Upgrading from Zumo XT to XT2
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Regardless, with my overall testing, it always went back to my XT having navigation functionality that didn't (and currently doesn't) exist in the app. As I mentioned to Con, I hope the app does evolve to a point where I can re-consider it in the future.
You are comparing the app from 2 years ago to a brand new XT3. You leave out that the app has had a couple of major make overs since then.
What functionality do you find in that XT3 that you dont find in MRA Next anno 2026.
That would be a fair ComparisonYou are comparing the app from 2 years ago to a brand new XT3. You leave out that the app has had a couple of major make overs since then.
What functionality do you find in that XT3 that you dont find in MRA Next anno 2026.
That would be a fair ComparisonYou never did answer my question asking if you have extensive (or any) XT experience. If you don't, much of what I describe isn't going to make much sense or have the impact that it should. Regardless, I outlined some of the major differences in post#3. if you dispute any of those or want clarification, I'm happy to have a discussion.
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You are comparing the app from 2 years ago to a brand new XT3. You leave out that the app has had a couple of major make overs since then.
What functionality do you find in that XT3 that you dont find in MRA Next anno 2026.
That would be a fair ComparisonYou never did answer my question asking if you have extensive (or any) XT experience. If you don't, much of what I describe isn't going to make much sense or have the impact that it should. Regardless, I outlined some of the major differences in post#3. if you dispute any of those or want clarification, I'm happy to have a discussion.
@John-S-Parry Yes I did use an XT device for a couple of years and the main reason for me to switch to the T865X was the multiple attempts of that XT to mess up my ride. This is due to way Garmin devices handle routes that are not made with Garmin. I've written a couple of post back then discribing how Garmin is discriminating route not made with Garmin devices and ofr software. Branche protection you could say.
The screen of that XT and the visibility made decide to search for a rugged tablet wit h at least the 1000 nits like the XT has. I also wanted such a device to handle MRA routes like they were intended. Thus quiting the Garmin algorithme.
The few advantages you mentioned in post #3 to me are more user prefered gadgets. I tend to plan my trips carefully and thus there is no need to ad different peaces of other routes along the way.
In the end I've found the T865X more capable to fill my needs. MRA runs perfect on it with all it's features and om top of that a 1300 + nits screens witch is even better than the XT's screen.
I hope this answers your questions. -
@John-S-Parry Yes I did use an XT device for a couple of years and the main reason for me to switch to the T865X was the multiple attempts of that XT to mess up my ride. This is due to way Garmin devices handle routes that are not made with Garmin. I've written a couple of post back then discribing how Garmin is discriminating route not made with Garmin devices and ofr software. Branche protection you could say.
The screen of that XT and the visibility made decide to search for a rugged tablet wit h at least the 1000 nits like the XT has. I also wanted such a device to handle MRA routes like they were intended. Thus quiting the Garmin algorithme.
The few advantages you mentioned in post #3 to me are more user prefered gadgets. I tend to plan my trips carefully and thus there is no need to ad different peaces of other routes along the way.
In the end I've found the T865X more capable to fill my needs. MRA runs perfect on it with all it's features and om top of that a 1300 + nits screens witch is even better than the XT's screen.
I hope this answers your questions.Yes I did use an XT device for a couple of years and the main reason for me to switch to the T865X was the multiple attempts of that XT to mess up my ride. This is due to way Garmin devices handle routes that are not made with Garmin. I've written a couple of post back then discribing how Garmin is discriminating route not made with Garmin devices and ofr software. Branche protection you could say.
I don't know what to say about this. I've spent the last few years using MRA Routeplanner to create routes for the XT, and now the XT3. I've used both the HERE and OSM base maps for creating GPX files imported into the Garmin. I sometimes even use inRoute (Apple Maps) to create GPX files for XT import. We're talking literally hundreds of routes. That seems like a lot, but I lead rides that span weeks and sometimes crisscross the USA. Being retired and having time is great.
I've NEVER encountered what you described. There isn't a Garmin conspiracy to tank routes not developed with Basecamp. You seem experienced, and I mean no disrespect, but there is something on the user side here. Besides my own experience, I ride with many who develop routes in Kurviger, Scenic and Calimoto for import into the XT, our most used group device. Again, I'd know if Garmin was playing games. I wouldn't be able to avoid it. They're not.The few advantages you mentioned in post #3 to me are more user prefered gadgets. I tend to plan my trips carefully and thus there is no need to ad different peaces of other routes along the way.
I plan carefully too. And I'm a firm believer in following a route as planned. But none of us are so perfect that we know exactly where we're going to be at all times during the day, and with crystal ball vision for planning accordingly. Sometimes you have to make a diversion for reasons unanticipated, especially when riding with a group. That's the nature of life. And the "Look Ahead" feature in the XT/XT2/XT3 handles it eloquently. You not only locate where you need to go (sometimes well off the main route), but you can automatically add this diversion as a via point to your route. Maybe it's a USA thing where we have vast open spaces, but it can be a life saver under certain circumstances.
We can go on. I can expand on the other items I mentioned, but it's not necessary at this point. The message is that the XT series is incredibly competent if you understand it and know how to manipulate its advanced functions. It's not perfect, and of course there are things I'd like changed. But its core navigation functionality is solid. I wouldn't use it otherwise.
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@John-S-Parry Yes I did use an XT device for a couple of years and the main reason for me to switch to the T865X was the multiple attempts of that XT to mess up my ride. This is due to way Garmin devices handle routes that are not made with Garmin. I've written a couple of post back then discribing how Garmin is discriminating route not made with Garmin devices and ofr software. Branche protection you could say.
The screen of that XT and the visibility made decide to search for a rugged tablet wit h at least the 1000 nits like the XT has. I also wanted such a device to handle MRA routes like they were intended. Thus quiting the Garmin algorithme.
The few advantages you mentioned in post #3 to me are more user prefered gadgets. I tend to plan my trips carefully and thus there is no need to ad different peaces of other routes along the way.
In the end I've found the T865X more capable to fill my needs. MRA runs perfect on it with all it's features and om top of that a 1300 + nits screens witch is even better than the XT's screen.
I hope this answers your questions.@Marinus-van-Deudekom I'd have to say I use Basecamp routes and MRA routes interchangeably on the XT my other Zumo's without issue and have transferred many Basecamp routes to MRA without issue and used them via the navigation app. The only point of note is that MRA prepared routes transferred to Garmin devices do not transfer Via points to Zumo favourites as they are imbedded in the routes rather than separate entities as they are in Basecamp prepared GPX files.
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Yes I did use an XT device for a couple of years and the main reason for me to switch to the T865X was the multiple attempts of that XT to mess up my ride. This is due to way Garmin devices handle routes that are not made with Garmin. I've written a couple of post back then discribing how Garmin is discriminating route not made with Garmin devices and ofr software. Branche protection you could say.
I don't know what to say about this. I've spent the last few years using MRA Routeplanner to create routes for the XT, and now the XT3. I've used both the HERE and OSM base maps for creating GPX files imported into the Garmin. I sometimes even use inRoute (Apple Maps) to create GPX files for XT import. We're talking literally hundreds of routes. That seems like a lot, but I lead rides that span weeks and sometimes crisscross the USA. Being retired and having time is great.
I've NEVER encountered what you described. There isn't a Garmin conspiracy to tank routes not developed with Basecamp. You seem experienced, and I mean no disrespect, but there is something on the user side here. Besides my own experience, I ride with many who develop routes in Kurviger, Scenic and Calimoto for import into the XT, our most used group device. Again, I'd know if Garmin was playing games. I wouldn't be able to avoid it. They're not.The few advantages you mentioned in post #3 to me are more user prefered gadgets. I tend to plan my trips carefully and thus there is no need to ad different peaces of other routes along the way.
I plan carefully too. And I'm a firm believer in following a route as planned. But none of us are so perfect that we know exactly where we're going to be at all times during the day, and with crystal ball vision for planning accordingly. Sometimes you have to make a diversion for reasons unanticipated, especially when riding with a group. That's the nature of life. And the "Look Ahead" feature in the XT/XT2/XT3 handles it eloquently. You not only locate where you need to go (sometimes well off the main route), but you can automatically add this diversion as a via point to your route. Maybe it's a USA thing where we have vast open spaces, but it can be a life saver under certain circumstances.
We can go on. I can expand on the other items I mentioned, but it's not necessary at this point. The message is that the XT series is incredibly competent if you understand it and know how to manipulate its advanced functions. It's not perfect, and of course there are things I'd like changed. But its core navigation functionality is solid. I wouldn't use it otherwise.
@John-S-Parry let's agree to disagree. Have fun riding
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I appreciate your enthusiasm for the DMD / Android solution. I've already worked out the mechanical, electrical and software requirements for the Garmin. It's old fashioned, I admit. But it fits my old school BMW very nicely, and I'm not very keen on starting over with a new system. I'm not sure you appreciate how limited the cockpit area is on an older RT. I'm now in my 5th decade of touring, and I value simplicity over new features. Navigation assistance with minimal distraction is my ultimate goal.
@Don-Stauffer / @john-s-parry ...at the point to share routes (p.e. as group leader) with other participants - there is one point more, I see an advantage for MyRouteApp: it's not needed any longer to share gpx files cumbersome wireless, or by cable or mail, or...
Simply use an Event in MRA Routeplanner and share your route with participants. If they use MyRoute Navigation Next too - the route(s) will be synched immediately wireless. With no hassle, any of the participants Navi calculates a different route layout!
And because I said: at the moment, where MyRouteApp isn't good enough for offroad riding - and therefore I use DMD Hard- and Software parallel. The DMD2 app can do the same: share the route with other participants, simply by synchronise. This group ride function can additionally share the position of each rider on the map of each! Incl. SOS button to send "help please" to the other participants. That are incredible higher levels in navigation; it's more than pure navigation.
Compared with GARMIN, it looks like GARMIN simply failed to recognise the signs of the modern times and is effectively selling outdated solutions. And more, almost every new device came with a new subsystem for loading GPX files onto the sat-nav or managing routes. That’s not just a nuisance – it’s infuriating!
I’ve been riding motorbikes and driving cars for 50 years – new ones from time to time. And every time, I’ve had to learn a new system. But as the saying goes: ‘Learning – or riding a motorbike – keeps you young’!
Nothing is impossible ;-)
In past: GARMIN Zumo 210->GARMIN Zumo 395->GARMIN XT=> now: DMD T865-X + MyRoute-App, LocusMaps, OsmAnd.
In past: GARMIN MapSource ->GARMIN BaseCamp->Tyre->Kurviger->Calimoto=> now: MRA-Routplanner. -
@Don-Stauffer / @john-s-parry ...at the point to share routes (p.e. as group leader) with other participants - there is one point more, I see an advantage for MyRouteApp: it's not needed any longer to share gpx files cumbersome wireless, or by cable or mail, or...
Simply use an Event in MRA Routeplanner and share your route with participants. If they use MyRoute Navigation Next too - the route(s) will be synched immediately wireless. With no hassle, any of the participants Navi calculates a different route layout!
And because I said: at the moment, where MyRouteApp isn't good enough for offroad riding - and therefore I use DMD Hard- and Software parallel. The DMD2 app can do the same: share the route with other participants, simply by synchronise. This group ride function can additionally share the position of each rider on the map of each! Incl. SOS button to send "help please" to the other participants. That are incredible higher levels in navigation; it's more than pure navigation.
Compared with GARMIN, it looks like GARMIN simply failed to recognise the signs of the modern times and is effectively selling outdated solutions. And more, almost every new device came with a new subsystem for loading GPX files onto the sat-nav or managing routes. That’s not just a nuisance – it’s infuriating!
I’ve been riding motorbikes and driving cars for 50 years – new ones from time to time. And every time, I’ve had to learn a new system. But as the saying goes: ‘Learning – or riding a motorbike – keeps you young’!
at the point to share routes (p.e. as group leader) with other participants - there is one point more, I see an advantage for MyRouteApp: it's not needed any longer to share gpx files cumbersome wireless, or by cable or mail, or...
Simply use an Event in MRA Routeplanner and share your route with participants. If they use MyRoute Navigation Next too - the route(s) will be synched immediately wireless. With no hassle, any of the participants Navi calculates a different route layout!
In a perfect world, this would be great. Unfortunately, the reality is that we live in a mixed world of riding. Not everyone uses MRA NN, much less a phone for navigation. But even in this ideal MRA bubble your fantasizing, MRA NN is not guaranteed to calculate routes the same in online and offline usage. You'd have to guarantee that everyone has their Functional nav settings configured exactly the same. Good luck with that.
In the nutshell, it's a rare situation where GPX files can be avoided. It's the world we live in.Compared with GARMIN, it looks like GARMIN simply failed to recognise the signs of the modern times and is effectively selling outdated solutions. And more, almost every new device came with a new subsystem for loading GPX files onto the sat-nav or managing routes. That’s not just a nuisance – it’s infuriating!
There is too much wrong here to unpack and attempt to fix. I'm not going bother trying. I will say it's misinformation on par with the previously outlined Garmin conspiracy theory. Regardless, you seem enthusiastic and love motorcycle riding. Keep it going.
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at the point to share routes (p.e. as group leader) with other participants - there is one point more, I see an advantage for MyRouteApp: it's not needed any longer to share gpx files cumbersome wireless, or by cable or mail, or...
Simply use an Event in MRA Routeplanner and share your route with participants. If they use MyRoute Navigation Next too - the route(s) will be synched immediately wireless. With no hassle, any of the participants Navi calculates a different route layout!
In a perfect world, this would be great. Unfortunately, the reality is that we live in a mixed world of riding. Not everyone uses MRA NN, much less a phone for navigation. But even in this ideal MRA bubble your fantasizing, MRA NN is not guaranteed to calculate routes the same in online and offline usage. You'd have to guarantee that everyone has their Functional nav settings configured exactly the same. Good luck with that.
In the nutshell, it's a rare situation where GPX files can be avoided. It's the world we live in.Compared with GARMIN, it looks like GARMIN simply failed to recognise the signs of the modern times and is effectively selling outdated solutions. And more, almost every new device came with a new subsystem for loading GPX files onto the sat-nav or managing routes. That’s not just a nuisance – it’s infuriating!
There is too much wrong here to unpack and attempt to fix. I'm not going bother trying. I will say it's misinformation on par with the previously outlined Garmin conspiracy theory. Regardless, you seem enthusiastic and love motorcycle riding. Keep it going.
at the point to share routes (p.e. as group leader) with other participants - there is one point more, I see an advantage for MyRouteApp: it's not needed any longer to share gpx files cumbersome wireless, or by cable or mail, or...
Simply use an Event in MRA Routeplanner and share your route with participants. If they use MyRoute Navigation Next too - the route(s) will be synched immediately wireless. With no hassle, any of the participants Navi calculates a different route layout!
In a perfect world, this would be great. Unfortunately, the reality is that we live in a mixed world of riding. Not everyone uses MRA NN, much less a phone for navigation. But even in this ideal MRA bubble your fantasizing, MRA NN is not guaranteed to calculate routes the same in online and offline usage. You'd have to guarantee that everyone has their Functional nav settings configured exactly the same. Good luck with that.
In the nutshell, it's a rare situation where GPX files can be avoided. It's the world we live in.Compared with GARMIN, it looks like GARMIN simply failed to recognise the signs of the modern times and is effectively selling outdated solutions. And more, almost every new device came with a new subsystem for loading GPX files onto the sat-nav or managing routes. That’s not just a nuisance – it’s infuriating!
There is too much wrong here to unpack and attempt to fix. I'm not going bother trying. I will say it's misinformation on par with the previously outlined Garmin conspiracy theory. Regardless, you seem enthusiastic and love motorcycle riding. Keep it going.
Well said.
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If you don't want to use MRA that's fine by me. Please keep the Garmin discussion on a Garmin forum.
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I think my original question was answered; there are no functional differences between the XT models when downloading GPX files from MRA Route Planner. That question seemed appropriate for the Route Planner forum.
It seems that there is a lot of emotion tied to the choice of an archaic bit of hardware for navigation, instead of migrating to a multi-purpose device using MRA Navigation. I had no intention of stepping into that debate.
To each his own, and I hope everyone enjoys the late summer riding season!
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@John-S-Parry Yes I did use an XT device for a couple of years and the main reason for me to switch to the T865X was the multiple attempts of that XT to mess up my ride. This is due to way Garmin devices handle routes that are not made with Garmin. I've written a couple of post back then discribing how Garmin is discriminating route not made with Garmin devices and ofr software. Branche protection you could say.
The screen of that XT and the visibility made decide to search for a rugged tablet wit h at least the 1000 nits like the XT has. I also wanted such a device to handle MRA routes like they were intended. Thus quiting the Garmin algorithme.
The few advantages you mentioned in post #3 to me are more user prefered gadgets. I tend to plan my trips carefully and thus there is no need to ad different peaces of other routes along the way.
In the end I've found the T865X more capable to fill my needs. MRA runs perfect on it with all it's features and om top of that a 1300 + nits screens witch is even better than the XT's screen.
I hope this answers your questions.@Marinus-van-Deudekom you should really gain some routemaking skills. I have never ever had one problem, with the routes I made either wit Basecamp nor with MRA. Therefore, my XT stays on my bike. Unbeatable: XT with MRA 1.2. In the camper and cabrio I work with the MRA-app on a tablet.
Met andere apps maak je een route, met MRA componeer je een route!
Ducati Monster 1200 met Garmin Zümo XT
Fiat 124 Spider/Camper Dethleffs met Navigation-App op Samsung Tab Active4 Pro
MRA Lifetime Gold -
@Marinus-van-Deudekom you should really gain some routemaking skills. I have never ever had one problem, with the routes I made either wit Basecamp nor with MRA. Therefore, my XT stays on my bike. Unbeatable: XT with MRA 1.2. In the camper and cabrio I work with the MRA-app on a tablet.
@Travellexxie I've send you a PB
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Hello all, quite interesting discussion here. I gave up with Android devices and navigation and changed to XT3. So far very happy for my use. I plan routes with the MRA route planner and use GPX 1.2. So far no issues with changes of the planned route. Garmin is just sitting above the dash and it's there. No hazzle with offline or online maps. No overheating of the phone if using CarPlay and no battery drain of the iPhone. I had several issues during my last rides with outdoor phones and tablets and found MY, maybe a bit old school, solution. The screen of the XT3 is great and serves my requirements. However MRA-App is a great software but a Garmin is a navigation system and a phone is a phone :).
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Hello all, quite interesting discussion here. I gave up with Android devices and navigation and changed to XT3. So far very happy for my use. I plan routes with the MRA route planner and use GPX 1.2. So far no issues with changes of the planned route. Garmin is just sitting above the dash and it's there. No hazzle with offline or online maps. No overheating of the phone if using CarPlay and no battery drain of the iPhone. I had several issues during my last rides with outdoor phones and tablets and found MY, maybe a bit old school, solution. The screen of the XT3 is great and serves my requirements. However MRA-App is a great software but a Garmin is a navigation system and a phone is a phone :).
@Thomas-Neumeyer It sounds like your situation is much like mine. I started using MRA after buying the Garmin, and like you, I appreciate the fit of the XT in the motorcycle instrument space. I did carry a tablet one one extended trip for the sole purpose of creating or modifying routes using MRA, but I found it slow and cumbersome. On later trips I carried a laptop. The tablet now lives in the kitchen as a recipe server, I've owned three or four and never found them particularly convenient.
One Garmin feature that I appreciate is weather radar, using the Drive app. The traffic notifications are useful as well. The phone stays tucked in the tankbag. Can you comment on those features in the XT3? I'm assuming the Tread app has similar features to Drive.
I'm curious, how do you transfer the GPX files, hardwired connection or phone app?
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@Thomas-Neumeyer It sounds like your situation is much like mine. I started using MRA after buying the Garmin, and like you, I appreciate the fit of the XT in the motorcycle instrument space. I did carry a tablet one one extended trip for the sole purpose of creating or modifying routes using MRA, but I found it slow and cumbersome. On later trips I carried a laptop. The tablet now lives in the kitchen as a recipe server, I've owned three or four and never found them particularly convenient.
One Garmin feature that I appreciate is weather radar, using the Drive app. The traffic notifications are useful as well. The phone stays tucked in the tankbag. Can you comment on those features in the XT3? I'm assuming the Tread app has similar features to Drive.
I'm curious, how do you transfer the GPX files, hardwired connection or phone app?
One Garmin feature that I appreciate is weather radar, using the Drive app. The traffic notifications are useful as well. The phone stays tucked in the tankbag. Can you comment on those features in the XT3? I'm assuming the Tread app has similar features to Drive.
I too would like to hear from @thomas-neumeyer regarding his XT3 perspectives. I love mine, and it's always good to read other perspectives.
When I initially configured my XT unit years ago, I only used the Drive app briefly. I loved the ability to use the app to transfer routes, but I had BT conflict problems using other Drive functions. I'm going to attribute that to user error (me
) with the setup I had using multiple Cardo/Sena connections. At the time, weather and traffic didn't have much value to me, so I deleted the app. Basecamp file transfer was good enough.The XT3 uses the Tread app, which covers what the Drive app provides to the XT. My first thought was not to install Tread at all, given all the horror stories of destroyed/altered routes. But I found that you can install Tread without enabling external storage (i.e. Explore) and still get full weather/traffic/music/phone functionality. As you would expect, Tread is a more refined than Drive given that its 6-years newer. It works very well. I especially like the traffic alerts which have saved me more than once from getting stuck up ahead.
The downside of not enabling Explore is that you're on your own transferring routes into the XT3. I use Window File Explorer to copy the GPX into the XT3. It's a simple drag-and-drop process. You're already in MRA Routeplanner on the computer anyway. Plugging the XT3 into a USB port to be seen as a file system is not rocket science, and the process is quick to perform. I copy into a Garmin/GPX folder on an inserted SD card within the XT3. It's a different subject, but there are advantages to using a card vs. XT3 internal storage for route storage.
Some users seem to get away with using Tread/Explore and not report problems, and that's great. It's just something I don't want to get caught up in.
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Hello, I am using Tread but I do not sync the routes. I just connect it to the PC and transfer the GPX to the SD card. Weather radar works and traffic information. All good. And the route planner on the Garmin is not too bad either. When I plan my trips/routes I use the planner of MyRoute on the computer. Save it and drive. I anyway spend time to generate the routes and after they are ready they will be pushed to the XT3. I do not let the Tread app sync because there can be surprises but I do not need to do this often. And in case I have no option to transfer data I use the Garmin route planner.
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