 Since
the introduction of BMW’s original Motorrad Navigator
several years ago, the days of map reading have been numbered.
Last year’s updated Navigator II GPS system further
revolutionised long distance route finding for drivers and
riders with its fast processing speed; anti-reflective, heated
touch screen technology; fuel and water-resistant casing;
and unique mounting cradle that enabled portability as well
as operation with gloved fingers. Now, BMW is launching the Motorrad Navigator
II Plus system – a true motorcycle friendly GPS unit
that, although technologically superior to its predecessor,
actually costs £365 less than the unit it replaces.
A summary of the key features of
the new Navigator II Plus are as follows:
- comes as standard with a 2 GB compact flash memory card
(compared to 512 MB on the Navigator II and 128 MB on the
original unit)
- street level mapping for the whole of Europe is now preinstalled
on the unit, as opposed to having to download it via a pc
- the result is that the Navigator II Plus can be used immediately
(plug and play)
- the unique mounting cradle is designed for operation with
gloved fingers. The unit can also be removed quickly when
leaving your parked machine but can also be secured safely
with a special screwdriver
- Bluetooth technology available with BMW’s System
5 helmet will enable integrated wireless communication of
voice directions to the rider (currently in development
with an expected introduction in July 2005)
- an audio socket also allows voice directions (in a choice
of 12 European languages)
- navigation includes turn-by-turn route finding with a
choice of shortest time, shortest distance or linear distance
options
- the fast processing speed allows for virtually instant,
automatic route calculation whenever the route is left
- four trip computers show current, average and maximum
speed, elapsed time, time stopped and total time
- MapSource European City Navigator mapping software shows
all types of roads, points of interest, hotels, restaurants,
BMW Motorrad dealers, and petrol stations
- routes and waypoints can be planned (and stored) on the
pc or on the unit and then shared via email with other users
- a compass function allows for off-road navigation, or
navigation in areas where mapping doesn’t exist or
is unreliable
- the unit is completely portable. It can be used in any
vehicle (it comes with a power socket adaptor) or by walkers
or cyclists if used with the optional battery pack
The Navigator II Plus is powered by plugging
it into one of BMW’s on-board power sockets that come
as standard on all of its machines. Riders of other machines
can also use the Navigator II Plus with minimal mounting modifications
and by connecting it to the battery, or fitting a generic
connector lead.
Technically, the BMW Motorrad Navigator II
Plus is one of the most advanced GPS units commercially available.
Taking coordinates from 12-satellites that ensure an accuracy
level of less than 15 metres, it weighs just 420g and can
be operated in all weathers – in fact it is rated from
minus 15 degrees to plus 70 degrees Celsius.
Available now, the BMW Motorrad Navigator
II Plus costs just £985 and can be demonstrated at any
BMW Motorrad dealership.
|
