ok just wanting to know a quick question i have been looking at some GPS available on the market and was going for a garmin handheld based one

i love geocaching so it would need to be able to handle the gpx files

their is 3 that i have been looking at the first one is

the garmin 60csx

the second is a garmin vista hcx

and the third is garmin extrex legend hcx

now the interesting thing is all 3 gps take AA batteries i would like to be able to run it off the bikes 12v somehow and another thing is a mount

i would like to be able to mount it on the handlebars left hand side if at all possible

any input would be greatly appreciated

cheers

damo

 

Running the Zumo 450 on my bike. The Zumo series are a little on the pricey side but they are made to take a beating. I have had only one issue and I think the fix was to reset the battery. Other than that I love it. It also has a really solid mount with a securing screw so it doesn't come loose with all the viberations.

 

If you can afford the 60CSX then get that one.
RAM Mount will let you mount the unit on the bars (they have specific cradles for each unit/make/model.)
Powerlet will supply you a ready made loom to wire onto your bike for 12V power, just need the extra cable from Garmin to connect the unit. (12v allows the unit to run with the backlight on at all times when running off 12V.)

 

thanks westoz and texaskawai

have you heard of the garmin australian topo map for 229 dollars from the garmin site is it any good and will it show up most of the trails and roads and things

 

??? I use the Etrex vista H and a map.

The ADV rider forum has an AUS section and ca GPS section. You'll get more sense from those guys/gals with talk like that. I've heard people mention Shonky maps??? Free and works fine apparently. Can upload to 60Csx.

 

see i was thinking using the etrex vista or the legend series but arnt they hard to navigate with the buttons being on the side, is yours mounted to your bike and do you have a picture

 

here is my EtrexH and the Ram Mount. 12V hook up from Powerlet.

 

ahhh very nice thanks for putting pics up,
so looks like i am going to have to do something similar the ram mount you speak of
i see alot of american sites do i go through their or just get one from someone here in australia what was the rough price of your one

 

Johnny Appleseed (ja-gps.com.au) for the RAM mount stuff and Bluerim Australia (bluerim.com.au) for the powerlet kit. I went with a 48" loom kit to wire straight (hot) to the battery (8000km of all terrain and it works fine.) Consider the "multifit" style plug with a more secure fitting if you plan very harcore off road excursions. The plug has a more secure fit than the cigarette fitting style.

 

I have the Vista HCX witch works very good. I like the odometer menu that displays the real speed in large numbers.
Paid $200 on amazon, also got the DC adaptor and the handlebar mount on ebay for $15 each. I also installed a DC outlet from TwistedThrotle for $20 (very good quality. They also sell the mounting bracket but I made my own.