Garmin has released the successor to its highly popular motorcycle sat nav, the zūmo® XT, in the form of the zūmo XT2.
The original zūmo XT is one of the most comprehensive navigation tools for your journeys, with motorcycle-specific software and a rugged water, vibration, and drop resistant design which makes it a far safer option on your handlebars than your phone.
For us adventurous types, the zūmo also features Garmin’s ‘Adventurous Routing’ function, which automatically plots a route that takes in hills and twisting roads on the way to your destination, as well as including legal unpaved roads and tracks on the map.
All in all, it’s an incredibly powerful and versatile tool, so when Garmin announced the XT2, I was curious to see how it could be improved.
So, here’s what’s new with the Garmin zūmo XT2.
New in-built visual route planner
While you could plan a route on the original XT, sometimes it was easier to use the route planner on the Garmin mobile app and then export it to the zūmo.
Now, the XT2 comes packaged with an updated visual route planner, so it’s easier than ever to customise your journey by shaping the route and adding waypoints along the way. Plus, you can choose between four levels of the Adventurous Routing feature, which factors in twisting roads and hills on the way to your destination.
The new visual route planner is an especially handy feature for those of us who want to build a trip that factors in off-road trails and exciting roads while heading between multiple destinations, all while on the go.
Larger, brighter screen
While the XT already had a wonderfully bright, 5.5-inch screen, the zūmo XT2 goes one further with a 6-inch display that’s even brighter, thanks to the transflective screen technology which makes it easy to read in both direct sunlight and dim conditions.
You can also orient the device in either landscape or portrait, which makes it more versatile depending on your bike’s dash.
The XT2 is also paired with an internal battery which Garmin says lasts up to six hours, but for longer adventures, the unit can be charged via the USB-C port or wired into your bike’s battery via the included mount.
Group ride
One of the most exciting new features of the zūmo XT2 is the group ride function, which allows you to see the location of other riders on your device.
While previous units such as the Tread® included that functionality, previously each rider had to have their own Garmin Group Ride Tracker device.
Now, all they have to do is install the Tread app on their phone which is free to use, and they’ll also be able to see everyone’s location via the Tread app as long as they have mobile coverage.
This means that a lead rider can use the XT2 for navigation, and all the other riders in a group will be able to follow them on their phones and see each rider’s real-time location.
Not only does this make it incredibly easy to re-join the group if you get separated at traffic lights or intersections, but it also means each rider can go and explore different routes while not losing track of the leader and the destination.
This functionality could also be extended to a support car, or meeting up at a campsite off the beaten track. Really, the potential uses for this feature are huge, and this alone gives the XT2 another layer of sophistication which makes it an incredibly handy tool for group expeditions.
Popular Motorcycle Paths
Another handy feature is the inclusion of popular motorcycle paths which have been compiled from Garmin users, showing you the favourite routes of motorcycle riders, which is great for finding the best roads in a new location.
The XT2 also comes with Michelin Scenic Roads and the Michelin Green Guide built-in, as well as the option to download BirdsEye satellite imagery to give you a detailed view of the terrain.
The sat nav comes pre-loaded with complete maps depending on your region. For us here in the UK, the zūmo XT2 comes with street and topographic maps of Europe and the Middle East out of the box, but you can also download maps for North and South America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand for free.
Review ride details
When you’ve paired your zūmo XT2 with the Tread app on your phone, you’ll be able to see a complete overview of your completed ride, including your speed, elevation, G-force, acceleration, and more.
You’re also able to record your ride and share it as a route later on, which is great if you come across a fantastic road and want to save it to ride again or share with a mate.
Is the zūmo XT2 the best motorcycle sat nav?
There’s about a hundred other things that the XT2 can do: from keeping up with live traffic on your daily commute, following the TET through Wales, or planning an overland adventure across Africa, it’s a complete navigation package.
Importantly, the XT2 builds upon the popular zūmo XT platform and offers a number of useful upgrades and new features, which makes it one of the most comprehensive, versatile, and effective motorcycle-specific sat navs you can buy today.
So, if you need a navigation device that’s built more rugged than your phone and has heaps of incredibly useful tools for us motorcyclists, Garmin’s zūmo XT2 is definitely worth considering. You can find out more on Garmin’s website here.
