediocre “solutions” on various bikes.

  3. 3 gabehcuoD Feb 16th, 2010 at 11:32 am

    If anyone reads this and is looking to buy one… Go look for the Garmin Zumo 550.. better unit and can buy for the same price… way better ! (sales online all the time)

    I agree with the other two, you can save hundreds if your willing to dick around with sandwich bags. Gunna suck though when your out in the sticks and your unit goes out cuz of some moisture. LOL But I guess once you find your way home from Alaska you can go buy another.. LOL

  4. 4 Dave Blevins Feb 16th, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Here’s a cheap alternative… a map or a pocket atlas.
    I can’t think of one good reason to own this thing.

  5. 5 ian Feb 16th, 2010 at 12:19 pm

    I am with Dave Blevins on this – i have them in my car, because i have all the toys in my car – and even worse passengers. On a bike i use my eyes, nose and brain and I always get there in the end.

  6. 6 J Feb 16th, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    ,,,,Then don’t buy one…… It’s a cool toy for those who want them- I ride a lot out in the boonies, I like the fact that I can give coordinates if I ever have a problem,

    You don’t need foam in your seat, either- what’s your point?

  7. 7 Fluke Feb 16th, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    I used to work tech support for TomTom in Amsterdam a couple of years back, so I am kinda biased on this.

    But yes, I can’t work out what feature you get on a 600k$ Garmin that you don’t get on a 150$ car version. Me? pass me the zip lock bags please!

  8. 8 busfreak Feb 16th, 2010 at 3:30 pm

    I’ll buy one when the deers and other wild life show up on the screen. What ever happened to just stopping, taking a breather and reading a map.

  9. 9 Black Shadow Feb 16th, 2010 at 6:33 pm

    I love GPS on a bike! The best thing is if you only have a couple of hours to ride, you can take off on those side roads you bypass because you don’t know where they go, or how long it will take, then turn on another and another and another untill you have no idea where you are, then hit “HOME”.

    It is also great if you are touring and get in a traffic backup, just take the next exit, head in a direction that looks good and it will keep trying to get you back on the path.

    You have to remember you are in charge of where you ride not your GPS. I also like the elevation feature (I don’t think Wyoming gets under 4500 ft) and if you find a cool spot you can mark it.

  10. 10 Paul Feb 16th, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    Zip-loc bag ?
    Try and I’m not joking ……a super thin clear condom.
    Yup, condom.
    Saw one on one on a rainy day.
    It was freaking working….

    [ insert joke here ] I know you want to.

  11. 11 nicker Feb 16th, 2010 at 11:28 pm

    Got a zumo when they first came out.

    It’s an all weather deal.
    Certainly can testify that its Water & Snow proof. Mount it and forget it.
    Big buttons and touch screen geared for gloved hand operation.

    Why own one?
    Well not many maps give ya gas station, camp ground, Wallmart addresses, phone numbers and distances.

    Lets ya call the camp ground first to see if they take bikes (not all do).
    Nothing worse than pulling an late just to be told their full or won’t take bikes.
    And allows ya to compare facilities (hot-water-showers…. fire pits….. food…. etc.)

    A “toy”………???
    When your wet and tired and looking at empty…….. a good GPS beat the hell out of a paper map.

    But for just crusing between bars….. well, ya, they are totally unnecessary.

    -nicker-

  12. 12 Bigalyts Feb 17th, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    Jay must be a BMW Dood, they dont even use the Zip Click $.25 cent Bags. If you ride a Chopper or a Bobber and you are Mid 40’s to, mid 60’s you probably are not Riding past your Local Titty Bar or favorite Chemical Store. What do you need a GPS for? However If you Cruise on your HD or Beemer or Wing, there aien’t nothing like a GPS. I think that if you have to pay $600 for a Garmin that has all the Bell’s and Whistles and wont Burn out when water hit’s it, It is a GREAT DEAL! You Dood’s probaly don’t remember the Hand Held units, the First portable GPS, like the one’s used in Desert Storm that were made by Magellen and were $10 Grand a copy. For $500 to know where to get Layed in any Town, is real Cheap!

  13. 13 Olive Oil Feb 17th, 2010 at 1:39 pm

    Rode 8000 miles last summer around USA. Loved my Best Buy Garmin, used ziploc bags when raining, but may try that condom trick sounds like a good idea. Best thing ever invented for motorcycle road trips. Refuse to pay the ridiculous price for motorcycle Garmins. Found the handlebar mount for my bike on ebay at very reasonable price in chrome to boot.

  14. 14 Blue Feb 17th, 2010 at 2:49 pm

    I’ve been using a Garmin Zumo 660 over the last couple of months, and, despite having a natural antipathy to satnavs, I’ve found it’s pretty good. I can use it with gloves on, it’s accurate and the display is good. I’m still not convinced of the wisdom of a sat nav on a bike, but when it’s cold and it’s dark and I’m travelling on my own, there’s been times when I’ve been very glad and relieved not to have to stop to look up directions.

  15. 15 Bigalyts Feb 17th, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    HEY PAUL , MY CONDEMS WILL FIT ! hA ha!

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Cyril Huze