When I went on my first cross-country motorcycle trip 30 years ago, we packed the basics: tents and sleeping bags, a change of clothes, maps, and a couple of blocks. The motorcycle had a gas tank, speedometer and saddlebags. We left! Horseback riding can be so simple nowadays, but it usually isn’t. At least every runner today would have a cell phone and there’s a good chance there are a couple of mp3 players. And of course a digital camera and maybe the blackberry….and the technology doesn’t stop there. How about a GPS made especially for a motorcycle?
Maybe you’ve had a GPS navigation unit in your car for a while and are wondering if there’s such a device designed for the bike. If so, you’re in luck because there are several models on the market. The question is what do you need to know to shop wisely and make the best decision on such a unit?
Some of the features of motorcycle navigation units to consider are the same as you would consider for a car unit. How long does it take for the satellite signal to find and redirect the routes? Are map updates free and if so for how long? Will I have to pay for them eventually and how much? And on the subject of updates, what about the unit’s software? Are the updates downloadable and free? Other general questions to investigate are the type of mounting hardware, the extent of POI databases (POIs such as motels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs) (and whether they are customizable), whether there is a battery so that the unit can be detached and used portable for hiking, geocaching and trip scheduling? Does the unit use “Text to Speak” technology, which means it says “turn left on Washington Street” or “turn left on the next street”? Speaking of technology, find out what kind of technical support is offered with the brand of your choice and this includes online support, FAQs, and forums. Please note that there are several chat groups/users related to specific brands that you may want to investigate.
In addition to the general features, there are some that are more specific to motorcycle use. Is the unit waterproof and how UV resistant is it? What will the visibility be like in the sun? How durable is the unit and can it function properly when subjected to constant vibration? If you wear gloves when you drive, be sure to check how well the unit can be handled with the gloves on your hand. Is an anti-theft device included? And last but not least, there is a feature on many units today that I wish I had on my rides a long time ago: Gas Level Gauge!
There are other interesting technical features available in motorcycle GPS navigation units that are not directly related to the navigation process, but are extras that can be quite useful for some. Satellite radio subscriptions can provide special weather and traffic information, but note that you may need a special antenna for this. Bluetooth-enabled helmets and headsets provide a means to answer and make phone calls and listen to voice prompts from the navigation system, all of which can be synced to your navigation unit. Many units have SD card slots for adding images and mp3 files from your computer.
Last but not least, optional/not really necessary features are trip tracking, which allows you to save, download and share your route with friends via Google Earth. For sheer delight, there are voice options and custom colored covers and wraps to personalize your device.
After reading this article, I think you’ll be well equipped to start looking for a motorcycle GPS navigation unit that’s right for you. Just like when you choose a cell phone or digital camera, there will be many features available that you may never use, some where one unit excels while another unit is weak. The challenge in choosing the best model is to prioritize your needs and find the model that best suits the requirements you want the most. Once you’ve met your priorities, you can enjoy the extra features that work and ignore the ones that are inferior. Good luck!
