The Garmin zūmo 595LM offers riders what is arguably the ultimate in motorcycle GPS technology. Although there is considerable overlap in terms of features when compared with the more basic and cheaper 395LM, this model takes motorcycle navigation to a whole new and exciting level. A high resolution 5″ display, the ability to stream music from services such as Spotify and Pandora, and the Smartphone Link app for live weather and traffic updates, are just some of the many features that make this device standout in an increasing competitive motorcycle GPS market.
- 5-inch, high resolution, touchscreen display with dual orientation
- Rugged, weatherproof body
- Garmin Smartphone Link app for live weather and traffic information
- Full set of navigation functions, alerts and indicators
- LiveTrack location sharing and Foursquare integration
- VIRB camera compatibility
The 5-inch zūmo 595LM comes with all the features you need while on your bike such as Garmin Adventurous Routing, to rider alerts, music streaming option, and more, while sporting a rugged and weatherproof body that works under all conditions including rainy days and heavy vibrations.
- excellent motorcycle specific features for navigation and maintenance
- 5″ transflective, high-res display
- high-res display
- music streaming capability
- relatively expensive
- only 4 hours battery life
Adventurous Routing and Rider Alerts
Garmin Adventurous Routing is the jewel in the crown of the recent zūmo series upgrade. This feature calculates the best motorcycling route between two points, a route that includes more curves or hills and avoids long highway stretches. It also comes with rider alerts to inform you of upcoming hazards, sharp turns, animal crossings, and nearby red light and speed cameras. It will even warn you of helmet law changes as you cross state borders.
Connectivity Options
While the Garmin Adventurous Routing system is great on its own, linking your smartphone to the 595LM via Bluetooth and the Smartphone Link app gives you access to live weather and traffic updates. Furthermore, the 595LM’s large transflective touchscreen display makes it easy to read and respond to text messages.
With the device connected to your phone you can make and answer calls while streaming music from Spotify and Pandora. Besides the speaker phone, the 595LM can deliver spoken directions to a compatible headset or helmet. You can also take advantage of the LiveTrack feature to keep selected contacts up to date on your current location.
Other Features
Other features include Dynamic Fuel Stop alerts that show you where all the fuel stops are along your route, a service History Log with your bike’s maintenance records, Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor system (sold separately), and Roundtrip Routing suggestions based on allotted time, distance, or location. You can even link the GPS unit to a Garmin VIRB action camera so you can record videos of your rides.
All these features work in tandem so you can relax and enjoy your ride. The main unit sits securely to the center of your handlebars giving you access to all the features without distracting you or restricting the use of your bike.
Conclusion
The Garmin zūmo 595LM GPS unit places the power of the world’s most popular GPS system in the hands of serious motorcycle riders. Its many great features let you customize it to your needs with a very user-friendly interface. Admittedly, this unit doesn’t come cheap but, in the final analysis, it’s still a worthwhile investment for any serious motorcycling enthusiast. It saves you time and fuel while making sure that every ride is full of excitement and adventure.
One of my beefs with GPS units (when motorcycling)is that you lose the smaller detail (small roads) when you zoom out…even though it would be far from crowded. When zoomed in, you can’t see where you are. I called Garman and TomTom years ago about this but got brushed off. Not sure if the Zumo has changed but if not, I wouldn’t pay over 200 for it.
I do have some experience with GPS but this thing is so powerful and deep with options, I truly wish Garmin would offer (for a price) a thorough class on it. Shoot, I’m lucky enough to have Garmin right up the road from me in Salem Oregon. I and I’m sure many others, would pay for great instruction…….. Not just a download PDF from the site. I do love this unit and I use it while adventuring off-road and riding BDR’s, but……… “HELP”.
Come on Garmin, give classes!
I think the YouTube site has pretty good coverage of how to use these modern sat nav. Got some great info there!