TomTom Rider V-2 - Review Hot

Simple to use and a sturdy mount on the bike is a nice start for this long serving GPS Navigation device, the TomTom Rider V2 will remain on the market alongside the new Urban Rider V3 so we gave it a thorough testing to see how it stacks up. The Rider 2 comes with a RAM mount for a secure fit and peace of mind, Scala Bluetooth Headset with integrated microphone and gives the ability to accept calls out on the road

Initial Thoughts

With TomTom releasing the Urban Rider or V3 earlier this year and not had a chance to review the V2 we had a unit rushed over for testing, it is worth noting that the V2 will remain on the market alongside its newer counterpart and as a now older model some real bargains can be had if you are in the market for tried and tested motorcycle satellite navigation technology. In the box is the familiar TomTom form factored device with sun brow along the top and a distinctively sturdy, outdoor case but comparable to a V2 model TomTom One, you also get a Cardo Scala Bluetooth Headset which is also reviewed seperately and a whole host of pieces that make up the RAM mount.

Construction

Having used a number of TomTom devices over the years it was nice to see the Rider V2 using a familiar interface which in my opinion lends itself well to use on two wheels, in addition the interface comes with large buttons that are simple to operate on the move with a gloved hand though occasionally I did struggle with buttons right in the very corners of the screens but only when on the move. Punching in an address or location is a simpler affair than that of the Crocodile we reviewed a while back and the TomTom software does its best to help you along and fill in the blanks, most addresses are easily found though in my case the area in which I live has been redeveloped quite a bit over the last few years and the maps not updated as quickly as I would have liked in order to pick up on the changes which could in some situations lead to having to re-route during a journey.

Speaking of re-routing I had a great chance to check how quickly the software picked up on deviations to the set route when I took a long trip and found the motorway (highway) had been closed for a large stretch due to an accident, with police diversions in place and bumper to bumper traffic as far as the eye could see I took the opportunity to get creative and look for back streets, short cuts and link roads to which the TomTom Rider 2 happily played along and swiftly came up with fresh directions, on a few occasions though it would have had me going round in circles had I not ignored the instructions to turn around. In all though on this particular journey I was able to circumnavigate a few hundred miles of motorway in relative ease and with only a little look of the screen every now and again to pick my next road.

One thing I would like to see and was a little disappointed about the lack of was a media function in the device, a number of other leading devices offer either an SD expansion slot or internal storage space in which to place mp3 files for on the road music - the Rider V2 software comes on SD card so this function could easily be added, think about how many boring motorway miles a motorcycle rider and typical TomTom Rider buyer might have to make and a journey without music can become incredibly dull, one of the selling points of the Rider V2 is the Bluetooth headset for a wire free connection, and lets face it, wires are a pain in the ass so having then to use a seperate MP3 player and headphones just complicates things. Not to mention that you now have an additional device volume level that is perhaps not as easy to control. One thing that could have alleviated a bit of the problem here I think is simply having a 3.5mm audio jack input on either the TomTom or Scala Headset which would mean only a single wire and no need for additional earphones - perhaps I am being picky here though.

Having said all of that I have used the Rider 2 on a lot of journeys and with various earphones connected to my ipod, the Rider V2 volume level through the Cardo Scala works brilliantly and is plenty loud enough to overcome my music played at a reasonable level, by reasonable I mean loud enough to not hear the sound of the motorway at high speeds but not blow out my eardrums. Spoken directions are clear and precise though text to speech is badly lacking for street names to be spoken, overseas this can be a real bonus when you are trying to keep one eye on the french drivers, one eye on where you are going and trying to work out what road you are on with your third (not factory fitted) eye.

Directions in an country seem to be nice and clear though and other than the occasional glitch where the device forgot to warn of turnings early enough I had very few issues finding my destination first time, I would like to see a few motorcycle specific menu options for routes, the 3D mapping offerings from other navigation devices would also be useful in some situations too but on the whole the TomTom Rider 2 takes a lot of stress out of journeys where directions are required, couple this with the more than ample RAM mount kit with charging base and you have a device that does its job very well indeed.

Technical Details