
The GPS will re-calculate on-the-fly if you diverge from its instructed route I was actually able to send the unit into a confused muddle by doing this. If you don’t trust the mount, aftermarket solutions exist. It feels a bit wonky at first, but it works, and it’s very low-profile. To attach the Zumo XT to the mount, you rock it backwards, pressing it until it clicks into place. The back of the Zumo XT has a charging connection, as well as slots for a USB cable and memory card. If you want to pay for mobile data, you can have a much-improved riding experience, if you max out the unit’s capabilities. If you want, you can even configure it to give you satellite weather information, or warn about speed cameras. The Zumo XT warns of upcoming speed changes, or changes to motorcycle helmet laws, or road hazards, and even advises of lane changes. Still, it’s nice to have a clever friend along as you ride. Google Maps did the same here, so I don’t blame the GPS-but it pays to be able to think for yourself, even as the machines grow smarter and smarter. On a recent trip through Newfoundland, that same auto-route feature struggled in some of the island’s more serpentine one-way streets, in the city of St. That’s good news for GPS owners, but it kind of made me wonder if my experience pre-running that area for rallies was now irrelevant-just one more instance of machine replacing man? Jacking up the “adventure rating” made the ride significantly more interesting! In fact, in later usage around Nova Scotia’s Sunrise Trail, a classic biker route, I found the GPS picked the exact same roads through the area that I would have chosen, after years of riding through the area and carefully selecting the best. and then I realized the Adventurous Routing system works on a sliding scale, and I’d set the “adventure rating” to minimum. I started running New Brunswick’s back roads between Saint John and Moncton, curious to see the GPS’s AI-powered routes, compared to my own selections.Īt first, I was somewhat disappointed when the GPS sent me down the highway, not through favourite backroads like Route 121 or the 845. I synced the XT to my helmet and phone, and set out.

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You don’t need to plug in any chips or download any maps (although you can update them if you choose)g, for basic nav. On the box, Garmin says the Zumo XT is ready to use-turn it on, and go.

This ancient route through New Brunswick’s Acadian dikes was on the map, and even a long-disused trail to the abandoned town of Grole (re-settled in 1970!) when I was in Newfoundland. Neither are suspiciously unmarked public roadways. Wet, soggy days are no problem for the Zumo XT. Pricing is around $499 in the US, $650 in Canada, depending on where you are shopping and whether there’s a sale on. The 5.5-inch touchscreen is very bright, made to far exceed Garmin’s cheaper units.Īll in, it’s a very powerful gadget, far exceeding the streamlined handheld GPS units that I used before. It’s IPX7-weatherproof, and comes with a built-in Li-ion battery with battery life as long as six hours when disconnected from the charger. Several travel-oriented apps come built-in as well.

With wi-fi updates, you can also download BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, at no charge. Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Bahamas. The Zumo XT comes with pre-loaded on-road and off-road maps for U.S., Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. The XT takes things a step further, with “Garmin Adventurous Routing.” Use this option when automatically mapping a route, and you can incorporate unpaved roads, 4×4 trails and other fun, while staying inside public land boundaries (a very important feature in the U.S.).

Previous Garmin units had the option to select the twistiest roads automatically. The Garmin Zumo XT debuted in early 2020, as an adventure-focused motorcycle GPS system. But, just before placing the order, and just before a couple of planned motorcycle adventures, I was asked if I wanted to review a loan Garmin Zumo XT. It was time to upgrade!Īfter digging through my couch cushions for change, and robbing the kids’ piggy banks, I had enough money for a Garmin Zumo 396. For years, I’d been making do with a cellphone for street riding, and a Garmin eTrex Legend Hcx for offroad. Last winter, I finally broke down and decided it was time to buy a proper GPS unit.
