My BMW Navigator VI is possessed

[Ray]

Or, there's a regional difference with effects of heat on the resistive touch screen. If I recall, Grumpy, you're commuting in the Houston area. Is that with the device on the bike and parked in the sun all day? Not quite the same temperatures as Boston.

Weird.

(Agreed. You convinced me.)

[BobAin'tStoppin']

I recall he set me straight on why to bypass Garmin Express in loading GPX files into my NAV V. The Garmins might simply like him more than the rest of us.

Ray, Did that method of putting the gpx into your nav work well for you? I have only my own experiences to go by on that. But it did work for me.

[Lee]

Ray, Did that method of putting the gpx into your nav work well for you? I have only my own experiences to go by on that. But it did work for me.

I didn't know Garmin Express was a option to enter GPX files.
I just copy and paste files directly into the Nav GPX folder.

[Ray]

I recall he set me straight on why to bypass Garmin Express in loading GPX files into my NAV V. The Garmins might simply like him more than the rest of us.

Ray, Did that method of putting the gpx into your nav work well for you? I have only my own experiences to go by on that. But it did work for me.

Yep. Worked well. Thanks. Unlike Lee, I have always proceeded on the assumption that in working with the Garmin, the more complex process is the one that works the best. As my wife reminds me regularly, it's always good to know I'm wrong.

I currently do my map making through Rever pro, which sports a Butler map overlay onto what functions like Google maps. They have been updating a BMW-specific download of files for the last year, which seems to work better than the more generic GPX files. Will do some more experimentation in January.

[BobAin'tStoppin']

Lee. Our discussion was about the problem of using the base camp menu selection to transfer a route to the device. When I was using a model 660 that method resulted in non working routes. Instead, I export the route as a gpx file and then drag it into the gpx folder. This fixes the corruption that the export function creates. I don't know if this is still an issue with the newer Bmw NAV units and later versions of base camp. But it's a royal pain to be on a route and get that message about 'you can't navigate to there from here'. I forget the actual words, but perhaps you had that problem on occasion.

[Grumpy Goat]

I currently do my map making through Rever pro, which sports a Butler map overlay onto what functions like Google maps. They have been updating a BMW-specific download of files for the last year, which seems to work better than the more generic GPX files. Will do some more experimentation in January.

At that time, can I get a "how-to" article out of you for the RSWb website?

[darrell]

My Nav VI started acting up a couple of weeks ago after using only 4000 miles. Call to Garmin where they confirmed I had updated everything and stated mine should have been one that was corrected so they were surprised. New one was shipped immediately. Received 2 days later. I did a quick check to verify everything was most current software and maps. Shipped the old one back using the prepaid label from Garmin. New unit has worked fine the last 1000 miles. Great service from Garmin.

[Lee]

My Nav VI started acting up a couple of weeks ago after using only 4000 miles. Call to Garmin where they confirmed I had updated everything and stated mine should have been one that was corrected so they were surprised. New one was shipped immediately. Received 2 days later. I did a quick check to verify everything was most current software and maps. Shipped the old one back using the prepaid label from Garmin. New unit has worked fine the last 1000 miles. Great service from Garmin.

Can't remember if you bought it used.
If you did, it's good to know the warranty transfers to the new owner.

[Lee]

Great service from Garmin.

Last month I called in and asked if they would mail me two new Nav V batteries.
No problem, a few days later two batteries arrived no charge with free shipping.

[darrell]

My Nav VI started acting up a couple of weeks ago after using only 4000 miles. Call to Garmin where they confirmed I had updated everything and stated mine should have been one that was corrected so they were surprised. New one was shipped immediately. Received 2 days later. I did a quick check to verify everything was most current software and maps. Shipped the old one back using the prepaid label from Garmin. New unit has worked fine the last 1000 miles. Great service from Garmin.

Can't remember if you bought it used.
If you did, it's good to know the warranty transfers to the new owner.

I bought mine new when Sierra BMW had a $200 discount on them last fall.

[Liteitup]

I am the second owner of mine. It came with the used bike I bought. Garmin replaced it with no questions when it began malfunctioning.

[Lee]

I am the second owner of mine. It came with the used bike I bought. Garmin replaced it with no questions when it began malfunctioning.

Good to know. Thanks.

[darrell]

Well 3 days ago my 2nd Nav VI acted up doing its own thing by moving around to various screens. Did this for 60 miles while I rode home. Called Garmin for help. They verified the GPS I had was from the new batch that should have resolved this. I assumed they would just send me another new one but they spent time with me going over everything on my GPS to see if they could determine why it maybe failed. First we checked all the software after reloading the last version of Garmin Express on my MacBook Pro. Then they decided to remove all my maps and have me reload new maps. After mentioning I also had a Nav V with no issues they had me remove the Nav VI connection from the computer and attach the Nav V. We checked this software and then loaded new maps on this unit. Then back to the Nav VI and reloaded all the maps. I’ve rode 500 miles in the past 3 days and the Nav VI has worked perfectly. If I understood the tech correctly the updates for software and maps we do only add to the current files on the GPS computer and by re-installing the maps it clears everything and reloads new maps in a logical pattern. I know noting about electronics on this stuff but I do know I reboot my iPhone, iPad and MacBook Pro monthly at the suggestion of Apple technicians. I do have a specific number to call if it gives me trouble again as they will replace if it does. I have checked my Nav V on the bike and it works so I’ll carry that as a spare when traveling at least for the time being.

[Grumpy Goat]

Darrell thangs for posting. This is good to know and the first thing to try if my replacement Nav VI gets the heebie-jeebies again.

[Lee]

I have checked my Nav V on the bike and it works so I’ll carry that as a spare when traveling at least for the time being.

Good idea to carry it as a spare.
I don't remember if you create routes. If you do, it would be a good idea to load the GPX files on both units.
I saw a Nav VI for sale cheap awhile back but decided to stay with the V for now.
Maybe I'll consider a update if BMW comes out with a VII.

[Olgry1]

I found out the hard way that having a spare GPS on the bike for a trip is good idea. Thanks Darrell

[darrell]

I have 3 older Garmin 2730 units I use on my R1150GSA bike. These are old technology but support an XM radio operating with them. I have one lifetime XM radio subscription so use it on these GPS units. Until I got the Nav V and now have a Nav VI I always carried 2 units with me. With some of the issues the Nav VI units are experiencing I’ll start carrying the Nav V with me.

As far creating routes. I never have on a GPS or a computer. In fact don’t even know how. A paper map and compass have worked the first 50 years of riding and I would guess can work in the hopefully next 20 years.

[Lee]

As far creating routes. I never have on a GPS or a computer. In fact don’t even know how. A paper map and compass have worked the first 50 years of riding and I would guess can work in the hopefully next 20 years.

A lot of times on long trips I don't make routes because I change routes on the fly.
The night before or that morning I'll enter a few towns I may go through. During the day I can select Recent and pick towns that will work for me.

Last month in Gunnison I didn't have any routes for day rides and will not for September.
I'll have maps with me.
I just looked in my document bag for the trip and I have five maps.
Official Colorado map
Butler Colorado map
Montana and Wyoming
Western US
Central US

For anyone trying to route over Cottonwood Pass during the Ride Inn, you probably need to not select avoid unpaved roads. Last month when I entered a town on the other side of the pass it did not want to route over the pass. I'm guessing it still thinks it's gravel.
I have the latest maps loaded.

[Olgry1]

As far creating routes. I never have on a GPS or a computer. In fact don’t even know how. A paper map and compass have worked the first 50 years of riding and I would guess can work in the hopefully next 20 years.

A lot of times on long trips I don't make routes because I change routes on the fly.
The night before or that morning I'll enter a few towns I may go through. During the day I can select Recent and pick towns that will work for me.

Last month in Gunnison I didn't have any routes for day rides and will not for September.
I'll have maps with me.
I just looked in my document bag for the trip and I have five maps.
Official Colorado map
Butler Colorado map
Montana and Wyoming
Western US
Central US

For anyone trying to route over Cottonwood Pass during the Ride Inn, you probably need to not select avoid unpaved roads. Last month when I entered a town on the other side of the pass it did not want to route over the pass. I'm guessing it still thinks it's gravel.
I have the latest maps loaded.

Our touring style is similar: no maps on the GPS, carrying Butler and state maps and making decisions on the fly. Personally I also enjoy getting lost sometimes as often those rides are the most memorable and often funny if leading a group.

[Grumpy Goat]

Personally I also enjoy getting lost sometimes as often those rides are the most memorable and often funny if leading a group.

I agree but only as long as everyone in the group feels the same way, and don't have to use a bathroom.

I used to have / use paper maps, but I find that doing the planning in advance and then plugging it into a GPS means I have less to worry about when I travel. You use the maps and Internet at that time and can actually virtually visit the places you want to visit before deciding. Maps do provide a handy overview type perspective which is a PITA on the GPS.

I have used Furkot.com before, and while I am no expert, it does route planning, places of interest, rest sops and overnight stops, etc. All which you can upload into the GPS. Of course while following that, there is nothing to stop you from going off on your own and stopping the trip on the GPS. I have started planning the Gunnison trip on Furkot.com, but it is slow going since I am also researching which motels to book along the way, and also considering any places of interest that I might want to ride by as long as it does not add to the schedule too much.