Newbie ... is basecamp really usable for detailed driving routes?

Depends on where in the world you are, but the best free option is probably something using OpenStreetMap.
I suggest this website: http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
Pick your country from the dropdown list, then it will give you a download link. You need to download the file named "osm_generic_windows.exe". Then just run that, and it will install the maps in BaseCamp.

The base map that comes with BaseCamp is very rudimentary. For creating routes you will need to buy a proper one, like the City Navigator maps from Garmin.

You could also try the free Openstreetmap ( http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl ); very detailed in certain countries, but of lesser quality in other parts of the world.

GPSFileDepot.com has free state by state 24K maps, but they are not routable. This does not bother me because I don't trust autorouting out in the country, where I do most dual sporting. Some states are better than others. I love CNNA for paved roads in strange cities, but I prefer topo maps in the backcountry, and I'm too cheap to buy all the garmin 24K maps, which supposedly DO have autorouting.

I'm still using the Garmin 2001 TopoUSA 100K, which often has roads and POI's that the newer maps don't. It might still be available used on Amazon. There is a certain workaround procedure to get it installed on the hard disk, but it's not that difficult. Google Search "installing Garmin TopoUSA to hard disk".

I never cared much for the openstreetmaps. YMMV.:cool:

Well, you have to admit the price of the Open Street Maps is right.

What I really would like to see in Basecamp for dual sport trip planning is the ability to display transparent overlay trail maps. There are a wealth of transparent trail maps out there and they work great on the nav devices when overlaid on any decent map, including road maps. But Basecamp still only lets you display one map at a time.

...ken... (2011 BMW F650GS)

Running the exe file should install the maps in BaseCamp. If you open then BaseCamp, then click on the "Maps" menu, then "Map products", it should list all of the maps installed in BaseCamp. Then you can select the one named "OSM generic routable".

If it is not listed under map products, it seems like it hasn't installed correctly. What version of Windows are you using? You might need to use the "Run as administrator" option when running osm_generic_windows.exe.

Another possibility, if your gps has the detailed map you want, just go to Garmin and use mapupdater to download that same map to your computer. Select your registered gps and follow the map update prompts. Just don't use the new Garmin Express to update as it won't update the computer map. In Mapudater there is an option you have to select to do that. You can choose to install it to your computer, your gps, or both. Then BaseCamp will see that same computer you are using in your gps. To me it makes no sense to plan routes on one map and try to drive them on another that probably doesn't match exactly.