Adding GPS to a 2019 RT Limited

[lwedwards]

What would I need to do to add a GPS to my Spyder? Also what type is everyone using? I would like to be able to tell what my speed really is and use to visit new places while riding.

Thank you,:helpsmilie:

[Stevew]

Hi Iwedwards,
You can’t go wrong with a Garmin Zumo. They have at least 3 different models. I have a Zumo 660 and the wife has a Zumo 396, both are great with lifetime maps update..

Steve

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Have you considered the GPS programs like Sygic that you run through BRP Connect from your smartphone?

[h0gr1der]

You're going to get 2 different sets of answers here, those that use their phone to talk to the display, and folks that have mounted an old school stand alone GPS. I went with a Garmin 595. You have to get very specific parts to mount it, and if you're using the Tri-Axis adjustable handle bars it's a different mount base. I wrote up what I did, other folks give advice on how to use the BRP connect apps. I just like the stand alone GPS, but they call me old school.

[EdMat]

Wanted so bad to use a GPS routed thru BRP Connect. Tried Rever and Sygic. Bought both. I tried to like them. Wound up catching a Zumo 595LM on sale. Mounted it to a Tricled multi-mount dash bracket with the parts that came with the GPS. Love it!

[lwedwards]

Thanks for all the answers, I tried the BRP Connect with my phone iPhone XR and had no luck. Maybe I was doing something wrong. Just need to get a mount and a Stand alone GPS.

[billybovine]

Your phone will make a good gps. I looked up the specs and it is rated as IP67. So rain will not be a problem. So just mount it on the handlebars.

[Snakeyes]

I just picked up a Tom Tom Rider 550 and I am going to mount it on to the dash with a dash mount from Lamonster. I also have a 2019 RTL.

[Flamewinger]

The stand alone GPS has such a slower processor compared to the smartphones. It's way faster to use and much faster at route calculations. You can make a route in a stand alone GPS but it takes all day compared to how fast it can be done in Sygic or Genius Maps. If I were to use Garmin or TomTom I'd buy the app for my smartphone instead of a stand alone unit.

[Realtor]

I don't "NEED" gps for my normal riding, but I have an ols school GPS, I plug it in the 12V in the trunk, then run the wire under the seat to the area just toward the seat below the toggle switches. I attach it with the suction cup, and it works for what I need.... I would like to have something a little "cleaner" but the mounts are a little $$ for all the more I'd use it... I do plan on getting the mount got the handle bars, and a USB plug installed, but in due time....

[LeftCoast]

I like to have both. More than once I’ve found myself without a cell signal and the phone using best guess reckoning as to where I am

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I like to have both. More than once I’ve found myself without a cell signal and the phone using best guess reckoning as to where I am
Sygic is a standalone app, i.e., it doesn't need cell connection to work. Cell is needed only for updates and real time info like construction activities and accident alerts. In fact I use Sygic with my WiFi only Samsung tablet. I'm not familiar with Genius but I would think it would be the same as Sygic in that respect.

[billybovine]

I agree with IdahoMtnSpyder. Your phone does not need a cell connection to work as a gps. In fact it may be more accurate and faster than a inexpensive stand alone GPS. Whether you need a cell connection or wifi, depends on the app you are using. For example, a free app like Google Waze must have a cell connection. Google maps is also free and can be used without cell connection, but you have to prepare and download maps ahead of time. In general standalone gps apps are not free.

[PMK]

Our recent experiences with Garmins has not been good. The Garmins we have, both automotive stand alone units and our 660 on the Spyder have gone wrong far to many times recently. The units are updated but for whatever reason, the Garmins decide on a crazy and often wrong route. Most recently or automotive Garmin insisted we make a left turn to our destination. Sadly, there was no road, simply a heavily wooded area. The phone was immediately consulted via Google Maps. Within a minute we were on the correct route to our destination.

Garmins have served us very well in the past. However over the last 18 months they have become unreliable in finding an accurate route.

I have yet to use the phone for navigation on the Spyder, but suspect it will be happening sooner than later.

[JayBros]

One must remember the accuracy in a Garmin GPS finding an "accurate" route is a function of the currency of the map loaded in the GPS. Since Garmin's maps are proprietary they rely a good bit on users reporting errors; the number of corrections in updates depends on the squeakiness of the wheels.

[Northofthesix]

I downloaded Genius Maps for my 18 RTL and really REALLY tried to like it... I find it impossible to read given how small the display area is and how far the dash is from my face, and since I like to see what is coming up (especially in the twisties) relying on voice commands isn't satisfactory. Installing a Garmin 390LM on the centre of my handlebars as soon as I have a chance.

[h0gr1der]

I agree with IdahoMtnSpyder. Your phone does not need a cell connection to work as a gps. In fact it may be more accurate and faster than a inexpensive stand alone GPS. Whether you need a cell connection or wifi, depends on the app you are using. For example, a free app like Google Waze must have a cell connection. Google maps is also free and can be used without cell connection, but you have to prepare and download maps ahead of time. In general standalone gps apps are not free.

I'm a stand alone Garmin guy, but agree on their latest routing being somewhat substandard. Always willing to learn though, so help me out a bit. So my smart phone has a GPS receiver in it and will get direction without cell service. Cool. With the phone connections in the front and rear trunks you will have to make some kind of power plug modifications so the phone has a line of sight on the sky, right? You'll at very minimum have to get the phone mounted on the dash or bars for the phone GPS receiver to work I would think.

[C. Lee]

I too tried to like the BRP Connect, but found that the bluetooth connection from my phone works very well through my helmet as well as music. Whether listening to music or directions. I did mount a power outlet on the dash for my phone. It worked perfectly on our trip to north carolina and niagara last year. Chris

[billybovine]

I'm a stand alone Garmin guy, but agree on their latest routing being somewhat substandard. Always willing to learn though, so help me out a bit. So my smart phone has a GPS receiver in it and will get direction without cell service. Cool. With the phone connections in the front and rear trunks you will have to make some kind of power plug modifications so the phone has a line of sight on the sky, right? You'll at very minimum have to get the phone mounted on the dash or bars for the phone GPS receiver to work I would think.

For many folks who do use their phone with brp connect, on a RT. It's in the front trunk, on the back wall. That's near the engine, metal frame and a lot of wiring. Never heard of anyone complaining of bad gps reception. For me on my F3L. The connections are in the glove box, aka pizza oven. When I put it in there. The gps worked just fine. Except when the phone goes into overheat mode. I no longer use BRP Connect to display on my Spyders screen. So I have mounted the phone on my handlebars. I have a usb power plug on my handlebars if I need it to keep the phone charged. Never had a problem with the gps function. If I wanted to use BRP Connect and I have. I just run a usb cable from the glove box to the phone on the handlebars. I am not going to cook another phone.

For years I used a Garmin Nuvi 255W and 265W in my vehicles and my Spyder. They would not work in my garage or house unless I was in front of a window. My last and current phone gps work just fine inside the house and garage. Your experience may vary.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

So my smart phone has a GPS receiver in it and will get direction without cell service. Cool. With the phone connections in the front and rear trunks you will have to make some kind of power plug modifications so the phone has a line of sight on the sky, right? You'll at very minimum have to get the phone mounted on the dash or bars for the phone GPS receiver to work I would think.
Smartphones for the past few years have included a very good GPS receiver. At least Samsung has. You can keep it in the glove box, trunk, frunk, coat pocket, or most anywhere and it will pick up the satellite signals very well. I've had my tablet in the trunk during rain storms and listened to the voice instructions. Since I don't have the new cluster I use a Bluetooth receiver to feed the tablet audio via BT into the GPS input of the radio.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I no longer use BRP Connect to display on my Spyders screen. So I have mounted the phone on my handlebars. I have a usb power plug on my handlebars if I need it to keep the phone charged. Never had a problem with the gps function. If I wanted to use BRP Connect and I have. I just run a usb cable from the glove box to the phone on the handlebars.
Will BRP connect work with a WiFi only tablet? I use a Samsung Tab A 8.0. The 8 inch screen makes it easy to see the GPS route! I'd move up to a 10 inch but there just isn't enough space between the dash, cluster, and handlebar for one.

[EdMat]

Will BRP connect work with a WiFi only tablet? I use a Samsung Tab A 8.0. The 8 inch screen makes it easy to see the GPS route! I'd move up to a 10 inch but there just isn't enough space between the dash, cluster, and handlebar for one.

It should if the tablet functions now with a GPS program. It would have to be a program that BRP Connect will work with like Sygic. I have managed to connect my iPad Mini 4 but its not useful for GPS functions.

[billybovine]

Will BRP connect work with a WiFi only tablet? I use a Samsung Tab A 8.0. The 8 inch screen makes it easy to see the GPS route! I'd move up to a 10 inch but there just isn't enough space between the dash, cluster, and handlebar for one.

The BRP Connect app is not available for a tablet. Not a compatable device. But that may not be what your asking because you want to use the tablet screen. Not sure if a tablet will BT pair with the Spyder dash. The spyder will want to pair in 2 modes. Handsfree profile HFP and advance audio distribution profile A2DP. Your tablet does not have HFP since its not a phone. Never tried it so not sure.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

The BRP Connect app is not available for a tablet. Not a compatable device. But that may not be what your asking because you want to use the tablet screen. Not sure if a tablet will BT pair with the Spyder dash. The spyder will want to pair in 2 modes. Handsfree profile HFP and advance audio distribution profile A2DP. Your tablet does not have HFP since its not a phone. Never tried it so not sure.
Thanks. I was just curious. It doesn't surprise me since there would be no real advantage of using a tablet over a phone, other than cost, since the screen image is transferred to the cluster screen. IMO, for visibility of GPS screens, a tablet is the best!

[Flamewinger]

Using something on a regular basis gets easier. Using the cluster screen and learning what it shows only gets better every time I get on the bike. I like Sygic as its easier and I can have the info I like showing along with the map. My phone is on top of the dash because it's easier to get at rather than putting it in the frunk. The GPS antenna in smartphones works almost anywhere so inside the frunk isn't a problem. If the phone's battery is less than half down it will get hot as its charging as well as working. So try and keep the battery more than half when traveling. Carry a iPad Mini for long usage?

[PMK]

One must remember the accuracy in a Garmin GPS finding an "accurate" route is a function of the currency of the map loaded in the GPS. Since Garmin's maps are proprietary they rely a good bit on users reporting errors; the number of corrections in updates depends on the squeakiness of the wheels.

Absolutely agree. All of our recent issues with our Garmins getting lost or confused, each had the most recent updates to the unit and the actual maps.

Regarding Garmins having proprietary maps, I learned years ago thatthis may not be the truth. An internet source called Open Street Maps as I understand it, is the database that Garmin obtains. Open Street Maps is a user type database. The database is free, and essentially covers the entire planet. Users of Open Street Maps create the database and constantly add updates.

Open street maps has routes for various modes of transportation. Driving, walking, cycling.

I am unsure where non Garmin navigation obtains its database.

As good as Garmin has been in the past, possibly the time has come that Garmin needs to utilize more cell based technology to assist true satellite navigation. As was mentioned, many modern cell phones have the ability to user select the source to navigate with. This could be WiFi based, Cell Tower based, Satellite based or a combination of what is best at the moment.

In this modern era, Garmin navigation should be simple, accurate, and adapt easily to a drivers desire to alter the route chosen by the device.

If our Garmin 660 could be converted to a Google Maps, or similar format when I deem it needs to, the Garmin hardware and mounting would complete a great setup. Having a Garmin with all updates that still gets confused or lost is never fun.

[Flamewinger]

I've been told by Garmin that in about a year their support for the Garmin app will stop. They have removed it from the app stores as many are doing the cheap route and using Waze or Google maps. TomTom is still available for smartphone along with a few other GPS apps that have downloaded maps. I like Sygic as you can create a route just like Google compared to TomTom where you have to input many waypoints.

[billybovine]

Garmin uses map data from Navtec.

Navigation on a phone cannot be done by cell tower communication. Not accurate enough. But some phones have a technology that uses cell phone data to assist navigation. Only really helpful in cities where skyscrapers cut off the gps signal and there are multiple cell antennas to communicate with.

Update: Navtec was bought out by HERE. Same map provider to several other apps.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Garmin uses map data from Navtec.

Navigation on a phone cannot be done by cell tower communication. Not accurate enough. But some phones have a technology that uses cell phone data to assist navigation. Only really helpful in cities where skyscrapers cut off the gps signal and there are multiple cell antennas to communicate with.

Update: Navtec was bought out by HERE. Same map provider to several other apps.
Unless things have changed in the past year or so, Sygic uses map data from TomTom. Now what the underlying cartographic and GIS data is that TomTom uses I have no idea.

[Dodgedad]

Do you have to pay for the maps for that too

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Do you have to pay for the maps for that too
If you are referring to Sygic, they offer a lifetime license for a one time fee. They charge by the country, i.e., US, Canada, Mexico, or some combination of them. They also have European maps. They issue free map updates three times a year and monthly updates for an annual subscription. Real time traffic alerts are one time charge. I don't know if the BRP Connect pricing program is the same or not.

Three years ago I ran into a situation a couple of times where the destination on the map was incorrect. I don't remember that being a problem these past two summers. The only thing that irritates me with it is that it doesn't let the user differentiate levels of paved highways, e.g. state two lane vs Interstate.

Check them out at www.sygic.com.

[Barender]

178408178407I added a Garmin zumo to my 2019 Rtl, found it easier than the app based application. Used the LaMonster gps mount LG-1086 and fished the wire through the spare switch slot.

[eddieshep999]

I’ve had my 2018 F3T for a couple of weeks now and report the following
I like the New display but did not want to use the BRP Connect Apps
I have connected my iphone6 via Bluetooth to the BRP Connect system, This allows me to play the music on my iphone6 the tracks are displayed on the Connect screen and I can control Forward & Reverse Songs using the Handlebar controls
If I put the Radio function on my iphone6 the song playing on the Radio also displays on the Connect screen
With all the audio being played via the onboard speakers

I did not like the inbuilt GPS and reports of its use has not always been positive, I decided to go with a stand-alone GPS system
I purchased a Garmin Zumo 396 GPS unit which is fitted between the handlebars which makes it easier to see and control
The GPS does not have an audio input or output as all its connections are via Bluetooth
Therefore I can connect the GPS unit via Bluetooth to my Sena SMH10 headset
The Zumo 396 allows me to again play Music & Radio from my iphone6 direct to my Sena headset via the GPS Bluetooth function
There is also the Option of making and receiving Phone calls
The Zumo 396 has Lifetime maps and updates for Maps and its Software can be done over Wi-Fi
The GPS can also be removed from my Spyder for use in my car
I know I can place my phone in the Glove box connected to Connect via USB and have the same functions but I prefer to have my iphone6 on me, so should I have an accident and was ejected from the F3T I may still be able to contact the Emergency Services

[Barender]

I mounted the zumo 396 unit also with a Sena Bluetooth. Works good and easier to plan routes and waypoints.

[Flamewinger]

I mounted the zumo 396 unit also with a Sena Bluetooth. Works good and easier to plan routes and waypoints.

Its easier because you are familiar with it. Learn new tech and it will be just as easy. Creating a route in Sygic is as easy as doing it in Google Maps.

[carbonation]

Garmin LM50 here, modified to provide audio out.
TaoTronics bluetooth transmitter, paired with my Sena headset in the helmet.
Charger City waterproof carrier for the Garmin and transmitter.
Techmount center mount to hold it all in place on the handlebars.
https://www.amazon.com/Techmount-4-80007-device-Perfect-customer/dp/B00HKPY8L0?th=1
https://www.amazon.com/ChargerCity-Screen-Resistant-Security-Motorcycle/dp/B00JAULSTI
https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-TaoTronics-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Headphones/dp/B07W5S2WVN/ref=pd_sbs_23_t_0/139-0402334-4069448?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07W5S2WVN&pd_rd_r=931adf27-452c-4cc5-8ac2-91135e3d2c6e&pd_rd_w=cZrtH&pd_rd_wg=fOas1&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=KJB9JBPRZ9AVQPABRW20&psc=1&refRID=KJB9JBPRZ9AVQPABRW20
https://www.m-p-c.com/GPS_Bluetooth_Audio.htm178584