Opinions about Garmin Nuvi 1490 GPS

Old Bear · 05-25-2013, 06:16 PM

I just picked up a Garmin Nuvi 1490 GPS. I'm still updating it. It has Bluetooth to hopefully sync with my Sena headset, and lifetime map upgrades. I got it new for under $90, and have 30 days to take it back if I don't like it.

My questions are, anyone have any experience with this model? Anything far superior to make this a poor choice? I'm riding a Vaquero, suggestions on ideal mounting options?

**nomadtom69** · 05-25-2013, 06:46 PM

Ram mount and a good zip lock bag in case of rain I have a 765 and use the ram mount I also copied the sun shield that one of the members on here made out of a 3x5 storage box.http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/...m/DSC01303.jpg

Monkeyman · 05-25-2013, 07:23 PM

There are plenty that are "far superior" but not in that price range.

Old Bear · 05-25-2013, 07:47 PM

Well, just found the first issue, the Bluetooth will not pair with my headset - only cell phones. Unless the ol' lady wants it, guess it's going back.

Sin City Stan · 05-26-2013, 05:50 PM

I bought a refurbished 1490 a couple years ago. Originally I used a FM transmitter as a work around for music and directions. Now I just pair with my cell phone for music. Didn't really need the spoken directions with the map right in front of me. I just finished loading multiple GPX routes to the VBA Rally in it.

05nomader · 05-26-2013, 06:24 PM

I bought a Garmin 765t GPS it is compatible with the Sena SMH10 and it works great.

Chili · 05-27-2013, 08:51 AM

I've been using a 1490 for 3 years now on the bike, nice GPS and does everything I need. Connecting to my headset would be nice but no GPS will pair unless you go with the pricy Zumo lineup and I was too cheap for that option so I'll just glance at the GPS occasionally.

ramdam1 · 05-27-2013, 09:10 AM

I use my Iphone with Verizon Navigation. Bluetooth to my Sena headset. Can listen to music, answer the phone and listen to the Navigation without having to touch the phone. Have it in a RAM mount. Haven't driven in the rain with it. The phone will automatically cut out the music for the navigation or if the phone rings or you can just listen to the navigation. The screen is a little small but only have to have one device. Whatever works for you. I use it in my car too and I like the Verizon Navigation better than my old Garmin. Hasn't gotten me lost yet.

dshelly · 05-27-2013, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramdam1

Can listen to music, answer the phone and listen to the Navigation without having to touch the phone.

Just be sure to pay attention to the road. Seems like a lot of distraction to me.

ramdam1 · 05-27-2013, 10:29 PM

I agree on the distraction. That is why I just use the phone and the Sena. Don't have to really think or take my hands off the handlebars very much. Once the phone is parred there is not a lot more to do when you are moving. Start the navigation before you move and put the music on if you want to. It will cut the music out and give you directions. The only time you need to move a hand is to answer the phone but only if you really want to. I'm in a 24 hour line of work so I really need my phone. I can look down real quick see who it is and decide if I want to pick it up. With the Sena it is just one push of the phone button. When the call ends it is back to navigation. Very simple and very little distraction. The Bluetooth is awesome.

05-25-2013, 06:16 PM	#1
Old Bear Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 1,434	Opinions about Garmin Nuvi 1490 GPS I just picked up a Garmin Nuvi 1490 GPS. I'm still updating it. It has Bluetooth to hopefully sync with my Sena headset, and lifetime map upgrades. I got it new for under $90, and have 30 days to take it back if I don't like it. My questions are, anyone have any experience with this model? Anything far superior to make this a poor choice? I'm riding a Vaquero, suggestions on ideal mounting options? __________________ Jerry "Old Bear" Barker Clarksville, TN Americas Guardians PS MC President, Tennessee 16-A VBA #02203 "Blaze" 2017 Vaquero "Black Magic" 2011 Vaquero, 69k miles, handed down to my son for hopefully many more miles! Login or Register to Remove Ads
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05-25-2013, 06:46 PM	#2
nomadtom69 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Maryville, Tn Posts: 2,656	Ram mount and a good zip lock bag in case of rain I have a 765 and use the ram mount I also copied the sun shield that one of the members on here made out of a 3x5 storage box.http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/...m/DSC01303.jpg __________________ (NomadTom69)Tom Green Previous bikes - 2004 BMW R1200 CLC 2006 Nomad 1600 Black -1985 BMW K100 RT VBA #001609 Viet-Nam Vet 71-72 Maryville , Tn. Maggie Valley '11-Townsend '12-Estes Park '13- Copperhead fall rally "13- Elkins WV '14- Eureka Springs ' 15- Helen Ga. SE Rally '16
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05-25-2013, 07:23 PM	#3
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	There are plenty that are "far superior" but not in that price range. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
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05-25-2013, 07:47 PM	#4
Old Bear Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 1,434	Well, just found the first issue, the Bluetooth will not pair with my headset - only cell phones. Unless the ol' lady wants it, guess it's going back. __________________ Jerry "Old Bear" Barker Clarksville, TN Americas Guardians PS MC President, Tennessee 16-A VBA #02203 "Blaze" 2017 Vaquero "Black Magic" 2011 Vaquero, 69k miles, handed down to my son for hopefully many more miles!
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05-26-2013, 05:50 PM	#5
Sin City Stan Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 3,746	I bought a refurbished 1490 a couple years ago. Originally I used a FM transmitter as a work around for music and directions. Now I just pair with my cell phone for music. Didn't really need the spoken directions with the map right in front of me. I just finished loading multiple GPX routes to the VBA Rally in it. __________________ Oldest Saloon In Nevada http://www.pioneersaloon.info/ "Sin City Stan" Henderson, NV VBA #01004 VROC #29365 2004 Nomad 1500L5 +100 "The Bike" 2009 Nomad 1700 (past) 2004 Vulcan Classic 800 (past) 2010 Cortez - 2011 Crescent City - 2012 Kanab - 2013 Estes Park Login or Register to Remove Ads
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05-26-2013, 06:24 PM	#6
05nomader Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Washington, UT Posts: 76	I bought a Garmin 765t GPS it is compatible with the Sena SMH10 and it works great. __________________ Gene 2004 Vulcan Nomad 1500 (Wifes bike) 2005 Vulcan Nomad 1600
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05-27-2013, 08:51 AM	#7
Chili Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 409	I've been using a 1490 for 3 years now on the bike, nice GPS and does everything I need. Connecting to my headset would be nice but no GPS will pair unless you go with the pricy Zumo lineup and I was too cheap for that option so I'll just glance at the GPS occasionally. __________________ Doug Engstrom 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour 2001 Vulcan Nomad 1500FI, (Sold at 83,000 km)
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05-27-2013, 09:10 AM	#8
ramdam1 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Long Island New York Posts: 101	I use my Iphone with Verizon Navigation. Bluetooth to my Sena headset. Can listen to music, answer the phone and listen to the Navigation without having to touch the phone. Have it in a RAM mount. Haven't driven in the rain with it. The phone will automatically cut out the music for the navigation or if the phone rings or you can just listen to the navigation. The screen is a little small but only have to have one device. Whatever works for you. I use it in my car too and I like the Verizon Navigation better than my old Garmin. Hasn't gotten me lost yet.
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05-27-2013, 10:29 PM	#10
ramdam1 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Long Island New York Posts: 101	I agree on the distraction. That is why I just use the phone and the Sena. Don't have to really think or take my hands off the handlebars very much. Once the phone is parred there is not a lot more to do when you are moving. Start the navigation before you move and put the music on if you want to. It will cut the music out and give you directions. The only time you need to move a hand is to answer the phone but only if you really want to. I'm in a 24 hour line of work so I really need my phone. I can look down real quick see who it is and decide if I want to pick it up. With the Sena it is just one push of the phone button. When the call ends it is back to navigation. Very simple and very little distraction. The Bluetooth is awesome.
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