Hi Chris:

Not sure I agree with your opinion. A map and a GPS serve two entirely different, but complimentary functions. The map tells you where you plan to go, and the GPS tells you where you are at the moment. The map is and will always be the primary source of navigation information, however, I am sure you have had moments in your life when you have looked at a map and not been certain exactly where you are on it. The GPS solves that problem.

The GPS also has the advantage that you can zoom in the scale easily, allowing it to serve as a momentary 'detail map' when you need to determine exactly which of the 4 or 5 turnoffs up ahead is the small regional road that will take you to your destination.

I have toured extensively (North America, Europe from Ireland to Ukraine) on a motorcycle equipped with both a map and a GPS, and would not like to be without either one.

As for your comment "If you're... flying a plane... a GPS is good" - ironically, I fly a plane professionally, that's how I make my living, and I use the GPS in the aircraft much less than I do the GPS on the motorcycle. I could easily do without it on the aircraft, but I would not enjoy long distance motorcycle touring in unfamiliar countries as much if I didn't have the GPS on the motorcycle.

Perhaps your own disappointing experience was caused by having the wrong type of GPS with you on your trip. A GPS that only shows position (lat/long) or major towns and cities would be as useless on a motorcycle as one that shows every small street, on and off ramp, and service station would be on an aircraft.

The key issue in choosing GPS receivers for overland touring is not the ability of the unit to display present position, it is the ability of the unit to show street, road and highway information, along with cultural and service information. This is determined by the choice of cartographic software you purchase along with the GPS as much as it is by the receiver itself. It is rare to find really good cartographic software included with the purchase price of the GPS unit.