Garmin Zumo XT2: Moto Navigation Made Easy
Finding a GPS device that truly meets motorcyclists’ needs is no small feat. Garmin’s Zumo XT2 has quickly become my go-to navigator, combining travel practicality with cutting-edge features that enhance every aspect of the ride.
Right out of the box, the XT2 impressed me with its ultra-bright six-inch display. The screen is crystal-clear, even under the midday sun, and it’s glove-friendly—critical for riders who want to avoid stopping constantly to adjust settings. The weather-resistant design means I don’t have to think twice about using it in heavy rain or on dusty trails.
Mounting the device was straightforward with a secure cradle that held up even on the bumpiest backroads. The kit includes a mount bracket, a handlebar mounting kit, and a power cable. I ordered a second set of everything so I could have one kit permanently installed on the motorcycle I keep in my garage and one kit ready for other bikes. I wired the permanent kit directly to the accessory wires on my motorcycle, while the travel kit is on standby with universal battery terminal rings. This makes fly-n-ride trips incredibly easy.
An Effortless Experience
The Zumo XT2 gives a much better navigation experience than the older Zumo units. You can choose between multiple routing options, including faster routes, adventurous paths with plenty of curves and hills, or off-road trails. Testing all three modes across varied terrain, I found the “Adventurous Routing” option delivered exactly what it promised: scenic backroads with minimal traffic and a healthy dose of sweeping turns.
Garmin’s BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, included without a subscription, was a game-changer for off-road routes. While mapping out a remote Appalachian off-road ride, the high-resolution images allowed me to scout trails and plan accordingly. Combined with the preloaded topographic maps, unexpected obstacles or dead ends never caught me off guard.
Garmin’s interface makes it easy to input routes, adjust settings, and even customize the map view to prioritize points of interest. I also found myself fussing with importing GPS files far less than with any previous Zumo device. You can easily download a RoadRUNNER route, import it to the GPS, and hit the road.
The XT2 also includes trip metrics, such as elevation changes, actual distance ridden, and average speed, which I found useful for planning future rides and fine-tuning routes for publication.
Other Standout Features
The Zumo XT2 has a few additional useful features (that I didn’t get to test myself). Most of them require connection to additional devices. First is the ability to pair to the Garmin Group Ride Radio, which enables real-time location sharing and communication between group members via satellite connection. The unit can also connect to a Garmin InReach satellite emergency communicator.
When connected to your smartphone via the Garmin Tread app, the XT2 unlocks features like traffic and weather updates, route sharing, hands-free calling, fuel stops, and navigation assistance, along with smart notifications.
Would I Buy it Again?
At $599, the device isn’t cheap, but for riders who value seamless navigation, it’s worth every penny. Whether you’re a long-distance tourer, an urban commuter, or an off-road adventurer, the XT2 is up to the task. When I’m scouting an area for new routes without a premade plan, the on-the-fly route planning is incredibly useful.
I found the XT2 to be very user friendly, responsive, and easy to see while riding. The maps allowed me to quickly orient myself when rerouting, and didn’t completely derail my planned routing like previous models have done. This was a huge improvement. The Zumo XT2 has become an indispensable part of my gear.
Garmin Zumo XT2
$599.99