Customer Reviews
Does everything I want it to do 
2008-07-05
After using a Garmin GPS60 in my travels, using the ZUMO 550 was a great improvement. I read some previous reviews and was a little disappointed in some of the shortcomings of the unit. I don't know if Garmin actually addressed the shortcomings of if the reviewer just didn't know how to access the feature. Two examples; one reviewer said that you couldn't "MARK" a location. This is easily done by simply touching the vehicle icon. You can then rename the location and save it to your favorites. Another reviewer talked about the lack of a compass option unless you are in the "off road" mode. If you are not navigating, there is a letter indicator on screen constantly and by one touch, you have access to a graphic compass. You always have access to the graphic compass page while navigating with one touch.
I am very satisfied with the ZUMO 550 and would recommend it. One thing I would have liked is the option of getting AM-FM radio instead of XM. I have cable TV, but I still have a problem with paying for radio.
I love gadgets, and I don't consider myself a "techy", but I rate the ZUMO 550 with a "10".
You won't be disappointed with this GPS 
2008-07-02
Everything I have been looking for in a GPS for all of my vehicles is included in the Zumo550. I can easily switch it between the motorcycle and my truck with zero effort. The MP3 player is a lifesaver on long trips. I just insert an 8GB SD card and let the music play. All of the controls are easily seen and the buttons can be pushed with gloves on.
The only thing I would change is the low fuel gauge. Instead of a pop-up window reminder of low fuel, it would be nice to have the voice prompt you and start showing the nearest gas stations. Picky, I know, but it woudl be a great feature. Other than my wishes, the unit is nearly perfect.
Takes a licking and ... 2008-07-01
I take the unit off the bike every time I stop
(I don't trust the locking screw).
One time I did not fully secure the GPS into the cradle.
While going down the road at 50+ miles per hour it flew off.
I thought great there's $600 down the drain.
I circled back and picked up the device.
It was banged up in a few places (the corners were completely scuffed).
I turned it on and it WORKED!
I have fully tested it and everything works (it's now 15+ days since the incident).
All-in-all a good GPS for those of us who are a little rough on our hardware.
Zumo 550 2008-06-28
Would have given 5 stars if the Zumo hadn't stopped working a week after I bought it, yep I said stopped working! I was gonna get really pissed but then called the tech help number and the girl on the other end was very helpful and got me going again in no time. Still not sure what happened but it hasn't happened since and as long as the GPS is working I love it!!! Takes care of all my needs on the bike as well as in the car. Wish it wasn't priced so high, but none the less I would recommend it highly!
xm radio with zumo550 can not hear from bluetooth , is it true ?? 2008-06-27
after i got zumo550 on my motorcycle, i subscribed xm radio.
but i could not hear sound through my bluetooth.
i can hear only mp3.
i called xm few times, seems to me they are not much knows about zumo
system. the guy told me i need buy extra fm radio to listen xm radio
through my bluetooth.
i called garmin, they said to me if i want a use xm radio through my
zumo550, i need regular head set to plug into audio out let at zumo.
i really need help to solve this problem.
reason i like zumo, cause had a bluetooth, on motorcycle you can not have
a too many wires.
is anyone has a same problem ?? please write to me your advise.
A good purchase, but watch for the XM surprise. 2008-07-21
I travel a lot on my motorcycle, and often to out-of-state locations that I haven't traveled to before. And I enjoy listening to music when I travel, so the Garmin Zumo seemed like a perfect choice. GPS and XM combined specifically for a motorcycle. Delivery was prompt, though the shipper called and advised that they would be delivering it "between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m." and that it had to be signed for... Yeah, Thanks.... Another day off from work... The unit came with two mounting options, which was nice. The Ram mount worked perfectly on my Harley. Running the wires wasn't too problematic. GPS worked well, which is to be expected with a Garmin unit.
Now the downside. As I said above, the XM feature was one of the reasons I bought this unit. A typical XM antenna (not included in the purchase of the unit) costs around $30 at Walmart. Imagine my surprise to find out the proprietary Garmin XM antenna retails for $200+. This was an unpleasant surprise... I did find a refurbished one on Ebay for $140 and it is working fine so far. Also, the antenna was huge by XM standards. About 3 inches in diameter. Not a problem for a car, but mounting it on the motorcycle was a challenge. Finally mounted it behind the rider's seat.
Also, the unit did not recognize the SD card and thus I could not load MP3's. Amazon promptly and courteously replaced the unit and everything is working fine now. Oh, and the unit will play MP3 ONLY. No windows media. Just be advised...
All in all, a good unit and I'm happy with the purchase.
EZ to use 2008-07-14
The Garmin Zumo 550 GPS is a terrific machine, Easy to use , very viewable in daylight. I use it on my Harley Davidson and plot my route on my computer. All back roads!. I have used Garmin GPS's on my boats for years and would not buy another brand as Garmin have performed very well under all conditions.
I would recommend this unit to any Motorcycle riders looking for a GPS.
The Price through Amazon was by far the mosr reasonable. Vince Macaluso
NEED HELP! 2008-07-12
Amazon and the product are great. However, if you need help from Garmin, good luck. I called several times and never was able to get passed the PLEASE WAIT on the automated phone message. Tried all day. Went on the internet and found other Garmin phone numbers with no success.
550 Stars 2008-07-10
Awesome product, easy to learn to use, and even easier to use on the motorcycle even when moving. Why did I wait so long to get my Zumo 550! Oh yeah, the price. Anyway, It was worth it, I don't regret it.
Zumo to go 2008-07-07
The Zumo 550 is AWESOME. On the bike it is very easy to operate, even with gloves on. Programming is a cinch, either on the computer and then download, or right on the GPS unit itself. I highly recommend this unit for any biker out there needing directions! I wired it direct to the bike, and the handlebar mount works very easily, and has the safety feature built in so no one can steal it. Plus, even if it's stolen, the thief can't use it! What a feature loaded unit! The only reason I didn't give it a five star rating is I wish it was a little bigger, and had voice directions, without having to plug it into a bluetooth device, as some people don't have communication devices on their motorcycles (like me). Otherwise, awesome product.
