Build a Motorcycle Navigation Rig for Under $300

[@Max_Marz]

Genuinely the first time a channel like this has brought on a new host and I didn’t immediately feel like the channel just died, the cameos, the map graphic, the F bomb… gonna be right at home in no time.

[@ironized]

Yeah where did he even come from? Good screen presence, Similar enough humor to match the channel, but not so close that its a caricature...

[@sabadoge4825]

Yeah I agree, new host definitely fits perfectly with channel. Rare that can work out

[@2fastnlight]

Sweet DR

[@greenescraft]

Agreed. This channel is easily as good as Donut with the host synergy.

[@Nick_Spencer]

As long as Ryan never leaves completely, I'm gonna keep watching

[@jimmyjames2549]

The detail that the coveralls updated the #43 to #44 shows the 101% quality this channel continues to pump out.

[@mister_betechkin]

What are those coveralls? Anybody know?

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*Yes. Upgraded coveralls but they gave us the Ryan F8 host.*

[@mister_betechkin]

@@tylerwright6006 already saw it - went back and checked that video and they don't match and I checked aerostich's website and it didn't match anything. Think it's a different brand.

[@tormitammeleht380]

You are spot on ! To be quite honest. First 42 clones weren't even YT worthy. #43 was close, but eventually faulty. #44 is OK so far, but still more bugs than one needs.

[@danielleclare2938]

Define 101% quality.

[@khawajadotd]

Holy shit it's incredible how tight this script is! Every line is informative, a joke, or both. No fat, no weak punches. Its seriously impressivs

[@brianhaygood183]

And #44 likes ribs. Valuable info in case he ever knocks on your door.

[@alanconway8821]

Last year I did 6000km of the TET solo and for navigation I had a an old "rugged" Chinese smart phone with an app like that downloaded, worked a treat! One thing I can't recommend enough is I got a cheap stylus and velcroed it to the clocks so then without taking my gloves off I can make quick changes to the zoom, recentre look for fuel stops nearby etc

[@bendover-bz4bc]

Bro that stylus thing is so smart. I'm doing it

[@Alexander27463]

I always love the little bits where Ryan shows up, this time with a maniacal look on his face, which i totally understand given the route he made Mechanic number 40what is it this time ride

[@Jehty_]

44

[@trombolio]

forty four

[@godsbane6347]

Ryan's smirk is also likely due to the commentary he is adding to each turn - if you pause it he is calling 44 a filthy clone, a replicant, and worse haha

[@robkno8816]

​@@godsbane6347missed the comments, tiny screen. Thanks 😂

[@Dirtmedic1]

My favorite navigational tool is to stop and ask directions. The best places to see won't be found on a map, but the locals know what is worth seeing and what the best roads and trails are.

[@AUBREYTHOMAS1979]

Also well done to you guys at the channel for finding another chap as interesting as Ryan tp add positively to the content. Takes a good guy to be as entertaining as the original.

[@lau5067]

Very true! I absolutely love Ryan's content, but I'm not mad in the slightest about the change in hosts. I mean usually when a series switches hosts I feel a bit disappointed, but not in this case. He's just as likeable and entertaining as Ryan. Well done indeed.

[@brandonsaunders2823]

I've had the beeline a few months now, its great for highway and distance travel. I can see the screen in all lighting conditions, it shows me the distance to my next exit, and it uses less battery than if I had my phone screen on. It's not for every rider, but its got its niche and I fit right in there.

[@_scott_chegg]

Likewise - battery isn't a concern either. Two week, 2k mile trip and over 50% with daily usage. Does gpx import in the app, so you're compatible with Garmins etc. The going only gets tough when roads get complex though - you'll need the odd u-turn! The Scenic app is also a great option, but its UI takes some getting used to.

[@nielsmeer]

I love my Beeline. My favorite thing to do is pick a place to grab coffee or lunch 100 miles away as the crow flies. Then I navigate there with compass mode. No turn by turn, just know that once the arrow is ~90 degrees left or right I should make a turn. This “explore” mode has found some amazing new roads for me. The battery lasts forever & it’s rugged. I paired my Beeline with my Zumo on a BDR last month. The Beeline was in compass mode to my campsite for the night & the Zumo showed me the track of the BDR.

[@beepbop6697]

I'm guessing the Beeline uses Bluetooth to the primary phone? I like having my helmet Bluetooth connected for music and the random phonecall from the wife and you can't having multiple devices paired at once with Bluetooth (I think).

[@nielsmeer]

@@beepbop6697 You can and I do. My phone is connected via Bluetooth to the Beeline and to my Cardo. I can listen to music, receive phone calls & still see the guidance on the Beeline. It may depend on your phone as to whether it allows multiple Bluetooth connections. I’m on an iPhone Mini 12 running iOS 16, but this worked with iOS 15 as well.

[@_scott_chegg]

Bluetooth with multiple devices working well on Android too (S23)

[@ChrisLoew]

Casey Affleck is brilliant, keep him employed

[@Maebbie]

yeah they made a great pick.

[@dirtcopdualsport]

He’s growing on me

[@ians7184]

Now I finally know his name

[@ttentionpls]

Whoosh. 😶

[@EddieSprouse]

Number 44, great job. 😂

[@brendanmcaleer4058]

Just picked up some Butler maps and I love them for scoping out routes - though they are US only. Part of the fun of this channel is seeing 44 and Ryan zooming around in what's basically my backyard. One million kms of roads in BC, only 10% paved.

[@wlonkly]

The one exception is the Maritimes! Just to make sure people from this end of the country don't miss out.

[@RideWithRen]

XP8 prices are about to go up thanks to you guys. I use a Kyocera Duraforce Pro 2 for the same use as the XP8, it's also a rugged phone that has all the expected features and it is dust/water/vibration proof.

[@S3Moto]

I use the same phone for my Speedo/Odo/Nav on my ratty CBR6F. It works great!

[@localguide6518]

only ones I'm finding available in Australia are like 1.5k AUD, unless I'm missing something

[@Simoxs7]

TBH I wouldn’t wanna daily a phone like that, for that I’m way too deep in the Apple ecosystem, but a used android just for using it as GPS on my bike could be an option…

[@CommieHunter7]

Haha don't tell people about the Kyocera. I need them to stay cheap.

[@NullHand]

Team KYOCERA represent! Not old skool Nokia tough, but you could probably use it to subdue bobcat in the Backcountry and still expect it make calls.

[@mack_solo]

You guys have maps for motorcycles?! That's great! 😃 At this point I'm watching anything that comes out of FortNine even though I live at least 12,000km away and the purchasing relevance is often non-existent. Your presentations and production sensibilities are what makes your content stand out - thank you for continuing making an effort to inform and entertain us - you guys are awesome. 👍

[@BigglesworthNWATT]

Been using Gaia since 2016 and its been excellent for offgrid planning and route tracking. I don't think its strong suit is on the fly route changes unless you have area maps downloaded beforehand. The other thing you should have mentioned is that gaia is a subscription based app with some features locked out behind higher tiers. That said, its still my go to for navigation outside cities.

[@wobblysauce]

Scenic or Riser, are another two options pick a destination and how much twisty you want and off you go

[@-Discount-John]

is google maps not viable for riding or does gaia have more features where needed?

[@wobblysauce]

@@-Discount-John As a goto with no data access Google maps is good works well, it is that it doesn't give the same level of route options. Waze is my normal for road but if data is iffy so are the routes. The others are better when off main roads.

[@-Discount-John]

@@wobblysauce I see, thanks for the info :)

[@roidmongerful]

@@wobblysauce gonna do a real hard slam on the like button for Scenic. Great app for motorcyclists, I recommend everyone take a look at it.

[@mitchell87ification]

My beeline experience has been pretty flawless. It keeps up well in a tight EU city, it takes a bit of letting go of how a traditional GPS works for it to click. And battery life is excellent. Forget lugging extra lithium for the rubish old phone. Beeline does 30 hours on a charge. And I've ridden all day only using half my phone battery.

[@Malarky49]

Did he just use a Star Fox reference??? Why does this channel hit every emotion in the library?? I love you guys!

[@keratubes]

My ultimate navigation setup is a Galaxy tab active + dedicated RAM MOUNT + DMD2 app and maps for gpx routes and Calimoto app for improvisations.

[@Pikestnt]

Actually I really like the Beeline: You don’t have your expensive phone lashed to the bars to fall off or be stolen when you go in and pay for petrol. The directions are very clear with none of the distractions that litter the screens on full display satnavs Yes, it can be clunky sometimes but it’s never got me lost. Admittedly I use it on the road rather than nadgery trails

[@ethantrunnell9790]

Also love the Beeline. Sure I miss turns sometimes, but that means I get to ride longer.

[@DavidNewmanDr]

Occasionally my Beeline sent me down farm tracks on a tour of Ireland, when the GPS thought I was at the turn before or after. But otherwise it was great for navigating me to the next charging station.

[@Pikestnt]

The mapping can be a bit odd. I was on a 50 mile stretch of motorway and it told me to go straight for 25 miles. When I got “there”, it told me to carry on for another 25. Bonkers but not any kind of problem

[@moteroargentino7944]

Exactly! It's maybe too minimalistic for pure off-road, but for relatively normal riding is more than enough. After getting my phone stolen from it's mount, I've been riding with voice indications only for many years. Once you get accustomed, it is quite practical no having to look at a screen, worry about rain, sun, bumps or thieves, and not needing to constantly charge your phone. The only downside is when the commands get laggy or confusing, and that's where a device like the Beeline could be useful.

[@ethantrunnell9790]

I also don't really agree that it's a downside that it uses your phone. I always ride with my phone anyway in case I break down and need help. I can totally see why it wouldn't be a great solution for ADV or off-road though.

[@tlueddek]

Ive thought this over and over and over. Literally the best method i found was the most simple. My own phone in a freakmount on the gas tank, using google maps. You can download maps offline for areas with bad cell service. No extra device to carry and charge. No extra apps to worry about. And if the weather is overly wet, i probably wont be riding far anyways. I have navigation in my Sena headset, and am just a tap away from a visual map. Navigation, music, and calls all work seamlessly.

[@iangriffiths9930]

I have the beeline, had it around 12 months and although not perfect it works good enough, I like that I don’t have to put my £1000 phone on the bars, I like that it’s easy to follow, I like that it can re route if you take a wrong turn, I like that it’s water and shock proof and I can upload GPX files. I’m pretty happy with it for what I need it to do.

[@cordeiropedro]

I also have a beeline and I am very happy with it. Its just not very useful in city with back to back indications.

[@jakegarrett8109]

Seems like you'd want your phone in a case at that point, and a decent mount and it should be fine. Even my setup is like a $15 plastic phone mount and a 3d printed case on my cheap phone, and even coming down hard from wheelies or using it to check my speeds (speedometer is off by some amount, apparently when it says 160 mph its really only 150.3 mph GPS), and it holds on just fine. Since my case is kind of DIY it is not waterproof, but I've been through several downpours for over an hour at a time and its been fine. Biggest downside for me is my sportbike doesn't have handlebars, so the phone mount is zip tied to the triple tree, but thanks to it flexing some you just put the phone in at a 45 degree angle and rotate to lock into the mount and so far I haven't had it come out even though I've had my bike pegged at 16k rpm in 6th gear or yesterday was practicing some very sloppy wheelies (felt like getting kicked in the nuts by my gas tank coming down, so if anything is jarring that phone out of its mount I would expect that to do it)

[@Galf506]

It's sadly completely useless for city driving and 70% of europe riding.

[@cordeiropedro]

@@Galf506 I understand what you mean, if you look at it like a gps nav its useless. I use it a bit like the headsup display of my car. Its very easy to read but unless it’s in a open road you already need to know somehow where you are going.

[@Galf506]

@@cordeiropedro Yup what I meant. But what is worse is that you need a gps when you don't know where you're going. If you already know where you're going, or you just need simple directions (i.e. when to turn off the highway) you can just have google maps in your helmet speakers The only useful feature of the Beeline thingy is the compass mode if you're into that kind of stuff, but... you could put an actual compass on your bars at that point

[@Firestorm637]

The ROLL CHART reminds me of the 1960-70’s AAA road flip map. Whenever you planned a trip stopped at AAA store to pick up your custom map with the roads highlighted

[@StanfieldMacCue]

I've often missed those old AAA Trip Flips.

[@bjb7587]

"Triptiks"

[@thomas316]

Pilots have clear pockets sewn into their trousers of their flight suits so that they can put the map in them and just look down for directions (when sitting).

[@Justin.mp4]

You can also buy ASA flight kneeboards which have a velcro strap and use it with your normal jeans in any car too

[@coastaku1954]

@@Justin.mp4 Sounds like all you need is one of those Athletic Straps for attaching phones to arms and just put it on your leg

[@sneww4282]

the clear plastic top on tank bags were meant for paper maps.

[@AshleyPomeroy]

I remember reading about moving map displays in strike aircraft a while back - in the 1970s they were like microfiche readers, with back-projected slides, and they cost millions of dollars. We've come a long way. Some airliners had a long paper map that unwound throughout the flight.

[@King_Dugga]

Pilots don't usually have to worry about SUVs suddenly turning left in front of them or deer jumping out of the clouds.

[@sus8e462]

One point about Beeline--if you crash & your separated from your bike, you still have your phone with you to call out, or be traced... I have one & often use it & like it, but some areas is nicer to see the map, not just turn indicators... But whatever the electronic method, good to have a hard copy map too--especially since some areas, like near/in Olympic Nat'l Park, don't have cellular service, so only satellite or old school work there... 😅

[@bikecommuter24]

Back in the 80s and 90s a lot of us used tank bags which had a map pocket on top. I have also used clear map Pouches like the military uses I bought some of that magnetic tape to keep it secured to my tank But now with smart phones and a good phone mount I’m good to go

[@roadwarrior8560]

I still use a map on the tank bag with extra info written out in notes if I need them, sat nav my balls.

[@robertstimmel1100]

I Kickstarted beeline. I don't use it very often, but it has one great feature. It's basically a digital compass on your handlebars. You can pick a destination, take any route that you want, and it will tell you simply left, right, or straight to get there. No annoying voice assistant taking over your music. It also looks way cleaner on the handlebars than my phone does

[@andrewfleenor7459]

Is it true about the lag, in your experience? One of the most aggravating ways for a navigator to fail is to tell you the turn right after it's too late to take it, and a device designed for a lower road speed seems like a recipe for that scenario.

[@jaewardtattoo]

​@andrewfleenor7459 Ive had a beeline for years and have never experienced lag, it literally counts down the meters/ miles to your next move

[@robertstimmel1100]

@@andrewfleenor7459 I've never noticed any lag either. Honestly, I love my beeline. The only reason I don't use it more is because most of my riding these days consists of commuting to and from work. I don't really need navigation for that

[@mrblock2013]

I like my Beeline personally. Super subtle leaving the handlebars looking clean and not a huge distraction while riding. Pair it with a com unit and you have everything you need while riding.

[@gymtee9088]

Same. It also uses wayy less battery than keeping your phone display on all the time if you don’t have a powered mount and keeps your phone safe in your bag or pocket. I did use the free app to see if I liked the interface before I bought one.

[@keeganwebber]

XP8 user here, i got mine for less than 100 a few years ago on a lucky auction. I also use a different one at work, and the cradles the agency bought can't keep up with the power demands of the phone despite costing $160, so i'm glad there's a different solution out there that can actually use those pins on the back.

[@sickunit2096]

Carpe Iter is what I use on my 701 “rally poser” build. Just a ruggedized tablet but the mounting system is top notch and I use the 12v powered bluetooth Carpe toggle controller. Great system.

[@stephenp8644]

I didn't see anyone mention Magellan. Yeah, I know it's a car GPS but it works great on a motorcycle during the dry seasons. They're half the price or more of everything you mentioned. I've used one for 20+ years and they've never let me astray. Magellan has a wide variety of sizes and features depending on your needs. The latest one I bought has an audio output to pipe through my intercom system and a camera on the back to record everything in front of me along with a removable SD card. I currently use a Garmin Zumo 595 now because a friend gave me his when his new bike came with Apple car play so he can use his iPhone with google maps... You guys have put together a great team for your channel... Thank you!

[@DieselNDirt_]

This is how you introduce a new host. Slowly and gently ease them into the upload schedule

[@juanpasillo3971]

Every video is the same since 2017; I hit the like button, I watch it, I think about it for days. Thanks Ryan. The new guys is a perfect addition too.

[@rickkrough6167]

$400-$600 USD for a motorcycle specific GPS is insane. I have been using an old Kyocera Duraforce rugged phone ($50 ebay) as a stand-alone GPS for 3 years now. with Gaia for off road and TomTom Go for road I have lacked nothing compared to the Garmin offerings. TomTom has a great planner(free with app subscription)that I plan and edit all my rides on.

[@polbecca]

Similarly, I bought an old Samsung A320 that is pretty weatherproof, and installed Magic Earth for route planning and navigation. Means I have a completely offline system, and I can keep my phone safe in a luggage case. I like it a lot.

[@riverkeyes3455]

Thank you! This answered a question I had. So if you buy one of the rugged phones you wouldn’t need a phone plan right? Since the GPS would still work?

[@skozer22]

​@@riverkeyes3455- Exactly the same reason I'm going through the comments. I wish someone who has one of these phones would confirm that you don't need a phone plan to do this. Now that I've read the comments people have posted saying what old phone they use for thus purpose I want to ask if the specific phones they are referring to function as a GPS weather you have a phone plan or not.. and if you do have a phone plan it will still serve this use if you have cell service or your out in the sticks and don't have service.

[@whatinthehellisrickydoing7116]

@@riverkeyes3455 Yes it works fine without a plan. when you need to upload more maps or update just use your phone as a hotspot

[@joelbeaudoin2761]

I have been using Gaia gps for the past three years now and it’s totally changed my quadding and motorcycling experience. I live up in northern Alberta and there’s thousands of kms of bush with oil and gas access roads. With Gaia your able to record your tracks and it’s saved me more then once when I get turned around or when I want to try a new road.

[@TheRogueBro]

Personally i just went with a handlebar mount for my phone that has USB port for charging. Was like $30 and it's lasted me like 3 years now!

[@trentsiemens1131]

same, and google maps reads the directions thru my comm so i dont even have to look down!

[@genieb]

I have taken a rugged, IP68 Android tablet (Ulefone Armor Pad) and use that. With DMD2, all the nav maps I have on my normal phone. What more do I need, well I still need to hook up a charger but with the large battery, it lasts a while. Also, on long trips I can use it for my online stuff as well :). The performance of the tablet is very good (Android 12), it comes with lots of "tools" that are handy for work. They also sell heaps of smartphones, rugged and IP68+. So it doesn't have to be the size of a widescreen TV (I have the RT3, 8 inch tablet), like mine that sits above the instrument cluster of my 05 BMW R1200 GS. It's a brilliant set up (with sun hood, that I made from a $10 plastic storage box :)), and it works !!!!

[@marwood1969]

I have to say, this guy is great! I always fear the worst when a new presenter shows up on a channel and usually with good reason but he's really delivered. Top work guys.

[@channelisomo]

Stick unused mobile phone (mobile phone are very advance these days) and get mobile casing for bicycle add couple of strings for safety and you have it under 200$ depends on phone maybe even cheaper 😉

[@nathanboeger978]

I used to do a lot of riding in tropical areas and cell phones suck in hard rain or any rain. Even the water resistant ones suck because the rain drops trigger the screen like someone is touching it. That is why the beeline is awesome. Put your phone someplace safe and just follow the beeline. It won't got wonky when it's pouring down.

[@55yaya5]

I've got Back Country Navigator on my old Galaxy S8. Has topo maps (and can load more), can download gpx routes, record tracks etc. I run in airplane mode, strictly GPS, when on the trails. Easy on the battery. 7 years now and no complaints. Very reasonable price to boot

[@Johnny_Thumper]

That “don’t even need to fuck around with a plug…” caught me off guard lol

[@jeremiaas15]

It's one of those lines that remind us in Europe that Canadians really aren't American.

[@SoybeanAK]

@@jeremiaas15 How so? I thought Americans had a reputation for profanity.

[@jeremiaas15]

@@SoybeanAK Americans? Gosh freaking darn it to heck, they just sit on their behinds and invent euphemisms for euphemisms.

[@SoybeanAK]

@@jeremiaas15 Ah. Yeah you're mistaking a small subset of Americans for the whole. Much more common here to run into folks using fuck multiple times per sentence. And I say that having lived in both more and less religious parts of the country.

[@Raven74947]

​@@jeremiaas15you can't even speak American without swearing. That's actually why the Christians invent all those g rated swear words.

[@Edhooey]

I've done two BDR's now using an old Kyocera Duraforce with OsmAnd. Works great, easier to use on the go than a dedicated GPS unit, and waaaay cheaper! Only downside is you have to plug in to keep it charged, which circumvents the waterproofness. I've never heard of this XP8, but I really like the contact charge mount idea!

[@berferd2]

I also use the Duraforce. No problem charging in the rain as long as it is kept upright.

[@scottminshall6420]

You guys are killing it! This channel always brings a smile to my face and puts me in a better mood, good choice with the trusty DR 350 as well!

[@Redpatch]

I use several things depending on what i am doing. Garmin montana for enduro and adv riding. Gaia as backup for adv and general use and more spontaneous route changes. A rally roadbook for when im feeling that way, and rally navigator as back for that again. And my favorite backroad mapbooks and their individual maps.

[@jumbo1236]

I use the beeline (velo) for three years now on my classic BSA’s. It shows me what i need to know and the best thing is no modern mount on the handlebar of a 83 year old bike. It is the ideal solution for me.

[@theosone]

One thing about Beeline: it has a brilliant compass mode, showing you just the direction and distance to your goal/waypoint, so you can explore unknown. I did 10k km over 5 countries with it this year and I love it! Also, as someone obsessed with aesthetics, I can’t imagine having a shiny brick with color pictures on my handlebars.. Ride safe

[@nielsmeer]

That is my favorite mode on my Beeline. I think of it as an explore mode. I point to where I want to go & perhaps some waypoints along the way. Then, I pick roads as I ride to nudge me in the right direction once the arrow points 90 degrees left or right. I’ve found many great roads this way. I do have a Zumo I use still on some of my bikes (great for following a track off-road) & used to use a QuadLock with a phone, but the Beeline is the one I use most of the time now. It’s so small, nothing to worry about. No extra wiring to the handlebars for a Zumo or a phone, since screen on with phone kills battery. The rubber band mount even works great for taking a bike on a test drive. I can pop on the Beeline in seconds.

[@teflone121]

I bought a 10 year old garmin car GPS for 10 bucks at a garage sale, it had lifetime maps, I updated it to Mar2023 latest map for free and Ive taken it through quite a few rain storms.. Surprisingly its still going strong!

[@domino1323]

Babe wake up Fortnine uploaded

[@dirtcopdualsport]

Love it!

[@kalomandastra]

​@@dirtcopdualsportnyt Nyan hm h my Manny my ton Jenno

[@Jake-ug2mf]

I wasn’t completely opposed to the zumo budget, but wanted more, so I bought a used Samsung active Tab 3, mount, some adapters, and a wireless CarPlay dongle and now I can use pretty much any app either on IOS or on android, mirror my phone to it, control my music, or just dismount the tablet and use it for work. It also works well in conjunction with my Cardo packtalk unit.

[@RichDunn]

Beeline, laggy? B.S. I've used one for at least 50k miles and it works brilliantly at twice the speed you mention! I've also produced videos testing different devices over the same route using their native maps and again the Beeline came out top, because it's not trying to be too clever, so can think quickly and accurately. On a tour, I use a Zumo XT, who doesn't, now that all manufacturer's GPS systems have gone to wireless crap (Ducati Sygic, BMW Connected, Triumph). But when in doubt, in Beeline we trust!

[@JakeM218]

He later spoke about the phone being laggy, so I think it’s a slow phone that made the Beeline laggy for him. Mine is completely flawless with a 6 year old iPhone.

[@rickszijarto8682]

Thanks guys for leading me to the XP8! I do a lot of off-road and backcountry and I love Gaia, use it also for mtb and hiking. Been looking for a rugged but economical solution to use Gaia on the bike. So I went and got an XP8. Works great. For others that want to go down this road, here are the issues I ran into. I bought a brand new “unlocked” AT&T XP8 for under CA$200. Yes it is unlocked for cell service and works fine with my Telus SIM, but it is locked to AT&T firmware and won’t upgrade without an active AT&T SIM, so mine is stuck on an early android version 8. A low-tech workaround is apparently to get hold of an AT&T prepaid sim to do the upgrade, but android 8 is actually fine, for now anyways. But ideally you want to find a phone from a carrier that doesn’t use proprietary firmware (I hear the Canadian carriers are better for this). Issue 2 is that the startup AT&T jingle is ear-splitting - literally loud enough to wake the dead - and can’t be disabled, but again this seems to be an AT&T thing. Finally, they said in this vid that the RAM powered mount is $80? Technically correct, but that is just the cradle and not the rest of the mount. And no Canadian dealer had it available for the foreseeable future and the distributor wouldn’t sell it to me. So I ordered from RAM direct which cost another $53 shipping plus an unexpected $48 to UPS for brokerage (for a piece of plastic? ya I’m grumpy)…. All told I’m past $450 with the rest of the mounting hardware. Still worth it for me, but not inexpensive. Good luck!

[@forrestnutter]

Absolutely love my butler maps! Always packing those on any trip car or bike.

[@HostileTakeover2]

Man, I have a regular car version of a $100 Garmin with lifetime map updates. Bought a RAM mount, hardwired a car power outlet. On the occasion I need the maps, Garmin goes on. The Garmin lasts days on end between charges and is simple. And during the majority of time I don't need GPS, I have put a monitor on the RAM showing my rear camera so I can keep a better eye on my behind & sides. Been running that setup for almost a decade now and have zero regrets.

[@zhvn89]

I like Beeline navigation a lot. Looks clean when installed. Very basic. But that's the whole idea.

[@MattSwain1]

Yes Beeline has served me well and is very affordable compared to the Garmin unit. I find it comes a bit unstuck at complex junctions sometimes leaving me guessing a bit but for the price the occasional u-turn is worth it

[@AnthonyStJames-yn8nr]

I was trained on navigating by paper map and compass and I'm thankful that I was. no battery to worry about or signal to maintain to work. I just have to keep it from getting torn or wet. I have been fooled by navigation apps too many times that I have trust issues with it. What I want to learn are those navigation roll charts.

[@brynwatson1439]

I wonder if Casey could do sessions on the engineering on specific motorcycle, I would like to understand the how and why? This would give more people an appreciation of the engineering that goes into bikes and better understanding.

[@lastsonofkrypton36]

Big credit for testing modern nav setups on a retro bike like the DR350SE. Such a good bike that's arguably better than its successor, the DRZ400. I mean, the DRZ doesn't add fuel injection, has 1 less gear, and weighs more.

[@MastaKeahi]

I put my Apple Watch on my handlebars. It’s as minimalist as the Beeline and I can still control my music

[@bobbydsj]

Wait that's brilliant

[@TheMstaquiroz]

smart, but with most gloves, the watch is not obstructed and you can feel the vibrations from the notifications?

[@KRYPTOSPOLLARD]

A little peice of tubing insulation around the bar really adds a nice cushion for it and keeps it from moving.

[@mbirth]

@@KRYPTOSPOLLARD There's also a watch mount from Garmin meant to mount their Forerunner/Fenix/vivoactive devices to a bicycle handlebar. That one works great on motorcycles as well.

[@rightwingsafetysquad9872]

Why not just wear the watch on the outside of your gloves then?

[@legalleech4968]

I've been using the Beeline for the last few years and I love it. Everything you need in a motorcycle navigation without all the bells and whistles. Unfortunately this small segment doesn't do it justice, I wouldn't call it "pointless".

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

I gotta git me one of them fancy new earth brochures.

[@bjb7587]

Word of advice: keep it away from open flames. 😂

[@Skorpychan]

I have a tankbag with a clear navigation pocket in the top. Before I set out, I scribble out road numbers and waypoints in a notebook, slip that into a clear bag, and stick that into the navigation pocket. That works great until it tips it down with rain and I can't see the book, or I get off-route thanks to a wrong turn or diversion. I use a road atlas to help plan the route, along with google maps when I have computer access, and google maps on my phone as the backup for when I get lost/confused/wet, or need precise navigation in urban areas. It mostly works, but it took a few years to hammer out the kinks and develop a system for the directions that left them granular enough to be useful, but compact enough that I don't need to stop and turn pages every hour. The tankbag also holds my wallet, phone, kindle, cleaning cloths, and stand puck, which is great when you bought your jacket off the internet and don't have large pockets to hold all that stuff in.

[@gregorytubbs3444]

I was called old school for pulling out a road atlas. Paper maps, never need recharging and the daylight reading is never washed out.

[@lisakrumwide2013]

Yup, but old map fold lines can be a bit obscure, ya gotta admit.

[@adammacer]

@@lisakrumwide2013 and the backlight on them sucks

[@bjb7587]

Biodegradable! Hey, you that GregoryTubbs on the CTX forum? @bruceb

[@gregorytubbs3444]

@@bjb7587 Mmmmm, could be! What's up Doc?

[@OlafFichtner]

A long time ago I had a TomTom on my bike and it was really good. But these days I just have my phone with Google maps in a pocket and earphones in my ears. Works like a charm...

[@Wolfox360]

Sonim is known for it's EX lineup phones. Commonly used in refineries. But you forgot another option, the screens that support Android Auto and CarPlay. Connecting android auto you can use OSMAND or G-maps

[@queliolionelo]

Beeline is great. I use it in Argentina and have used it in Italy and Spain, no complaints. Most of the problems with it in this video rarely happen: charge lasts WEEKS. And I never noticed it being laggy.

[@alexfreund9460]

I can't believe he survived a whole episode lol I really thought the roll chart map was going to take him off a cliff or something

[@RonCurrie-dq3wx]

Right? "Ryan actually rigged this one up for me and I don't even know where I'm going..." He'll never learn.

[@alozborne]

I use a Kyocera DuroForce Pro 2 that I bought on eBay for just over $130 CAD, along with OSMAND+ as my navigation app. The Kyocera is both shock resistant and highly water resistant (never had an issue in the rain so far)

[@berferd2]

Same. It's a great solution. Since most also carry their regular mobile with them, you also have the flexibility of having the Kyocera connected via a hotspot.

[@DonReba]

I think I'll stick with getting lost all the time, hoping it will eventually improve my sense of direction.

[@bjb7587]

Try as I might, ain't worked yet. 😂

[@Liberty4Ever]

I have a small ADV bike, the G310GS, the baby GS, but I put a large Samsung tablet on top of a waterproof Pelican case on the handlebars. I love the huge GPS display. I used it a few days ago to navigate 70 miles to a 182 mile loop in Ohio that I input as a GPX track from a recommended ride on the Butler Map, then navigate home the long way. I run the OSMand app. It uses offline maps stored on the tablet and I downloaded the entire US - streets, terrain, elevation, points of interest (gas, restaurants, etc.), Wikipedia entries, etc. It doesn't need cell service to plan a route or reroute around a detour and Google doesn't need to know where I'm riding. I have the same app and maps on my cell phone for a backup. It's also possible to have no display on your bike. Use your favorite cell phone navigational tool, keep your phone in your pocket with the display disabled to save the battery, and get audible turn-by-turn navigation prompts via Bluetooth to your intercom.

[@berferd2]

I don't know why Osmand wasn't mentioned in this video. It is a popular option.

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@berferd2 - I used OSMand yesterday to navigate a 411 mile ride from central Kentucky southwest to Reeds Ferry and the Rochester Ferry and back. OSMand on the big tablet worked great. There is a little learning curve to the app as it is full featured (kinda complicated but not too bad) and it's open source but it's been around long enough to be reliable. The only down side for me is that the small processor on the tablet is used to compute a route rather than a powerful server on the internet, so longer routes on back roads can take a couple of minutes to calculate. I had it calculate yesterday's route in three parts - home to Reeds Ferry, Reeds Ferry to Rochester Ferry, and Rochester Ferry back home. It also helps to set one or two intermediate waypoints to force OSMand to use the route I want it to take. We rode small rural back roads on the way down and rode back on route 62, a major secondary road, to make it easier to navigate/ride when tired and hopefully avoid deer at dusk. I also like having a large general purpose tablet on the bike. I can use it to watch videos or listen to music while motorcycle camping when taking a rain day to rest around camp, surf the internet at lunch using the restaurant's WiFi, etc.

[@TheLongRideHome]

Love this channel it’s simply the best 🙃

[@dirtcopdualsport]

It’s responsible for me becoming a motorcyclist, for sure.

[@TheLongRideHome]

@@dirtcopdualsport absolutely just makes me want to get on my bike and ride…. 👍🏼

[@dirtcopdualsport]

@@TheLongRideHome same

[@jthelakes147]

Been using a Doogee S97 rugged phone with Osmand maps. Works a treat and the Doogee phone has a 9000mah battery that lasts about 6 hours navigating. Waterproof , shockproof, heat and cold resistant P68 & IP69K and MIL-STD-810G. Much cheaper than Garmin and intuitive to use.

[@dirtcopdualsport]

This video just made me want to buy an old drz

[@mikef17]

LOL it made me want to ride mine :)

[@dirtcopdualsport]

@@mikef17 🙌

[@johnthomasphipps]

Dude! You're like. The third person I've seen with Sonim XP8. I've thought of switching for years, but it's a beast!! You can't kill it!

[@johna3574]

I’m just a “Quad lock charging mount on the bars” kinda guy. Gives me everything I need

[@cyprn6600]

I was that guy until an unplanned shower killed my phone and now im looking at alternatives

[@johna3574]

@@cyprn6600 as dumb as it sounds. Keep a ziplock bag somewhere on your bike or in your gear. You can cinch it around the phone and mount

[@SpottedCreeper]

@@cyprn6600 Your next phone just needs the correct IP rating - Pixel 7 is IP68 for example, no rain is going to get in there.

[@alexanderzhulin3528]

I've broke 2 quadlock wireless chargers in 2 years, and nearly lost my phone once. It's not for offroad use.

[@soldat2501]

@@alexanderzhulin3528 I went with Rokform, so far so good, 1.5 years in. Granted most of my riding is on road but I mix in a fair amount of off road.

[@flechette3782]

I got a Zumo. It is awesome but has so many features I will never learn them all. Also, if you slide the "fun" meter to the extreme you will find yourself in really strange places. My Zumo led me off the pavement, off a dirt road, off a Jeep rut and onto an open pasture with cows. No road. No trail. Just cows. I dialed back the fun and found my way home.

[@theskullinside666]

Who else was waiting for him to brush all the stuff off the table at the beginning of the video 😆

[@petezny4343]

Excellent, honest concise review. I use the Zumo XT, backed up by my phone with Locus and Butler paper maps on My 890 Adventure and KLX300. On the Z400 I use the Beeline, it's cute, works very well, doesn't clutter the naked bike and the simple turn directions keep my eyes up where they belong. Mechanic 44 is great, I'll hate to see his eventual demise but then we'll have Mechanic 45!

[@sneww4282]

prices he was talking i believe must have been in CAD. The Zumo XT is $499. I bought mine during a sale for around $400. There are a few things about it that are kind of annoying. namely the difficulty of uploading GPX files and how the "tracks" app inside it works. I usually pre-plan routes for long trips using Rever or onX then upload them. then you have to set it NOT to recalculate due to how the tracks work, or it will wipe out the rest of the route and just give you the fastest one to the end point. and then if you go off your pre planned route, its a pain to get back on it. you pretty much just have to backtrack tot he route. its not smart enough to give you directions to get back on to the pre planned route. Also the music control doesnt work when you have your phone paired directly to your bluetooth headset. Overall though, its the best GPS ive tried. I do like that you can set up mileage reminders for low fuel, and a ton of other little things like that. although when really out in the boonies, the gas station search built into it kept taking me to ones that didnt exist anymore or were closed... And my BMW has no problem giving it enough juice to run at full brightness.

[@jamesmisener3006]

Fort 9 is a Canadian show out of British Columbia. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@sneww4282]

@@jamesmisener3006 yeah of course. but most of my Canadian friends always say "cad" after the price of something when talking to us southerners. Oh and i just looked there's also the Zumo XT2 which is .5" larger for an extra $100. and I'm surprised it wasn't mentioned but with the Garmin you can also get a Montana 700i which has in reach built in. so instead of spending $350 on an IN reach mini 2, you can get it built in for $200 more than the Zumo. Its not specifically built for motorcycles, but it is a slightly better GPS unit. I still like the idea of a separate device so i can have the in reach clipped onto my chest instead. but it would be better than not having one.

[@zizzruzz9956]

You can convert the track to route in the Zumo. Then you will get turn by turn navigation. Just look at the "wrench" icon in the Zumo.

[@davidwalker5665]

years ago I did a 2 legged iron butt ride, 1000 each leg. I was using my phone for mapping, music and texting updates to my brother. Naturally the phone died, and I lost it all. Now I ride with a Garmin Nuvi 2250, plugged into a RAM, for mapping and my phone, clipped into a Quad Lock self-charging holder. I also have a large Atlas in my bag for planning the next day's route.

[@fredhills2979]

Back in the day before cell phones, we memorized hundreds of phone numbers and every road in my state and roads in the state next to us..

[@bjb7587]

Social media was a party line. 😅

[@marctaylor-t8r]

Go to Hemisphere Off road, based out of Austin TX, best XR stuff I found. Also a lectron carb works great if your changing altitude ranges often, no jetting issues. Air cooled thumpers prefer a richer AFR to help them run cooler. They’re set very lean FTF, great gas mileage but engine runs super hot and flames out. Oh if you run the lowering link make sure you add the bump stop spacer!!!

[@Tracer9GTRider8]

Love my Zumo XT and it damn sure wasn't $800! Mine was $425 US

[@typingmonkey8749]

I thought that was excessive as well, but in Canadian dollars it’s accurate.

[@mathiasekarlsson]

799.99 Canadian

[@Tracer9GTRider8]

@@typingmonkey8749 mine was $425 US

[@Tracer9GTRider8]

@@mathiasekarlsson mine was $425 US

[@robertrastlos4512]

Here in Germany i use a TomTom Rider. Bought it used for less than 150 Euros and got "lifetime maps". After about 1 year there where 3 map updates and 1 major system update. No really bad issues, but one little annoying thing. Choosing "curvy routes" means to "leave" the route for ,in bad case, a residential area because there a more corners than on the main street. That doesen't make sense,in my oppinion, but it is the" curviest way". So i decided not to use these routes any further. Most of the time i drive " following the wind or my nose" and then TomTom is always right on the way back home, to where my coffee is👍😊

[@BaconSpaceProgram]

Eh, hundreds of dollars? I tend to just do classic dead reckoning on the highway which gets me to the general area of the target then a compass to end up in the desired neighborhood 😂 getting lost is part of the fun. From driving school until now, I just close my eyes imagine the route and figure it out as I go. Driving on a GPS route like a cruise missile takes away most of the fun on a bike. Great for deliveries, nah for enjoyment.

[@livestock9722]

I don't mess around. I just preview my route on google maps, write down crude directions on a piece of paper, forget said piece of paper, then point and BRAAAPP! Somehow, I always seem to get to where I was going. Retracing my route back home is the kicker though...

[@Hazztech]

Im glad you brought up the Sonim's first responder pedigree! I'm an EMT, so when I saw you pull it out I was like "heeey, what's this guy doing with my rig phone?"

[@wickedcoolname399]

I look at a map before I leave. Once I'm on my way I look at road signs.

[@hpham417]

I do the same until I get into a new town or a remote village with no road signs, then I have to stop at look at the map 😅 Definitely more convenient to have a guiding line

[@redbarond1]

I know a few first responders who use Sonim phones for work related stuff. The phones are super slow when running complex and graphically interesting apps, but they are water resistant, shock proof, and super reliable when you need to figure out the route to the closest hospital quickly. I think that you'd be hard pressed to find a better value for a GPS unit than a Sonim, especially because it can also manage your music and headset comms so easily.

[@martinflaherty1825]

"...running Gia, Spotify or my Speedo app". F-ing masterful callback and delivered without a wink or a nod. Brilliant!

[@DaxHewitt]

Much as I love my satnav (currently a Tom Tom Rider) I got round just fine riding and driving for 20 plus years with a paper map and taping instructions to the tank.

[@justmyself1000]

Garmin Zumo XT sells for $499.00 USD. It routinely comes on sale for $399.00USD. And now you can you find them used for even cheaper yet because the xt2 has come out. Or if you want to go even cheaper yet get previous generations of garmin gps, or ones that are made for a car on a RAM mount. I use the mount that came with the xt2 which is attached to a charging cord that goes straight to my pdm60. The wiring charging comes with the Zumo XT and other GPS units and I have it using a RAM mount in works perfectly fine. Like previous generation GPS has work just perfectly fine and get him as cheap as $99.00USD.

[@JakeM218]

You mention the Beeline being laggy, and then later say the phone is laggy. The Beeline is taking the info from your phone and with a quick phone is completely lag free! It has a 30 hour battery life which is great for scooters etc where it’s difficult to run charging cables. You simply charge at home. But I do miss the speed limit display as well as upcoming speed cameras that Google Maps on a phone would provide.

[@superdanu]

my sub-300$ solution to this non-exissting issue is the same as everyone elses: old Samsung note 10 plus connected on Waze, connected to my cardo setup. Does absolutely EVERYTHING! Beeline is useles, since my sdmartwatch alreadyt does all that and them some. 0$ for older phone that still runs smoothly, 40$ for quadlock setup, 40$ for battery connector to charge my phone and 200 for a cardo unit, there you go :)

[@JMsurYT]

Honestly, I wasn't convinced with the new host on the first video. Felt too much like the script was written for Ryan to present and then the new host was introduced instead. But this one ? I'm sold. The writing is perfect and it adds personality to the channel.

[@guirip5349]

Great video 🙂👍 Been using 'unbreakable' phones for years (Motorola XT Force, Ulefone Armor 6), now a Nokia XR 20. It is great to be able to rely on your phone without worrying about water, falls, battery life. And it doesn't look like a big brick like the smartphone on the video. It is thin, fast, have a good camera.

[@KSheehan77]

Just finished a week long trip and used the Calimoto app on my iPhone strapped to the bars using the quadlock system and wireless charger. I would recommend it however Calimoto is subscription based to get all the maps and quadlock ain't cheap either. I also ran into some funny routing issues with Calimoto. It can find some amazing roads however it also takes you up some funny back roads and at times what it considers "twisty" is really you stuck at doing 20kmh through an old town that wasn't designed for traffic in the first place. But would still recommend it!

[@ToolkiT73UK]

+1 for calimoto

[@gunn00r]

I went through 4 different countries in Europe using Calimoto and while the routing sometimes is funny or closed roads not evaded, 9 times out of 10 the route is fantastic!

[@dadboddamien]

I recently added a apple car play/android auto head unit to my cbr954.. Connects to my Pixel 6 Pro or iPhone without issue and pumps navigation audio through my helmet's comm speakers... Still testing to provide a full review but so far it's worked great and it retails for only $179 usd (and time of acquisition).. Hard wired it to the bike and it docks securely and easily comes off so it's not left sitting on the bike for a thief to grab.

[@martinlegrice1414]

Nicely done...loved the video! The elephant in the room when it comes to relying on your cell phone is service...or rather lack thereof. I spend a lot of weekends riding in the mountains of Colorado and rarely have service.

[@TonySims888]

I've got a Kocera DuraForce for the same reason 44 picks the Sonim -- cheap, rugged, reliable. And it works on my mobile network, so I can swap the SIM from my Samsung if I want just one device to manage.

[@DuncanJimmy]

It all depends on whether your route includes extensive periods of time out of cellphone range and if you have a means of calling for help if you get stuck. I've traveled the world - Canada included - using just my phone and Google Maps without any issues. A waterproof case makes outdoor adventures an easy pursuit, but sun-glare while riding makes the screen almost impossible to see without adding a hood for shade and I've yet to figure out how to safely charge the phone while in the case as it's raining. I just download the maps of the areas I'm going to so lack of cell signal is never a problem. A cheap emergency sat phone is the only extra accessory I need. Great video!

[@JohnHoranzy]

Thanks for the pointer to Butler Maps. Google maps on my phone never show the big picture when on backroads. Back roads disappear when zooming out to see where they go.

[@ezpoppy55]

Being old school (emphasis on the “old”), I love Butler maps. The downside (I might call them the portal to true adventure!) is that they do not automatically update in real time to changes. But if I wanted comfort, constant on-the-go updates, and ease of use, I’d be driving my car. So, pack up the saddlebags, strap on the helmet, fold up the map, and let ‘er rip (umm, not the map)! Great video!

[@bjb7587]

Old school too. No phone on the bars. No speakers in the helmet. Just watching the world go by and listening to the sound of the road.