Garmin Aumo 550 vs. Garmin 2730

[Ric in Sac]

I love my XM radio but it is about to bite the dust. So, I decided to go the GPS/XM route. They both seem quite capable and the price favors the 2730. However, the Garmin website said this model was "discontinued" which causes me some trepidation. The 2730 gets some bonus points because the software is also MAC friendly while the Zumo is not (although I could always use my wife's PC).

I read that the intrepid Bike Effects (Jeff) favors the Zumo but I am not sure why.

One other possible advantage is that a "lock-box" is available for the 2730 so it can be left on the bike. I don't know if such an item exists for the Zumo.

Is one easier to mount than the other?

Does one interface with a computer better than the other for route planning? (I like to avoid freeways so the "shortest route" or "fastest route" seldom work for me.

I have read some posts that suggest the Zumo has some possible reliability issues. True?

Do they both need a "hockey puck" for the XM radio support?

Your experiences with either unit and feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[dcarver]

Ric, wish I had answers..

Soon I can contribute info about the zumo550/hockey puck/starcomm combo.

Should be delivered this week.

Let's ride!

 

[CAJW]

I love my XM radio but it is about to bite the dust. So, I decided to go the GPS/XM route. They both seem quite capable and the price favors the 2730. However, the Garmin website said this model was "discontinued" which causes me some trepidation. The 2730 gets some bonus points because the software is also MAC friendly while the Zumo is not (although I could always use my wife's PC).
I read that the intrepid Bike Effects (Jeff) favors the Zumo but I am not sure why.

One other possible advantage is that a "lock-box" is available for the 2730 so it can be left on the bike. I don't know if such an item exists for the Zumo.

Is one easier to mount than the other?

Does one interface with a computer better than the other for route planning? (I like to avoid freeways so the "shortest route" or "fastest route" seldom work for me.

I have read some posts that suggest the Zumo has some possible reliability issues. True?

Do they both need a "hockey puck" for the XM radio support?

Your experiences with either unit and feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Ric,

I can only comment on the 2730 as I've had one for about a year now. It's been super reliable and very user friendly with a easy to view screen (even in direct sunlight) and has easy to use prompts. As with anything, there are things I'd like to change about it such as being able to reverse navigate a route, (the pc planning software lets you do this, but not the touch screen) and wish it ran on batteries once in a while for messing with it in a coffee shop. Those are minor gripes as it's been a great tool as many on this board will attest. Zumo owners will chime in with their likes/dislikes, but for the money, you can't beat the 2730 and don't let the discontinued status worry you. Many of us bought ours after it was superceeded by a new model, but Garmin seems to be pretty good about supporting older models. (BTW, I believe most 2730s were packaged with the XM "hockey puck" antenna which is an option on most other units). Now when a stereo bluetooth unit becomes available with a two radio, Radar input interface, then I'll consider an upgrade. My .02

 

[Geezer]

Regarding the lockable mount that Garmin sells for the 26xx and 27xx (and maybe others), it is not entirely secure because it uses a security head torx bolt to lock it. Keys for these are generic and available in sets from Harbor Freight for a few bucks. And, all of the mounts use the same key. I am comfortable leaving mine on the bike while I run into a store or a restaurant, but I would not leave it overnight or even in the same parking lot on a regular basis.

 

[mdisher]

Zumo's can be found for ~$670 I think someone posted a link a while back. The XM Radio add/on (the same smart antenna that the 2730 used) will set you back $170-$180 if you shop around.

As for security and lock ability, the Zumo 'security' screw isn't really an anti-theft device, though they cut it funny to try and make it that way. It really just keeps the cradle from opening, which over bumps and railroad tracks is a good thing. If someone wants it, they need only take apart your mount to get it. The zumo does had an anti-theft code which helps, but really thieves don't care or generally know about it. I wouldn't leave it on my bike 'overnight' but I'm sure some folks do.

Both are great units, the Zumo's touch screen really does work with gloves on. It also plays MP3's which is an added bonus. It's smaller and the screen is good, though in direct sunlight, as in over your shoulder when you're riding can sometimes be a pain, but anything reflective will be...

I'm happy with my Zumo purchase. I have not added the XM yet, but probably will in the future. One of my riding buddies did and he loves it.

-MD

 

[ejworthen]

Both are great units, the Zumo's touch screen really does work with gloves on. It also plays MP3's which is an added bonus.

The 2730 also play MP3's although it's storage space is limited to under 2 Gigs.

If you want a decent locking mount Touratech makes one for both the Zumo and 2730.

https://www.touratech-usa.com/shop/navigati...CCFFC11DA9DD06A

Zumo Mount

2730 Mount

 

[04FJR4ME]

I love my XM radio but it is about to bite the dust. So, I decided to go the GPS/XM route. They both seem quite capable and the price favors the 2730. However, the Garmin website said this model was "discontinued" which causes me some trepidation. The 2730 gets some bonus points because the software is also MAC friendly while the Zumo is not (although I could always use my wife's PC).
I read that the intrepid Bike Effects (Jeff) favors the Zumo but I am not sure why.

One other possible advantage is that a "lock-box" is available for the 2730 so it can be left on the bike. I don't know if such an item exists for the Zumo.

Is one easier to mount than the other?

Does one interface with a computer better than the other for route planning? (I like to avoid freeways so the "shortest route" or "fastest route" seldom work for me.

I have read some posts that suggest the Zumo has some possible reliability issues. True?

Do they both need a "hockey puck" for the XM radio support?

Your experiences with either unit and feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I think some of the bigger benefits of the Zumo is the portability (internal battery) and the high sensitivity SiRF III GPS receiver, along with that, the left hand larger icon touch screen display and newer user interface for motorcycles. The BT is an added feature also. The unit also acts as a ruggedized Nuvi with most of the features that is available on a Nuvi which is also nice.

 

[lucky]

I had a 2730 before I mounted everything. switched to a Zumo and I am very pleased... Zumo, hockey puck, Valentine radar, CB, antenna for CB and bluetooth for my phone. I used stuff from Kennedy technologies to hookl it all together

www.cellset.com/ Ask for Trudy, tell her Steve W sent you.

Easy to hide the hockey puck but I show it off on my shelf right behing the Zumo

 

[TCFJR1300]

I have the Starcom1 Advanced with the Zumo 550 XM puck combo it works great! I also have my blackberry gmrs/frs radio ipod hood in with out a glitch. The only complaint is Garmin does not have a Mac OS compatible software. Bluetooth works great between phone and zumo.

 

[Aviator]

I also have Starcom Advance but with a Garmin 2830. I love this GPS, the bluetooth I can do without. But it is cool to see the phone number displayed when someone calls.

But the unit is great, you can see it all the time. It handles the rain and wind. I love all the features that it has with an easy to use touch screen. Check out Auto Nav 2000, that is where I ordered mine from.

 

[Shane Stump]

I have a 2730 and it works great MOST of the time.

I just shipped it back to Garmin for the 2nd time today because of the "fogging" which occurs on the screen if the conditions are right.

Garmin technical support told me they will be replacing it with a 2820 which has a different (better) screen for motorcycles.

Overall, I am much happier with my Garmin than I ever was with my Lowrance IWay 500C.

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[Bike Effects]

I own a 2730 and a zumo. Hands down for the zumo. Much more motorcycle friendly. I take mine off the bike while on the road. It takes 5 seconds. I can then review it in the room.

 

[Ric in Sac]

Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses. It is much appreciated.

Hmmm . . . not an easy decision. I am leaning toward the 2730 because it sounds like it will save me close to $350.00. I need to pull the trigger soon for WFO and riding this summer [and my Delphi XM radio just crapped out right on cue today].

 

[ejworthen]

I have a 2730 and really like it, I'm glad I got it over the Zumo considering the price.The features the Zumo added just didn't justify the cost for me.

Consider one thing when buying though, the Zumo comes with a motorcycle mount, the 2730 does not. You will have to purchase something to mount the 2730 to your bike. Not a big deal since it won't be a huge expense.

 

[Ric in Sac]

You guys don't make this an easy decision! Thanks for the input!

New question which will likely be the deciding factor: Does anyone hook up their headsets directly to the 2730 or Zumo without routing through a Starcom? Would it also work this way with an added pillion using a splitter in either unit?

Thanks again.

 

[Geezer]

You guys don't make this an easy decision! Thanks for the input!
New question which will likely be the deciding factor: Does anyone hook up their headsets directly to the 2730 or Zumo without routing through a Starcom? Would it also work this way with an added pillion using a splitter in either unit?

Thanks again.

I have a 2720 and I do sometimes hook up my stereo headphones to the mono jack that comes with the motorcycle hardwire cable. I needed an adapter plug which cost me $5 from Radio Shack. Works fine. The question about using two headsets might be a problem due to the reduced resistance you get with two parallel headsets. Someone with more knowledge of electronics will have to answer that one.

At some point I am going to pry my wallet open and get a Starcom or something like that because I really want to be able to listen to my GPS and radar detector at the same time, and, even though I rarely carry a pillion, it would be nice to be able to talk to the pillion when I have one.

After that I get to spend even more money on a radio so I can talk bike-to-bike. It never ends. On the bright side, communications systems are easily transferred when you move to a new bike in the future.

 

[Ric in Sac]

Thanks Geezer. I think I will make this question a separate topic.

 

[Lostviking]

Thanks Geezer. I think I will make this question a separate topic.

What about the zumo 450? It seems to have most of the 550s features, sans the xm and blue tooth. Quite a bit cheaper,too.

 

[evilmedic13]

Love my Zumo. I have it w/ the XM and Starcom. No problems seeing it day or night, the bluetooth hooks up right away. When I was testing it one night it hooked up to my cell phone which was about 75ft away in the house! Unforunately, it drove me nuts looking for the phone because my brain wouldn't allow me to believe it was in the house and not in the garage w/ me . Mp3s and xm come through great as well, which the wife appreciates, now if I can get her to stop singing.........