Zumo 550 Review ** THE motorcycle GPS**

I recently bought a Garmin Zumo after using a Garmin C550 on my bike. Right from the start I knew that I had something a little different. First let me start off by saying that no one really 'needs' a GPS. But once you start using one they are hard to live without. After 2 weeks with the Zumo these are the features that I like...

1) Bluetooth connectivity to my cell phone

2) Bluetooth connectivity to my Scala Q2 helmet mike.

3) Onboard MP3 player

4) Fuel gauge built in. (this helps with route calculations!!)

I don't really like talking on the phone when I ride but it's nice to be able to. When there is an incoming call it is displayed on the Zumo's screen. Even if you don't answer, you know that someone called. You can search for a local restaraunt, then call them for reservations. I connect both my Scala and cellphone to the Zumo. When I get a call the Zumo routes the Audio to my headset.

The GPS functions are what you'd expect from Garmin. You can set up a route then add waypoints to it. You can also search for nearby locations at any time while you are enroute. The voice is clear and pronounces street names with only a few mispronunciations. You can also display your track log and later download it to mapsource so that you can review it later.

So far the only downside to the Zumo is it's MP3 player. It broadcasts by bluetooth but only in mono. Pretty bad mono at that. I use an FM modulator connected to an ipod most of the time. This pipes in to my Scala's fm radio. even though it's not stereo, it still sounds better than the Zumo's bluetooth.

Finally I believe the Zumo to be a near perfect companion. I do recommend it but check for it on Ebay. (around 650$) There were some at Best Buy for around 540$ because they were getting rid of them. It would be hard to find them but worth it since they still retail for 999$.

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Follow Akela, You'll be alright:-)