Garmin zūmo® XT2 - Key Features

1. Display:

   • 6-inch ultrabright touchscreen, readable in direct sunlight.

   • High resolution for clear map and navigation details.

2. Navigation and Mapping:

   • Preloaded with detailed maps for North America and Topographic maps.

   • Turn-by-turn directions, custom routing based on motorcycle-specific roads.

   • Visual route planner for creating and customizing routes.

   • Adventurous Routing for finding twisty or hilly roads.

3. Connectivity:

   • Bluetooth for hands-free calling and smart notifications.

   • Wi-Fi for easy map and software updates.

   • Garmin Drive app integration for real-time traffic, weather, and smart notifications.

4. Durability:

   • Rugged, IPX7 water-resistant rating.

   • Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

5. Additional Features:

   • Ride summaries for reviewing ride data.

   • Music control from a compatible smartphone or music player.

   • Compatibility with inReach Mini satellite communicator for SOS and messaging (sold separately).

   • LiveTrack feature allows sharing your ride with others in real-time.

6. Battery Life:

   • Up to 6 hours of battery life (up to 3.5 hours with backlight at 100%).

Comparable Models

1. TomTom Rider 550

1. Display:

   • 4.3-inch touchscreen, smaller than the zūmo® XT2 but also sunlight-readable.

2. Navigation and Mapping:

   • Preloaded with worldwide maps, including free lifetime updates.

   • Winding and hilly road navigation options.

   • MyDrive app for route planning and sharing routes.

3. Connectivity:

   • Bluetooth for hands-free calling and smartphone notifications.

   • Wi-Fi for map and software updates.

4. Durability:

   • IPX7 water-resistant rating.

5. Additional Features:

   • Compatible with Siri and Google Now for voice commands.

   • Ride planning and sharing capabilities.

   • Route comparison for different options.

6. Battery Life:

   • Up to 6 hours.

2. Garmin zūmo 396 LMT-S

1. Display:

   • 4.3-inch touchscreen, smaller and less bright than the zūmo® XT2.

2. Navigation and Mapping:

   • Preloaded maps with lifetime updates.

   • Adventurous Routing feature.

   • Garmin Adventurous Routing for twisty, hilly roads.

3. Connectivity:

   • Bluetooth for hands-free calling, smart notifications, and music control.

   • Wi-Fi for easy updates.

4. Durability:

   • IPX7 water-resistant rating.

5. Additional Features:

   • TripAdvisor integration for points of interest.

   • LiveTrack for sharing your ride.

   • Rider alerts for safety.

6. Battery Life:

   • Up to 4 hours.

Pros and Cons of Garmin zūmo® XT2

Pros:

1. Display: Large, bright 6-inch screen, highly readable in sunlight.

2. Mapping and Navigation: Comprehensive mapping with motorcycle-specific routing, adventurous routing options, and visual route planning.

3. Durability: Rugged and water-resistant, suitable for all weather conditions.

4. Connectivity: Strong connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Garmin Drive app integration.

5. Additional Features: Ride summaries, LiveTrack, music control, and compatibility with inReach Mini.

Cons:

1. Price: Higher price point compared to some other models.

2. Battery Life: Slightly lower battery life with full brightness, though this is typical for large, bright displays.

Conclusion

The Garmin zūmo® XT2 is a high-quality motorcycle navigator with a range of advanced features tailored for riders. Its large, bright display, rugged design, and comprehensive navigation features make it an excellent choice for serious motorcyclists who need reliable and detailed navigation on their rides.

Buy it if:

• You need a large, sunlight-readable display for easy viewing while riding.

• You value advanced navigation features like adventurous routing and custom route planning.

• You want robust connectivity options and additional features like ride summaries and LiveTrack.

• You require a rugged, weather-resistant device for all-terrain use.

Consider other options if:

• You are on a tighter budget and can compromise on screen size and some advanced features (consider Garmin zūmo 396 LMT-S).

• You prefer a smaller device with similar functionalities (consider TomTom Rider 550).

Overall, the Garmin zūmo® XT2 is a top-tier motorcycle GPS navigator that offers a premium navigation experience with a host of useful features for motorcyclists. If its price and feature set align with your needs, it is a great investment for enhancing your riding adventures.