Garmin Zumo 590LM Review

The Garmin Zumo 590LM is a feature-rich motorcycle GPS navigation system that has been built to withstand the rigors of the open road. This sleek yet durable navigation device offers a combination of rugged construction and sophisticated software to provide the motorcycling enthusiast with practically everything they would want in a GPS system. It  is a strong leap forward from the 390LM. With its tough construction and many useful features, serious riders will find that the Zumo 590LM consistently delivers solid benefits, and it will rise to practically any challenge that they may face on the open road or city streets.

One of the most obvious differences between the 590LM and its predecessor (the 390LM) is its screen size; the 590LM boasts a 5-inch screen versus the 4.3-inch display of the 390LM. This increase in screen real estate offers additional advantages to riders by being “glove-friendly”; the touchscreen display maintains a high level of responsiveness, even when you’re wearing thick gloves. The screen illumination is also a huge plus, as it is easy to read even on very sunny days. The 590LM also features dual-orientation, enabling you to position the display screen either horizontally (for a wider view of the route) or vertically (to see more of what’s ahead).

Staying up-to-date on changing road conditions has been made much easier with the 590LM. For starters, Garmin offers you free lifetime maps (that’s what the “LM” stands for), which means that your system will automatically update every time there are any changes made to the roadways. You can also access weather and traffic reports by way of an app that runs on your smartphone when it’s connected to the 590LM. Riders also enjoy a constant stream of information regarding points of interest (POI) such as food stops, lodging areas and ATMs. The 590LM even allows you to call a POI while you’re riding, making it easy for you to obtain some quick information before making a stop. All of these communications capabilities can be heard and performed in-helmet with the help of the Zumo’s Bluetooth wireless capability; simply connect your smartphone to any Bluetooth-enabled helmet or headset to enjoy hands-free communication while on the road.

The 590LM also offers a Real Directions feature that will guide you by way of using landmarks (i.e. traffic lights or stop signs) instead of street names. As any motorist will tell you, this makes it much easier to keep your focus on driving instead of trying to make out the name of a street sign at an intersection. Music lovers will be glad to know that the 590LM comes equipped with an MP3 player, and can be synced with your iPhone, iPod or Pandora settings so that you can control your playlist through the Zumo’s display screen.

One of the most entertaining features of the 590LM is its “Curvy Roads” routing capability, which purposefully navigates towards the roads that feature the most twists and turns for a more enjoyable ride. You can also program the Zumo to plan your routes by location, time, or distance; simply enter your requirements and the 590LM will handle the rest. The Zumo also features a very handy Service History Log, which allows you to keep track of the various maintenance work that has been performed on your motorcycle (e.g., tire changes, spark plugs, oil changes, etc.).

Garmin Zumo 590LM Motorcycle GPS

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Conclusion

Garmin has set the bar high with the release of the Zumo 590LM. It represents a new generation of motorcycle GPS with a large dual orientation display, advanced motorcycle specific navigation features, and the convenience of smartphone connectivity. While there is still room for improvement, most notably in terms of the layout of the display, no longer do you have to settle for second best when it comes to a motorcycle GPS.