Newbie here - can I hook my Garmin directly to the battery? Is the Spring 2026 Android Update still coming?

[JC4givs]

New Spyder ryders here. I'm getting ready to install the bracket from Slingmods for the Garmin zumo. I was just wondering if anyone knows if I can hook directly to the battery? Would that drain too much while the vehicle is off? I ask because I remember seeing it has a blue light by the USB connection, but I'm guessing it's very minimal.
Also, has anyone heard if Can Am is going thru with the Spring 2026 update to accommodate Android users? Thanks.

 

[racoon]

@JC4givs, I would not connect directly to the battery.
What year and model is your Spyder?

There has been some discussion about whether CAN-AM can/will accommodate Android users in the future.
First comment is that CAN-AM currently supports Apple CarPlay, which is not directly supported by Android.

There has been at least one member who posted about adding a device to the Spyder that supports a Bluetooth connection to an Android phone, but communicates with the Spyder using the Apple CarPlay protocols.

There was also a discussion about BRP GO! and BRP Connect. BRP GO! is an app for Apple or Android phones that supports various navigation apps. So GO! and Connect provide the communications connect, and you can choose one of the navigation apps to add to your phone. There's information about BRP GO! here:

BRP Go!: A smartphone app for riders - Can-Am On-Road

The BRP GO! app, available on our electric motorcycles and 3-wheelers, allows you to use some of your favorite apps directly on your vehicle display.

can-am.brp.com

At the bottom of that page, there's a section titled "THE BRP GO! APP CAN BE USED ON WHICH VEHICLE DISPLAYS?"

BRP GO! can be used on:
- The 7.8" display of 3-wheel vehicles: When BRP GO! is connected to the display, you can use select compatible apps on the vehicle display (through screen mirroring).
- The 10.25" display of electric motorcycles: When BRP GO! is paired with the display, it will offer vehicle information of your Can-Am electric motorcycle right from your phone

*For the 10.25" display of 3-wheel vehicles, Apple CarPlay replaces the screen mirroring features of the BRP GO! app.

CAN-AM upgraded the RT and F3 models to 10.25" displays in 2024, so if you have a 2023 or earlier Spyder with the 7-8" display you could use BRP GO!/BRP Connect.

There's a link at the bottom of the BRP GO! page listed above that shows what apps can be used with the 7-8" display, including several navigation apps.

 

[RayBJ]

Your avatar is a 2020+ RT so you should have a 'GPS' wire under the right side panel. It's plugged into a dummy socket until needed. That wire is 'Key-on' 12v so no drain when ignition is off. If you plan to add more 12v items, use this wire to trigger a fuse box or a relay fused to the battery. (Note that the polarity of the leads has been known to be reversed, so check it first.)

 

[JC4givs]

@JC4givs, I would not connect directly to the battery.
What year and model is your Spyder?

...

I have a 2025 RT Limited. Thank you all for the responses. JC4givs.