Why it rules

One of the things I like most is how the XT2 handles turn-by-turn directions. The second I complete one turn, the name of the next street pops up right in front of me. That may sound like a small detail, but it matters. Some units just say something like “In 2.3 miles, prepare to make a left.” Or it will say “Turn right after Burger King or ‘The Furniture store.’" So you stop looking for streets and start looking for landmarks, which is distracting.

The XT2 also attaches to and detaches from your motorcycle handlebars fairly easily. You do not have to hook it up to your battery if you do not want to. I simply brought mine inside and charged it at the house each day, and it gave me a solid six hours with battery to spare.

The touchscreen is now 6 inches across, which Garmin says is a 15 percent increase from previous years, and it’s brighter, too. On a motorcycle, where you want to glance down and get your information in a split second, that larger, clearer display makes a real difference.

MORE FOR YOU

BirdsEye feature

You’ve got the ability to quickly toggle between on-road maps, off-road maps, topographic maps and BirdsEye Direct Satellite Imagery. You will need to spend some time experimenting to get the most out of it all, but that is part of the fun if you are any kind of tech head.

BirdsEye Direct Satellite Imagery also means the XT2 can be useful far beyond your local ride routes. You can also take it to Europe with you, or anywhere else. As long as you have a way to keep it charged, your zūmo can work all over the world. You can download maps directly to the device over Wi-Fi at no extra charge, and there is no annual subscription required.

Rider alerts

The XT2 delivers you motorcycle-specific rider alerts, including warnings for hazards along your route such as sharp curves, speed changes and more. It can also notify you about state helmet laws and nearby red-light and speed cameras.

Garmin has also made route management less intimidating than you might expect. With the Tread app, you can manage tracks and routes across your navigator and compatible smartphone, and you do not need to be some kind of digital wizard to do it.

Playing music

You can stream tunes from your smartphone through the zūmo XT2, or play MP3 files stored on the navigator itself, piping everything into your connected helmet or headset.

Room for improvement

The motorcycle mount is removable without tools, which is convenient, but it also means you will want to bring both the mount and the unit indoors if you are leaving the bike unattended for a while. Otherwise somebody may decide they like your Garmin as much as you do. A lock is available, but it costs extra.

Installation can also be a little fiddly at first. There are two ball mounts involved, one for the unit and one for the handlebar, and both attaching and removing them takes delicate hands and tiny incremental movements. Get sloppy and the whole contraption feels like it is ready to collapse and clatter onto the ground. Once you have done it a few times, it becomes much less of an issue. The first time around, though, you may feel like Mr. or Ms. Butterfingers.

Conclusion: The zūmo XT2 continues to exceed expectations. At $599, it is not cheap. But if you take your motorcycle out of town with any regularity, it’s money well spent.