Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS – Detailed Review

Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S is among the most highly rated motorcycle navigators in the market. It is loved mainly because of its rugged design that is resistant to fuel vapors and UV rays and its adventurous routing. Now, unless it is your first time to use GPS on your motorcycle, you’ve probably heard about Garmin.

They are among the top companies that manufacture motorcycles GPS products. Recently, this company impressed the market by releasing the Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S.

This new model comes with a variety of new features and additions. But is this the best GPS for you? Keep reading to find that out.

Overview of Garmin Zumo 396 Navigation System

Travelling with the same routes can with time get boring. But at the same time, you can get lost if you use directions that you are not familiar with. The good news is that you can make your travel adventurous by having a GPS which you can rely on to give you correct directions. And that is why you should have the Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S navigator.

What Garmin had in mind when building this specific motorcycle GPS was life on the open roads. It features a 4.3-inch screen and a display that can resist fuel vapors as well as UV rays. And even the harsh weather conditions cannot stop it from functioning. If you are always on the move, or you are planning to take long trips, Garmin has you covered with this model.

Specifications –

• Included software
• Diagonal size
• Widescreen (10.8cm x 6.5cm)
• Waterproof
• A battery that can be recharged
• GPS connection and accessories
• Compatible with smartphones and computers

Key Features – 

• Rugged and sleek design
• Built-in WI-FI that gives you map and software updates even without connecting to a computer
• Free live services for traffic and weather when connected to a smartphone
• Adventurous routing to find your way in any road and place
• Rider alerts when approaching sharp curves

What Makes Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S Unique?

Of course, this is not the only motorcycle navigator in the market. But, it has outstanding features that can be useful and helpful to all riders. Here are some benefits of having the Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S.

• Adventurous Routing: 

If you love riding, especially just for fun, it can get a bit boring to travel using the same routes every other day. Motorcyclists love to explore new destinations using a new direction. 

That is why this model will be a priceless possession. From cliff clenching to highways and hilly areas, all you got to do is tell this GPS which way to go and watch as it leads you to your expected destinations. 

What’s more is that if you are the kind of person who loves sharing routes with other riders, all you need to do is download the Smartphone Link app to your Smartphone and share the GPX files with other cyclists. And that’s not all. If you loved the route you used to get to your destination, you simply use the TracBack feature to use the same direction to get you back to the starting point.

To make your trip worth remembering, you can also use the Smartphone Link app and enable the LiveTrack which you can share where you are in real-time for other cyclists to join you on the fun.

• Added Convenience: 

The Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S makes your work much easier and more comfortable when you are out on a ride. Enjoy the Bluetooth functionality of this model. You can receive and make calls even when your phone is not in your hands by syncing your compatible Smartphone, your Bluetooth headset, or helmet. 

Keep your phones in your pockets or saddlebag, and you’ll have the benefit of hands-free calling without diverting your attention away from the road. Furthermore, you can also get customized notifications for calls, SMS, and app alerts. Not to mention, the Zumo navigator’s display lets you control your music playlists which means you can enjoy your favorite soundtracks while on the go.

• Always Updated: 

Why should you be left behind on the latest maps and software, when you can use this model that comes with a built-in Wi-Fi to keep you up to date? Whenever there is a new update, all you should do is connect your navigator to the available Wi-Fi network, and you’ll automatically get a notification on your screen. And just by the touch of a button, you’ll perform all the necessary updates.

• Rider Alerts for Safe Driving: 

You may not on your own be able to know if there is any danger ahead on the road you are traveling with. But this specific model provides useful alerts for sharp curves, speed changes, and animal crossing, among others. This way, you are always aware of what lies ahead and the necessary precautions to take. In addition to that, you are also notified when to check your helmets or when you are almost driving in the wrong way on a one-way street. 

Riders also get notified of the red light and speed cameras. Furthermore, if you’ve driven for many miles, you’ll receive a fatigue warning and suggestions on suitable rest areas. Should any incidence occur on the road, this navigator uses the in-built automatic incident notification to send a message about your location to your predetermined contact.

• Rugged Design: 

The Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S is designed to make every ride enjoyable and memorable. The navigator comes with a trip computer that’s built-in and has a compass display. 

It also includes a speed limit indicator and a touch screen that makes keying in information pretty easy and quick, regardless of whether you are wearing your gloves or not. And you don’t have to worry about fuel vapors or UV rays or any other harsh weather elements as the rugged case is resistant to these conditions.

Pros

• Easy installation
• Friendly interface
• Solid and steady design
• Fantastic navigation features

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a wall charger or a car adapter which are useful to some users
•  Some people have complained about connectivity issues
• Other users would have preferred if it had a wider screen display

Summary of Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S

This model brings some new interesting features such as in-built Wi-Fi, and tire pressure compatibility, while still having the mainstay ones such as music controls. But compared to other models, it sells at a higher price which makes sense because of the added specs.

If you are new to the market or you want to upgrade from your existing GPS navigator, then this model will be the right choice for you.