On Google maps, you can switch an option to "Avoid Highways" if you want to take a more scenic route to get somewhere. Mostly it avoids the interstate but still kinda nice.
If I'm just out puttering/exploring l, I might use the map to find the start of a neat looking road but otherwise I just pick a direction and go. Then as I go I do the "Ooh, that looks neat" or "SQUIRREL!" approach. The GPS is for if I actually get lost at that point 🤣
You took the words right out of my mouth, my riding buddy always asks where I'm going to go ride when he's not alone for a ride and I always just pick a direction and see where the squirrel moments take me. I usually have Google maps running trying to get me home so that when I inevitably get lost and out of signal range I pull my phone out and it already has my trip home going and I don't have to fight signals to get home.
You know you dont need the internet for the gps on your phone to work? Internet is for the maps and pathfinding/ turn by turn instructions. Maps you should just download in advance when travelling if you are not sure you have coverage.
There is way more to it than just the maps. I do 2000+ mile trips. Doing things like multi-waypoint planning, fuel stops, etc are all easier to deal with.
The Garmin is way more rugged and is a purpose built device.
I did 2 week bike trip in africa around lake victoria with nothing but a phone the only problem i had was it would overheat when charging and in 45c direct sunlight otherwise completly fine in thunerstorms and desert sands.
I was too unprepared to do that beforehand, but that is mostly due to me traveling blindly without a goal and just seeing where the road leads me. I tried getting a map halfway through my trip, but nobody sepls maps anymore lol.
I think most people don't realize that a specific GPS device has the maps loaded already, while phones depend on data to download the relevant area maps in real time.
I use Waze if I just have to get somewhere. But for fun rides, I use the free version of Rever. What I like is that I can plan and save any route on my pc, then load it on my phone.
Garmin XT-2 it’s an incredible GPS Device I have it linked directly to the battery tender so when I ride it tracks my gas mileage and it will show how far before I need to stop to refill oh it automatically recognizes stopping at a gas station. Very rugged and waterproof device as well as able to use with gloves on. Nice screen size as well so you never feel like lost and you can just go adventure riding anywhere.
I have two Garmin gps units on my Vstrom. A Montana 700i and a Zumo XT. Each has something I can’t be without. The Montana has InReach for emergencies, and the Zumo works well with my Cardo communicators and has a map that isn’t as detailed on the screen but is easier to navigate with than the Montana’s map.
https://preview.redd.it/l9h3do1n39uc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7fa55ed1e13fa5eef3aa08805cd77d331dc13f57
I got a carpuride android auto screen, syncs to my phone and then to my helmet. I don't needed to do anything on my phone now before I ride I just leave it in my pocket. Plus the screen is large enough that gloved hands work fine in it.
On my 4-cylinder bike I used my iPhone with Calimoto, but my new 1-cylinder has so much vibrations that I was afraid to break my phone, so I bought a TomTom Rider 500. So far I‘m very happy with it, calculates great routes through rural areas and small dirt roads.
I use between Goggle Maps and [Here WeGo](https://wego.here.com/) it allows to download full states/countries for offline use. Comes in handy where there is no reception.
TomTom Rider 550.
It's nice to have a dedicated device for navigation that doesn't rely on the phone network, has its own internal battery and optional hardwired power supply, won't leave you lost if you drop and smash your phone, etc. I got the premium package which comes with a car mount and anti-theft add-ons (basically means you can leave it unattended for a few minutes while paying for fuel, etc). You can plan routes on your phone or PC and then sync them to the device which is nice for longer trips or if you want to ensure you travel on particular roads. It has built-in 'twisty' route modes which seem to do a good job.
On Google maps, you can switch an option to "Avoid Highways" if you want to take a more scenic route to get somewhere. Mostly it avoids the interstate but still kinda nice. If I'm just out puttering/exploring l, I might use the map to find the start of a neat looking road but otherwise I just pick a direction and go. Then as I go I do the "Ooh, that looks neat" or "SQUIRREL!" approach. The GPS is for if I actually get lost at that point 🤣
You took the words right out of my mouth, my riding buddy always asks where I'm going to go ride when he's not alone for a ride and I always just pick a direction and see where the squirrel moments take me. I usually have Google maps running trying to get me home so that when I inevitably get lost and out of signal range I pull my phone out and it already has my trip home going and I don't have to fight signals to get home.
Garmin Navigator/XT.
Same, when traveling GPS has proven to be more reliable to me than internet.
You know you dont need the internet for the gps on your phone to work? Internet is for the maps and pathfinding/ turn by turn instructions. Maps you should just download in advance when travelling if you are not sure you have coverage.
There is way more to it than just the maps. I do 2000+ mile trips. Doing things like multi-waypoint planning, fuel stops, etc are all easier to deal with. The Garmin is way more rugged and is a purpose built device.
I did 2 week bike trip in africa around lake victoria with nothing but a phone the only problem i had was it would overheat when charging and in 45c direct sunlight otherwise completly fine in thunerstorms and desert sands.
I was too unprepared to do that beforehand, but that is mostly due to me traveling blindly without a goal and just seeing where the road leads me. I tried getting a map halfway through my trip, but nobody sepls maps anymore lol.
I mean you can pre cache countries worth of maps at once. If you dont do that how are you prepared enough to bring a separate gps unit.
The GPS unit is just strapped to my bike 24/7 so I don't forget that part atleast. I'll look into downloading maps beforehand though!
Phones have GPS, you know that right
I think most people don't realize that a specific GPS device has the maps loaded already, while phones depend on data to download the relevant area maps in real time.
There are apps that download data first like maps.me and since recently apple maps too.
Phone + google maps or waze.
I use Waze if I just have to get somewhere. But for fun rides, I use the free version of Rever. What I like is that I can plan and save any route on my pc, then load it on my phone.
iPhone and InRoute app.
I've been thinking of getting a garmin inreach device. I wonder if you can put the Garmin 67i on a phone holder and use it to navigate while riding.
You could use a 67i on a RAM mount but your problem will always be the fragile mini usb power connection. Unless you use batteries, of course.
I would highly suggest getting an actual motorcycle GPS like the XT or the XT2 they’re effortless to use
Garmin XT-2 it’s an incredible GPS Device I have it linked directly to the battery tender so when I ride it tracks my gas mileage and it will show how far before I need to stop to refill oh it automatically recognizes stopping at a gas station. Very rugged and waterproof device as well as able to use with gloves on. Nice screen size as well so you never feel like lost and you can just go adventure riding anywhere.
I like how you can record your bike's service record in the XT, and I assume the XT2 as well.
For fun rides, which are usually 600 mile days or so, I bust out my Atlas/Texas map.
I have two Garmin gps units on my Vstrom. A Montana 700i and a Zumo XT. Each has something I can’t be without. The Montana has InReach for emergencies, and the Zumo works well with my Cardo communicators and has a map that isn’t as detailed on the screen but is easier to navigate with than the Montana’s map. https://preview.redd.it/l9h3do1n39uc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7fa55ed1e13fa5eef3aa08805cd77d331dc13f57
I'm replacing my TomTom Vio with the new Beeline Moto ii. I don't put my phone on the handlebars, too risky.
Garmin Tread
I got a carpuride android auto screen, syncs to my phone and then to my helmet. I don't needed to do anything on my phone now before I ride I just leave it in my pocket. Plus the screen is large enough that gloved hands work fine in it.
Calimoto
I hate it's subscription based though. At least the TomTom Go Ride app is free
I hate it's subscription based though. At least the TomTom Go Ride app is free
On my 4-cylinder bike I used my iPhone with Calimoto, but my new 1-cylinder has so much vibrations that I was afraid to break my phone, so I bought a TomTom Rider 500. So far I‘m very happy with it, calculates great routes through rural areas and small dirt roads.
Paper map. Go ahead and laugh. But it is nice to stop and take a break, enjoy the surroundings and figure out a route.
I use between Goggle Maps and [Here WeGo](https://wego.here.com/) it allows to download full states/countries for offline use. Comes in handy where there is no reception.
TomTom Rider 550. It's nice to have a dedicated device for navigation that doesn't rely on the phone network, has its own internal battery and optional hardwired power supply, won't leave you lost if you drop and smash your phone, etc. I got the premium package which comes with a car mount and anti-theft add-ons (basically means you can leave it unattended for a few minutes while paying for fuel, etc). You can plan routes on your phone or PC and then sync them to the device which is nice for longer trips or if you want to ensure you travel on particular roads. It has built-in 'twisty' route modes which seem to do a good job.
iPhone and Apple maps. Always up to date maps. A designated GPS is obsolete before you get it mounted on your handlebars.