Motorcyclists love technology! The fact is, when it comes to riding motorcycles, technology has nothing to do with enhancing the riding experience but much more practical uses.
The three main reasons why bikers have embraced GPS technology like nerdy sailors falling for an exotic drink-slinging bar maid are, to display maps and directions, to track a ride and most importantly to track their performance.
And for this very reason, GPS technology is now an integral part of riding motorcycles.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| TomTom Rider 550 Motorcycle GPS Navigation Device | Best Overall |  |
| Garmin Zumo 595LM | Budget Pick |  |
1. TomTom Rider 550 Motorcycle GPS Navigation Device
Pros:
- Highly accurate
- GPS connects both on bike automatically and draws the data from your phone
- HD resolutions display
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Standard motorcycle mount allows easy installation and removal of GPS
- Rechargeable battery and free traffic sounds inexhaustible
Road Alerts, 3D Maps, Internal GPS, Bluetooth, FREE Lifetime Maps & Traffic.
2. Garmin Zumo 595LM
Pros:
- Lifetime map updates
- 5 in. display
Cons:
- Somewhat difficult to use
- Doesn’t give you direct voice commands
Garmin’s Zumo 595LM does a good job of accommodating the needs of many different types of motorcyclists. It features voice activation, microSD card slot for downloading maps onto an SD card, high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS receivers, an altimeter, a fuel-range indicator, a built-in 4-hour weather forecast feature, an electronic compass, and a trip planner that calculates time, speed, and distance based on real-time traffic conditions and average fuel economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best GPS for a motorcycle?
Motorcycle GPS systems are designed to attach to your handlebar or a mirror mount. The GPS receiver goes on your handlebars and connects to a bike mount GPS, which can be mounted to the handlebar or on your motorcycle helmet.
You can also find motorcycle navigation systems which use a VIASAT satellite connection to guide you. These have a smaller display, no verbal directions, and no traffic/weather features, but they do have the cool advantage of not draining your battery.
Another great choice for the motorcycle GPS will be the slightly more advanced GPS systems that use bluetooth technology, which are able to give you voice turn-by-turn directions and speak street names.
Before you buy, make sure to check that the motorcycle GPS you pick out features an unobstructed satellite view. Many other manufacturers are using GPS assist technologies (i.e., assisted GPS or A-GPS), which requires a cell signal or online connection to see where you are.
What is a good budget Motorcycle GPS?
The first thing you should consider when shopping for a motorcycle GPS is how and where you intend to use it. Your GPS will likely be mounted on your handlebars, so your first step should be to determine the bike GPS mount that’s right for you. Some mounts are available from the manufacturer, while others must be purchased from third-party providers. Make sure that the motorcycle GPS mount you choose is compatible with your particular GPS device.
The best types of motorcycle GPS deal are hard cases, which have a hard outer layer that can be removed to access the GPS device itself. This is probably the safest way to carry your GPS device without losing it or damaging it. Some compact GPS devices are able to slide directly into your pocket, but the bigger your GPS system is, the more likely it is for you to forget about it. For this reason, a GPS pouch might be the right option for you.
What is the best GPS for adventure riding?
With GPS, you don't have to worry much about getting lost or straying from your intended path. You can literally download the route onto your GPS and follow it as you go.
The best GPS is the one that provides the most accurate route in an intuitive format that's easy to follow. Most high-quality GPS devices also enable you to save your favorite locations, recommended routes, and points of interest. You can also save your ride and race against yourself to see if you went faster or slower on a familiar course.
Some GPS devices can provide real-time data on your ride such as speed, distance, and elevation, which can be helpful for your training.
It's a good idea to have a GPS for your motorcycle because technology really is on your side when it comes to help women with directions. GPS is the best headlight!
What is the best GPS for dual sport motorcycle?
Yamaha FJR1300. It is a bike with stable speed even when open-mouthed and you can enjoy the beauty of the scenery with no pain. It is a bike that is easy to turn and has a characteristic of accurate cooperation when hitting a curve.
Conclusion
Motorcycle riders often have different priorities for GPS. Some riders may be more concerned with a detailed street level mapping of a certain city. Some are more concerned with the quickest route from point A to point B. Some would want multi-modal guidance like this dual motorcycle GPS. We have broken down all the choices in the best motorcycle GPS of 2016 so you can easily find the options that work best for you.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| TomTom Rider 550 Motorcycle GPS Navigation Device | Best Overall | |
| Garmin Zumo 595LM | Budget Pick | |