Is the Extra Money Worth it? Android Auto Motorcycle SatNav

[@pinifarina272]

Thanks for another great review Sam. I went for the new 6" Carpuride W603 on my 2023 KTM 1290 SAS. It's faster and powerful than the previous 5" and 7" models and integrates seamless with my iPhone 15, bike dashboard and buttons and with my Sena SRL3. I can hear music, Waze alerts, phonecalls and voice commands to siri. Very happy with it and it cost under 200€.

[@SamVBikes]

I've just seen the new 6" model come out and that would definitely be of interest! That little bit bigger size over the 5 would definitely be useful without feeling overpowering

[@pinifarina272]

@@SamVBikes Agreed. It also includes front/rear dash cams, wich I didn't bother to mount as they are not that good when comparing with dedicated OEMs such as Innovv or Vantrue. But for those not caring that much with video quality or simply looking for insurance evidence purpose, it's just fine.

[@geekcycle9368]

This is 100% the review I didn't know I needed, but I needed. It is amazing how many of these little things are hitting the market. In my case, I use Android Auto on my Samsung rugged tablet for my Norden but I'd consider one of these on my sport tourer.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha thanks! Yeah it seems like quite an easy software to throw into a load of devices so I'd assume a lot more will start to appear. It's really useful to have access to a load more features like phone, spotify etc

[@jobta]

Thanks for your review Sam. I haven't decided yet and videos like these help (I'm inclinded to go for the chigee) A small note for BMW GS owners that might come in handy: The Chigee has a new version that connects directly into the craddle which is really nice and lets you use the motorcycle buttons to control it. Simple plug and play. Also for BMW GS, the 7'' screen options will cover part of the motorcycle screen (being digital or analog) so the 5'' might be preferable.

[@JX25-wy5wq]

Very good comparison video! I've been looking into these lately and I think I'm going to go with the aoocci Other brands have more features, but the price is too high for me. The aoocci offers better value and meets my needs perfectly. Greetings from Bristol🤩

[@chunkybeardedbiker]

With the ram mount you can get locking mechanism so you can’t undo the thumb screw, my mates got them on his bike 👍🏻

[@SamVBikes]

Ooooo now that could be a solution!

[@riggsyb]

Loving the GS jibes Sam! 😂 After a week with Bruce on the only KTM and all the pisstaking that came with it, I feel it’s only right that we should redress the balance… 😉👍🏻

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! I'll keep it up until the cows come home! Heard him say on his LCR podcast that he knows the KTM is for him!

[@TushalBhadang]

Was totally waiting for your review before I decided on a unit. Thank you Sam! Psst, you also helped me decide on getting my SAS 3 yrs ago...

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Glad I've got some form of weight in your decision! Glad you're enjoying it pal

[@moggy3848]

Great comparisons, still prefer a tablet that’s standalone and not a screen mirror.

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Well done mate, a really good, thorough and honest review 👍

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you pal!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes have a good week and holiday mate, you deserve a break 👍

[@geneshaw1234]

On my KTM 1290 SAS I have switched from the Zumo XT to the Chigee. I had a lot of issues getting the audio to work reliably with the Phone, Garmin, and Cardo. The Chigee -> Phone -> Cardo setup just works. I have also figured out that I can setup my Phone to KTM connection as a Corded connection and then I can use the controls on the bike to manage my music and phone calls.

[@SamVBikes]

That's good to know! I'll have to do some more playing to see if I can get it working

[@slic71]

Thanks, this is full of useful info. Finally got my 97 ZX7R back on the road two weeks ago. Have not ridden it or any bike for 16 year and none of this was an option then. For now I have ordered an ultimate add ons phone mount but wonder which device you have in your helmet to listen to your phone. The list of things I need to buy is massive. Thanks again.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Welcome back to biking! Definitely a different world nowadays !

[@gregorytubbs3444]

5:43 As far as the design of the back. All those groves and slots are a good way to stiffen up a flimsy material. The same way you would corrugate cardboard or metal roofing makes them stiff.

[@SamVBikes]

Very true! I doubt there would need to be a huge amount of strength in them but I'm sure there could be a better route

[@richiem1987]

HAHA CALLED OUT! I was fancying 1 of these units, not sure I'd get the use of it. Cheers mate

[@SamVBikes]

Just got back from France using the Chigee the entire way. Was really nice to have the alerts for speed camera, speed changes, tolls etc. And also being able to scroll through Spotify playlists/podcasts etc on the long ride

[@genxgamerdad141]

Tried the Chigee, and found I'd rather use my phone on a good quality mount with wireless charging. You did give me the ideal to try and rig up a shade hood though.

[@SamVBikes]

Fair enough! I've lost phone camera's to the vibrations multiple times in the past even on dampeners so I won't risk them anymore

[@ianmott856]

A removable mount is required like the BMW nav mount . Then I would consider buying one of them ( whoever that may be). Until then It would get knicked in no time

[@SamVBikes]

Agreed - The mounts definitely need work. Going to work on a 3D printed design then get it made in metal

[@markymark1180]

Great review thank you. I am waiting for reviews on the Innovv and Interphone, who both have smart screens out and are both big brands in this bike electric gadgetry stuff. I am waiting on answers from a few tech support people because I have Android Auto on my Samsung Galaxy S9 but my operating system is Android 10 and most of these say Android 11 or newer. It is unclear as to whether Android Auto is the important thing or whether Android 11 is the important factor. Happy with my Zumo XT at the moment but I am sure in another 12 months there will be a lot more choice and much cheaper prices.

[@SamVBikes]

Thats a good point! Not sure it will work on the older operating systems but will be useful if they could at least reply to let you know!

[@gregorytubbs3444]

I rely on the old cliche, you get what you pay for. One of my concerns with the cheaper units is how waterproof are they? A cheap price tends to reflect cheap quality. Corners have to be cut in order to cut the price.

[@SamVBikes]

Yes you're right pal. The Chigee and Carpuride are the only ones I've used a lot in the rain with no issues as yet

[@panos75]

if you want a seriously good screen you should test the DMD2 superior to all of those!

[@SamVBikes]

Also quite a bit more expensive if I remember correctly, and the 8 inch one that most people go for would feel like I'm sitting in front of a TV

[@savagegtalks5912]

what? the companies didn't like it? well then I automatically loved it! and I'm a customer...

[@Moto99-l6v]

Zumo xt2 world of pain terrible sat nav no time display whilst riding and no distance to destination full of features you don't need best sat nav I've used Tom tom rider however it has had charger issues but I've used it for over 60000 miles now gives you all the information you need

[@michaelwhiting3282]

Good 1 Sam. I have been looking but as you say the general cheapness and low quality puts me off most. The Chigee looks good but the lack of a removable mounting (Not a GS W...) again puts me off. I would not be happy leaving them on a bike. The only 1 I have seen which is cheapish! but has a twist lock removable mount is Interphone Ridesync, need to see 1 before I buy 1.

[@SamVBikes]

Yeah I know what you mean. It's the biggest flaw in all of them. They are really useful but not good enough mounts to leave them there for time or to quickly pop them off. Maybe I'll have to 3D print a mount adapter

[@Wats1984]

Good video! I’m new to your channel and enjoying your videos, considering swapping my BMW XR for a KTM 1290 super adventure. 👍

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you bud! Corr that's definitely a choice to make. The XR is a very good bike but I couldn't trust myself 😂 rode waaaay too fast on it

[@Wats1984]

@@SamVBikes it’s the gen 2 2022 mine. I went to look at a KTM today. Still not sure yet. I thought the same about the super adventure! 🤣🤣🤣

[@wallaceshackleton1889]

My Garmin XT failed to calculate routes in Scandinavia this year, so I would be very interested to hear how your test devices fair when it comes to planning and following routes. An 80 mile commute. Oh dear, definately a "Falling Down" scenario or two for me.

[@SamVBikes]

Had no issue with it on the trip I've just returned from. Googlemaps/Waze worked well. Downloaded the map areas to ensure I always had access even if the signal wasn't great

[@SVL1805]

Just curious... How is the phone battery affected by the wireless android auto/car play? I get the usefulness of all of these devices, but my worry is that i will also need to plug the phone in the mororcycle, because wireless AA drains the battery like crazy... Thanks for the review!

[@SamVBikes]

I thought it would do the same but it doesn't seem to effect my phone battery that much. I'd say maybe another 10-15% used over a day's riding. They have their own built in GPS so that doesn't drain your phone battery like it would if you were just using the phone

[@SVL1805]

@@SamVBikes cheers mate for taking the time to answer! As an engineer this gives me a lot of insight!

[@SololaneMvlog]

what about the phone battery? i realise that it will depend on the phone but, can you like be a whole day conected to these devices with your phone without having to charge it in your experience? thanks

[@SamVBikes]

I've not had the phone deplete anymore than usual using it oddly. I'd have expected far more with the maps running etc but it seems fine. The Chigee and Carpuride have their own GPS so that definitely saves some battery

[@Rammit_Inha_Assol]

You did not test the Chigee with voice control and bluetooth headset, did you? Because voice control does not work in Android Auto yet. (Chigee says that the are working on it)

[@SamVBikes]

I tried voice control and connecting a headset to all of them but it was difficult to get it working properly so I didn't bother. Connect headset to the phone and the phone to the device and it works well

[@petetaylor5145]

How easy was the Chigee to connect to accessory power ? There's 3 wires right ? I have 1190 Adventure with Tomtom I want to replace hard wired behind headlight as per manual and would like to connect a Chigee here as well .

[@SamVBikes]

I'll let you know this weekend - I've been using it on USB power but going to hard-wire this weekend. It's 2 wires on the Chigee so I assume just a live and neutral/ground so the acc power should be fine

[@petetaylor5145]

@@SamVBikes Thanks , I hope it is 2 wires . I thought I read there was a 3rd yellow wire to let the device know it's powered on . I think Chigoe assume we will connect direct to the battery .

[@petetaylor5145]

Random question .... have you noticed that the power button on right hand side looks like the lock button ? The lock button in the settings manual shows it 3rd from the left . I'm just unboxing and double checking . Thanks

[@SamVBikes]

Which device bud? I rarely used the buttons on any of them if I'm honest

[@petetaylor5145]

@@SamVBikes The Chigee , sorry should have mentioned that ..

[@SamVBikes]

I think the lock button is the 3rd in if I remember rightly. So left to right, it's Home, screen cycle, lock then power. None of the buttons do anything that can't be reversed easily. Also I've never had to use the screen lock from rain reacting with it. It's really good! Done over 6k miles using the Chigee

[@petetaylor5145]

@@SamVBikes Yeah that's what manual and screen protector says but the button furthest right has a lock icon . As long as it works that's main thing .

[@simon1290r]

I've been looking for an android auto device for a while but the sluggishness of them doesn't really sell them for me. I sway towards more just using a slightly older mobile phone as a stand alone satnav unit with offline google maps or while using my actual phone has a hotspot if I need traffic updates. I've been using my phone above the dash with quadlock for years on my 1290 though, which just works. Do I really need to spend more money, no. Do I want to? yes.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha the final question made me laugh!

[@red.riot.2280]

Just about to buy a chigee. How did you hardwire the chigee? Acc2 port? Cann? Or just using the usb?

[@SamVBikes]

I've got it hard wired into the EzCan because it was just replacing the Garmin which was going into that too. Usb works fine too

[@red.riot.2280]

@@SamVBikes thank you. Completely new to installing a gps to mine. Is the ez can the better way to go? How does it work? Sorry. Been trying to go down the rabbit hole of KZbin. Haha.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! The EzCan is a great bit of kit but I'd only bother going that route if you're adding denalis or similar too. The ACC ports are easy enough to use

[@simulacrae]

Why the manufacturers don’t build CarPlay/android auto into their bikes these days is pretty baffling. Esp bmw that has supported CarPlay since the almost beginning.

[@SamVBikes]

Yeah definitely agree. It would be so much more useful. Save the cost of developing their own turn-by-turn systems etc

[@RMW90]

Honda has AA on the africa twin. Its crap. Slow freezes, no voice commands and you cant see you dashboard, you have to flick between them which is a pain as sometimes it doesn't work. The dashboard shows fuel level, suspension set up, trip meters etc.. ive been using a AAwireles dongle but time to get another screen.

[@adamg6199]

What about the Garmin, would you trust these phone mirror devices in remote areas?

[@SamVBikes]

I've just come back from Vosges mountains which had some very low signal, and no signal areas and the Chigee worked well with no issues. I've downloaded the map areas too so the navigation continues

[@adamg6199]

@@SamVBikes thank you

[@jedispunk7280]

So as you say the aio5 looks the most premium and yes im looking to buy but questions lol have you tried calimoto on it i ask as im hetting a new bike this week a nt1100 and im a samsung man atm all i can find is calimoto wont work on android auto only apple carplay but im thinking does the aio5 simply mirror your phone screen ? Im also a s24ultra user thx

[@SamVBikes]

I don't use Calimoto as I'm stubborn and refuse to pay that much for an app that I don't think is complete in it's function. It works well with Googlemaps, Waze etc so I'd assume Calimoto would work. Have seen others using CM on android auto devices. Sorry I couldn't be much more help

[@smokey8400]

Good review Sam. I just don't understand why you need a device that replicates your 6" Android or iPhone why not just get a better mount and run Android Auto? Really what is the use case if your phone is already onboard? For strictly navigation then get the big Thork T-865 or T-665 with DMD which is designed for motorcycling and has everything glove friendly. Plus this device can run any app since its like a tablet. Maybe this could be your next review?

[@SamVBikes]

I've unfortunately fallen victim to multiple phone camera's being ruined by the vibrations even on the vibration dampeners. At £1000+ a pop, I'd rather not risk an expensive smart phone again. I'll have a look at the Thork devices as well

[@markwittenberg4350]

I've been waiting for Android Auto for my bike for ages, but why do none of them have quick release mounts, like the Zumo and other Sat Navs? Major design flaw IMO

[@SamVBikes]

Definitely!! Either need a quick release or a much more secure mount!

[@eriklindhardsenact7596]

So Sam would you still keep the garmin zumo xt and have a android auto carplay device?

[@SamVBikes]

I'm going to swap out the Garmin for the Chigee I think. Just need to hard wire it into the accessory connector which I haven't got around to yet!

[@eriklindhardsenact7596]

​@@SamVBikes I have gone for the aooci c5 pro instead of the garmin.

[@The_Arby]

Why not just get a rugged android smartphone instead 🙂

[@SamVBikes]

Because the cameras are never rugged enough to survive motorcycle vibrations apparently

[@GeE98765]

@@SamVBikes I've been using my samsung phone on my SAS for 1,5 years now. I have mounted a SP-connect mount with vibrationdamper and wireless charging. The camera is still fine. The phone is waterproof of course. When you go out all day, you would have to charge the phone anyway when using Android Auto. The premium feel of the phone is also a bonus.

[@SamVBikes]

You've done well with that. I've had 2 phone cameras die from vibrations, both on Quadlock with the vibration dampener. These run their own GPS' so don't seem to drain the battery anywhere near as much as just using the phone does

[@Paul-cf9op]

First 🤘