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Garmin Montana 710 versus Zumo XT2 Garmin Montana 710 versus Zumo XT2
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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia




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  #1  
Old 10 May 2025
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Garmin Montana 710 versus Zumo XT2
My old GPS has finally given up the ghost. Anybody with experience of the Garmin Montana 710 and/or Zumo XT2 who can share their thoughts? Or are these horrifically expensive and everyone is using smartphone navigation these days?
Cheers.
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  #2  
Old 11 May 2025
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I've never used a zumo so here I cannot say.

As for the 710, I can offer this so far.
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  #3  
Old 12 May 2025
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Hi, I had a 660 and replaced it last year, power contacts too eroded. Replaced with a XT2 and I'm blown away by the difference. There's nothing i don't like about the XT2, it's awesome. the security holder that's available is a bit pony though, I managed to bend, twist and hammer the 660 metal security holder into submission which seems to work.
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  #4  
Old 12 May 2025
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Thanks for the replies so far. I assume for both units, it is possible to upload OSM maps? I use OSM on Basecamp to plot routes on my current Garmin.
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  #5  
Old 3 Weeks Ago
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Went for the Zumo XT2 in the end.
Random question: in the box you get the wiring to charge it on the bike. I don't want to connect it directly to the battery as I need to switch it between bikes. So, I am thinking to either wire it to a USB connector or a cigarette style connector. Any thoughts as to which is "better"? Cheers.
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  #6  
Old 2 Weeks Ago
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Deathly silence...


I'll throw in my tuppence.
USB connectors are fragile and not waterproof so I would not suggest that.
Whatever configuration you want, if you need the satnav to be powered on both bikes then you'll need to duplicate some of the parts.

Fit a DIN male plug on the rugged mount feed and fit a female DIN socket on both handlebars. These will need to be powered either via a live feed or a switch and you'll need a fuse too if attaching that to the battery unless wiring to a Thunderbox.

Or you can attach the rugged powered mount to another mount [similar to the TT ones] (I made my own) designed to reduce vibrations to the satnav then a RAM ball on that and a RAM arm to that which can move from one bike to the other. Lots of different options.

Good luck with your XT2
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Old 2 Weeks Ago
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@Ouroboros- looking at your unit, the powered mount is not Garmins' rugged one- my bad- if you want to switch from one vehicle to another, the cheapest method would be an identical connector fitted to your switched wire on both bikes. Your DLRL would be an option unless your vehicles have 'vacant' connectors available. Some do by/under dashes or seats.
The downside of an ignition live feed is that you'll need to rely on the satnavs' battery if wanting to use it when your engine if off.
The downside of a DIN plug wired - via a fuse- to the battery is that it remains permanently live. Should a 'so-and-so' decide to poke any metal in there, bye bye fuse which may be a nuisance to replace depending on location. You also get, even if minimal, power drain.
Then the RAM mounts.
Have you had any thoughts on what you will do?
These connectors were favoured by Touratech
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  #8  
Old 2 Weeks Ago
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p.s FWIW, with tech moving along, I would suggest you fit one of those.
It also prevents a surge of current going to your satnav which is a good thing.
No connection to seller.
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