TomTom Rider 550 World Sat Nav Product Review

Safety

The normal product review criterion doesn't really apply to the TomTom Rider 550 World Sat Nav - usually, they apply to the motorcycle kit you wear. However, this doesn't mean it doesn't offer safety options. The Rider 550 World sat Nav is Bluetooth enabled, so you can make calls or use Siri with voice control or listen to directions or messages read aloud through a headset meaning your eyes don't have to leave the road. It also tells notifies you of speed cameras and speed limits in your area - that as a biker, you will, of course, be adhering to at ALL times. Weather forecasts are also available, meaning you can plan your journey and avoid heavy rain/storms for maximum safety.

Styling

Small and sleek, the Rider 550 World Sat Nav features a large screen for easy viewing and practicality. It is black, which is subtle to match most motorcycles. The view can be personalised to your own taste or size - whichever you want. It comes with a RAM mounting kit which includes a rugged RAM universal motorcycle mount that fits together and avoids any "bulk." This is neat and looks tidy on the bike for a compact finish.

Comfort

Again, quite an unusual criteria for a sat nav to be judged on. It is small and compact, so it isn't cumbersome and doesn't take up too much room. It is easy to use and simple to fit your bike, and quick to charge and set up. The Rider 550 World is comfortable to use while wearing gloves and whilst on the move with easy to see and press buttons. The map view is straightforward and pared-back - which is especially easy to follow.

Practicality

Now, THIS is where the product review criterion comes into its own! If one word were used to describe the TomTom Rider 550 World Sat Nav, it would be practical. It is packed with practical features. You are always available and can find your way around anywhere in the world and listen to music and calls, etc. This works in alliance with your smartphone using Siri or Google now, meaning you can make calls, listen to music, messages, weather forecasts etc., all while you’re on the go (in conjunction with a Bluetooth headset). Your messages and notifications can even read aloud through the headset, leaving you able to concentrate on the road while still keeping in touch. This also has integrated Wi-fi, meaning that no computer is required. You can also use voice control to access functions on your smartphone and listen to music, calls, messages, etc., on the go. This is ultra-fast, thanks to a fast quad-core processor. This is ideal for motorcyclists as you can choose between the fastest route and more winding and mountainous routes for real fun on the bike! You can also plan your roundtrip with intelligent planning. This also has motorcycle-specific destinations pre-installed. You also get Lifetime Map Updates (World) along with Lifelong TomTom Traffic updates giving you real-time routes throughout the life of your motorcycle's navigation system to drive off the traffic. Lifetime Radar Cameras alerts and inform you about speed cameras on your track. This also comes with a RAM mounting kit which includes a rugged RAM universal motorcycle mount. Highly practical and incredibly handy to have not only while touring but in everyday life! The charging port and Micro SD card slot (which can be upgraded) are hidden behind rubber covers to prevent water ingress. You can also set the sensitivity of the sat nav to adapt to whatever kind of gloves you are wearing. It notifies you of petrol stations, arrival times, next turn, current speed and traffic problems - meaning you can avoid traffic jams. The battery life is excellent, and even though this is motorcycle-specific, it can easily adapt for use in a car.

Negatives

The simple design could be criticised as not offering enough features, but this isn't the case. It is easy to follow and is versatile enough to be personalised to your own needs. The sidebar offers plenty of information as well as the main screen. The buttons are quite small, and if you are extremely short-sighted but need to wear long-distance lenses, you may want to invest in some varifocals. I don't think this is necessarily just something that would be a problem with a TomTom - it could be an issue with any sat-nav. A new specific car mount would need to be purchased should you wish to use it with the car and on the bike.

Verdict

A fantastic sat-nav to help you get around in whatever capacity you want! It is versatile, easy to follow and even easier to use. A great sat-nav and a great investment.

Until next time, stay safe,

Alex