Comments on: Garmin Announces GPS for Motorcycles – Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System

By: Sean

Sean — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:47:34 +0000

One thing that everyone should keep in mind is that this is a HONDA navigation system with a Garmin engine at it’s core. This is not \true\ Garmin system and really shouldn’t be compared to one. I’ve used the eTrex Legend and the Zumo 450 & 550 on various bike and while the unit on the Gold Wing has the base technology of any other Garmin unit it’s configured to Honda’s specifications.

Considering what it is and what it’s meant to do (get you from point A to point B) it works quiet well. If you’re looking for a touch screen, or an MP3 play, or any of the other bells & whistles of a Garmin Brand GPSr I would recommend buying a Garmin Brand GPSr and get the Gold Wind without the NAV option.

I currently own a ‘09 Wing and while I do miss some of the functionallity it isn’t to the point where I regret getting the NAV option on bike also after doing research on this bike at the time I purchased the bike I instructed the dealer that I wanted the current map & os version on the NAV system and the first thing I did before taking delivery of the bike was to verify that they had done the upgrade for me.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:17:22 +0000

we have a 2008 goldwing with GPS and we realize that it is about a year behind if not more in its mapping system, I am just wondering if there is a way to update the SD card or do you have to go out and buy a new one? If so where would we be able to purchase one, does it have to be bought through Honda?
Thank you in advance for your help

By: Denny

Denny — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 01:19:26 +0000

What a challenge to route trips. Shot ones are easy but any distance is a problem. Adding VIA points confuses the program and you get odd routes. This needs touch screen access and a computer USB port to download computer map routes. I am sure most have found that you can use the GPS if you are not moving, you don’t have to be in neutral. Like my system but adding the above features would make it worthy of Goldwing.

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 04:16:52 +0000

2006 Goldwing w/nav. For point-to-point directions, the on board nav is adequate. But, for serious cross-country riding, I bought a refurbished Garmin 2610 which is PC programmable. I can add waypoints on the fly and like that it’s “water resistant” with an adequate screen size. If Honda is going to continue offering a GPS unit, LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE PURCHASED THE GOLDWING!!!

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 05:33:41 +0000

My experience with the nav system on the Wing is less than optimum, but I still love having and using it on every long trip. It’s great to have a read-out of estimated arrival time and distance remaining. The automatic daylight savings time function no longer works since the dates were changed and Garmin won’t fix that without paying for a $199 upgrade on a new memory chip. Problem is, I contacted them by phone and email and still have no response as to what version is on the new card and what year the map data is. The website leaves a lot to be desired, but here’s the only webpage I could find: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=10750

By: frank

frank — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:23:13 +0000

My 2007 Honda Goldwing GPS system has been an exciting and very reassuring system for me. I’ve traveled cross country – 7000 miles and it has helped in those few situations where I didn’t know where to go at all. If one is completely lost, the GPS will get you out of trouble. However, like any new language, the user must learn the GPS’s limitations. There are many but I would guess all GPS’s have them. As far as a touch screen, BAD idea on a motorcycle. Too tempting to lose control. Like messaging on cell phones while driving the car.
I would not be without a GPS on any future vehicle, car or new bike.
My problem is trying to find where to buy an up to date chip so I can plug it into the recepticle hiding beneath the rear lid on my 07 Goldwing. If anybody can tell me, thanks in advance for the info.

By: Cliff

Cliff — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:02:36 +0000

The NAV is very expensive dead weight on the bike to get excellent ABS. I posted last year and since upgraded the map and it still is not as good as my NUVI. The Find Feature is the worst I have ever seen. You have to pick through a mess of disorganized choices. Such poor quality from Honda on such an expensive bike as the Wing.

By: Wilbertg

Wilbertg — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:59:46 +0000

Just purchased a 2008 Goldwing Navi but I have a SP2720 & Nuvi 360. The Honda Navi unit is a $2000 scam. I wanted the bike but not the unit because I could see the problems with GARMIN wanting to get paid for their work. My 94 Wing was & is soo much better. Never again!

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:55:33 +0000

I havea 08 GoldWing with Nav. It is not as user
friendly as a friends New Garman NUVI. Is it possible to upgrade this Honda unit to a touch screen? Also, is it possible to modify this thing so I can access fuel stops, without stopping? Who
has time to stop everytime you want to gain info?

By: Jim Schafer

Jim Schafer — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:42:35 +0000

GeoCaching..on a Goldwing? At nearly 850 pounds, she’s a bit heavy to carry as a handheld gps unit, nor should one expect that type of function from this system. On a street bike what I need is the ability to navigate to street addresses,a task which is handled quite nicely by this system. Don’t know the address? select the location with the moveable cursor and map to it. Better yet, shut the thing off and enjoy the experience of pointing the front whweel and seeing where it leads you. (Turn it on again to find your way home if you must) Personally,I find it to be a cool toy, and a nice convenience, but I’m far from lost without it.