The Best Routing Tools? | Here is What I Use

The Best Routing Tools? | Here is What I Use
Spring is starting to get warmer up here in the Northeast and I have been able to get out a few times on the bike. In this video I have taken some footage of my first two rides, showing my viewers what it is like to ride in the suburbs of Boston.
Along with my first ride, we are going to continue our discussion on route planning. This time talking about what I think are the best routine tools out there, based on features and ease of use.
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Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley

[@BootsandJeansRiders]

Butler maps are great, we only had an opportunity to use them in Utah and Colorado and loved them. We haven't purchased any others yet. Thanks for the info Craig. Never heard of MRA Route Planner, We will definitely check it out. We never use phones for navigation, because its our primary form of communication. And always carry the phone on us and not on the bike...Reason is because if I shall happen to separate from the bike, and the phone is with the bike. I may not be able to reach it to call for help. So our phone is always in our riding jacket. Kake was looking into the Garmin Zumo XTfor her bike.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Good point about the phone...except I found out my pocket was not waterproof last year...ugg. The Zumo XT is a nice GPS. Screen is much easier to see and use. I am please so far.

[@motorcycleden]

I have been using MRA RoutePlanner for years and love it! Great topic

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks, it is a great tool!

[@adventuremulemoto]

Great video Craig! I use all forms: GPS, phone, paper maps, etc. I even had do use land navigation with a compass and a map (thank you Boy Scouts) once to find my way out of a bad situation in the middle of nowhere when ALL of my tech failed me. How's the K16 treating you? FYI your channel is inspiring. Thanks for all you do my friend!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks so much! The K bike is doing well, hope to put more miles on it this year.

[@huyked]

It's interesting to hear the points you make about dedicated map devices versus the phone.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks, there are of course those who disagree with me and like using their phones.

[@LTVoyager]

I have tried many applications and keep coming back to Basecamp. I don’t think I have tried MRA so I will give that a look-see. I agree that Barmin support for Basecamp sucks as does the fact that it does not run on tablets for use while traveling. The learning curve is a little steep, but as a retired engineer, I have used many products that were much harder to use (early AutoCAD, etc.). So, I can deal with the less than friendly interface to get the powerful trip planning and routing tools and the fantastic interface to my GPS devices. I liked the Harley route planning as it was very easy to use, but it sucked in transferring routes to my GPS as it transferred only waypoints with no route information so my Garmin always calculated a new route that did not match what I had in the Harley app, unless you put in tons of waypoints to force the route.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Most of these apps have their own proprietary algorithms and generate slightly different GPX files, so trying to get them to calculate the same can be difficult. One of things I like about MRA route planner is that you can set the base map or calculation method, like HERE. In my experience, it pretty close to what my GPS devices uses...however, each of my units uses a slightly different algorithm so there still might be small differences. We ran into this between my 390 and Peter's 590 on the way to Alaska. As you mentioned, the way around this is to put in enough waypoints so that the GPS does not really have a choice to alter the route. Basically placing a waypoint after every turn. You also learn that in some situations you need to add extra waypoints so that a corner does not get cut off for example. There is a bit of an art to it.

[@LTVoyager]

@@LivingOffTheSlab I generally plan one, maybe two, significant trips a year. The cost of MRA is simply prohibitive for that level of use. I do my initial planning with the good old Rand McNally and then it is easy to map it out in Basecamp or just use Google for day by day routing.

[@RoadKing05FLHR]

I use Locus Map Pro. Can create any track, route, etc on your phone and navigate them. Lots of maps types available. No limitations or workarounds. Rugged waterproof phone. No sim card or phone number. Holds all maps and routes.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks!

[@Road_Rash1]

I'm on an '18 Indian Roadmaster and love the Ride Command route planning offered by Polaris. On longer trips, I still sometimes run Google Maps for traffic updates, which has helped greatly when passing through metro areas. The newer Indian models have traffic AND weather functionality added to the Ride Command system.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

The Ride Command app is nice, simple to use. Thanks!

[@paineys3341]

As a owner of a fairly new Harley Road Gide I use the Harley Ride Planner, devise my route, this is automatically passed to the HD app and with ONE click it is passed direct to my bike. As long as you make sure you put in enough waypoints the route offered on your bike will be exactly as you designed it on the Ride Planner. I am due to make a 10,000 road trip and already made each days riding routes, I have been updating and tweaking them but once I am on my trip its easy to update over night on my laptop and then as the update is automatically passed to the app it is one click the next morning to push it to my Harley.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Very good, thanks!

[@epicmotoadventures7091]

Paineys - do don’t find a waypoint limitation on the Ride Planner once it moves to your bike? I’ve had this issue in the past. How many waypoints have you been able to successfully move over to the bike without issue? Thank you! I have a 20 RG and maybe I’m not using the updated info center to its max ability since I had so many issues with my 15 Ultra limits. Thank you!

[@paineys3341]

@@epicmotoadventures7091 I have a 19RGS and love the option of setting a route on my laptop and with a click of a button it sends it straight to my bike. I have not had a problem with waypoint numbers. I try and make sure they are where a normal route might deviate from the actual route i want to take, ie force it to take my route, not assume it will go a certain way lol. Although I normally have my Boom GTS set to avoid highways I have to make sure any route I try and pass does not include highways as that can screw it up. Also I have found if you deviate from your planned route the Boom GTS will recalculate to your given destination and can take you away from your original planned route.

[@markmath2883]

Excellent video! I am a map lover and avid route planner as well. Agree with everything you said, though I have not tried MRA. Maybe I will try it out vs. Basecamp. I have three Garmin GPSs, the latest the 595. My phone is in a waterproof case plugged into the Garmin. I don’t use it for navigation; definitely use it for music and find several of the apps useful: e.g. weather forecast and warnings on route, Waze, and updating the wife (she worries) on my status.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

The phone is great tool for staying connected with home, and sometimes for entertainment and research, but for me I don't want all that information while riding. I want to focus on the road, the scenary, the riding experience. But, everyone is different. As long as you enjoy it that is what counts. Ride safe!

[@erik19731]

I use Rever online to plan my routes. They have all they Butler rated roads already on the the site. The Rever app is not that great. I download the planned track (gpx file) to my garmin zumo and turn it into a route. Works great.

[@erik19731]

Nvm...just watched the whole video...🤪

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks!

[@bsalvis]

I still miss streets and trips

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

It was a good application!

[@Dave-eu3ib]

I agree. Think it was really stupid they did not keep it going.

[@perfectmotoadventurespaulf1968]

Excellent info

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Glad it was helpful!

[@epicmotoadventures7091]

Great video, really enjoyed it. I use many things to add the best routes and things to see and do when compiling my trip and am not familiar with MRA but I’m going to look into it. I also prefer to use a GPS unit, I have a 2020 Harley Road Glide so I have in the built in model and I prefer it, I used Apple Play on it once during a long trip to make a quick detour route and lost signal and that was end of that. I’m not sure how folks use their phones on the regular, with the disruption issue. But to each their own. I have used Harley’s Ride Planner for at least 8 years now and due to the planner and the Harley GPS waypoint limitations I have to create each day separately which is good and bad I suppose. I appreciate all your details and viewpoints. Thank you!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks you sir! I tend to always split my trips up by individual day. I think It makes it easier to manage and I can get more detailed with waypoints if needed. Sometimes, I will even have alternate routes depending on the weather or how I feel.

[@NorCal-refrigeration]

Good info 🤘⚡️🤘✨

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks ✌

[@richardvalitalo3670]

I just plan a route idea ( loosely), jot down points of interest before the trip. Maps and gps as occasional reference then just plan a direction for the next day. Then the adventure begins. I rarely know where I'll stay each night. Many unplanned interesting stops pop up! More adventure! I learned that trying to catch up to a schedule doesn't work. Using my phone each night is enough tech for me. Great of you to help others & share.😎

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Everyone has there way of doing things and as long as it works for you that is all that counts. In all my years of doing this I have never missed any adventure nor had to catch up with a schedule. I think both of our experiences just ho to show you that any trip is what you make it. Thanks!

[@ontheothersideoftheroad]

I bought a HD touring model with the infotainment system and that is the worst thing I ever used, I have used Garmin for many yrs and they work the way I want it.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Sorry to hear that. I agree the Garmin devices have worked well for me. Thanks!

[@AboutaMileAdventures]

Great Video, but the rant about phones vs Dedicated GPS isn't accurate in 2021, Plenty of phones are designed for harsher climates than m/c dedicated gps. Also, the GPS chip used in phones is better than any Dedicated GPS save the $1000 units. A phone with maps downloaded will never need cell service. Going forward it is very common in the adv world to have a cheaper $60 duraforce phone with no cell service as the gps on the bikes. Dedicated M/C Gps will be a novelty in 5 years.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I know it is getting more common, to use phones and I guess it depends on what you want to do. Maybe, I am old school using a GPS, but I am not interested in pre-downloading all the maps necessary for a 30 or 60 day trip. I guess we shall see what happens. Thanks!

[@AboutaMileAdventures]

@@LivingOffTheSlab Well, with current tech, you can download the entire US on maps.me for less than 2 gb, less than 20 with sat imaging i believe. About 6 years ago all the big boys in the gps market basically adopted the android os, new GPS are just glorified cell phones with pre-downloaded maps now. But the nice one you have does work with gloves pretty decent. At least the one my friend uses does.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Appreceate your input, I will have to look into it more, but st this point I still don't see a phone based system that provides the functionality and ease of use that the GPS and mapping application gives me. Maybe that will change in the future.

[@davidprej]

@@LivingOffTheSlab Don't you have to load your Garmin via wifi or cord before your trip? It's no different (actually easier) with a smart phone app.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

@@davidprej It is a huge difference. With the Garmin I have to load my route(s), that is the GPX file(s), but the maps already exist for the entire North American continent. If I need to change my route, no problem, I already have the maps. With a cell phone, I have to rely on cell service to download the maps as I travel or pre download the maps for areas with no cell service...how do I know that? Downloading the maps for a short or local ride is no big deal, but doing it for a cross country tour can be, depending on the app you use. I understand that some may not have an issue with doing this, bit for me it is a process I dont want to worry about while traveling.

[@davidprej]

Good video, but one item you need to correct. Smart phones used as a GPS device are NOT dependent on cell service. This is a common misconception. As with Garmin devices, all you need to do is download the maps via wifi then cell service or none, doesn't matter. You are good to go.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thank you, I appreciate that. If I may ask, what app do you use and what is the process to download the maps for a 400 mile day or a long tour of 2 weeks covering several states?

[@davidprej]

@@LivingOffTheSlab I use Ridewithgps. It automatically downloads the route to my phone, but I have to choose to download the maps, which is a one click operation. I've spent a lot of time with Basecamp, and some other apps. None are as easy as ridewithgps, IMHO. As they say, YMMV. Thanks for reaching out. This is a complex topic and no one person knows all there is to know.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks for responding. It is a complex subject with many variables. The apps that I have looked at all require the user to in some fashion scroll through the route in order to download the maps. I just looked at Rever for example and you would need to download the maps in regions that are from 15 square miles to 150 miles, depending on the resolution you want. How the resolution effects what you will see when navigating, I don't know, but it would be a concern. To me the ability to download the maps is not a "feature," it is really a workaround for the limitations of cell phones. This process may not be a big deal for a local ride, but it would be a pain for a long trip, at least to me. But, I understand others dont mind it and enjoy using their phones. Ride safe!

[@davidprej]

@@LivingOffTheSlab Not to beat this thing to death, but I'll give you an example of how RidewithGPS works. I plan my route on their online software. It loads to my phone app and asks if I want to download the map. I planned a route from Laf., LA to Key West recently. I clicked "Yes" to download and the complete route map downloaded. That was it.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

That sounds like an easy process. Thanks!

[@randyletourneau3430]

Thanks for the info. I watched your earlier videos about using MyRouteApp and have found it very nice. I also have the Garmin Zumo and love this combination. My one question is this, when I create a route on MRA, then import it to my Garmin, the Garmin always wants to recalculate it. I am not always sure it keeps my route just as I planned it. I tried the using a track, but could not get turn-by-turn navigation. Whenever I would miss a turn, the Garmin would always recalculate and redo the whole trip. I fixed that by forcing the recalculate to be a Y/N prompt. But how can I get my Garmin to just do the rout I planes and imported in from MRA? PS - I have just gotten back into motorcycles at 60 after many years absent. Your videos have inspired me to plan a CA trip and a Blue Ridge Pkwy trip From my base in Dallas. I am even thinking of an Alaskan trip, but that may be a bridge too far!!! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

A few things. First, what base map are you using in MRA? If should be the HERE maps if you are using a Garmin GPS. You will need to buy the Gold Package to get this base map. Second, make sure that the avoidances are set the same when you are creating the route and when you are riding it with the GPS (use the fastest time). Then, when creating the route, you need to add enough waypoints so the GPS does not have another option. This is something you learn over time, but a good rule of thumb is to place a waypoint AFTER every turn or change of direction (make sure the waypoint are on the roads). You can also take my class...LOL. www.livingofftheslab.com/courses.html. Hope this info helps!

[@randyletourneau3430]

@@LivingOffTheSlab I do use the Here base map, and I am Gold with MRA. I do have my GPS set for adventurous routing, so that may be a big deal, but the waypoint advice sounds solid. Course sounds like it could be helpful. I have gotten good at MRA but looks like the course could teach me more.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

@@randyletourneau3430 The adventurous routing is probably trying to give you more curves, thus taking you off your route. I have never used the adventurous routing with a custom GPX file, I always set to fastest route. If I want to use adventurous, then I just give a start and finish and then let the GPS do its thing. Only take the class if you think you need it. Sounds like you are going well.

[@csiautodetail]

Does the MRA application works with the Tomtom gps as well or only the Garmin? Thanks for the reply in advance

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes it will work with the Tom Tom. You can export in the Tom Tom format.

[@csiautodetail]

@@LivingOffTheSlab thank you!

[@Fee.1]

How do you download this paper map thing you speak of

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

After you have created a route, go to save as PDF, the file will be saved to your downloads folder.

[@eddcurry1245]

Opinion on using Google maps to plan routes and trips?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

You can do it and it is free, but it is limited in the number of waypoints you can place as well as other features. You will also need to use the Google Maps app to navigate. If you want to export the GPX file into your GPS device, then you will need a third party tool. It really depends on what you want to do with it, I know there are some folks out there who use it and find it adequate for their needs.

[@Doug_Morgan]

A little off topic Craig but how has your 1600 been treating you?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Very good this year. I am hoping to be able to put a good deal of miles on her this year. Thanks!

[@sdefiel3719]

first!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yeah!