Pda Bike Mount

An essential part of the tour is where you go - and if you're not the type to trust your instincts when you are on unfamiliar terrain, a kind of navigational aids should be an essential element equipment. There is nothing worse than getting lost in the middle of nowhere!

The days have your band on the road pulling together to put an end to gather around a heavy folding map have long since disappeared - and satellite navigation is also known as Global Positioning System (GPS) have took over. They are lightweight, easy to use and you can have it there in front of you while you pedal. Too easy!

Like most things in life, there is a range of options when it comes to GPS units. From the bare-bones basic plateau with all the bells and whistles. But what do you really need?

Three styles of GPS
There are three types of GPS that are suitable for use on a motorcycle. To begin, there are the basic types used by hand hikers. These provide an easy to use, and can be connected to a laptop to help you plan your trip. They can also be used for boating and off-track, if that is what you are.

The disadvantages of GPS hiker style are the features and menus can be difficult, and you'll need to solve a mounting system if you want to keep an eye on the card and the other on the road.

Next up are the features of motorcycle-specific, such as the TomTom RIDER. The rider has been designed with motorcyclists in mind - it comes with a dedicated mounting clips that drive if necessary, and has large-screen touch controls, perfect for plotting your path, even with thick winter gloves on. The case has been designed to withstand the rigors of life on two wheels, and is weatherproof.

The rider also has a cool helmet attachment that sits inside your helmet and can relay voice commands to the unit via Bluetooth, so you do not even need to take your hands of the bars - just to say that the GPS that you want to head "Home" and it will plot a route and get you there.

The third type of GPS that riders tend to use are GPS / PDA hybrid, like a BlackBerry with software loaded on a GPS. The pros are that it doubles as a communication device, has a large screen and it is very easy to carry. Disadvantages ... Well, let's just say that if you're cruising on a weekday, you probably do not want the Office to be able to e-mail!

Other factors to keep in mind
Once you have decided which type of GPS that you want to watch, there are more factors you should consider before making a purchase. Such as, What is the lifespan of the battery on the model you want? Can you have plugged into the electrical system of your bike so that it draws its power while you're on the road? Is this GPS precise enough? Can it be updated?

They are all good questions - and they must all respond to the front fork on your paycheck. Good battery life is essential - for a long trip (six hours or more), you will need to consider a unit that has a long battery life. What could be worse than doing six hours from home, relying on GPS for directions, only to have the batteries die when you need it most? If you opt for a cheaper machine with less battery life, the lesson here is simple: carry spare batteries! Most handheld GPS units operate on 4, 6 or 8 AA batteries, so they are easy to source and transport.

To avoid the issue of battery life, consider making the GPS wired into the electrical system of your bike. For most GPS units draw very little current, and because the battery is being charged by the alternator when the motor is running, your battery will not be compromised.

As for accuracy, most cruisers road will not need an ultra-precise GPS. .