However, compared to standard sat-nav, is there anything else that you get with the Zumo 220? Well, it seems yes. As you’ve probably gotten used to by Zumo, like all the navigators in the series, this model is also an all weather and very rugged device. Not only is it completely waterproof, but at the same time it is also resistant to the corrosive effects of UV radiation and fuel spray. Another feature you’ll love about the 220 is the high quality screen which is designed for excellent readability even in full sunlight. Since it’s also glove friendly, you can navigate it with ease even when wearing gloves.
View Garmin Zumo 220 on Amazon.com
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Overall Design and Build Quality
The majority of other Garmin GPS systems feature a 4.3 inch screen, but the 220 has a smaller 3.5 inch screen which is less bulky and also lighter. Because of that, it has a slight advantage when it comes to portability and there’s a much lower chance of it obscuring the instrument panel if you plan on mounting it on a sports bike. The build quality is overall great and you’ll be very happy with how robust and rugged the GPS is. For data connections and charging, there’s a small rubber flap in the back of the device which hides a mini USB port. In the back you’ll also find the housing for the removable battery and the speaker. The speaker is actually quite useful when it comes to hearing spoken directions in your vehicle.
Installation and Accessories
Installing the GPS (described here) is very simple and it can be done with the help of a few tools. On top of the power cable and the motorcycle mounting hardware, you get no suction cup, cradle and power cable for your vehicle, but you can easily attach the device to your dash (thanks to the included dashboard disk) or windscreen. If you want though, you can also install the device on the steering stem which means the device is going to be positioned right in front of you.
Display and Navigation
With a logically structured menu system and a large and very easy to read text, the interface of the 220 is simply amazing. Thanks to the uncluttered display, you can easily view the info you need and stay focused on the road. We have to mention though that it can be a bit challenging at times to enter data in the keyboard (which is not a QWERTY type) and if you go for the enlarged version (great for those wearing gloves) it can become a bit slower.
However, there are quite a few easier options if you want to select a destination based on the specific circumstances involved. So if you’re on the map screen, then you can easily be directed to the location of your choice thanks to the Where am I function. On top of that, you can also select from a wide range of preloaded POIs.
Compared to many other models out there, responsiveness when it comes to route calculation and map rendering is great, so no more will you need to worry about waiting many seconds on the device to perform these functions.
Notable Features
Even though it’s true that the Zumo 220 does not come with a wide range of features like many other devices from the Zumo range, it does offer the functionality most users need. Some of them include measurement and currency converters, world clock, calculator, but also a travel kit with picture viewer, a speed limit indicator for interstates and highways, lane assist and more. The data is pulled from a wide range of sources and it’s displayed in the motorcycle console. Speaking of which, the console features a digital fuel gauge and compass, total time, maximum speed, but also a trip computer recording mileage. What’s even more impressive about this model is that it can also be used in pedestrian mode.
Conclusion
View Garmin Zumo 220 on Amazon.com
For those who are looking for a dedicated motorcycle GPS, the Zumo 220 is an excellent choice that comes at a very good price. Since it boasts a great number of excellent features and it’s priced right, it makes for the best choice for those who are looking for an overall budget friendly and rugged GPS.
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