I didn't think they worked with the 660, as it was out some time before the sensors were released. I have garmin sensors as reported in previous posts of this thread and they work with the 590/595 really well.
Hi John, you are right, and they also work with the 390/395 according to Garmin. The display on my 660 is not particularly bright (unless at night!) so maybe I would be better off putting the cash difference between the garmin units and Ducati ones toward a 595. Are the latter garmin 660 replacements significantly better? Presumably they use the same software?
The 660 was notorious for having a poor contrast display in daylight. so much so that they offered a sun visor thing for them. Some of my mates still use them and are happy with them, but for me the 595 is a no brainer. The 59x (and subsequently 39x) models reverted to the display technology used on the original 550s. Imo the 59x is much superior to the 660, in a number of ways, not just the display brightness. I've had my 590 a number of years now, and a mate recently bought a brand new 595 (long time tomtom user, bought a new rider 2 and hated it, so bought the 595). The new 595s are a big step on from mine in terms of configurability, screen layout, etc. Things to note: the 660 has a similar layout to the later ones as a result of firmware updates, but there are difference in what you can configure. the 39x doesnt have all the features of the 59x. You might not be bothered about playing music, but the big one for me is editing stored routes, and converting points between shaping and announce waypoints. You can on the 59x, you can't on the 39x. This means loading the same shared route to 2 different types can result in 'funnies' the 39x & 59x don't allow the same number of waypoints as the 550 and 660 did. It will either split your route up, or you need to make some of your waypoints into shaping points (I usually have a waypoint every 20 miles or so depending on route, and shaping points in between). There are other things but I could go on and on about this so will stop there. Obviously all my opinion, and others may not agree. Your best bet is to go have a look, and shop around as you can get some good deals.
Thanks for the info! Very helpful. On balance I think I am moving toward upgrading the SatNav and using garmin units. That way I can justify the long overdue upgrade from the 660 to overcome the lack of brightness, fit TPMS and take it with me if I chop/change my bike. How accurate are the garmin units? Cheers
accurate in what sense ? If you mean gps accuracy, they are just the same as any other units, which depends on how many satellites they can see. The unit is good to sub 3metre accuracy most of the time, as with any other. This is sufficient for a unit to know which side of a dual carriageway you are on. you can put the unit into a special mode where it tells you how many satellites it can see.
The tpms units are quoted as being accurate to 1psi, but they read to 0.1psi. They always match what my calibrated (well it was when I bought it) pump gauge reads. Just to re-iterate as stated earlier in this thread, a couple of things to note: - the batteries they come with won't last very long. - the batteries need changing fairly often. I usually fit new batteries at the beginning of the year, and carry spares just in case when on a trip. Iv'e only needed to replace them once mid-year. - once the satnav is set up to use them, if it cant sense them it tells you tpms sensors not connected. This may be annoying when using your satnav on a different bike. - You can have sensors on a different bike too (if your feeling flush), but you need to tell the satnav to delete the current ones and re-learn the devices for the current bike, which is a bit of a faff. Personally I think they are worth the money. Just making you aware of some things that may become annoying. Better to know up front
It was not always the case I can assure you, that said I have had my 660 several years at the time it cost me more than a 595 will now but averaged out it has cost circa £45 a year to own. The 660 was pants this year in the sunshine so looking to address that as much as TPMS.
My Garmin TPS units are fine but the front one fouls against the caliper due to an angled valve stem just a friendly little bit of advice
Gary, you need to turn the valve stem by 45 degrees. Its discussed earlier on in this thread You may need to deflate the tyre to do so, as you will probably need to slacken the nut on the back side of the stem to do so.
Look at Sykik, have been using them for a while now and they are very good, SRTP300 Mounted Tire Pressure Monitor – SYKIK Only small issue is that they don't read out until the wheels are actual rolling.
As opposed to the external tyre sensors shown above, any advantages to the internal tyre pressure sensors? No batteries or longer life perhaps?
Never thought about it, but my GT came with TPS as standard and I thought this was for all Multi's. I understand the arguments here, that it's really not that key of a mod. However I check the pressures every ride when touring. First when I start the bike then a little while in just so I see pressures building and know I'm good for the day. Outside of that, I'll use my own measurement tool for accurate setting of pressures. The TPS reading is just a peace of mind.
I check tire pressure regularly as well but what would be nice to know "on the fly" is tire temperature.
