TomTom Rider 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator
TomTom Rider 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator
It looks good, handles well and fits any bike with special touch-screen option for gloves, anti-glare screen, a tough weather-proof case and the cool, clean look and feel of the best bikes of the world. Spoken instructions in the language and choice of your choice reach you via a Bluetooth head in your helmet with volume automatically linked to your speed to make sure you can hear them clearly. TomTom Rider can even be used for hands-free calling. You can connect it to your mobile phone via Bluetooth (requires Bluetooth enabled phone) and gives you the edge of real-time information service from TomTom Plus while you’re on the move. Excellent screen technology - Anti-glare screen and integrated sun visor Display - 3.5 inch, 320 x 240 TFT colour LCD touchscreen Safe navigation - Integrated ride mode interface for safe touch screen operation Door-to-door planning - Find your way to any address in the United States Wireless communication - Wireless Bluetooth headset provides clear voice instruction in your helmet CPU - ARM920T processor running at 400MHz Temperature - Operating temperature 14F to 131F Weather - Weatherproof IPX7 Memory - 64 MB RAM plus SD card with software and maps USB - Connect to PC for updates Battery - Internal rechargable Lithium Ion battery providing approximately 5 hours of use Power - Alternative power option from 12v or 24v bike battery Sound - Bluetooth headset for clear audio instructions GPS - Integrated GPS receiver based on SiRFStar III with 20 channel all-in-view tracking Mount - Mounting to fit most bikes Unit Dimensions - 115mm x 92mm x 58mm Unit Weight - 310 gramsDesigned for two wheels, the TomTom Rider 32MB GPS Navigator for Motorcycles and Scooters is rugged and water resistant, and provides you with clear spoken instructions right inside your helmet. Easy to use, this unit lets you just plug it in, switch it on, and ride away, requiring no installation or activation for you to enjoy door-to-door routing to any address in North America, all with a simple touch-screen operation that is tailored for use even with your gloves on.
The TomTom Rider displays crystal clear 3D and 2D graphics on its 3.5-inch, TFT color LCD touch screen with 320 x 240 lines of resolution, and includes anti-glare technology for optimal viewing even in direct sunlight. This navigator provides clear and accurate, turn-by-turn voice instructions inside your helmet via an included Bluetooth headset, which increase or decrease in volume depending upon the speed of your bike. With an extensive guided tour for quickly learning its various functions, and a useful on-screen tip feature, the Rider not only guarantees ease of use, but lets you choose your routing by quickest, shortest or avoidance of obstacles such as toll roads, as well as test your route once calculated before you actually start driving.
The unit has a compact, portable design that fits both bikes and scooters via the included four-piece mounting kit. However, with an optional car-mounting kit this unit can also be used in your four-wheel vehicle, recognizing if you are on your bike or in your car and automatically switching from glove-friendly to in-car mode for driving. The multi-lingual Rider speaks more than 30 different languages in over 50 different voices, and lets you choose from 18 languages for its user interface. This navigator provides you with thousands of POIs (points of interest), which it lets you call directly through the interface, and even allows hands-free calling via any Bluetooth compatible phone. This unit features itinerary planning with multiple waypoints and destinations, the ability to save favorite addresses for quick route planning, a compass mode for added orientation while driving, and TomTom Plus service compatibility for such things as free scenic routes, weather services, additional voices, city maps and more.
Constructed to be extremely water resistant, the TomTom Rider provides rugged protection against any wet-weather conditions. This unit has an integrated, high-sensitivity 20-channel GPS receiver, and includes a 380 MHz CPU with 32 MB of RAM. The Rider runs for up to five hours on its internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, while the included Bluetooth headset provides up to 10 hours of talk time, and up to 250 hours of standby time. This navigator includes a high-speed USB 2.0 connection for data transfers, an SD card with pre-loaded with software and maps, and a power input for recharging the battery from, and running off of your motorbike’s 12-volt battery. Easy to take anywhere, the TomTom Rider 32MB GPS Navigator weighs just under 11 ounces, and measures 4.5 x 2.3 x 3.6 inches (W x D x H).
What’s in the Box
TomTom Rider and holder, Bluetooth headset, mounting kit, screen cloth, carrying case, home charger with multiple plugs, battery cable, USB cable, quick start guide, CD with manual and back-up tool, accessory leaflet, TomTom Plus leaflet, TomTom Plus voucher for access to free scenic routes, pre-installed memory card with region map, product code card, and an installation and security strap for attaching the device securely to your bike.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Tom Tom Rider
This GPS arrived in a very timely manner, was easy to install, tech service seems to be excellent since we had to call them because the unit is discharging in only a few hours. This could be a problem with the unit making full electrical contact with the cradle mount or it could be a situation with the motorcycle’s charging system. Must say that the unit and the Blue Tooth voice command system is excellent. One recommendation would be to increase the volume level of the unit beyond what is available.
4 Stars GPS TomTom Rider
being able to use the screen while wearing gloves is great, as is the Bluetooth so you can hear the directions and recieve your cell calls without looking at the screen and not having to worry about the road noisemakes it nice. I have been thru the mountains in subfreezing tempertures in the heat and pouring rain with no problems with this one. I have used other GPS’s made by others that claimed to hold up to the weather but they didn’t last one season, one didn’t make it thru the first rain. I have had this one for a few years now and do a lot of riding.
My ownly complaint is the mount on the first series of the rider doesn’t hold it securely but that has changed with the next generation rider
1 Stars Bike Cradle Problem
After a relatively few uses, the cradle doesn’t make contact with the GPS and your motorcycle power supply won’t charge the unit. I have had this happen on 2 units. Since batteries are nearly irreplaceable and limit you to a 4 hour trip, this is a problem. Some web sites say adding solder to the back of your unit may solve the problem, but others don’t see it as permanent. This makes it hardly worth the price. I hope TomTom has a solution.
3 Stars Not without it’s drawbacks
I have used the Rider for one riding season now. While it has come in very handy I have to agree with most of what has been written here.
A few comments to save someone some of the aggravation most have experienced. First you will need to upgrade the SD card because the memory in the supplied card is insufficient to operate the unit properly. Without a larger card you will have to deal with freeze ups and reboots. Next go to the TomTom Home page and update the installed software to the latest version. Last of all be sure you have a tether attached to the head unit. When you hit a pothole the unit can detach from the mount.
This unit is a great idea but the design is not without flaws.
1 Stars Abandon all hope, those who enter here
This is the worst motorcycle product in the known universe. I got a TomTom Rider; the bluetooth headset doesn’t last long enough for a long trip and can’t be plugged in a charger and operate at the same time. What a great idea!
Oh, if you plan on keeping the product for more than three days, forget customer service. Spares are already unavailable for TOmTOm Rider, because “we don’t sell it anymore.”
The GPS itself is useless. Bright sunshine, forget it. If you want to use the GPS for more than 3 hours, forget that too because the cradle won’t work and charge from your motorcycle’s power supply.
Now, if I were using this in a cage, it would probably be OK. Its not a bad GPS. It just doesn’t work on a motorcycle. ANy motorcyclist who purchases this product will most likely end up being very dissapointed.
Amazon will not let me rate this 0 stars but it has earned it
Filed under: Portable GPS Ratings