TomTom Rider GPS unit for motorcycles

The recently updated TomTom series of SatNav units adds another to the fold — this one specially designed as a rugged unit for motorbikes. Horsepower is provided by an ARM920T 400MHz processor and 64MB RAM, enough to handle seamless navigation without jerky or awkward refresh rates. TomTom has also come up with an effective system to transmit spoken instructions to the unit, via a built-in bluetooth audio system using a headset that fits inside your helmet. The system doubles as a hands-free system for your cellphone, as well, allowing you to tap into real time traffic information via GPRS. Other niceties have been crafted into the unit with motorcyclists in mind, such as the anti-glare display, extra chunky controls for ease of use with a gloved hand, and a 5 hour lithium ion battery for extended trips beyond the lands of the cabled power supplies. Start planning your summer road trips now, as this unit will be available early in that season.

[Thanks, Scott!]

[popeye @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

I thought the idea of riding a bike was to escape this kind of junk, but then I guess some peeps like to gadgetize their domain anyway they can...

[firestarter @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Popeye - actually this sort of thing is especially useful on a bike. Riding a bike takes a whole load more concentration than driving a car (which is what makes it so exciting), but that means that trying to read a map becomes dangerous and annoying. I've used GPS before on a bike (Garmin V) and I found it pretty essential - especially in a big city like London where it's difficult to know every road.

[MarkF @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

I concur about the usefulness of GPS on motorcycles. I'll often go for a ride, and after a couple hours of following whatever road look like fun find I'm lost. A quick check of my RINO and I can track-back all the way home. When I get home I can make notes about which roads I should seek out again.
While Garmin seems to get the lions share of the motorcyclists market, this Tom Tom unit looks to be a compelling alternative, especially the bluetooth support.

[Ben Huh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

A unit like this has a few great features for convertible owners as well. The smaller form factor for cramped quarters, the snap-release and the anti-glare screen can come in handy with the top down. I've used the regular tomtom go, but found the US map accuracy to be suspect. I'd like to know if they've made some upgrades in that dept.

[SP @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Frankly, if its a HUD using glasses or on a windshield (aka Harley's bike), it would make more sense. Imagine the poor chap squinting at the display while trying to balance!! *yikes* ... recipe for disaster!

[jeffk @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

SP, there are no problems with balance once the bike is rolling. The gyroscopic force of the rotating wheels keeps the bike tracking along nicely.

I've used a Garmin Streetpilot and a V on a couple of motorcycles with great results. It important not to fiddle with them when you're riding, but I've had not problems with occasional glances at the screen. Knowing that you have x number of miles/kms before having to even think about changing roads allows you to focus on hazards and not try and watch for exit signs/turns.

Does anyone have recommendations on bluetooth headsets?

[popeye @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Ok, so I'm old skool, but when I rode it was with as little as possible, the concept of creating one's path didn't include GPS, Stereo systems and little map gawking, that was for all the old farts on Gold Wings. I knew where I wanted to go and went.

Not saying that anyone must follow my lead but I never got lost, only ran out of gas once once on the way to Daytona and had I had a screen to be looking at, I might have hit that pig and been scattered into the swamp. As it was I slowed and he backed away. I considered dispatching him with the Smith, but thought better ot the situation.

Anyhow live to ride, ride to live anyway that works best.

[Joey Geraci @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

you thought of shooting the pig because he got in your way, that's cold!!

[popeye @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

#8 -

Yup HST style and all, considering that the Duroc was wondering out in the wild tar yonder along some lonely Fla 2-laner it crossed my mind, but as I said I thought better of it and let out a scream of relief instead. He came pert' damn close to mah front wheel bubba.

[Steven @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

After getting lost several times in London, and generally having a rubbish sense of direction I am desperate to get one of these. wrt to distractions by looking at the screen, note that you can receive voice commands through the bluetooth earpiece (perhaps that is more of a distraction?!). Anyway I'll probably not be able to afford it as it looks like the RRP will be �500+ :(

[Joe Denton @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Sometimes you don't know where you're going, and still want to get there, at a certain time.
Then you might need a little help.
http://www.theunderdahls.com/images/05cal24/05cal_06.jpg

Joe

[Darren @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

I'm in the market for a GPS system. Not just for navigating the streets of London, but also for touring France next year. Sometimes I jump on my bike and ride, but I mostly use it to get from A to B, so there are many occasions when I have to pull over, re-check my map (which is in my top-box), and then continue.
This unit looks interesting because the unit includes bluetooth headset support (I think it also comes with a helmet headset kit), small form factor, doesn't require any hard-wiring (battery life will be interesting) and it looks to have a desent screen. I plan to use the screen for planning my route, but use voice for when in motion. I don't want this fixed into the power of my bike.

[Tony Marshall @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Well I never thought I'd get the chance to (legitimately) write about Paris Hilton on our GPS Website!

Paris Hilton was recently presented with a TomTom Rider GPS. With the TomTom Rider came a free custom-made �140,000 chopper encrusted with Swarovski crystals.

We live in a crazy world - she gets the bike because she's famous - why is she famous? Because she's rich - so a deserving cause then!

You can read the full story on our website here (together with appropriate pictures of course!) http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk/news_article.php?article_id=412