Garmin/BMW Motorrad Navigator IV GPS for Motorcyclists [BMW PND Based on Garmin Zumo 660]

Garmin have acted to further cement their relationship with BMW Motorrad in the development of the next generation of BMW Motorrad’s Navigator in the form of the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV GPS unit which is based on the Garmin Zumo 660 and which, just like the Zumo 660, is aimed specifically at motorcyclists.

Using the Garmin Zumo 660 as a basis, the newly announced BMW Motorrad Navigator IV comes with a number of BMW specific features such as a customised mount for motorcycles, vibration and waterproofing (IEC 529 IPX-7 standards), revised audio and Bluetooth features and , yes, it even comes pre-loaded with a BMW Dealer Database (serving as undoubted POIs for any discerning BMW owner).

The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV GPS for motorcyclists comes with a 4.3″ touchscreen display that, naturally, is ‘glove friendly’ and, as well as being preloaded with BMW dealerships comes with millions of additional POIs (Points of Interest) taking in restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, hotels et al whilst, in being Bluetooth enabled, it’ll happily play ball with Bluetooth touting helmets in order to offer turn-by-turn voice prompted navigation. Additionally, its A2DP Bluetooth connectivity also facilitates the remote listening to digital audio as well as hands free calling from Bluetooth enabled cell phones.

Other notable highlights include ‘a customizable fuel gauge that can be modified to the motorcycle’s maximum fuel range’, lane guidance, a trip log (allowing you to save and subsequently share your routes online) and, of course, the device will happy play ball with online applications such as Google Maps and MapQuest – allowing you to plan your journey in advance using your PC.

Garmin Zumo 660

“Garmin and BMW are known within their respective industries for providing high-quality, high-end products with superior customer satisfaction and support,” said Roger Jollis, Garmin’s director of OEM and mobile marketing. “By equipping BMW motorcycles with the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV, riders can let the GPS device deliver spoken turn-by-turn instructions while they focus on the road and enjoy a worry-free ride.”

The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV GPS for motorcyclists, according to Garmin’s press release, is set to become available from BMW Motorrad outlets from the third quarter of the year in both North America and the US though, as at the time of writing, no specific pricing details have been released.