TomTom's latest RIDER GPS unit gets official

TomTom's launch of its latest RIDER GPS unit for motorcycles hasn't exactly gone as planned, with some pictures but not a lot of details leaking out last week. It looks like the company's now gotten things in order, however, making the new and improved device official and providing some details about it. Among the additions this time around is a new Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset that'll relay directions straight to your helmet, as well as a new RAM mount that should let you use the unit with just about any motorcycle. You'll also now be able to bring the RIDER's GPS guidance along with you in your car, although you'll have to drop more than $100 extra for that convenience. Look for this one to hit Europe by the end of May in both Western Europe-wide and U.K/Irelend-specific models for between £300 and £400 (approx. $590- $790).

[Via NaviGadget]

[Genome @ Apr 11th 2007 6:54PM]

I'd rather use a mobile phone based gps, I can still listen to tunes and take calls. I don't have the time to attach/remove this unit every time I get off my bike.

[Variblex @ Apr 11th 2007 7:37PM]

Wow punching buttons on the motorcycle. Another way gps will kill.

I can only imagine idiots either staring down while driving or trying to punch buttons while riding.

Idiots and riding dont mix well.

[Mike @ Apr 11th 2007 7:42PM]

why the fuck don't people know where they are going?

[t-bone @ Apr 11th 2007 9:28PM]

That's what worries me, as well. I occasionaly go somewhere I've never been but, while turn-by-turn directions would be nice, the printout from Google Maps works just fine.

[stitifier @ Apr 11th 2007 10:25PM]

Good luck holding that printout steady on a motorcycle, though.

[MarkF @ Apr 11th 2007 11:18PM]

If you don't ride, please don't post about how stupid this is. As rider, daily commute and touring, I can say that a GPS unit is a great addition to a motorcycle. It's certainly not for the daily ride to work, or short around town trips, but on longer riders (I just got back to Minneapolis from Tucson) it's a real godsend. I used paper maps for many years and while riding it just takes too long to focus on the map, determine your position, and plot your next turn. Even with printed out turn-by-turn maps it take your eyes off the road too long to read effectively. With a good GPS unit you can very effectively, and safely, navigate unfamiliar territory and not divide your attention between the inattentive cagers trying to run you off the road and route to your destination.
I am currently considering getting a more motorcycle focused unit (Garmin Zumo 550) to replace my current riding GPS (Garmin eTrex Legend Cx). This TomTom unit seems to be adding exactly the primary feature I am trying to get, namely a clear, uncluttered display. On a motorcycle having just the information you need to better than having too much info.

[donuteatinsob @ Apr 11th 2007 11:40PM]

Meh, the idea is nice but I am still wondering how distracting it could be to some riders. I like the idea of GPS since there are times I get lost but overall I just would rather rely on a phone based GPS that I could pull out of my pocket at will and look at. Better if it was audible and for long trips would it spit out the directions over audio to me while listening to my tunes. That would be the penultimate for me. Phones keep converging more and more with multiple devices in the, wonder how the BB 8800 or the HTC S710(with a BT GPS module) would work that way?

[raaaaaa @ Apr 12th 2007 12:27AM]

OK, b ut the zumo includesall the hardware and gives you trip recoding features that the rider has ignored yet again.

[Bard @ Apr 12th 2007 12:28AM]

Wow...just shows the ignorance of the masses towards motorcycles!!

First off: A phone and a bike just don't work. Period. If it did, a rider would've perfected it. Second, Touring on a motorbike is a difficult endeavor, wich is why we do it. A handlebar mounted display that automatically refreshes is a godsend!

Also, for those who think that having a map on screen is "distracting", have you ever RIDDEN a motorbike? An average rider is shifting, braking, leaning, turning, adjusting the throttle, and looking out at 6 different points for stupid "cagers" aka drivers, who love to cut us off at every chance because their DVD players are more importiant than the other driver. If you, as a rider, can't cope with a screen just sitting on your handlebar, you really just need to sell the bike and get off the road!

Like another rider said: This is not a daily machine. This is somthing for touring at 100+ mile journeys. The only problem is that this won't mount to touring scooters (Such as Aprilia Scarabeo 150-500's or Honda Reflexes without the sport package) or any variety of Vespa/Piaggio bikes since neither have exposed handlebars. But, I'm sure a seperate bracket is out there or can be fabricated.

[iameightbit @ Apr 12th 2007 3:29AM]

Yeah, I'm with the riders here, you guys don't seem to appreciate how hard it is to consult a paper map on a bike. For touring GPS is invaluable.
I have a Zumo 550, which is wicked, it can be distracting, but so can a hundred other things, it is up to me to prioritise and be safe.
The Zumo does a fantastic job and comes with really good mounting hardware that makes it a breeze to get on/off the bike.

[sammy @ Apr 14th 2007 9:03PM]

i love the fact that my bike is equipped with the maps for me already. there's no messing around with paper maps or attempting to reach my phone AND engage the software; all i have to do is listen... if i need to look i can. i have a tomtom rider on my bike. its not distracting or unsafe at all, actually, it even has a safety feature that disables the touch feature of the screen while my bike is moving. i tell it where i want to go and it tells me where to go