Garmin Zumo 350LM Motorcycle GPS
With the zūmo 350LM’s 4.3" diagonal, glove-friendly touch screen, it’s one of a few industrial strength, water/weather/shockproof GPS devices made specifically for motorcycling.
In many ways, the 350LM compares to the older zūmo 660LM. Some big differences include the rubberized case, a higher-rez screen, and crystal clear natural voice navigation. The 350LM also has an improved external speaker for riders who aren’t using Bluetooth-enabled communications, or wired for helmet speakers. And, the screen is much more visible in daylight, although contrary to Garmin’s claim, it still leaves the user wanting when the sun scores a direct hit.
The navi comes with a kit loaded with an assortment of mounting hardware for several different motorcycle dashboard applications, including the components to wire the 350LM into your bike’s electrical system—as well as portability attachments for using the unit in cars. If you prefer to have a permanent, and lockable mount, Touratech comes to the rescue. Their aftermarket locking mount eliminates the necessity of removing the navi every time you leave the bike.
It needs to be said that, if one takes the time to master the 350LM’s full capabilities, including its optional Traffic Receiver dongle for real-time road conditions, it can be extraordinarily useful.
Like most GPS devices, you can program the unit with a PC, laptop or notebook computer. Garmin’s BaseCamp software (which is free), interfaces seamlessly with the 350LM via USB. Amongst other things, it allows for highly detailed trip planning, and supplies the “big picture” map one needs to do this properly. It’s easy to use for plotting, marking waypoints, developing tracks, etc., and transfers data both to and from the zūmo. This is particularly handy for recording where you’ve been, as the navi has settings to keep track of such things, not to mention data sharing with your riding buddies. BaseCamp will also plot elevations, as well as suggest the most scenic routes to a destination. It works directly with Google Maps, too.
However, the navi’s screen doesn’t provide much detail or useful larger map views. It appears that Garmin’s engineers designed the unit to be as non-distracting as possible for motorcyclists. So, this lack of detail should be considered a good thing. This is also why most navi users still carry paper maps in a tank bag for the “big picture.”
In some situations, voice instructions of the 350LM are slightly counter-intuitive, and it may take a little practice to familiarize oneself with its sometimes quirky manner. This minor idiosyncrasy isn’t a big deal, but often rears its ugly head when there are complex turns or lane changes looming your way. Count on making a few wrong turns during the learning phase. That said, the navi particularly shines when you’re lost, or need to get back on course after to detour, etc. And, if you’ve ever had to find your way into or out of a big, sprawling city, the navi is an indispensable tool. The creative applications are endless.
Useful onboard gadgetry includes:
TracBack - automatically navigates back the way you came.
Service History Log - handy for things like tire mileage, chain cleaning, oil changes, spark plugs, tire pressure and other maintenance related data that should be recorded.
And finally, the unit comes with a waterproof slot that utilizes a microSD or microSDHC memory card.
PROS | CONS |
| ▲ Extremely durable and weatherproof | ▼ Can't be read in direct sunlight |
| ▲ Works with gloves | ▼ Some menu functions are not user-friendly |
| ▲ Free lifetime map updates | |
| ▲ The first navi we've used that locates satellites while indoors |
MSRP: $699.99 Zumo 350LM | Also available at Amazon.com
MSRP: $99.00 Traffic Receiver | Also available at Amazon.com
MSRP: $189.00 Locking Mount Kit
