Whenever we visit places we haven’t been to before, we need a good navigation tool to travel in the right direction without asking for help. In such cases, we realize that good GPS navigation would be a big help. But, instead, we rely too much on our smartphones to navigate. However, a smartphone is not an ideal choice when you travel quite frequently on your motorcycle. So, you need the best motorcycle GPS to navigate easily.
With a good GPS navigation system, we can enjoy the ride and easily travel to new places. Fortunately, many motorcycle GPS navigators are available on the market that will do the navigation work easily. But, the fact is, the best motorcycle GPS navigators are not cheap. On the contrary, you can face a costly experience if you require a GPS navigation system, but it doesn’t fall within your price range. In such a situation, you should know that a motorcycle GPS is not limited to use only for motorcycle navigation; it can also be used in your car. This is one of the many benefits of motorcycle GPS in terms of convenience and functionality, which is worth adding to your budget.
So, if you are planning to buy a new motorcycle GPS, then I would like to say that you have come to the right place, and your timing couldn’t be better! Because I have decided to write a detailed review of the best motorcycle GPS navigators the money can buy in 2021. In this article, I am going to show you the perfect GPS navigation system for commuting, adventure touring, and off-road riding.
1. Garmin Zumo XT Motorcycle GPS Review
Whether we talk about motorcycle GPS navigators or just GPS navigation in general, there is one brand that outshines all others. Garmin is a well-known name in the industry, and most of its products are indeed better than the competition. Yes, they might be on the pricier side, but in my opinion, they are worth it. In addition to GPS, this Swiss company is mostly famous for its smartwatches.
Design & Build Quality
The Garmin Zumo XT is one of the few GPS navigation systems that are designed specifically for motorcycles. It features a rugged design and IPX7 rating, which makes it a perfect option for riding in tough terrains and extreme weather conditions. It can withstand high humidity, hot/freezing temperatures,, and handlebar vibrations, so you can take it to the mountains, desert, or even rainforest.
Mounting & Charging
This is a big deal when you are looking for a good motorcycle GPS. Fortunately, the Garmin Zumo XT can be simply mounted to your motorcycle using the included handlebar mount. In terms of battery life, the device will remain charged for about 3-6 hours, depending on the brightness setting. You can hard-wire the GPS directly to your motorcycle battery and never worry about charging the unit again.
Display & Resolution
The Garmin Zumo XT is equipped with a 5.5-inch glove-friendly display, so you will be able to easily operate the unit even with your motorcycle gloves on. Thanks to the HD resolution and ultra-bright LCD panel, the picture quality is excellent and all details are visible even in direct sunlight. The display can be used in both landscape and portrait mode, and it offers very good viewing angles.
Navigation & Ease of Use
Overall, I would say that the Garmin Zumo XT is an extremely sophisticated motorcycle GPS navigation system. It has some innovative features, such as the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, which will let you download up-to-date high-resolution satellite images without any subscription fee. Apart from this, it also comes with preinstalled off-road topographic maps, so you can use this system for trails. Unfortunately, the software is a little too complicated and it may be time-consuming to plan a long route with a lot of additional stops.
Pros: Rugged Design, Ultra-Bright Display, HD Resolution, On-Road & Off-Road Maps, Motorcycle Mount Included
Cons: A Little Too Complicated
2. Garmin InReach Mini Satellite Communicator Review
You might be wondering, why there is a satellite communicator on the list of the best motorcycle GPS navigators. That’s because the Garmin InReach Mini is not just an ordinary communicator; it can also work as a GPS tracker. You will be able to send or receive text messages, track your journey, and trigger an SOS alert. This will be handy if you often ride in off-road terrain, where there is no cellphone coverage, only the satellite network. Besides the InReach Mini, there is also a bigger version available called Explorer+.
Design & Build Quality
The Garmin InReach Mini features a lightweight, compact design and you will be able to take it with you no matter where you go. It will easily fit into any pocket, or you can simply attach it to an accessory loop. The Garmin InReach Mini is both water-resistant and impact-resistant. Thanks to its rugged finish, the unit is extremely durable and the grip is also excellent.
Mounting & Charging
The Garmin InReach Mini comes with a rechargeable Lithium battery that offers up to 50 hours of battery life at the default 10-minute tracking mode. The Explorer+ version will give you a whopping 100 hours of battery life. You can recharge it by using a micro-USB cable or an optional in-vehicle 12-V charger. The device can be attached to handlebars or backpacks using the spine mount adapter. Other than that, there is also a large carabiner clip included in the box.
Display & Resolution
The InReach Mini version is equipped with a small 0.9″ x 0.9″ monochrome display, while the Explorer+ version comes with a reasonably sized 1.4″ x 1.9″ color display. They both have a basic low-resolution screen that doesn’t offer very high pixel density. However, it is more than enough for their application.
Navigation & Ease of Use
As I mentioned earlier, the main purpose of the Garmin InReach Mini satellite communicator is texting and emergency use. But, apart from that, you can also track your journey and share it with others. On top of that, you will be able to connect the device to your smartphone and use it for GPS navigation. Additionally, there is also an optional Weather forecast service available. The Explorer+ can be used as a motorcycle GPS navigator, as it features some on-board mapping functionality. The gadget is very easy to use and the activation is simple.
Pros: Compact & Lightweight Design, Rugged Finish, Long Battery Life, SOS Alerts, GPS Tracking, SMS
Cons: Requires Subscription
3. Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S Motorcycle GPS Review
Another GPS on our list is the Garmin Zumo LMT-S. This motorcycle GPS navigation system is suitable for all types of riding styles. You can use it for both commuting and adventure touring, it’s up to you. The navigator is great for twisty roads, and you will be able to share your journey with friends. Compared to the Zumo XT, the 396 LMT-S is slightly cheaper. However, it comes with a smaller screen, and there are not as many features.
Design & Build Quality
As with all other Garmin GPS navigation systems, the Zumo 396 LMT-S offers a very good build quality and the finish is top-notch. But, you will have to pay for it! For a price of around $350, you will get a good-looking GPS navigator with a minimalist design and weather-resistant body. Thanks to its IPX7 rating, it can withstand heavy rain. On top of that, it is also resistant to UV rays, fuel vapors,, and other elements.
Mounting & Charging
Mounting is easy. You can simply attach the unit to the handlebars using the included motorcycle mount. The Zumo 396 LMT-S navigator is designed to be hard-wired directly to the motorcycle battery through the provided cable. Although there is a mini-USB port on the back of the unit, you won’t be able to use it for charging on the go, as the mounting cradle completely blocks the USB port. This is a very bad design choice and probably the biggest downside of this device.
Display & Resolution
The screen of the Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S is scratch-resistant and glove-friendly. This means you don’t have to worry about taking your motorcycle gloves off every time you want to use the device. And the gloves won’t scratch the screen, which is another big plus! It is an ultra-bright 4.3-inch display that doesn’t have the HD resolution of the Zumo XT’s display, but it is still pretty good in my opinion. Unfortunately, you can only use the device in the horizontal position.
Navigation & Ease of Use
When I compare the Zumo 396 LMT-S to the Zumo XT, it is a much simpler motorcycle navigation system. It only comes with preloaded street maps, and there are no topographic off-road maps on the device. Also, with the Zumo 396 LMT-S, you won’t be able to enjoy the BirdsEye Satellite Imagery function, which can be quite handy. However, you will still get free weather forecasts and live traffic information, frequent Wi-Fi map updates, and the reliable customer service that Garmin is famous for.
Pros: Rugged Design, Weather-Resistant, Ultra-Bright Display, Motorcycle Mount Included
Cons: No USB Cable Charging
Things to Consider When Buying a Motorcycle GPS
This is a no-brainer but there are a few things you must consider before choosing any motorcycle GPS. After all, you will be spending your hard-earned money on a separate navigation unit. So, if you have been lost so far and unable to decide which one of these gadgets will be the best choice for your bike and riding style, don’t worry. I will now discuss some of the most important features and factors you should be looking for when buying a motorcycle GPS navigation system in 2021.
Trusted Brand Name
It may seem odd, but when it comes to motorcycle GPS units and navigation systems, it would be wise to trust the popular big brands, mainly because the devices that are manufactured by trusted popular brands are tested to different standards. These devices can be used in the harsh conditions of trail riding and multi-sports, and come with waterproofing and many other features.
GPS Geographic Location
It is important to ensure that the GPS unit you are thinking about choosing has the complete geographic location of where you live and travel frequently. If your current location is the US, you don’t want to buy a Europe-only navigation system, and vice versa.
Display Size & Resolution
Now that you have decided on the brand and geographic location, it is time to check the screen size. Because, if it is difficult to use or see those maps while motorcycling, then you may find yourself in a difficult situation to navigate to new places.
Charging & Battery Life
Make sure to choose the motorcycle GPS unit that has a good battery life and lasts longer, so you don’t need to worry about charging your battery in the middle of your trip. Also, it is always better to use a navigation system that can be hardwired directly to your motorcycle battery.
Additional Features
This is not a biggie, but there are some features that you want with your motorcycle GPS unit, and they are worth paying a few extra bucks. For example,
- Bluetooth Compatibility
- Camera
- Voice Recognition & Command
- Speaks street names
- Lifetime Map Updates
- Real-time Traffic Feature
Conclusion:
Well, the bottom line is if you go on long trips and need a good GPS unit to ensure the correct navigation, then stop using your smartphone as a navigation system and purchase a motorcycle GPS unit that will provide the right directions and allow you to enjoy the adventure of going to new places. And when it comes to choosing the right GPS, then always go for a trusted company and brands, such as TomTom and Garmin. Because, when you choose the right brand, the other things that you have considered will fall in line automatically.