Product Review - Garmin Montana Motorbike Sat Nav

Garmin Montana Multi-Purpose Sat Nav

 

First up on Elbow Down's product reviews is the Garmin Montana 600 Outdoor Handheld GPS Unit a multi-purpose sat nav that has real potential as a motorbike specific navigator. Designed for biking, hiking and even marine use, this really is a jack of all trades - but is it a master of none?

 

Waterproof, glove-friendly and with a battery life that removes the need to hardwire it to the bike, this wonderful piece of which-way-wizardry is off to a great start. The displays are typical of recent Garmin equipment and as such are easy to, erm...navigate (pardon the pun), while the many features include a fancy 3-axis compass; wireless sharing with other Garmin units; and if you opt for the all singing 650T model there is even a digital camera included in the unit to allow 'geotagging' - marking the location where the photo was taken.

 

Different profiles are pre-installed and can be setup differently, meaning you can personalise individual modes flick between them depending on how you are using the unit. Hiking in the Peak District? Choose 'Recreation'. Commuting in the car? Pick 'Automotive'. Recording lap times round Cadwell Park? That's 'Motorcycle'. I have found the Montana to be just as much use for country walking as it in on two wheels or four, and it can easily be set up for greenlining purposes too.

 

So what's not to like? Well, the Montana is supplied without full maps, which is both a gift and a curse. Although the unit is not ready for use fresh out of the box, it does mean you can do without Garmin's maps and opt for free ones from the Open Street Map project. Simply downloads the maps you require, unzip the file entitled 'gmapsupp' and copy it onto the 'Garmin' folder on the sat nav unit - and Bingo! Free maps, in great detail, to update as often as you like. Alternatively, official Garmin maps are available...at a price.

 

Finally, you will need to buy the mounting equipment separately - try these links for suggestions: Garmin Auto Suction Cup Mount with Speaker and Garmin Bicycle Handlebar Mount for Garmin Montana Handheld GPS .

 

In conclusion the Montana is capable of all of the features of other motorbike specific units, but with a whole lot more on offer besides. As tough as it is smart, this Garmin unit should prove a worthwhile investment and complement your lifestyle on and off the bike.

 

What's The Scores, George Dawes? - Nine out of ten