Do I really need a GPS?

[Cirhere]

do I need a GPS is like saying do I need another fishing rod and reel (I have 40) Heck no but I would like another

 

[DGoebel]

Slice, No you don't, (unless you really just want one ) I routinely use just my Galaxy S10 on an overdash (Tacform on RAM) mount, connected with a dedicated USB C charge cable right off the built-in accessory circuit (at the back of the frunk). I plan my routes using Google Maps with up to 10 different waypoints per route, sometimes planning a cross country IBA ride with three or more routes for the total trip, but I'm stopping at or near one of the waypoints in each of those segments. I have already downloaded all the maps for offline use (that's been around for years) as I "Build" those routes (I can even do this on my laptop and "send" them to my phone before downloading the offline maps). There's so many Youtube videos teaching how to do this, and like the OP, my phone is pretty water resistant and can sit over my dash in raging downpours just fine.


Oh and I listen to Sirius XM (and the Phone GPS directions) on my in-helmet bluetooth speakers. All without using the BRP app in the dash.

 

[SLICE]

Slice, No you don't, (unless you really just want one ) I routinely use just my Galaxy S10 on an overdash (Tacform on RAM) mount, connected with a dedicated USB C charge cable right off the built-in accessory circuit (at the back of the frunk). I plan my routes using Google Maps with up to 10 different waypoints per route, sometimes planning a cross country IBA ride with three or more routes for the total trip, but I'm stopping at or near one of the waypoints in each of those segments. I have already downloaded all the maps for offline use (that's been around for years) as I "Build" those routes (I can even do this on my laptop and "send" them to my phone before downloading the offline maps). There's so many Youtube videos teaching how to do this, and like the OP, my phone is pretty water resistant and can sit over my dash in raging downpours just fine.
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Oh and I listen to Sirius XM (and the Phone GPS directions) on my in-helmet bluetooth speakers. All without using the BRP app in the dash.

thats exactly how i use google maps, currently waiting on nephew to show up for a 120 mile ride 9 waypoints to the smokehouse for some brisket.

 

[shardt]

I use my phone and use sygic GPS app. This uses offline maps so need for cell service but if you do have cell service you can get weather info as well as traffic. This app can be displayed on the Spyder's dash too.

 

[Peacekeeper6]

My spYder is a 2022 RTL petrol blue.../so on a recent 5 day trip i solely used my iphone GPS (google maps) and it worked just perfect took me wherever i needed to be, that being said do i really need to spend $300-500 on a GPS.
i've even plotted route on google maps sent them to my phone and BOOM away we go phone even works with gloves.
i've also heard that the spYder usb in the glove box does not have enough ''juice'' to keep the iphone powered, well i was at 10% battery running google maps my siriusxm app and by the time i stopped for food and fuel 2 hours later i was at 100% battery, so to those of you who say it won't charge, check you cables and or your phone socket for crap built up.

so back on topic $300-500 buys a lot of goodies. primary muffler delete/ dynamic lighting/ light bar/ blaster horn/ pedal commander ect ect ect.

what say you all....BTY i have also notice when traffic slows google will give you alternate routes... just like a GPS.

thanks SLICE

No, you don't really NEED a GPS. Part of the adventure and fun is getting lost, imho.

I like to ride to the general direction of where my destination is, usually taking the back roads instead of the route a GPS would recommend, which is usually boring. I've found that it's a lot more interesting that way.

 

[Peacekeeper6]

Although, you REALLY don't want to get lost in places like East Oakland.

Been there, done that, and lived to type here about it, LOL.

 

[jcthorne]

Value Accessories has a bracket to place it just above your dash.

 

[Adventurer]

Google has the ability to download offline maps. You just draw a rectangle and google with save navigation data onto your phone so you can plan routes without internet access.

Google is fine if you don't care about the route or the roads you ride. If you want to hit specific roads and routes, google can be a pain.

Besides all that, don't place all your faith in any GPS. They can and will route you on dirt roads, closed roads, and non-existent roads. You're the driver, pay attention and use your own judgement.

I still have multiple Garmin GPS units but I prefer using my iPhone instead. I use Google maps, Apple maps, Waze and Scenic. Scenic was developed by a motorcycle rider specifically for motorcycle riders. It is my preferred GPS mapping system now when riding. It is easy to make custom routes on the phone and on the fly. It offers options to avoid highways, dirt roads and tolls etc. Also offers route style options when you’re letting it pick the route such as fastest, shortest, balanced , curvy, fast curvy and extra curvy. You also download maps by state so works without a cell signal too.

 

[seaweed]

I still have multiple Garmin GPS units but I prefer using my iPhone instead. I use Google maps, Apple maps, Waze and Scenic. Scenic was developed by a motorcycle rider specifically for motorcycle riders. It is my preferred GPS mapping system now when riding. It is easy to make custom routes on the phone and on the fly. It offers options to avoid highways, dirt roads and tolls etc. Also offers route style options when you’re letting it pick the route such as fastest, shortest, balanced , curvy, fast curvy and extra curvy. You also download maps by state so works without a cell signal too.

I wish that Scenic was available for Android phones.

 

[Adventurer]

I wish that Scenic was available for Android phones.

I know an Android version is in the works but I have no idea on the ETA.

 

[Piratezz]

There is an app, for android, called kurviger, It makes routes for motorcycles only, takes you to your destination via backroads, has provided me with some streets I would normally would have driven by...
At first a little challenging to set up, but when you get the hang of it, it will calculate routes you've never seen in your own neighbourhood..

I especially love the roundtrip option: you set an amount of kilometers you want to drive; set a direction, like north, south, east, or west; and the app will calculate a route with waypoints, etc, etc. Best part, with a data app on your android phone, it also shows places where you can fuel-up and get somthing to eat.

But the OP's question was, "Do I need a GPS?" No, but it's sure handy...

 

[ollicat]

Then there is the issue of Privacy. I have seen that Waze and others use your location data and routes to study you and market to you, and even sell to to others. You are giving them this info for free. I believe with a receiving only GPS unit, this information is not provided to anyone. Sorry about the tinfoil hat comment.

 

[Northofthesix]

I prefer having a GPS rather than using my phone for that purpose, not the least of which is I find the "temptation" to check other crap (texts especially) while riding to be a distraction, even though I successfully avoid doing so. Phone goes in the frunk pugged in to charge, music via bluetooth, and the Garmin 390 I picked up on clearence for $200 sits nicely in the centre of my steering, where I can glance at what is coming up, much like as with my mirrors, and otherwise stare where I am actually going. Just my 2 cents (which because Canada no longer has cents in circulation, rounds off to zero)!!

 

[Flamewinger]

I prefer having a GPS rather than using my phone for that purpose, not the least of which is I find the "temptation" to check other crap (texts especially) while riding to be a distraction, even though I successfully avoid doing so. Phone goes in the frunk pugged in to charge, music via bluetooth, and the Garmin 390 I picked up on clearence for $200 sits nicely in the centre of my steering, where I can glance at what is coming up, much like as with my mirrors, and otherwise stare where I am actually going. Just my 2 cents (which because Canada no longer has cents in circulation, rounds off to zero)!!

While riding and using a phone for GPS, there is no way to text or do anything else but ride. If your headset is paired to the phone you can get music and receive phone calls (or decline) Using the phone doesn't make you use any other feature unless you want to.

 

[SLICE]

cell phones have a unique feature that disable calls/text while driving/riding.... Y'all should try it

 

[Flamewinger]

I’m laughing at all the excuses for spending hundreds more $$$ on a stand-alone GPS!

GPS apps on the phone don’t call it “offline capable” for nothing! TomTom, Genius Maps and Sygic plus other GPS apps are “offline capable”! Which means they work WITHOUT cell service or WiFi!!!

The newest smartphone have a large enough screen that makes it very easy to see. In fact it’s just as easy as a Garmin! With either Genius or Sygic I can create CUSTOM routes RIGHT ON THE PHONE! I don’t need to haul around a laptop!

Google maps and Waze monitor where you go and use your location data to market and sell your personal information to third party vendors so they can sell you stuff. You’re giving your info away for free! They also require cell service for map data otherwise it’s not capable of navigating you anywhere. Google maps downloads maps for the route but if you cancel the route or the phone gets shut off, you’re lost!

 

[Steve W.]

I have a GPS but still get great service from my Manual Acquisition Positioning System. :roflblack:

I call that my ANALOG GPS. :thumbup:

.

 

[EdMat]

I call that my ANALOG GPS. :thumbup:

.

Stopping by the welcome center to get 2 state maps, one to mark all over and the other to use. Nah, never done that........hyea:

 

[SLICE]

Stopping by the welcome center to get 2 state maps, one to mark all over and the other to use. Nah, never done that........hyea:

I STILL CARRY paper maps

 

[Peteoz]

I’m laughing at all the excuses for spending hundreds more $$$ on a stand-alone GPS!

GPS apps on the phone don’t call it “offline capable” for nothing! TomTom, Genius Maps and Sygic plus other GPS apps are “offline capable”! Which means they work WITHOUT cell service or WiFi!!!

The newest smartphone have a large enough screen that makes it very easy to see. In fact it’s just as easy as a Garmin! With either Genius or Sygic I can create CUSTOM routes RIGHT ON THE PHONE! I don’t need to haul around a laptop!

Google maps and Waze monitor where you go and use your location data to market and sell your personal information to third party vendors so they can sell you stuff. You’re giving your info away for free! They also require cell service for map data otherwise it’s not capable of navigating you anywhere. Google maps downloads maps for the route but if you cancel the route or the phone gets shut off, you’re lost!

Yes, I must admit that if I had the iPhone 14 plus, running the TomTom or Sygic app before I purchased the XT, the 14 plus would be the way I would be running now, Flamewinger, freeing up an accessory port, and the worry of an extra piece of gear. The only concern would be the risk of vibration damaging the stabilisation feature on the iPhone, and I’m sure that will be addressed shortly. It’s only a matter of time.

Pete