GPS technology changed both street and off-road navigation forever. But unlike cars, most motorcycles don’t have built-in GPS systems. This can be an issue, especially for off-road motorcycle riders that just want a wider world to explore. But with different GPS devices available in the market, off and on-road adventure is just one road junction away!

Different Types of GPS Units for Motorcycles

Specialized Motorcycle GPS System

These are GPS units specifically designed and marketed for motorcycle use. Motorcycle GPS units are relatively new tech, the first model having been released in 2006. They focus on precision and durability. It is more weatherproof than average handheld standalone GPS devices and can come with additional features like onboard cameras, weather tracking, integrated SOS beacons, and more.

Handheld GPS or Portable Hiking GPS

This is a multipurpose GPS device mostly used by hikers but they are also useful for camping, mounting biking, and other outdoor adventure activities. It’s very accurate, portable, versatile, and cheap. Since they’re for general use, handheld GPS units are often readily available at very low prices compared to specialized units like a motorcycle GPS system. If you plan on using a GPS device like this, make sure that it comes with a handlebar mount.

GPS/PDA Hybrid Device

A portable GPS that also works as a PDA? Hybrid GPS/PDA devices have the same functionality as handheld hiking GPAS combined with the functionality and large screen of a PDA. It’s basically a PDA with an embedded GPS antenna, preloaded maps, compatibility with a productivity suite, and wireless connectivity. Most of these hybrid devices come with a car mount.

Should You Get a Separate GPS Unit or Is a Phone GPS App Enough?

The most important question: is there a difference between a GPS phone app and an actual GPS unit? Most often, GPS apps are sufficient even for off-road applications. A major difference between street riders and off-road riders is that street riders only need to use routes while off-road riders use tracks overlaid on a map.

Phone capabilities aside, are apps enough for frequent off-road riders? The answer is no but this does not mean that navigation apps don’t have their uses. Even several riding professionals use double mounts, one for their standalone GPS unit and one for rugged phones with GPS apps. But it’s undeniable that navigation apps have two major setbacks for off-road motorcycle riders: connectivity and off-road tracking.

Though some apps allow for offline navigation, you’ll need to have access to the internet to use the most reliable navigation apps. And though some say that standalone GPS devices are dead with over 80% using phones for navigation only, most apps come short when it comes to off-road navigation.

Key Things to Look for in a Motorcycle GPS Unit

But what makes standalone GPS devices superior? Here are several features or characteristics you need to look out for in a GPS unit for your off-road motorcycle.

• Comes with GLONASS And Galileo sensors. GPS is not the only global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that you can use. Higher-end navigators also use GLONASS (owned by Russia) and Galileo (owned by the EU). Most of these devices will only allow the use of GLONASS and Galileo as a bundle with GPS. They mainly serve as alternatives to augment the device’s positional accuracy range, mapping, digital compass, barometric altimeter, among others.
• Waterproof and weatherproof. The heat, rain, or snow shouldn’t affect the motorcycle GPS unit’s functionality. They should be designed to withstand constant exposure to the elements. This may include resistance to dirt and dust.
• A tougher and more durable exterior. Aside from withstanding extreme weather, the GPS unit housing should be able to withstand the occasional rough handling.
• Anti-glare screens for those extra bright days. This is especially vital when off-roading.
• Touch-screen functionality. This also includes an intuitive UI that allows for a more natural operation.
• Bluetooth capability and sensor connectivity. This will allow group riders to connect to apps on your phone that use location service and interface the motorcycle GPS device with your motorcycle’s helmet intercom system. Most GPS systems can also pair the speed sensors to compatible devices for real-time tracking of metrics.
• Hardwired power source. Most GPS devices have onboard batteries but this is only suitable for road trips, not off-road rides. Devices that can be hardwired to the off-road motorcycle’s battery are more reliable and efficient.
• With mounting hardware for your handlebars. This works similarly to phone mounts but with mounting hardware that varies according to its compatible motorcycle models.
• Highly usable extras. Depending on your preferences and lifestyle, you may need several extra onboard features that can make the most out of your standalone GPS device. Most notable extra features include two-way test or radio (walkie-talkie feature), group ride tracking, pet tracking, built-in camera, live weather reports, onboard cameras, SOS beacons, and more.

Top 10 Motorcycle GPS

Now that you know what to look for, here are several of the best off-road motorcycle GPS navigators available in the market.

1. Garmin Zumo 395LM

Garmin is the pioneer in motorcycle GPS. The Garmin Zumo 395LM is one of its most advanced yet cost-effective motorcycle GPS models. It’s the direct successor of the Zumo 390LM, a very popular model – an upgraded version with even more user-friendly features.

With this model, you can clearly see the goal of aiding riders in achieving an enjoyable and hassle-free journey. Two very helpful features include a fatigue warning that informs you to take breaks at specified journey points and the Dynamic Fuel Stop feature that schedules fuel stops and shows you where you can refuel.

The Adventurous Routing feature expands on the Curvy Roads routing feature to allow you to preference levels for major highways, hills, and of course, curves. While the Zumo Up Ahead feature lets you adjust the route, notifies you about route milestones while also allowing you to discover scenic spots along the route.

Garmin Zumo 395LM also has advanced notification features including a one-way lane direction notification, red light, and speed check camera alerts, and state-level helmet laws.

Pros

• 3” transflective liquid-crystal display limits glare and ensures readability.
• Glove-friendly touchscreen
• Landscape and Portrait Mode
• Weather, UV, and fuel vapor resistance
• Inbuilt Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free calling feature
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Motorcycle Specific P.O.I.
• Helpful rider alerts
• 7 hours maximum battery life

Cons

• No smartphone link app
• Slow activation of fatigue warning
• Location availability limitations on a red light and speed camera alerts
• The need for a Bluetooth-compatible helmet to receive state-level helmet law alerts.
• Expensive compared to other models

2. Garmin Nuvi 2539LMT GPS Navigator

Another entry from Garmin, the Nuvi 2539LMT GPS Navigator launched in 2014 as one of Garmin’s midrange models. Similar to other LMT models, the Nuvi 2539LMt model offers lifetime free map updates (North America maps only) and traffic alerts. And the best thing? Nuvi’s Advanced Series navigators do not rely on cellular signals to work.

It also has helpful features not found on other Garmin series models including the Garmin Real Directions feature. It’s a friendly spoken guide that uses traffic lights and landmarks to provide conversation-like directions. The Foursquare integration feature further enhances the navigation guide with a vast database of Points of Interests (POI) including new or well-known destinations like restaurants and other local businesses. Direct Access will allow you to drive to complex destinations smoothly. This includes popular destinations like airports, malls, and railway stations.

To keep navigation safer, Nuvi 2539LMT offers additional safety features like Bluetooth hands-free calling, lane assistance that will help you enter and exit freeways without unnecessary distractions, Bird’s Eye junction view with photoReal Junction View will for a better view of complex areas, Up Ahead so you’ll always aware of what’s down the road, speed limit alerts, and school zone warnings.

Pros

• 5” clear and bright touchscreen display
• Dual orientation with a pinch to zoom map option
• Free lifetime map updates and traffic alerts
• Comprehensive traffic data
• Bluetooth hands-free calling
• Smartphone Link4 capable

Cons

• Only 2 hours of battery life
• No recalculating message
• A micro-SD card is necessary to store map updates
• Weak handlebar mount/designed for cars

3. TomTom Rider 550 Motorcycle GPS Navigation

Designed with a motorcycle rider like you in mind, TomTom Rider 550 offers advanced essential and add-on features. This includes preloaded regional maps with the option to download global maps for free through TomTom’s MyDrive Connect free support app.

Both the MyDrive app and the MyDrive web-based route planning features are excellent tools for explorers and travelers alike. You can plan routes and pre-run them in demo mode. Select routes based on the fastest time and how hilly, windy, or difficult a road is to navigate. You can also select personalized stops, select a round-trip option, and place time-stamped markers on different points along the route, and review them later.

Siri and Google Now compatibility will allow you to access smartphone features like hands-free calling, messages, songs, and more. Other notable features include live TomTom Traffic reports, safety cameras, accident hotspot and traffic jam ahead warnings, speed traps, and speed camera alerts.

Pros

• 3” color touchscreen with sunlight readability feature
• IPX7 Rated (can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes) rugged casing
• Light, medium, and thick gloves settings
• 480 x 272 pixels display resolution with dual-orientation modes
• 16 GB internal memory with microSD card slot
• Quad-core processor
• Multi-language spoken navigation
• Wi-Fi connectivity for software updates
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Updatable maps and POIs
• 6-hour battery life
• Includes a motorcycle and RAM mounts

Cons

• No elevation readout

4. BMW Motorrad Navigator V

BMW’s Motorrad Navigator V comes with preloaded maps for countries and locales in North America or Europe. For motorcycle riders living outside of North America or Europe, you can download free maps of supported countries – for free.

Powered by Garmin BaseCamp route planning software, Navigator V allows you to create and compile very detailed routes using via points, waypoints, and shaping points. With this software, you can divide a single trip into a maximum of 30 routes and 125 shaping points. Another useful feature called “Winding Road” will suggest longer routes. Navigator V also features a lane assist function with photorealistic junction views.

Connect your Navigator V with your helmet intercom, ear pods, headset, or smartphone through Bluetooth. You can listen to navigation prompts and songs, use hands-free calling or use your smartphone to search and send your destination to your Navigator V. The Smartphone Link App is an optional feature, but it is very useful especially for real-time traffic and weather updates.

Pros

• More advanced GPS tracker and user interface
• 5” TFT display with sunlight readability
• 800 x 480 pixels display resolution with 65,000 colors
• Glove-friendly touchscreen
• 8 GB internal storage with microSD (SDXC card) support up to 64 GB
• IPX7 rating with fuel and fuel vapor resistance
• Free lifetime map updates
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Friendly sounding TTS navigation announcements
• Custom-fit with a cradle and a universal fit bike mount

Cons

• More expensive than several models with similar features

5. Koolertron V.912S

Designed for all-terrain navigation, Koolertron V.912S is the only GPS device in the list made by a Chinese company. It’s one of the best budget GPS devices with all the basic features you will need for an all-terrain adventure. For starters, it has a unique and compact design can withstand different weather. It’s both waterproof and weatherproof with a rugged case. And to secure the device to your vehicle, each unit comes with a mounting bracket, a suction mount, and a cradle.

You’ll also have the option to power your Koolertron GPS device with its onboard battery or through your motorcycle battery. The device comes with a power cable and a car adapter that will allow you to connect to the motorcycle or car battery and to a car’s cigarette charger. Aside from power/charging ports. Koolertron V.912S also has a 3.5mm audio port, a microSD card slot, a mini USB port, and a DC input port.

Pros

• 3” glove-friendly touchscreen
• 480×272 display resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio
• IPX7 rating
• Multi-language support
• 4 GB internal storage with MicroSD card expansion up to 16 GB
• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls
• With echo-cancellation feature
• User-friendly interface
• 1500 Li-Polymer battery or direct connection to motorcycle battery

Cons

• Only 3-4 hour uptime when unplugged
• Can be very draining to the bike’s battery
• Marketed for use on both cars and motorcycles but does not have onboard motorcycle-specific features
• No map updates and not compatible with Garmin software

6. TomTom VIA 1525SE 5 Inch GPS

If you prefer a straightforward yet reliable GPS device for your off-road motorcycle, then the Via 1525 may be what you are looking for. You can find your destination through the search menu or by tapping your desired point on the map. VIA 1525 also features advanced routing and lane guidance that highlights the best trails on the route and allows you to mark the correct lane to prepare for intersections and exits along the planned route.

Do you want to get to your destination faster? All Via models have access to TomTom Maps (North America) and TomTom Traffic reports. This model has preloaded US maps. Regularly connect your VIA 1525 to your PC to get free updates on maps (for US maps only), traffic, and additional software features/improvements.

Pros

• Affordable price
• 5” resistive and glove-friendly touchscreen display with anti-glare feature
• Voice instructions come in 30 languages
• Advanced route directions with turn-by-turn audio
• 8 GB internal memory with MicroSD card slot
• Free transfer
• Free US maps
• Reversible integrated mount

Cons

• Only 1-hour battery uptime
• Only displays speed and speed limits when on a planned route
• Lacks motorcycle POIs
• Updates may take more than an hour to finish

7. Magellan TRX7 CS Dual Mount Trail

The Magellan TRX7 CS offers both turn-by-turn trail navigation and street navigation. You’ll be guided from your starting point on the road to the trail itself. To make this possible, the unit has over 160,000 preloaded US trails for 4WDs, ATVs, snowmobiles, and of course, motorcycles. They designated these trails as OHV routes and range from forests to public lands. And with the TRX7 CS crowdsourced track database, you can search for new or updated trails created by other off-roaders.

Save a trail to your favorites for later use or follow a preloaded trail. Magellan offers high resolution (10M) 2D topographical and 3D basemaps (US and Canada) to aid in the identification of land features, especially tough parts of the trail for fewer surprises along the route.

Other notable features include automatic track bread-crumbing (tracks while you’re driving), off-road waypoint creation and saving, track database publishing and social media sharing, off-course notifications (warns you every time you become off course), and Backtrack (guides you back safely to your trail’s starting point).

Pros

• 7” touchscreen display with sunlight readability, and day and night views
• Up to 8 hours battery life
• Built-in 5mp rear-facing camera with LED flash
• 16 GB internal memory with up to 32 GB micro SD card expandable memory
• Dustproof and IP67 rated
• Audio and visual navigation guidance
• Lifetime free updates for USA and Canada maps
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Magellan TRX companion app
• RAM dual mount

Cons

• Initial set-up of preloaded OHV routes can be problematic
• The touchscreen is not very glove-friendly

8. Garmin DriveSmart 60 NA LMT GPS

A clear upgrade to Garmin Drive 50LM, Garmin DriveSmart 60LMT-D offers smart and useful features that make navigation hassle-free. With a voice command system, you can experience hands-free navigation control. The system will produce constant audio notifications and allow for a better hands-free calling experience. You’ll also have detailed on-screen displays including speed limit, current street/speed, and arrival time.

For real-time traffic and weather updates, you can use Garmin’s smartphone link app. Garmin’s live and digital traffic updates on your device every minute, providing accurate traffic information within 100 meters of accuracy. You’ll be alerted to traffic density, road closures, and more.

Audible Driver Alerts expand on these traffic alerts by providing both on-screen and audible notifications. These alerts include animal crossing, curves, railroad crossing, school zone, slower traffic, speed cameras, speed limit reduction, speed limit exceeded, and wrong-way driving alerts. You can also customize notifications straight from your smartphone. This will allow you to enable calls, texts, and app alerts to display on your DriveSmart’s navigation screen.

Garmin DriveSmart 60 NA LMT GPS has Bird’s Eye and photoReal Junction Views to ensure that you can navigate interchanges without trouble.

Pros

• 6” touchscreen display
• 800×480 pixels screen resolution
• Portrait and landscape orientation options with pinch to zoom feature
• Preloaded North America maps with lifetime updates
• Lifetime digital traffic avoidance through onboard DAB radio link
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Voice-activated navigation
• Smartphone link app

Cons

• Digital traffic warnings are not as comprehensive as what competitors offer
• Inadequate screen brightness

9. TomTom VIA 1625TM

What does VIA 1625TM offer that VIA 1525TM doesn’t have? For starters, VIA 1625TM has a bigger and easier-to-read screen. It doesn’t have all the advanced features, but executes all standard features excellently. With the same simple yet powerful Search menu and tap-to-find map features, VIA 1625 is both straightforward and efficient.

The Advanced Lane Guidance prepares riders for busy exits and intersections by clearly highlighting the right lane to use for the planned route. TomTom maps features include IQ Routes, an in-depth route, and a travel time database used to provide you with the fastest routes and the most accurate calculations you can get.

This device will receive lifetime updates including regular software updates, fixed speed camera updates, traffic and mobile speed camera services, and seasonal (4 times a year) map updates. And don’t worry, all your favorite routes and spots won’t be erased from your unit after an update.

Pros

• 6” touchscreen with split-screen road junction view
• Glove-friendly touchscreen with sunlight readability feature
• 8 GB internal memory with MicroSD card slot
• Free lifetime TomTom Maps updates(US, Canada, and Mexico)
• Free lifetime traffic updates
• Advanced Lane Guidance
• Advanced route direction with turn-by-turn audio instructions
• Support for spoken instructions in 30 languages
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Reversible integrated mount
• Regular car charger and car charger with an integrated traffic receiver

Cons

• Only 1 hour of battery life
• Only displays speed and speed limits when on a planned route

10. Beeline Moto

At just a little over 1.8 inches in diameter, Beeline Moto is definitely the smallest and unique GPS device on this list. Unlike average sat-navs for OHVs, Beeline Moto gives accurate directions all while sitting discreetly on your bike. Beeline Moto also uses Google mapping services to provide worldwide coverage. Map display options include standard, satellite, terrain, and hybrid.

You can select Route Mode for turn-by-turn navigation or Compass Mode with a straightforward arrow as a direction guide. The latter option is perfect for those seeking to explore new trails and roads. In Route Mode, the large arrow shows direction while a dot on the display shows both the direction of the next turn and its distance. The Compass Mode shows the direction of your destination and real-time distance.

Pros

• 88 inches in diameter, pocket-sized and discreet
• Capacitive touchscreen with 4 physical buttons (for power, scrolling (2 buttons), and options)
• Transflective LCD with LED backlight that automatically turns on depending on the time of the day (can be set manually)
• Scratch-resistant, tough glass display screen with a plastic case
• IP67 rated and shockproof
• 400mah lithium polymer battery uptime is 30 hours without a backlight and 10 hours with a backlight
• Customizable route planning options and savable routes
• Not draining to your smartphone battery
• Universally compatible mounts

Cons

• Requires smartphone app link for most basic functions
• Is not on the same level of accuracy as full-range GPS devices
• No speed camera warnings, no close road warnings, and other standard GPS device features