GPS Motorcycle

Before you get one, you’ll think “What’s the point?”, but after you get one, you’ll never want to go without one again.

When considering the purchase of a GPS system for a motorbike, it is the route planning and strict following of it’s navigation commands which most people will think about.

Less Freedom?

Unfortunately, this often goes against the freedom of a ride out into the distance on a sunny day with only the gruff roar of your shiny hog and the whistling of the wind… Sorry, got a little carried away there.

Of course, having an electronic voice shouting out directions every couple of minutes is not anyone’s idea of freedom. But, it doesn’t have to be this way.

One of the benefits of owning a GPS system is that you don’t have to keep to the well-beaten track or the road you usually chose. You can take virtually any road you fancy and be comforted by the fact that you are able to find your way back to civilisation quickly and easily at the touch of a button.

More Freedom!

In my eyes this means even more freedom than a usual motorbike journey. Plus, provided you keep the device hidden away in a bag, no-one need ever know that you are so well prepared for the possibility of getting lost.

When I take my motorbike out for a spin I love to take my GPS system with me. Even if I don’t use it all the time, it ensures that I can always find my way back from where I go.

There are several different ways I use it, depending on how I feel.

The ‘getting myself lost’ method

With this method I choose an area to head towards, usually somewhere I haven’t been before or for a long while. I ride in that direction and take any routes which take my fancy. I love the freedom I feel, knowing that no matter how far into the countryside I get, I can always turn on the GPS and get myself home whenever I please.

The only drawback to this method is not knowing if there will be a place for a drink and a bite to eat at the place I end up.

The ‘3 point’ method

For years I would ride my bike to a place I fancied visiting, then simply ride back with only a small variation in the return journey. This would probably be known as a 2 point journey.

If I increase the number of places on my route however, I end up taking a series of roads which I almost never travel along. This adds a lot of enjoyment to my trips and can be great when the journey becomes 3, 4 or even 4 points.

Using my GPS I usually add the route once I reach my first destination. I then programme that I want to return home via the remaining points.

The ‘unprogrammed’ method

By not adding a route to my GPS it acts as more of a compass than a strict navigation tool. This means that I can head in a chosen direction for many miles, knowing that I am getting much further and further away from home.

An excellent reason to use this method is by varying the direction chosen, North West one day, South West another, I have gotten to see many small places which I would never have chosen to visit intentionally.

All in all, my GPS system is invaluable to me, I would not attempt a long motorbike ride without one. However, the method I use to plan my route will vary every time. Feel free to comment if you decide to try out any of my methods and let me know what you find.

When purchasing a GPS system for your motorcycle there are lots of details to consider. It is often best to figure out what is more important for your riding habits before you speak to a salesperson. That way you know what are the key requirements before you are ’sold’ on a feature which may not affect your riding habits.

Maps

By default, most GPS’s have a very limited number built-in. This is fin if you use your bike in  this country, but if you are planning to travel abroad then having extra maps loaded is something that is going to be critical. Leaving the purchase of new maps to the day before you leave is all very well, but what happens if there is a technical problem with the installation? Probably best to get it over with when the system is bought.

Must fit on your bike

It is in a manufacturer’s interest to make sure that their system fits onto as many types of motorbike as possible. However there is a wide range of bike shapes and their is no guarantee that a device will definitely fit to your make and model. Ask first or check online to see if anyone else has struggled attaching the system to their bike.

Blue tooth Capabilities

Do you want to be able to answer phone calls on your bike? Will you want to listen to music sent via your mobile phone? If so then blue tooth is currently the best way to do it. Blue tooth connects your earphones to your mobile, but beware, you must keep your volume down or you can sometimes find it hard to hear the noise of the road which could lead to being less safe.

Anti-glare screen

In my opinion, an anti-glare screen is essential for a motorbike GPS. Having compared my system to riders who have attached devices meant for cars there is no comparison. The shiny screen of the car based device is far too reflective and would, I am sure, prove too difficult to use in the long term.

Glove friendly controls

Everyone wears gloves to ride in, therefore everyone requires a GPS which has nice fat buttons to press. No question about it. If your salesperson advises you that the small buttons on his unit are OK once you get used to them, don’t believe him! Find a system which can be pressed easily by some wide gloved digits!

Mounting kit

3rd party professional mounting kits are available and are often better than the ones supplied with your system. Be sure to check them out.

Deluxe bag

Although there is currently a shortage of GPS specific bags, digital camera bags are often perfect in size and fit the bill.

Extra Maps

Find your way around Europe and beyond with maps of the continent. France, Italy and the Czech Republic are particularly popular with motorbike riders.

Hands free Kit

The hands free kit which is packaged with your GPS may well not be up to task. Ensure that you have one which is good enough by checking all of the options available.

Safety Camera Maps

Being caught by a speed camera is on everyone’s list of most annoying parts of driving. Avoid the hassle with safety camera location maps.