Departments | Braking News
Ease of use is just one hallmark of the Garmin zumo 550. Intuitive operation, bright graphics and touch-screen operation allow riders to work through the menus without taking all of your attention off the road. Photo courtesy of Garmin.
zumo To Go
Whether you’re traveling on two-wheels or four, Garmin’s zumo 550 is as rugged and fine-looking a self-contained navigation unit as you’ll find. The zumo 550 comes with mounts and all the connecting hardware to fit on a vehicle, bike or ATV. To download upgrades and maps, or upload data and music from a PC, Garmin has a special web site just for zumo users.
The zumo was designed by bikers, so it has features and controls that make it easy to operate while in the saddle or behind the wheel.
For instance, it has a touch screen that is glove-friendly; the screen has a mode that looks like a motorcycle console to provide speed and trip information, it’s waterproof and built with fuel-resistant plastics to withstand the elements; and the zumo 550 is designed to work with Bluetooth-enabled headset/helmets and cell phones.
What is also slick about the zumo 550 is the SD card expansion, which allows for storage of music and images, and you can even share your favorite routes with other zumo owners. Weather and traffic updates are also part of the 550’s array of navigation talents. With the optional XM subscription and antennae, a press of a button allows you to avoid traffic jams on the road.
Beyond the glitz and stuffing, I like the larger and more to-the-point touch screen symbols because, unlike most navigation units found in today’s vehicles, you don’t have to spend much time getting the system setup. The unit is intuitive, even for the first-time user.
As an outdoorsman, I have finally found one navigation unit that works on all my toys. The whole zumo concept is a great idea. It’s even battery-powered so I can use it on foot if needed.
The only downside would be the price. Garmin’s zumo 550 costs about $200 more than the TomTom Rider ($1,069 vs. $800). But such a cost difference is only a downside if you see having a boat-load of cool features at your command as being some sort of problem. Personally, I don’t.
—Bruce W. Smith