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Navigo V2 SatNav for motorcyclists – Bob Pickett is guided by a soothing voice

Navigo V2 SatNav for bikers - cheap... and with the right software downloaded, cheerful as well The Navigo V2 ticks a lot of boxes for a biker that wants a SatNav for occasional use. First, it was cheap (around £50) and it takes earphones – vital if you’re looking to work with voice only.

The default Turbodog 5.0 software doesn’t get good things said about it – and it took an age to find a satellite connection. Thankfully, the Navigo V2 is compatible with TomTom – so we picked up a slightly older set of software (6.0 – installation instructions on the excellent PC Tailor)

My first ride using the Navigo V2 was an interesting experience. I was concerned that it would be intrusive, talking too much. But as it turns out, it kept quiet, just giving instructions when needed. I've got a set of in-ear "mushroom" headphones, which were comfortable and the volume level was fine.

The Navigo came into its own when I got away from roads I knew and headed closer to my destination. Instructions were given in good time, allowing me to concentrate on the ride. I went for the default "Quickest" route; I wouldn't have chosen the initial roads that it did, but then I can't blame it. I asked for the direct route... and that is what it gave me.

Battery life is reasonable; around two-and-a-half hours of use (with three destinations entered) it was showing the low battery symbol. But that should be enough to get you to most destinations. For longer journeys I would learn the major roads, then pull over and turn on the Navigo when closer to the final destination, on roads I would not know.

It can be operated using fingers, but would be a pain with gloved hands (hardly relevant if, like me, you stick it in your pocket and use voice only). But it is easiest using the stylus. The TomTom software is user-friendly – handy for a SatNav numpty like me!

The Navigo V2 also has a media player and the capability to download e-books, but I have not tried these features.

Verdict:

On using a SatNav:

I'd not want to rely on a SatNav full stop, but having used one, I will use it more often. Since that first ride, it has guided me to a destination I’d never have found just using conventional maps. In backed up, busy rush hour traffic, being able to just concentrate on what was going on around me and letting the Navigo take care of finding my destination was a Godsend.

Comparing software:

From a biker's perspective, I find TomTom software preferable to Garmin. The last thing you need, when working with voice prompts only, is someone nagging, non-stop, in your ear - and the Garmin software likes to keep up a constant dialogue.

The TomTom software keeps quiet, works out a way of getting you back on track, then - and only then - speaks up. It can make the occasional error – on one large roundabout it miscalculated which turn-off to take, as it thought one slip road onto the roundabout was an exit lane – so you do need to keep your wits about you.

I know someone who kept the Turbodog software and was perfectly happy, but having installed TomTom and finding it works really well with headphones, I am not prepared to take a potentially backward step.

Since buying the V2, an upgrade (V3) has been released, with improved Turbodog (6.0) software. It appears to sell under two names, Navigo or F&H, but is the same piece of kit. The V2 is still available, but if you would prefer to try the upgraded version, then click here for more information or to order one

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