Top-notch GPS producer Garmin announces the zūmo 396 LMT-S, a new unit designed to offer motorcycle riders even more handy functions besides basic navigation. The new bike GPS is, of course, a rugged piece of technology created to endure harsh conditions and still be able to deliver peak performance.
As Garmin describes the new zūmo, it is a gadget “for motorcyclists that want to turn their routes into thrilling adventures.” The 396 LMT-S offers a feature that most long-haul riders simply love: the possibility of adjusting the route to include more curves, more hills and avoid major highways. That is, if you’re not in a hurry and feel you in a rather explorative mood, the new Garmin GPS is ready to prepare a thrilling route for you.
The zūmo 396 LMT-S can also be hooked to a compatible smartphone via Bluetooth and offer even some extra nifty features. Riders can effortlessly send GPX files from their phones to the zūmo or other fellow riders, so they can upload them in their own navigators and follow the same route.
Using the dedicated Smartphone Link app, all the riders in a group can track everyone’s whereabouts in real time, thanks to the LiveTrack function. Bluetooth also makes handsfree calls a breeze, while providing customizable on-screen notifications for calls, text, app alerts, and more.
Naturally, music streaming from the phone or compatible player is supported natively. The Smartphone Link app also offers free Live Traffic and Weather reports. Garmin endowed the new zūmo 396 LMT-S with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, so riders can connect without using cables to download updates.
Ride-related alerts are now a part of zūmo’s ecosystem, as the GPS navigator will provide various types of notifications, ranging from the need to check state helmet laws to fatigue warning to preventing driving the wrong way on a one-way street. The Automatic Incident Notification function sends a text message containing the location of the crash to a preset contact.
Also on the safety side, the zūmo 396 LMT-S comes with a built-in trip computer that shows info on gas, remaining mileage, air filter, brake fluid and brake pads change needs, based on the info riders input. And with smart POI management, the zūmo 396 LMT-S also indicates the nearest gas stations when you are getting close to an empty tank. Add guidance by user-recognizable landmarks, TracBack reverse routes for even more options.
The zūmo 396 LMT-S has a 4.25” color TFT glove-friendly screen and is IPX7 certified, being resistant to fuel vapors, UV rays, rain and other harsh elements. By itself, the rechargeable li-ion battery lasts for up to 4 hours, depending on how you use the unit, but hooking it up to a 5V, 2A source eliminates any inconvenience. A microSD card expands the available memory and allows users to load custom and TOPO maps, too.
Like always, Garmin has a bevy of accessories for the zūmo 396 LMT-S, from pouches to bike and car kits and many more. The base price for this new navigator is a cent short of $400 and availability is estimated at 5-8 weeks.