Yes, it does give voice prompts, but it can become annoying if you deviate from the stated route. ("Turn right in 100', (missed turn) recalculating, Okay stupid, take another RIGHT...you know, the right side....hold up your right hand...NO YOUR OTHER RIGHT HAND....RECALCULATING) Okay...maybe not that bad.
You can go in the settings and have it ask you if you want the route recalculated instead of doing it automatically when you deviate from it. That was kind of annoying when it did it automatically. Find setup in the main menu and go to the guidance tab (if you have the latest software update).
It is awesome on the road, especially when travelling, but I already had a Streetpilot 2610 when I got the 296. I originally was planning to sell it on Ebay, but I'd rather the 2610 was stolen or damaged while on the motorcycle instead of the expensive 296, so I kept both. They are quite similar when the 296 is in automotive mode. If the bike ever was to go (NEVER happen), then the 296 would be enough for everything.
