adminThe new and improved Garmin zūmo 395LM is the successor to the very popular zūmo 390LM model. As the base model it is the cheaper and less feature rich alternative to the 595LM, both of which embody the very latest in GPS technology. It has the same reliably rugged and waterproof design that has made Garmin the world’s leading motorcycle GPS manufacturer. Innovative features such as the Dynamic Fuel Stop feature, Garmin Adventurous Routing, and Garmin VIRB action camera integration, highlight its emphasis on making your ride safer and more enjoyable.
- Garmin Adventurous Routing
- 4.3″ Sunlight Viewable Display
- Bluetooth Hands-free Calling
- Motorcycle Specific P.O.I.
- Rider alerts for sharp curves, state helmet laws and more
- Tire pressure monitoring system
The 4.3-inch zūmo 395LM does not come with all of the features of its larger 595LM cousin, but enough to make it useful to most riders. In addition to Garmin’s Adventurous Routing system and rider alerts, another noteworthy navigational feature is provided in the form of guidance by recognizable landmarks.
- excellent motorcycle specific features for navigation and maintenance
- hands-free operation via Bluetooth for music and phone
- up to 7 hours battery life
- relatively expensive
- lacks smartphone link app available on the 595LM
Bluetooth
While the 395Lm does not support the Garmin smartphone Link app, you can still establish a connection to your phone via Bluetooth. This allows you to stream music, use the device as a hands-free calling app for the phone, as well as use the unit’s spoken direction feature through a compatible headphone or helmet adapter. You can also use this connection to control Garmin’s Virb action cameras and tire pressure sensors.
Adventurous Routing System
The 395LM comes with the Garmin Adventure Routing system. This lets you find the best routes from its lifetime-updated maps of North America based on your personal preferences. You get to choose the type of route you want and the unit will show you where you can find the right twists and hills while getting warnings of any upcoming hazard, sharp turn, animal crossing, and nearby red lights and speed cameras. You can combine this information with the Roundtrip routing feature to plot out the best route based on your desired time, distance, or location.
Dynamic Fuel Stop Feature
This is on top of the other goodies Garmin bundles into the 395LM. The Dynamic Fuel Stops alerts are enough to make this GPS worth its $599.99 price tag. Dynamic Fuel Stop shows and schedules where you need to stop for fuel so you can concentrate on your ride. You also get a service history log that will track your bike’s maintenance records. The device will even tell you when you should pull over for a nap!
Conclusion
The Garmin zūmo 395LM is Garmin’s base unit. It does not come with as many bells and whistles as the 595LM, but the relative lack of features is reflected in the price tag making it a significantly more affordable option. This GPS is an excellent choice for those that want a GPS for their bike but don’t need all the extra functions that come with higher priced units. You get a reliable navigation system with a user friendly interface that will ensure all your rides are fun and exciting.
You start the article with Garmin Zumo 395LM is the successor to the very popular 395LM model. So how can it be its own successor? Also do you know when this model actual started to be produced and when will it be an old model and be phased out. I have older models of the Garmin and the life time map updates are not actually life time of the unit, but the life time of when the software being updated can handle the newer updates, hence I have two units that have life time maps, but I can’t get updates any more because the software on them is not supported any more. Hence I don’t want to buy a new GPS that is being phased out soon because I keep things for years and years and want a lot of updates.
That’s what I read: “The new and improved Garmin Zumo 395LM is the successor to the very popular Zumo 390LM model.” So I don’t understand your comment.
Hi, thanks for alerting me to the error. The Zumo 395LM was released in early 2016. That’s a good point you make about lifetime maps only being valid for as long as the software is supported. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to the information you requested but it should be supported for at least as long as the other devices were supported.
Is it possible , and how is easy it is to load the GPX file in ?
Yes, it’s possible using the Basecamp software but support for GPX files is limited with this model.
Near impossible. In theory it can, but it is a total mess and completely hit or miss as to whether it will work when you go to use it. Their support staff tries to be helpful, but they can’t seem to just come out and be honest. Your better off with any phone in a waterproof case. I’ve fought this 395lm, with it’s 600 dollar price tag not including the 300 invested in mounts and additional mapping, for the last year. It alters any route that you try to plan, it occasionally blanks out, base camp usually locks up and fails to respond. The unit has blacked out on numerous occasions. The software is from 1995. Don’t even think you can scroll across the map on the screen and find usefull information, and zooming in and out requires patience from an era passed.
Thanks for the info, exactly why I will not get another Garmin.
ouch! what about .gdb files designed for Garmin specifically ?
Can this GPS be installed using a 12 volt connection on the bike
I purchased this as an upgrade from my zumo 550, screen view was faded due to something being loose after years of great service, directly from garmin around September 12th, took it to gozo September 21st and was far from impressed, nearly always had to revert to my phone to get to final destinations, compared to the old 550 this feels and operates as an inferior product, last two days in Malta I have ran it and Google maps side by side sadly Google maps wins every time. Engaged garmin to request a return and refund of the product to be told I cannot have my 550 back and I need to pay the postage of this product to get my refund back. In short I’m out a fixable zumo 550 and cash thanks to garmin, that is me finished with their products