Mobile phone with Google maps as motorcycle satnav?

[B5234FT]

I see lots of reviews for dedicated motorcycle navs on the market, but in the car I just use google maps on my phone. With an appropriate case/mount, does this work on the bike, or does it become impossible to see?

Thanks

[owl]

[thepuma]

Phone in pocket....audio in 1 ear via Bluetooth earphones (I have plantronics ones)....works a treat.


I also have a smart watch that I take the module out and have it velcro'd to the dash and have the turns Bluetoothed onto it via Google maps, mainly as a back up if I miss an audio message- it also tells you on the screen how long till the next instrcuction, so you can relax a bit.

Those 2 together work great.
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[Evil Hans]

As above, I use a headset. The spoken directions are adequate most of the time.
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Triumph Sprint ST 1050. And it's Red.

[skatefreak]

As above...
Used to zip tie phone to yoke... fun fun when the map goes sideways on roundabouts .

Now just headphones and audio do the job

[Copycat73]

Garmin does exactly wot it says on the box .. No pissin around wit Velcro or this zip tied to the handle bars or that case that mists up .. or managing or makin do with this or that...

and you don`t need a phone signal ... not that there are any black holes in reception signals.. havin a low battery don`t help here either..

NB.. on unfamiliar roads take a printed map ... a sheet is best for re-programing "on the hoof"
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[kgm]

Just use headphones with my phone in my pocket and keep an eye on road signs personally. Works well enough and I learn more about my surroundings than I do just blindly following the screen. I'd like a proper sat nav for the bars though.

[zark]

[The Shaggy D.A.]

Waterproof and readable in daylight, the original Pebble is a good watch - you can pick up second hand ones quite cheaply, but they are only £38 new ;-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pebble-301BL-Smartwatch-Black/dp/B00BKEQBI0
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[ThatDippyTwat]

I prefer Waze to Google maps.

X-grip (RAM clone) holder for about £10-£12, and it has an accurately rated 2.1A port for charging. I have got bluetooth headphones I can shove in the lid, but I've yet to resort to using them.

Simple waterproof ziploc type bag works wonders if you don't have a proper waterproof case for your phone.

I have dead tree editions, the OS Landrangers are good for doubling up for walking/camping, and you can get weatherproof versions. Downside is a somewhat limited area.
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'98 VFR800 (touring) - '12 VFR800 Crosrunner (Commuting) - '01 KDX220 (Big Green Antisocial Machine)

[thepuma]

[155mph]

I am not aware that Google maps allows you to do pre-determined routing; only point-to-point navigation (at least I haven't figured out how).

In order words, great if you want to get from point A to point B (read the road signs) and not so great when there is a specific piece of tarmac you want to ride.

[owl]

[chickenstrip]

Used Google maps on a mobile last year in Europe, which seemed to work ok mostly, as long as the route was kept simple. Had the phone in the tank bag, and earphones in for audio. The Garmin I have now, paired with bluetooth, is better I think, but expensive if you're not going to use it often. Paper maps are better still if avoiding complex towns and cities.
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[B5234FT]

For avoiding towns, a map and signs works.

For finding a specific road the same is true.

For finding a hotel in a city at night, it's nice being told left or right