GPS recommendations

[Rosie]

What is everyone using for GPS? Im using my phone with Google maps. Any good apps to program backroads? Also what about stand alone GPS? Thanks.

[shadowmagic]

I use my phone and the program I use is WAZE. Althought admittingly I havent used it all that much but seems to work good. My phone is waterproof so that helps lol

[hubcapsc]

What is everyone using for GPS? Im using my phone with Google maps. Any good apps to program backroads? Also what about stand alone GPS? Thanks.

I'm using a phone app "maps.me" and offline openstreetmap data.

I make routes on-line at mymaps.google.com which can export routes
you make into a format that maps.me can read.



-Mike "giant iphone  "

[Bighead]

How about a paper map? Has served me well for years

[shadowmagic]

There is an app called paper map? I cant find it.......

[sandy]

How about a paper map? Has served me well for years

Try reading it at 65 MPH. I found a GPS raised the miles I could travel in a day.

[Bighead]

How about a paper map? Has served me well for years

Try reading it at 65 MPH. I found a GPS raised the miles I could travel in a day.

Read it in adavance.   Not a big deal. I have ridden ( not driven as some here say) coast to coast and border to border into Canada and around   Nova Scotia with only a paper map. ZERO problems.

[vanagon40]

Not a complete hi-jack, but a little trivia.

Who said he was "terrified" of a GPS because "I’m afraid I’d never get lost again.”?

The quote is from 2008. Long time member here.





Click here for the answer to the trivia question.

[shadowmagic]

Dont know the answer, but a good quote lol

[The emperor has no clothes]

Not a complete hi-jack, but a little trivia.

Who said he was "terrified" of a GPS because "I’m afraid I’d never get lost again.”?

The quote is from 2008. Long time member here.

I wasn’t here then. But, I’d guess DDT 

[baldo]

Not a complete hi-jack, but a little trivia.

Who said he was "terrified" of a GPS because "I’m afraid I’d never get lost again.”?

The quote is from 2008. Long time member here.

I wasn’t here then. But, I’d guess DDT 

That might be a safe bet.

I use Google maps almost exclusively. I've tried a Garmin a few times, I just can't get used to it. Wish I could.

[jnicks01]

Use my phone, but use REVER app when riding.  You can create routes, download premade routes, use preset "fun" roads, twisty road setting, overlay radar, turn by turn navigation, etc.  It's pretty nice.  Now there is a free app, but during midwest riding season, I pay the measly $7.99/month for the premium.  Worth it to me.

[Fazer]

GPS are fine if you are looking for the best route between point A and B, but it you want a MC route, you have to build it.  I have not been able to figure out how to convert a google map route to a .gpx file that I can load into my Garmin.  I have to make on google maps, then plot it in Base Camp, which is tedious and frustrating.  Once done, though, I can load into my Garmin and away we go.  Base Camp takes a bit of learning and getting use to, but once you know the pitfalls and work arounds, it's not too bad.

[Gnarly]

Beeline Moto, here.

Has a simple phone app for planning routes, before you ever throw a leg over.
Map mode.

My favorite feature?
Compass mode, which generally tells which direction your destination is in, and lets ya use any road to get there. Regardless of how lost in the twisties you get, it will lead you there. Eventually.....love that.

Or just switch to Map mode with one button press, and go there by the most direct route...

It's barely bigger than a favorite pocket watch, mostly just gives you an arrow to follow and distance to next turn....did I mention 'simple'?

[Serk]

I used to have the Garmin motorcycle specific GPS and loved them for the tech of the era (Zumo 550 and then a Zumo 660) but now that most phones are water resistant, and secure, waterproof mounts that provide wireless charging are available, I use my phone, running Waze. I've found at long as I set my destination while I have data coverage it has enough info cached locally to get me there. I love Waze for the live updates of revenue collection officers, traffic, construction, wrecks, etc...

If you're worried about losing maps while in a data poor area, Google Maps has the ability to temporarily download specific areas locally...

https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en

I have not been able to figure out how to convert a google map route to a .gpx file that I can load into my Garmin.

Give this site a whirl and see if it does what you need done:

https://mapstogpx.com/

[F6Dave]

I still use an automotive Garmin in a Ram Mount.  It's nice to be able to leave it in place, unlike a phone you'd have to disconnect and take with you whenever you park the bike.  Phone map apps are great these days, so I might go that route if I already didn't have this setup.

I did make a mistake a year ago when I traveled to Georgia from Colorado.  I hadn't updated the maps since I bought the unit about 5 years ago.  That's not a problem locally, where I know the roads and mainly use a GPS to avoid traffic jams.  But in Memphis my maps were missing a new interstate bypass, so my GPS routed me through a part of town I could have lived without seeing.  That is a problem with this technology.  Back in the era of paper maps, you did some homework before a day's ride through unfamiliar territory.  A GPS can lull you into complacency.

[carolinarider09]

I use and have used Garmin GPS devices since 2005 or so, I forget.  I first used a Magellan device (which I still have but don't use) and then got a Garmin 6820 (I think that is the number) and then, because of issues, I had it exchanged by Garmin for a Garmin Zumo 550

I still have Zumo 550 but have since upgraded to a Garmin 665.  

While phones are nice (I guess) I still like the Garmin devices.  The 660 series has served me well and yes I cheat in doing routes.

I have BaseCamp on my MacBook but I have not found it "easy" to use.  Before BaseCamp became the norm for Garmin devices, I used Microsoft Trips and Streets and I still do. I just have to fake out the computer.

I had a couple of software programs I liked that only ran on Microsoft operating systems so I run a program called VMware Fusion on my MacBook so I can run my old Windows 7 program and Microsoft Streets and Trips 2013.  Yes the maps are old but all i need is a way to get he GPX data to my GPS and the GPS re-draws the maps. And the Streets and Trips program is very easy to use to build routes.  Just click on a point on the screen and it goes into the route.  Want to full a road, put more points on that route.   

There are occasions where I get a point off because a two lane is now a four land but its easy to handle or something similar, but.... it works and I can follow the route I want.  

Since the GPS is in the motorcycle cradle it is interfaced to the bike's audio system (which in my case is listening only on the Valk )  

Someday I may have to start using BaseCamp for real to do routes but as long as I can create GPX files on my computer and upload to the GPS I am set.  

[Jess from VA]

I never learned to do any of this.

I got an old little Garmin with one of my bikes in '07, but it's still in a box in the basement.  And I never plugged it in, so I don't know what it knows.  (Free to a good home for shipping)

I go on line and use maps to chart a route with roads, distances and way points, and write it on a small piece of paper (in my own short code) to consult from time to time.  Consulting underway has seen the piece of paper depart from the glove never to be seen again.  There's a little pocket in my tank bib flap covered with clear plastic where the paper will fit, but looking down too long can be deleterious to my well being.

Sometimes I think I'd like to try one out, but other times I think the last thing I want is some voice in my ear telling me what to do.  It would interfere with the other regular voices I'm used to.  

[carolinarider09]

Jess,

One of the first long trips I took on my 2001 Honda Shadow Touer was like that.  Had a paper map in one of the saddle bags.  It was interesting.  

One I got the Magellan, it was on a road trip (car not bike) to somewhere up north.  It would not do routes but it would show the map of where you were and how fast you were going.  

Headed south on the interstate, I think for Paducah, KY and my first InZane.  Image date says July 24, 2004. 

[F6Dave]

How do you guys using phone navigation deal with gloves? One nice thing about an automotive GPS is the screen responds fine if you're wearing gloves. And the onscreen buttons are larger than found on most phone apps.

[-mike-]

How do you guys using phone navigation deal with gloves? One nice thing about an automotive GPS is the screen responds fine if you're wearing gloves. And the onscreen buttons are larger than found on most phone apps.

Most of quality MC gloves have the index finger made to work with capacitive touchscreens nowadays.

[Serk]

How do you guys using phone navigation deal with gloves? One nice thing about an automotive GPS is the screen responds fine if you're wearing gloves. And the onscreen buttons are larger than found on most phone apps.

Many newer quality phones have a "glove mode" or "High Touch Sensitivity Mode" you can turn on for glove usage.....

https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/support/mobile-devices/is-it-possible-to-touch-the-device-while-wearing-gloves/

[hubcapsc]

GPS are fine if you are looking for the best route between point A and B, but it you want a MC route, you have to build it.  I have not been able to figure out how to convert a google map route to a .gpx file that I can load into my Garmin.  I have to make on google maps, then plot it in Base Camp, which is tedious and frustrating.  Once done, though, I can load into my Garmin and away we go.  Base Camp takes a bit of learning and getting use to, but once you know the pitfalls and work arounds, it's not too bad.

Check out mymaps.google.com... it is similar to google maps, a little clunkier,
but you can make "google map routes" there, download them as KML files
and convert those to GPX.

-Mike

[F6Dave]

Let me see if I have this right.  To use a phone for navigation I need overpriced motorcycle gloves, or a high end phone with a glove mode.  Then I need to disconnect and remove the phone every time I park and leave the bike to go into a store, restaurant, or bathroom.  I've used my phone for navigation in rental cars and it works well.  But on my motorcycles I like the simplicity of my Garmin setup.

[Serk]

Let me see if I have this right.  To use a phone for navigation I need overpriced motorcycle gloves, or a high end phone with a glove mode.  Then I need to disconnect and remove the phone every time I park and leave the bike to go into a store, restaurant, or bathroom.  I've used my phone for navigation in rental cars and it works well.  But on my motorcycles I like the simplicity of my Garmin setup.

To each their own, it's what makes the world interesting!

I use fingerless gloves most of the time by choice anyway, and being a geek tend to have a relatively high end phone. I've got a quick disconnect yet VERY secure RAM Mount that also has a high speed wireless charger built in, so the phone goes in or out in less than a second, everything's waterproof, no wires to fiddle with, etc...

[0leman]

I have (actually wife has used) used our phones to help in finding where we are going.   They work great in finding stores/restraints/motels/etc.  in strange places.

I have never used the phone maps while out on Valk.  Maybe it is because I have lived where I ride for over 10 years and know where most of the roads go with in 200 miles of house.  Or maybe it is because I do look up where I am going, what roads I want on paper and Google Maps. I do look up where I am going for the day most of the time, to make sure I remember where stops for gas are (they can be a bit far in-between).   Do like the Google Maps satellite feature to decide if the roads are paved or not.   It only let me down one time several years ago, which resulted in a 19 mile ride on gravel road (which I have identified as paved on Google).   Don't like gravel roads. 

[Icelander]

I just downloaded Calimoto to my android phone and really like the routes it's provided me.
https://calimoto.com/en

[Avanti]

I use Garmin BaseCamp. GPS, almost always is on line, (except in deep close walled canons) is free and can take you anywhere. I travel off the Slab.

[luftkoph]

I’ve been using a Kyocera duraforce pro I picked up on eBay for $40 it’s water proof,running OsmAnd+ mapping ,the phone is not on any network just using the internal gps,refresh rate is way faster than stand alone gps

[Hook#3287]

I use a $150 garmin drive.  It works well and I've found WAY more back roads, I never would have, w/o it.

Set it to shortest distance and your going down roads never traveled.

I like having my phone in my pocket.

[F6Dave]

Do like the Google Maps satellite feature to decide if the roads are paved or not.   It only let me down one time several years ago, which resulted in a 19 mile ride on gravel road (which I have identified as paved on Google).   Don't like gravel roads. 

With the satellite layer on, both Google and Bing maps superimpose a gray line over most roads, which can make it difficult to tell if they're paved or not.  Is there a way to turn that off?

On my PC I usually use Bing maps because it displays most of the state DOT traffic cams.  Some of the other info isn't as up to date as Google, but the camera feature gives a much better picture of the actual current conditions.

[hubcapsc]

Is there a way to turn that off?

Go to the stack of hamburgers in the upper left of google maps (when you
are in satellite mode) and you'll see "labels on" or "labels off", you can click it and
the gray line will be off...

-Mike

[Rettic]

I guess I am a little old school, not paper map old school, but I don't trust phone mounts much, and prefer a dedicated GPS.   I use an older TomTom Rider and It is easy to read in the sun, I can customize motorcycle rides, has lifetime map updates that are sent out 4 times a year.   I have the mount power adapter hardwired into each of my motorcycles so I can use it one which ever bike I am riding. 

I use this software called ITN Converter to plan routes and I can export them to what ever format I need.  If I am trying to find new fun routes I will turn on recording and it will save out the trip when I am done. 

[yrunvs]

Beeline Moto, here.

Has a simple phone app for planning routes, before you ever throw a leg over.
Map mode.

My favorite feature?
Compass mode, which generally tells which direction your destination is in, and lets ya use any road to get there. Regardless of how lost in the twisties you get, it will lead you there. Eventually.....love that.

Or just switch to Map mode with one button press, and go there by the most direct route...

It's barely bigger than a favorite pocket watch, mostly just gives you an arrow to follow and distance to next turn....did I mention 'simple'?

This devise is very intriguing I wish the dollar to pound exchange rate wasnt so horrible.

[pokrovsky]

I absolutely love my Garmin 595lm. Use all the time on all my bikes, perfect integration with everything, i.e. helmet, phone, radar detector, etc

[Fazer]

I have not been able to figure out how to convert a google map route to a .gpx file that I can load into my Garmin.

Give this site a whirl and see if it does what you need done:

https://mapstogpx.com/


[/quote]

Brian--many thanks.  I tried a quick route and it seems to work.  No more Base Camp for me.

[Buza]

I have old Tomtom Ride 5. It's years old but still does what's needed. I have mounts on both the bike and the car and prefer dedicated device instead of playing with my phone.

Longer trips I plan in advance with https://www.myrouteapp.com/en, then export the route and save it in GPS.

Recently I came across with site called https://kurviger.de/en. It's really good in generating curvy routes and you can even change how curvy route you want. Also there's a great feature for roundtrips: You just select the length of the ride (up to 300km), starting point, choose approximate direction you want to go and let the app generate the route 

Not sure why 300 km is the maximum roundtrip lenght. I'd prefer bigger maximum, something that would take whole day to drive like 700 km or so. I might send them a suggestion about this.

[-mike-]

...
Recently I came across with site called https://kurviger.de/en. It's really good in generating curvy routes and you can even change how curvy route you want. Also there's a great feature for roundtrips: You just select the length of the ride (up to 300km), starting point, choose approximate direction you want to go and let the app generate the route 

Not sure why 300 km is the maximum roundtrip lenght. I'd prefer bigger maximum, something that would take whole day to drive like 700 km or so. I might send them a suggestion about this.

User of Kurviger.de (pro version) here.
Although developed for Germany, you can install any open license maps for offline navigation and routing calculations.
Decent pre-ride Route planning and one of the most versatile import/export feature of all moto-navigations I've had my hands on. You basically can plan your trip with any navigation-software and put it to your mobile app.

The 300km limit for round trips is a bit short for me too, though. Not sure why the've chosen this limit - probably because most of the users just ride a crotch-rocket and can't go any longer than that without needing a chiropractic afterwards....


-mike-

[VanCityValkyrie]

I am using a Garmin Zumo 396 and have to say I am really impressed!

I am from Germany originally and moved to Canada and later got my bike imported. Since not knowing the roads here very well, I just started riding in any direction and after a couple of hours I asked the Garmin to guide me home. As navigation mode I choose "Motorcycle Adventurous Routing". This way the device will find routes with twists and hills instead of the more traveled route.

After a couple of months I joined some riding groups and pretty soon had some people who wanted to show me around the area... and guess what their favourite roads were!? The exact same ones the Garmin had already guided me through. 

Once used to the Basecamp computer program for it to prepare your routes, you're all set. Comes in handy to plan a multi day trip.

If I just want to go to one specific point, I use the Garmin Smart Link app on my phone, look for the address and send it over to the Garmin. If no reception is available on the phone, you can always use the Garmin itself and search for the address on the device directly.

I always have my phone in a pocket on my jacket. In case I should ever end up in the ditch, I want the phone close to me and not mounted on the bike several feet away from me.