Pros
Very bright and readable screen, even in direct sunlight.
Speed indicator glows red when speeding.
Glove-friendly screen.
Rain resistant.
Standard 1” ball mount - no special cradles needed.
Easy to mount and remove; secure docking system.
Straightforward wiring.
Retains map detail when zoomed out.
Bluetooth connection with smartphones for weather updates.
Quick satellite acquisition.
Easy-to-read on-screen keyboard.
Pairs well with iPhone and Cardo Pack Talk headset.
Solid construction.
Useful adventure and route shaping features.
Reliable recalculations and route options.
Cons
Expensive.
Proprietary and somewhat short power cable.
Issues with certain .GPX files and integration with some navigation apps.
Main Product Advantages
10 Screen Brightness
Extremely bright and readable, even in direct sunlight with polarized sunglasses. Significantly better than previous GPS models.
10 Weather Resistance
Rain-resistant, addressing a major issue with automotive/truck GPS units used previously.
9 Display Size
5.5-inch screen which is considered a perfect size for motorcycle use. Larger screens were bulky and less visible in direct sunlight.
9 Map Detail
Retains detail when zoomed out further, a significant improvement for exploring without a pre-determined route.
8 Mounting System
Standard 1” ball mount, easy to install and secure. Some concerns about theft due to easy removal.
7 User Interface
Glove-friendly screen, straightforward wiring, but a few minor quirks with auto-zoom and route planning.
7 Bluetooth Integration
Pairs well with smartphones and headsets, but some volume and quality loss in music playback through the GPS.
6 POI (Points of Interest) Functionality
Post-update improvement showing custom POIs. However, pre-installed POIs were inaccurate and occasionally unreliable.
6 Battery and Charging
Issues with charging off-bike using non-Garmin chargers. Garmin-specific charging block necessary for reliable off-bike charging.
5 Price
High cost is noted, being the most expensive non-marine GPS owned by some users. Considered worth it due to features.
Product Review: Garmin zūmo XT
The Garmin zūmo XT all-terrain motorcycle navigator is a device engineered for adventure. Its rugged design speaks volumes about its durability and reliability in extreme conditions.
Display Quality
The 5.5-inch ultrabright display is one of its standout features. It's glove-friendly, which is crucial for motorcyclists. Additionally, the device is rain-resistant, making it resilient in all weather conditions.
Durability
Designed to withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and various weather conditions, the zūmo XT is built for those who are looking for a dependable navigation device on their daring escapades.
Navigation Capabilities
The device offers both on-road navigation with turn-by-turn directions and off-road guidance with topographic and BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, the latter requiring no subscription. This makes it versatile for different types of riders.
Rider Alerts
Rider alerts are an excellent feature to keep you prepared for sharp curves and railroad crossings, ensuring a safer journey.
Route Management
With Garmin Explore, you can easily manage and review routes, tracks, and waypoints across your navigator, smartphone, and computer. This feature provides comprehensive route planning and flexibility.
Additional Features
Pairing the zūmo XT with a compatible inReach satellite communicator (sold separately) enables interactive SOS, two-way messaging, and location sharing. These features add an extra layer of safety and communication for adventurers.
Conclusion
The Garmin zūmo XT is an exceptional motorcycle GPS navigation device tailored for adventure seekers. Its rugged design, ultrabright display, versatile navigation capabilities, and additional safety features make it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to explore both on-road and off-road terrains.
