Multiple GPS units on a bike - whuts up wit dat?

[kaitsdad]

I've noticed on several bikes out there that just happen to be present at get togethers like, say, the Iron Butt Rally, Spank, etc., that there are not one, but TWO GPS units.

I understand the 'why' (I think) redundancy, backup, concurrent data screens being presented - etc.

Many of those multiple unit bikes have different units, and I'm thinking it might be because of the time duration between purchase - as in "I already have this old POS unit, but it still works, so I'll run it with my new one" - or is it due to the fact that different units offer disparate functions that are desirable, so having two different units makes sense?

Having two of the same unit also makes sense - same accessories, software, etc. BUT - is this a good idea?

Personally, I'm always switching between the map view and the data view on my unit, which means I take my eyes off the road, and one hand off of a bar - and it's not safe. Having two of the same unit displaying different data screens makes sense simply from a safety standpoint. If for no other reason, this is why I'm looking at a second unit.

OK - have I rambled on enough?

Any comments or ideas?

 

[Ignacio]

I think you summarized the points VERY well.

As people acquire units they have different models. It's not like resale is worth a bunch so you tend to find primaries and back-ups somehow rigged to bikes. That actually could be an advantage from two standpoints....it gives you two opinions on things like routing. If the opinions are very similar it increases the likelihood it's the right route...or that they're consistently wrong.

Second is flat-out backup. I wish I had a second unit. My single 2730 literally decided to have a brain aneurysm 2 hours before the start of this year's IBR. It kept rebooting as I hooked it to a laptop and wouldn't settle down. I was about to borrow my riding partner's spare 2610 when it finally de-seized.

The trend has been that GPS'es are indispensable in rallying. I'm still waiting for that time that we all get locked in a room "old school" and have to roll distances on maps with cigarette butts, "100 miles, 200 miles, 300 miles...."

 

[SkooterG]

GADGETITUS

No know cure.

 

[Geezer]

I only have one, but there have been times that I would have liked two. One for a close turn-by-turn map and the second displaying a bigger scale picture to show me where I am headed.

 

[HaulinAshe]

I would much prefer the aggregate pixels of two units on one screen. Heads up on my windscreen would be magnificent.

I agree with Scoot. It must be Gadgetitus. No known cure.

 

[keithaba]

I would much prefer the aggregate pixels of two units on one screen. Heads up on my windscreen would be magnificent.
I agree with Scoot. It must be Gadgetitus. No known cure.

A subcategory of farklitus. It is highly contagious and can completely devestate your bank account.

 

[LDRydr]

Personally I only use one. But I've heard the serious rally riders have two so one can monitor mapping functions (where am I, where do I next turn) and the other for trip computer functions (am I on time, avg moving speed, etc).

 

[wheatonFJR]

I only have one, but there have been times that I would have liked two. One for a close turn-by-turn map and the second displaying a bigger scale picture to show me where I am headed.

I prefer to actually look at the real environment when riding to get my cues for turning and where to aim the bike.

j/k kidding there geezer...

 

[twowheelnut]

Biker bling, yo.

 

[Geezer]

I only have one, but there have been times that I would have liked two. One for a close turn-by-turn map and the second displaying a bigger scale picture to show me where I am headed.

I prefer to actually look at the real environment when riding to get my cues for turning and where to aim the bike.

j/k kidding there geezer...

Nah. I just plug the steering servos into the GPS and set the cruise control. Then I can ignore the road, just like the cagers do.

 

[mdisher]

I didn't understand this either until I ran the void.

It would have been really helpful to have one to navigate to bonii and the other constantly routing me back to Rally HQ so I would always know just how disqualified we were.

 

[6mmbr]

I have two because only one does geotracking (the little breadcrumbs of where you've been). Most of the street navigators do not seem to have this function. You can save and download the tracks later and make a map of where you have been. In additon if you go off-road you can follow the geotracks later to find your way back, or onto the same route at a later date. I can't understand why all the street navigator units don't have this function; seems pretty simple and useful.

 

[Wolfhound]

If I had the money it would be nice to have a second one showing current radar weather . Ouch, Farkilitus strike.

 

[FJRski]

I didn't understand this either until I ran the void.
It would have been really helpful to have one to navigate to bonii and the other constantly routing me back to Rally HQ so I would always know just how disqualified we were.

Makes sense, for the guy that has everything.

 

[HaulinAshe]

If I had the money it would be nice to have a second one showing current radar weather . Ouch, Farkilitus strike.

Wouldn't that be illegal in the state of VA? After all, they don't allow radar detectors there.