Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin will release a new GPS for motorcycles in October called the Garmin Zumo 550. The Zumo represents a new design for Garmin which is appears smaller (in depth) than the StreetPilot “c” series but larger than the Nuvi series. The Garmin Zumo 550 features a waterproof case and large buttons which make it easier for riders wearing gloves to access the buttons.
The Garmin Zumo 550 also includes Bluetooth connectivity so that you can answer mobile calls from a Bluetooth enabled helmet. Other innovative motorcycles includes fuel alerts… The Zumo can calculate fuel range and alert the rider when the motorcycle is getting low on gas. Of course at that point it will recalculate your route to the nearest gas station.
A tracklog feature is also included in the Garmin Zumo to allow you to download your tracks to your computer and later view them on a map through the Motion Based service or Google Earth.
MP3 music files can also be loaded onto a memory card and played through the helmet. Expect to pay about $1,077 for the Zumo 550 when it becomes available in October.
| Store | Rating | Best Prices |
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 |  In stock at MemorySuppliers.com | $759.00 |
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 | In stock at Dell.com | $899.99 |
 | In stock at Dick's Sporting Goods | $1,076.91 |
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Re: Garmin’s new zumo550, the unit for motorcycles; the company specifically states that, other than navigation prompts, the unit cannot transmit audio via Bluetooth. That’s not good if you’ve subscribed to XM for music and don’t want wires going to your helmet. I wonder why the Bluetooth cannot carry music audio.
Any ideas?
Hi John, I’m not sure what the technical reasons are why they didn’t do this. But I noticed in the new Nuvi 660 (which also has Bluetooth) that they included an FM transmitter to transmit music and other audio. Therefore it seems to be not so simple to transmit the audio via Bluetooth if they went to the effort of adding an FM transmitter to other models to perform that task.
I don’t think the last statement is necessarily true. They probably went with an FM transmitter to allow people to hear the GPS audio through their car speakers. Most cars don’t have bluetooth in their audio system and many don’t have a cassette player anymore so FM is the obvious choice without hardwire.
Sure, FM is fine for a car stereo but it doesn’t work in a motorcycle helmet that has Bluetooth. That’s my gripe.
[...] Recognizing that you are low on fuel, the TomTom could then offer to route you to the nearest gas station. This is similar to a feature that will be in the Garmin Zumo. [...]
Unfortunately Bluetooth technology is still in its infancy stage. Bandwidth is too low to be able to transmit stereo audio and other needed information. Thus tradeoffs and compromises are needed. Using FM to transmit stereo music is the best of a limited system called Bluetooth. FM transmitter does work with some MCs.
very wrong there bob, as you can get bluetooth headphones that can bee connected with you hifi, or any audio equipment. The quality is good just battery life is poor. Also the headphones teand to be rather large so for motorbike will be useless.
Maybe the reason why they’ve not done it is due to the Music bluetooth head sets beign too large
I certainly don’t claim to be an expert on Bluetooth, but there are several devices on the market which transmit stereo audio via Bluetooth. The A2DP Bluetooth profile (which as I understand is the specific profile which carries stereo audio between two Bluetooth devices) works even with the older Bluetooth 1.2 specification. Devices using the Bluetooth 2.0 specification carry even more bandwidth.
I’ve used a few of the Bluetooth audio adapters to take music from an iPod and send it wirelessly to another Bluetooth device for stereo playback. The sound quality was fantastic and has an added benefit of not needing to find an open FM frequency.
If you on a budget, look for the Garmin 2610. I’ve had mine 3 years, order the ram mount kit, and you can be traveling by motorcycle or car for less than $400, and the thing is shockproop and waterproof.
I’ve done 2 cross country rides and it helps you find the gas stations in the middle of no where.
I am looking to buy a GPS for a gift – as far as one for the bike is the Zumo 550 The one I should get?
The Zumo and the TomTom RIDER are the two most poular GPS devices for motorcycles right now.
Looking to buy a GPS as a gift, I would like it to have XM Radio/Bluetooth built in.. any ideas what’s best? don ‘t want to spend a gazillion $’s either…
I am considering either the Zumo 550 or the Tom Tom Rider but I have problems with both. I want to be able to use the GPS device in both my car and on my bike. The Rider does not have an external speaker so if I want to listen to voice prompts, I would have to have the Bluetooth receiver in my ear. The Zumo 550 has an external speaker but does not come with a wireless Bluetooth headset so I would have to buy one that tunes in voice prompts, because I’ll never hear prompts over the noise of the bike. Now Garmin does not guarentee a particular Bluetooth headset model will work with the 550, claiming the device is still being tested. I don’t want to buy one of those healmet headsets because of the way they look. Can anyone recommend a separate Bluetooth receiver that will fit under a helmet, so that I can receive voice prompts? Of course, if there is something I can buy for the Rider that will allow directions to be heard inside a car, I will look into buying.
Any ideas?
your perfect combo is going to be
the Zumo 550
and the cardo scala rider q2
http://www.cardowireless.com/Q2
The AUTO-COM ACTIVE PLUS works very well to tie it all together.
#1 The reason they did not include the bluetooth audio was for “safety reason” (as if having a bright interactive touchscreen in your face while riding a motorcycle is safe) You can see on one of the product sites that it says outcoming calls have been blocked for “safety”
It’s a very tough choice between these two units, so far the only thing making me lean towards the tomtom i the sleek design and inclusion of a bluetooth earpeice, but considering a bluetooth earpeice is only $20-$50 it doesnt make that much of a difference when your spending $800. The main reason is the slick night time mode which would literally be a lifesaver since I like many others have a glare problem, to the point where I cant ride in the left lane because the glare from oncoming cars actually blinds me.
Update, it seems that the zumo does infact transmit mp3 via bluetooth, it is possible that whoever made the claim was using a device that didnt accept it or didnt set it up properly.
The problem I run into when looking for a Bluetooth capable headset for my motorcycle helmet, is the size. Obviously I want the smallest headset possible so I can wear on the inside of my helmet and it has to be loud enough that I hear it over a Ducati “Monster” engine.
Any ideas?
Scala 500
Scala 500 okay can you hear this inside your helmet? Next. Can someone you’re used to with this headset inside your helmet?
Yes
I have a Zumo, but haven’t picked out a headset yet. I’m leaning toward the Motorola HS-830, but it looks like they’re discontinuing them (anybody know why?). The only other option I can find is the Cardo Scala Rider. This unit doesn’t have the option of using the pendent away from the bike like the Motorola, but is rated #1 by some online deal (CNET?). Both of these units require attachment of a egg sized unit on the outside of the helmet, with the Cardo being the smallest, but the optional Passenger link with the Motorola and walk away bluetooth phone capability with the pendent serious interest me. The only other option I can find is the pending (April 2007) J&M Bluetooth unit. The benefit of this system is true 2-channel Stereo….The tech support guy I spoke with hates bluetooth, so I didn’t get a very good description of the unit…but have a speaker at each ear would be cool and make the Zumo MP3 files sound much better.
What are you guys doing???? Assuming you ride with a helmet.
Damon
Two questions:
1) Does the Zumo550 have a built-in speaker so you could walk, using the unit on battery and still hear audio commands without buletooth?
2) I use a half helmet and was thinking of using the bluetooth unit I use with my cell phone which is a Motorola H500. Any feedback if that would work? (My helmet does have ear covers (kinda) so I could “plaster” the thing to my ear to help keep out noise).
I find the volume of the voice prompt on the 550 useless both in car & on bike ive contacted garmin who were unhelpfull to say the least ,I have solved the problem by buying an ipod external speaker system removig speakers and making an in line amp .
Etymotic have a new in-ear bluetooth headphones that are studio quality ETY-8 I have the ER-4 and they are a whole new experience on a ling ride. I am wainting for a responce from both Garmin and Etymotic to hear what they say about both riders receiving the same signal from the Zumo 550
As Simon said the speaker on the 550 is useless.I thought something was wrong with my car base until I read Simon’s comment.
Neil- The speaker or voice does not work on battery mode, just when it is powered up.
For in helmet speakers and bluetooth, check out http://www.jmcorp.com
Just to update the speaker problem. Hold the volume control on the front of the Zumo (bottom left)and hit the + on the top left. Solved my problem. I had set the volume inside to 100% but had to set the front control also works fine now.
Can anyone tell me if the zumo has a night time mode please?
Thanks
Yes, it has a night mode. You can select if you want to view day, night, or have it automatically change.
The problem with all these in-car or bike GPS; is that the screen is way too small, and not bright enough. I prefer a laptop screen size with nice crisp graphic of the road map.
I just got the new Motorola S705 Bluetooth Stereo headset. It has an FM radio built in and when sinked up to the Zumo it will interupe to give me directions and traffic alerts.
I am still experiencing issues with my Razor V3 connecting to the Zume phone connect. It will sink up but drops when a phone call is placed. Some kind of bandwidth issue. Any ideas out there?
How do you like the motorola headphones? I need to pick up some tunes before my 3000 mile trip in 12 days.
I like the Motorola S705. The FM radio works great. The link to the Zumo works well. No XM and the MP3 from the Zumo is weak. I think Garmin needs to step up and claim responsibility. The direction and alerts come in loud and clear. The head phones that came with the S705 are changable. My Ipod headphones were of better quality so I have been using them.
I was also looking at the Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Stereo Headset as well. The headphones were not removeable and no FM radio. I had to get the S705 from an overseas distributor because it is not available in the US yet.
If your using ipod earphones how do you communicate? does the unit have its own microphone or do you need cellphone speaker with a built in mic?
It has a built in mic. Like I said I use this for the radio, directions, and traffic alerts. My Razor V3 will not work with the Zumo. I don’t think it is a good idea to use a phone will riding anyway.
The volume on my Zumo55o is very low, when used in my car. It was a bit better before but I don’t know what happened it’s whispering now. Took it back to my retailer he pulled a brand new one out of the box that one did not sound any better. It seems Randy might have a fix submitted on February 14. If Randy could please explain his fix with a bit more detail it would be appreciated.
Jim April 18, 07
Jim, you might want to check out a thread in the discussion forums where someone was talking about a similar garmin sound issue with their Nuvi 370. A resolution (if any) hasn’t been posted but maybe between all of us there is a solution.
I’m interested in purchasing the Zumo 550 but can not handle speakers/ear phones right next to my ear. My bike does have speakers, does this unit have an option to have prompts override the radio and come through the speakers?
I have had a Zumo since March ‘07 and think it is a great product. I have subscriptions to XM radio/weather/traffic and use low-profile helment speakers. A previous reviewer listed the jmcorp.com site for bluetooth products; DO NOT BUY THEIR BLUETOOTH HEADSET!!!!!! Besides being of poor construction, the audio is horribly distorted. This is not a mono vs. stereo issue (which J&M offers as an excuse); you cannot listen to it for more than 10 seconds. J&M displays the Zumo on a large number of catalog pages (including the bluetooth pages) leading one to assume it works with it; it does not; talk about deceitful advertising! I am now stuck with a $329.99 boat anchor. Talk about terrible customer service.
Does anyone know of a third party device that you can connect to the Zumo 550 in your car … that will then transmit the audio via FM? I’m trying to figure out how to interface the audio on the Zumo to my car wirelessly.
My opinion is that having MP3 capability on the Zumo is useless without an FM transmitter … I don’t know what they were thinking … and they have it built into other models …
Steve
My 550 while connected via mini plug to my radio was low in volume. thank you Randy for the tip. Press the lower left volume buttton until the volume bars show on the screen, then press the upper left + button and your volume will increase to full capacity.
Has anyone mounted the Zumo 550 on a Harley? I have a 2007 Electra Glide Classic and am looking for a good GPS.
Put the 550 on my Ultra on Saturday and it works great. I had the dealer do it and I might have mounted it on the handlebar rather than the clutch reservoir so now it kind of sticks out. On the other hand, it’s closer to me and therefore easier to see. So far I’ve made few adjustments, like brightness, but I’m leaving SoCal for 15 or so days riding in the Northwest and BC this Thursday so I’ll be giving the Zumo a big test. By the way, the dealer charged for 3.5 hours labor, sort of high I think.
I put my 550 on my 2007 ultra classic. Very easy to do, however I put it on the r/s housing due to my palm is on the left, It works great. I did not want my GXM30 antenna under the fairing where it is normally put. I velcro’d the base on the left side dash, above the speaker, flat enough for the antenna. I ran the wire along the base of the shield and to the zumo. This way I can take both the antenna and zumo off and use it in my car or rv. I took one screw off the accesory switch holder, accessed the swithes wires and tapped on to the pos and neg wires for my zumo’s power cable. Note: 2 different kinds of threads on the bolts zumo gives you for the housing mount, pick the right ones so you don’t strip the threads.
We have our zumo mounted on our 2003 Road King – did ourselves with no problems. We are new users but can someone tell me how to program zumo to avoid all major highways? Like you can on Mapquest?
Linda, if you go to ‘Tools’ –> ‘Navigation’ –> ‘Avoidances’ –> you should see a checkbox for highways. (I think that is where it is, I’m going from memory.)
The Zumo 550 advertises that you can “plan trips on your computer before you start. Search for food and fuel stops and local attractions. Then, transfer your route to zÅ«mo and go.”
Can anyone provide a step-by-step on how this is accomplished? Thanks.
Liz, page 20 of the MapSource manual provides instructions. Is there something in there that isn’t clear?
Where would I find the MapSource Manual – it didn’t come with the GPS?
Thanks.
You can download it here.
Tim – thanks for your help. I guess the problem is that I didn’t receive the MapSource program with my Zumo.
I think you can download that from here.
The problem is that it won’t work if you don’t have MapSource on your computer already. It was my belief that MapSource came with the Zumo, so that I could load it onto my computer. Apparently I was misled?
Liz
The mapsource software is on the City Navigator NT DVD that comes with the Zumo 550.
Thanks for your help. The DVD wasn’t in the box. The retailer is in the process of rectifying the situation, so all will be well by tomorrow. Thanks again.
Long time Garmin gps user – my trusty 76CS took a nose dive off my bike on a rough stretch of offroad and ‘poof,’ I’m in the market for a new one.
I’m interested in the Zumo 550. In addition to my bike, I want to use this in my car (easy switch), and also on my sailboat. Not for serious bluewater navigation, but rather on the Great Lakes, where I live.
I don’t think there’s any way that I can load Bluechart or other marine data onto a Zumo unit, is there? Regardless, is the 550 capable of offroad navigation, giving offroad style directions? (I’ve used a borrowed gps unit on the boat that was always trying to get me onto a road (which is annoying when you’re out on the water!).
thanks!
hi i inadverently deletedmaps from my zumo 550 . I was able to restore them thanks to mapsource but now i don’t have a voice prompt please help!!
With current retail pricing, the Zumo 550 is much more expensive than the 450, and unless you want Bluetooth to a headset, doesn’t appear to offer much more for a motorcyclist. I honestly can’t see using a phone on the bike – I wouldn’t be able to hear and they wouldn’t be able to hear me. Is there something that I’m missing that would push me to spend the extra and buy a 550?
Phil, I think you might be able to load Bluechart maps on it now, you’ll need to double check with Garmin on that. The same would apply to topo maps for “offroad” navigation.
Maeve, you might try running the webupdater, I’ve used that in the past to install voices.
Phil, people I’ve talked to with compatible Bluetooth helmets have told me the phone quality is quite good.
Can’t speak for other Bluetooth helmet vendors but the J&M Bluetooth helmet system sounds like garbage with the Zumo. I ended up using a cheap, wired set and it sounds great.
i have a zumo 550 on my 06 ultra, had to download prograam to up the volume level of all mp3’s. i want to add xm but am worried about volume any one have xm w/zumo? and how load is it without helmet?
I have xm/Zumo on my ‘07 Ultra. Do you have an input on your Harley radio? If so it works great. You’ll need to raise the Zumo volume by pressing the speaker button on the bottom right side, you’ll see yellow volume bars on the screen. Then press the “+” button on the top left side. Works great.
As far as a bluetooth headset? I heard the best is Cardo System, ( http://www.cardowireless.com/index.php ). Great for phone and rider communication. Only has one speaker so probably not the choice for music.
“CORRECTION” Speaker button is on the bottom left side.
thanks, yes it has input, but buying new cable that moves input to back of radio. i used mp3 gain to up volume levels on all stored music. just want to make sure without helmet or headsets i will be satisfied with xm volume. i do have volume levels all the way up. both of them
If your volume is okay with your regular radio, it will be fine with the Zumo. They will be the same as long as the volume is up all the way on the Zumo. Remember, there are two different ways to raise the volume on the Zumo, through the side buttons as mentioned earlier and through the touch screen in the tools menu under “volume.”
Okay, I’m dumb. How do I get the MP3 (and XM although I’m not using it) to my radio? My ear phones?
Thanks.
Via the stereo jack on the side of the Zumo. You will need a mini stereo cable with a male connection at both ends. One will plug into the side of the Zumo and the other will plug into the auxillary input of your radio. If you want to use your headphones only, they should plug directly into the side of your Zumo.
I have a Zumo 550 mounted on an ‘04 Harley Ultra and it’s paired with a bluetooth cell phone. The Zumo audio is connected to the auxiliary input of the stereo so I can hear great. But I would like to be able to talk on the phone via a microphone plugged into the Zumo. Does anybody know of a good microphone that can overcome motorcycle road noise?
Read number 61 above for a good microphone, but it is bluetooth.
I used the Zumo in France on holiday his summer. Although set to the Fastest Route option it was more prone to taking us on smaller roads than in the UK. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
I’m also looking to install a Garmin Zumo 550 on my bike. I have also checked out the Nolan bluetooth enabled Helmets they seem the perfect choice. They have several N-Com models with stereo speakers and an in helmit mic. http://ncom.nolan.it/Index_ENG.aspx
I havent tried it out yet but others I know have and are happy with the results.
I would like info on programming your route via your PC prior to a trip if anyone has done this.
Hi Buzzard. There are several ways to plan a route using the MapSource software that is supplied with the Zumo. The easiest is to select the Waypoint Tool (green flag) and mark the start,finish and any via points. Then press Ctrl R and insert the waypoints, click ‘recalculate’ and then ’show on map’. Check the setting in Edit/Preferences if the Fastest or Shortest route is calculated. Connect Zumo to PC with USB lead. Click on icon ’send to device’ on menu bar and follow instructions. The next time you turn on the Zumo you will be asked to import the waypoints and route.
The main difference between a Zumo 550 and 450 for motorcycles is obviously the lack of Bluetooth for the 450. However the 450 also lacks text to speech so it does not pronounce street names. It just says turn right in 500 feet… not turn right onto valjean lane in 500 feet. I find this a very nice feature. If you ever plan to use the 450 in your auto, then you would have to buy an auto mount/suction cup and access. power cord and maybe a 120vc power supply too… all of which is included with the 550.
I just bought a Zumo 550 and it works pretty well except for a few things: Won’t recognize one-way roads and tried to take me down several when following a route A to B. (Maybe it’s a maps issue not sure, though make sure you’re not turning blindly on to a street without making sure it’s not a one-way, or you might end up meeting a deathbox coming the other way).
Audio quality is hissy and a bit distorted. I took the same 128b mp3 file and put it on my mobile phone, computer, Zumo Internal Memory and SD card. I have two BT2.0 Stereo headsets. The same song sounded clear through my mobile and PC BT Dongle (Both BT1.2), but the song came out hissy and distorted on the Zumo. I think the audio quality via Zumo’s Bluetooth needs to be improved. I’ll just continue to use my mobile phone until an update comes out (hopefully) that will fix the issue.
I would like to use XM radio feature on the bike and in the car.. I can’t find any info on how the XM works in the car.. Is there an FM transmitter with the car mount? Does anyone know how it works?
Three ways to use your Zumo 550 for XM radio. First make sure you have the optional XM radio antenna for your Zumo, GXM 30 (http://www8.garmin.com/xm/ ), note; it must be powered and will not work off just the Zumo’s battery. With the Zumo 550 a car mount is included. This mount has a small built in speaker you can hear the XM radio through, however that should be your last resort. You can purchase a FM transmitter which will plug into the audio output of the Zumo, but still not the best way to go. Finally, if you have an auxillary audio input on your car and motorcycle radio, you can plug a cable from there to your Zumo audio output. That will be your cleanest sound.
“Audio quality is hissy and a bit distorted. ..the song came out hissy and distorted on the Zumo. I think the audio quality via Zumo’s Bluetooth needs to be improved.”
Agreed and tested likewise. Very disappointing poor audio quality with obvious static via bluetooth on the Zumo 550 – compared to playing back the same song via a bluetooth mobile. The mobile unfortunately only reads 2GB microSDs and lacks the large display of the Zumo.
Hoping a firmware fix will resolve this.
I’m considering the Zumo because I have a bike and a car. The bike I’m gonna get a helmet with Bluetooth, like the Nolan. In the car I’ve got bluetooth integrated into the audio system, so I can use a bluetooth phone hands free, etc. A
Has anyone paired a Zumo with a Toyota Bluetooth car system?
Thanks!
Greetings; couple of questions (please)
1: My Zumo 550 does not have updated info on routes, is there a website to download new highways, streets, etc?
2: Being that the XM antenna for the Zumo is so expensive, is there another one that can work forl less money?
3: I have a 2003 Harley Road King with a Road Tech MP3/WMA Player already installed with non Harley Speakers; no input capability / can anyone tell me how to hook up my Zumo to either the speakers or the MP3 player in order to listen to the Zumo’s MP3 as well?
By the way, thanks to everyone for leaving messages, based on your guidance I have purchased this Zumo 550 and I’m very happy.
Thanks for all the reviews. I’m pretty much sold on the 550. One question, though …
Has anyone ever used their 550 for geocaching? I’d love to ride to a city and then do some geocaching while I’m there. Would/Does the 550 work that way?
I have an ‘05 Goldwing and just got a Zumo 550. Does anyone know where I can get hook up kit to wire it into my bike so that I can hear it through my helmet headset?
If you have an aux input on your bikes radio, you can plug the Zumo’s audio out to your radio’s audio in, then switch your radio to listen to auxillary. If you don’t, then take it to a car stereo shop and they can usually install an aux in for your radio. Remember to utilize the XM you will need to have the Zumo wired to a 12 volt source.
Just to update on the Stereo Sound.
It’s not Possible with Zumo 550 via Bluetooth.
This is because Garmin chose to use hardware from Parrot’s CK5000 chip which only supports the Telephony profile and not Stereo. Garmin could have chosen the CK5050 which included Stereo, but they didn’t….
The ONLY WAY to get stereo sound wirelessly, is to go out the Zumo’s base audio out, run a wire somewhere under your cowl (if you’re lucky to have one), and then hook it into some Bluetooth Transmitter (i.e. the one from Jabra). Then hoping your stereo helment bluetooth headset can connect to at least 2 devices (Zumo550 and the Jabra).
This is what I did, and the sound is excellent. Unfortunately, Garmin didn’t think stereo sound was important enough to choose the right technology to put in their product..
To Mike, can you also talk on a cell phone via the Zumo with your setup?
The reason that they don’t broadcast music over Bluetooth is so that there arn’t as many retarded bike riders listening to AC/DC at full volume when they should be watching what the hell they are doing. Come on,, use your brains on this one. I can’t believe that was even a question asked. Garmin has taken out the stupidity factor in some bikers right at the factory.
I just bought the Garmin 550 Zumo, works well in car, nice features and maps, but trying to pair it to bluetotth headset is all guesswork. The support at Garmin is THE WORST I”VE EVER HAD. They give me a different answer every time I call(i’m going on 7), they cant give you a list of compatble headsets, nor explain to you how you can hear the MP3 player through them. On some calls they said it’s possible and others they say no. I am returning this product due to the bad support and trying the TomTom.
I am really considering the Garmin. Just a question – I do listen to my shure EC-4s with my IPOD, on my Road King. Dangerous – perhaps – but what I was wondering… if I listened to music with the smart card, through my headphones, will it interupt the music for directions; and will I hear them clearly without an ext. amplifier. Thanks
To John:
Yes, you have a setting on the Zumo 550 (Settings, Bluetooth, Audio) which allows you to use your headset on the helmet with Zumo for Phone Only. (other stuff like music and navigation prompts will be transmitted to the output on your base)
This is useful as I haven’t found on the market a device similar to Jabra’s A120s that will support the headset profile to a mini mic out (which could then be plugged into the Zumo base).
To Bob:
Lovely flamebait post there… Many people are very happy with listening to Music with mono quality (i’ve seemed to come across these sentiments in my research of the product).
So, your argument, which seems you are saying that the reason why Garmin didn’t use Stereo in their bluetooth profile, was to prevent people from listening to music, doesn’t make any sense honestly. As people are listening to music anyways (even if it is bad quality) via Bluetooth.
If Garmin really didn’t want people to listen to music, then they wouldn’t have allowed the possibility via Bluetooth (monorail), and the base output jack (stereo).
Granted, riders of motorcycles should be very aware of their surroundings when riding. I think Garmin realized that it was a selling point of their product, because honestly, what’s to prevent someone from connecting a Jabra A125s to their Ipod and connecting to their bluetooth helmet headset? Anyways.. Dispointed with Garmin taking the half-a$$d approach on their product via the ParrotCK5000.
To Kim:
Zumo works in this priority:
1. Phone Call
2. Navigation Prompts
3. Music
So Phone Call will take priority over #2 & #3. Navigation Prompts (You can turn off Navigation Prompts by going to Settings, Volume, Navigation and turning off the Navigation Volume) will interrupt music.
How long is Garmin’s typical product life-cycle? It will be two years this summer (okay, late summer) since the 550 was introduced. Any guesses as to when its successor will be announced?
Also, has there been firmware updates that have improved the usability of the 550 since introduction back in ‘06?
thanks.
What is the deal with the XM antenna costing so much? Whay can’t you use one of the millions listed on ebay for $20?
If I am correct, the Zumo is only the “assistant” in the XM Radio. The main part of the XM Radio is what we see as the antenna. It is more than an antenna we are use to seeing on other car units. When you activate the XM Radio it ask you for the number on the Garmin Antenna, not the number on the Zumo. You should be able to take the Garmin antenna and use it on any Zumo 550 without re-activating with XM Radio, but you can’t take your Zumo and use it any adaptable antenna without having to re-activate the antennas radio number.
I hope that helped.
Garmin wait time is over 30 minutes.
Garmin Zumo 550 not worth the price. The first 3 times I used GPS I got lost because GPS stopped working. Detour just wanted me to go in a circle.
GPS unit was still under warranty. I had to pay shipping to purchase GPS and I had to pay shipping to return unit for repair. Will Garmin credit me the warranty time (extend time) for time they have the GPS (I don’t think so).
Garmin website has over 300 users (who wrote a compliant) with same problem.
I lost the car craddle of my Zumo550. Anyone interested in selling theirs please let me know.
I have a harley ultra 08.I would like to know if the zumo 550 can integrate with my sound systems external speakers(4) and if so will it interrupt the music to give voice command directions.I don’t use a bluetooth helmet or ear plugs when riding.
Andrew,
Yes, voice will interrupt music you have a route set up that you’re following, you have alerts set for custom POI.
However, you turn the Navigation sound off in the settings and you shouldn’t hear it or be interrupted when listening to Music.
The voice will only interrupt the music if you are playing music through your Zumo (xm or mp3). If you are listening to your Harley’s radio it is set at fm, am, cd or if you have your Zumo plugged into the radios input jack on the front, auxillary. You can only set your radio to one of those. So if you are listening to fm or cd, you can’t hear the Zumo because it produces sound through your auxillary. To hear your Zumo through your radio you have to plug into the auxillary jack then switch your radio to auxillary, unless you want to buy the very, very expensive bluetooth adapter for your Harley radio which is still not a guarantee it will work. All bluetooth devices are not created compatible.
Gotcha,but say I want to play music on my ultra’s speakers,which I play loud…what is the best way to hear the zumo gps?…I guess I could wear the bluetooth headseat in one ear and have music on the bikes speakers but thats not an ideal situation,any other ideas I would appreciate it,thanks.
The best way to hear music and your gps is to get the xm radio antenna for your zumo and listen to xm radio through your zumo. you can also get a 4GB memory card, download music to it, put it in your zumo and listen to mp3’s.
I am planning on purchasing a Zumo 550 and would like to mount the unit on the fairing of my 2008 Ultra Classic, but I have not seen any good provisions for that type of mounting that didn’t require some sort of drilling on the fairing. Does anyone have any ideas other than the standard handle bar mounting (which I might consider if I can’t find a good fairing mount kit)?
Handle bar, left side, don’t drill. The mount it came with works fine. Ram does make a mount that utilizes the two screws on the light/horn housing.
http://products.ram-mount.com/rammount/productdetail.aspx?partnumber=RAM-B-309-1U
It comes with four screws, metric and standard, use the right ones or you’ll strip something. Then you can run a mini stereo cable, male to male, from your Zumo to your aux in on your Harley radio. Make sure you have the volume control on your Zumo at it’s highest level by utilizing the buttons on the exterior left side of your Zumo.
I have a goldwing and don’t mind the hardwired headset. I’m thinking of getting the Zumo 450 or 550. Thought of going wireless, but reading the issues and complexity of bluetooth configurations with the 550 and not really needing it, I’m leaning on the 450. Question I have is will the 450 or 550 allow easy integration with the internal intercom setup of the goldwing. I don’t know if either would allow voice to text via the headsets intercom mic or interrupt music for the voice directions. Anyone have a goldwing and have a zumo connected via the internal intercom system of the bike?
I recently purchased a Zumo 550 for my BMW R1100GS along with AutoCom system. I like everything except for the sound quality of the downloaded mp3 songs I have on the SD card. However if I plug in my Ipod into the AutoCom directly and bypass the Zumo the sound quality is pretty good. Any ideas? I would like not to have use my Ipod because it’s not hands free and as simple to use as the Zumo.
Thanks
First of all, are your downloaded songs the same quality as your iPods? If so, make sure your “on screen” volume control on your Zumo is all the way up. Press the left bottom speaker button on your Zumo which should display level bars on your Zumo’s screen. Then press the top left “+” button on your Zumo until the level bars are all the way up.
I did what you suggested and turned up the volume but to no avail. It still sounds like a bad transistor radio. To answer your other question the mp3 files are the same ones that are on my Ipod so the quality should be the same. Any other suggestions?
Reassure that you are plugged from the Zumo’s aux out and plugged into your bike’s aux in. If this is the case, I would notify Garmin. I’m not familiar with the “AutoCom” system and therefore there maybe a problem the way your Zumo is hooked up.
Thanks for the help, I’ve checked the input and output cables so I think your right. I’ll check with the manufacturer and BMW who installed it.
Researching GPS for my FJR and seems the Zumo 550 is what I’m looking for but hear conflicting reports on music quality and even if it works via bluetooth. Please help
Question #2. Does the 550 have an “Audio In” jack where I could use my i-pod through the 550 to transmit to my N-com helmet via bluetooth?
I appreciate help on this before I take the plunge.
Got a Garmin Zumo550, i am having problems connecting to the Autocom via its bluetooth adaptor. The garmin sees the Autocom but refuses to connect, any ideas? have used pass keys “1243″ and “0000″ as suggested in both manuals
I hooked up my ZUMO 550 to a 12 volt power source on my motor cycle it worked when i turned the motor cycle switch on. But when I started my motor cycle the Zumo when dead. I checked the the
power going to the mount and that was ok. Does anyone have any answers ?
You zumo goes dead when you start the bike since your starter motor takes a lot of amps to start the bike and lowers your battery voltage below the threshold that Zumo or other GPSs operate. It happens to my 230, 2720, etc. you should really not have your zumo or radio or other accessories when you start the bike. I assume your zumo runs OK after the bike has started.
I was trying to route plan with the 550 and am having trouble. I thought you could go to Google Earth and pick points. Any help here?
Regarding the Blutooth adaptor and autocom system. Was able to solve it. What i did was to unplug the bluetooth dongle from the autocom, then set the Zumo to search for headset. Next reconected the dongle to autocom,switched dongle on…and hey it connected, no pass key required
Looking to purchase my first GPS unit for my KTM 530. I’ll use 90% street 10% dirt. The 550 looks like the one to get, but it is already 2 years old. Any rumors of a new version coming out before the holidays?
I don’t have any info on newer Zumo models, however if it doesn’t happen in the first seven days of November I doubt we will see any before January.
For an FYI: I used the TomTom Rider for a 5000 mile, 12 day (almost) around the country trip. I would NOT recommend the TomTom, too many issues. The major ones are:
(a)the external power connector (4 spring finger contacts) failed after 9 days of continuous riding due vibration. The contact fingers actually wore away the mating contact points of the TomTom. This has a double-negative of changing the operation of the unit, for when in the power cradle “rider friendly” controls come up on the display (large icons and limited / alternatve functionality)
(b)just as bad, the bezel around the display is so thick that a gloved hand CANNOT use the controls when out of the “rider friendly” mode. You must remove your gloves in order to program the unit, even at stops
(c)the “rider friendly” mode is WAT too limited – no access to POI besides gas stops (no food, no emergency responders, no other POI’s at all except gas) and you CAN’T reroute at ALL (only look for alternate routes)
(d)the voice prompts are…disconcerting (as noted by other users): “Keep left, exit right 500 yards” is not usual voice ‘directions’ given and, with no text-to-speech, you have a hard time confirming those voice directions when distracted by traffic.
A love-hate relationship, for certain, after 5000 miles…
I have a GL1800 Goldwing and am seriously considering the 550. I have a question regarding the “tracklog” features. Does this allow the user to turn on the feature and the system will “track” your route as you go – like leaving bread crumbs on your trail? This would be an important feature for me as I ride with other bikers that know great routes and I’d like to take the trip and recall it later and also save the trip in my favorites.
Anyone know about this?
Breadcrumps are shown on the gps as dotted lines and if you upload the tracks to your PC garmin software, then the garmin map will show tracts too… but converting the tracks to a desription of right and left turns on specific highway names is the challenge. I don;t know how to do that….. or how to translate tracts into a garmin route that you can reload and follow just like a route you create. Don’t know how to do that either
It is just about impossible to do that Roger, your best bet is to just create a new route from A to B as the tracks, then insert enough via points to force the same route.
I’m considering a Zumo 550 for my three bikes … Is a memory card necessary, or does everything operate properly right out of the box? I intend to use a plug-in powerpoint, but may purchase additional cables for a hard-wire.
No memory card is necessary.
If you are looking for a good hard wire kit, JM-Corp has a good one. It integrates with some bike radios that have coms and headsets. Will also allow you to make and receive phone calls utilizing the zumos bluetooth through your headset
******About the only flaw with the system is that JM designed it to go on the right side, instead of the Garmin preferred left side. Much more safer to have your left hand just inches from your left grip than crossing all the way over to the right side of the handle bar with your left hand.
I tried installing the J&M system on a Harley Ultra, but couldn’t get it to work properly. Consequently, I had to send it back.
I have heard there have been problems (none particular) with the Zumo models from a couple of people. I want to pick up a GPS for my bike but don’t know which way to go..Zumo or Tomtom. Any suggestions?
I have owned my Zumo since it came out and have had NO problems. My partner has the TomTom and says he has had a few problems, especially periodic loss of the signal, something that doesn’t happen on the Zumo. My partner was surprised I was able to still get a signal inside the house. It cost more, but has more features. Read a few reviews, especially the consumer comments. No matter what GPS you get, you should focus on a Garmin product.
To all: I am seriously considering a Zumo 550 for my 08 Ultra. I really appreciate the enormous amount of info on this website. Any other suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
Zumo 660 expected to be released 1Q 2009,est.price of $799
I have purchased a Zumo 550…. Love it… I have it on my 09 ultra plugged the speaker wire into the aux in my advanced radio system and can recieve and hear a bluetooth phone call… but how do I get the Mic connected? I have bought the J&M wire kits… but that is way over kill when alls that needs to be done is the mic wire running to the zumo… surely there is an easy fix here some where
I have the same issue. Had any luck???
I’m tossing and turning between the Zumo 550 and Zumo 660 which should be out soon. Both look like good units, but there are a few things that are tearing me between the two. 1) I want it now, so the only option is the 550. 2) I want stereo bluetooth audio, so the 660 is the only option.
Wide screen would be nice, but who knows if it’s really that much of an advantage.
To me, the biggest advantage of the Widescreen is that the buttons and virtual keyboard are bigger, making input easier.
I recentlty purchased the Zuno 550 and also purchased IMC CAMOS BTS300 wireless bluetooth stereo headset for my helmet. I successfully paired the camos bluetooth to my zumo but cannot get any sound through headset speakers. I was successful in pairing my phone directly to camos and received sound. Are the ZUMO and CAMOS incompatable and should I purchase a different bluetooth system? Any recommendations on a good quality, waterproof system that will allow gps, mp3, & phone compatability?
Thanks
I just bought a new 2009 Electra Glide Ultra Classic and there is a mount specicically made that attaches directly to the upper left side of the fairing. It puts the Zumo in the perfect position and looks like it was meant to be part of the fairing.
I don’t know, but when you find out please post it. I know ram makes one, but is and looks generic. A company with a first initial of J sells one with a kit, however they designed it to fit on the right side which is a lot less safe than designing it for the left.
I just purchased a Zumo 550….I am interested in subscribing to XM….I also purchased the antenna. I have a blue ant bluetooth wireless headset on my helmet….how can I get the xm to come through the headset? any help is appreciated.
Have a Zumo 550. I’m switching carriers to AT&T and want to know if anybody has experience with any phones that work with AT&T nad the 550.
Art– not sure if your question was answered but you can find a list here: http://www8.garmin.com/bluetooth/phones.jsp
Thanks, Tim. That list seems a bit out-dated. It doesn’t seem to have the newer AT&T phones. I’m hoping someone has a phone that works and I might consider that model.
Thanks!
Art
does your headset have bluetooth and fm was thinking of the scala buthtooth with fm