Compass info

[floridarider]

Can anyone recommend a good compass for a triglide? I'm new to FL and like the back roads.

 

[saab9k]

would go with a GPS, or a Iphone will do the trick too

 

[Bagger]

I gave a garmin zumo, just make sure you get one for a bike you will not be able to see the screen at times if you don't.

 

[wimoonshiner]

Good Luck on the compass hunting! I tried one from my local H-D Dealer and it worked like crap! I think the reason it didn't work is because it was too close to the magnet that is on the speakers in the fairing. I soon returned the compass and I'm now using my GPS. On that note, I seriously considered the GPS from H-D. Looking at the features of the Zumo from H-D and comparing the features to another Garmin Nuvi, I went for the Nuvi, mainly because the Nuvi was about a quarter of the cost. Yea the Zumo is waterproof, lists all the H-D Dealershipsin the USA, Sirius XM Radio and the weather radar. I bought a waterproof handle bar mount ( $20.00 ) and I can do without all the other "goodies" that makes it approx. $630.00 cheaper!!!

 

[Ozarkryder]

Got a nuvi 1450LMT at a Black Friday doorbuster deal. After the discounts it was only $130 (Garmins listed it at $320). The LMT means Lifetime Maps & Traffic. Updates 4 times a year with no additional charge. It is not waterproof, but I have had it in rains that peeled off the inspection sticker from the forks. Pictured below is the waterproofing method of choice.

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

Can anyone recommend a good compass for a triglide? I'm new to FL and like the back roads.

Heres one listed >> Marlin's manufactures the finest gauges and accessories for motorcycles

Your gonna have to mount it high on the handlebar though to keep it away from the speakers

 

[Phu Cat]

Floridarider, I'm with ya, I'd like to have a compass, too. Usually use the sun to figure which way I'm going, but that isn't very halpful on cloudy days or after dark.

( I brought home a good compass fro S.E.A. After 42 years it quit workin. Should have had it repaired, but it was marked with that 'radio active' sign and it disappered in the move to Florida.)

We live in Ocala, you nearby? You'll find two roads by the same name on a map are not always connected in the middle. Kinda goofy, but that's the way it is around here. But ya can't get too lost in Florida. Go far enough east ot west and you're gonna hit water. Go far enough north or south you'll likely run into a town you've heard of before.

Phu Cat
2012 Triglide

 

[GARYD]

I've tried about 4 different compasses and none worked. I now have a H-D Zumo 660. Yes it costs a little more but with the fairing mount, it is a very clean setup - no wires hanging all over the place and it's up high enough that I don't have to take my eyes off the road very long, even though I listen to the audio directions through my speakers 99% of the time.
I also don't need XM radio, Bluetooth - I would like weather radar though, but can live without it.

If you just want a compass, buy a boy scout compass or a used hand held gps and keep it in your pocket until you need it.

Or you can join the "I hate GPS" group. Their mantra is "Getting lost is fun and what biking is all about".

 

[Ozarkryder]

Or you can join the "I hate GPS" group. Their mantra is "Getting lost is fun and what biking is all about".

I am not part of the "I hate GPs" group, I do love the Getting lost is fun part. Any road that looks interensting is taken, then when it's time to head to the house I just choose "Route Home" and there I go. Found some very interesting roads that way. I also can track the route on the GPS so I can find it again if it was a good ride, or avoid it if it wasn't.

 

[Memnoch451]

Never leave home with out a GPS. Although sailors and woodsmen have bee traveling about the world for hundreds of years by the sun, moon and stars that is an art lost to the modern man unless he's had some training. :Angel:

 

[trikermutha]

We all love the GPS but that thing can be tempermentle at times>>>RECALCULATEING>>

 

[GARYD]

Ozarkryder, I agree, just riding and getting lost is fine - if you have the time.
I get 4 weeks vacation, but can only take 1 week at a time so that doesn't leave me with many places I can ride to. Getting lost is out of the question for me - if I happen to turn onto the wrong road and it takes me 20 or more miles out of my way or ends up a dead end - I've just lost hours out of my vacation. Once I retire and have all the time in the world - now I can afford to get lost.

Another thing I like about GPS's is the find feature. If I'm in a strange location and I want to find a certain type gas or restaurant or hospital or police, all I have to do is press a button. It came in handy once in Canada when I was really low on gas.

Memnoch451, I rode for over 40 years without a GPS. I used a good old fashioned paper map and I never got lost. ThumbUp

Trikermutha, Yes it can.

 

[screwball]

Google up "GPS for dummies". I bought a small unit (about 3" X 3"). Look for sales or 'refurbished' units. Mine was under 50 bucks with shipping. Had it 'velcro'd to the gas filler for a while, finally broke down and bought a Kuryatkin mount. The Harley units are great, just cost a bunch. All are kind of hard to see in direct sunlight. It is 3 years old now and hasn't given me any problems. If it dies, OH WELL, for the price I'll get another.

Good Luck.

 

[Ozarkryder]

Hey GARYD - you don't need much time for a good "Where am I" ride. Does't take much time to get well and truly lost, just look for unfamiliar roads. Another way is to pick a destination a few hours away and follow the GPS set on no u turns, avoid highways, secondary roads only or whatever your machine has. I've found some interesting roads this way on day rides.

 

[GARYD]

Ozarkryder, I have done that locally a couple of times and you're right.

One time the GPS had me ride down a frontage road to go to my motel. It turned out to be a dead end with a half way house at the end for dericlics/drunks. Had to turn around and ride past all these things for about 3 blocks
That's the one thing I hate about GPS units - they seem to have a hard time with frontage roads.

 

[tkglider]

Free download app on droid or i phone.While traveling compass is only needed occasionally.No magnetic interference. In order to use a compass you usually have to be clear of the bike to get accuracy.A $5 zipper compass will work off the bike.