Following the right path brings ease and joy to your journey, but a wrong turn can make it longer and more challenging. That’s where GPS, especially the global leader satellite navigation Garmin, comes to the rescue—a trusted companion for riders for over 35 years (since 1989). It’s the go-to solution when stopping to ask for directions just isn’t in the cards. But with the prevalence of smartphones, the debate intensifies in the showdown between the Garmin Zumo XT vs. Zumo XT2.
Both of these adventure motorcycle GPS navigation devices feature advanced GPS, Galileo, and 10HZ multi-GNSS positioning sensors, ensuring precise navigation wherever your adventure takes you. With IPX7 weatherproofing, MIL-STD-810 drop rating, and built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, they are ready to tackle any weather conditions you may encounter on the road. Moreover, both devices come equipped with 32 GB internal storage, expandable up to 256 GB with an SD card, providing ample space for maps and other data. Furthermore, they offer convenient features like a Wi-Fi map and software updates, along with Bluetooth compatibility for smooth integration with helmet intercom systems.
But notable distinctions arise in on-device route planning, touchscreen display size, rider-to-rider connectivity, group ride radio functionality, weight, battery life, and, naturally, pricing. Despite these differences, the Garmin Zumo XT2, being an upgraded iteration of the Garmin Zumo XT, carries a $100 premium, rendering it an enticing choice for riders desiring state-of-the-art technology and augmented capabilities, including compatibility with backup camera (BC™ 50), forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, “Go” alert, and Garmin Real Vision™.
Garmin Zumo XT vs. Zumo XT2 Differences
| Garmin Zumo XT | Garmin Zumo XT2 | |
|---|---|---|
 Buy on RevZilla | Amazon |  Buy on RevZilla | Amazon |
|
| Specifications: | Specifications: | |
| ● Display Type: Multi-Touch, Glass, High Brightness HD Color TFT With White Backlight ● Display Size: 5.3"W x 3.0" H (13.3 x 7.5 cm); 6" Diag (15.3cm) ● Display Resolution: 1,280 x 720 Pixels ● Weight: 9.2 Ounces (262 g) ● Waterproof Rating: IPX7 ● Drop Rating: MIL-STD-810 ● Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion ● Battery Life: Up to 6 Hours (Up to 3.5 Hours at 100% Backlight) ● Internal Storage: 32 GB (Expandable Up to 256 GB with an SD Card) ● Traffic: With Garmin Tread App ● Bluetooth® Pairing: Bluetooth-Compatible Helmet, Headset or Smartphone. BLE Capable) | ● Display Type: Multi-Touch, Glass, High Brightness HD Color TFT With White Backlight ● Display Size:5.3"W x 3.0" H (13.3 x 7.5 cm); 6" Diag (15.3cm) ● Display Resolution: 1,280 x 720 Pixels ● Weight: 12 Ounces (340 g) ● Waterproof Rating: IPX7 ● Drop Rating: MIL-STD-810 ● Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion ● Battery Life: Up to 7 Hours (Up to 5 Hours at 100% Backlight) ● Internal Storage: 32 GB (Expandable Up to 256 GB with an SD Card) ● Traffic: With Garmin Tread App ● Bluetooth® Pairing: Bluetooth-Compatible Helmet, Headset or Smartphone. BLE Capable) ● InReach Connectivity: Sync for Messaging, Location Sharing, and SOS ● Powerswitch Compatibility: Control Options with Separate Accessory ● Group Ride Tracking: Monitor Up to 20 Riders Via Tread App or Radio ● Navigate-a-Track Navigation: Pre-Planned Tracks for Guided Navigation ● Garmin Real Directions: Landmark-Based Guidance for Intuitive Navigation ● Ride Summaries: Speed and Elevation Details Via the Tread App |
As someone who’s often relied on my phone for navigation, I know the frustration of dealing with handlebar vibration, especially with less-than-ideal mounts. But with Garmin’s motorcycle-specific GPS devices, that’s a worry I haven’t had to face. From the trusty Zumo 390 LM back in 2013 to the sleek Zumo 595 LM in 2017, I’ve been a loyal user. Sure, there was a hiccup with the discontinued Zumo 665 LM, but Garmin bounced back strong with the Zumo 396 LMT-S in 2018.
And then came the real innovations: the Garmin Zumo XT and the Garmin Zumo XT2. Both are still available, making it a tough decision for anyone looking to upgrade. The XT made waves in 2020 with its rider-focused features, and its successor, the XT2, pushed the envelope even further in 2023. After riding with both GPS devices, I’ve noticed some key differences that I’m eager to share:
| Features | Garmin Zumo XT | Garmin Zumo XT2 |
| Display Size | 5.5 inches | 6.0 inches |
| Brightness Level | 1,000 nits (cd/m²) | 1,050 nits (cd/m²) |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours (up to 3.5 hours at 100% backlight) | Up to 7 hours (up to 5 hours at 100% backlight) |
| Weight | 9.2 ounces (262 g) | 12 ounces (340 g) |
| Physical Dimension | 5.8”W x 3.5”H x 1”D (8.8 x 14.8 x 2.4 cm) | 6.15″W x 3.5″H x 1″D (15.6 x 8.9 x 2.5 cm) |
| USB | Micro | Type-C |
| Visual Route Planner | No | Yes |
| Ride Modes | Yes | No |
| Moto Paths | No | Yes |
| Group Ride Mobile | No | Yes |
| Ride Summary | No | Yes |
| Price (USD – 2024) | $499.99 | $599.99 |
Dimension and Display Sizes
When it comes to first impressions, size matters as it directly influences the user experience, resolution, and aspect ratio.
Comparing the Garmin Zumo XT and Zumo XT2, you’ll notice a slight difference in physical dimensions. The Zumo XT2 is slightly wider (0.35 inches), measuring 6.15 inches in width, while the Zumo XT comes in at 5.8 inches. Consequently, the Zumo XT2 has a larger diagonal 6.0-inch display size compared to the Zumo XT’s 5.5-inch screen.
A bigger screen translates to a better interactive experience, offering crisper, clearer, and more immersive visuals, making it easier to view detailed map views, spot landmarks, points of interest, and upcoming turns without the need for constant scrolling, especially beneficial when navigating unfamiliar areas or busy city streets.
In terms of actual aspect ratios, the Zumo XT2’s 6-inch 18×9 display surpasses the Zumo XT’s 5.5-inch 16×9 screen by a notable margin. The XT2 provides a 9.09% larger diagonal and an 11.40% larger area, offering users a more expansive and detailed view of maps and routes.
Both devices support 4:3, 16:9, and 21:9 standard aspect ratios. But when comparing a 4:3 display, the Zumo XT2’s screen edges out the XT’s by 0.49% in diagonal and 0.98% in the area. Similarly, as a 16:9 display, the Zumo XT2 offers a slight advantage with a 0.49% larger diagonal and 0.98% larger area. As for a 2.35:1 display, the Zumo XT2’s screen is 10.68% smaller in diagonal and 20.21% smaller in area compared to its predecessor, the Zumo XT.
When it comes to weight, the Zumo XT2 is lighter at 12 ounces (340 g), making it slightly more manageable than the Zumo XT, which weighs 9.2 ounces (262 g).
Onboard Route Planning with Smartphone Integration
But perhaps the standout feature that sets the Zumo XT2 apart from its predecessor, the Zumo XT, is its onboard route planning capability. Unlike the Zumo XT, which exclusively relies on Garmin’s smartphone app for visual route planning, the XT2 allows you to plan routes directly on its screen or through the app, offering greater convenience.
On the smartphone side of things, the Zumo XT2 has a new Tread app compared the Drive app used with the Zumo XT. While the Drive app is primarily for connecting to the phone’s wireless network and basic smartphone integration like calls and music, the Tread app offers a more robust experience. You can access saved tracks, waypoints, and routes, make adjustments and effortlessly sync changes with the GPS unit. It’s akin to Garmin’s Explore app used by various handheld GPS units and fitness watches.
I’ve noticed Garmin making significant advancements in enhancing the user-friendliness of their GPS units. But personally, I still find it more convenient to make route adjustments using their smartphone app. With the Tread app for the Zumo XT2, I can enjoy a more intuitive experience, whether it’s planning routes or managing waypoints and tracks, all from the convenience of my smartphone.
System Management
The Zumo XT employs individual managers for tracks, routes, and waypoints, whereas the Zumo XT2 streamlines management of tracks, routes, and waypoints via the Explore tool directly on the GPS unit. This integration with the Tread app on your smartphone adds a layer of convenience, allowing you to create and manage Collections for simplified map organization.
When using the Explore tool, I found that it doesn’t offer the option to show or hide individual tracks and waypoints. Instead, you can only manage entire collections. While this setup works well for larger trips, like, say, Mississippi Highway 21 (MS 21), it can be a bit tricky for smaller, impromptu rides.
Operating System
Overall, the fundamental operating system appears to be consistent across both units, albeit with some menu adjustments. Garmin has incorporated more explanatory notes within menus and added shortcuts to various features, ensuring that everything is easily accessible on the Zumo XT2 with just a few clicks.
But one significant change I noticed is the absence of “Ride Modes” or “Profiles” on the Zumo XT2, a feature present in the Zumo XT, which allows for smooth map switching between motorcycle-integrated systems or transitioning a GPS device between your motorcycle and car.
Rider Connectivity and Group Ride Radio
Both the Garmin Zumo XT2 and Zumo XT let you chat with fellow riders, but the XT2 kicks it up a notch. With the XT2, you can see where your riding buddies are on the device itself, no need for extra apps like with the XT. It’s like having a real-time map of your group right in front of you!
And for those off-the-grid adventures where cell service is spotty, the XT2 offers another cool feature: the Group Ride Radio accessory. It keeps you connected with your crew even in remote areas. While the Zumo XT also has group ride radio, it takes a bit more setup with a separate mount and software update.
Power Delivery
While both the Zumo XT and Zumo XT2 feature the same plastic mount compatibility, there’s a significant shift in power supply. Upgrading from the Zumo XT to the XT2 necessitates a swap of your cradle.
Unlike its predecessor, the Zumo XT2 operates on a 12-volt battery, eliminating the need for a voltage regulator box in the wiring loom. An alteration that simplifies and cleans up the wiring process, particularly when moving the cradle between motorcycles.
The Zumo XT2 impressive battery life offers up to 7 hours of runtime with 5 hours at full brightness, whereas the Zumo XT clocks in at up to 6 hours of usage, with 3.5 hours at maximum brightness. Both are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Pricing
As of the time of writing this comparison, the Garmin Zumo XT motorcycle GPS goes for $499.99, while its successor, the Garmin Zumo XT2, comes in at $599.99. That’s a $100 difference, mainly because of the upgraded smartphone integration with the Tread app on your phone and the Explore tool on the GPS.
It’s likely we’ll see this combo get even better over time. The Zumo XT is already at the top of its game, especially for off-road adventures, thanks to its big, modern screen.
Michael’s Summary and Conclusion
I've diligently categorized my motorcycle gear recommendations into all available categories, with the aim of providing you with a comprehensive analysis that showcases the absolute best options for all your needs. These items are the culmination of in-depth research, extensive testing, and personal use throughout my vast experience of 50+ years in the world of motorcycling. Besides being a passionate rider, I've held leadership positions and offered consultancy services to reputable companies in over 25 countries. To See Top Picks and the Best Prices & Places to Buy: Click Here!
Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative government, educational, corporate, and non-profit organizations:
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