Usually, my phone is in my pocket and I only use it if I'm lost. I rarely connect it to my helmet for music. A few months ago, I visited a friend in a city I'm no longer familiar with, as it had been years since I was last there. I had the audio navigation connected to my helmet, but the darn thing would disconnect right when I arrived at intersections where I needed to make a turn. I ended up getting lost and had to stop multiple times in heavy traffic areas to check the map. During that time, I wished it had been mounted in a visible spot. I have an old phone that I might just use as a dedicated GPS.
The new Beeline with the shape of the road replacing the V shape looks like a great solution, neat and good information. I currently use an old phone with downloaded maps (if I need to I can tether to phone wifi for live information), no worries about losing it, vibration damage etc. There is something very wholesome and enjoyable about a paper map for planning tours and trips, but I can't think of anything enjoyable about the hours I have spent with my head in an A to Z wondering where the hell I was!
Even looking momentarily at the speedo especially on spirited rides can be distracting, personally I don't want to listen to directions, phone calls or music, if planning an unfamiliar route I study the appropriate map and memorise it as best I can, I can always pull over nearer to the destination for a second look at the map. I do have a GoPro but this is activated via the left hand control that switches between modes, I don't have to look at said switch and just press it and up on the TFT screen it appears, I only activate it at the start and finish never on the move. Unfortunately there are far to many idiotic road users to be distracted. So it would not be for me, although I see the attraction in them for people. Ride safe all from an ageing Rocker.
Wow, I'm glad I welcome in new technology, I have a Forcite helmet which is damn near soundproof, with integrated video recording and audio. Video is on constant record and audio streams all the music I could wish for at pleasant volumes, easy to adjust volumes or turn off completely, no way is it distracting, no different to having the radio on in a car. The best investment in Helmets I have ever made, and best of all, Aussie made. MK1S Smart Helmet Pack | Configure & Reserve | Forcite Helmet Systems
Maybe like many of you there was a time when we flew, drove or ride used paper maps...(aeronautical or road) , now technology has taken us to depend on a smart phone or a GPS or any kind of guidance device to "survive" on the road. I remember once back in 1962 (I was 12) at 2am, we got lost for hours in a Sabana near The Amazon (with my parents) then the guide (a local), looked at the stars, found the Casiopea Constellation and headed North to the Camp... impressive, never forgot that episode.. so, the lesson here is.. always know we you are at, look for signs (mountains, rivers, lights, etc.) study the route first. A paper map will never let you down. PS: I do have a Smart Phone and a GPS. Have a nice ride and keep it safe.. tip. hear the bike, not music.
I have a garmin above the tft on my tiger. it's there for when i get far enough off the slab and into the dirt that i really need to be able to figure out where the hell i am. Not going to give it up, because it still works even when i'm far enough out in the boondocks that my phone has *zero* signal, as long as i have a clear view of the sky. And also the garmin is great for getting me un-lost on those days where i just set off down roads that look interesting, one after the other, until i no longer really know where i am. Then i can use the garmin to get me back to a point i recognize. It's also super-handy that it has a weather overlay for those days when i'm out on a long-haul ride, and am skirting a storm system. My phone stays in my top box the whole time i'm riding, but i listen to music through the cardo Oh, and I *always* have a paper map and a compass with me for the area i'm riding in, because every piece of tech *can* fail, and when it does, it's usually a very inconvenient time *for* it to fail. Murphy always strikes at the most opportune moments.
Oddly enough, my TomTom has taken me on some interesting routes I would never have found. I'll go in various directions on a whim and it's usually the way back that has me following the blue line through villages and along backroads I've not found before. Not always but it depends if I set if to quickest or thrill.
I have a Fodsports GPS in use. Despite it is not as professional as Garmin's, it is all perfect. I have been using their 4.3 inch GPS for years. And it works well for my ride. This year, I contacted Fodsports, asking if they could help me change my old screen( because the screen looks a little dim now after years of use). Although my GPS has already expired the warranty period, they still helped me. The screen cost me about $30, and the repair cost is about $15. Then there is the deliver cost. I really thank them for their help. Otherwise I will have to buy a new one.
I still use a version of that "tanknav", but satnav days must be numbered as phones take over and can be linked to the bike screen. As an example.... who still uses an mp3 player? Not many I'd guess, I don't anyway, for entertainment on long flights to US or NZ it's my phone and a set of earbuds....
I’m not sure that satnavs are done for just yet. I still use my zumo which is much better than my phone through my bike. Not all bikes have the capability to connect a phone, so will have to use a satnav if owners want satellite communications. I do agree with you in regard to mp3 players, I’ve not used mine for years.
I use my old Garmin Zumo 660. I’ve tried using the phone but it’s nowhere near as good as a dedicated tool for the job. Plotting routes in areas/countries that I’m not familiar with is very, very easy on Basecamp. These routes can be shared with the other lads when going on trips away. I have considered using the phone with calimoto when the Zumo does die but I’ll probably get another Garmin sat nav. Tried Tom Tom but it’s just too complicated and not user friendly. Also no Basecamp planning equivalent for Tom Tom.
