Northwest Cycle Report

Garmin Zumo 660.

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, introduced the zümo 660, a new motorcycle device that integrates the slim and sleek design of the nüvi^® with specific features made exclusively for motorcyclists. The  zümo 660 was announced in conjunction with the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

“The  zümo can change your entire experience of touring or everyday rides because it helps you find amazing places to explore,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether you’re charting your own course or you plan your trip from your computer and download the route to your GPS beforehand, your ride will be more enjoyable and stress-free because you’ll have peace of mind knowing the  zümo will help you find your way home.”

Ideal for a weekday ride or weeklong trip, the  zümo 660 has features motorcyclists will appreciate like a 4.3” sunlight-readable and customizable touchscreen display, glove-friendly design with left-handed controls and oversized touchscreen buttons. The ruggedized and waterproof (IEC 529 IPX-7 standards) device comes loaded with detailed, street-level maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico that have over six million points of interest including gas stations, lodging, restaurants, attractions and more. The  zümo 660 speaks street names so riders will receive turn-by-turn, voice prompted directions, such as “turn right on Main Street,” via the built-in speaker or through a compatible Bluetooth helmet or headset.

The  zümo 660 also comes equipped with advanced routing capabilities. Lane assist with junction view guides riders to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, and realistically displays road signs and junctions on the route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation. In some major metropolitan areas, surrounding buildings are displayed in a 3D transparent view. A new multiple routing feature customers can see a map preview of the proposed fastest route, shortest route and off road route prior to choosing to navigate it. This capability gives riders additional situational awareness before they begin their journey.

The  zümo 660 also has enhanced Bluetooth Wireless Technology (A2DP) that amplifies audio for a crisp sound, and makes it possible to receive and place phone calls as well as receive navigational cues wirelessly to Bluetooth enabled headsets or helmets. The zümo supports over 200 Bluetooth enabled phones so riders can retrieve and dial numbers using a supported phone’s contact list or from the phone’s call history log. A user can also make calls from  zümo’s huge points of interest database.

While riding, it is easy to access trip information directly fr zümoom the ’s trip information page like speed, heading, altitude, and a customizable fuel gauge that can be modified to the motorcycle’s maximum fuel range. If a rider wants to leave the pavement for the trai zümol, the  accepts Garmin’s MapSource^® U.S. Topo maps for off-road navigation. Sharing rides with others or keeping a detailed log of trips is also easy thanks to  zümo Connect, an online community of routes and riders. Zümo owners can also plan routes online through Google or MapQuest and send the routes or points of interest to the  zümo before they begin their journey. In addition, riders can swap routes and waypoints with other  zümo owners via the unit’s microSD card slot.

Like other members of the  zümo family, the  zümo 660 has many security features. The mount is designed to withstand the severe vibration environment commonly experienced in motorcycle riding. The  zümo also includes Garmin Lock^®, a unique theft prevention system that disables the  zümo from performing any functions until the user types in a specific 4-digit PIN or takes the unit to a predetermined secure location. If the user does not know the PIN or secure location, the  zümo will be inoperative.

The  zümo 660 is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2009 at $799.99. Additional information is available at www.garmin.com.