Navigator Plus (USA Version) for R1150R

[dwb]

After negotiating a little discount with my dealer and factoring in the $100 BMW rebate offer, I decided to purchase the Navigator II Plus system for my R1150R. But when the dealer tried to order the Nav II+ system he could not find a part number for the R1150R kit. The International BMW Motorrad site shows an R1150R Nav II Plus system with Euro maps, but I haven’t been able to find any information on a US version for the R1150R. Can anyone provide a part number or other evidence that a US version BMW Navigator II Plus system is available for the Roadster?

I’ve seen the mounting for the previous Nav II model (which should be the same for the Nav II+) and noticed the warning lights are hidden by the Nav unit. Maybe BMW has decided this presents an unacceptable liability risk in the US and will no longer offer the Nav mounting system for the Roadster – who knows. Anyway, I’d appreciate any information on Nav II Plus availability or comments on the BMW mounting kit positioning of the Nav unit relative to the instrument cluster.

Thanks.

[chibbert1]

I believe it's nothing more than a Garmin 2610 in BMW clothing (I have a 2610) and it uses Mapsource Metroguide (to get maps) - I've never seen a stocker installed on an r1150r not to say that it cant happen.

Alternative - have the dealer take off the nav - buy a 2610 or 2620 and a ram mount, hard wire it and you're good to go.

[tor1150r]

I opted for a Garmin handheld - eTrex Legend-C
A lighter unit, feature-wise, but it works great. I've planned/routed many trips with it. It rests on a RAM mount. Not hard wired in yet. But WOW does it ever make long distance trip/new routes easy to navigate.

Tip: Don't rely 100% on the GPS. Carry a map and have a good idea where you are going and the route you mapped out to get there. Advice directly from Garmin tech support - regardless of the model.

[R4R&R]

I recently picked up a Garmin Quest. I like the size and ease of use. Feature packed GPS and it worked great on the last Watoga ride. But......The navigation around home (large metro area) sucks. I'm glad I know my way around here!

But out in the country it did great, which is how it will get 'used' more.

[budH]

I opted for the Garmin 2610 instead. It's $600 (or less).

Added a 1 Gigabyte Compact Flash Card for $50.
A RAM Mount for $50.
A DC plug near the handlebars (I'll go the direct wire route as soon as I add an AutoComm System).

Much cheaper than the $1400 or so that BMW charges. Don't get me wrong, BMW's setup is very nice. Plus, with the 2610, you do lose out on the BMW compass screen and the zoom, etc. buttons that come hard wired on the left side of the screen as part of the Advanced Mount Cradle. While I bought my GPS before BMW's was even announced, I'd still opt for the 2610 today if I had it to do over.

My BMW Motorrad USA Accessories book lists the R1150R / Rockster Navigator II kit as part number 99 99 0 020 246 on page 88.

[GryphBlues]

Don,

Try this...

99 99 0 020 246

Personally, I find the BMW nav systems way overpriced. I opted for the Garmin 276c. Its a great little unit and a lot cheaper.

[FGanger]

I've done as BudH; I have the 2610 and move it from vehicle to vehicle. Would I like the four buttons on the left with the BMW version - yes.

However, I only use the unit on trips and as such I always have my tank bag installed. I find the remote unit works just fine stored in the map compartment of the tank bag. Pressing the remotes buttons negates the four additional buttons on the BMW version.

Again, would I prefer to have the BMW version for my bike - yes, but only if it was just about what I paid for my current unit.

By the way, my passenger likes to "play" with the remote when we are on trips. I used Velcro to make a lanyard for the passenger to keep around their neck.

Frank

[rdsmith3]

But......The navigation around home (large metro area) sucks. I'm glad I know my way around here!

But out in the country it did great, which is how it will get 'used' more.

This is one reason why I have not yet purchased a GPS for the bike (along with the cost, and the fact that I do not tour much at all).

We have a factory GPS system in our GMC Yukon. I do not know who makes it (Magellan, Garmin, etc.). It is very useful at times, but it is awful for figuring out how to get around NYC. For example, when I go to New England, it always wants to send me over the GW bridge and up I-95. That is the worst way to go. It is guaranteed to add hours to your time. It may look good to a computer, but it is just not a practical route except maybe at 3:00 AM.

Its routing is very similar to MapQuest. It is good 90% of the time but you can get into trouble the other 10% if you are not careful.

[dwb]

Thanks for all of the responses. The part number 99 99 0 020 246 is for the Navigator II not the Navigator II Plus. The II Plus has 2 GB of memory versus 512 KB for Nav II and lists for $100 less at $1399. In addition BMW Motorad-USA is offering $100 rebate for the II Plus. The dealers in my area are also discounting the Nav II Plus below list price.

I’ve considered the other, cheaper Garmin options. But the new pricing and discounts available for the BMW package are such that I’m (just barely) willing to pay the BMW premium for the convenience and added features. The only problem is the US version Nav II Plus system seems to be available for every BMW model except the R/Rockster? My dealer is following up on this and I’ll post when I learn more.

[FGanger]

I would, if buying a new unit, think of this:

http://www.garmin.com/products/quest2/

[arkline]

It may look good to a computer, but it is just not a practical

Just shows that computers aren't all that good at thinking like a human who knows the area. I bought a Garmin c330 to be used in the car. It always gets me where I want to go, but sometimes I violate the route it gives me because I know my city pretty well. Once you get over the funny feeling you get when you hear "Off route. Recalculating." you can just let it babble until you're well on your way. On the way to Monterey last year, it provided a much better route than Triple A. And in a place that is new to you it is great to be able to get to restaurants and stuff with out hassling with a paper map. I really like the way you can get a view of where your route is headed so you're prepared for that curve that is up ahead.

And I'll admit it. GPS is up there on the ultimate guy toy list. Imagine, never, ever having to stop and ask for directions again. Your SO can't get peeved 'cause she thinks you're lost...