viclvr - 2011-02-15 10:36 AM I hope this has not been covered already but I have not seen a post regarding this topic.... Which units are available that are directly compatable with a laptop and google maps for download? I am considering the Garmin 665. Which ones have you used and would you reccommend them? Thanks for your input!! "Ride hard or stay home!"

There are a few older threads about GPS's and related info, probably will come up if you simply search the term "GPS" Some have gotten pretty innovative to to get their units to integrate with the bikes systems. 

I have a Garmin 665. It works great and mounts easily on the bike using the victory mount. The way I have it set up the XM part of the unit is not currently functional. If you don't really have to have XM capability the garmin 660 will do everything else the 665 does for a fare amount less, and it totally integrates with the bikes stereo controls. You can do a little bit of harness modification and get the 665 to be full function with the XM, I just haven't bothered yet. 

 I use my 665 in my truck when driving it and leave the XM receiver in the truck. It comes with an extra mount for your other vehicle, this way you don't have to move mounts around.

As far as being updateable, all the garmin units come with the connectors to connect to the PC and update maps and programming. They sell individual updates or you can purchase lifetime updates for each unit you own.

There are older units available for motorcycles but they are quickly becoming obsolete. Some folks are using standard automotive GPS's but they are not water proof and don't include some of the motorcycle specific features that make the Bike models more useful while on the road. 

Hope this helps. I know now that I have the GPS on board I don't even think about where we are going each time we ride, we just head out and never have a problem getting where we are going or getting back again. Good luck!!