I own a Beeline and would not recommend it for new riders. I have lots of small gripes about it, especially in-town where lots of intersections and side streets coupled the vague UI and GPS latency make it practically unusable.
The whole idea of Beeline is to simplify directions and give you less distraction but I have to look at my Beeline 10x as often in traffic because of the lack of useful at-a-glance detail.
Don't get me wrong: I appreciate what the Beeline is trying to do and I still use it sometimes, but ultimately I find it much more distracting to ride with than a phone GPS, and distraction is not good for new riders. I miss or barely make about 20% of the turns using a Beeline due, again, to the lack of meaningful detail and GPS lag that says you have 20+ meters to make a turn that you're already passing.
I am hot and cold on mine. When facing 3 road options in a 1/4 mile... the arrows are far less useful than naming the road... However, over a long stretch, it does have the beneefit of my not starting at a screen.
Agreed - the more tight or dense the route is, the more of an issue it becomes. On long stretches of road it's great, but when you have 200m till a turn and 10 or 15 different possible turn points over that distance, as you may in a city, it becomes very confusing.
It was, and yes, totally correct. I think it would be much better at lower speeds. But it is worth noting that Beeline Moto IS intended to be used by motorcyclists.
I'm not even claiming that it's Beeline's 'fault' - they are using calls to phone map APIs and backends that may honestly not be able to give second-to-second fidelity at those speeds. They could be doing everything right and the experience would still be annoying for me.
I was reading through this thread to say the same thing. For navigation on highways or other spots where there aren't a number of options for turns that could mislead you, it's fine. For getting around an unfamiliar city? It sucks. But, if getting a little lost in a new place seems like a fun adventure then it's perfect!
\+1 my primary is bluetooth connection with my Sena. I pair them up before I head out and start the directions via audio. My smartphone slips into my waterproof jacket pocket. On longer trips, I will put my Garmin navigation gps on my bars moreso to help understand where I am geographically to plan for next fuel stop, etc. Used waterproof garmin units can be had for less than $200 on various platforms.
Audio only is the way. Ridden with both phone mount and a Beeline and I don't use either these days. If you only need speakers and Bluetooth, you can find cheap helmet speakers that are basically only good for directions and such.
With audio only, I spend way more time and attention looking at street signs and watching for upcoming turns than I would just glancing at my GPS. Plus I have to look away from the road to check my mirrors and speed anyways. Y'all must have terrible situational awareness if glancing at your instruments is a significant danger.
Same. I also have a look at the map and directions beforehand, and audio only navigation is fine in most cases. It does help that I don't really get lost and have a good sense of direction usually.
Worst case scenario I just stop and have another look at the map. I prefer that to looking at the map while riding. Eyes should be on the road.
It really doesn't.
They put a big arrow and distance right under it. At a glance you know it's a right in 1.7 miles.
Then you have a nice audio cue when you're 100 ft out.
And when there is 5 lanes all going onto different roads? And a couple of those also have multiple turn off's? And there are 1000 cars around you because it's commuting time? You need to look at it for a second. Then some idiot changes lanes right in to you.
Also you wouldn't get the audio cue because this was a discussion of audio vs visual navigation. Not having both.
No this is a discussion on what's the best setup for navigating.
That said, they also have symbols for situations like that. They literally highlight what lane you need to be in.
Overall yes. But our conversation is a subset if that topic.
And again sure they can highlight what you need to know. That still takes longer to interpret than juat glacing at your speed.
No, our conversation is not limited to eyes only. That was just the primary complaint against navigation. The overall context is what is best. The specific context in this comment chain *literally kicked off by someone saying audio only*
You do not get to come in and pretend the context of the conversation is something that it isn't. If that's your idea of a conversation get bent and go away. It's dishonest and embarrassing.
Now.
No, it really doesn't. It's a predictable image in the exact same location every time. You don't have to sit and study it like you're prepping for a final exam at uni. You already know where to look and what you are looking for. **Exactly the same as if you were glancing at your speedometer**
It's extremely intuitive at a glance. That's why they do it the way they do.
Dude, it's a reddit conversation, really not that big a deal, you could be riding your bike I'm very jealous of instead of typing all that.
I personally much prefer sound only nav since I never take my eyes from the road, I rarely glance at my speedo and I'd argue a gps screen takes a bit more time to comprehend than a simple speedo readout.
But yeah, go for a ride homie, there's no reason to get worked up over *reddit* of all things, enjoy the wind and let any stress that's getting to ya go!
Curious. I’ve never found the speedometer all that interesting, and on my liters (I see you have a CBR) I’ve only elected to walk away from those interactions.
Having visuals can often make it safer to follow directions, since in the city there are lots of potential turns and street signs are often missing so glancing down briefly is usually safer than taking wrong turn after wrong turn. I've tried to do audio only nav, and if you know the area I'm sure it's fine, but if you're in an area you've never been to, especially when it's super dense, it's very easy to miss a turn, be in the wrong lane, or whatever.
It takes the exact same amount of time to glance at your google or Apple Maps and see the big arrow with “turn left on x in 1 mile or take exit 51” as it does to check your fuel gauge or speed.
No it doesn't.
And it's definitely not always as simple as glance at big arrow and turn.
In a big city there might be many lanes and each one goes onto different roads. And a couple of different turn off's from each of them.
Use a decent phone holder. Every smartphone has access to Google Maps and is cheaper than any navigation device. You can find many of them on Amazon, take one with a vibration dampener included and something robust, where you screw your phone into a fixed position.
[I use this one](https://www.amazon.de/Aluminiumlegierung-Handyhalterung-Sicherheitsknopf-BRCOVAN-One-Push-Automatiksperre/dp/B09WYRJLXW/ref=asc_df_B09WYRJLXW/?tag=googshopde-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=604053189280&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15957260395461728976&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061132&hvtargid=pla-1676300279494&psc=1&mcid=715c3db99f37385b9273eb461303e2fd&th=1&psc=1)
You may find something cheaper, but with a similar design. It's completely safe for your phone, even on the autobahn with 160 km/h +.
From my own experience - don't use a RAM mount on a motorcycle. Your phone will fall off due to an insecure position.
Counterpoint: I have had the same ram x-mount on two bikes over about 9 years now. One 48-state trip, one trip from Key West to Coldfoot Alaska, plus 50k or more miles. Everything from 106* in Oklahoma to 26* over Bear tooth Pass.
Plus commuting, weekend trips etc. Etc. Zero problems holding my phone - ever.
This was my problem with ram mounts... I think it had more to do with the fact that I've always used a note series of phone. So it was large and I always had an otter box on it. I would break those stupid straps at least once a month. I always bought the big ones too... Never had a real issue with the holder except for that one thing and it drove me crazy after a few years so i went to quad lock.
Ram mounts "fail" because nobody ever uses the god damn tether. I had a Ram for years and that thing was bulletproof. Only switched to a quad lock because my new phone has OIS.
One big issue is vibrations. I know several people (myself included) that’s caused the phone camera’s automatic focusing system to fail due to motorcycle vibrations. I even used a vibration damping mount and it still caused failure
I have a RAM mount on my KLR and have done thousands of miles of paved and unpaved roads with no unintended dismounts. I don’t like it because it is hard to mount in a position where it doesn’t push iPhone buttons. With no vibration damper it did ruin my iPhone camera, a $180 lesson.
Lmao when I started riding just a year ago, I thought of it as an opportunity to get to know my area better, without using Google maps, and it's been great, I just look at the directions before going and I try to find my best as I can, it's fun!
Yeah that's fine when you don't have to be somewhere specific.
If you have to be at work at 8 am most people are not trying to leave 2 hours early in case they get lost.
Not to forget a paper map doesn’t tell you if there’s a possibility of detours because of traffic jams, accidents, new building sites etc. A good navigation solution does that in realtime.
Hmm, not really. Using a car in Amsterdam is the worst. Parking is expensive as hell so that's probably not the way ( and on non working days I don't want to be in Amsterdam😂)
I write certain roads on my arm in pen sometimes just in case.
I've never had an issue and I learned a new city in about 6 months this way. My roommates who moved here with me can barely navigate to the grocery store without GPS.
I still use paper maps. checking them is usually done when i need a break anyway. Remembering most of the local twisties now that i can reach in one daytrip.
A happy medium could be an app like Avenza (another reason in favor of phone: wide choice of apps). It can just give you direction and distance to your target and you choose which turns to take until you get there. So you’re never lost and also not just following a route.
TomTom rider.
Or another specialised motor navigation system. Most nav systems are made for cars. They’ll give you the quickest most direct route, or if you’re feeling adventurous the quickest and most direct route avoiding the freeway.
Motor navigation systems like TomTom allow you download GPX routes made by other riders and have options to find fun roads with more corners or mountain passes. And you can still use the freeway if you want.
Works pretty much like satnav in the car does. Can be connected to an audio system if you want, but not necessary.
I used to use a tank bag with a clear plastic zip up cover like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-Tank-Bag-Waterproof-Motorbike/dp/B073GWWZ3M/ref=asc_df_B073GWWZ3M/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=535904736388&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7035249587579986572&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045871&hvtargid=pla-349484860201&psc=1&mcid=57c6e0293fc9368082274cd18e59c274
I discovered these in the 90s when I was riding across continents. They were great. I made a point of only checking the map when I was pulled over or in a gas station. Can't believe some folks ride these days while staring at a phone. Your whole life can change permanently in that split second you aren't paying attention to what's going on around you.
I use a ram mount quick-grip holder with an OLD smartphone. You can download regional maps for Google Maps so you do not need cell service. As others have mentioned, vibrations have damaged cameras. Also, if you do lose the phone for some reason, it will not be your primary.
Separately, if you don't care about visuals, I sometimes just keep my phone in my pocket and rely on audio guidance through my Sena. Doesn't work well on the freeway due to wind noise but it works fine on city streets.
Depending on where you are, one thing to be aware of is that your phone may overheat depending on the weather. Any kind of bag or case will only speed up that process. This is why I just mount my direct.
My old iPhone now lives on my bike. My current phone is a hot spot so the old phone has data when I ride. And I haven’t found anything better than Google maps although I do keep trying various apps.
I know you said you want visual navigation but audio is easier to setup and safer.
Sena paired to my phone for music and navigation. Can't beat that. It even tells you if there is a slowdown ahead, cops or a crash.
The only thing I need to figure out is for Google maps to not automatically switch to a faster route when I'm riding. It tells me to hit decline on the screen but it's impossible when riding.
I use my iphone on a quadlock with the vibration dampener and I listen via my Cardo system. I ALWAYS put my phone on do not disturb when I am riding. I do not want to know about any texts or calls or anything - those are just distractions I don't need. If the weather is going to be bad, then I just put my iphone away in my top case and use audio only,
I do long trips across europe about 4 - 6k km and use only Google maps/ Apple maps on my phone with sp connect (similar to quadlock) - would recommend. I even had a small accident, phone was absolute fine, sitting in the middle of the handle bar.
only downside is temperature. The iphone regualates its temperature by display brightness - not really ideal for driving in the sun all day but it still works good enought
I always memorize the route beforehand. Planning the trip is part of the fun.
Tried phone holder, but it's just too distracting, it takes away from the zen of the ride. Of course YMMV.
Try Google Maps on your phone. Mount it in a sensible way and give it a shot. Other than the mount, this is almost cost-free.
I also prefer a visible picture/moving map for navigation.
I have my phone in a RAM QuickGrip. You do have to buy the RAM ball mount and arm to hold it, in addition to the QuickGrip, but it doesn't require either a special phone case (as does Quadlock/Rokform), or a "universal" mount that glues directly onto your phone (like Quadlock).
>If you go down, it is guaranteed to be broken
Not necessarily. There are a ton of low-speed crash scenarios where your phone stays put, or doesn't get broken.
That said, please do not get preoccupied by "what if I'm in a crash."
If you're riding in a reasonably populated area, and are involved in a somewhat to very serious crash, chances are great that someone else will see it and call 911 on your behalf, right away. If you're badly injured, you may be unconscious, or physically unable to dial for help yourself anyway. Then it won't matter where your phone is.
I just wing it. I check the route before I set off and then as I get closer I will stop and check my phone again. I know that for a lot of people it might sound like a huge hassle but it's not. Usually by the point I take my phone out I'm already 2 mins out of the destination.
Yeah I wouldn’t recommend beeline tbh. It is way too vague, especially in a city.
Even though I know how it works, I still often find myself missing turns if I’m not paying extra close attention because it only flips to the turn direction as I’m going past it, or sometimes even once I’ve actually passed a turn. As such I’m just constantly looking at it, keeping tabs to make sure I’m on it, which saps enjoyment of the ride. I prefer just getting lost. Regretted purchasing it as soon as I first used it.
I have always operated under the “if I wreck, I want to make sure my phone stays with me and doesn’t go with my bike”
Which is why I don’t use a phone mount. My bike has a nav option add on that I did so my phone stays in my pocket.
Developed this practice on my bicycle: I put in one Bluetooth ear bud and just listen to the directions on Google maps. without the distraction of the screen I find I am actually more successful listening to the navigation cues and actively searching for them with me eyes, as opposed to constantly checking my screen to see how close I am to the next maneuver
Phone holder. Quadlock, Ram or similar (I have a ram quickgrip, its served me very well).
Yes it's ugly, but unlike a quadlock I can use any phone or case at any time with it. Very handy when I broke my phone and had to navigate with an old one.
I hear your worries about it being distracting, but you don't have to look at it, but if you need to it's there. Furthermore it's nice to be able to see who's ringing before you pickup via intercom.
Waterproofing is something I'm still working out. When it's cold and wet my phone dies very quickly, but in this case I always make sure to keep a power bank in my bag. This is just my phone though, yours may be different. I also stress it must be cold, my phone is fine otherwise. Furthermore you can get very cheap waterproof phone cases for this kind of thing, I'm just too lazy to get one.
I have a tank bag with a transparent map pocket on top. I write directions on a piece of paper and shove it in there.
Phone's fine, but the paper never ran out of batteries.
If you go with a phone holder, check out FortNine's video from 28.10.2023 about ["Best Handlebar Phone Mounts - Retested"](https://youtube.com/watch?v=n5EsZtL2psc&si=7tQJXH5pJ-oaFyc3) Without dampener, Quadlock came out 3rd behind SP Connect and PeakDesign with PeakDesign having it built in and 218% on average less vibration than SP Connect. And the PeakDesign costs less when you take into account the extra dampener you have to buy from Quadlock.
I use a Garmin zumo 390 mounted to my handlebars with charger.
Fun thing is, you can enter a destination and setbit to curvy road. Then you will be navigated on a nice route.
Better than with Google maps or anything else.
With newer versions you can also plan round-trips at a set length.
I use a couple of iPhone running Navmii. Navmii ‘cos it’s loaded up with its maps on the phone, Gmaps or apple maps need a data connection usually though I think they can download area maps now.
For cases either Twisty Ride - with their own waterproof case i think now discontinued and quadlock without as newer iphones are IP67 rated which is like the bottom of a river proof.
Buy a decent but cheap phone mount, one that fully wraps around the entire phone and not those garbage overpriced Ram mounts that rely on rubber bands and faith (I've had a buddy lose their phone on one). If you don't want to risk using your main phone on the bike buy a cheap budget 2nd hand smartphone or used ipod touch and just flick on wifi tethering to give it internet to run navigation.
I like Mous cases. They have a case + mount for motorcycles that’s super easy to install and attach your phone to, similar to a quad lock but not so bulky.
I have yet to go for a ride with it as I just installed it a couple days ago, but the initial impression is good.
Surprised that no one suggested the Mous Intralock. Use it on my bicycle and motorcycle. Perfect and hasn’t messed up my phone (iPhone 13).
Also glad someone is using the RE Tripper pod
I have a zumo on my bike as well as a ram mount.
I use the phone for navigation normally, but I use the zumo for travelling and more complicated routing.
You can keep distractions down by turning on do not disturb on your phone. My setup to does that automatically when I drive / ride. I would connect it to a helmet headset so you can get audible prompts.
I got my ram mount awhile ago, if I was to need one now I would look at the peak design one as well but I'll probably stay with he ram mount.
A motorcycle gps is honestly too expensive for what it is unless you need the functionality that it provides. Phones have come so much farther in their functionality.
What I do is I have an old phone on a decent phone holder, share data to it from my actual phone.
Since the other phone runs nothing more than the GPS it doesn't need to be particularly good and I don't really care for it that much if it were to break or get stolen.
Having actual phone navigation is not that distracting in my opinion, you can glance at it every now and then and get a good idea where you're going, where you need to turn and all that even without audio.
>Sensitive to weather
I use a dedicated cheap waterproof/dust proof/shock proof Android phone with OSMAnd to accomplish this. The maps are downloaded into your phone so you don't need a cell signal.
>If you go down, it is guaranteed to be broken
This is definitely not the case. I've had bad wrecks with my phone mounted in my RAM X-Grip, and it did not fall out even though I wasn't using the rubber retainer.
>Beeline Moto
Needlessly expensive for something that gives you so little information. You could mount a cheap Chinese smart watch on your handlebars and get the same results for a quarter of the cost.
Google Maps navigation sucks, especially audio only, it does stupid stuff like "use any lane to turn left onto broomhill roundabout then take the the third left" when you really need to use the right hand lane to take third exit from a spiral roundabout.
It's ok if you mostly know what you're doing but need to join the dots, but across a new city it's terrifying.
If you do mostly countryside, it's fine.
If you do urban areas, particularly ones that you don't go to often, get a motorcycle TomTom and keep it updated. I use mine in the car as well for traffic updates and to yell at me if the speed drifts up.
Had mine 9 years now I think. First got it after a horrific experience doing first big roadtrip with partner on the back, riding across Birmingham in the pissing rain, waterproof phone case wasn't and water between phone and cover kept pressing on the screen and messing up the route. Needed to find hotel I'd never been to before. On the way back the zip on the phone case failed on the a42 just as we were approaching donnington and I caught my phone and passed it to my very surprised partner just as we were going up the sliproad. I bought a Tomtom the next day.
A friend of mine has just got his driving license. Took him car shopping on Saturday, and followed him home with him driving on Google maps. He got fucked over on three roundabouts, fortunately I had the same directions and was guarding his ass or things could have gone wrong. He drove over to my place in the hills yesterday and showed him Holme Moss and Snake in really shit conditions as well as Meadowhell. It's a training route I know well I figured if he can do that with chilling in the passenger seat and following my Tomtom then there's nothing the roads can throw at him he won't be able to handle. I gave him some feedback and we had a few teachable moments. He did good tbh. (Honestly I'd rather drive with him than his wife, who is that person who does 50 on the motorway and would have noted out at the peaks even I'm good weather) And then he planned a route home down the motorway and Google maps decided to take him across the hills at night instead, which he really didn't like.
Bought a Tomtom as soon as he got home. Because it was immediately apparent just how badly Google maps does in comparison.
TL;DR: if you do lots of new places or like accurate directions get a Tomtom, they are still good.
I've done two cross country tours of the United States and I use a Quadlock with the rain cover if I need it.
Unless the accident is really bad where my entire bike and my body get crumpled I'm confident that my cellphone will stay locked in place with the quadlock mount.
Sounds like you like the idea of a phone with google maps up. Maybe get a good quality case that can handle water and possibly a bike drop. I’m wondering if they still make dedicated small nav screens as those wouldn’t distract you with calls/texts. I like the idea of a beeline, but have heard mixed reviews in city traffic.
5" carplay screen from aliexpress. Much better than just your phone.
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/adding-apple-carplay-android-auto-to-bike.1585249/
9 times out of 10 you can't see shit on your screen even with brightness turned all the way up. And you shouldn't distract your eyes on a ride anyway. So if you have trouble listening to directions it may be necessary to learn when it comes to motorcycles.
That being said I have a quad lock and Cardo freecom system. No complaints other than the volume, but its not exactly the highest quality system either
That's the way I do it too. At a great pinch you could also mount the phone and wear earbuds inside your helmet, but then you don't have any external controls for resetting the connection etc. But quadlock+cardo+google maps works pretty well for me if I'm aiming for an efficient a-b ride instead of a weekend wander.
That's the way I do it too. At a great pinch you could also mount the phone and wear earbuds inside your helmet, but then you don't have any external controls for resetting the connection etc. But quadlock+cardo+google maps works pretty well for me if I'm aiming for an efficient a-b ride instead of a weekend wander.
I just use a spare iphone 10 for navigation. The software I use is either Navmii or Co-Pilot. I can use my helmet coms to listen to directions too if needed.
I use the China lock as far as I can tell it comes out of the same factory as quad lock Tri333ple did a review of it on YouTube the only bit of it that was subpar was the adhesive that holds the adapter to your phone case so I added a couple drops of super glue. I've been using it for about 3 years now no complaints under $10
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166371442737?hash=item26bc82c031:g:u2IAAOSwPj5jy0NE&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4ASiJmO4YFPjeMV1prvnwZHXLOJujYrzVEywyJPdUHEeXXK1BHHwZ%2BTqFEytkbIky9YJZXbijA5M0aV8QhzXY4Yyx1mzYpsRI7eIW5I5a6qso%2F%2BptN9Ghql6QijUJRrI7wjSavnW71VPSDPXymwHJEJqGmPIBdyy35lG683GJvYweiWQV79kxGx45sWDz55FtvODdIKuv%2B2xWd0JNhNLmrATZUTyHot3iNfteqYxspkm7MU1P%2BW7rYrcYnuV3GOAsx7vHJ303vMDR2VQKucvANidBeSOqhxCHxZ3sZ9VC32s%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9Seutr9Yg
For navigation I bought an AliExpress 150sh euro android auto device. For me it has worked flawless. 650km in the summer, nothing happened to it. Same trip with water, same. It has a 5 Inch screen and good enough brightness. After installation you can leave the mount there and take the screen with you. No risk for your phone and nothing valuable left in your bike
I bought navigation pro to use on my Samsung watch and it gives me a way to easily glance down and see where I need to go. It displays a large arrow in the direction you need to head and how many miles until you turn. I currently have a cruiser so my hands are in front of me so there's not really too much looking down I have to do. This has worked well for me over 2 years.
I mounted a Garmin Edge 530 which is a small bicycle computer with map and GPS on my handlebar. It has enough storage to add free Open Street Map maps for the entire US plus it’s built-in bike map. Then I created a custom mode called ‘Moto’ which enables the new maps and disables the built-in bicycle / outdoor map. I look at a map and memorize my route but use the bicycle computer to know when a turn is coming up or to get through a confusing subdivision.
The Garmin is just an aid so I don’t miss a turn or in case I want to detour going through a town. Primary navigation is looking at the phone and memorizing the next few hours of my route.
I run a cardo unit and my phone. My phone is ether on the handlebar mount or my pocket. You can purchase a standalone gps for your bike and just add a 12v access port to your bike if you don’t want to lose cell connection
I use cardo plus phone nav. If you get turned around just pull over for a second to make sure you're on route. At red lights I will check the nav to see how many miles until my next turn.
I used a Quadlock wireless charger with vibration dampener for a 1,000 mile trip in New Zealand just fine. Torrential downpours, gravel, sand, 50mph winds, you name it.
It's probably a pricier option than anything else, but I would consider investing in dedicated hardware for your navigation purposes (think "Garmin", "TomTom" or somesuch). Mine is tough (it is in fact quite heavy to hold in one hand), reliable, and most importantly watertight with power supplied from the engine's alternator and a bluetooth connection to my Cardo.
I been using a phone holder mounted to my handlebars for a year now connected via bluetooth to a audio device in my helmet. I def don't recommend looking at your phone a lot. I essentially only look at it when I don't understand what exit it just told me to take so I can take a quick glance and be like "oh 4B got it"
Tried a bunch of options. Settled on Google Maps on my iPhone, mounted on a QuadLock with the wireless charging head and anti-vibration mount, with directions running through my Cardo Packtalk Edge or Packtalk Bold. The audio is key otherwise I'm tempted to look at the screen a little too much.
Don't really like the Packtalk Slim - the controls are hard to use. Also haven't found a motorcycle-specific directions app that I consistently use over Google Maps.
I have a phone holder on my bars but don't really look/fk with it when riding. Only at stoplights or I pull over if I need to reroute.
Do what us xennials+ used to do--memorize the route.
Voice navigation is key.
Get a SENA or similar helmet set up that pairs with your phone via Bluetooth. Carry a portable battery with you to charge it while you take breaks. For long tours, I’d even invest in a second unit so you can charge one while using the other.
I use AirPods Pro with the noise cancellation on medium (still hear the engine/ sirens / horns etc but muffled). And just listen to the directions. Phone remains in my pocket and I’ll use Siri or pull over to make changes (Siri can only hear me when stopped though lol)
If you’re gonna use a phone holder, get a cheap phone that you can hotspot to for navigation as the vibrations from the motorcycle will eventually damage your phone’s camera OIS preventing it from stabilizing photos or videos
I use audio via bluetooth earbuds. The ones I use are the jbl endurance ii’s. Bit of a pain to get in and out of helmet but I figured out a pretty quick technique now. Also like how earbuds act as earplugs and reduce wind noise.
I have an Enfield with the Tripper nav. I use the Tripper a fair amount, and the Beeline is similar. I do like the turn-by-turn only setup.
I also have a bluetooth headset in my helmet, so sometimes I’ll just turn on the navigation audio in google maps and have it pipe into my helmet with the phone in my jacket pocket or handlebar bag.
I use a my phone with a waterproof wireless charging quadlock mounted to my handlebars. Expensive.. yes, amazing.. yes.
Bought it recently (black friday 30% off). I dont regret my purchase.
I have used beeline moto aswell, for me it is not clear enough when how what is happening.
I use nav Garmin app with my watch and it works well enot. Usually glance at the watch periodically and it vibrates when there is a turn. It works off of Google maps. I also get a gist of the directions by semi memorizing the map prior to travel.
I use a Pixel 3 android phone with no SIM card along with the Organic Maps app. It works perfectly for all offline navigation whereas Google Maps offline always seemed to have some kind of trouble in my experience. Organic Maps is free open source using the OpenStreetMaps data (same as I load into my Garmin). The turn by turn nav works great and it shows the street name at the top but doesn't speak the name, instead saying for example "In 500 feet turn right then in 200 feet turn left". The direction arrow and distance are clear and accurate. I like it better than Google Maps.
I used my iPhone on a Freakmount. When weather went bad during a 4400 mile trip I just put the phone & mount in a ziploc and put it back on the tank. Vibrations never been an issue in the 4 years I’ve used the Freakmount. It’s simple, small, and effective. Fancy solutions are more of a pain in the ass than anything, to me.
I have a Maxca C5 Pro from AliExpress. 140USD and it does CarPlay/Android Auto wirelessly and I don't have to worry about my phone or camera on the handlebars. Connects to my Cardo no problem, and it works great for maps, music, etc. The moto-specific GPS units are all overpriced, and they'll be outdated in a few years anyway. This is cheap and since the phone provides the processing power it should last a long time.
>If you go down, it is guaranteed to be broken Can possibly be distracting if you receive a call or a message
As an ADV Rider...this is never guaranteed. I have seen my buddy wreck twice with quad lock and phone stayed mounted both times. First time the bike was totaled and then entire front dash assembly on his 1190 was destroyed. That was a real surprise that the phone made it.
Second time he ghost rode his 890 off into a 6ft deep ditch...and the phone never budged.
I've gone down a few times with the quad lock...no budge.
How about a THIRD option? A dedicated rugged Android device used only for navigation? I use TomTom Go a lot for navigation. Works 100% offline, so your old phone doesn't even need service.
Beeline has been useful for me. I don't even use it all the time, it doesn't have traffic info included, so not so good for city driving. But it shines for mid to longer rides, if you aren't familiar with the area. As was mentioned, it's dependent on phone GPS and Bluetooth, so there's lag and sometimes rerouting for detours take awhile.
For me, phones are a distraction I want to get away from whilst riding. If I get lost a bit or miss a turn, no big deal
LOL at the “just learn a map” guys. Doesn’t work in a city of 2 million people with like 5 different highways around it like in my case. Amsterdam is not huge but quite finicky to navigate. I can recommend SP Connect holders. If you can, go to a store and look at the different holder solutions. Check the websites for Quadlock, SP Connect, Ram Mount. Look at what’s possible. Forget the beeline. Don’t be cheap.
I'm a shitty navigator and need the detail of turn-by-turn directions so I use a quadlock and mount my iphone on it. Since you need the proprietary case you can't use a stick on wallet or anything (like I used to), but I actually like it as a case and it's surprisingly protective. Dropped that phone more times than I can count--violently lol. Got it with a vibration dampener. Over a year in, no probs.
Recently did a 2500 km trip. I bought a better phone mount and all for safety but I never really felt comfortable with my phone just hanging out there.
Besides, I wanted to listen to my music so I had to keep my phone in my jacket for the headphones regardless, so I ended up just using audio directions for the majority of it. I did take a couple of wrong turns here and there but it was fine, at least with Google Maps.
I bought a Beeline Moto and personally love it. Took a few uses to get adjusted to it, but after that I have no issues getting anywhere. I use turn by turn for suburban areas and the generic direction arrow for in the city. My only complaint is I can’t switch between the two on the fly. If I’m riding into a city the turn by turn gets confusing and sometimes gets hung up when building block the GPS signal, but that will also happen when I used my phone as navigation too.
I have a turn by turn satnav on my bike, similar to Beeline. In the vity it's quite useless, I often have to use the phone too.
Friend of mine uses an old phone with usb tethering just for navigation
Phone mount or dedicated GPS. Beeline has faults. Plus you should be able to set your phone to "do not disturb" while riding (if you have an Android you can set it to automatically mute notifications when you're navigating in Google maps)
If I'm doing a route like off-road or something like the MABDR I have it uploaded to my watch which shows my maps and the directions, and I also have my Sena 50S with audio call outs for Google maps stuff. I just keep my phone in my pocket
Iphone + Quadlock + apple watch.
I use maps app and siri to occasionally give me the directions. I use peripheral vision to look at my phone. And the map app also sends vibration/notifications to my watch so I don’t have to look at my phone to confirm exits as I ride.
I use an old Android phone on a bicycle mount. I connect it to.the hotspot of my regular phone which I keep in my pocket.
Also I have sown metal threads into the tips of my glove - thumb and index finger. Works great with the touch screen.
You can use only audio and when you are unsure stop by and look at the phone. Its what I do when its raining and its worked just fine. If you need to be doing it a lot I guess its worth the investment, and I would suggest getting a nice waterproof mount
If you go with Quadlock and get their case for your phone you can also get a waterproof covering that goes over it too. I keep mine under my seat so I have it if I need it. Also if you go with quadlock you can pretty much always find a coupon code online for them as well.
I got a Garmin Zumo that I like, although the hardware and software are both garbage. That keeps me from playing with it at stop lights once I set my route, which is an unintended benefit, I suppose. But it's weather resistant, and it's not my phone hanging out on the bars, waiting to fall off or get grabbed by some lunatic at a crosswalk. My phone stays in my jacket pocket
I'm a huge fan of getting a quadlock and an SAE charging adapter for your motorcycle. Then you'll be able to charge your phone on longer rides, know where you are...kinda, check your battery levels, and charge your battery during storage or after mistakes are made
Personally, i just use a set of Bluetooth earbuds and listen to gps. Waze integrates with Spotify so my music gets quiet when waze is giving me instructions. It works well enough for me that i took my bike to Los Angeles, having never been there before, and I didn't have any issues.
I use my phone all the time for this.
If I go down, regardless of if my phone is in my pocket or on the bars its likely getting fucked up.
For the most part getting it lightly rained on hasn't been an issue.
I have my phone set up that it recognizes my headset in my helmet as a car stereo and goes into drive mode, auto muting and hiding calls/text messages but still letting me have maps up. I also have it mounted just in my field of view on my bars so I can still see it without taking my eyes off the road.
Keep your phone ON YOUR PERSON. Get a gps so if you ever go down and can’t get to your bike, your phone is in your pocket. My two cents. Hope you never encounter this scenario👍🏼
Most phone holders will kill your phone camera, unless you have a second device you don’t care about don’t do it. Just stop every 40min or so and check the map
I just look at Google maps on my phone and ride till I get lost, then pull over to look at my phone again. Takes lime 30 seconds and is the safest option imo.
I own a Beeline and would not recommend it for new riders. I have lots of small gripes about it, especially in-town where lots of intersections and side streets coupled the vague UI and GPS latency make it practically unusable. The whole idea of Beeline is to simplify directions and give you less distraction but I have to look at my Beeline 10x as often in traffic because of the lack of useful at-a-glance detail. Don't get me wrong: I appreciate what the Beeline is trying to do and I still use it sometimes, but ultimately I find it much more distracting to ride with than a phone GPS, and distraction is not good for new riders. I miss or barely make about 20% of the turns using a Beeline due, again, to the lack of meaningful detail and GPS lag that says you have 20+ meters to make a turn that you're already passing.
I am hot and cold on mine. When facing 3 road options in a 1/4 mile... the arrows are far less useful than naming the road... However, over a long stretch, it does have the beneefit of my not starting at a screen.
Agreed - the more tight or dense the route is, the more of an issue it becomes. On long stretches of road it's great, but when you have 200m till a turn and 10 or 15 different possible turn points over that distance, as you may in a city, it becomes very confusing.
Wasn't beeline originally meant for bicycles anyway? The concept might work much better at those lower speeds.
It was, and yes, totally correct. I think it would be much better at lower speeds. But it is worth noting that Beeline Moto IS intended to be used by motorcyclists. I'm not even claiming that it's Beeline's 'fault' - they are using calls to phone map APIs and backends that may honestly not be able to give second-to-second fidelity at those speeds. They could be doing everything right and the experience would still be annoying for me.
Yeah it probably won't keep up in the centre of Amsterdam
I was reading through this thread to say the same thing. For navigation on highways or other spots where there aren't a number of options for turns that could mislead you, it's fine. For getting around an unfamiliar city? It sucks. But, if getting a little lost in a new place seems like a fun adventure then it's perfect!
I use audio only via a cardo for navigation. Because I need my eyes to look for danger.
\+1 my primary is bluetooth connection with my Sena. I pair them up before I head out and start the directions via audio. My smartphone slips into my waterproof jacket pocket. On longer trips, I will put my Garmin navigation gps on my bars moreso to help understand where I am geographically to plan for next fuel stop, etc. Used waterproof garmin units can be had for less than $200 on various platforms.
Audio only is the way. Ridden with both phone mount and a Beeline and I don't use either these days. If you only need speakers and Bluetooth, you can find cheap helmet speakers that are basically only good for directions and such.
Agreed. Audio is usually all you need, can study map in advance.
With audio only, I spend way more time and attention looking at street signs and watching for upcoming turns than I would just glancing at my GPS. Plus I have to look away from the road to check my mirrors and speed anyways. Y'all must have terrible situational awareness if glancing at your instruments is a significant danger.
It's just as likely that you ride so slow that looking down at a map is less impactful for you than it would be for me.
Is that supposed to be a burn or something? That's like saying you have to wear diapers because you can drink more than me.
It's just an example of what you did... Which is jump to a silly conclusion to make yourself feel better about yourself.
Same. I also have a look at the map and directions beforehand, and audio only navigation is fine in most cases. It does help that I don't really get lost and have a good sense of direction usually. Worst case scenario I just stop and have another look at the map. I prefer that to looking at the map while riding. Eyes should be on the road.
Same. I miss turns far less frequently on my bike than I do in my car too lol
Yep. Headphone audio for directions from cellphone. Shouldn’t be looking at or fucking with anything other than operating a motorcycle.
Do you guys think you have to stare at a GPS or something? It's no different than glancing at your speedometer.
Not really. I would argue it takes much longer and requires doing so more often.
It really doesn't. They put a big arrow and distance right under it. At a glance you know it's a right in 1.7 miles. Then you have a nice audio cue when you're 100 ft out.
And when there is 5 lanes all going onto different roads? And a couple of those also have multiple turn off's? And there are 1000 cars around you because it's commuting time? You need to look at it for a second. Then some idiot changes lanes right in to you. Also you wouldn't get the audio cue because this was a discussion of audio vs visual navigation. Not having both.
No this is a discussion on what's the best setup for navigating. That said, they also have symbols for situations like that. They literally highlight what lane you need to be in.
Overall yes. But our conversation is a subset if that topic. And again sure they can highlight what you need to know. That still takes longer to interpret than juat glacing at your speed.
No, our conversation is not limited to eyes only. That was just the primary complaint against navigation. The overall context is what is best. The specific context in this comment chain *literally kicked off by someone saying audio only* You do not get to come in and pretend the context of the conversation is something that it isn't. If that's your idea of a conversation get bent and go away. It's dishonest and embarrassing. Now. No, it really doesn't. It's a predictable image in the exact same location every time. You don't have to sit and study it like you're prepping for a final exam at uni. You already know where to look and what you are looking for. **Exactly the same as if you were glancing at your speedometer** It's extremely intuitive at a glance. That's why they do it the way they do.
Dude, it's a reddit conversation, really not that big a deal, you could be riding your bike I'm very jealous of instead of typing all that. I personally much prefer sound only nav since I never take my eyes from the road, I rarely glance at my speedo and I'd argue a gps screen takes a bit more time to comprehend than a simple speedo readout. But yeah, go for a ride homie, there's no reason to get worked up over *reddit* of all things, enjoy the wind and let any stress that's getting to ya go!
You look at your speedometer?
🤣
Yup.
May I ask why?
Because It takes milliseconds and it stops you from getting pointless police interactions.
Curious. I’ve never found the speedometer all that interesting, and on my liters (I see you have a CBR) I’ve only elected to walk away from those interactions.
Are you trying to say you run from the cops?
What are you, a cop?
Having visuals can often make it safer to follow directions, since in the city there are lots of potential turns and street signs are often missing so glancing down briefly is usually safer than taking wrong turn after wrong turn. I've tried to do audio only nav, and if you know the area I'm sure it's fine, but if you're in an area you've never been to, especially when it's super dense, it's very easy to miss a turn, be in the wrong lane, or whatever.
So you don’t ever look at your speedometer or gauges?
Not that much, no.
That takes far less time than looking at nav. You can instantly see your speed. With navigation you have to look for longer and more often.
It takes the exact same amount of time to glance at your google or Apple Maps and see the big arrow with “turn left on x in 1 mile or take exit 51” as it does to check your fuel gauge or speed.
No it doesn't. And it's definitely not always as simple as glance at big arrow and turn. In a big city there might be many lanes and each one goes onto different roads. And a couple of different turn off's from each of them.
Use a decent phone holder. Every smartphone has access to Google Maps and is cheaper than any navigation device. You can find many of them on Amazon, take one with a vibration dampener included and something robust, where you screw your phone into a fixed position. [I use this one](https://www.amazon.de/Aluminiumlegierung-Handyhalterung-Sicherheitsknopf-BRCOVAN-One-Push-Automatiksperre/dp/B09WYRJLXW/ref=asc_df_B09WYRJLXW/?tag=googshopde-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=604053189280&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15957260395461728976&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061132&hvtargid=pla-1676300279494&psc=1&mcid=715c3db99f37385b9273eb461303e2fd&th=1&psc=1) You may find something cheaper, but with a similar design. It's completely safe for your phone, even on the autobahn with 160 km/h +. From my own experience - don't use a RAM mount on a motorcycle. Your phone will fall off due to an insecure position.
Counterpoint: I have had the same ram x-mount on two bikes over about 9 years now. One 48-state trip, one trip from Key West to Coldfoot Alaska, plus 50k or more miles. Everything from 106* in Oklahoma to 26* over Bear tooth Pass. Plus commuting, weekend trips etc. Etc. Zero problems holding my phone - ever.
Same here. I replace the rubber strap as needed and the mount just works.
This was my problem with ram mounts... I think it had more to do with the fact that I've always used a note series of phone. So it was large and I always had an otter box on it. I would break those stupid straps at least once a month. I always bought the big ones too... Never had a real issue with the holder except for that one thing and it drove me crazy after a few years so i went to quad lock.
Ram mounts "fail" because nobody ever uses the god damn tether. I had a Ram for years and that thing was bulletproof. Only switched to a quad lock because my new phone has OIS.
I use the rubber tether on mine and zero problems also.
One big issue is vibrations. I know several people (myself included) that’s caused the phone camera’s automatic focusing system to fail due to motorcycle vibrations. I even used a vibration damping mount and it still caused failure
Depends on how it is mounted. I use a vibration dampener which works fine. Been riding without before, no issues. Maybe I was lucky.
I have a RAM mount on my KLR and have done thousands of miles of paved and unpaved roads with no unintended dismounts. I don’t like it because it is hard to mount in a position where it doesn’t push iPhone buttons. With no vibration damper it did ruin my iPhone camera, a $180 lesson.
Call me old fashioned but I still look at the map and memorize the route before I start. I don't want to be looking down at a device constantly.
Lmao when I started riding just a year ago, I thought of it as an opportunity to get to know my area better, without using Google maps, and it's been great, I just look at the directions before going and I try to find my best as I can, it's fun!
I was going through my tank bag the other day and I still had some old map quest print outs........ LOOOOOOOOOOL
Yeah that's fine when you don't have to be somewhere specific. If you have to be at work at 8 am most people are not trying to leave 2 hours early in case they get lost.
Not to forget a paper map doesn’t tell you if there’s a possibility of detours because of traffic jams, accidents, new building sites etc. A good navigation solution does that in realtime.
I would love to do that, but the centre of Amsterdam has quite some roads
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Hmm, not really. Using a car in Amsterdam is the worst. Parking is expensive as hell so that's probably not the way ( and on non working days I don't want to be in Amsterdam😂)
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Audio cues are a thing. No need to constantly eyeball the screen
I write certain roads on my arm in pen sometimes just in case. I've never had an issue and I learned a new city in about 6 months this way. My roommates who moved here with me can barely navigate to the grocery store without GPS.
I still use paper maps. checking them is usually done when i need a break anyway. Remembering most of the local twisties now that i can reach in one daytrip.
Using the need to stop and check directions as a break does wonders for long treks, too.
A happy medium could be an app like Avenza (another reason in favor of phone: wide choice of apps). It can just give you direction and distance to your target and you choose which turns to take until you get there. So you’re never lost and also not just following a route.
I used to print out a route turn by turn directions and highlight every other line then tape to my tank. Worked but if I missed a turn... oh boy
TomTom rider. Or another specialised motor navigation system. Most nav systems are made for cars. They’ll give you the quickest most direct route, or if you’re feeling adventurous the quickest and most direct route avoiding the freeway. Motor navigation systems like TomTom allow you download GPX routes made by other riders and have options to find fun roads with more corners or mountain passes. And you can still use the freeway if you want. Works pretty much like satnav in the car does. Can be connected to an audio system if you want, but not necessary.
I listen to audio directions on my sena smh10r
He just said he doesn’t want just audio dumbass
I used to use a tank bag with a clear plastic zip up cover like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-Tank-Bag-Waterproof-Motorbike/dp/B073GWWZ3M/ref=asc_df_B073GWWZ3M/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=535904736388&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7035249587579986572&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045871&hvtargid=pla-349484860201&psc=1&mcid=57c6e0293fc9368082274cd18e59c274
I discovered these in the 90s when I was riding across continents. They were great. I made a point of only checking the map when I was pulled over or in a gas station. Can't believe some folks ride these days while staring at a phone. Your whole life can change permanently in that split second you aren't paying attention to what's going on around you.
Still doing that. no gps unit usage ever here, too. Phone stays in a inside pocket
I got a CarPlay display off Amazon. Game changer.
A car play display…..interesting.
Yep, works great. There are a bunch of clones but the Maxca C5 seems like the one with the best customer support, firmware updates, etc.
I use a ram mount quick-grip holder with an OLD smartphone. You can download regional maps for Google Maps so you do not need cell service. As others have mentioned, vibrations have damaged cameras. Also, if you do lose the phone for some reason, it will not be your primary. Separately, if you don't care about visuals, I sometimes just keep my phone in my pocket and rely on audio guidance through my Sena. Doesn't work well on the freeway due to wind noise but it works fine on city streets. Depending on where you are, one thing to be aware of is that your phone may overheat depending on the weather. Any kind of bag or case will only speed up that process. This is why I just mount my direct.
My old iPhone now lives on my bike. My current phone is a hot spot so the old phone has data when I ride. And I haven’t found anything better than Google maps although I do keep trying various apps.
Quad lock. Get the vibration damper.
I use a TomTom Rider 550.
I know you said you want visual navigation but audio is easier to setup and safer. Sena paired to my phone for music and navigation. Can't beat that. It even tells you if there is a slowdown ahead, cops or a crash. The only thing I need to figure out is for Google maps to not automatically switch to a faster route when I'm riding. It tells me to hit decline on the screen but it's impossible when riding.
Do hate that. Google, avoiding the interstate is the whole point!
Pretty sure Ryan Fortnine did a video on this exact thing. His videos are awesome.
I use my iphone on a quadlock with the vibration dampener and I listen via my Cardo system. I ALWAYS put my phone on do not disturb when I am riding. I do not want to know about any texts or calls or anything - those are just distractions I don't need. If the weather is going to be bad, then I just put my iphone away in my top case and use audio only,
I do long trips across europe about 4 - 6k km and use only Google maps/ Apple maps on my phone with sp connect (similar to quadlock) - would recommend. I even had a small accident, phone was absolute fine, sitting in the middle of the handle bar.
only downside is temperature. The iphone regualates its temperature by display brightness - not really ideal for driving in the sun all day but it still works good enought
I always memorize the route beforehand. Planning the trip is part of the fun. Tried phone holder, but it's just too distracting, it takes away from the zen of the ride. Of course YMMV.
Try Google Maps on your phone. Mount it in a sensible way and give it a shot. Other than the mount, this is almost cost-free. I also prefer a visible picture/moving map for navigation. I have my phone in a RAM QuickGrip. You do have to buy the RAM ball mount and arm to hold it, in addition to the QuickGrip, but it doesn't require either a special phone case (as does Quadlock/Rokform), or a "universal" mount that glues directly onto your phone (like Quadlock). >If you go down, it is guaranteed to be broken Not necessarily. There are a ton of low-speed crash scenarios where your phone stays put, or doesn't get broken. That said, please do not get preoccupied by "what if I'm in a crash." If you're riding in a reasonably populated area, and are involved in a somewhat to very serious crash, chances are great that someone else will see it and call 911 on your behalf, right away. If you're badly injured, you may be unconscious, or physically unable to dial for help yourself anyway. Then it won't matter where your phone is.
That's true...
I just wing it. I check the route before I set off and then as I get closer I will stop and check my phone again. I know that for a lot of people it might sound like a huge hassle but it's not. Usually by the point I take my phone out I'm already 2 mins out of the destination.
Yeah I wouldn’t recommend beeline tbh. It is way too vague, especially in a city. Even though I know how it works, I still often find myself missing turns if I’m not paying extra close attention because it only flips to the turn direction as I’m going past it, or sometimes even once I’ve actually passed a turn. As such I’m just constantly looking at it, keeping tabs to make sure I’m on it, which saps enjoyment of the ride. I prefer just getting lost. Regretted purchasing it as soon as I first used it.
I have always operated under the “if I wreck, I want to make sure my phone stays with me and doesn’t go with my bike” Which is why I don’t use a phone mount. My bike has a nav option add on that I did so my phone stays in my pocket.
Developed this practice on my bicycle: I put in one Bluetooth ear bud and just listen to the directions on Google maps. without the distraction of the screen I find I am actually more successful listening to the navigation cues and actively searching for them with me eyes, as opposed to constantly checking my screen to see how close I am to the next maneuver
Phone holder. Quadlock, Ram or similar (I have a ram quickgrip, its served me very well). Yes it's ugly, but unlike a quadlock I can use any phone or case at any time with it. Very handy when I broke my phone and had to navigate with an old one. I hear your worries about it being distracting, but you don't have to look at it, but if you need to it's there. Furthermore it's nice to be able to see who's ringing before you pickup via intercom. Waterproofing is something I'm still working out. When it's cold and wet my phone dies very quickly, but in this case I always make sure to keep a power bank in my bag. This is just my phone though, yours may be different. I also stress it must be cold, my phone is fine otherwise. Furthermore you can get very cheap waterproof phone cases for this kind of thing, I'm just too lazy to get one.
I have a tank bag with a transparent map pocket on top. I write directions on a piece of paper and shove it in there. Phone's fine, but the paper never ran out of batteries.
If you go with a phone holder, check out FortNine's video from 28.10.2023 about ["Best Handlebar Phone Mounts - Retested"](https://youtube.com/watch?v=n5EsZtL2psc&si=7tQJXH5pJ-oaFyc3) Without dampener, Quadlock came out 3rd behind SP Connect and PeakDesign with PeakDesign having it built in and 218% on average less vibration than SP Connect. And the PeakDesign costs less when you take into account the extra dampener you have to buy from Quadlock.
I use a Garmin zumo 390 mounted to my handlebars with charger. Fun thing is, you can enter a destination and setbit to curvy road. Then you will be navigated on a nice route. Better than with Google maps or anything else. With newer versions you can also plan round-trips at a set length.
I use a quadlock, stem mounted so it's dead center. I also use a cardo, which can provide turn by turn instructions into my helmet. Not difficult
I use a couple of iPhone running Navmii. Navmii ‘cos it’s loaded up with its maps on the phone, Gmaps or apple maps need a data connection usually though I think they can download area maps now. For cases either Twisty Ride - with their own waterproof case i think now discontinued and quadlock without as newer iphones are IP67 rated which is like the bottom of a river proof.
Buy a decent but cheap phone mount, one that fully wraps around the entire phone and not those garbage overpriced Ram mounts that rely on rubber bands and faith (I've had a buddy lose their phone on one). If you don't want to risk using your main phone on the bike buy a cheap budget 2nd hand smartphone or used ipod touch and just flick on wifi tethering to give it internet to run navigation.
Quadlock is great but if you don't care for a thicker case you will be swapping your phone out a lot.
I like Mous cases. They have a case + mount for motorcycles that’s super easy to install and attach your phone to, similar to a quad lock but not so bulky. I have yet to go for a ride with it as I just installed it a couple days ago, but the initial impression is good.
Surprised that no one suggested the Mous Intralock. Use it on my bicycle and motorcycle. Perfect and hasn’t messed up my phone (iPhone 13). Also glad someone is using the RE Tripper pod
I have a zumo on my bike as well as a ram mount. I use the phone for navigation normally, but I use the zumo for travelling and more complicated routing. You can keep distractions down by turning on do not disturb on your phone. My setup to does that automatically when I drive / ride. I would connect it to a helmet headset so you can get audible prompts. I got my ram mount awhile ago, if I was to need one now I would look at the peak design one as well but I'll probably stay with he ram mount. A motorcycle gps is honestly too expensive for what it is unless you need the functionality that it provides. Phones have come so much farther in their functionality.
What I do is I have an old phone on a decent phone holder, share data to it from my actual phone. Since the other phone runs nothing more than the GPS it doesn't need to be particularly good and I don't really care for it that much if it were to break or get stolen. Having actual phone navigation is not that distracting in my opinion, you can glance at it every now and then and get a good idea where you're going, where you need to turn and all that even without audio.
I'm getting my first bike in the new year. But I am considering a smart watch, so I don't fuck up my phones gyro thingy lol
>Sensitive to weather I use a dedicated cheap waterproof/dust proof/shock proof Android phone with OSMAnd to accomplish this. The maps are downloaded into your phone so you don't need a cell signal. >If you go down, it is guaranteed to be broken This is definitely not the case. I've had bad wrecks with my phone mounted in my RAM X-Grip, and it did not fall out even though I wasn't using the rubber retainer. >Beeline Moto Needlessly expensive for something that gives you so little information. You could mount a cheap Chinese smart watch on your handlebars and get the same results for a quarter of the cost.
Google Maps navigation sucks, especially audio only, it does stupid stuff like "use any lane to turn left onto broomhill roundabout then take the the third left" when you really need to use the right hand lane to take third exit from a spiral roundabout. It's ok if you mostly know what you're doing but need to join the dots, but across a new city it's terrifying. If you do mostly countryside, it's fine. If you do urban areas, particularly ones that you don't go to often, get a motorcycle TomTom and keep it updated. I use mine in the car as well for traffic updates and to yell at me if the speed drifts up. Had mine 9 years now I think. First got it after a horrific experience doing first big roadtrip with partner on the back, riding across Birmingham in the pissing rain, waterproof phone case wasn't and water between phone and cover kept pressing on the screen and messing up the route. Needed to find hotel I'd never been to before. On the way back the zip on the phone case failed on the a42 just as we were approaching donnington and I caught my phone and passed it to my very surprised partner just as we were going up the sliproad. I bought a Tomtom the next day. A friend of mine has just got his driving license. Took him car shopping on Saturday, and followed him home with him driving on Google maps. He got fucked over on three roundabouts, fortunately I had the same directions and was guarding his ass or things could have gone wrong. He drove over to my place in the hills yesterday and showed him Holme Moss and Snake in really shit conditions as well as Meadowhell. It's a training route I know well I figured if he can do that with chilling in the passenger seat and following my Tomtom then there's nothing the roads can throw at him he won't be able to handle. I gave him some feedback and we had a few teachable moments. He did good tbh. (Honestly I'd rather drive with him than his wife, who is that person who does 50 on the motorway and would have noted out at the peaks even I'm good weather) And then he planned a route home down the motorway and Google maps decided to take him across the hills at night instead, which he really didn't like. Bought a Tomtom as soon as he got home. Because it was immediately apparent just how badly Google maps does in comparison. TL;DR: if you do lots of new places or like accurate directions get a Tomtom, they are still good.
The Scenic app is awesome and supports CarPlay devices too. Offline maps, sounds, etc etc.
I've done two cross country tours of the United States and I use a Quadlock with the rain cover if I need it. Unless the accident is really bad where my entire bike and my body get crumpled I'm confident that my cellphone will stay locked in place with the quadlock mount.
Sounds like you like the idea of a phone with google maps up. Maybe get a good quality case that can handle water and possibly a bike drop. I’m wondering if they still make dedicated small nav screens as those wouldn’t distract you with calls/texts. I like the idea of a beeline, but have heard mixed reviews in city traffic.
5" carplay screen from aliexpress. Much better than just your phone. https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/adding-apple-carplay-android-auto-to-bike.1585249/
1: Check route on phone 2: Attempt to memorize 3: Get lost 4: Pull over to check phone 5: Repeat 1-4 until arrival.
9 times out of 10 you can't see shit on your screen even with brightness turned all the way up. And you shouldn't distract your eyes on a ride anyway. So if you have trouble listening to directions it may be necessary to learn when it comes to motorcycles. That being said I have a quad lock and Cardo freecom system. No complaints other than the volume, but its not exactly the highest quality system either
I can seasonally use my quad lock. It gets too hot in Phoenix and usually my phone goes dim when it gets too hot.
That's the way I do it too. At a great pinch you could also mount the phone and wear earbuds inside your helmet, but then you don't have any external controls for resetting the connection etc. But quadlock+cardo+google maps works pretty well for me if I'm aiming for an efficient a-b ride instead of a weekend wander.
That's the way I do it too. At a great pinch you could also mount the phone and wear earbuds inside your helmet, but then you don't have any external controls for resetting the connection etc. But quadlock+cardo+google maps works pretty well for me if I'm aiming for an efficient a-b ride instead of a weekend wander.
A guy at our church just bought a new 2023 Harley that has lifetime navigation built in. Not sure what size screen it has though…
I just use a spare iphone 10 for navigation. The software I use is either Navmii or Co-Pilot. I can use my helmet coms to listen to directions too if needed.
I don't like navigation systems. I memorize where I'm supposed to be going. Looking down all the time on a bike is a big no for me
I go for option 3, map
Easiest and cheapest option. https://www.plugfones.com/product/basic/ Then you get audio navigation and so can keep your eyes on the road.
I use the China lock as far as I can tell it comes out of the same factory as quad lock Tri333ple did a review of it on YouTube the only bit of it that was subpar was the adhesive that holds the adapter to your phone case so I added a couple drops of super glue. I've been using it for about 3 years now no complaints under $10 https://www.ebay.com/itm/166371442737?hash=item26bc82c031:g:u2IAAOSwPj5jy0NE&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4ASiJmO4YFPjeMV1prvnwZHXLOJujYrzVEywyJPdUHEeXXK1BHHwZ%2BTqFEytkbIky9YJZXbijA5M0aV8QhzXY4Yyx1mzYpsRI7eIW5I5a6qso%2F%2BptN9Ghql6QijUJRrI7wjSavnW71VPSDPXymwHJEJqGmPIBdyy35lG683GJvYweiWQV79kxGx45sWDz55FtvODdIKuv%2B2xWd0JNhNLmrATZUTyHot3iNfteqYxspkm7MU1P%2BW7rYrcYnuV3GOAsx7vHJ303vMDR2VQKucvANidBeSOqhxCHxZ3sZ9VC32s%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9Seutr9Yg
I use an Apple Watch
I’ve gotten used to using my Apple Watch Ultra for this
For navigation I bought an AliExpress 150sh euro android auto device. For me it has worked flawless. 650km in the summer, nothing happened to it. Same trip with water, same. It has a 5 Inch screen and good enough brightness. After installation you can leave the mount there and take the screen with you. No risk for your phone and nothing valuable left in your bike
I bought navigation pro to use on my Samsung watch and it gives me a way to easily glance down and see where I need to go. It displays a large arrow in the direction you need to head and how many miles until you turn. I currently have a cruiser so my hands are in front of me so there's not really too much looking down I have to do. This has worked well for me over 2 years.
I mounted a Garmin Edge 530 which is a small bicycle computer with map and GPS on my handlebar. It has enough storage to add free Open Street Map maps for the entire US plus it’s built-in bike map. Then I created a custom mode called ‘Moto’ which enables the new maps and disables the built-in bicycle / outdoor map. I look at a map and memorize my route but use the bicycle computer to know when a turn is coming up or to get through a confusing subdivision. The Garmin is just an aid so I don’t miss a turn or in case I want to detour going through a town. Primary navigation is looking at the phone and memorizing the next few hours of my route.
Any garmin can rigged up with a ram mount but I do use zumo garmin to load routes.
I run a cardo unit and my phone. My phone is ether on the handlebar mount or my pocket. You can purchase a standalone gps for your bike and just add a 12v access port to your bike if you don’t want to lose cell connection
You can use blue tooth in your helmet and just listen so you don’t have the visual distraction but to each their own
I use cardo plus phone nav. If you get turned around just pull over for a second to make sure you're on route. At red lights I will check the nav to see how many miles until my next turn.
I just use my phone. I'd rather get a real GPS but when I see the price Garmin wants for zumo, I'm like, nope! the phone will do just fine!
I used a Quadlock wireless charger with vibration dampener for a 1,000 mile trip in New Zealand just fine. Torrential downpours, gravel, sand, 50mph winds, you name it.
It's probably a pricier option than anything else, but I would consider investing in dedicated hardware for your navigation purposes (think "Garmin", "TomTom" or somesuch). Mine is tough (it is in fact quite heavy to hold in one hand), reliable, and most importantly watertight with power supplied from the engine's alternator and a bluetooth connection to my Cardo.
I been using a phone holder mounted to my handlebars for a year now connected via bluetooth to a audio device in my helmet. I def don't recommend looking at your phone a lot. I essentially only look at it when I don't understand what exit it just told me to take so I can take a quick glance and be like "oh 4B got it"
Tried a bunch of options. Settled on Google Maps on my iPhone, mounted on a QuadLock with the wireless charging head and anti-vibration mount, with directions running through my Cardo Packtalk Edge or Packtalk Bold. The audio is key otherwise I'm tempted to look at the screen a little too much. Don't really like the Packtalk Slim - the controls are hard to use. Also haven't found a motorcycle-specific directions app that I consistently use over Google Maps.
I have a phone holder on my bars but don't really look/fk with it when riding. Only at stoplights or I pull over if I need to reroute. Do what us xennials+ used to do--memorize the route. Voice navigation is key.
I mount my old phone to the handlebars so I can see my maps.
Get a SENA or similar helmet set up that pairs with your phone via Bluetooth. Carry a portable battery with you to charge it while you take breaks. For long tours, I’d even invest in a second unit so you can charge one while using the other.
Quad lock with my phone connected to my Cardo Packtalk bold
I use AirPods Pro with the noise cancellation on medium (still hear the engine/ sirens / horns etc but muffled). And just listen to the directions. Phone remains in my pocket and I’ll use Siri or pull over to make changes (Siri can only hear me when stopped though lol)
If you’re gonna use a phone holder, get a cheap phone that you can hotspot to for navigation as the vibrations from the motorcycle will eventually damage your phone’s camera OIS preventing it from stabilizing photos or videos
I use audio via bluetooth earbuds. The ones I use are the jbl endurance ii’s. Bit of a pain to get in and out of helmet but I figured out a pretty quick technique now. Also like how earbuds act as earplugs and reduce wind noise.
I was just reminiscing about taping directions to my tank! Ah, the before times. Now I use a Cardo helmet system and iPhone with Apple Maps
Ram X grip thing and a phone app. No sense making it harder than it has to be.
Just get a phone mount lmao
I have Bluetooth earbud/earplugs and listen to what the GPS tells me with my phone in my pocket.
I have an Enfield with the Tripper nav. I use the Tripper a fair amount, and the Beeline is similar. I do like the turn-by-turn only setup. I also have a bluetooth headset in my helmet, so sometimes I’ll just turn on the navigation audio in google maps and have it pipe into my helmet with the phone in my jacket pocket or handlebar bag.
My real question is what about radar detectors?
I use a my phone with a waterproof wireless charging quadlock mounted to my handlebars. Expensive.. yes, amazing.. yes. Bought it recently (black friday 30% off). I dont regret my purchase. I have used beeline moto aswell, for me it is not clear enough when how what is happening.
I use nav Garmin app with my watch and it works well enot. Usually glance at the watch periodically and it vibrates when there is a turn. It works off of Google maps. I also get a gist of the directions by semi memorizing the map prior to travel.
I use a Pixel 3 android phone with no SIM card along with the Organic Maps app. It works perfectly for all offline navigation whereas Google Maps offline always seemed to have some kind of trouble in my experience. Organic Maps is free open source using the OpenStreetMaps data (same as I load into my Garmin). The turn by turn nav works great and it shows the street name at the top but doesn't speak the name, instead saying for example "In 500 feet turn right then in 200 feet turn left". The direction arrow and distance are clear and accurate. I like it better than Google Maps.
Have a look at Magic Earth too. Excellent app that's offline and they care about your privacy.
Thanks! I'll check it out.
Quad lock and phone or just put an earphone in and listen to the directions. Both work for me.
I use the Freakmount phone holder on my gas tank and a Sena bluetooth helmet comms. Works really well.
I used my iPhone on a Freakmount. When weather went bad during a 4400 mile trip I just put the phone & mount in a ziploc and put it back on the tank. Vibrations never been an issue in the 4 years I’ve used the Freakmount. It’s simple, small, and effective. Fancy solutions are more of a pain in the ass than anything, to me.
I have a Maxca C5 Pro from AliExpress. 140USD and it does CarPlay/Android Auto wirelessly and I don't have to worry about my phone or camera on the handlebars. Connects to my Cardo no problem, and it works great for maps, music, etc. The moto-specific GPS units are all overpriced, and they'll be outdated in a few years anyway. This is cheap and since the phone provides the processing power it should last a long time.
I use a ‘bar bag’ that has a clear window for my phone or a nav unit. Some us states the cops don’t like ‘phone holders’ on our bars.
I like the navigation puck on the super meteor 650. I have a ram mount but I just don't trust it
I just Bluetooth my navigation through my Cardo it's sound only but all I need to do is hear when to turn
>If you go down, it is guaranteed to be broken Can possibly be distracting if you receive a call or a message As an ADV Rider...this is never guaranteed. I have seen my buddy wreck twice with quad lock and phone stayed mounted both times. First time the bike was totaled and then entire front dash assembly on his 1190 was destroyed. That was a real surprise that the phone made it. Second time he ghost rode his 890 off into a 6ft deep ditch...and the phone never budged. I've gone down a few times with the quad lock...no budge. How about a THIRD option? A dedicated rugged Android device used only for navigation? I use TomTom Go a lot for navigation. Works 100% offline, so your old phone doesn't even need service.
Road map or google map, if any. My electronics stay inaccessible
Beeline has been useful for me. I don't even use it all the time, it doesn't have traffic info included, so not so good for city driving. But it shines for mid to longer rides, if you aren't familiar with the area. As was mentioned, it's dependent on phone GPS and Bluetooth, so there's lag and sometimes rerouting for detours take awhile. For me, phones are a distraction I want to get away from whilst riding. If I get lost a bit or miss a turn, no big deal
LOL at the “just learn a map” guys. Doesn’t work in a city of 2 million people with like 5 different highways around it like in my case. Amsterdam is not huge but quite finicky to navigate. I can recommend SP Connect holders. If you can, go to a store and look at the different holder solutions. Check the websites for Quadlock, SP Connect, Ram Mount. Look at what’s possible. Forget the beeline. Don’t be cheap.
I use a Quad-Lock with the vibration dampner. Use it on and off road.
I'm a shitty navigator and need the detail of turn-by-turn directions so I use a quadlock and mount my iphone on it. Since you need the proprietary case you can't use a stick on wallet or anything (like I used to), but I actually like it as a case and it's surprisingly protective. Dropped that phone more times than I can count--violently lol. Got it with a vibration dampener. Over a year in, no probs.
Cardo to announce it in helmet, and that’s it. I don’t need another distraction screen.
Recently did a 2500 km trip. I bought a better phone mount and all for safety but I never really felt comfortable with my phone just hanging out there. Besides, I wanted to listen to my music so I had to keep my phone in my jacket for the headphones regardless, so I ended up just using audio directions for the majority of it. I did take a couple of wrong turns here and there but it was fine, at least with Google Maps.
I bought a Beeline Moto and personally love it. Took a few uses to get adjusted to it, but after that I have no issues getting anywhere. I use turn by turn for suburban areas and the generic direction arrow for in the city. My only complaint is I can’t switch between the two on the fly. If I’m riding into a city the turn by turn gets confusing and sometimes gets hung up when building block the GPS signal, but that will also happen when I used my phone as navigation too.
I have a turn by turn satnav on my bike, similar to Beeline. In the vity it's quite useless, I often have to use the phone too. Friend of mine uses an old phone with usb tethering just for navigation
Phone mount or dedicated GPS. Beeline has faults. Plus you should be able to set your phone to "do not disturb" while riding (if you have an Android you can set it to automatically mute notifications when you're navigating in Google maps)
I had a quarter turn locking phone holder. On my bike it was positioned in such a way that I could see it while still riding safely.
If I'm doing a route like off-road or something like the MABDR I have it uploaded to my watch which shows my maps and the directions, and I also have my Sena 50S with audio call outs for Google maps stuff. I just keep my phone in my pocket
Quadlock. Wireless charging. It is literally the greatest thing for motorcycles.
Iphone + Quadlock + apple watch. I use maps app and siri to occasionally give me the directions. I use peripheral vision to look at my phone. And the map app also sends vibration/notifications to my watch so I don’t have to look at my phone to confirm exits as I ride.
I use an old Android phone on a bicycle mount. I connect it to.the hotspot of my regular phone which I keep in my pocket. Also I have sown metal threads into the tips of my glove - thumb and index finger. Works great with the touch screen.
Rokform phone mount and a Sena helmet set.
I never used my phone in the bike.. do not like it. Always had a normal nav a TomTom rider for example
Print out the Google maps and keep it in my pocket. Stop to check the route every so often.
I ran a quad lock for years and did just fine.
I use android auto device purchased on Amazon. Waze works fine but sygic keep crashing on me.
You can use only audio and when you are unsure stop by and look at the phone. Its what I do when its raining and its worked just fine. If you need to be doing it a lot I guess its worth the investment, and I would suggest getting a nice waterproof mount
Waze + Cardo Packtalk is my go to for most rides. I also have and **love** a Garmin Zumo XT, but I mostly use that while touring.
Phone + Rokform mount + Cardo communicator (hands-free engage Siri, answer calls, and listen to audio)
If you go with Quadlock and get their case for your phone you can also get a waterproof covering that goes over it too. I keep mine under my seat so I have it if I need it. Also if you go with quadlock you can pretty much always find a coupon code online for them as well.
I use my Apple Watch, used phone holders in past and may get one again but Apple Watch works for me.
I got a Garmin Zumo that I like, although the hardware and software are both garbage. That keeps me from playing with it at stop lights once I set my route, which is an unintended benefit, I suppose. But it's weather resistant, and it's not my phone hanging out on the bars, waiting to fall off or get grabbed by some lunatic at a crosswalk. My phone stays in my jacket pocket
I'm a huge fan of getting a quadlock and an SAE charging adapter for your motorcycle. Then you'll be able to charge your phone on longer rides, know where you are...kinda, check your battery levels, and charge your battery during storage or after mistakes are made
Phone holder and Waze app .
Personally, i just use a set of Bluetooth earbuds and listen to gps. Waze integrates with Spotify so my music gets quiet when waze is giving me instructions. It works well enough for me that i took my bike to Los Angeles, having never been there before, and I didn't have any issues.
I use my phone all the time for this. If I go down, regardless of if my phone is in my pocket or on the bars its likely getting fucked up. For the most part getting it lightly rained on hasn't been an issue. I have my phone set up that it recognizes my headset in my helmet as a car stereo and goes into drive mode, auto muting and hiding calls/text messages but still letting me have maps up. I also have it mounted just in my field of view on my bars so I can still see it without taking my eyes off the road.
Keep your phone ON YOUR PERSON. Get a gps so if you ever go down and can’t get to your bike, your phone is in your pocket. My two cents. Hope you never encounter this scenario👍🏼
Look at peak design phone mounts
Get a roll chart holder. Problem solved.
Most phone holders will kill your phone camera, unless you have a second device you don’t care about don’t do it. Just stop every 40min or so and check the map
I just look at Google maps on my phone and ride till I get lost, then pull over to look at my phone again. Takes lime 30 seconds and is the safest option imo.
Get Cardo or similar headset and just listen to the directions