Garmin announced the new Garmin zūmo 660 GPS for bikers at the CES 2009.
The zūmo 660 GPS is aimed to be ideal for a weekday ride or weeklong trip, the zūmo 660 has features motorcyclists will appreciate like a 4.3” sunlight-readable and customizable touchscreen display, glove-friendly design with left-handed controls and oversized touchscreen buttons. The ruggedized and waterproof (IEC 529 IPX-7 standards) device comes loaded with detailed, street-level maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico that have over six million points of interest including gas stations, lodging, restaurants, attractions and more. The zūmo 660 speaks street names so riders will receive turn-by-turn, voice prompted directions, such as “turn right on Main Street,” via the built-in speaker or through a compatible Bluetooth helmet or headset.

The zūmo 660 also comes equipped with advanced routing capabilities. Lane assist with junction view guides riders to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, and realistically displays road signs and junctions on the route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation. In some major metropolitan areas, surrounding buildings are displayed in a 3D transparent view. A new multiple routing feature allows customers to see a map preview of the proposed fastest route, shortest route and off road route prior to choosing to navigate it. This capability gives riders additional situational awareness before they begin their journey.

The zūmo 660 also has enhanced Bluetooth Wireless Technology (A2DP) that amplifies audio for a crisp sound, and makes it possible to receive and place phone calls as well as receive navigational cues wirelessly to Bluetooth enabled headsets or helmets. The zūmo supports over 200 Bluetooth enabled phones so riders can retrieve and dial numbers using a supported phone’s contact list or from the phone’s call history log. A user can also make calls from zūmo’s huge points of interest database.

While riding, it is easy to access trip information directly from the zūmo’s trip information page like speed, heading, altitude, and a customizable fuel gauge that can be modified to the motorcycle’s maximum fuel range. If a rider wants to leave the pavement for the trail, the zūmo accepts Garmin’s MapSource U.S. Topo maps for off-road navigation. Sharing rides with others or keeping a detailed log of trips is also easy thanks to zūmo Connect, an online community of routes and riders. Zūmo owners can also plan routes online through Google or MapQuest and send the routes or points of interest to the zūmo before they begin their journey. In addition, riders can swap routes and waypoints with other zūmo owners via the unit’s microSD card slot.
Like other members of the zūmo family, the zūmo 660 has many security features. The mount is designed to withstand the severe vibration environment commonly experienced in motorcycle riding. The zūmo also includes Garmin Lock®, a unique theft prevention system that disables the zūmo from performing any functions until the user types in a specific 4-digit PIN or takes the unit to a predetermined secure location. If the user does not know the PIN or secure location, the zūmo will be inoperative.

The zumo 660 is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2009 at $799.99.
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