[lesblank]

So you are heading out for a longer ride or into unfamiliar territory and need some assistance on finding the way. Do you use a GPS device? Do you use Google Maps? Do you use something else? Is so, what kind and why?

I use Google maps a lot. Gets me from point a to b quickly when in a hurry. I can set waypoints to make the ride enjoyable and avoid busy roads. No real draw backs to me.

Now if I'm riding familiar roads I use Waz. I like the road hazards and police alerts.

I stream whichever one I'm using via Bluetooth and very seldom look down at phone. One thing I've learned, any mapping app can run the battery down quickly, I have a phone charging holder that fixes that issue.

 

[Tinsnips]

I am typically on very familiar roads so don't use it. I did have a Garmin GPS mounted on my last bike. It was extremely useful when I went down to a ride in NY State. I didn't need it for directions as I was following a group but it was very handy to be able to zoom out and see what corners were ahead & how sharp they were.

If I really need directions usually it is the Garmin or Google Maps on my phone. My tank bag has a clear pocket on it for a phone screen.

For a mounting option - I will throw it out there that if you have a hollow steering stem a peice of 1/2" copper plumbing pipe is an almost perfect fit and it is relatively simple to add your choice of camrea or GPS mount to it.

 

[Boog]

Until Rex, I used a GPS unit mounted on the bars. Now, I have a wireless charger mounted to Rex's bar that holds my cell phone and i use the Google map application.

 

[lesblank]

Google maps running on a cell phone is really convenient.

 

[CarGuy]

If you need something to preplan lengthy trips and download to a gps I suggest Furkot.com. Warning: it has a steep learning curve 'cause it does so much. I've used it on most of my ld trips and it's almost flawless as long as you do it right, and set your gps up right. I can help if needed. Check it out, but the free version, while good, won't do much for you on truly ld trips. The paid version is $14/year.

 

[ironbuttbill]

I use two Garmin gps units, a ZumoXT and a GPSmap 478, and my phone as a backup. I plan the route(s) using Garmin Basecamp then upload them to the units. This is backed up with Google Maps to verify critical locations (such as gas stations in the middle of nowhere). Spoken directions are directed to a Sena SMH10. Each unit does a slightly different function. The ZumoXT does the main routing. The GPSmap 478 keeps statistics also. Trip meter, average speed, and odometer.

I pack a small laptop to help make adjustments to the route(s) overnight if needed. The laptop has a complete map of North America installed. Also the gps units have the same maps.

I have a philosophy to make my system as independent as possible of the internet so that if I do not have a connection I can still do routing. Don’t get me wrong, I do use Waze and Google Maps too when necessary. I just want the ability to go it offline too.

 

[lesblank]

My favorite ride mapping app is:

Relive | Run, Ride, Hike & more

Track and share your outdoor activities in an easy and beautiful way with the Relive mobile app. Get out there.

www.relive.cc

It runs in the background and captures your route, elevation and speed. You can add photos taken while app is running in the background. It has IOS and Android versions. Here's an example of ride with @CarGuy.

Relive '10/29/2022 ride'

View my motorcycle ride: 10/29/2022 ride

www.relive.cc

I have a Wind Therapy page set up so my friends can easily post their rides there.

Hey! Come join me in this community on Relive. Let's go! Relive | Run, Ride, Hike & more

It's a cool and easy app that runs along side of any other apps you have running. Try it out and see if you like it.

 

[GARider]

Thanks Les. Just joined.

 

[pdcomm]

I have a look at the route on Google maps before I leave , if I'm unclear ...
Never used GPS and very seldom have to have another look at Google while on the road .

 

[Tinsnips]

I did use Rever a couple times but haven't spent much time with it. This coming year I may. It was good but I didn;t get far into all the features. Has anoynone else used it?

REVER | Motorcycle Trip Planner, GPS Route Tracking App & Riding Maps

Download the REVER app today! Plan out your next motorcycle or snowmobile trip, discover new routes, track your rides & connect with riders around the world.

www.rever.co

 

[GARider]

@Tinsnips i have used this app and sometimes still do. I never bought the subscription but I like how they handle the rides. If I remember correctly you can select one of the rides that you have saved/they save and navigate that ride.
Also I think you can do the same from others.
Also in the app you get suggestions for other rides that you can select and ride.
I just like Relive and the ride route overview they offer in the free app. REVER you need to pay for that option.
But again unless they changed things since I last used it.
I will start again now that I have the bike back.

 

[Tinsnips]

@Tinsnips i have used this app and sometimes still do. I never bought the subscription but I like how they handle the rides. If I remember correctly you can select one of the rides that you have saved/they save and navigate that ride.
Also I think you can do the same from others.
Also in the app you get suggestions for other rides that you can select and ride.
I just like Relive and the ride route overview they offer in the free app. REVER you need to pay for that option.
But again unless they changed things since I last used it.
I will start again now that I have the bike back.

I just got it when I put this bike on the road and I haven't installed a mount for the phone. I just turned it on to track my route and tossed the phone in my pocket. I will get into the other features once I have a mount. There is honestly no real "routes" around here, everything is straight. For me it is more of logging where I ended up going. I will admit - I choose my route by looking at the licence plate of an oncimming car - Odd number and you turn left, even number you turn right. I never really know where I am going to end up.

 

[GARider]

I like it. You may end up in GA you keep that up. hehe.

 

[pdcomm]

Odd number and you turn left, even number you turn right. I never really know where I am going to end up.

Heck , I don't even go through that much trouble .
Some days it's the first left or right and then the second opposite , etc ...
Some days it doesn't matter a single lick .

 

[ironbuttbill]

Wherever you go remember that two wrongs don’t make a right, but three lefts do. 😁

 

[CarGuy]

It's common knowledge that you can never get lost on a motorcycle. It's called "exploring"!

 

[lesblank]

Just got a notice from Relive that I've tracked over 500 hours of riding.

I know @AlanRides and @GARider use the app a lot. How many hours have y'all recorded?

Mileage is getting up there.

 

[AlanRides]

I've got 57 activities recorded (but I think 2 or 3 may be walks), 324 hours, 14856.2 miles (that 0.2 is important.....). I know I have forgotten to turn it on or messed it up several times for my wanders around this corner of the state, especially after first installing it, hard say how many hours and miles it may have been. But as is often said, it didn't happen if you don't have pictures!

 

[ndncowboy]

I've found that some phone GPS or map apps are much better that my real GPS when it comes to directions of travel. My real GPS has sent me down one way streets even.

 

[GWdan]

OK, for my tracking and route design, I've been using the app Scenic for the last 3-4 riding seasons. Have a look at their webpage Scenic Motorcycle Navigation: The #1 App for Adventure Riders - Scenic as you would get a better idea of its utility and benefits better than my description, but I would offer that driving it is very intuitive. I have been a field tester (one of many) for them. The app authors are also riders and offer their thoughts and riding experiences in a monthly newsletter. Word of caution: the current release is only supported on Apple iOS, but Android is coming in a future release - if you want, you can sign up to be on a waiting list for its release.

For third party tracking and location, I just started using app "spotwalla" which was proscribed by the group running the next scavenger hunt Amazing Challenge 2023. I also just started using a Garmin InReach SE+ for reporting position and SOS purposes, with my iPhone loaded with the same app to be used as backup. Anyone else using a Garmin unit like this one? I'm just learning how to drive it and any tips/experiences the forum has to share are appreciated.