Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS

Name: Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS
Price: 237.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 6.2 (74 reviews)

Curated from 74 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 21, 2025

Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS

Brand: Garmin

Price: $237

Snoop Score:

6.2

Sentiment

6.4

Popularity

6.2

Technical

5.8

Buy on Amazon for $237 See All Motorcycle Navigation Reviews

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Snoop's Take

The Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S is a specialized motorcycle GPS designed to provide reliable navigation on the open road. With a rugged, glove-friendly 4.3-inch display, this GPS is built to withstand harsh weather conditions while offering features like live traffic updates and adventurous routing for a thrilling ride. User feedback highlights its strong performance in providing clear long-distance navigation, with sentiments like, "However, over a long stretch, it does have the benefit of my not starting at a screen." Many users appreciate its durable design and anti-glare display, making it a practical choice for riding in sunny conditions. However, some concerns arise regarding its performance in urban environments, with one user stating, "For getting around an unfamiliar city? It sucks." Overall, the Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S is recommended for riders seeking a dedicated navigation tool, although potential buyers should consider its limitations in urban settings and the availability of better alternatives at lower prices.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Motorcycle Navigation

However, over a long stretch, it does have the benefit of my not starting at a screen.
Positive Feedback

the more tight or dense the route is, the more of an issue it becomes.
Negative Feedback

6.2

Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS

Buy on Amazon for $237

Daily Commute

4 / 10

Long-Distance Touring

9 / 10

Off-Road Adventures

8 / 10

Hands-Free Operation

4 / 10

See how this compares to all Motorcycle Navigation

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Provides clear navigation on long stretches of road

“However, over a long stretch, it does have the benefit of my not starting at a screen.”➕

“They posted a blog on their website that they've released a subscription for 3,99£ with extra features like audio.”➕

“[Amazon] Garmin eTrex SE Handheld GPS Navigator - $99.99 (was $149.99)”➕

Useful for avoiding distractions from phone use

“I like mine as I don't want my phone on my bike but I wish it had audio prompts as well.”➕

Anti-glare display for sunny conditions

“It is also anti-glare so easy to use when sunny.”➕

Effective for long rides and navigation

“I love it. Does it have limitations? Yes - you need to take your hand off the bars and tilt your wrist to ensure adherence to the route.”➕

Useful as a backup navigation tool

“I have needed it once and it was a life saver, but wouldn't want to use it every ride.”➕

Basic navigation capability

“Good enough if all you need is basic navigation when your phone is out of range?”➕

“I’d rather have the zumo.”➕

Reliable for basic navigation without cell reception

“It does fine and you can import gpx files to it using the Garmin smartlink app on your phone.”➕

Good for basic navigation needs

“it was good for basic go here and there type navigation.”➕

Durable and waterproof design

“Zumo's have been good, durable, units for me.”➕

Useful for playing music through Bluetooth headset

“Something I found unexpectedly useful is the ability to load music files into the 'MP3' directory, and play them via my helmet Cardo unit.”➕

Reliable for long trips and navigation

“I wanted a reliable unit. I could have opted to use my phone for navigation but I don't want to run out of juice or reception in the midst of the Alps.”➕

Helpful for previewing sudden tight turns on unfamiliar roads.

“[On an unfamiliar road, it can be helpful to have a preview of sudden tight turns.]”➕

GPX import functionality is supported.

“GPX import seems to be supported.”➕

Bright, glove-friendly display

“I like that the XT has a big and bright screen I can see in the day and use with my gloves on.”➕

Effective for tracking routes on motorcycle

“That would be the best setup. It will also snap to roads if you use any type of navigation.”➕

Dedicated GPS is handy for navigation

“Are the dedicated motorcycle gps systems worth sinking a few dollars as an L rider?”➕

“Having a dedicated gps is really handy, especially if you also have audio in your lid.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Confusing navigation in urban environments with many turns

“the more tight or dense the route is, the more of an issue it becomes.”➕

“For getting around an unfamiliar city? It sucks.”➕

Vague UI and GPS latency issues for in-town navigation

“the vague UI and GPS latency make it practically unusable.”➕

Potential for GPS detachment due to vibrations

“One word of caution is to mind the vibration.”➕

Limited map functions in the Venu model

“As far as i know, the venu doesn’t offer the map function, so you should get the fenix or epix.”➕

Slow route recalculating when deviating from planned route

“I had it, hated it.”➕

Limited display size for navigation

“Keep it simple, Garmin, but they are now a publicly traded company on the NYSE, so I guess investors want to see tech advancements.”➕

Slow performance compared to newer models

“It's slow as shit and costs money to buy extra maps, and doesn't feature off road features.”➕

Using a watch while operating a motorcycle is dangerous

“using a watch while operating a motorcycle sounds like Bad Idea Jeans”➕

Older platform with limited processing power

“The 396 is a much, much older platform.”➕

Difficult to differentiate from newer models without detailed knowledge

“I’m not seeing much difference besides screen size when I google it🤷🏻‍♂️”➕

Garmin Motorize may not receive future updates.

“It looks like Garmin isn't going to support the motorize app anymore.”➕

Annual fee for Garmin Motorize is considered high by some users.

“after reading your review, I will fork over the dough. It's a $16K-plus motorcycle, what's another $40 a year?”➕

Better options available for cheaper

“Just get a cheaper non motorcycle one and stick it in a showerproof holder from ebay.”➕

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Comparison of features between different Garmin models

“What do I get in a 595 that I wouldn’t in a 396LMT-S?”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Discussion on using phone holders as alternatives to GPS

“You can find many of them on Amazon, take one with a vibration dampener included and something robust, where you screw your phone into a fixed position.”➕

Discussion on using phones as alternatives to GPS devices

“Buy a cheap used phone, use as main device for bike, run off hotspot from main phone in jacket pocket.”➕

“I was wondering what the rest uses.”➕

“Sometimes I hate the convoluted routes on longer trips so I plot my own old school style.”➕

“I take a look at the route on google maps, memorize it, and put my phone back in my pocket.”➕

Garmin watch can record motorbike rides

“Don't need to press any buttons while riding.”➕

“Very helpful! thank you!”➕

Using phones as alternatives to GPS

“I use my 'old' phone with a GPS app (i like GAIA) and no cell service contract.”➕

“You can add a device with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto for less than the cost of a dedicated GPS.”➕

Discussion on navigating without a phone using GPS alternatives

“I don't see any rule against GPS but I also don't think I want to buy one.”➕

“I prefer not to use a screen to navigate while I'm riding.”➕

“The best thing is give yourself time, not being 5+ mins late on departure is a major head start.”➕

Using Garmin watch as navigation display

“not too many complaints about a solution that didn't cost me anything else on top of what I already had!”➕

“On a serious note though, that’s great.”➕

Discussion about using smartwatches for navigation

“Can you use the Fenix for driving? I am thinking of buying a smartwatch.”➕

“For street navigation, like turn-by-turn directions and such while driving, it will *sorta work* but not really.”➕

“I want to use it beside for swimming and running but I was wondering if street navigation was possible.”➕

Mention of using different apps for tracking

“There is a 'Race' app which contains GPS tracks of all the tracks of the area and will take automatic lap times etc...”➕

Suggestions for alternatives to dedicated motorcycle GPS

“I used to enjoy that - absolutely no distraction until Siri warned me there was a turn in 2km.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Consideration of Beeline's effectiveness for different speeds

“Wasn't beeline originally meant for bicycles anyway? The concept might work much better at those lower speeds.”➕

Comparison of Garmin devices for navigation

“But for actual decent navigation you'll probably be better off with something else.”➕

Discussion about the cost difference with newer models

“the 396 is less than half the cost.”➕

Discussion on the comparison of Garmin Motorize with Streetcross.

“I wonder why Streetcross is free forever and Motorize is 40$ a year... very strange.”➕

User curiosity about functionality differences between Garmin apps.

“I’m interested in this bike and didn’t know about this functionality.”➕

Preference for larger screens

“i love the bigger screen.”➕

Inquiry about battery life of the Garmin smartwatch

“How's the battery life ?”➕

Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS

Curated from 74 real Reddit conversations

Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS

Snoop's Take

Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS

Daily Commute

Long-Distance Touring

Off-Road Adventures

Hands-Free Operation

What it does well!

Where it needs some work!

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Core Power Plays

Hidden Hero Hacks

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

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