Goodbye Garmin Nav 6. Hello TomTom Rider 550

It's such a shame, but I could not go on any longer with the Garmin Nav 6 on my BMW GS adventure. This is a video showing the conversion I've gone for for now. I might improve the mounting design & make aluminum mounts later. So far I like the TomTom & I'm thinking maybe BMW should of teamed up with TomTom in the first place.

[@simonsaunders12]

Finally up to date with all your videos good luck with the TomTom and i hope your trip goes well.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks Simon. You've watched everything & your still here so that's awesome 😄

[@thetreadtrader7565]

I’ve had Garmin die on me twice. Been using a tomtom 550 three years without a problem. So easy to plan a route on MyDrive on my iPad then send it to device. Easily updated on Wi-Fi. Nice video mate.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Yea I've just started doing that from my phone on the trip I'm away on now. Im liking it I think. Entering a destination on the device itself is a nightmare though. Unless I'm doing it wrong.

[@thelaterider.1046]

I hope you have more luck with the Tom Tom .Ride safe.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks. It started off not so good, but I'm getting the hang of it slowly. I'm so tempted to re name my channel "all the gear and no idea"

[@youngeroldie5089]

Good video as always, I have a TomTom 550 they are good, had no problems with it. took me a while to get to grips with route planning on PC but don't do that often. Had to much rain this week, I rode back from a tour around Kent today and got soaked, even boxer shorts were wet giving me cold bits.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks dude. I'm struggling How to enter a destination on the device. I'm having to do it on my drive on my phone and send it to the TomTom. Bit of a pain, but getting there. Last night I had my phone connected to the bike & the TomTom at the same time. I didn't think you could do that. Only issue was when I get a phone call it changes navigation to a phone screen. Just as I was following it to the hotel. I almost missed my exit.

[@ne-adv]

Been using a Garmin Zumo 396 for two years. I did once have the damned thing try to update a map on me, mid-ride, didn't know that was happening, now know to toggle auto-update maps OFF when on a ride. Luckily, it updated, through my phone, and finished in 15 minutes, so I turned back around and finished my trip, once I realized what it was up to. Garmin COULD make things clearer by telling you what is going on, rather than sitting at the starting screen, with no explanation why the device didn't finish starting. In Europe, I had TomTom's, Garmin's, Magellan's, and a thing called Scoober, from Apple Store, and the Scoober was the best, but got bought by someone, turning it into garbage. Now, in USA, using Garmin has been best. I ride in the rain a lot, New England. Connects well with my Sena's. Though it looks like the TomTom provides many ways to mount the unit, which is nice.

[@Nightcrawler666]

I've not heard of Zumo until a few of you guys mention them here. Not head of Scoober either. I'd love to ride in USA. I think I will soon.

[@neilmackinnon3371]

Ohhh I do like a nice bit of workshop. I'm a big fan of the Beeline and plan all my routes on google then convert them to gpx files... but that makes 'on the fly' changes to the route impossible. I'll be interested to see how you get on with the Garmin. Watching your every move on the tracking link, I hope you have a great time in Europe (are we allowed to say Europe these days?).

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks Neil. Yea a mate has the Beeline. I've thought about that for my Harley. It's a TomTom I have now. I ditch the Garmin. Try to keep up dude 🤣. I'm getting used to it slowly. Liking it.

[@slipthegreyhound]

My first Nav 6 went faulty a week after the warranty expired, BMW didn't want to know! I got in touch with Garmin and they sent me a brand new Nav 6 out. That failed after 3 months. I'm on my 4th unit(which has failed again) so I run the Garmin Zumo XT. I don't think it's as good as the Nav 6 as it doesn't work well with Mac's and some other useful features are missing too. It does however, work well, and so far been reliable. I completely recovered the cradle and wiring loom, so I could put it back to 'factory' for when I sell the bike. I just bought the BMW connector off eBay and soldered it to the end of the Zumo loom. 👍

[@Nightcrawler666]

I'm going to have to see what this Zumo is all about. O you can buy just the plug? I though people have been on about the bmw loom.

[@Tatlock57]

Im slowly getting through your videos, I must say they are very entertaining, came onto you via Helmet Head, keep up the good work. Im going to the HOG meeting at Faro Portugal in July, that would be a great trip for you and Wooky and Alex. Just an idea, would be right up your street. Im going from Scotland, through France and Spain, coming back Bilbao to Portsmouth, really looking forward to that. Cheers, Robert.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Hi Robert & thanks for checking out my channel of nonsense. I'm glad your enjoying it. I've heard of a bike dooo in Faro. A mate used to go all the time. Sadly he passed away last year. I've Always wondered what it's like. Might do it one year. I bet that will be hot 🔥 in July.

[@wallaceshackleton1889]

After having problems with my Garmin 395, I fitted a Tom Tom Rider 550. The 550 is a better design but it is not as good as the Garmin as far as feature go. The phone on the Garmin is much better and I dearly missed being able to play music on long runs through the Garmin Base Camp has a high, steep learning curve but it's better than the TomTom. Anyway that's just my experience. I loved the TomTom mount, the garmin mount is very suitable to water ingress. Anyway I hope you have fun with your TomTom. Me if off soon to refit the refurbished Garmin onto my bike.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks for watching & commenting. I didn't have the TomTom 550 long. I didn't like it. I fitted a Garmin Zumo XT2 into the BMW cradle so it locks like the Nav6 did. Video to come.

[@paulyflyer8154]

I have the Nav 6 on my GS and the Tomtom Rider on my Honda CB500X. The Honda has become my go-to bike now if I'm planning a windy ride around the welsh lanes. Typing in destinations just takes seconds. Another thing I've found with the Tomtom is that connectivity with my Cardo is never an issue.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Typing destinations on the tomtom takes seconds? Wow you need to teach me then as I'm struggling. The quickest way I've found is to send through My Drive on my phone.

[@chrisgough9787]

Just binge watching some your Awsome vlogs again Leigh Loveing your work Awsome Ness Awsome Ness 🤟🤟🤟🤟😈

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks Chris. You must of seen them all by now😄. I'm glad you like them. Thanks for checking them all out.

[@chrisgough9787]

@@Nightcrawler666 there Awsome watched them all twice loveing your work they hit my sence Humer 👍🤟🤟😈😈

[@advmatt1250]

Nice one thanks for this . Doing the same next week with my Tom Tom

[@Nightcrawler666]

Let me know how you get on. You on my Facebook?

[@bikerbuddy3166]

I do love my truck Tom Tom , still have a garmin for bike , and I really should change it mainly because the garmin constantly tracks you even if it’s just powered on and not actually being used, and the police can unlock a garmin no problem and use the information against you , we’re as the tom toms information is locked , another good watch 🙏

[@Nightcrawler666]

I'm not sure they can do that. Surely not.

[@bikerbuddy3166]

@@Nightcrawler666 ye so my crash investigation friend tells me this is very true ☝️how did you like the pink monkey

[@mrdee1986]

Treeemennndosss,again excellent bit of workshopage going on there, can we have a few more work shop chats and watching little installs on your bikes please 😊 I agree my Nav 6 isn't great but I've not had the problems you've had fortunately, looking forward to next week's exciting instalment of Does This Bloody Sat Nav work or not 😅

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks Mr Dee. Glad you liked it. I'm getting used to it slowly. I'm on my way back from Portugal atm.

[@GreenString]

May I take this opportunity to say the Fagatron 6000 is looking particularly splendid, oh and safe trip mate.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks Steve 🤘

[@bobrose7900]

Hahaa, I've just done the same as you.. TomTom 550 Rider. To be fair to TomTom they have a smaller display and the subs. required drive me mad, but they work, the touch screen is first rate and the clarity/brightness is very good and clear. It's the same with Garmin activity watches - I use Suunto for reliability and accuracy - Garmin are terrible. I suppose you get what you pay for, but as an oem fitment this is terrible. Try the Evotech Performance mounts for the TomTom - mines on a Tiger 1200. Thanks for the great review.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thank you. I didn't get on with my TomTom so I sold it & fitted a Garmin zumo xt2. Loads better in my opinion.

[@pcat1378]

Tomtom 550 is end of life, they will be bringing a replacement out soon, especially as Garmin have just brought out the XT2

[@Nightcrawler666]

Yea I didn't like it & fitted the XT2.

[@Guinnessisgoodforyou]

Hi, i did the same about a month ago, instead of the tape i rubbed the mating faces on a sheet of emery paper until i got the gap just right when it is tightened up. 👍

[@Nightcrawler666]

You have the same plastic mount? I'm not sure I like it, but I'm seeing how it goes.

[@dougduncan356]

There is an tomtom adapter for the BMW mount so that you don’t have to remove it.

[@Nightcrawler666]

I didnt know that. Ill look into it. Thanks 👍👍

[@FenTour]

Mine has recently gone to pot too! At least it has lasted a bit longer than your experience, purchased mine in May 2017.

[@Nightcrawler666]

What ate you going to replace it with?

[@dafloate1168]

Hey Leigh , thanks for the video mate, I still have the BMW 5 on mine as I have heard so many owners moan about the 6 , I had the tomtom on my zzr14 and it was v v good around Europe , tbh I’ve been considering the zumo as I’ve heard great things about it and you can get an adapter for it , I’m going to hold out and let you be my Guinea pig so to speak Much love to you and Wookie stay safe mate 👊🤘

[@Nightcrawler666]

Yea keep reading comments about the Zumo. Never heard of it. Much love back at ya babieeee

[@WreckingCrewHR4K]

Hi Leigh, The Rhayader Dam's are awesome in good weather, what I call my back garden, well worth a visit, all facilities will be open from this month (April), it's a seasonal thing for most refreshment stops, it's worth pointing out that If any of you guys ride out to the Dam's take the time to visit The Two Hoots Tea Room at Devils Bridge, it's on the same route, just carry on up through the Scenic Elan Valley, If your a Steam Train enthusiast get there for 10.30 in the morning and watch the Great Western narrow gauge arrive, I highly recommend the home made cakes and sandwiches, breakfast is delicious,.. Sorry Leigh went into Tour Guide mode there for a minute, forgot what else I was going to say now, Ah! you have to try the Fresh Cream Scones and Welsh Cakes, Yummy 😋

[@Nightcrawler666]

I think you've just put yourself forward to give me a tour up there 👍

[@WreckingCrewHR4K]

@@Nightcrawler666 It's a fantastic ride through the Scenic Hills and Valleys of Wales but unfortunately I can't give you a guided tour, my health has worsened, I'm laid up at the moment with a swollen double hernia repair caused from a prostate biopsy,.. However, you have just cheered me up no end by acknowledging my route, I don't know when you are planning to ride out this way but I will keep you informed of my road to recovery, it's a lovely sunny morning here, I'm stuck in bed listening to motorcycles zooming past, sounds like the IOM TT,.. Will update asap, Sorry Bro.

[@Nightcrawler666]

@Keith Hardman sorry to hear that Keith. If your on Facebook follow my page to see where I am ect & keep in touch. As soon as your well enough give me a shout. I'll come & buy you a cream tea while we watch a steam train both saying "ooooo" as it goes by.

[@WreckingCrewHR4K]

@@Nightcrawler666 Thank you Leigh, I'm not on Facebook or any other social media networks but I will keep in touch via WhatsApp, I'm going to try and send you a short clip of what to expect If you arrive at The Two Hoots Tea Room at 10.30 in the morning, It may take me a while.

[@matttownsend1652]

Looks cool, mate. 😎 Ps... you only need to remove the middle torx screw to take the screen off.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks. O do you? I didn't realise that. I'll try that next time. Never took one off before. Cheers Matt.

[@matttownsend1652]

@Nightcrawler666 No problem mate 👌

[@martinfretwell]

Tom Tom is ideal for a costa coffee. But if you ever go off road forget it. Crap memory crap battery life. Map detail in rural areas none existent. Good look.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Yea. I hated it. Only kept it for 2 trips. I then went for the Garmin Zumo XT2. The unit BMW should have gone with in the first place.

[@martinfretwell]

@@Nightcrawler666 yes good choice. Tom Tom don't follow off road track. You made a good choice I will look for the video

[@Nightcrawler666]

I haven't done that video yet. I will do though.

[@Hogdriver88]

Nice job on the change-out. 👍 I’ve used Garmin on land, air, and sea - never a problem and I prefer their interface. But I hate the destination entry method with the Nav VI. Mine is still good one year in. When I have a problem I’ll have it replaced, sell the new one, and go XT. Send yours back again for a new one and sell it! I heard today that they have a revised model coming out this summer…

[@Nightcrawler666]

Are you like a real life James Bond? 😄. Yea I should do that actually. I'll look into that when I get home.

[@Hogdriver88]

@@Nightcrawler666 😂😂😂 Maybe.

[@cpuuk]

If the Garmin units have displayed the exact same problem twice, I'd consider if the cradle is faulty? My brother has the Garmin Bike ready unit, also prone to water getting into those power contacts. I've used a regular car Garmin (with protective case) on my bikes for 6 years- never had a problem with touch screen, although it can be tricky to touch the correct part of the touch screen on the move.

[@Nightcrawler666]

No its definitely not the mount. It's a known issue.

[@davidmerrien2395]

Leigh i have been watching for some time now that is a very good choice and you can get a sun visor for that sat nav i think it came from Germany but i can show you my set up at the ABR fest. if you like ( and then you would have somewhere to mount your lady ) no pun intended 🤣🤣🤣

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thank yoooo & yes I'd be happy to check out your ser up & maybe you can teach me how to use it. I'm learing as I go. I've found a few things out this trip. It seems to be easier to send destinations through the my drive app on my phone so far. I should take a flag and do a 666 camping section 🤘😈🤘

[@davidmerrien2395]

@@Nightcrawler666 call me old fashoned i use my tablet now its the eyes no more carting a laptop around it is easeyer on a bigger screen

[@Nightcrawler666]

@@davidmerrien2395 got ya.

[@matthewf4402]

Garmin really need to get there quality control sorted, its been going downhill as the prices rise! I've got an old Montana and not tempted to upgrade🤣Not helping BMW's reputation either!

[@Nightcrawler666]

Yea I know what you mean. I only did 2 trips with the TomTom though. I hated it. I then changed to a Garmin Zumo XT2 & it's the best I've used so far. It's what BMW should of fitted in the first place.

[@thecornwall125company6]

Thanks

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thank yoooo 😘😘

[@stevenyoung2420]

Got rid of my 6 the same. Took my cradle off but found the 3d printer part kept creeping till it cracked due to tightening. For a few quid a proper plug would have wired it straight into the loom without cutting anything. Anyway I found an adapter (£50 ) that allows you to keep BMW cradle from ‘adventure bike shop’. Way better way and it uses the power from the cradle to run it

[@Nightcrawler666]

I didn't need the loom. I'm not selling the bike. I would of only cut new loom. Unless you mean just the plug. You can buy a cradle for the TomTom to sit in BMW mount? Ooooo now that sounds better. I'll have a look then. Thanks Steven.

[@sussexbiker]

I took the Sat Nav prep unit off my GSA as well but I unplugged the power lead from just below the dash display on the right instead of cutting it. I then plugged my new Garmin Zumo XT in and similar to you, mounted it on the sat nav rail. Mine looks so much better that the factory bulky sat nav prep unit and the rubbish Garmin Nav6 BMW give you.

[@Nightcrawler666]

I would of had to cut new loom anyway to wire tomtom loom to it so I'm ok with that. Not familiar with the Zumo. I'll have a look. 👍👍

[@Hemlck]

I’m on my 4th Nav 6 in a year! Absolutely rubbish product. BMW change them without question each time. The Zumo xt is perfect and with a cheap 3d printed adapter fits in the same cradle and locks in place. I hated the routing on the Tom Tom….was terrible..hope you have better luck than me with it!

[@Nightcrawler666]

Interesting. Lots of people mentioning this Zumo. I'm going to check it out. Yea the TomTom is a bit of a pain to enter a destination, but I haven't worked it all out yet.

[@stuartrobson5265]

Just purchased tom tom 550 ..hopefully I've made the right choice...everyone is on about the Garmin xt but feel that's to big and the tom tom certainly fits better..hopefully the updates will keep going...

[@Nightcrawler666]

You might get on really well with it. It just dodnt do it for me at all. There's a few things I didn't like. I'll explain in an upcoming video.

[@ANDY-we7mr]

Can you help me please 🙏 what's the best the garmin Montana 7001 or the tom tom 550 rider

[@Nightcrawler666]

Hi, sorry I have no idea what the Montana is. The TomTom 550 is OK if your used to TomTom's, but I didn't like it.

[@TheLeevtr]

Frightened of getting your fanjita moist😂

[@Nightcrawler666]

Can't say that anymore dude.

[@BeemerTwelve]

Thank you for sharing your experience, rubbish indeed.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks. I'm a bit behind with uploads atm. I only did one or two trips with the TomTom. I didn't like it. I changed to a Garmin Zumo XT2 and it's worlds apart. So much better. I convert the BMW cradle to take them so you can lock it with the bike key. Done a few now.

[@petelaporte9475]

Garmin XT still knocks spots off TomTom

[@Nightcrawler666]

I've not heard of that. I'll look into it.

[@therileysat2]

Did you consider the Zumo XT ? Far superior to the Nav6.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Only just hearing about it in the comments. I'll have a look.

[@casperandthebeast5780]

What club you in, I am from Red Chiefs Cornwall.. Hi from me!

[@Nightcrawler666]

Hi. Van Diemans. I'm guessing you haven't watched many then? I hope you've subscribed 😃. See you soon I expect. Take care. MLH&R

[@bmwgsblackgus7636]

Just watched this video and your spot on mate garmin are garbage 🗑 I'm doing the same thing swapping out the nav 6 for the tom tom . Did you get your money back from bmw for the broken nav 6 ?

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks. No because its the second one. Only the first was covered, because technically it wasn't covered. It was out of warranty, but they swapped it anyway. The second one lasted one trip away.

[@m.f.m.67]

Giving up on the second go round? I know riders who are on their 5th or 6th go round with the Nav 6. Funny how everyone is different. I wouldn't give up the whiz wheel nav integration for anything. I love the fact that once underway, I almost never have to touch the thing, using the wheel instead. If I was going to lose the whiz wheel functionality, I'd just use my phone for nav. and be done with it.

[@Nightcrawler666]

That makes sense actually. I understand. I only ever used the wheel maybe three times. Maybe if someone actually showed me how it all worked I would feel the same. I'm quite happy so far with the TomTom though. I think 🤔 😄

[@zedd165]

How annoyingly disappointing . Hope you have better luck with the tom tom.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Thanks Dave. Getting there slowly.

[@Carlnewman68]

I’m on my last nav6 this is the 3rd unit , if this fails I’m lunching it into the local river

[@Nightcrawler666]

🤣I know EXACTLY how you feel dude.

[@johnmoore4577]

use some black foam for the gap, closes it up and compresses

[@Nightcrawler666]

Oooo. I like that idea. Tbh I think I'm going to make a different mount out of Ally.

[@rogerwest3598]

Mydrive does not Connect With my iPhone 12, more People have this problem?

[@Nightcrawler666]

I had the apple surgically removed from my anoooose years ago. Couldn't deal with the iTunes nonsense. Stayed with android since. I'm sure someone will help you out. There must be a way surely.

[@davidmerrien2395]

Ha i turned on my computer this morning and a little thing at the bottom of the ssreen said national Beaver day you can imagine the dissapointment when i opend it 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@Nightcrawler666]

Hahaha brilliant. I'm going to Google that in a min.

[@lozv9974]

I really like the neatness of the BMW cradle though, I just want BMW to sort out the bloody SatNav 🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@Nightcrawler666]

I'm with you all the way there dude.

[@paulgibson490]

Why did you cut the garmin cable just buy a new power adapter from nippy Norman's ?

[@Nightcrawler666]

Hi Paul. I didn't need any other cables. I cut the garmin wire to the length I needed & soldered it into the BMW lead that plugs in to the harness. Just realised which video this is. I cut the TomTom wire down to the length I needed. However all of that is gone now. I now have the Garmin zumo xt2.

[@tojj29]

I had the Nav VI. Biggest Pile of shit I've ever used, always going wrong and freezing. When it did work, kept sending us all over the place

[@Nightcrawler666]

Roger that. It was not great to use at all. They don't last long either.

[@ANDY-we7mr]

😊

[@Nightcrawler666]

👍

[@curtisbowden8262]

If you send me the dimensions I'll 3d print a better version out of PETG for you if you aren't fond of the gap!

[@Nightcrawler666]

Wow, thanks dude. That's really nice of you. I'm not sure if I'll sort an aluminium mount out in the future. If not I'll give you a shout 👍

[@veegerman6135]

Bye bye Tom Tom. Hello Beeline Moto.

[@Nightcrawler666]

Yea I've got one of those too. Brilliant little thing. Video coming soon on that.

[@veegerman6135]

Just got mine yesterday. Not used it yet but looks to have promise. Look forward to your vid on it.

[@Nightcrawler666]

@veegerman6135 very simple, but I was amazed how it literally JUST WORKS straight away. I use mine on my Harley & on my other bikes. Brilliant little thing.

[@leeharvey1879]

Not garmin but garbage 😅 .... What is that dam called 👀🤩📸

[@Nightcrawler666]

It's in the Wye Valley. I can't remember right now, but it's in next video.

[@Chris-gy5gb]

😛😆💪👍👏👏👏👏👏😉

[@Nightcrawler666]

I need to do another video about the Garmin Zumo XT2. I didn't like the TomTom. I think I only did a couple of trips with it.

[@Chris-gy5gb]

@@Nightcrawler666 ah well 🙄...why don’t you like tomtom...what’s the problem?

[@Nightcrawler666]

@Chris-gy5gb I better do a video. Too much to explain in a comment on here. I didn't get on with it at all. The Garmin Zumo XT2 is so much better.

[@JakeStrada]

Garmin satnav is absolute shit, i had it on my multistrada, after 3 goes it was launched into the bin

[@Nightcrawler666]

Hahaha say it how it is dude🤣. I know exactly what you mean.

[@dcxplant]

I hate TomTom…..

[@Nightcrawler666]

Yea me too. I only had it for 2 trips. The second trip to Portugal was enough of it for me. I sold it & fitted a Garmin zumo xt2. 100% better. It's what BMW should fit in the first place in my opinion.