Ever felt that thrill of the open road, only to realize you’re hopelessly lost? Or maybe you’ve spent precious riding time squinting at a paper map, trying to find your way? For many motorcycle riders, navigating unfamiliar routes can be a major headache. That’s where a good GPS unit comes in, but choosing the *right* one can feel like another obstacle course.
The world of motorcycle GPS units is full of confusing jargon and features. Do you need something super rugged, or is a standard car GPS good enough? How important is battery life? What about screen visibility in bright sunlight? It’s enough to make any rider throw their hands up in frustration. But don’t worry, because we’ve got your back.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a GPS unit perfect for your motorcycle, looking at key features and what to avoid. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have the knowledge to pick a GPS that keeps you on track and lets you enjoy every mile of your journey. Let’s get started on finding your perfect riding companion!
Our Top 5 Gps Unit For Motorcycle Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Gps Unit For Motorcycle Detailed Reviews
1. LAMTTO 7-Inch Wireless Motorcycle Carplay GPS Navigation System with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your motorcycle adventures with the LAMTTO 7-Inch Wireless Motorcycle CarPlay GPS Navigation System. This smart screen brings your smartphone’s features right to your handlebars, making every ride safer and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Effortlessly connect your phone wirelessly with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- Control everything with your voice using Siri or Google Assistant – keep your hands on the grips!
- Ride through any weather with IP67 waterproofing and enjoy clear visibility thanks to the anti-glare screen.
- The large 7-inch IPS touchscreen is easy to see and use, even with gloves.
- Connect your helmet or headphones via Bluetooth for hands-free calls, music, and navigation.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for motorcycles, it might not be as seamless for car use.
- The dual Bluetooth connection is a nice feature, but managing multiple connections can sometimes be tricky.
The LAMTTO system is a fantastic upgrade for any rider wanting smart features on the go. It truly makes staying connected and navigating easier and safer.
2. Garmin zūmo XT
Rating: 9.4/10
The Garmin zūmo XT is a tough GPS device made for motorcycle adventures. Its big screen is easy to see even in bright sunlight. You can use it with gloves on, and it can handle getting wet and even being dropped. It’s built to last on any ride.
What We Like:
- The 5.5-inch screen is super bright and clear, even in sunlight.
- It’s built tough and can survive drops and rain, so you don’t have to worry about it.
- You get spoken directions through your helmet or headset.
- It has maps for both on-road and off-road, including trails and public lands.
- You can download satellite pictures to see more detail without paying extra.
- It helps you find fun, twisty roads for a more exciting ride.
- You can easily plan and save your routes on different devices using Garmin Explore.
- It has a track recorder to save and share your journeys.
- You can get live traffic and weather updates and share routes with friends.
- It can even play music from your phone or its own storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user interface can 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 rider looking for adventure. It offers great navigation and durability for all your road and off-road journeys.
3. Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S
Rating: 9.4/10
The Garmin zumo 396 LMT-S is your ultimate adventure buddy for two wheels. This tough GPS is built to handle whatever the road throws at you, from dusty trails to sudden downpours. Its bright screen is easy to see even in direct sunlight, and you can control it with your gloves on. Get ready for exciting rides on twisty roads, not boring highways.
What We Like:
- It helps you find fun, twisty roads for a better riding experience.
- The screen is clear and easy to read in bright sunlight.
- It’s built tough to resist fuel, UV rays, and bad weather.
- You can pair it with your phone for hands-free calls and smart alerts.
- It lets you easily share your ride plans with friends.
- You get live traffic and weather updates for free when connected to your phone.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4.3-inch screen might feel a bit small for some riders who prefer a larger display.
- While it connects to your smartphone, it relies on that connection for live services, meaning no live data if your phone isn’t connected or has no signal.
This GPS makes every ride an adventure. It’s a reliable companion for any motorcyclist looking for more exciting routes and helpful features on the go.
4. APHQUA 722 7-Inch Motorcycle GPS Navigation System with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Rating: 9.5/10
The APHQUA 722 is a 7-inch motorcycle GPS navigation system that brings your smartphone to your handlebars. It’s built for riders who want to stay connected and entertained on every journey. With its big, bright touchscreen and easy-to-use features, it makes navigating, listening to music, and taking calls a breeze, even in bad weather.
What We Like:
- Big, Clear Screen: The 7-inch touchscreen has a sharp resolution (1600×600) so you can easily see your maps and apps.
- Works with Your Phone: It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use your favorite phone apps like navigation and music directly on the screen.
- Talk to It: Use Siri or Google Assistant to control the system with your voice. This keeps your hands on the handlebars for safety.
- Connect Your Gear: Dual Bluetooth lets you connect your helmet and a headset at the same time for clear audio.
- Ready for Anything: It’s IP67 waterproof, meaning it can handle rain, dust, and splashes, so you don’t have to worry about the weather.
- Easy to Install: Setting it up on your motorcycle is simple, and you can even personalize the screen logo.
- Smart Brightness: The screen automatically adjusts its brightness, making it easy to see in bright sun or at night.
- Good Sound: Multiple sound options, including Bluetooth, deliver great audio for music and calls.
- Help is Available: A professional support team is there to help if you have questions or need assistance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Screen Size for Smaller Bikes: While 7 inches is great for visibility, it might be a bit large for some smaller motorcycles.
- App Compatibility: While it works with CarPlay and Android Auto, not every single app might be perfectly optimized for motorcycle use.
Overall, the APHQUA 722 is a fantastic upgrade for any motorcycle rider. It offers a smart, safe, and enjoyable way to stay connected on the road.
5. Motorcycle CarPlay & Android Auto 7 inch Motorcycle DVR Wireless Carplay Screen for Moto with Dual 2K Cameras GPS Navigation for Motorbike
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your motorcycle rides with this advanced 7-inch display. It brings the convenience of your smartphone right to your handlebars, featuring both Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, with dual 2K cameras, you can record your adventures and navigate with ease, all while keeping your hands on the wheel.
What We Like:
- Crystal Clear Recording: The dual 2K cameras capture every detail of your ride, front and back, with a 64GB SD card included for loop recording and G-sensor protection.
- Seamless Smartphone Integration: Connect wirelessly to CarPlay or Android Auto for easy access to navigation, music, and calls. Siri and Google Assistant support keep your focus on the road.
- Bright and Responsive Display: The 7-inch HD IPS touchscreen is larger and more vibrant than smaller screens, making it easy to see and interact with, even in bright sunlight.
- Weatherproof and Secure: With an IP67 waterproof rating and an anti-theft removable bracket, this screen can handle any weather and is easy to detach when not in use.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: Dual Bluetooth 5.0 allows you to connect to both your phone and a Bluetooth headset, so you can make calls and listen to music hands-free without removing your helmet.
- Intuitive Controls: Use voice commands for hands-free operation or the included wired controller for quick access to functions like taking photos, switching views, and answering calls.
What Could Be Improved:
- Phone Compatibility Check: Ensure your smartphone supports wireless CarPlay or Android Auto before purchasing, as this is crucial for the main features.
- Wiring Consideration: Be mindful of the wiring diagram to ensure proper power connection, especially if the screen doesn’t shut down with the motorcycle.
- No Tire Pressure Sensor: This unit does not include a tire pressure sensor, so that functionality will not be available.
This motorcycle screen offers a fantastic upgrade for any rider looking for enhanced navigation, entertainment, and safety. It’s a smart way to stay connected and record your journeys.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Motorcycle’s New Best Friend
Ready to hit the open road with confidence? A GPS unit for your motorcycle can be a game-changer. It helps you find new routes, avoid getting lost, and even share your adventures. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect GPS unit for your ride.
1. Key Features to Look For
When choosing a motorcycle GPS, think about what matters most to you on your journey.
Navigation Powerhouse
- Detailed Maps: You want maps that show every street and turn. Look for units with pre-loaded maps of your region or the ability to download more.
- Turn-by-Turn Voice Directions: This is crucial! Clear voice prompts let you keep your eyes on the road, not the screen.
- Route Planning: Some GPS units let you plan complex routes with multiple stops. This is great for scenic rides or long trips.
- Real-time Traffic Updates: Avoid traffic jams with live traffic information. Some units can reroute you automatically.
Durability and Display
- Waterproof and Dustproof: Motorcycles face the elements. Your GPS needs to be tough enough to handle rain, dust, and vibrations. Look for IP ratings (like IPX7) which mean it can be submerged in water for a short time.
- Sunlight-Readable Screen: A bright, clear screen is essential, even in direct sunlight. Touchscreen responsiveness is also important for easy operation.
- Glove-Friendly Controls: You’ll likely be wearing gloves. Make sure the touchscreen or buttons are easy to use with gloves on.
Connectivity and Extras
- Bluetooth Connectivity: This lets you connect to your helmet’s communication system for audio directions and calls.
- Mounting Options: A secure and adjustable mount is vital. It should keep the GPS firmly in place without vibrating too much.
- Battery Life: If you plan long rides, good battery life is a must. Some units can be powered directly from your motorcycle.
- Points of Interest (POI): Useful for finding gas stations, restaurants, and attractions along your route.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a motorcycle GPS affect its durability and performance.
- Rugged Casing: Most good motorcycle GPS units have a tough plastic casing, often ABS plastic or similar. This protects them from bumps and drops.
- Scratch-Resistant Screen: The screen is often made of tempered glass or a strong polycarbonate to resist scratches from dust and debris.
- Weatherproof Seals: Rubber seals are used around buttons and ports to keep water and dust out.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a GPS unit great or not so great.
Quality Boosters
- High-Resolution Display: A sharper screen makes maps easier to read.
- Fast Processor: A quick processor means faster map loading and route calculations.
- Accurate GPS Receiver: A good receiver locks onto satellites quickly and maintains a strong signal, even in areas with tall buildings or dense trees.
- Regular Map Updates: Keeping your maps current ensures you have the latest road information.
Quality Reducers
- Flimsy Mount: A mount that easily breaks or loosens can be dangerous.
- Poor Sunlight Readability: A dim screen is frustrating and unsafe.
- Slow Performance: Waiting for maps to load or rerouting takes away from your ride.
- Limited Battery Life: Constantly worrying about charging is a hassle.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your GPS will shape your experience.
Everyday Riding
For daily commutes or weekend rides, a simple GPS that provides clear directions to your destination is perfect. Bluetooth connectivity for music or calls is a nice bonus.
Adventure Touring
If you love exploring off the beaten path, you’ll need a GPS with robust mapping capabilities, excellent durability, and the ability to plan multi-day routes. A long battery life or motorcycle power connection is essential.
Group Rides
Some advanced GPS units allow you to share your location with other riders or follow pre-planned routes shared by a group leader.
Learning to Ride
For new riders, a GPS can build confidence by ensuring they don’t get lost. Simple, clear directions are key here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a motorcycle GPS?
A: You should look for detailed maps, turn-by-turn voice directions, a sunlight-readable screen, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Q: Do I need a GPS unit that is waterproof?
A: Yes, it’s very important. Motorcycles are exposed to the weather, so a waterproof and dustproof GPS will last much longer.
Q: Can I use my car GPS on my motorcycle?
A: While possible, car GPS units are not designed for motorcycle vibrations or weather exposure. They may not be as durable or easy to use on a bike.
Q: How do I mount a GPS unit on my motorcycle?
A: Most GPS units come with a mounting kit. You can attach it to your handlebars or dashboard using the included hardware.
Q: Are motorcycle GPS units expensive?
A: Prices vary widely. Basic models can be affordable, while advanced units with many features can cost more.
Q: How often do I need to update the maps?
A: It’s a good idea to update maps at least once a year to get the latest road changes and new points of interest.
Q: Can I connect my smartphone to a motorcycle GPS?
A: Some GPS units can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to share data or use smartphone features.
Q: What does an IP rating mean for a GPS unit?
A: An IP rating, like IPX7, tells you how well the unit is protected against water and dust. A higher number means better protection.
Q: Will a GPS unit drain my motorcycle’s battery?
A: If you connect it directly to your motorcycle’s power, it will use some battery. However, most units are designed to be efficient.
Q: Can I plan custom routes with a motorcycle GPS?
A: Yes, many motorcycle GPS units allow you to plan custom routes, add waypoints, and even import routes from other devices.
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.