December 2, 2005

TomTom Rider - The GPS for motorcycles

TomTom has taken a bold step and developed the TomTom Rider a GPS very much designed for motorcycles (or scooters) and all the challenges of using a GPS on a two wheeled vehicle. They have packaged their unit is a nicely sized unit that is packed with features. The expectations are that the TomTom Rider is solid TomTom all the way through meaning that it would be easy to use, have a quality look and feel as well as a friendly design interface that makes the GPS fun and friendly. We recently reviewed the TomTom GO 300 and really liked it. Check out our review.

While the TomTom rider is rugged and waterproof, it also gives you a perfect view of the screen thanks to the antiglare, 3.5-inch screen and integrated sun-visor. The screen is also tailored for simple touchscreen operation, even with gloves. A mounting kit is also included that makes the Rider compatible with virtually any scooter or motorcycle. Power is provided by an integrated rechargeable battery that can be continuously charged by the bike's battery, or recharged at home. An SD memory card contains all the maps you need for your journey, and there's a USB port for PC connectivity.

Bluetooth
TomTom is well known for their Bluetooth connections and the TomTom Rider comes Bluetooth enabled, but wait there's more! Not only can you use your Bluetooth enabled phone to download updates from the TomTom Plus services, like live traffic updates, weather additional voices for the voice commands, and additional map info (Points of Interest, updated maps), but you can also get your turn by turn voice commands routed to your Bluetooth motorcycle helmet. The TomTom Rider also has the ability to route your phone calls to your helmet too. So, this little GPS device can really change your entire experience of touring or everyday rides.

Pimp your ride?
So, if you thought the TomTom Rider was just for geeks, check out the bike made for Paris Hilton. She's got pink rhinestones all over it and a special TomTom Rider up front.

Features
Anti-glare screen and integrated sun visor Display - 3.5 inch, 320 x 240 TFT color LCD touchscreen
Safe navigation - Integrated ride mode interface for safe touch screen operation Door-to-door planning Find your way to any address in the United States
Wireless communication - Wireless Bluetooth headset provides clear voice instruction in your helmet CPU - ARM920T processor running at 400MHz
Temperature - Operating temperature 14F to 131F Weather
Weatherproof IPX7
Memory - 64 MB RAM plus SD card with software and maps
USB - Connect to PC for updates
Battery - Internal rechargable Lithium Ion battery providing approximately 5 hours of use
Power - Alternative power option from 12v or 24v bike battery
Sound - Bluetooth headset for clear audio instructions
GPS - Integrated GPS receiver based on SiRFStar III with 20 channel all-in-view tracking
Mount - Mounting to fit most bikes Unit Dimensions - 115mm x 92mm x 58mm
Unit Weight - 310 grams (about 11 ounces)

TomTom Rider available at Amazon for around $1100

DeLorme Earthmate BT-20 Bluetooth GPS Receiver - Mar 22, 2007
DeLorme Earthmate BT-20 - Jan 05, 2007
Emtac Mini-S3 Bluetooth GPS Receiver - Dec 08, 2006

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Posted by Scott Martin at December 2, 2005 9:24 AM

Comments

Looks and sounds good - I can not see how it attachs to the motor cycle - I have a 1990 harley
classic - and a f350 ford truck. I want to attach
to either quickly - yet in the case of the bike
firmly too. because someone may try and steal it
I would be forced to remove it each time I stop.
Info would be good or ideas.

Tommy-G

Posted by: Tom at October 2, 2006 11:18 PM

Tommy,

A good place to look for Mounts that don't come with GPS units is Ram Mounts:
http://www.ram-mount.com/gps_mounts/model_tomtom_gps_mount.htm

They show several ways to mount the TomTom Rider at their site.

Thanks for reading,

-Scott

Posted by: Scott at October 3, 2006 9:33 AM