GPS Device or Smartphone for Motorcycle Travel?

[@jimpettitt3229]

I'm in Australia 🇦🇺 and really like you no B.S no nonsense personality you must obviously have. I respect your informed information, not going on about brands I really appreciate how you put your in front of the camera and be Pavlin. The person you are well done thanks for good videos from Jim onya mate 👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, Jim!

[@soulrebelno1]

One benefit of having a dedicated GPS unit, or a second mobile/cell phone, is the safety aspect. Imagine if you come off your bike, you're injured, you can't move, you're alone, and no one knows you're there. The only way you can contact the emergency services is by using your mobile/cell phone, but it's on the bike and you can't reach it! A horrible situation to be in, but it could happen. Always have a mobile/cell phone on you when riding alone, so you can contact someone in an emergency, because one day you might need it, and it might just save your life.

[@motorcycleadventures]

True

[@jakubgalinski2135]

Add cheapest watch that you can connect to your phone would also be an idea.

[@patrickpaulo34]

Get a 2nd phone. 😅

[@tomaskral4685]

Hey Pavlin! Thanks a lot for this episode that will surely help "dinosaurs" like me out there! You've answered all my questions. Thanks again! Greetings from the Czech Republic! Tomas👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad I could help, Tomas!

[@tomaskral4685]

@@motorcycleadventures You sure did!

[@d.Cog420]

@@tomaskral4685 great question Tomas. I have good memories of riding around your beautiful country in 1990. Had an amazing time and met some cool people (great beer and food too).

[@tomaskral4685]

@@d.Cog420 Thanks d.CoG! I've always been the guy resisting progress. You know, when CDs came out I went like "screw that, I got my cassette tapes" . Then I got into CDs. Recently I wanted to buy a new car..."what, no CD player?!? You just lost a customer!"😁. Anyway, for the longest time my navigation was my mouth. I would stop and ask someone for directions( or consult a map). But my cousin (who's 20 years younger) suggested I use Waze about 2 years ago. I tried it, and it saved my ass many times. Still, there are many areas where I'm out of touch with modern times and the latest technology. That's why a video like this one is invaluable for me. I really got a lot from it. I'll be watching it many times over, of course ..

[@d.Cog420]

@@tomaskral4685 I used to love new tech, will never forget my first walkman but there are so many choices and options these days and I don't know how the kids don't live on the edge of an overload breakdown! I like the point you make about asking being a large part of navigation back then too and through that how you meet new people and even end up in bars with them or their house at times. I just did a big trip around my country with GPS, smartphone and a new bike that is so much more advanced now it is much less liable to break down. As a result we had a great time and got good photos but didn't talk to anyone. Almost seems a bit hollow by comparison.

[@koam7234]

I tryed many options, at least i come to following set up: My old Smartphone HUAWEI mate 20 Pro with TomTom and Google Map only for navigation. The phone is waterproof and attached permanently on the Bike, it is also plugged all the time with it's own cable. So far no problems with vibrations. No Sim card inside, if needed, I use my normal smartphone as a Hotspot. I have a single cable going into my Tankbag charging my Powerbank during riding. So far, this setup works fine for me... one plus is the fact, that it connects easily to my Cardo-System by Bluetooth, i can hear the navigation-command as well Musik in my Helmet. Keep on your nice content and style of videos!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Hamp-knives]

Mám to úplně stejné, nejlepší je starší mobilní telefon jen na navigaci a osobní mobilní telefon na komunikaci.

[@BGP_95]

" If you have nothing to do grab your favorite drink and stay with me !"......I don't know why this feels so relaxing and probably the best intro I've ever heard.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@HRAZZI]

I remember the 80's... people used to point at a direction with their hand and say 'over there' 🤣

[@o0Bananaphone0o]

I prefer using my phone for navigation, like you said - the possibilities are pretty much unlimited. OsMand is my favourite App for offroad and TET navigation. Google Maps is my favourite for simple and fast road navigation. But on longer trips I do always carry a good old papaer map and compass, just in case 😉

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good!

[@milankanazir5852]

exactly

[@MustafaMustafa-uy5xx]

Yes,and also, what was,how was before smartphones and navy, i think for sure good to have 1 but i also like to stop,5min,helmet off,feel the place,drink water,look the map and ask the locals, takes a minute.but sur is nice to have a navi.offcourse

[@skiphalbakken859]

Great video Palvin. I recently installed a Zumo XT on my T7. It’s nice not to have to use my phone and I don’t have to be concerned about weather or vibration.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I am sure that it is a great device. Thanks for sharing!

[@MegaBasher666]

Bought same Zumo XT amazing device

[@davidb9323]

Or losing signal

[@meinekleineweltreise]

After 25.000km with my 2020 AfricaTwin this year, for me the perfect combination is Android Auto / CarPlay of my AT combined with a cheap ruggedly ulefone armor cellphone. Never used my Garmin xt again since I started my journey. Usually use Google maps for tarmac and Locus for off-road. I just love this combo!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Supernova12034]

I have 2022 africa twin adventure sports, the android auto never works, the bike never detects my cardo headset bluetooth...

[@meinekleineweltreise]

@@Supernova12034 I’m sorry for you. But I cab switch from iPhone to Android phone back and forth and had never any issues. Have you updated your bike?

[@SieRoX87]

@@Supernova12034you don’t actually need to connect a headset on the AT with CarPlay/Android. Just hold the back button when the message comes up. It will just bypass the requirement for a headset and you can use CarPlay/Android.

[@rogerdepretto440]

Found paper maps easier only use GPS on phone to find address in towns Kiss Keep it simple stupid.😊

[@juanms8747]

For medium / long distance travels, my suggestion is to have both. They provide different information, and you always have a backup. It's even more important when you are crossing frontiers, if you are unable to connect to internet and you dont have the chance to download offline navigation. Also, the phone fails quite a lot, as you pointed out, when you are above 35ºc or in minus degrees, they tend to shut off, the ruggerized gps worth every penny on this matter. Also many people underestimate the gradual damage electronics takes with vibration. The problem with Garmin gps (i have a 4 years old zumo xt) is that you need to connect it to a PC for updates, or to manage tracks, and you need basecamp to do so (very very annoying, i dont know if this happen to tom tom users). If you dont have a backup, just dust off one of those old phones abandoned on your wardrove, and keep it as backup on your luggage. Very nice video ;)

[@Dedalus11973]

Hi Pavlin, my experience has been positive with my old galaxy s10e and a 20 euro qi wireless charge I bought on ebay. Waterproof, no wires, charger connected to the battery. I've travelled around west africa and europe with no issues whatsoever.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@whitedrguy6503]

The great thing about being old is I learned to navigate pre GPS or internet and computers, only paper maps, and strangely it has never been a major issue. 9 years ago when I went over to the UK and Romania I bought a hand held hiking GPS I carried in my pocket, it helped me navigate the cities but was basically there to let me know where I was rather than show me how to get somewhere, trying to get out of London was a nightmare but I did succeed.. Now I do the same thing with a phone and offline maps, it still only lets me know where I am and I guess the rest. If you traveled pre SatNav it is no different now, a SatNav or GPS is not essential, nor even a Smartphone, but they are convenient at times. Don’t want to sound like an old dinosaur but I did learn mathematics before calculators and writing before spell check, so navigating without a GPS is not that difficult. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@motorcycleadventures]

I am with you!

[@StefanJZX6]

Getting out of cities always seems harder than in. I also remember pre GPS, sitting with the map together with the gang in the evening deciding the route then writning notes to stick on the tank bag.

[@muppets_inc]

For proper off-roading I have been using Gaia GPS. It was primarily made for hiking and overlanding, however I've found it great for the motorbike. Works on all platforms and has a web interface as well - so you can make routes on your big home PC and they automatically sync to your mobile devices.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for the info!

[@DayumSonny]

I use an old smartphone with the battery removed. A few wiring connections allowed me to connect it directly to my CBR 250R. If I want to access maps with the internet, I turn on the Wi-Fi and turn my current smartphone's hotspot on and usually download the maps. It's helped tremendously and because there's no battery, there's no overheating issues for the most part. Using this trick for the past 5 years with no issues.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@BoTour]

I’ve used a TomTom car gps in a waterproof case for many years. It still works today and it has lifetime updates for worldmaps, it even has gpx and twisty routes. This year I started using an old Samsung s8, again with TomTom software for routing or Google maps when I’m looking for something specific like an ATM. I mounted it above the dash and charge it with a wireless charger, so no cable or connector issues. I keep my regular phone in the pocket of my motorcycle jacket. I like the phone solution more, because it is more versatile and compact.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@martinpahl5652]

Hi Pavlin, for Garmin car GPS you need an OTG ( = on the go) usb cable or adapter. OTG is a specific usb cable connection. You can then connect to a normal usb power supply and it will be recognised as a power supply by the GPS. Works for me on two motorcycles.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good to know, thanks for adding!

[@teneretraveller8980]

Very comprehensive. For me I do my planning on maps, mark route, and transfer the route to a program I can save and store in my gps, backed up on my phone. But often I see something off route I want to follow, and then just follow my nose. Whatever works. Happy travels 👍 Good one 👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@FabricioConrado]

Hi, I'm from Brasil, I have a Garmin Zumo 396 lm and don't need a 9v adaptor, just plug ir direct on batery (and in comes with a cabe for that); I have all map (here, EU and Rest of the world) free and I can update it wireless. If you don't like garmin maps (Powered by Here), have many GPS communities that you can download to your device any map you want. I used for a long time a cellphone as navagator, when a changed to a Zumo it was a life changer. No internet and all information on that, anywhere. Don't have to be a "xt", look for a 396, cheaper and does the same job. I like your vídeo, keep de good job. Big hug. ✌️🤘👊👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

That was really interesting. We use google maps for about everything, but we do not go that far (and we still have paper maps just in case). Regarding devices: an option to consider, if you do not need gigantic amounts of data or the latest games, may be a real "outdoor" phone, water and dustproof. We now bought one for our daughter (she is now also fully into motorcycle riding and her phone got rained on - did not survive - no IP rating or something like that.). So he chose a brick of a phone, which she uses only for navigation. She does not need any of those cases, and the battery has 13.800 mAh, which is more than enough for one weekend. It is rather heavy, but for short messages in WhatsApp (I still like to read from her when she reached a destination) or a quick call, it is okay. Mounted to the handlebar, it does not matter.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing this information, Sandra!

[@mattchan383]

Great video, tried both phone and GPS consoles like android/iOS, consoles like garmin and Tomtom, the key is the accuracy of google/local map on the phone or the map/ver of the country where the consoles can be purchased All depends on where will you travel , let say China or Russia , the local app on phone is more accurate than the map of console like Garmin

[@motorcycleadventures]

I agree.

[@llama233]

Great video, really useful. I personally use a second phone as the vibration of a motorcycle can kill your camera so my main phone stays safely in my pocket. I am loving the new studio too, the videos look great!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, Andrew!

[@esengersma5391]

On the road I always have an old NOKIA 'burner phone' with me with the 2nd SIM card for emergencies. A SAMSUNG with only google MAPS is more than enough for navigation including the old overview maps of the area you are driving through, thanks again! Powerbank, waterproof, 60 temp, including jumper cables, 20000 Mpa.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@iangrimshaw1]

Hi Pavlin. Nothing to do with navigation but love the 'old school' glass jars with metal lids screwed to underside of workshop shelves for small parts storage. Respect from UK!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, Ian!

[@janikrombach8264]

I travelled the TET for four months and only used my phone (Samsung Galaxy S20) to navigate. It’s really versatile especially for off-road use. I used LocusMaps Pro, the best navigation app in my opinion. It costs about 10€ but it’s worth it’s money. Maps cost under a euro per country and you can download lots of different maps. I only used the ones from LocusMaps itself. They are extremely detailed. There are a lot of good videos about LoMaps on KZbin. For roads or city’s I use Google Maps. The only downside to the phone is, it overheats quickly so it turns down the brightness of the screen so you can’t see very well. And the worst thing, if you ride off road it will destroy your camera if you have mechanical zoom or stabilisation. This is the main reason I’m switching to a real gps this year.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@user-vu7my6kd4g]

In terms destroing optical zoom/stabilisation - this is why I'm thinking of buying another smartphone like Cat S41/61 just for navigation purposes. Still cheaper and easier to use than gps-motorcycle-navigation and Cat is water&shock&dust proof.

[@ThePlatonius]

I do not have any experience with GPS devices but on my travels I use my phone. Problems like the charging port issue that Pavlin described happen to me multiple times. Long rain will make the charging port wet and it will complain that there is water in the port. You can not charge it for a while after that. You need to get it dry. My next upgrade will be a mount with wireless charging and a second phone that just has maps. I will put the phone in a as waterproof cover as possible and hope it works out fine. I have had already a few close calls with battery almost dead on a trip in a place where I needed to find a specific camp grounds or fuel station in a new country I have never been to and its not a really good feeling :)

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@otakarsulc4686]

Hey, thanks for the video. I have long been solving what to navigate by, I wanted to be able to navigate online (with trafic info) by google maps so I need internet, to be able download offline maps (other than google), the device must be logically waterproof, it must have wireless charging (or rather not a standard connector for charging as the phone has) and the last requirement I had was the possibility of e-sim for use outside the EU when you can buy a SIM that works in more than 100 countries for cheap. In the end the cheapest device that fulfilled this was a smart phone (in my case I found a reasonably priced Motorola Edge 40) the price tag was about 300Eur

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@DirkSchmele]

Hi Pavlin, I always like to have two options and one will work at least. That's why I use one GPS device (TomTom) and one Mobile Phone based (e.g. BMW Connect). Both showed up to be not 100% reliable 🌻

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good!

[@keithdemers6068]

Best of all worlds. Paper maps for the big picture, I can spread it out and see a lot of area at once. Garmin Zumo XT mounted and smart phone with Google maps. You are correct about the spelling issues with Zumo but with the smart phone I can easily get the correct spelling to enter. In my opinion, the biggest problem with Google maps is the limited number of way points. I tend to get carried away some times. Set your motorcycle up to recharge your battery packs and you never have to worry about them. Of the three options, paper maps is still my favorite one. If something happens to one, they can be easily replaced. Safe travels!

[@motorcycleadventures]

I also prefer the maps but in modern days not many will use it.

[@rbonczyk]

All material is very good 👍 I think that there is also one big difference between phone and navi, the GPS signal is better in navi, phone, a specially when is bad weather, can loose the signal. But I agree with you Palvin, I'm using my old phone, Black View with big baterry, screen and contrast. A map I use is TomTom Go Navigation and I like it. The fact is that Google Maps is the best with names. When you write something not correctly it has always some right suggestions. 😁👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time, Robert!

[@josephlarmor550]

Thank you, another great presentation! Can I make few observations? 1. As I understand it, as GPS devices use signals from satellites, they almost never suffer loss of signal. Smartphones, on the other hand, are reliant on signals from nearby phone masts, which may be lost in rural or mountainous areas. 2. The "lightning" charging cables and sockets on iPhones are very sensitive to any moisture. Even with my iPhone in a waterproof case, connected to a 12V socket, in damp or wet conditions there is still a chance that I will get a message saying "Charging not possible due to liquid in lightning socket or cable". It can then take several hours to recover. 3. You didn’t mention the Beeline Moto system. It uses Google maps via your smartphone. But instead of a distracting satnav type screen, it consists of a small circular dial giving simple information about the next junction or deviation. It connects to your smartphone by Bluetooth, so no problems with cables and moisture. The Beeline device charges quickly and has more than enough power for a day’s riding. Route planning is done using the excellent Beeline app, usually in my case in the comfort of my room the night before! You can store your smartphone anywhere on your person or on your bike (maybe under your seat), or if you wish, you can mount it on your dash/handlebar, keep the screen off, and activate the app if you want more detailed route info via Google maps. Finally, it costs much less than a GPS satnav, will re-navigate if you go off the planned route, and has a "fun" option which finds good biking routes. Happy touring!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@fun2rideadventure]

at the point 1---the smartphone are using the satellite gps signal....some of them are more accurate and performant than a motorcycle dedicated GPS....if you have the option to download the maps on the smartphone, the is not need to have any network connection, its just between satellite and the smartphone done ... as an example for Ip 13 has as Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, on Samy Galaxy S21 Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO ..... 2 ---there is motorcycle smartphone holders with wireless charging, so no more cables.... 3---some are using the turn by turn voice of the smartphone gps if is connected to the helmet headset .... 🙂 👍

[@arnavsadhu]

I think using an old iphone on a good quality holder which has paddings is a great solution with infinite possibilities. GPS devices can never even come close to competing with them.From the touch quality to the screens themselves. Plus amazon has millions of products designed for you to protect the phone from sunlight to weather.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Agree

[@tnetroP]

Another option may be to use a tablet designed for harsh conditions. I've just bought a used Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 8" tablet. I haven't tried it on the bike yet. But it is a rugged tablet designed for use in wet or dusty conditions (it works underwater), is allegedly resistant to vibrations, works with gloves on, can run any GPS software designed for Android (or Google Maps of course), has a memory card slot if needed, is bigger than any dedicated GPS and also a SIM card slot (for data). Because it's Android you can split the screen and run two different apps on each side if you want. I'll try it when I get another bike but in theory it should be good.

[@benjpk9]

Great content, you also need to be mindful of vibration killing the phone camera's image stabilization. It's worth investing in a mount that damps the vibration

[@motorcycleadventures]

True!

[@garycollins3908]

Found your channel - Fantastic. Really good common sense advice that is sorely needed. ("There are old Motorcyclists; And there are bold Motorcyclists. But very few old, bold motorcyclists"). I find myself nodding along in agreement with your vids - and can personally attest to the fact that Car GPS's will fail after a few 000 KM's on a Bike (even when riding only on sealed roads). Took less than a few thousand km's to turn bar-mounted Navman to a brick.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Welcome aboard!

[@AffyNoX]

Hi Pavlin Previously I use the Navigator 5 on my beemer R1200GSA, but after sometime I started to put adaptor in the cradle to use phone. I just completed a 24 days solo tour on my tiny bike, on this trip I use an old iphone 7+ with usb plug in 100% of time rain or shine. After that trip I recently purchase a secondhand Kyocera Torque G4 which is water proof and a samsung A7 to upgrade my gps setup, the 7 inch samsung I will use as a big screen during dry weather, when it rain I will use the Kyocera phone. Android has a fantastic apps Drive Mode Dashboard 2 which make it very easy to organise your nav apps and most use apps. I installed in on both the android device. Do have a look at it.. 👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@NomHeads]

Regarding power banks, i can highly recommend Telwin. It can not only charge devices and work as a flash light but also jump start a dead battery many times. I've even started a tracktor that had a dead battery with it.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gyorgyrabenschwartz9610]

Whatever consumer gadget you choose for navigation, always take a printed road map as backup! You will need it sooner than expected.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I agree!

[@rnguerreiro]

Very helpful! Simple and direct. (another) Great video!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad it helped!

[@GuzzizbIm]

Tank you again for an nice video. One thing I learned is to change the language in Googlemaps when I travel in countries that spell their villages names differently than on the map I have. Even when the country uses a different alphabet, this can be a very good help to find the right way.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Lloyd-mo]

very good info. i used an old car gps last sept traveling through Kansas. it was about 5.00 at a yd sale. it bit the dust the second day in the rain. my next one will be one for a motorcycle

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@alejandroclaude2826]

Great video with sensible advise! I regularly save my older smartphone each time I upgrade and keep it only for navigation purposes. I also own a Garmin car GPS and I never pay for map updates. I legally download and install Open street maps for it. Finally I would greatly appreciate if you can review the BeeLine navigator, as I actually am on the fence on buying it. Greetings from southern Chile!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ironmanmichael]

Useful video Pavlin. Just a few thoughts to share...my iPhone camera died after vibrations killed it = expensive GPS; using Google maps - could not find many new roads in Norway (they just build them too fast!); moved to TomTom - great for motorcyclists as it shows you how far to the next gas station & you can update the maps with any wifi, no need to connect to a computer - downside: it's not great at finding places you want to go to. Oh, and if using your phone make sure you download maps for Switzerland - otherwise you won't be able to afford to eat!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Every device has some pros and cons.

[@rshe3332]

Hi Pavlin, thank you for the video. Actually the best and most cost efficient way is to use one of rugged mobiles for £100 - £200 dedicated for navigation. closer to £200 you cen get really good stuff with filtered screen, waterproof, powerful and wireless charged. Then you mount wireless charger behind holder and voila! This is what I have done. Works like a dream. I have multiple navigation systems on it plus WhatApp for receiving information. Dedicated, highly overpriced, single system, closed sat navs are the relicts of the past. Just my thoughts.

[@d.Cog420]

Sounds interesting. Can you recommend a brand?

[@rshe3332]

Sure, Blackview BV4300 Pro

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@macplus3339]

How many cheap auto GPS's can you buy for the price of a zumo xt? I ride my bike about 40K miles a year in all kinds of weather conditions. I put a zip lock bag over it in the rain. Cheap and thin enough that the GPS works as if it wasn't iy wasn't in the bag. I also use a smartphone with a waterproof cover. GPS works all the time, Smartphone depends on having a cell signal.

[@spicy__roads3422]

Thanks a lot for this video, I am starting my first motorbike trip at the end of September and i was very confused about buying or not a dedicated GPS. Great video

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad I could help!

[@MJ-tz8cq]

Hi, I use a combination of Garmin Outdoor Navigation system (not covered in this Video) and Smartphone

[@zlatkomartinovic8256]

Greetings Pavlin Finally a slight return to the old ways when you became popular and then a small period of stagnation or whatever. I hope for a complete return when we were waiting impatiently for a new video. This is just my opinion Greetings from Serbia😁

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man!

[@zlatkomartinovic8256]

@@motorcycleadventures 😃👍

[@gscheben123]

Do you think the best solution would be: "Use both, GPS for off-road with track files, and Cellphone for on-road where there is good cell coverage"?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Might be for you.

[@chamade166]

There are apps for smartphones that can use track files.

[@motorcycleadventures]

There is everything nowadays.

[@miclinda256]

I use zumo xt and iPhone 13 mini with sp connect pro and anti vibration option! No problems on My t7 ( 7500km) handy to just twist of THE phone ,to take pictures ! And trust me off road safe!

[@louparedes9310]

Hi Pavin, I used a Garmin drive 52 with the European download when I went to Serbia last summer, it worked well on the Skoda rental car. I traveled 1200 kilometers with no issues

[@motorcycleadventures]

It works good 95% of the time.

[@rar45]

i think carplay or aindroid auto are the future so i am still surprised that there is still nothing on the aftermarked devices especially for motorcycles

[@motorcycleadventures]

They will come.

[@Boudi-xy9by]

Hi Pavlin, thanks for the info, but Using a modern mobile phone wil not work for several reasons 1e Overheating (and they will especially in bright sunshine, in the south of Europe) 2e The camera (if you use models with mechanical lenses mechanism) will break. (And no mount will protect you for that) they not designed for the vibrations on a inline twin, and defiantly not for a one-cylinder Enduro machine. 3e the power connectors (USB-C, USB-2.0 (type-A), ore even lightning connector, which is the most robust option (because there is a little click mechanism build in) will not hold forever, and they definitely get moister and dust in it and the connection will get corrosion eventually (experience it myself on several occasions with different phones). 4e They also expensive … unless you use a cheap model … but they are mostly not rugged and not as waterproof as a the more expensive Samsungs or iPhones. I agree with you that the software is mostly better on IOS or Android, that’s a fact. So for me there is only one option for now, dedicated navigation system like Garmin Zumo-XT, or TomTom, or even better ones like the one you showed for ATV vehicles. It is more expensive but you get more for the money.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Each has some pros and cons. That's why I use paper map and a second telephone only when I need to find a specific address.

[@ryanmalone2681]

Voile connectivity is great, but I live in Tennessee in the US and 70% of my time traveling there is no signal from any provider. I use my phone with maps downloaded and the route, a Garmin Montana with the routes and maps with a satellite subscription, and a Garmin XT. I keep them all going when touring away from home and can triangulate, but it’s a pain and requires some babysitting.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MrGAdam]

That is exactly how I would write Szeged. Hope you come to this area soon and maybe we can meet sometimes. Greetings from a fellow Hungarian.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Sounds great!

[@RedRupert64]

I use the old smartphone for navigation each time I replace my daily driver. My preferred mapping is TomTom, as the maps are download, and use little memory, so it's convenient. TomTom enables complicated routes to be easy planned using as many waypoints as you need. Charging is via a wireless charger, so you can stick tape over the unused ports if you think there's a danger of wet or dust getting in. I may switch to Google Maps or Waze for local navigation as these provide a different sort of information.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nikoscosmos]

I use a mobile as a back up to a Garmin XT. The mobile screen is not easy to read in bright sunlight and even ramping up the brightness causes overheating issues.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gillesRrider1954]

I use Zumo XT with Garmin Drive app + Garmin Smart Link + my IPhone 12 for back up if I need. Now I purchase Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3 (8 inches) with Ram Craddle 👍🏼

[@mr.solitude3352]

A very helpful subject to cover. Thank you very much.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pegsgripsandgrins]

Hi Pavlin, I recent traveled 5000 miles from the UK to Sozopol to Bulgaria on my R1250 GSA armed with both bmw connect cradle for my iPhone and the garmin nav 6. In my case both were useful and had serious flaws. Garmin nav is clunky, dated and incredibly hard to use as an easy navigation solution. Horrendously outdate dated to plan long trips and unreliable. My phone in the cradle had great nav options of course however was useless in the 35 degree sun from east Hungary to Sozopol as the screen simply blacked out. So in my opinion neither were suitable 😂. On another not don’t cargo-net plastic bottles of water on your pillion seat, it cost me £300 to replace the seat after the sun tried to set fire to it 😂. My trip can be seen on my channel

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@guyver.one.]

Why not using the Wireless chargers for connector issues? Here in Pakistan the heating issue is same as I faced, that the phones get very hot due to high temperatures.. during the day time charging, specially when the phones are charging with the 4G data is on, mostly that happened during 11am to 4pm. Overall its a great advice. 👍👍👍

[@cosmo00013]

Pavlin, excellent video with good or not so great things for every each device and you are correct, bottom of the line whatever fit you better that is the perfect option for you but I loved the way you present all the possibilities. Good Job !!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@perdu0609]

Hi, not using Wikiloc ? sometimes interesting when you want some "offroad" roads (or when you are in countries where even google map as problems) . Always nice to see your videos !

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for the tip!

[@rodandopelomundo]

I like to use the garmin gpsmap series (I've used 60XC, 64S, 66S). easy to operate with gloves (good old buttons, no touch). I can take it off the bike and continue using it on walks. they do not depend on a permanent connection to the motorcycle, they work with standard or rechargeable AA batteries. a pair of AA batteries lasts a full day or more. can use OSM maps. resistant, no problems with vibrations, dust, heat or rain. cell phones are convenient, but they suffer from overheating in hot places like here in Brazil

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@dbmiller5881]

After years of trial and error, I've settled on a second, cheap smartphone (no sim card) on my bike for music and gps - and keep my "good" smartphone in my pocket. I share the internet connection of the good phone, via bluetooth to the one on the bike. While I've never had it... I think new bikes with Android Auto / Apple Car play are TOTAL game-changers!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Agree!

[@WoodlandsArchive]

Thank you my trusted friend! I have just received my Tenere, partially based on your recommendations :) For navigation I went out and spent the big bucks for the garmin Montana 750i. Oja what money...

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad I could help! Enjoy your new toy!

[@Steveuser-fv1wt2cb3u]

I like my Tomtom 550 Rider GPS. Was expensive but very worthwhile. Easy to update and operate.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Fair enough!

[@TheFoxyt2]

Pavlin, love the vids and real world experience! I've been using roadbook on a ruggerized phone (from amazon for under $200) that has 5000 MAHs, so I charge it at night w/o vibrations. carpe-navigation is on my wish list for the tenere 700, but for the dirt bike, ruggerized phone with roadbook.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@alanseery4458]

What model did you buy?

[@TheFoxyt2]

@@alanseery4458 OUKITEL WP5 Pro Rugged Cell Phone Unlocked

[@domster200]

@@TheFoxyt2 Tried that model and it bricked itself very quickly, CAT phone no problems for 6 years.

[@d.Cog420]

@@domster200 how is it on the bike? Been thinking about one of these. I have a Garmin XT but the software is dinosaur to use, just don't want to break my iPhone and be stuck without communication

[@robertkoch1936]

I use my Garmin Navigator 5 on my BMW R1200 GS with the factory mount and have never had a problem. But in some ways I am still old school. I use a paper map and Goggle Maps to lay out my route and use a list of waypoints to plug into the GPS. I carry my smart phone in my jacket, so if I would have an accident the phone is where I can get to it for help. Plus I can charge the phone in my tank bag.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@KubaRozpruwacz1983]

QuadLock sells wireless charging mounts that work pretty well. No need to connect the cable to your phone and even if the USB port gets humid you still charge

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@musaziz1948]

Hi Pavlin, thank you for sharing this very useful and essential information. Much appreciated.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PH_MACHADO]

Very good hints and specific approach! Thank you 👏👏👏

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lolly166541]

I absolutely feel Tomas. I usually look up where I want to go at home, check the rough direction and important Cities I'll pass and just head on out. But I've been aiming to grab myself one of these Outdoor Tablets, load up Drive Mode Dashboard 2 and use that as a GPS/Dashboard type of deal.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes they look cool on a bike.

[@lolly166541]

@@motorcycleadventures Yes! They also are more durable than smartphones as they're actually waterproof, dust resistant and shock absorband - at least if you look at these tablets that are used on construction sides and such. But they're not *that* cheap used (about 200+ euros depending on condition they can go to 400 euros) but the much larger screen and option for normal Android Apps (or Windows as I've seen) make it a great contender.

[@AffyNoX]

Repost from your latest video. Hi Pavlin, I see you mounting a smart phone as the nav unit. I just came back from a trip to Thailand, and upgrade my gps phone. Have a look at those Chinese made rugged phone with massive battery from Oukitel, BlackView or Ulefone. I just bought a cheap one from Oukitel the battery will last all day riding and the phone is rugged and waterproof.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks!

[@andreadileo6267]

Amazing video, thank you so much. I found it very precise and useful! Thanks

[@MegaBasher666]

Just changed from smartphone to dedicated navigation device after many years. Visibility one of the important things. I used before scenic, google maps.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good!

[@philoubxl9176]

You have also now an evolution of the Garmin XT... The Garmin TRADE supersports 5,5" (on road +offroad navigation)

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for adding!

[@d.Cog420]

I just came across Carpe Iter navigation system. You need to look at this Pavlin, it is on another level.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Ok

[@ΖΕΤΑΕΜΜΑΝΟΥΗΛΙΔΟΥ]

Pavlin you should change the name of your utube channel to Honest motorcycle adventures or Down to earth adventures!keep on riding!

[@motorcycleadventures]

You know me anyway, but thanks!

[@sorenmelchior]

Here in Alaska I use a Garmen Montana 700i, as I use it for hiking, jeeping, and moto. Plus it has satellite texting for emergency's, or giving friends info on your present location and health status without needing a cellular signal. It's Expensive, waterproof, expensive, shock resistant, expensive, and for satellite service... more expensive for active sub. But it's worth it when something bad happens, so I treat it like trip insurance.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for the info!

[@tolfan123456]

Hi there! I have uppdated my garmin xt so now I see all gravelroads an tracks very good. I even see bareiers. Realy good. But as you say. It cost me abott 150 dollar. Thanks for good info 👌😊 To bad I cant post a picture of it.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@markomilojevic842]

Svaka cast batko. The best Balkan you tube channel

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thank you!

[@raulsrudovskis9382]

Rekomend APP SYGIC (ofline maps)

[@motorcycleadventures]

Okay

[@motorhead16]

I used it for years but is awful. A lot of bugs, restarts all the time and if you change your device, you cannot reuse the activation code you paied for.

[@davidgiles5030]

I've used both. I use my iphone 8 and google maps. Reliable and up to date world wide. Leaving for Europe next month. The phone with a european sim card will take me where I want to go.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good luck on your trip!

[@skripy]

I love my garmin zumo XT. But I use also my smartphone occasionally for navigation only with voice instructions over the helmet intercom. The smartphone remains in my pocket. So the display remains deactivated and the smartphone gets less hot and the battery does not empty so quickly. This works well for me.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@samhill8919]

very good info especially for me coming from usa to euro area. The sim card deal is useful. I read maps as an engineer and surveyor and traveler for 50 yrs now. however finding a cystoms office at border or a motel hostel in a crowded foreign town one needs all the help they can get. I only doeak some spanish and french basic english is my native. So dialec issues for me. A motorcycle gos is good exoensive yes bit is only device that wil last if taken good care of. google has best maos. a screen shot tajen dsy before is good as you can enlarge it. thanks again. you did a god job

[@motorcycleadventures]

Use whatever option is good for you, Sam!

[@BlackThor15]

Awesome episode Pavlin, thanks for sharing!! 👍👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

My pleasure!

[@ovidiuclitan7181]

Hy, Pavlin. I agree with you, after I experienced a lot of situations. What I wana ask you is to talk in a future video about insurance. What you use, what you can recomand us. Especially for us from eastern countries, no many companies want to assure us. Is a regular insurance enough for traveling in remotes places like Patagonia or Pamir? what is your experience with this? maybe have an German passport you have not met such situations. For me, being for Romania , was a challenge to find a proper ensure. Thank you in advance.

[@motorcycleadventures]

I do not have German passport. I will think about it and might make a video.

[@SymonSR20]

Hello Pavlin! There is another option, Garmin Montana and Oregon. They are meant for outdoor use so they are rugged enough and they use regular AAA batteries. I have one and it works for me. The problem is only that they are smaller so you need to have good eyes. And yeah I know that it doesn't correct names but that I can search with phone, I can search addres but then use GPS so I don't drain phone battery.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Hoxo]

Not really i had few collogues that their Montana broke after guaranty when my zumo 590 still works after 6 years. I belive it is shock that is issue with Montana

[@SamiNami]

I Wonder what mount you use? I bought a quadlock and it was trash! Broke the first time I dropped the bike...

[@motorcycleadventures]

www.amazon.com/dp/B07GKT8FBZ?tag=onamzrouthewo-20&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=B07GKT8FBZ&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.3VRWQI6A94D5I&th=1

[@jhackett9482]

I use a car gps and it works better and is easier to see than my phone. I don’t ride in rain so it’s no problem. I carry a baggie in my tank bag in case I need to cover it. It’s lasted for years. It cost 35 dollars on eBay so if it quits it’s no big deal. I could buy 10 of them for the price of a motorcycle gps.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@fat_joe]

I am using a phone for maps. Using it for several years. Just changing the profile from car to motorcycle is easy. It's not a waterproof phone and is asking for an upgrade. Maybe I'll look at rugged phones. As for reliability, it has a strong gps signal, that's what matters for gps apps. And since it is an old phone, I have to plug it in the motorcycle.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@FrancoisTX1974]

it's the way I took. I have my iPhone to do hotspot for a rugged 6.6 inch phone where I have downloaded maps and other apps.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@fatpat9378]

Samsung tab active 2/3/4 waterproof and big screen or rugged smartphone . Good Video

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@AymenAymen-w5m]

Easy and cheap idea Gaming phone 2 or 3 years old or older it’s ok = cheaper and tolerate high temperatures (Shell box )for water proof and shock proof + powerbank For bonus anti glare screen film

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good!

[@AffyNoX]

On my last trip to Thailand, there are 6 rider following me. I found a very simple and easy way to keep everyone updated on our route. I use Google Doc to tabulate all the Google Map waypoint and Waze point and share the Google Doc with the team. I can update the Route daily and instantly every one will get the same on the fly. This is one very useful features I get from a smart phone. No one get lost on my last trip and everyone is in sync instantly.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rupertmarsden9088]

When I travelled around South America I only used paper maps aided by a compass on the featureless salt flats in Bolivia. Absolutely no problem at all. If I was ever in doubt I asked the locals, who were always helpful. Perhaps I am showing my age!!!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@drumaniac91]

I wish google maps would allow you to send a specific route to the phone instead of its preferred way (for example, some intersections or roads I drive around to avoid). Only way I found to do this is to add stops around the route, but hopefully they are close to the road so you dont have to stop.

[@motorcycleadventures]

It is what it is!

[@hmoosawi]

Very informative, thank you

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@streetfightertutorial]

Maybe there's another little pro about the motorcycle gps devices (like the Zumo): in most cases they have dedicated mount for car use also. So in the long run it could be worth, since the factory devices installed on both bikes and cars are generally crappy and tricky/expensive to update.

[@motorcycleadventures]

True!

[@wonniethepoop7856]

I'd choose beeline moto device (though I don't have one yet). It's cheaper than big navigators and smaller, of course it works with smartphone but you hold it in safe place during your way. Of course you can miss a turn with it, but together with paper maps you probably won't. What about route planning you I'm fallen in love with GAIA GPS despite it's expensive cervice, but probably the best. I can to plan a route here which can include minor dirt roads and trails and than to export it as gpx file to you with beeline moto as well as print all the parts of planned route. I wish I knew how to buy beeline moto in my country now, but going to try different ways later.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Use whatever works for you!

[@Pazheiwa]

guru map is the best for outdoor and google for routes

[@MLeitao]

I have 2 phones, older phone conected to a usb charger, and my regular phone with wireless charging, they're both water and dust resistent, the only problem i had was with my personal phone was exposed to the sun, and to hot and don't charge. But theres good rugged phones out there, with good battery life. One thing that i'm thinking it's a 7" rugged tablet, the bigger screen i think it's a must have, even if you want to make a ride with digital road book.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!