Garmin Zūmo XT2

The Garmin XT2 is not a device i recommend as it doesn't talk to my iphone. You can download the Garmin app to your iphone called 'Tread' and attempt to make routes to then transfer to the Garmin device. Good luck with that. The whole process is counter intuitive so it usually won't work. It's the second time I've bought a Garmin device, and the last. I will try TomTom, it is said to be much easier to use and more intuitive.

What an absolute pain in the [Content Removed] device. Both tech savvy owners cannot out of demo mode and now can't even turn it off and try again later. Hate it !!

For those who choose not to go the OEM route for GPS units on BMW tourers the pickings are slim indeed.I had eschewed purchase of a unit until my recent trip over unfamiliar roads made getting one good sense if not a necessity. I wanted a straight clip on model but found that one of the units that would fit the mount would not communicate with the bike without the fitment of an additional CAN bus.An internet search led me to a French 3D printed interphase with a West Australian distributor who unfortunately did not have stock.A direct order to the manufacturer was made and the unit arrived with explicit instructions and hardware. I had shortlisted the Garmin Zumo XT as being suitable after seeing reviews of the unit .The two paired perfectly and talked to the bike without the need for any modification .I selected the non lockable version which clips on and off and can be left on with a weatherproof cap if needs be. The Garmin worked faultlessly, has an app - Tread which allows you to preplan or modify your trip both highway or gravel road on your phone and transfer to the unit.It can also be fed an average fuel consumption and warn you 50 kms from empty for bikes withouIt a fuel gauge.Its screen is large,bright,visible in sunlight,weatherproof and allows changes to be made even with gloves on.The large speedometer reading function if selected is useful and more accurate than the vehicles. All wayside points such as fuel and even toilet stops were clearly indicated audibly through a bluetooth connection to the helmet .It would even allow a crystal clear call to be made on the move and would have also played a music playlist if I had attempted to do this.A very well built unit at much less the cost of an OEM unit for a BMW and a very useful piece of touring equipment as it can also be charged by a Phone cable.A far cry from early GPS units but it would take time to gain mastery of its capabilities.