Navigator iv questions/opinions needed,

[eydugstr]

Hello, thinking about buying a used Navigator IV, for use on a 2012 K1600GT and a 2007 R1200R, and have some questions.

1) Are the Nav iv's still updatable? Still able to use garmin software for routes, etc? Or would a person be better off finding a newer Nav V or VI, or Zumo?
2) After going through searches, read that it's better to use a smaller memory SD card (4-8GB). My intentions are to use it solely for navigation, won't be using it for music (Will use the phone for that). Is this still the preferred memory size? Any issues with newer maps/updates not working well?

While I've got a little experience using a nav system in cars (Mazda/Google maps etc) when it comes to m/c riding have just used maps in tankbag pockets. Maps are hard to find at fuel stops anymore, and ran into a situation last year where I got lost at night to where I couldn't read a map on a tankbag, and the city didn't spend a lot of money on street signs or lighting. The K1600 I have still has the dash console for the smaller Nav IV, and there's no way I'm shelling out the money for the Connected ride navigator that BMW is introducing.

 

[lee]

Or would a person be better off finding a newer Nav V or VI, or Zumo?

I would look for a used V. I see them from time to time pretty cheap on ADV.

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[lee]

I checked the ADV site and did not see any Nav V for sale at this time.

 

[mjfink420]

Does anyone make an adapter that fits your bike and turns it into a smartphone mount? I know they make one (Wunderlich, IIRC) for the Nav6 mounts. Just might be another option if you'd like to use your phone to navigate.

 

[kbowman]

I tried to use my phone to navigate, but it tends to overheat and shut down if it is in the sun. I'm glad I have a Nav V.

Ken

 

[eydugstr]

Does anyone make an adapter that fits your bike and turns it into a smartphone mount? I know they make one (Wunderlich, IIRC) for the Nav6 mounts. Just might be another option if you'd like to use your phone to navigate.

Yes, and it does work, but not liking how it sticks out in the open (thief bait at stoplights/intersections) and prefer to keep the phone tucked away inside the body armor of the jacket in case of an accident. Also, one of my bikes has a wonderwheel on it, so would like to make use of that, why I'm considering a bmw nav.

TY for the responses, everyone.

 

[patm]

Yes, and it does work, but not liking how it sticks out in the open (thief bait at stoplights/intersections) and prefer to keep the phone tucked away inside the body armor of the jacket in case of an accident. Also, one of my bikes has a wonderwheel on it, so would like to make use of that, why I'm considering a bmw nav.

TY for the responses, everyone.

If you want wonderwheel integration, you need to go for a Nav V or VI.
The Nav V are pretty reliable and are still updatable. The full maps are now too big for the internal memory so you need to use a microSD card.
The Nav VI have screen issues but Garmin is good at replacing them and it seems the latest version is over the issue. They're using a different type of screen.
Don't waste money on a Nav IV. It's real old, 15 years at least.

 

[lee]

I would look for a used V. I see them from time to time pretty cheap on ADV.

A couple days ago a Nav VI with the Navigation Prep mount sold for $200.
That was a great buy for someone.
This week on the R1200R forum a Nav V and Navigation prep mount sold for $250.

 

[eydugstr]

Was able to find a deal on a used Nav V. Thanks everybody for the opinions, it helps.