Comments on: TomTom RIDER 2nd Edition

By: Corey

Corey — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:59:42 +0000

I bought mine for a little over $400. It doesn’t keep a charge ever. I sent it back to them they supposedly sent me a new unit, the same thing. I can charge it with the desk charger then it dies within 2 hrs of being on my bike. The car charging usb port doesn’t work nor the bike mounted charger. I called to complain and was told there was really nothing they could do then a day later I got an email stating my service order on my TomTom was closed. So much for service. I recently moved to Phoenix, Az and really rely on a gps to get around in this huge city. Can anyone recommend a reliable unit from a reputable company? Thank you.

By: Ted

Ted — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:55:23 +0000

The Rider two is my third motorcycle GPS, and my second Tom Tom. My first Tom Tom was a car unit which was excellant in almost every way. The Rider 2 on the other hand is as close to worthless as seems possible for a motorcycle GPS. Illegible much of the time in daylight. Most of the incedental info like speed, arrival time etc, illegible under almost any conditions while riding. The simple functions, like get me home are easy and intuitive. Beyond that, the unit delights in making things occult.

I recently completed a 7500 mile tour with the unit and I am giving it away. Eating the $500 loss and going back to Garmin. It is impossible to imagine that anyone who rides had anything to do with the design of this unit. Even more astonishing that this is the second edition. That suggests that there was once a Rider 1, which was worse.

Total piece of garbage.I am amazed that a company that makes such first rate car GPS units, would put their name on this disaster.

By: mark

mark — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:55:44 +0000

I recently purchased the Ryder 2 and am very unhappy with it. The unit works as advertised except for one very important feature. It is impossible to see the screen during daylight hours. What is strange to me is that you would have thought that would have been the most important part when it was designed. Basically it is totally useless on my motorcycle.

By: Gary

Gary — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:30:08 +0000

Ok hear it is, the truth. I own two tom tom riders, the first and the second edition. If I had to do it all over again I would never of bought a tom tom gps. Software sucks, mounts suck, can’t see the screen in sunlight, no track logs, service sucks because when your done taking to them the problem is still there and that sucks, keeps putting me on dirt roads and that sucks. Please take my advice and check out Gamin or anything but this.

By: John

John — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:23:08 +0000

I’m writing this having had another completely useless session with TomTom support (sic).
This unit is one of the worst I’ve dealt with.
1. Shortly after purchase the mount disintergrated.
2. The software is clunky and doesn’t have most of the features on current Tomtoms. Essentially the application provided feels like old software.
3. The compatibility with phones or headsets is appauling. Very few modern phones with work with it and virtually no other headset other than the ‘old’ Cardo suppied will work #not even compatible with the new Cardo units! Even with all this, I have found the bluetooth link – again, I expect old bluetooth software – very patchy. Very often the call doesn’t link up, or doesn’t disconnect properly – which can be dangerous.
4. Anyway, last week the software failed – apparently the main application in the unit ‘corrupted’, something the tech support guy was aware of. After I cleared and re-loaded the software, it wouldn’t see the map on the unit. So I deleted that map and went to update on the web. It wouldn’t allow me to download the map – it didn’t tell me this, of course, it just said there was a server error – hence another wasted 2-3 days trying. Then I call Customer Support and spoke to Chris Webb #supervisor#. Apparently: a) I have deleted the maps #trying to get it working#so I have to buy a new map! He would be prepared to send me a 2 year old map #my unit has failed within 12 months# but wouldn’t send me a current map or even a map the same age as my unit. b) It was my fault for deleting the unit map without a backup #although no warning anywhere that this would mean I’d need to purchase a new map!# c) He refused to allow me to talk to his superior, the Departmental manager, David Watkins. d)
The final offer would be to send the unit away #max delay of 20 working days# simply because he wouldn’t send me the map which would have got the unit working.
So now I have a dead unit – and a complete refusal of Tom Tom to fix the problem in a manner any customer forking out this kind of money would expect. IMO it shows an arrogance of the company which I find repugnant.
Clearly, you must decide if you still want to buy this unit but may I suggest you have a good look at the Garmin Zumo 660 – whatever their customer services is like, it can’t be worse than Tom Tom’s.
PS: I have now bought the new map as the only way to keep motoring – I hope they are pleased with the extra £54 they squeezed out of me :<

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 23 May 2009 16:27:46 +0000

I have upgraded to the Rider 2. After panning an itinerary for a route in one direction is there a ‘reverse trip’ feature that will follow the same waypoints backwards? My previous tom tom version 3 did this but can’t find any options on Rider 2.

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:32:26 +0000

You can see the maps available for the Rider 2 here.

By: Kiran Chopda

Kiran Chopda — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:49:14 +0000

I am interested in knowing on which site can I get maps for my Tomtom gps rider 2 for india and asia

By: Paul Konya

Paul Konya — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:00:01 +0000

I am thinking about a GPS for my bike. I am planning on a coast to coast trip this next year. This is also going to be my first GPS. Is this a good unit compared to others? Ease of use, price, etc.. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks- P.K.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:26:18 +0000

I made a video on how to repair, or replace the battery in the TomTom Rider 2 GPS. Getting this thing open is a real trick. Tom Tom has no out of warranty repair center. If you ever have a problem with your GPS, this video could help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9_MF7EuLuQ