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This is a really nice GPS unit that is specifically designed for use on a Motorcycle. Included in the box was an industrial looking - hammered flat black - mounting system that I decided NOT to use. It was ok, but I am more of a Chrome kind of guy. I bought a mounting system from www.LeaderMotorcycle.com specifically for my 2008 Honda Goldwing GL1800. The hardest part of the install was using the update / unlocking options on Garmin's website. Once the firmware and software were updated, the unit mounted and hard wired, it was time to test it out. It has real easy to use feature, and anyone who has used a GPS in the past can use the ZUMO 550 with little to no learning curve. Set up your preferences, log your home location, and start checking out the features. You can plug extra memory in, and upload your music. Which if you want to listen to music and use the GPS (if you do not have Bluetooth on your bike, is what you will have to do. No Problem for me, I'd rather listen to my mix anyway. You can still use the CB and everything else, just no radio if your AUX port is active. The only thing that I was disappointed with is that there is NO internal speaker. There is no testing the audio unless you are Bluetooth synced or plugged in to your aux port on the Goldwing sound system which is what I did, by simply plugging it into my 1/8" plug for my ipod headphone jack and turning on AUX. Overall, NICE, and I would buy it again.Read full review
This Garmin Zumo 550 is a very solid and versatile unit. The mounting system is also very solid and cleverly designed. The best I have ever seen. It actually has advantages over the larger, newer and more expensive 660 Zumo in that the buttons on the left of this unit make it easier to function while riding. The ONLY disappointment I had with this unit (which I was unaware of when I bought it) is that the bluetooth audio is not delivered in stereo to your headset. The 3.5 mm audio plug will however provide stereo but, again, you will not receive a stereo signal directly to your headset via bluetooth and this means that you will not be truly wireless. The Zumo 660 and 665 have addressed this issue with their stereo bluetooth but I find that those units are a little too big and with touch-screen only (no buttons) I prefer this Zumo 550. The ability to sync your cell phone to this unit and see caller ID on the screen when a call comes in is a fantastic feature. I have the unit setup so that the Zumo's stereo audio signal goes to the stereo system on my Harley dresser via the 3.5 mm jack. Then I sync my cell phone to the Zumo and then sync my Sena headset to the Zumo as well. This way I get cellular to my helmet and I get helmet to helmet communication but my music is still heard from the speakers on my bike. My original plan was to have stereo music in my headset as well but as I stated; without bluetooth stereo coming from the Zumo this is not going to happen and that still bothers me at times. I have a very powerful custom stereo system on my Harley which I actually prefer to having music in my helmet but I often think that when I buy another bike, one that may not accommodate such a system, I will not be able to enjoy stereo music in my headset via the Zumo 550 and may have to break down and buy a 660. There you have it. One man's opinion... and know what they say about opinions :)Read full review
I have an old Garmin 2730 which has served me well over the years but has started to go wacko sometimes while running a route. Besides it is no longer supported and can not have its maps updated. I used a Garmin 855 for while and it too worked pretty well except the screen was not bright enough and downloading routes was difficult. The newer 660 and 665 started to trim features and still cost as much, by the time we get to the 390 and 590 we have lost the MP3 player, the satellite radio and a few other features. Now I'm all for making a lower cost model with fewer features but Garmin seems to think it's OK to de-feature a product and still charge just as much for it. SO that is why I bought a used 550. it is probably the standard for motorcycle GPS units and Garmin just doesn't get it. I do not want a battery operated Bluetooth ear piece. I do not want the maintenance of keeping it charged or carrying extra batteries. I don't need to answer my phone while on the bike, good grief that's what I am trying to get away from by riding my bike. I am hoping Garmin gets it's act together by the time I need to replace this unit.Read full review
Outstanding improvement over my old Zumo 450. The satellite radio works perfectly and the Bluetooth works as well as BT ever does... not perfect but not bad, either. This particular setup was a very good deal and since I already had a Zumo 450 set up on my trike, installation was simple.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I wanted the correct model for my year of bike and had been looking for some time. it may not be right for everyone and newer models have additional features. Great purchase even after buying from the US with the extra sanctions in place. Bluetooth works a treat. It was an interesting exercise changing to local maps from the previous US maps. Now in use every day and I have the ability to change to topographical maps should I choose to left the 'Black Carpet'.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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