Imagine this: you’re miles from anywhere, the sun is setting, and the only thing between you and your next adventure is a winding dirt path. But which path is it? For adventure motorcyclists, getting lost isn’t just an inconvenience; it can mean missed opportunities or even trouble. That’s where a good GPS comes in, but choosing the right one for your motorcycle adventures can feel like navigating a maze itself.
The world of motorcycle GPS units is huge! There are so many brands, features, and price points. It’s tough to know which device will stand up to rough trails, bright sunlight, and bumpy rides. You want something reliable that won’t quit when you need it most. Will it drain your battery? Can you see the screen in the sun? Will it work with your gloves on? These are the questions that keep riders up at night.
But don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this, you’ll have a clear picture of what makes a great adventure motorcycle GPS. We’ll break down the important features, look at some top picks, and help you find the perfect navigation partner for your next epic journey. Get ready to explore with confidence!
Our Top 5 Adventure Motorcycle Gps Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Garmin zūmo® XT2 All-Terrain Motorcycle Navigator | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin zūmo XT | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Beeline Moto II – Next Gen Motorcycle GPS Tracker | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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YZW Portable Wireless Motorcycle Apple Carplay & Android Auto | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Adventure Motorcycle Gps Detailed Reviews
1. Garmin zūmo® XT2 All-Terrain Motorcycle Navigator
Rating: 9.1/10
The Garmin zūmo® XT2 All-Terrain Motorcycle Navigator is your ultimate adventure companion. It’s built tough for any road, with a big, bright screen that you can see even in direct sunlight. Plan your rides exactly how you want them, from fast routes to exciting, winding paths. Plus, you can see where your friends are and share your ride stats!
What We Like:
- The 6” display is bigger and brighter, making it easy to read.
- It’s super tough and waterproof (IPX7), so it can handle rain and bumps.
- The new visual route planner lets you create custom adventures.
- You can see popular motorcycle routes and use satellite maps to find new places.
- Group rides let you see your friends’ locations on the screen.
- You can review and share your ride details like speed and elevation.
- It connects to your phone for navigation, music, and calls.
- It works with other cool Garmin gadgets like the inReach Mini 2 for satellite communication.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some features, like group rides and hands-free calls, need your smartphone and the Tread app.
- Using satellite communication features requires an active subscription and checking local laws.
This navigator is a fantastic tool for any rider who loves to explore. It makes planning and experiencing your rides easier and more enjoyable.
2. Garmin zūmo XT
Rating: 8.6/10
The Garmin zūmo XT is a tough GPS made for motorcycle riders. Its big screen is super bright, so you can see it even in direct sun. It’s also built to handle bumps and rain, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking on your adventures. You can use it with gloves on, which is super handy.
What We Like:
- The 5.5-inch screen is very bright and clear, even in sunlight.
- It’s built tough and can handle drops and rain, so it’s great for any weather.
- You get spoken directions through your helmet or headset.
- It has maps for on the road and off-road, including trails and public land.
- You can download satellite pictures without paying extra each year.
- The Adventurous Routing feature helps you find fun, twisty roads.
- You can easily save and share your rides with others using the Garmin Explore app.
- It can connect to your phone for live traffic, weather, and calls.
- You can even play music from your phone or the device itself.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup might take a little time to get used to.
- Some users might find the price a bit high.
The Garmin zūmo XT is a reliable companion for any motorcycle journey, offering excellent navigation and durability. It’s a solid investment for riders who demand the best.
3. Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S
Rating: 8.9/10
The Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S is a tough GPS made for motorcycle riders. It helps you find exciting routes, even on twisty roads, and can handle bad weather. Its screen is easy to see in sunlight and works with gloves. You can connect it to your phone for calls and messages, and get live traffic and weather updates.
What We Like:
- It finds fun, curvy roads instead of boring highways.
- The screen is bright and easy to read, even in the sun.
- It’s built tough to resist rain, gas fumes, and UV rays.
- You can make calls and get text alerts from your phone.
- Sharing ride plans with friends is simple.
- Live traffic and weather information is free.
What Could Be Improved:
- The screen size is good, but some riders might prefer a larger display.
- While it connects to smartphones, some users might want more advanced smartphone integration.
The Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S is a solid companion for any motorcycle adventure. It makes finding new paths and staying connected on the road easy and reliable.
4. Beeline Moto II – Next Gen Motorcycle GPS Tracker
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to fall in love with riding again? The Beeline Moto II is a game-changer for any motorcycle rider. This sat nav fits right onto your handlebars, keeping you focused on the road with its simple, distraction-free mini-map. It’s perfect for everything from your daily commute to epic adventures. The Moto II makes every ride safer and smoother.
What We Like:
- It revolutionizes your rides by letting you focus on the road.
- Planning your rides is super easy and you can choose your route.
- The display is simple but shows you all the important info.
- It’s built tough with waterproofing and shockproofing for any weather.
- The sleek design looks great on any bike.
- The battery lasts a long time, up to 14 hours.
- It’s glove-friendly, so you can use it without taking off your gloves.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the display is simple, some riders might want more detailed map features.
The Beeline Moto II is an excellent companion for any motorcycle journey. It makes navigation easy and keeps you safe, so you can enjoy the ride.
5. YZW Portable Wireless Motorcycle Apple Carplay & Android Auto
Rating: 9.1/10
The YZW Portable Wireless Motorcycle GPS Navigation System brings your smartphone’s smart features directly to your handlebars. This 5-inch touchscreen lets you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wirelessly, so you can navigate, play music, and make calls safely while you ride. It’s built tough for any weather and fits any motorcycle with simple installation.
What We Like:
- Wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps your hands free and your focus on the road.
- IPX7 waterproof rating means you don’t have to worry about rain or snow.
- Built-in EQ with customizable settings lets you tailor your music’s sound.
- Easy to install on any motorcycle with the included bracket kits and simple wiring.
- Thief-proof detachable design adds extra security.
- Lifetime technical support provides peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not fully compatible with Samsung Note and S series phones.
- Users need to ensure their phone supports wireless CarPlay or Android Auto before purchasing.
This YZW motorcycle GPS system is a fantastic upgrade for any rider looking for convenience and safety. It’s a solid choice for enhancing your motorcycle experience.
Your Guide to Adventure Motorcycle GPS Units
Ready to hit the open road on your motorcycle? A GPS unit is your trusty co-pilot. It helps you find your way, discover new paths, and keep your adventures going. This guide will help you pick the best adventure motorcycle GPS for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing a GPS, think about what you need it to do. Here are the most important features:
- Screen Size and Brightness: You need a screen that’s easy to see, even in bright sunlight. A bigger screen is usually better for maps.
- Durability and Waterproofing: Motorcycles go through rough weather. Your GPS should be tough and waterproof so it can handle rain, dust, and bumps. Look for IP ratings like IPX7.
- Ease of Use: Buttons or a touchscreen? Make sure you can operate it easily while wearing gloves. Simple menus are a big plus.
- Battery Life: Long rides mean you need a GPS that lasts. Check how long the battery stays charged. Some units can be powered by the motorcycle.
- Mapping and Navigation: Does it come with maps of the areas you’ll ride? Can you download new maps? Look for features like route planning and points of interest (POIs).
- Connectivity: Some GPS units can connect to your phone. This lets you get traffic updates or share your location. Bluetooth is common for connecting to headphones or speakers.
- Storage: If you plan on downloading many maps or routes, make sure there’s enough storage space, or a way to add more with an SD card.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a GPS unit make a big difference in how well it holds up. You want something strong and reliable.
- Rugged Casing: Most good adventure GPS units have a tough plastic or rubber casing. This protects them from drops and vibrations.
- Scratch-Resistant Screen: The screen is often the most fragile part. A screen that resists scratches will stay clear and easy to read.
- Waterproof Seals: Look for units with tight seals around buttons and ports. These keep water and dust out.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all GPS units are created equal. Here’s what makes some better than others:
What Makes a GPS Better:
- High-Resolution Display: A sharper screen shows more detail on maps.
- Fast Processor: This means the GPS responds quickly when you zoom or pan on the map.
- Accurate GPS Receiver: A better receiver locks onto satellites faster and stays connected even in tricky spots like canyons.
- Long Battery Life: This is crucial for extended trips.
- Easy Map Updates: Getting the latest maps keeps your navigation reliable.
What Can Make a GPS Worse:
- Flimsy Construction: A GPS that feels cheap might not last long on the road.
- Dim Screen: If you can’t see the screen in sunlight, it’s hard to use.
- Slow Performance: A laggy GPS can be frustrating and even dangerous.
- Poor Battery: Constantly needing to recharge breaks the flow of your ride.
- Difficult Interface: If it’s hard to figure out, you won’t enjoy using it.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your GPS will shape your experience. Think about where and how you ride.
Common Use Cases:
- On-Road Navigation: Getting from point A to point B on paved roads.
- Off-Road Exploration: Finding trails, dirt roads, and remote areas. This often needs detailed topographic maps.
- Touring: Planning long trips, finding hotels, and seeing points of interest along the way.
- Commuting: Using it for daily rides to avoid traffic or find new routes.
A good adventure motorcycle GPS should be easy to mount on your handlebars. It should be simple to operate with gloves on. The display needs to be clear in all kinds of light. For off-road riding, offline maps are very important because you might not have cell service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adventure Motorcycle GPS
Q: What is the most important feature of an adventure motorcycle GPS?
A: Durability and waterproofing are most important. Your GPS needs to survive the elements and vibrations of motorcycle riding.
Q: Can I use my car’s GPS on my motorcycle?
A: You can, but car GPS units are often not as rugged or waterproof. They might also be harder to see in sunlight and difficult to use with gloves.
Q: Do I need a GPS with built-in maps?
A: It’s very helpful. Having maps pre-loaded saves you time and ensures you have navigation even without internet access.
Q: How do I mount a GPS on my motorcycle?
A: Most GPS units come with or have optional mounting kits. These usually attach to your handlebars or mirrors.
Q: What does “IPX7” mean for waterproofing?
A: IPX7 means the unit can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without damage.
Q: Can I plan routes on the GPS itself?
A: Many adventure GPS units allow you to plan routes directly on the device. Some also let you import routes from a computer or app.
Q: How do I update the maps on my GPS?
A: Map updates are usually done by connecting the GPS to a computer and using the manufacturer’s software or website.
Q: Is a touchscreen or button interface better for motorcycle GPS?
A: It depends on personal preference and the quality of the interface. Many riders prefer buttons that are easy to feel and use with gloves.
Q: Can I connect my phone to a motorcycle GPS?
A: Some GPS units have Bluetooth, which lets you connect to your phone for calls, music, or receiving notifications.
Q: How much do adventure motorcycle GPS units typically cost?
A: Prices can range from around $200 to $600 or more, depending on the features and brand.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.