Choosing a motorcycle GPS in rider communication navigation cameras often comes down to a simple trade-off: do you want more display area, or a more feature-specific navigation package? The Garmin Zumo 590 Road Tech Motorcycle GPS Navigator and Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS Navigator sit close together in listed price, but their screen sizes, conditions, and navigation emphasis differ.
Quick verdict
The $5.01 listed-price spread is small enough that the decision should center on how you expect to use the GPS. The Garmin Zumo 590 Road Tech Motorcycle GPS Navigator is the display-oriented choice, while the Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS Navigator w/ Lifetime Maps 010-02019-00 puts more named navigation functions into its feature list. Either route keeps the focus on a Garmin motorcycle GPS; the better fit depends on whether screen space or map-related tools matter more to you.
Compact comparison
| Detail | Garmin Zumo 590 Road Tech Motorcycle GPS Navigator | Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS Navigator w/ Lifetime Maps 010-02019-00 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 175.00 | USD 169.99 |
| Condition | Used | Certified - Refurbished |
| Screen size | 5 inches | 4.3 inches |
| Type | Motorcycle | Motorcycle |
Where each Garmin wins
Garmin Zumo 590 Road Tech Motorcycle GPS Navigator: The key draw is layout flexibility. Its touchscreen supports both portrait and landscape orientations, giving riders a choice in how information is arranged on the display. That makes it the more natural pick for someone who specifically wants a screen that can change orientation.
Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS Navigator w/ Lifetime Maps 010-02019-00: The 396 LMT-S stands out for the navigation tools named in its features: 3D Map View, a Built-In Altimeter, an Address Book, and an Alarm. It is the more feature-led choice for riders who want those functions called out alongside motorcycle navigation.
Product notes
Garmin Zumo 590 Road Tech Motorcycle GPS Navigator
Choose the Zumo 590 when a larger 5-inch screen is the main priority. That display size gives it a clear physical distinction from the 4.3-inch zumo 396 LMT-S, and the Garmin Zumo 590 is expressly designed as a motorcycle unit. Its used condition may suit a shopper comfortable selecting a pre-owned navigator at the listed USD 175.00 price. The concrete limitation is that the attributes state Charger Included: No. For riders who already have an appropriate charging arrangement, the larger screen may be the deciding feature; for anyone who needs a charger included, that detail makes the 590 less straightforward.
Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS Navigator w/ Lifetime Maps 010-02019-00
The zumo 396 LMT-S is the stronger match for a rider drawn to its Lifetime Map Updates alongside 3D Map View and a Built-In Altimeter. Its Certified - Refurbished condition differentiates it from the used Zumo 590, while its listed USD 169.99 price is slightly lower. The trade-off is its 4.3-inch screen, which is smaller than the 5-inch display on the 590. Choose the 396 LMT-S when the named map and navigation features are more useful to your riding than having the larger display. It also lists Bluetooth Ready, adding another stated connectivity feature to its motorcycle-GPS setup.
Final choice by use case
Pick the Garmin Zumo 590 Road Tech Motorcycle GPS Navigator at USD 175.00 if a portrait-or-landscape touchscreen arrangement is the deciding convenience for you.
Pick the Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS Navigator w/ Lifetime Maps 010-02019-00 at USD 169.99 if Lifetime Map Updates and its named navigation tools better match what you want from a motorcycle GPS.
