Northwest Cycle Report

News and Events for Motorcyclists in Washington, Oregon and Idaho

GPS = Global Pantywaist System?

By John Davis • Sep 10th, 2007 • Category: Rants

I was reading CycleWorld’s review of the new Kawasaki Concours last night. As have other reviews that I have read, this one praised the bike’s performance, handling, comfort and value. The reviewers did, however, bemoan the absence of a GPS system and heated grips.

Has it really come to this? A motorcycle that by all accounts is an outstanding performer, capably doing all that a motorcycle should do, gets dinged because it can’t provide directions to the nearest Starbucks.

I don’t ride with a GPS for the same reason that I don’t have an intercom or cell phone in my helmet: motorcycling is my escape. Getting away is the point. Getting lost and seeing new places is a bonus. A GPS would ruin the fun.

What happened to digging out an old AAA map and looking for the squiggliest line one could find? A map doesn’t require batteries and works great indoors. Lost? So what, that’s part of the fun. Pull into a gas station or restaurant and, gasp, talk to someone.

If folks can’t ride without GPS and heated appendages maybe they should hang up their helmet and buy a Volvo.

John Davis is the owner, editor and publisher of Northwest Cycle Report. John also owns and writes for MotoSkagit.com and is the administrator for the Washington 120 State Park Tour. In addition to his own sites, John is a contributing author for MotorcycleLife.com and Motorcyclebloggers.com. He lives in Mount Vernon, WA and rides a candy-red Honda VTX1800 Retro.
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Viewing 3 Comments

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    I'd disagree with the heated appendages. It is great to have fingers and hands working even when there is ice build up on the rest of the leather. That is what they make electrics for anyway.

    GPS is one more distraction. Nice to have one when riding to a destination or leading a pack. Still not a vital component to riding though. If you are not getting lost chances are you are not riding enough.
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    A GOOD TRAVELER HAS NO FIXED PLANS, AND IS NOT INTENT ON ARRIVING. LAO TZU (570-490 B.C.)
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    While I'd disagree, thinking that both items are very nice to have on a motorcycle, I certainly don't see solving them with after market components as a drawback. Anyone who rides much below 45 degrees or so can appreciate heated grips. Any anyone who has to navigate a complex route on a time schedule can appreciate a GPS (try doing 500 mile days on a complex network of dirt forest roads without a GPS, you might get the mileage, but less likely is getting to your destination). There are plenty of options to get lost and explore, but a motorcycle is good for more than one thing. Just because I have a motorcycle mounted GPS, it doesn't mean I use it every time I ride. It's a good option, but one that the aftermarket meets admirably.
 
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