Garmin Announces Next-Gen XT3 Motorcycle GPS
Garmin has officially unveiled the new zūmo XT3 Motorcycle GPS Navigator, its most advanced motorcycle-focused navigation system to date. Designed to thrive in real-world riding conditions, the XT3 blends rugged hardware, expanded mapping tools, live ride telemetry, and optional track performance analytics – neatly packaged in two screen sizes to fit nearly any motorcycle.
Available in a compact 4.7-inch version and a larger 6-inch model, the XT3 features a high-brightness, glove-friendly HD touchscreen built for excellent visibility in direct sunlight. The unit is engineered to withstand constant handlebar vibration, harsh weather, and rough terrain, making it a serious upgrade for long-distance touring, adventure riding, and spirited backroad exploration.
Built for Real-World Riding Conditions
Garmin designed the XT3 to endure the demands of motorcycle travel. The navigator meets military-grade drop standards and carries an IPX7 waterproof rating, allowing it to handle rainstorms, dust, and the inevitable bumps that come with extended time on the road.
No matter if you’re touring or sport riding, the zūmo XT3 enhances every corner and every adventure – from dirt trails to winding roads to the racetrack. Rugged and packed with moto-specific tools, zūmo XT3 is the versatile companion for every ride.” – Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President Consumer Sales and Marketing
One of the XT3’s headline upgrades is live lean angle monitoring. Riders can now view real-time lean angle data, G-forces, maximum speed, and post-ride summaries directly on the device or through Garmin’s Tread smartphone app. These insights provide a deeper look into riding dynamics, whether carving mountain passes or refining technique on familiar roads.
Advanced Mapping and Route Planning for Sport Touring Riders
Navigation remains the heart of the zūmo lineup, and the XT3 significantly expands mapping capabilities. The device ships with preloaded street maps, high-definition topographic maps, and downloadable satellite imagery for clear visualization across pavement and off-road terrain.
Route planning is equally powerful. Riders can build custom routes directly on the XT3 or through the Tread app, import GPX, KML, or KMZ files, and prioritize curves, hills, and scenic roads using Garmin Adventurous Routing. Community-driven features such as Great Rides and Popular Moto Paths help uncover favorite routes used by other motorcyclists.
The XT3 also functions as a connected cockpit hub, offering lane assist with junction view, speed limit indicators, and Garmin Real Directions™ landmark guidance, which uses recognizable buildings and features instead of relying solely on street names, a real improvement when navigating unfamiliar cities and complex interchanges.
At a Glance: How the XT3 compares with the XT2
| Better Ride Metrics & Performance Tools | Built-in accelerometers for real-time lean angle, G-force and max speed data Optional Performance Package with drag timing, lap timing, segment analytics and leaderboards |
| Enhanced Display & Hardware Options | Two screen sizes (4.7″ and 6″) with higher-brightness HD touchscreens Expanded internal storage with microSD support |
| Advanced Navigation & Mapping | Satellite imagery alongside street and topo maps Broader route import (GPX, KML, KMZ) Bigger community-sourced route library (Great Rides, Popular Moto Paths) |
| Upgraded Guidance & User Experience | Garmin Real Directions™ landmark guidance Lane assist with enhanced junction views and more intuitive routing |
| Stronger Ecosystem Integration | Seamless pairing with Garmin accessories including inReach satellite communicators, handlebar controllers, PowerSwitch and the zūmo R1 radar system Enhanced group ride tracking through the Tread app |
In brief: XT3 expands navigation depth, improves rider awareness, offers a more connected, versatile touring experience, and adds meaningful performance analytics compared with the earlier XT2.
Integrated Safety and Garmin Ecosystem Support
Beyond navigation, the XT3 is designed to work seamlessly with Garmin’s growing motorcycle ecosystem. Riders can pair the navigator with compatible accessories such as inReach satellite communicators for off-grid messaging and SOS capability, handlebar controllers for hands-free operation, and digital switch boxes for managing auxiliary lighting and electronics.
Notably, the XT3 integrates with Garmin’s zūmo R1 radar system, adding rear-view and blind-spot monitoring directly to the riding experience. Read Garmin R1 Radar for Motorcycles: First Look to learn more about the R1 radar and its safety benefits.
Together, these integrations transform the XT3 from a navigation device into a centralized ride awareness and control system.
Optional Performance Package Adds Riding Analytics
For riders who blend sport touring with track days or drag strip sessions, Garmin offers the optional Garmin Performance Package subscription exclusively for the XT3.
Enabled by the XT3’s built-in accelerometers, the Performance Package unlocks advanced riding analytics, including:
- 0–60 mph, ⅛-mile, and ¼-mile drag race timing
- Lap timers with adaptive delta comparisons
- Lean angle analysis tied directly to lap performance
- Detailed racing line and segment breakdowns
- Interactive performance graphs
- Worldwide leaderboards for comparing times
Performance data can be viewed directly on the XT3 or synced to smartphones and tablets through the Garmin Catalyst mobile app.
The subscription is priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.
Hardware Highlights
All of these features are powered by a robust hardware platform built to perform reliably through long days in the saddle. Under the hood, the zūmo XT3 delivers modern navigation performance and connectivity:
- High-brightness HD touchscreen (1280 × 720 resolution)
- Multi-GNSS positioning (GPS + Galileo)
- 64 GB internal storage with microSD expansion
- Wi-Fi updates for maps and software
- Bluetooth helmet and smartphone integration
Garmin claims up to 7 hours of battery life for the XT3. And includes a handlebar mounting kit with the 6-inch model, while the 4.7-inch version supports RAM-mount style post mounting.
Pricing and Availability
The Garmin zūmo XT3 will be available beginning February 20, 2026:
- 4.7-inch XT3: $499.99
- 6-inch XT3: $599.99
Both models will be sold through Garmin’s website and authorized retailers.
A Step Forward for Motorcycle Navigation
With rugged construction, enhanced mapping, real-time ride telemetry, deep ecosystem integration, and optional track-focused analytics, the zūmo XT3 represents a significant evolution in motorcycle GPS technology.
For sport touring riders who demand precision navigation, safety awareness, and performance insight in one cockpit-mounted device, the XT3 delivers far more than directions – it creates a more confident, connected riding experience.
Learn more about the zūmo XT3 on Garmin’s website.
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by Staff Writers
The American Sport Touring writing team represents a diverse group of passionate sport touring motorcycle riders and industry experts dedicated to delivering insightful, well-researched content. Our contributors, both within the organization and guest writers, bring deep firsthand experience with sport touring motorcycles, gear and accessories, and destination discovery and route planning. No matter the assignment, each upholds the American Sport Touring commitment to high-quality, informative, and trustworthy content.
