Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Montana 710 review Montana 710 review
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

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




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




Like Tree4Likes
  • 1 Post By Toyark
  • 1 Post By TheWarden
  • 2 Post By Homers GSA

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Weeks Ago
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,383
Montana 710
Montana 710
.
Last edited by Toyark; 1 Day Ago at 16:32.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Days Ago
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,383
After using it for some 3000 miles to date
Evaluation still progress- no 'gremlins' so far.
Few wrong turns but that was down to mapping errors.
No shutdowns
No freezes
No 'omg' moments

As time moves on as do units, my favourites in the Garmin stable, are still the 276Cx (no touch screen and buttons still on 'wrong' side) then the 710 then the 66i.

If you are only wanting an automotive device then there are many other and cheaper options out there, including smartphones.

If you would also like to have a great deal of unit customization options, go off the beaten track to seek out gems whilst you are travelling then the 710 is a good, if more expensive, choice

Specs of the 710 are here

The enhanced battery life, increased memory to 32GB as well as the USB-C charging port are, IMHO, solid improvements over the previous 700.
__________________
I do not list my vehicles or the places I have travelled to nor do I live my life seeking validation from others.
Any information I place on here is offered freely in the spirit of cooperation.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Days Ago
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 880
I've been running a 700 for a couple of years now. I'm generally happy with it.

I like the larger screen than the 600 series, still much more readable in sun than a phone, the rugged rainproof design and the inbuilt InReach.

I don't like that it's not cheap and is prone to random shutdowns - these seem to be vibration linked, possibly the internal battery contacts jumping. It's easily restarted on the button but still irritating.

Note that I found out the hard way. If you have preloaded Garmin OSM and you want to add coverage to adjacent areas the only way is to load the extra maps on the SD card, not to place a gmapsupp file on the hard drive! It confuses the unit and sends you round in circles. Also if your maps overlap it starts messing up. Use one set or the other, not both (Map Manager).
Last edited by Tomkat; 2 Days Ago at 14:29. Reason: Correction, 700i
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Days Ago
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,383
A bit of confusion here!
At the risk of contradicting Tomkat, the 710 was announced by Garmin in early January 2025. So how he could have used one for 2 years remains a mystery unless he has made a typo and is speaking of the old 700 unit; but then the 700 being a tri-band receiver does not have the InReach facility he says he has so I'm really confused...

The 710 is also a tri-band and does not have the InReach option either.

As for the multiple gmapsupp.img images, this is a classic mistake I have often seen (as you can only have one- same as the gmapprom).
The work around is very simple in that you just need to rename your new map file whatever meaningful (to you) name you wish and place it in the Garmin folder either in the unit's own internal memory or in the micro SD card.

Overlapping maps and/or having different map types for the same areas, if enabled together, will cause complete calculations meltdown.

The issues which the 700 suffered from, have not, to date re-emerged on the 710
__________________
I do not list my vehicles or the places I have travelled to nor do I live my life seeking validation from others.
Any information I place on here is offered freely in the spirit of cooperation.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Days Ago
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,506
Interesting

If the 700i's random shutdowns are fixed and they've resolved the problem with the charging contacts with the vehicle mounts it should be great.

My 700i is bugging me on those too points and when I return from the current trip needs discussing with Garmin.

(as a side note my unit will randomly shut down just minding its own business on a table, its not a vibration issue more a hardware fault)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Days Ago
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,383
Lightbulb
@TheWarden
Have a look here- there may be a solution there.
If none of that works, I'd RMA the unit back to G for an exchange/upgrade
__________________
I do not list my vehicles or the places I have travelled to nor do I live my life seeking validation from others.
Any information I place on here is offered freely in the spirit of cooperation.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Days Ago
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 880
Quote:
Originally Posted by Toyark View Post
At the risk of contradicting Tomkat, the 710 was announced by Garmin in early January 2025. So how he could have used one for 2 years remains a mystery unless he has made a typo and is speaking of the old 700 unit; but then the 700 being a tri-band receiver does not have the InReach facility he says he has so I'm really confused...
You're right and you're wrong. I do have the 700i, and it does have InReach.

Carry on.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Days Ago
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,383
Lightbulb
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tomkat View Post
I've been running a 700 for a couple of years now.
Thank you for clarifying the fact that you say you actually have the 700i
Something, as you can see, you did not initially state. It does help everyone if you can get the unit model right when writing about it and especially if you are in need of support.
__________________
I do not list my vehicles or the places I have travelled to nor do I live my life seeking validation from others.
Any information I place on here is offered freely in the spirit of cooperation.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Day Ago
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 141
Unless I read it wrong; there is now a Montana 760!?! Is the 710 already old news and has been superceded?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Day Ago
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 247
Quote:
Originally Posted by Toyark View Post
Thank you for clarifying the fact that you say you actually have the 700i
Something, as you can see, you did not initially state. It does help everyone if you can get the unit model right when writing about it and especially if you are in need of support.
OR

“No worries. Thanks for clarifying”…

Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 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
Montana 750i review by RUST mag Chris Scott Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 1 20 Mar 2022 12:54
Review of Toby Shannon's (Charapashanperu's) Around the block Moto Adventures ChazWozzer South America 26 1 Nov 2019 16:30
Alpinestars Valparaiso 2 Review Visorhead_Tim Equipment Reviews 0 27 Jan 2016 20:18
Montana or Monterra Bermuda Rover Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 8 15 Dec 2013 20:18
HELP: Smelly biker maps on to a montana 600 Rfothy Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 3 1 Jul 2013 08:23

 
 

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 12:23.

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