GPS Unit Vs. Cell Phone Navigation

[indadman]

Does anyone have an opinion on whether I need to invest in a GPS unit or just mount my cell phone and use WAZE for long trips?

[billsim]

For occasional trips I would simply use the phone an save cash. If you plan on a lot of trips to unfamiliar areas, a dedicated GPS would be worthwhile.
I reused an older GPS to fit the bike with a mount to see if it was any better than my phone. It wasn't.
If you have a low limit on your phone data plan, then the GPS would be a better choice.

[indadman]

For occasional trips I would simply use the phone an save cash. If you plan on a lot of trips to unfamiliar areas, a dedicated GPS would be worthwhile.
I reused an older GPS to fit the bike with a mount to see if it was any better than my phone. It wasn't.
If you have a low limit on your phone data plan, then the GPS would be a better choice.


Very thorough answer. Thanks a bunch!

[SeaSteve]

Actually the amount of data a smartphone mapping app uses is relatively low and the GPS "data" is free. I wouldn't think it's a issue unless you have a REALLY low data limit plan on your phone.

IMO, the main difference is map availability. If your using a smartphone and your far from cell towers and off network you cannot download map data where the GPS has ALL the map data (from the latest update) on the device all the time. You can re-route with a dedicated GPS if you need to detour or you get lost AND your off network with your phone.

[indadman]

Actually the amount of data a smartphone mapping app uses is relatively low and the GPS "data" is free. I wouldn't think it's a issue unless you have a REALLY low data limit plan on your phone.

IMO, the main difference is map availability. If your using a smartphone and your far from cell towers and off network you cannot download map data where the GPS has ALL the map data (from the latest update) on the device all the time. You can re-route with a dedicated GPS if you need to detour or you get lost AND your off network with your phone.

SeaSteve,

I live in Dallas and ride in the Hill Country a great deal. Where do you live...perhaps we could ride together at some point.

[2wheelsforme]

Voiced directions from someone, a hand drawn map from someone, a purchased paper map, a cell phone, an older plain GPS, a newer motorcycle GPS. Each one will get you to a location and each one is better, does more and cost more. Choose your level you need. I build routes for several days in advance often and a Zumo is a requirement for me.

[F6Dave]

Some map apps let you download entire state maps to a phone's storage so complete maps are always displayed even if there is no coverage at all. I don't use Waze but it may do that.

Personally I like having a dedicated GPS. They work with gloves and you can leave them mounted on the bike most of the time.

With a dedicated GPS you should update the maps every now and then. My 5 year old Garmin took me through a lousy part of Memphis last month because the original maps didn't show either I-22 or I-240.

[rdbonds]

For what it's worth, Google Maps can pre-download the area you'll be in while on wifi, so even when away from cell towers it'll work seamlessly. You can do it manually, but also if your login notices that you have reservations (hotel, flight, etc), it'll actually RECOMMEND downloading the area map for where you are headed proactively. :)

I do have an old Garmin in the saddlebag of my Wing, and the Garmin Motorrad Navigator that came on my BMW R1200GSA, but on both I use the phone as a GPS near 100% of the time. Did a ~1000 mile trip last week and never missed a beat even with no signal for extended periods. YMMV.

[OlyF6B]

For years, I've used a RAM mount system to use an automotive GPS unit. I recently started using the Beeline product (https://us.beeline.co/pages/beeline-moto); comparing its "following the arrow" method of guidance to the map guidance method of a traditional GPS unit. Unfortunately, the weather has turned here in the PNW.. so not too many chances to field test it fully. Will update the Forum at some point in the future....

Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxGap3BrTFk)

[Coondawg07]

I had the newest, largest Zumo on my previous FJR. I sold it with the bike. I find that the iPhone maps app works plenty well enough for me.

[SeaSteve]

For what it's worth, Google Maps can pre-download the area you'll be in while on wifi, so even when away from cell towers it'll work seamlessly. You can do it manually, but also if your login notices that you have reservations (hotel, flight, etc), it'll actually RECOMMEND downloading the area map for where you are headed proactively. :)

Yes, the smartphone apps like Google Maps are getting better at downloading data ahead of time but, if you need to detour, you may not get the smaller road detail you'd already have with a dedicated GPS device.

Personally I'm using Google Maps on my Android and find it works well enough. I also use a Beeline (https://us.beeline.co/pages/beeline-moto) which is a round 1.5" diameter route indicator device that mounts to your dash or handle bars. It Bluetooths to my phone which is safety tucked away in the left storage bin. The screen works GREAT in full sun and gives just enough info at safe quick glance to navigate your per-set route.

[tenxxx]

You can’t beet Waze on the highway.
You get more real time info than gps.

[TheWalrus]

I use the Zumo 396. It's weather proof (at least much more resistant)

I tend to be in the rain a lot and would have to weatherproof my phone or get one of the newest greatest that's already waterproof.

For those that use your cell phone, what affect if any are you seeing in your battery? I think they are designed to be charged, unplugged and used vs run continuously on the charger?

[billsim]

I use the Zumo 396. It's weather proof (at least much more resistant)

I tend to be in the rain a lot and would have to weatherproof my phone or get one of the newest greatest that's already waterproof.

For those that use your cell phone, what affect if any are you seeing in your battery? I think they are designed to be charged, unplugged and used vs run continuously on the charger?

I have a power outlet in the cubby so I run can run the power cord to phone on my Ram mount. Also used WAZE for up to the minute traffic info.

[seventwenty]

For years, I've used a RAM mount system to use an automotive GPS unit. I recently started using the Beeline product (https://us.beeline.co/pages/beeline-moto); comparing its "following the arrow" method of guidance to the map guidance method of a traditional GPS unit. Unfortunately, the weather has turned here in the PNW.. so not too many chances to field test it fully. Will update the Forum at some point in the future....

Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxGap3BrTFk)


I'd be interested if the reviews were better. Sounds like there aren't any choices when it plots the route, fastest/shortest etc. Let us know how it works, I could be swayed.

[Brasco]

For those who have the Beeline (OlyF6B and SeaSteve), I'd be interested to know where you mounted the device. Looks like a great option for those preferring a minimalist approach to getting from A to B.

[SeaSteve]

I mounted my Beeline on the left side of the dash "shelf" using the stick on mount in the picture below. It sit's below the Instrument panel and to the left of the Radio digital screen.
6975

Imagine the bottom disk stuck to the "shelf" and the arm turned down so the Beeline disk is hanging vertically. I put it on the left side since my left hand is free more often to hit buttons. Could go on the right side.

[TheWalrus]

Thanks billsim.

Have you noticed if your phone doesn't hold a charge as long when not plugged in? I know the phone people say the new lithium-ion batteries aren't supposed to be a fickle as the old ni-cad, but I've been distrustful of that. I tend to keep my phones for years vs upgrading like my kids do every year...

[rdbonds]

You can’t beet Waze on the highway.
You get more real time info than gps.

Yes. Used Waze a few days ago running from my place to Memphis. The "Police Activity Ahead" indicator came in very handy.

[billsim]

Thanks billsim.

Have you noticed if your phone doesn't hold a charge as long when not plugged in? I know the phone people say the new lithium-ion batteries aren't supposed to be a fickle as the old ni-cad, but I've been distrustful of that. I tend to keep my phones for years vs upgrading like my kids do every year...

I just upgraded from an Iphone 6S to the Iphone XR due to battery life. Battery life is way better but if I am using WAZE, I am leaving the phone on the charge cable.

[Verismo]

I got my first GPS this year, a Garmin 396, and I love it. Rugged, really excellent mount with a clever magnetic charging cable so it clicks in or out very easily into its dock and stays powered, and I haven't lost the GPS signal out in the boonies, yet. Garmin adventurous routing is awesome and has shown me some really beautiful roads I hadn't been on, before. It did, however, land me on private property once. It connects to phone via bluetooth and will display notifications and also real time traffic through Garmin's app, and I can verify this feature works like a charm. It recently saved me from a real doozy of a jam on the interstate. I've also exported some of my trips for later viewing. The ability to really easily change route preferences, add categories, like "Coffee" to the homescreen, and the fact that's it's made for gloved operation are all nice plusses. The one minus is that it's a little fussy with how it likes to be charged when off the bike, and I've read that this is a known issue. However, even with that, I really love it.

Jason

[SeaSteve]

As requested, here's a picture of how and where I mounted my Beeline to the F6B dash.

7002

[perohijo]

I took a trip from WV to the west coast using only secondary, and kind of middle of nowere roads through Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, and many states like Montana where you would have signal using my iPhone with no problems at all. It took me a month and a half. That said, I believe the least amount of hardware you have to install or connect on your bike, the better, just my humble opinion. I thing is only worth it for hardware that is a must and give you no other options. With the GPS you have to use more hardware to mount it, connect it and on top of that keep it updated. I don't even use a cradle for my phone but instead a magnetic mounting installed with the existing screws on the handlebar, and it works exactly as expected and I can move my phone sideway for google maps. That gives me all the flexibility I need.

[Brasco]

As requested, here's a picture of how and where I mounted my Beeline to the F6B dash.

7002

Thanks for the photo . . . super helpful.

[pdxstriper]

I have both my iPhone and a Garmin mounted on the handlebars. Details:

1) It's good to have both. I have Sena in my helmet and the iPhone is great for music as well as in-town directions. It gets a little wonky when it loses Internet, but the Garmin always has the maps.

2) I wired in power to each device. Never run outta power on a trip. When I arrive at my destination my iPhone is fully charged. Damn nice!

3) I researched the 'motorcycle-specific' Garmin units and found the most significant features that made them motorcycle specific are a brighter display, weather proofing, and bluetooth input. Oh and a significantly higher price. So I opted to gamble and purchased a nice model 2597 for $128 on Amazon, figuring the worst that could happen would be that it die in some rainstorm. Well I ride in the pacific northwest so its seen a lot of rainstorms and it still works fine. Saved $300 or so there.

Anyway, my $0.02 worth.

Pete