Why I got the Garmin Zumo XT2

[@1iadventures]

Been using various garmin’s for about 7 years now. The thing you didn’t mention with the Garmin is if it fails / you break it, you can send it back to Garmin for a service exchange unit for minimal cost. I abliterated a zumo xt last year when a deer took me out on a 690 doing 80kph, we did cartwheels down the road. Got a replacement for $170. That’s value in my eyes. Can’t do that with a phone. Leave the phone in your pocket/ safe place in case the shiiiit hits the fan. Good vid👍

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

That’s good to know, I wasn’t aware of that. Similar to GoPro if you’re a subscriber.

[@tabacsr]

was the deer ok?

[@1iadventures]

The bastard ran away

[@user-xk4yj8qr2u]

Mate, I’m on my 4th XT2 and every one has suffered from a frozen touch screen. Garmin have been great and replaced every unit but I’m always waiting for it to fail. I absolutely love the unit which is why I’ve stuck with them. All good so far with the 4th unit. I’m with you in loving this thing.

[@jairocantillo5678]

Just as it should be!! very good review...everything well explained. After a long research, I definitively will go for this Zumo XT2...thanks for your video

[@Yowzoe]

Perfect overview for me as a new CB500X rider thinking about nav devices, best intro I've found - thank you

[@Boerikoe]

Excellent & comprehensive overview ! Thank you, as I'm still undecided between the XT & XT2 (cost aside)

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Glad it was helpful! Don't forget, you only think about the money until you've bought it!

[@tremorflow3614]

Nice one mate, have the xt2 and love it. Agree 100% phone is ok but not good long term. Garmin is awesome too with customer satisfaction. Had a LM590, did a trip from Sydney down Kangaroo valley, power button broke on a 40 degree day. They sent me a newer model LM595.

[@RealMenLiving]

Totally agree mate. Love my XT2. So so good.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

They go particularly well on Teneres! 😜

[@patgenier1965]

Thank you for your thoughts. We'll done. Hello from Western Canada.

[@snatr]

You mention following a route while having a track displayed early on. I think there is a way to convert a track to a route (maybe using the Explore app) that will give you a lot tighter route to follow. I forget how that goes right now.

[@mikealfabravosierra]

Your video was one of the inspirations for me to buy the Zumo XT2. So I purchased a brand new Garmin Zumo XT2 for my trips in South America. After researching user satisfaction around the world. I noticed that there is an application called Tread exclusive to the device. But, unfortunately, the application stopped showing maps of South America last month (April/2024). All of South America. Nobody knows anything, Garmin doesn't say anything. What a shame. I need to research alternatives to make travel planning easier.

[@robertmalone731]

Got a new Husky 501 light adventure bike and based on your recommendation got a Zumo XT2...just rigging it up to the bike now. If you have time in the future a video about some key features in more depth would be appreciated.

[@redmitchell4483]

You can get a sun visor off esty. A bloke in England 3d prints them and will send to Oz and costs stuff all. Good quality and also comes with a cover to go over the base plate when you take the zumo off to protect the brass points..

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I definitely check that out, for sure!! Thanks.

[@anthonya7066]

I’m still on my phone with Gaia, glad your set up is working for you. It looks like a lot of useful functions once you invest the time to figure them out.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

100%, and I’m still enjoying discovering more every time I use it.

[@adamnettleton6124]

Great review thanks, looking to buy one to help with route planning. I'm assuming its fine when there's no mobile coverage? Or does that limit trip planning on the fly if you are a bit remote?

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

You'll only need a connection if you're plotting a route in the Tread app; otherwise, the XT2 itself will route without a connection. This is perfect for routing in remote areas.

[@alonsogarcia6709]

Fair and honest review, thanks

[@dennothemenno8900]

Great video! I'm interested in one of these but curious as to how well the off-road mapping and Navigation works in our area? (Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley) Thanks in advance.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I've found it pretty good around those areas, but I'm about to do a video on this topic as well.

[@dennothemenno8900]

@@MotoRidesAustralia perfect! I look forward to watching it.

[@ADVBrett]

Great video Vern, very keen on this unit. Expensive but well worth the investment. I think Garmin AU is doing $200 off this right now. Love the features and capability. Looking forward to the day that I can put the phone in my pocket or tank bag and just leave it there!

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Even from what I’ve used already it’s absolutely worth the cost.

[@ADVBrett]

@@MotoRidesAustralia I can certainly see its worth!! New purchase for 2024 indeed!

[@ride4adventure]

I am in 2 minds as I like the device but in WA, the maps aren't always that comprehensive offroad. The phone gives plenty of options but the limitations you described are real. I was interested in your track vs routes comments that could be something that changes my mind on this device. Any chance you could do a video with a bit more detail on how you us both, separately and together? 👍

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Yeah, that’s a great idea. I’ll add it to my list.

[@NBM397]

Sounds like an awesome GPS. I wish I could load nautical charts on it, so I could buy one for coastal rowing boat (use it for camping trips).

[@Deacon_biscuits]

I've found im pulling back from all this tech, i have memory maps on my phone if i need a map but i find I'm enjoying my riding more going old school and using my eyes and head. I realise we're all different but sometimes i think we're more focused on the tech than just enjoying the ride.

[@the_explorerist]

I'm torn, I know they do GPS damn well, but.... If only it could do more, I would spend the money. Or if I win the lotto then I wouldn't care about the limited features. I have a choice of either replacing my dying phone or buying a Zumo XT2. The answer will always be the phone first. So it will have to be a tough phone with a large battery and a high nits screen.

[@nevillegreg1]

Did you buy the optional Garmin Topo Maps for Australia to go with your GPS ordinary maps? Do you think it may be worthwhile for off-roading as it's suppose to include additional tracks.

[@JBean_COCR]

Great review

[@zyonsdream]

So if it’s raining will the rain drops mess with the screen like they do on my iPhone? Also, will it stop charging if it detects moisture like my iPhone will?

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

It's not at all affected by rain, check out our latest video for proof of that!! 😜

[@williamkerner]

What navigation app are you using? Are you using Garmin's Base Camp? Anytime I use a navigation app and download the route into my Garmin it changes the route.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Check out this video: What exactly is a gpx file and how is it used in adventure riding kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWfZmmSZgpeHq8U

[@throttleridingadventures]

Hi i watched your upload a few weeks back and have been considering a unit now for years ...looks like the unit reviews arn't great with freezing having to re-turn on unit having to update its sounds like a real inconvience and may not be reliable . in the short time you have owned the unit has this happened to you ?? Its now putting me on the fence again and im struggling to pull the trigger on it cheers

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I have not experienced anything like that, and it's been great. I always update firmware, etc, not sure if that's the reason.

[@throttleridingadventures]

@@MotoRidesAustralia ok good to know thanks for sharing

[@kee7678]

I hear ya...I'm also considering the Samsung Active 3 tablet, and then whatever GPS apps you want, and watching movies on it in the tent too...

[@Crust2013]

Silly stuff​@@kee7678

[@davidkitching6154]

I relay enjoy your videos and trips. I was just watching this for the 3rd time, as I am thinking about getting the xt2, and I noticed your mirrors. Are they genuine Yamaha or aftermarket? The reason I ask is I am after a different set for my Suzuki XT650. Keep up the great videos!

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

The previous owner could have changed them, but I think they are genunine mirrors. Glad you got something from the video 😀

[@andygrayson7485]

Thanks, good insight, think ill get one. Had a 660 Zumo years ago and what a waste of time, they seem to have come on a lot, do they come with a ram mount I wonder..?

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

They do come with the full powered mount.

[@diyanchristian5379]

On the contrary, it was much more cheaper here in my country to buy a second phone that cost less than 110AUD with bigger screen and battery, and we can just plug a usb outlet that came with the bike. Cheers.

[@2mpoida]

Certainly nice features, looks awfully big though, good review thanks

[@martyn_g]

With the small mount, I’m kinda paranoid it’ll pop off when it gets too rugged… nothing to worry about?

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Maybe it looks small on camera, but I wouldn't call it small compared to any other device. It's the sturdiest mount I've encountered on any handlebar-mounted product.

[@patwrenching9674]

im thinking of getting it. last year the vibrations on my new harley fcuked my phone camera. this year im taking a Dyna (= more vibrations) for a ride around Europe with a couple of others in the group. how does the group feature work when the other will be on the tread app?

[@jgirtman012]

Get either a rokform or quad lock with the vibration dampener. Not an issue.

[@Honest-sy6ys]

Mobile phones need a cell tower. Zumo XT2 does not. A mobile phone here will get you lost with far too many valleys without cell tower access. I don't even turn my phone on while riding and I do not use the (too snoopy) tread app. The music playback has all the volume you ever need. I set the media to 50% and the navigator to 100% and never have a hard time hearing the music the volume of which is further adjustable from your headset. You can use extra software for more bling (tread app) and distractions but I use my Zumo XT2 stand alone. No mobile phone required is the top selling point and what every other motorcycle navigators do not have that option. They are just a front end for your phone. I make my routes right on the machine. No converting and uploading other files required. This IS the best on the market for me. The Motopumps mount works great as well if you have a crossbar. You can bluetooth your phone to the unit without the tread app for answering phone calls. The Tread app gives you all the functionality of the competition which is far more than I need or want. Think Safety. Update your firmware if it locks up. It only happened once until I did that.

[@willjaelio5658]

very informative. In Australia we call it a route pronounced root. We are not 'Americanised ' yet.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I reckon most of us call it a root and then giggle 😜

[@svtimebandit]

I have been using the XT2 for the last six weeks travelling through South America. The product is completely and utterly useless. USELESS.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

What sort of issue did you face? Was it map coverage or issues? Just curious.

[@c.t.4932]

Save your money and don't buy this navigation. Garmin's biggest mistake since its existence. Trust me or get screwed like me.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I'm sorry you had that experiance. That does seem unusal compared to mine and others I ride with who use these. I had an issue with mine and Garmin promptly replaced it.