TomTom just released their TomTom Rider 2nd Edition the new version of their very popular TomTom Rider. Price is $699.95. Designed to work with RAM Mounts, you can attach it to most any motorcycle. Cardo scala-rider® wireless Bluetooth® headset connection means you get the voice instructions inside your helmet . Need a GPS for your car? You can mount the unit in your car, too. If you’re looking for a motorcycle GPS unit, you might want to take a look.
Press release follows:
TomTom Unveils the TomTom RIDER 2ND Edition For Motorcycles
Car Kit Accessory With Separate Mount Now Available
Concord, MA – August 23, 2007 – TomTom, the world’s largest navigation solutions provider, today announces the launch of the new TomTom RIDER 2nd Edition, TomTom’s all-in-one navigation solution designed for bikers by bikers.
Like all TomTom navigation devices, The RIDER 2nd Edition combines portability, a sleek design and an easy-to-use touchscreen interface with TomTom’s award-winning software.
“As the first navigation solution made specifically for motorcycles, TomTom RIDER is designed to deliver the best features to riders of all kinds,†said TomTom Inc president Jocelyn Vigreux. “Whether riders are looking to navigate to a specific location, take a scenic ride or simply find their way home after getting ‘lost’ on the open roads, the new Rider 2nd Edition provides an easy-to-use, high-quality navigation experience.â€
The TomTom RIDER features a simple, easy-to-use touchscreen that is conveniently designed so that riders can operate the device even while using gloves. It comes with a built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that provides up to 5 hours of constant driving, or can be wired into a 12v motorcycle battery (with the included power cable) for a constant charge. The RIDER comes preloaded with maps of both the United States and Canada.
New and enhanced features include:
* Sleek design, with newly designed power button
* Rugged RAM mount that fits on virtually all motorcycles, is easy to mount, and can withstand rigorous vibration conditions common to riding
* High-quality Cardo scala-rider® Bluetooth® headset for in-helmet spoken instructions. The new headset fits open and closed helmets, and has exceptional noise cancellation performance to ensure that bikers can hear directions and phone calls with unparalleled clarity.
* Waterproof (IPX-7 standards) to protect device from rain and fuel splashes
* Car kit accessory with separate mount and built-in speaker for car usage*
* Rugged and secure bike dock for single-handed mounting
* Enhanced quality voice instructions
* Easy-to-hear beep instructions as speed increases to replace voice instructions
* Bluetooth for hands-free calling
Pricing and Availability
The new TomTom RIDER is available now for $699.95.
Technical Specifications
* 3.5†320 x 240 full TFT color LCD touchscreen (64k colors)
* CPU 380 MHz, 32MB RAM
* High sensitivity GPS chipset
* Waterproof: IPX7
* Maps of US and Canada preloaded on 1GB SD Card
* SD card slot
* Operating Temperature: 14 to 130° F
* Bluetoothâ„¢
* Internal lithium-polymer battery (up to 5 hours operation)
* Power source: 12V DC battery, 110V AC charger
* Dimensions: 4.46†x 3.79†x 2.08â€
* Weight: 11 ounces
Matt in NC says
I was just looking at the Garmin motorcycle models the other day. This looks like a nice unit too, but seriously, $700? Is this thing really that much better than a $225 Garmin Legend color? Does Bluetooth really mean much to a motorcyclist? I know there’s guys using BT earpieces under their helmets, but most riders I’ve talked to wouldn’t, and I believe wearing one is illegal in most states while driving a MC. I don’t know about the helmets with BT speakers built in or the Cardo unit, which I guess is OK, since it’s not in the ear.
I know I don’t need my wife calling while I’m riding, and as for GPS, it would come in handy when I need to be somewhere on time, but on a Sunday ride getting lost is part of the fun.
I’m not trying to start an argument, just wondering how many riders actually want all this?
todd says
I don’t. If it was free I’d take it.
-todd
Richard says
Matt, earphones are NOT “illegal in most states.” 41 states have no restrictions on using earphones. CA, MD, MN, & NY allow earphones in 1 ear only. GA, PE, and VA allow them “for communications only”. Only MA and RI totally prohibit possession or use of earplugs. Some cities in OR prohibit them, but the state allows them.
As for the bigger question, regarding GPS prices. The $225 Garmin Legend you mentioned is not designed for motorcycle use. The Garmin Zumo and the new Tom Tom are designed to be easily mounted on a bike and for easy use while wearing gloves. The Zumo has the advantages that it is waterproof and shock resistent. The Zumo lists for about $750 (Zumo 450) or $1080 (Zumo 550), so the price of the new Tom Tom is very competitive.
As far as who might use it, I can’t really say. Most of the time, I prefer getting lost on my motorcycle, too.
Matt in NC says
Richard,
Thanks for the info on the headphone issue. I guess that growing up in CA made me think that everywhere there were restrictions.
As for the Zumo, and this TomTom, I guess I’m just of the belief that this is an unneeded distraction. There are guys out there, like the ones in the Iron Butt, who will probably need something like this, but I just can’t justify this kind of expense, especially when I need a new set of leathers.
The Legend model I mentioned is color, has expandable memory, is waterproof, just as accurate as this Tom Tom, and every bit as mountable. The only thing I can see it’s missing is the touch screen and POIs, and BT. Again, I don’t mean to start anything, it just seems that all these devices should be getting cheaper, not bloated with extras just to inflate the price. I must be in a minority though, as it appears that people are clamoring for these things. Oh well.
todd says
For a nearly free system you can always remove a GPS unit from a GM OnStar’s system. There are plenty of how-to articles on the subject. In fact, Popular Science just did a feature on doing just that. Maybe you could hook it up to some sort of mini computer (is there such a thing?) and mount it on your bike. I’ve been thinking of looking into this using the GPS from my wife’s old Saab 9-3, since we never use OnStar and it will no longer work when the whole network goes digital in the near future.
Here’s a page that details the procedure:
http://members.cox.net/onstar/
-todd
Jeff says
Neat stuff . But I like the getting lost part when I’m out on a weekend jaunt .I play with to many gadgets when I’m at work .
Larry McDougald says
Got a Rider 2 for x-mas, and I love it. Rode home recently 45 miles in a driving rain. Worked great, no weather issues. I like “getting lost” too, but now I don’t have to STAY lost. Back in ’74, late at night, on reserve, no gas stations in sight, having the Tom Tom show me the nearest gas station would have saved me some pushing…
Been riding over 45 years, put 26,000 miles on my ’06 FJR, NOT a FNG. If your a weakend only rider, or a Saturday night Ninja, you might not want any GPS. If you really ride, Tom Tom has a good product.