GPS Device or Smartphone for Motorcycle Travel?

GPS or Smartphone, which is the best way to navigate your trips?

This will be the topic of the video, so if you have nothing to do, grab your favorite drink and stay with me!

Now, let me first tell you what is the difference between real motorcycle GPS devices, like Garmin Zumo or other brands, and GPS made for cars. In fact, I used one of these car GPS for many years.

They are cheaper and got more options in terms of size, brands, and models, but they have one big minus they are not designed for motorcycles. This basically means that they are not water, shock, and dustproof. With a few words, they won't last long. Of course, this depends on your riding style, how often, and in what weather or road conditions, but I hope that you got the idea!

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[soulrebelno]

One benefit of having a dedicated GPS unit, or a second mobile/cell phone, is the safety aspect. Imagine if you come off your bike, you're injured, you can't move, you're alone, and no one knows you're there. The only way you can contact the emergency services is by using your mobile/cell phone, but it's on the bike and you can't reach it! A horrible situation to be in, but it could happen. Always have a mobile/cell phone on you when riding alone, so you can contact someone in an emergency, because one day you might need it, and it might just save your life.

[BGP_]

" If you have nothing to do grab your favorite drink and stay with me don't know why this feels so relaxing and probably the best intro I've ever heard.

[jimpettitt]

I'm in Australia 🇦🇺 and really like you no B.S no nonsense personality you must obviously have. I respect your informed information, not going on about brands I really appreciate how you put your in front of the camera and be Pavlin. The person you are well done thanks for good videos from Jim onya mate 👍

[HRAZZI]

I remember the 80's... people used to point at a direction with their hand and say 'over there' 🤣

[tomaskral]

Hey Pavlin! Thanks a lot for this episode that will surely help "dinosaurs" like me out there! You've answered all my questions. Thanks again! Greetings from the Czech Republic! Tomas👍

[koam]

I tryed many options, at least i come to following set up: My old Smartphone HUAWEI mate 20 Pro with TomTom and Google Map only for navigation. The phone is waterproof and attached permanently on the Bike, it is also plugged all the time with it's own cable. So far no problems with vibrations. No Sim card inside, if needed, I use my normal smartphone as a Hotspot. I have a single cable going into my Tankbag charging my Powerbank during riding. So far, this setup works fine for me... one plus is the fact, that it connects easily to my Cardo-System by Bluetooth, i can hear the navigation-command as well Musik in my Helmet.
Keep on your nice content and style of videos!

[meinekleineweltreise]

After 25.000km with my 2020 AfricaTwin this year, for me the perfect combination is Android Auto / CarPlay of my AT combined with a cheap ruggedly ulefone armor cellphone. Never used my Garmin xt again since I started my journey. Usually use Google maps for tarmac and Locus for off-road. I just love this combo!

[juanms]

For medium / long distance travels, my suggestion is to have both. They provide different information, and you always have a backup. It's even more important when you are crossing frontiers, if you are unable to connect to internet and you dont have the chance to download offline navigation. Also, the phone fails quite a lot, as you pointed out, when you are above 35ºc or in minus degrees, they tend to shut off, the ruggerized gps worth every penny on this matter. Also many people underestimate the gradual damage electronics takes with vibration. The problem with Garmin gps (i have a 4 years old zumo xt) is that you need to connect it to a PC for updates, or to manage tracks, and you need basecamp to do so (very very annoying, i dont know if this happen to tom tom users). If you dont have a backup, just dust off one of those old phones abandoned on your wardrove, and keep it as backup on your luggage. Very nice video ;)

[DayumSonny]

I use an old smartphone with the battery removed. A few wiring connections allowed me to connect it directly to my CBR 250R.
If I want to access maps with the internet, I turn on the Wi-Fi and turn my current smartphone's hotspot on and usually download the maps. It's helped tremendously and because there's no battery, there's no overheating issues for the most part.
Using this trick for the past 5 years with no issues.

[oBananaphoneo]

I prefer using my phone for navigation, like you said - the possibilities are pretty much unlimited.
OsMand is my favourite App for offroad and TET navigation. Google Maps is my favourite for simple and fast road navigation.

But on longer trips I do always carry a good old papaer map and compass, just in case 😉

[whitedrguy]

The great thing about being old is I learned to navigate pre GPS or internet and computers, only paper maps, and strangely it has never been a major issue.

9 years ago when I went over to the UK and Romania I bought a hand held hiking GPS I carried in my pocket, it helped me navigate the cities but was basically there to let me know where I was rather than show me how to get somewhere, trying to get out of London was a nightmare but I did succeed..

Now I do the same thing with a phone and offline maps, it still only lets me know where I am and I guess the rest.

If you traveled pre SatNav it is no different now, a SatNav or GPS is not essential, nor even a Smartphone, but they are convenient at times.

Don’t want to sound like an old dinosaur but I did learn mathematics before calculators and writing before spell check, so navigating without a GPS is not that difficult. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[skiphalbakken]

Great video Palvin. I recently installed a Zumo XT on my T7. It’s nice not to have to use my phone and I don’t have to be concerned about weather or vibration.

[muppets_inc]

For proper off-roading I have been using Gaia GPS. It was primarily made for hiking and overlanding, however I've found it great for the motorbike. Works on all platforms and has a web interface as well - so you can make routes on your big home PC and they automatically sync to your mobile devices.

[Dedalus]

Hi Pavlin, my experience has been positive with my old galaxy s10e and a 20 euro qi wireless charge I bought on ebay. Waterproof, no wires, charger connected to the battery. I've travelled around west africa and europe with no issues whatsoever.

[BoTour]

I’ve used a TomTom car gps in a waterproof case for many years. It still works today and it has lifetime updates for worldmaps, it even has gpx and twisty routes. This year I started using an old Samsung s8, again with TomTom software for routing or Google maps when I’m looking for something specific like an ATM. I mounted it above the dash and charge it with a wireless charger, so no cable or connector issues. I keep my regular phone in the pocket of my motorcycle jacket.
I like the phone solution more, because it is more versatile and compact.

[martinpahl]

Hi Pavlin, for Garmin car GPS you need an OTG ( = on the go) usb cable or adapter. OTG is a specific usb cable connection. You can then connect to a normal usb power supply and it will be recognised as a power supply by the GPS. Works for me on two motorcycles.

[iangrimshaw]

Hi Pavlin. Nothing to do with navigation but love the 'old school' glass jars with metal lids screwed to underside of workshop shelves for small parts storage. Respect from UK!

[teneretraveller]

Very comprehensive.
For me I do my planning on maps, mark route, and transfer the route to a program I can save and store in my gps, backed up on my phone.
But often I see something off route I want to follow, and then just follow my nose.
Whatever works.
Happy travels 👍
Good one 👍

[llama]

Great video, really useful. I personally use a second phone as the vibration of a motorcycle can kill your camera so my main phone stays safely in my pocket.

I am loving the new studio too, the videos look great!

[janikrombach]

I travelled the TET for four months and only used my phone (Samsung Galaxy S20) to navigate. It’s really versatile especially for off-road use. I used LocusMaps Pro, the best navigation app in my opinion. It costs about 10€ but it’s worth it’s money. Maps cost under a euro per country and you can download lots of different maps. I only used the ones from LocusMaps itself. They are extremely detailed. There are a lot of good videos about LoMaps on YouTube.
For roads or city’s I use Google Maps.

The only downside to the phone is, it overheats quickly so it turns down the brightness of the screen so you can’t see very well. And the worst thing, if you ride off road it will destroy your camera if you have mechanical zoom or stabilisation. This is the main reason I’m switching to a real gps this year.