Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Garmin Montana 710 versus Zumo XT2 Garmin Montana 710 versus Zumo XT2
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!



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




Like Tree5Likes
  • 1 Post By Toyark
  • 1 Post By dippy
  • 1 Post By Toyark
  • 1 Post By Toyark
  • 1 Post By

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 May 2025
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 145
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.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 May 2025
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,399
I've never used a zumo so here I cannot say.

As for the 710, I can offer this so far.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 May 2025
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 37
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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 May 2025
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 145
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.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 May 2025
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 145
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.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 May 2025
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,399
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
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 May 2025
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,399
@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
Attached Thumbnails
Garmin Montana 710 versus Zumo XT2-screenshot_20250530_194232_duckduckgo.jpg  

Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Garmin Montana 600 help please? JamesC Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 2 2 May 2019 11:14
$7.95 App better than Garmin Montana 650t Alandob Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 2 28 Apr 2014 01:06
Review Garmin Zumo 220 GPS mmaarten Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 1 24 Feb 2013 09:18
Zumo or Montana EMBEE Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 26 16 Nov 2012 16:47
Advice on Maps for Garmin Montana 650 John Laverick Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 12 2 Apr 2012 10:23

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

2026 Confirmed Dates:
(get your holidays booked!)

Virginia: April 23-26
Queensland: May 1-4
CanWest: July 9-12

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:41.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top