best budget sat nav?

[pinki-88]

hi im looking to get a sat nav soon and im wondering which would be the best budget sat nav to use on a bike? have looked at the tom tom bike 1 but its far too expensive.

thanks

[MtotheJ]

Navman S30 is pretty cheap, about £80 i think. Thats what i got, works alright. Not the best but does the job if youre lost or just need to get somewhere.

[pinki-88]

does it have a headphone socket? n how would you charge it? lol

[MtotheJ]

Yup it does, make sure you get the S30 NOT the S30 3D as that one doesnt. It comes with a mains charger. Battery lasts about 3.5 hours i reckon.

[pinki-88]

damn, good for the headphones but i want to take it to europe next year so i need a way of charging it on the bike. thanks tho

[MtotheJ]

Well it comes with a car charger and i know some people on here have put mods on their bikes so they could charge things like this

[pinki-88]

Oooo cheers . just searched for that n it seems quite difficult lol . atleast i know its do able.

[Guest]

...just searched for that n it seems quite difficult...

It's very easy with 2 leads from Optimate (http://www.accumate.co.uk)

A Fused Eyelet Lead or Weatherproof Eyelet Lead connects to positive and negative on the battery, and then an Accessory Socket Lead connects to that to give you the socket you need. Simples.

Using these leads also gives you a connector for a battery conditioner/charger like the optimate, and the socket can also be used for charging a mobile phone etc. as well.

You can make your own (would be cheaper), and/or wire in a relay so that it only works when the ignition is on. Chances are though that you will not leave the GPS switched on when you're away from the bike anyway.

Have a bit of a search on the online biking shops for Optimate leads.

[pinki-88]

ok maybe not as difficult as it first seemed

thanks guys that helped loads

[Stu]

if you want to go to europe i would save your money and get a bike specific one

you wont regret it

[pinki-88]

at £400 tho i cant realy justify the cost when i can hook 1 up for about £120. really would like a bike 1 but unfortunatly im a poor student

[Guest]

The bike GPS systems are a lot more "rugged", however you can do it on a budget.

http://www.handtec.co.uk/shopimages/products/normal/navmanS.jpg

Navman S30 £80 (or S70 for £95, see below)

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-3342088133151_2068_25852105

Givi S850 GPS Holder £40 (waterproof and attaches to handlebars)

http://www.accumate.co.uk/tn020002.jpg

Accumate Accessory Socket + Fly lead £15 (power from your battery to the GPS)

Total : £135 (ish)

The Navman S70 gives you Euro maps, and is about £95. (www.navmanstore.co.uk)

Depending on what phone you have - that may also have GPS functionality, or if you are eligable for an upgrade any time soon - look at that option as it may save you some money going that route.

[Stu]

at £400 tho i cant realy justify the cost when i can hook 1 up for about £120. really would like a bike 1 but unfortunatly im a poor student

 

i picked mine up for £100 off ebay

have a look there is some bargains to be had

£120 may sound cheap but its not if it gets wet!! especially if your in europe at the time!!!