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The #1 thing you should know about using a motorcycle GPS

I enjoy spreading out one or more maps…scrutinizing the roads then plotting the most interesting daily routes, stops and destinations.

I frequently type-up day-by-day, turn-by-turn route sheets. Each day I attach the appropriate sheet to my tank bag and follow my directions to that day's final destination.

Trip planning mistakes happen…

While I try to be as accurate as possible with my planning, I do make mistakes when gathering information and adding it to my route sheets.

Prior to a recent nine-day trip, I made a few mileage miscalculations on my route sheets that had me wondering -- while on the road -- if was on the right course.

Important roads and exits weren't appearing where expected.

I'd wished I had a GPS (global positioning system) attached to my motorcycle to back up my printed directions and calculations.

Since that trip I bought a "new" motorcycle. Actually it is a pre-owned 2007 which is newer and has a lot less miles on it than the 1999 it replaced.

The previous owner saved me lots of trouble…

The motorcycle's previous owner left a complete, high quality, wired-in GPS mounting system for a Garmin Zumo 550 GPS attached to the handlebar.

Rather than remove the mounting setup, I tracked down a used Zumo 550 and snapped it on.

Garmin no longer makes this model, so my intention here is not to tout or review its features. It's simply the GPS that fits the mounting system on my motorcycle.

This GPS is loaded with features…and I've a long way to go before I become familiar with them all.

An audio connection would help…

The 550 is compatible with microphone-equipped helmets, head-sets and Bluetooth. But at this time I don't have any audio-acquiring headgear, so I can only view the system's map and travel info on its touch screen. I can't get audio directions.

My motorcycle's previous owner had positioned the GPS directly in front of the vehicle's instrument panel. Apparently he used it as a speedometer and to track and record trip data.

I didn't like the GPS blocking the instruments, so I lowered it. Now I have a clear view of the motorcycle's control panel.

Right now, my primary use for the GPS is to reinforce my trip-planning information and -- when I'm on the road -- to give me added insight as to where I am located and where I'm headed.

Since I've attached the GPS onto my motorcycle and began to check out its features, I've determined that -- for me -- having easy access to this electronic path finder is a mixed blessing.

The most important thing about using a GPS…

And here's the #1 thing I've learned about having a GPS on my motorcycle…

• A GPS can be a huge distraction and safety hazard when you're driving.

The wide variety of interesting and valuable trip- and vehicle-related information generated by your GPS while you're speeding along can make it dangerous.

You must make a concerted effort not to keep looking at the device.

Continually -- or even briefly -- taking your eyes off the road to manipulate or just scan information on your GPS screen when you should be paying attention to the road can cause an accident.

Also, it detracts from your enjoyment of the scenery. By constantly looking at the screen, you miss the good stuff around you.

And until your GPS is mounted exactly where you want it, or if the mounting system is loose and the device moves around, you're likely to spend way too much time fiddling with it and diverting your attention from the road.

As handy, useful and important as a GPS can be, continually watching the little motorcycle travel along the system's electronically- generated roads is a poor substitute for the real action unfolding right in front of you.

And being on the road to see, experience and stay focused on that action is really why we ride.

They're compact, easy to use and work great in emergencies. And what flat tire isn't an emergency?

They're all made in the USA.

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