Overlanding is a lot of work. But that’s part of the fun — it’s a labor of love. If it were easy, more people would do it.
With that realization in mind, keen to lower the barrier of entry to adventure-motorcycle riders, GPS brand Garmin has created the zūmo XT a new all-terrain GPS motorcycle navigator device. It is a device that aims to bring a bunch of disparate features into one handy navigation tool.
First off, the zūmo XT boasts an ultra-bright 5.5-inch HD touchscreen display that is glove compatible. That means you can still utilize it while fully geared-up. It is rain resistant and has been constructed to military-grade drop test specifications — it can withstand 810 Gs.
The zūmo XT is more than just a nav screen with street, topo and BirdsEye satellite map view options. It also includes Garmin’s Adventure Routing feature, which optimizes not for speed or efficiency but rather for the most scenic and thrilling routes. It also displays public land boundaries and 4×4 roads, so riders have a more detailed sense of where they are and the quality of the roads ahead.
Garmin zūmo XT can be used portrait or landscape.
The information onslaught continues from there. The zūmo XT also includes info from the HISTORY database, iOverlander points of interest, Ultimate Public Campgrounds, a U.S. National Parks directory, TripAdvisor traveler ratings, and Foursquare content that offers millions of popular places to explore.
If you’re on a track you really like, the zūmo XT will record it. It will also allow you to upload some of your favorite GPX tracks to utilize, too. It also supports Wi-Fi, if you are wanting to spring for a data plan and update your software and maps on the fly.
If those weren’t enough, pairing your smartphone with the zūmo XT enables more features. The Garmin Drive smartphone app will also push real-time fuel, traffic and weather data. It will also allow for Bluetooth hands-free calling, if you have a Bluetooth-compatible helmet or headset.
The unit can be hardwired to your bike or you can run it on the built-in battery, which has a six-hour life or a 3.5-hour life if you have the ultra-bright backlight turned up to 100%.
The Garmin zūmo XT is on sale now and starts at $499.99.
