Looking for a motorcycle navigation GPS for the twisty road to adventure?
Look no further, in this Garmin Zumo 396 review, we’ll take a look at one of the most popular motorcycle GPS in the market.
In a Glance
With its rugged all-weather construction, wireless connectivity features, and glove-friendly 4.3” touchscreen display, the Garmin Zumo 396 is built to turn straightforward rides into twisty, gnarly, road-gripping adventures.
Garmin Zumo 396 Review
| Garmin Zumo 396 |  |
| Color | Black |
| Screen Size | 5 Inches |
| Weight | 1.76 lbs (800g) |
| Item Dimensions | 4.94 x 0.98 x 3.38 in (12.5 x 2.5 x 8.5 cm) |
| Vehicle Service Type | Motorcycle |
| Display size | 1.43" x 2.15" (3.6 x 5.5 cm); 2.6" diag (6.6 cm) |
| Batteries type | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included). |
| Price |  |
7 Reasons To Buy Garmin Zumo 396 Motorcycle GPS
1. Turn Routes Into Adventures
With all the great features it comes with, Zūmo 396 LMT-S motorcycle navigator is built to turn straightforward rides into twisty, road-gripping adventures.
2. Share The Adventure With Friends
Garmin Zumo 396 lets you specify routing preferences that look for those winding, hilly, terrain-hugging rides you love.
The best thing is, you can easily send GPX files from your phone to your Zumo 396, or share them with fellow riders so you can all follow the same route.
3. More Benefits of Bluetooth
For added convenience, just sync your Zumo motorcycle GPS with a compatible smartphone and a Bluetooth-enabled headset or helmet to make and receive hands-free calls.
You can also receive smart notifications for calls, texts, app alerts, and more.
Plus, you can even control music and playlists from your compatible smartphone, right on your Zumo navigator’s display.
4. Built-in Wi-Fi Keeps You up to Date
Besides the Bluetooth technology, Zūmo 396 LMT-S features built-in Wi-Fi.
When a new update is available and you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, you’ll automatically receive an onscreen notification to perform the updates with the touch of a button.
There’s no need to plug your navigator into a computer.
5. Free Live Traffic and Weather
What’s happening on the road ahead?
Zūmo 396 motorcycle GPS tracker connects you to live traffic and weather information via the wireless Smartphone Link app.
And, to enhance road awareness and encourage a safer ride, it also provides helpful alerts for sharp curves ahead, speed changes, railroad, animal crossings, school zones, and more.
Plus, for longer rides, a fatigue warning (based on route and break lengths) will even suggest break times and potential rest areas worth considering after hours on the road.
The thing that I liked the most is that the navigator’s built-in Automatic Incident Notification feature sends a text message when paired with a compatible smartphone, with the exact location information to your predetermined contact in case any incident occurs.
6. No More Running on Empty
A built-in trip computer with a digital fuel gauge comes standard with your Zumo 396 LMT-S.
So, it’s easy to estimate how many miles you can ride before you’ll be running on empty.
Dynamic fuel stop alerts prompt you when it’s time to refuel and even provide gas station location options.
A helpful speed limit indicator lets you know when it’s time to throttle down.
Plus, a digital compass display and a database of motorcycle-specific points of interest (POIs) are on hand to help you locate cycle repair services, dealers, and more.
There’s also a Service History Log on your Zumo to help you keep track of service dates, mileage, and performed maintenance on your bike.
7. Rugged, Road-Tested Design
Designed by bikers for bikers, the robust Zumo 396 puts a lot of road-savvy technology between your handlebars.
It features a built-in trip computer with a compass display, a speed limit indicator, and an intuitive touchscreen interface that makes entering information easy and quick — even with your gloves on.
The rugged case is resistant to fuel vapors, UV rays, rain, and other harsh weather elements.
| Garmin Zumo 396 PROS | Garmin Zumo 396 CONS |
|---|---|
| - Glove friendly. | - Complicated basecamp software. |
| - Sunlight readable display. | - Some electrical systems knowledge is required to install the device. |
| - Ultra resistant. | |
| - Smart notifications. | |
| - Free traffic and weather services. |
Garmin Zumo 396 Navigator F.A.Q
What Are The Included Components?
- Zumo 396.
- Motorcycle mount and hardware.
- USB Cable.
- Motorcycle power cable.
- Quick Start manual.
- Lifetime maps and live traffic.
Will Zumo 396 charge with my bike’s USB port?
Yes, you can charge it through a USB port.
Will it Sync With Sena Headset Models?
Yes, Garmin Zumo 396 works with Sena headsets.
Can Topographical Maps Be Installed On Zumo 396?
Yes.
Is Canada Included in North American Mapping?
Yes.
Garmin Zumo 396 Review – Final Thoughts
This motorcycle GPS navigator is very heavy duty as shock and vibration resistant and quite waterproof.
User-friendly, equipped with a big sunlight-readable display and it comes with many features that you don’t see in similar GPS units.
Everything you need is included with the purchase including, plus many options to choose from when programming your GPS. Garmin Zumo 396 is an excellent GPS for your motorcycle!
