| Author |
Message |
    
Bikerjim99
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 09:48 am: | 
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I agree that you have to draw the line somewhere on extras added to your bike.
For some, electric start is an extra that is not needed. Fuel injection is added complexity.
For others, a ride couldn't be complete without a radio, cell phone, CB radio, cupholders, GPS, every gauge known for all functions on the bike, etc.
Most of us exist somewhere in the middle. I have a GPS, and occasionally use it. Most times, I do know where I am, but it can be useful for finding specific places.
Whatever makes you happy riding.
Jim |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 10:29 am: |
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Sounds to me like Jim has it right.....for whatever that's worth. |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 10:34 am: |
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I agree- different strokes and all that.
Bear in mind that I'm busting balls with a grin, here at the keyboard, more often than my fontface really shows. |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 11:21 am: |
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Actually, I like using my GPS to see where I've BEEN. Very often on club rides we follow a route sheet but really don't know where we've gone. Thanks to the magic of GPS, now we know!
http://www.nassauwings.org/photos/2008/0427_Celtic _Spring_Run/ |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 11:38 am: |
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Spike
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 12:02 pm: |
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I haven't ridden with GPS, but I've driven with it. Automated turn-by-turn navigation annoys the heck out of me. Then again, trying to memorize every street name on a pre-planned route is tedious and allows no room for exploration. Few things bother me more than having to pull over, remove my gloves, and fumbling through a bag looking for the right map, only to find that the tiny squiggly line I'm riding on isn't labeled on the state map. You could carry smaller maps that feature every backroad, but then you have to carry more of them if you plan on going anywhere.
I don't want a turn-by-turn navigation nanny, but I love the idea of an infinitely scale-able map that covers the entire continent and fits in my tank bag or in my pocket. If it can tell me where I am on that map, that's just icing on the cake. What I'd love is to have maps.google.com mounted to my handlebars. Maybe I just need an iphone. |
Jlnance
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 01:18 pm: |
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Maybe I just need an iphone.
That would work. It can even give an fairly good idea of where you are based on the cell signals. Assuming of course there is cell service where you are. |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 01:20 pm: |
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Most of the time I don't use the turn-by-turn feature. But it does come in handy when you're unfamiliar with an area and need food, gas or a hotel.
Even if you use the turn-by-turn, you can still deviate from the route. It'll just recalculate from where you are to your planned destination.
It isn't perfect. There are probably still people on the K1200LT Yahoo Group that are snickering over my 20 mile jeep trail excursion (thanks to the Garmin) aboard my fully laden, two-up K1200LT (who needs Ulysses anyway??). I know my girlfriend will never let me forget that!!
Hey, we DID get to see a moose up close and personal so it wasn't a total loss... |
Spike
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 01:55 pm: |
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quote:That would work. It can even give an fairly good idea of where you are based on the cell signals. Assuming of course there is cell service where you are.
I assume you've seen the video of the new 3G version tracking a drive down Lombard St.? |
Dynasport
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 02:03 pm: |
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Well, I have never used a GPS on my scoot, but I would if I had one. Mostly for some of the reasons already mentioned. I don't like to be bothered stopping my bike and getting out my maps. I also get frustrated when I am in a new city trying to find someplace I have never been. I don't use my car GPS all the time, but it sure is nice when I need it. I'll eventually have one for the bike. One feature I would really like is the nearest gas station function. I often find myself looking for a gas station with no idea where one is when I am out riding the backroads.
But hey, you don't like it? Fine by me. What do I care if you don't want to use a GPS? |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 04:53 pm: |
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These days, I only use a GPS for scientific field research, on foot. |
Spike
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 05:51 pm: |
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quote:These days, I only use a GPS for scientific field research, on foot.
Well that's pure silliness.
All the scientific fields I research are marked with simple signs that are easy to read, if you walk with your head up . . .
 |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 06:17 pm: |
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Brumbear
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 08:28 pm: |
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Well when I get lost I pull out my map and kneal down next to a big ol shrub and give it a vigorous shake .When it moves on the map I AM FOUND |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, June 23, 2008 - 10:21 pm: |
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"lost"?
what is this thing? |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 05:51 am: |
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One feature I would really like is the nearest gas station function. I often find myself looking for a gas station with no idea where one is when I am out riding the backroads.
Not to brag by my system will not only tell me where to find a station, it will tell me realtime prices for my grade of choice.
Of course depending on whether I have cell service or not (only the prices are dependent on that)
 |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 05:53 am: |
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I just realized something, we are having a GPS thread without Jackbequick.
Has anyone seen him around lately? |
Tramp
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 07:02 am: |
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I believe he forgot his GPS on the way to the corner convenience store, and hasn't been seen, since.
He's been filed with MP.
let this be a lesson to all modern-day "motorcycle enthusiasts": never leave your home without your GPS |
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