What navigation system do you use? Maps, Apps, GPS

19-03-2021 3:06am #1

Good video here https://youtu.be/MddrEmzL9RQ

SantaClaw · 19-03-2021 1:13pm

I use a GPS for basically the reasons mentioned in the video, there is also one additional benefit, it works with all gloves. Nice to be able to just click the road block function, or check for the next gas station without having to remove the glove.

Wonda-Boy · 20-03-2021 1:27am

I use the KTM My ride app, nothing fancy no bells and whistles. But its integrated into the TFT on the bike so why not....works well and updates for maps all over Europe.

Jimmy Bottlehead · 20-03-2021 11:02am

99% the time when I need navigation, I use Google Maps.
I tried using Kurvinger last summer to plan a road trip as I wanted more bike friendly routes, but I didn't find it all that user friendly unfortunately.

Skill Magill · 20-03-2021 11:09am

I removed my old BMW sat nav in favour of a phone mount and google maps, maybe newer sat navs are better now though. Not sure whether they're worth the money when a phone does the job 99% of the time.

colm_c · 20-03-2021 12:55pm

Careful of phones mounted on the bars.

The vibrations can kill them, in particular the image stabilisation/camera.

Personally unless I'm outside Ireland, I don't bother with sat nav, sure it wouldn't be an adventure if you didn't get lost a few times :-)

Trigger Happy · 20-03-2021 4:05pm

My new bike comes with a built in sat nav. It uses Google maps in the back end and gives you turn by turn directions on its own display beside the speedometer. I have no idea if its any good as I have not yet taken delivery of the bike.

https://youtu.be/kIkuHfk4rUM

Bluefoam · 21-03-2021 9:38pm

I think the TomTom Vio was a fantastic product. It's basically a small screen on a mount and you send the info to it from your phone... It was really beginning to take off, but I presume it cannibalised sales of other devices and got cancelled very quickly.

Now that Google are preparing Android Auto for motorcycles, I hope something new will come out that's as simple as the Bio.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DFaPLgZDGda4&ved=2ahUKEwjlya3snsLvAhXHRxUIHZrmDLgQFjABegQIAhAC&usg=AOvVaw2YHYt9KDYpxC3R2d7xQUFE

fatbast · 21-03-2021 9:54pm

I use a thing called a beeline its basically just an arrow on a small screen with a dot showing next turn . Good for meandering to a specific location. Works off your phone . Long battery life and can be transferred to other bikes or bicycles. Have a garmin motorbike sat nav but its a bit clunky to use unless following motorways. Had the ktm my ride and now my ducati but find the beeline yoke easier.

Ratchet · 22-03-2021 1:50pm

using Bluetooth earbud with google maps... watching road signs while listening to directions

micknail · 22-03-2021 4:19pm

Defo just phone and google maps for me.
Bluetooth link to the helmet too.

mjsc1970 · 05-04-2021 7:47pm

Ratchet wrote: »

using Bluetooth earbud with google maps... watching road signs while listening to directions

Just on the topic of bluetooth ear buds. I assume In -Ear buds?

I've been looking at the Sena 10 range of communication systems, though fancy and cool and all that, it's probably overkill for my needs. I'm not interested in on board rider to rider communication or taking phone calls.

I'm just looking to pick up either FM from my phone and/or the sat nav voice directions from the sat nav unit on my bike. Are in ear buds comfortable under a helmet and suitable for this purpose? If so what brand/model type would be more comfortable?

Skill Magill · 05-04-2021 8:45pm

mjsc1970 wrote: »

Just on the topic of bluetooth ear buds. I assume In -Ear buds?

I've been looking at the Sena 10 range of communication systems, though fancy and cool and all that, it's probably overkill for my needs. I'm not interested in on board rider to rider communication or taking phone calls.

I'm just looking to pick up either FM from my phone and/or the sat nav voice directions from the sat nav unit on my bike. Are in ear buds comfortable under a helmet and suitable for this purpose? If so what brand/model type would be more comfortable?

I have samsung ear buds and although there is a great sound and mic on them, they are sore and fiddly when you put the lid on, they're also expensive enough to worry about losing them on the road. Fot that reason I went back to cardo where you stick the speaker into the ear groove (?) of your lid.
The Shure se215 has a lower profile, is bluetooth but connected to each by a wire and gets good reviews. If I didn't have the cardo I would probably investigate those further.

D3V!L · 06-04-2021 10:01am

I have the Garmin (BMW branded) sat nav that integrates into my bike. Its good but showing its age these days even though its the latest version. My TFT also does step by step directions. If I'm feeling particularly lost and I still can't find that Starbucks I clip my phone onto the handlebars and use Google Maps through my headset.

Cienciano · 06-04-2021 11:27am

colm_c wrote: »

Personally unless I'm outside Ireland, I don't bother with sat nav, sure it wouldn't be an adventure if you didn't get lost a few times :-)

Grand saying it now, but having to stop in the rain and take out a map or phone, the lining of your gloves coming off because water has gotten in, your finger is to cold and wet to unlock your phone, you just want to get to a b&b to get food and a pint but you're still an hour away from the place you booked and looks like you're going to miss the ferry which will add an hour to your journey, you're fuel light is about to go on and it's a sunday which means half the petrol stations are closed and your ass has developed into a weird flat shape and has gone completely numb. Fúck that, gps is essential!

fatbast wrote: »

I use a thing called a beeline its basically just an arrow on a small screen with a dot showing next turn . Good for meandering to a specific location. Works off your phone . Long battery life and can be transferred to other bikes or bicycles. Have a garmin motorbike sat nav but its a bit clunky to use unless following motorways. Had the ktm my ride and now my ducati but find the beeline yoke easier.

Just googled that, looks like a great idea.

mjsc1970 · 06-04-2021 11:40am

To be honest I've one if those bmw branded garmin's too. I've had it in the box for a year and only using it recently and just trying to get to grips with it. I intend to get more use out of it later in summer. At the moment I've no bluetooth ear buds to connect to it so as to hear the directions from it. And without them I tend to focus on its screen longer than I should on the road.

Am toying with just finding a comfortable pair of buds for this set up. Then I was thinking, why not something that can connect to the phone as well for calls and music (on the off chance)

The sena 10s communication system seems to fit both these purposes at the same time (i.e. the garmin and the phone). I'm just trying to justify the price for all the little use it's going to get.

Either way a decent bluetooth in ear buds suitable for comfortable under helmet use is costly anyway and I'd be taking a chance online for their suitability.

16-04-2021 2:56am

SantaClaw wrote: »

I use a GPS for basically the reasons mentioned in the video, there is also one additional benefit, it works with all gloves. Nice to be able to just click the road block function, or check for the next gas station without having to remove the glove.

What GPS do you use?

Vikings · 16-04-2021 7:57am

mjsc1970 wrote: »

Just on the topic of bluetooth ear buds. I assume In -Ear buds?

I've been looking at the Sena 10 range of communication systems, though fancy and cool and all that, it's probably overkill for my needs. I'm not interested in on board rider to rider communication or taking phone calls.

I'm just looking to pick up either FM from my phone and/or the sat nav voice directions from the sat nav unit on my bike. Are in ear buds comfortable under a helmet and suitable for this purpose? If so what brand/model type would be more comfortable?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QYWD718/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_R42XVS0ZGHC6VE88DNCH

Can recommend these Sony wireless headphones for under helmet. Low profile and comfortable under the lid. The buttons can easily be pressed with summer gloves on, a bit harder with the goretex winter gloves but still doable. Good sound and battery life too.

Cienciano · 16-04-2021 9:32am

I have them, great headphones, I got them purely because they charge with USB c.

mjsc1970 · 16-04-2021 9:50am

Vikings wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QYWD718/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_R42XVS0ZGHC6VE88DNCH

Can recommend these Sony wireless headphones for under helmet. Low profile and comfortable under the lid. The buttons can easily be pressed with summer gloves on, a bit harder with the goretex winter gloves but still doable. Good sound and battery life too.

Very interesting.

So they stay in your ear while pulling the helmet down over your head?

They are comfortable with the helmet on for long periods?

You can hear music/calls/navigation over 70mph?

I like the sound of these if they can do all that. And very reasonable price too.

SantaClaw · 16-04-2021 10:28am

brenbrady wrote: »

What GPS do you use?

Got a TomTom Rider, the one with no number. It's older but as it still gets map updates there isn't really a reason to update to a new model.

It is rather sturdy and waterproof and works well, I am sure nowadays you can do all its functions on the phone as well but I just prefer not having my phone strapped to the bike.

LLewellen Farquarson · 16-04-2021 11:56am

Use maps for planning tours/holidays/weekends as it gives me an overview.

Put the routes into zumo via basecamp on pc.

The zumo 390lm has lifetime maps, waterproof, can be used with gloves, and syncs with my scala Q1.

Rarely use phone, but have Waze just in case.

Richard tea · 16-04-2021 4:59pm

Vikings wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QYWD718/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_R42XVS0ZGHC6VE88DNCH

Can recommend these Sony wireless headphones for under helmet. Low profile and comfortable under the lid. The buttons can easily be pressed with summer gloves on, a bit harder with the goretex winter gloves but still doable. Good sound and battery life too.

Think ill try these out. Current set up is not great (freedcom ) I think they are called. Too much wind noise.

mjsc1970 · 12-05-2021 3:58pm

Vikings wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QYWD718/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_R42XVS0ZGHC6VE88DNCH

Can recommend these Sony wireless headphones for under helmet. Low profile and comfortable under the lid. The buttons can easily be pressed with summer gloves on, a bit harder with the goretex winter gloves but still doable. Good sound and battery life too.

Thanks for recommending. I was sceptical but can confirm now they work a dream

What navigation system do you use? Maps, Apps, GPS

What navigation system do you use? 23 votes

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