Garmin Zumo supplies many different models of their GPS systems. Although alike in quality and design, there are some differences to know about as well. While I will not be able to decently do a complete product review on all the models here, I will be able to hit the major ones and assist you make a great buying decision when it is time to purchase. The most important factor to consider is not weather to buy a Garmin Zumo, it is which unit best fits your specific needs.
Garmin Zumo is Motorcycle Friendly
The Garmin Zumo product line is designed for motorcyclist and consists of a Garmin 220, 550, 660, and 665. The Zumo 665 being the top of the line model and the 220 being a high quality entry level unit. After doing some preliminary research and have determined that the 550 is the preferred GPS for Motorcyclists. I have studied the product reviews on Amazon.com, have talked with dozens of cycle riders and have personally used a few different models.
Easily Navigation From Your Motorcycle
All the Zumo GPS are waterproof, all come with mounting hardware and can be used right out of the box. They are all pre-loaded with thousands of points-of-interest and map hardware. All the Zumo’s offer turn-by-turn assistance and are Bluetooth friendly. All units offer color display screens and they were all designed to be used while cruising down the road wearing gloves. All units have been especially designed to stand up to the rigors of motorcycling from the rugged off roader to the cross country cruiser.
Here are some differences starting with the size of the screens, the amount of customizing to the models and the mapping software. While the 220 is small enough to comfortably slip into your jacket pocket at the end of the day, the 665 has a screen size a full inch larger and it weighs a couple ounces heavier. This may not sound like much, but trust me, it definitely makes a difference. The 220 has the capability to add a few custom routes while the Zumo 665 has the ability to add 20 additional routes. Not only that, but you can upgrade and get real-time weather alerts, XM radio, and traffic alerts just to mention a few.
Easy to Customize
The Zumo 550 is a fantastic middle of the road GPS Navigation system that accepts a SD card so you can upload your own custom maps you create while sitting at home on your laptop. It offers the ability customize the face on the GPS to match your preferences or bike. You can listen to your MP3 music and still hear turn-by-turn directions through your headset or blue-tooth enabled helmet. The 550 also has a JPEG Picture viewer which allows you to share your favorite road trips with friends and family.
Choose Your Model on How You Ride
The differences and similarities are very subtle and yet very subtle depending on the level of sophistication you are as a rider. If you ride a few miles back and forth to work then the Zumo 220 might be perfect and if you are an avid cross country rider, I would heartily suggest a top-end unit like the Garmin 665. The customization is limitless. This is truly a sophisticated GPS. I am somewhere in the middle of these two types of riders, as well as most other enthusiasts I know. While we love taking a weekend and head off to the mountains for some wind in our faces, we usually find ourselves scooting on rides around town and back and forth to school. The 550 is our favorite GPS and will never let us down, nor let us to get lost.
Recommended Garmin Zumo Products for Your Motorcycle
| Garmin Zumo 660 Widescreen Motorcycle GPS with Stereo | ||
 | $619.99 | Buy Now |
| Garmin Zumo 660 Portable GPS Navigation Unit | ||
 | $649.99 | Buy Now |
| Garmin Zumo 660 Portable Motorcycle GPS Navigation System with 4.3" | ||
 | $682.49 | Buy Now |
By the way, www.Zumo660.org did you know that we have tons more information Garmin Zumo. Want to know about Zumo 550