Table of contents

• 8 motorcycle notifications & Co. in the test From A to B via Schon
• Smartphone apps for motorcycle tours
• Calimoto smartphone app
• Navigon Cruiser smartphone app
• Motocompano smartphone app
• Go Rider Excalibur XL
• Blaupunkt Moto Pilot 43
• BMW Navigator VI / Connectivity
• BMW Connectivity
• Garmin Zumo 345/595 LM
• TomTom Rider 450 Vio
• TomTom Vio
• Motorcycle sat navs as remaining stock

jkuenstle.de

15th pictures

Garmin

1/15
Garmin Zumo 390 LM, 449 euros – purchase tip in MOTORRAD 18/2015: Except for the poor navigation result on the tricky test track, the pleasantly compact and very user-friendly Garmin Zumo 390 garnered a lot of popularity – great planning software, robust hardware, fair price.

TomTom

2/15
TomTom Rider 400 (Premium Pack), 449.95 euros, test winner in MOTORRAD 18/2015: Best navigation performance, therefore test victory. The TomTom Rider 400 also pleases with top equipment (Premium Pack), brilliant touchscreen and contemporary menu navigation like a smartphone. Works great on the motorcycle.

Go rider

3/15
Go Rider Excalibur XL: from 249.99 euros. A lot of display for a lot
little money, so the Excalibur XL can really draw attention to itself. Above all, the king-size navigation system undercuts many remaining stock offers from discontinued models. However, the feeling for handling has to be pleasing. So don’t buy blindly.

Blaupunkt

4/15
Blaupunkt Moto Pilot 43, 249 euros: The price is hot. Especially because the Blaupunkt Moto Pilot 43 also includes a lifelong map update. In previous models, the controls and that
Handling with the bracket takes getting used to. It is best to test a demonstrator once.

BMW

5/15
BMW Navigator VI, from 795 euros: Anyone who plans to have a navigation system in their new BMW can order it straight from the factory. The Navigator VI is slightly more expensive than the comparable Garmin device, but it is wired to suit the motorcycle.

BMW

6/15
BMW Connectivity, from 590 euros: Anyone who plans to have a navigation system in their new BMW can order it straight from the factory. For real navigation freaks, however, the connectivity extra has not yet offered enough functionality.

Garmin

7/15
Garmin Zumo 595 LM, 749.99 euros: The price is really, really steep, but with the Zumo 595 LM there is a presentation in Cinemascope. Anyone who has once grown fond of it will not want to be without it again.

Garmin

8/15
Garmin Zumo 345 LM, 499.99 euros: If you don’t need the giant display of the 595, you don’t have to compromise on the pure function of the Garmin Zumos 300 series and can save a lot.

TomTom

9/15
TomTom Rider 450, from 399 euros: If you can do without a car holder and bag, the already well-equipped standard version of the 450 is the best solution.

TomTom

10/15
TomTom Vio, 169 euros: If you only want to use your navigation system in the urban jungle, a well-screwed Vio is enough – even on a motorcycle.

Calimoto

11/15
Calimoto tour app: basic version free of charge, maps for a federal state included, additional maps 17.99 euros / country; 49.99 euros / region, 69.99 euros for all countries and without time restrictions.

Motocompano

12/15
Tour app Motocompano: basic version free, full version 8.99 euros, offline maps from 1.09 euros.

Navigon

13/15
Navicon Cruiser, from 3.99 euros / month, 19.99 euros / year, complete Europe version 59.99 euros.

Lohse

14/15
Currently particularly cheap: the Pearl Navgear motorcycle navigation system with extensive additional equipment.

Lohse

15/15
It wasn’t easy: Despite good test results, the Becker Mamba.4 + could not prevail.

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Navis, communication, apps

Buying advice for motorcycle navigation systems and apps for motorcycle tours

8 motorcycle notifications & Co. in the test
From A to B via Schon

The development and optimization of motorcycle-compatible navigation devices is making rapid progress. But the manufacturers actually take care of the real problems in practice – or they simply overload their programs with increasingly absurd functions?

Jorg Lohse

08/17/2017

This market overview of motorcycle navigation systems and tour apps begins with a confession: To plan beautiful tours for our test and photo drives, we still use paper maps – preferably the orange regional series from Michelin on a scale of 1: 200,000.

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However, digital navigation is unbeatable if you want to find a gas station quickly or if you want to get to the booked accommodation at the end of a day’s stage. The real motorcycle navigation systems have blossomed over the years and have largely solved their initial problems.

The requirement stable mounting on the motorcycle the leading manufacturers are now paying the necessary attention.

The problem Weather protection can be considered done with a clear conscience: A motorcycle sat nav simply has to meet the electronics standard IPX7: Protection against temporary submersion, so that you can also complete hours of rain.

the Battery life are still relatively manageable at around five hours. Therefore, simply connect the navigation system to the on-board network and set off carefree.

Even with the digital one Maps You hardly have to worry anymore. A lifelong update function (related to the device!) Is usually included in the purchase price.

The desire for is currently very much in focus Curve and mountain routes. It should now be possible to find them automatically when planning tours. Every manufacturer now includes such a feature in their navigation system.

Smartphone apps for motorcycle tours

How long Motorcycle navigation devices are probably still an issue? App solutions for smartphones are booming! The smartphone itself is not really suitable for motorcycles, but there are plenty of software solutions for touring and tracking. And if you don’t want to invest several hundred euros in an extra box, the free basic or trial version of a motorcycle touring app may be sufficient. Just try it!

The app navigation is still extremely young and extremely dynamic. It is good that with all providers – unlike when buying a new device – you don’t have to take any financial risk and can try it out in peace with free trial or basic versions. And that’s exactly what you should do! It is important that the apps rely on good voice output. Because the real problem is the solid placement of the smartphone on the motorcycle – and no app solves that!

Difficult readability of reflective displays is just as much an issue as inadequate weather protection or device-killing vibrations – that was a real issue in the early days of classic navigation systems. The apps in which motorcyclists network with one another and reveal their cornering highlights are particularly interesting.

Navis, communication, apps

Becker mamba.4 +, Garmin Zumo 390 LM and 590 LM, TomTom Rider 400 and NavGear Tourmate N4

Motorcycle sat navs in a comparison test

read more

Calimoto smartphone app

Calimoto

Calimoto tour app: basic version free, maps for a federal state included, additional maps 17.99 euros / country; 49.99 euros / region, 69.99 euros for all countries and without time restrictions.

Fresh from the pipeline of the enthusiastic MOTORRAD reader Sebastian Dambeck, his motorcycle navigator Calimoto is now available for download – so far only for Android smartphones, but a version for iPhones is also to be published shortly.

The tour app is available as a free version including a federal state of your choice, for larger tours the corresponding map material must be booked and costs: 17.99 euros per country, 49.99 euros per region (e.g. Alpine region), 69.99 Euro Europe / all countries – all but without time restrictions.

To plan delightful motorcycle tours, the Calimoto app also uses a special curve algorithm, and interesting routes are stored separately.

In addition to the app, the routes can also be planned in advance in a free web portal. The sharing principle also applies here: motorcyclists recommend motorcyclists the most beautiful routes. For subsequent navigation via the app, in addition to the route view, a voice announcement can also be used, so that the smartphone can also be stowed in the jacket pocket in a weatherproof manner.

Navigon Cruiser smartphone app

Navigon

Navicon Cruiser, from 3.99 euros / month, 19.99 euros / year, complete Europe version 59.99 euros.

Equipment under the brand name Navigon has been known for a long time, after all, the Wurzburg company has been kneeling in street navigation since 1991. Navigon is now part of Garmin, which is already well positioned for mobile devices for motorcycles.

The approach of using your own wealth of knowledge to develop an app solution for smartphone-savvy motorcyclists is now interesting. Voilà, here is the software application called “Cruiser”, which is available as a subscription model (3.99 euros / month, 19.99 euros / year) and as a complete European version (59.99 euros) for iOS or Android mobile phones.

As simply as possible, users can use two sliders to calculate the curvature and radius or length of the desired tour. If you come across a spot on the way that you don’t want to forget, you can mark the place with a wow button.

An interesting feature for long-distance travelers: thanks to the flexible subscription model, the map of the desired region (e.g. North America, Australia or New Zealand) can easily be booked for the required period. If you don’t want to risk mounting your smartphone on the handlebar, you can have the route announcements played on a suitable helmet headset via Bluetooth or cable.

Motocompano smartphone app

Motocompano

Tour app Motocompano: basic version free, full version 8.99 euros, offline maps from 1.09 euros.

Where can motorcyclists find the most beautiful routes and how can they best be planned? With this assignment, the Stuttgart start-up Geomeister set to work to develop a route planner for smartphones.

The Motocompano app is still quite fresh and is now available for download for iOS and Android smartphones in the online stores. As a basic package free of charge, with special tour functions, the app costs 8.99 euros. About preferences like “good road surface”, “beautiful landscape” or “low traffic density” the required key data are defined using the controller in order to calculate a route from A to B or a round trip.

The app also relies on interactivity: if other users have rated a route with a high fun factor, the app can incorporate this into the planning. The home button takes you straight back to your garage by the fastest route possible.

If you don’t want to strain your data volume unnecessarily, you can also use in-app purchases to download an offline map of the desired region (from 1.09 euros). Voice instructions are being planned, but should also be available as an update soon.

Via a corresponding web portal, you can network in the community on your PC or tablet, share photos of great routes and finally tackle route planning.

Go Rider Excalibur XL

Go rider

Go Rider Excalibur XL: from 249.99 euros. A lot of display for a lot
little money, so the Excalibur XL can really draw attention to itself. Above all, the king-size navigation system undercuts many remaining stock offers from discontinued models. However, the feeling for handling has to be pleasing. So don’t buy blindly.

A new name among e-scouts? Not quite. The Dutch company has been in business for a number of years with a 4.3-inch motorcycle sat nav and wants to take off in this country with a committed German sales partner. That can get interesting.

In any case, the key data for the new Excalibur XL read very tasty. A device in the five-inch class is available for an attractive price of 249.95 euros, so you can challenge the really big ones (Garmin Zumo 596, BMW Navigator VI).

Despite the keenly calculated price, not only is the lifelong map update for Europe, which has become common practice, included, but maps for use around the world can also be downloaded for free.

Go Rider also optionally offers a tire sensor kit for coupling (99.95 euros). The other features follow the standard requirements for motorcycle navigation systems: waterproof housing according to IPX7 standard,

Bracket with on-board power supply, Bluetooth connection (headset optionally available).

MOTORCYCLE tip: A lot of display for very little money, so the Excalibur XL can really draw attention to itself. Above all, the king-size navigation system undercuts many remaining stock offers from discontinued models. However, the feeling for handling has to be pleasing. So don’t buy blindly.

Blaupunkt Moto Pilot 43

Blaupunkt

Blaupunkt Moto Pilot 43, 249 euros: The price is hot. Especially because the Blaupunkt Moto Pilot 43 also includes a lifelong map update. In previous models, the controls and that
Handling with the bracket takes getting used to. It is best to test a demonstrator once.

The name has a reputation, but the motorcycle navigation system Moto Pilot 43 (249 euros) historically has little to do with the devices that we played around with in Papa’s Ascona or Grandpa’s Passat. After the Blaupunkt insolvency in 2016, the brand name is now used as a license.

The navigation system was developed by Baros, who had already sold a motorcycle device under the name A-rival years earlier. The current Moto Pilot 43 has now matured on the basis. The display plays in the common 4.3-inch league, but can only be used in landscape mode.

When it comes to maps (43 countries in Europe plus Russia), they rely on TomTom data, and special planning software can also be used to set special preferences for curves and mountains on the Blaupunkt.

All around, the Moto Pilot also offers the typical equipment such as reality view and lane assistant and, especially for motorcycle use, the voice announcement for helmet headsets via Bluetooth or the handlebar bracket with twelve-volt power supply.

MOTORCYCLE tip: The price is hot. Especially because the Blaupunkt Moto Pilot 43 also includes a lifelong map update. In previous models, the operation and handling of the bracket took some getting used to. It is best to test a demonstrator once.

Blaupunkt MotoPilot 43

€ 236.95 *
buy from Conrad

* At the time of publication

Blaupunkt MotoPilot 43

€ 229.08 *
buy from Amazon

* At the time of publication

BMW Navigator VI / Connectivity

BMW

BMW Navigator VI, from 795 euros: Anyone who plans to have a navigation system in their new BMW can order it straight from the factory. The Navigator VI is slightly more expensive than the comparable Garmin device, but it is wired to suit the motorcycle.

From a technical point of view, the well-known BMW navigators are Garmin devices that have been fine-tuned for the Bayern bikes.

The advantage of this direct networking: vehicle data such as B. Tire pressure and tank data are fed directly into the device and then appear as a large warning on the display or offer the right solution – such as B. the nearest gas station in the area.

Current top product: the Navigator VI (from 795 euros), which is largely compatible with the Garmin Zumo 595 LM is identical.

BMW Connectivity

BMW

BMW Connectivity (screenshot)

From model year 2018, however, the new equipment will go in a completely different direction “Connectivity”, where a multifunctional instrument can be ordered as extra equipment – initially with the R 1200 GS and Adventure, other models are to follow.

Using the Connected App, the familiar navigation functions including tracking of the traveled route or POI routing can then be used on the 6.5-inch display, but this is still only shown as arrows.

MOTORCYCLE tip: Anyone who plans to have a navigation system in their new BMW can order it straight from the factory. The Navigator VI is slightly more expensive than the comparable Garmin device, but it is wired to suit the motorcycle. For real navigation freaks, the connectivity extra has not yet offered enough functionality

Garmin Zumo 345/595 LM

Garmin

Garmin Zumo 595 LM

The pioneers of GPS navigation (founded in 1989 in Kansas / USA, 11,000 employees) adapted their robust outdoor and marine devices to motorcycle use at an early stage. The current two-wheeler range includes the Zumo 345 LM (499.99 euros) and the Zumo 395 LM (599.95 euros, including the car holder) with the now common 4.3-inch-
Display also in XXL format: the Zumo 595 LM (749.99 euros) with a lush five-inch screen – that’s widescreen navigation in panorama mode.

Usually, the upper class manufacturers have meanwhile switched to the fact that a lifelong map update is included in the purchase price. Depending on the Zumo, this includes the regions of Central or All of Europe.

Garmin

Garmin Zumo 345 LM

In addition, Garmin is also trying to follow the new trend in connectivity. Which means that the navigation systems can usually be connected to a smartphone, an action cam or even a tire pressure control system. In addition, music streaming via MP3 player (with the 595 even via Spotify) is possible, but weather and traffic information can also be displayed. So the bottom line is nice extra gadgets.

Above all, however, it is important that the actual function is correct. In this regard, the devices of the 300 and 500 generation have so far been very convincing in our tests: robust ram-mount handlebar bracket, stable and weatherproof housing, high display quality, user-friendly surfaces. With the planning tool “Tour routing” Specifications such as mountainous or winding routes can be incorporated into individual travel planning.

MOTORCYCLE tip: The price is really, really high, but there is a presentation in Cinemascope with the Zumo 595 LM. Anyone who has once grown to love it will not want to be without it again. If you don’t need that: You don’t have to compromise on the pure function of the 300s.

Garmin Zumo 395 LM

€ 369.00 *
buy from Conrad

* At the time of publication

Garmin Zumo 595 LM

€ 639.00 *
buy from Conrad

* At the time of publication

TomTom Rider 450 Vio

TomTom

TomTom Rider 450, from 399 euros: If you can do without a car holder and bag, the already well-equipped standard version of the 450 is the best solution.

With the newly developed Rider 400, the top dog from the Netherlands (founded in 1991, 4,700 employees worldwide) won the test in the last MOTORRAD comparison test in 2015.

Especially in device design TomTom made a decisive step forward with the sophisticated swivel mount. The navigation system can be used in portrait or landscape format with a single movement.

The current year has now been further refined on this basis. Basically, all navigation systems in the 400 series are based on a common device platform, differences arise primarily from the installation of various functions. The highlight is the fully equipped Rider 450, on which maps from all over the world can be installed for life (based on the device!).

If you want, you can embark on a journey on 150 pre-installed routes and drive to special motorcycle POIs (meeting points, museums, biker hotels). If you want to plan your tour yourself, you can define preferences such as particularly winding or mountainous routes.

The traffic function allows traffic information to be taken into account in real time, and radar warnings can also be displayed if desired. The standard version of the 450 costs 399 euros, the Premium Pack among other things. with extra car holder 499 euros. The entry-level models Rider 42 and 420 are available from 349 and 399 euros, respectively.

TomTom Rider 450

buy from Amazon

TomTom Vio

TomTom

TomTom Vio, 169 euros: If you only want to use your navigation system in the urban jungle, a well-screwed Vio is enough – even on a motorcycle.

The Vio scooter navigation system (169 euros) takes you to your destination much more cheaply. A TomTom smartphone app is used to navigate, and the route is then displayed on the weatherproof Vio display via Bluetooth. In principle, the only thing missing is a more robust bracket to make the compact device suitable for motorcycle use.

MOTORCYCLE tip: If you can do without a car holder and bag, the already well-equipped standard version of the 450 is the best choice. If you only want to use the navigation system in the urban jungle, a well-screwed Vio is sufficient – even on the motorcycle.

TomTom Vio

€ 168.95 *
buy from Conrad

* At the time of publication

TomTom Vio

€ 163.36 *
buy from Amazon

* At the time of publication

Motorcycle sat navs as remaining stock

Not all providers who are promisingly steered into the motorcycle navigation were able to stay on course successfully. Mostly it was because you didn’t really understand the needs of the target group. Building e-scouts for bikes is very special. Even well-known manufacturers fail.

So the Becker Mamba.4 + could not prevail, although the navigation system in the last comparison testconsistently showed good results. But at 479 euros, the Mamba moved in the environment of the well-established competition (Garmin, TomTom) – it will be difficult to win customers.

Remaining stocks are currently offered via online shops from around 300 euros. The digital mail order company Pearl has relied on low prices for its own brand Navgear from the start, the Tourmate N4 (in the MOTORRAD test “satisfying”) was once available for a slim 270 euros. The sender now advertises the device with extensive additional equipment (software, various brackets) from 179.90 euros (Germany coverage, with Europe map set 219.90 euros).

Price foxes could now get one or the other bargain, but should keep in mind that the development is now on hold. Software or map updates are then no longer a matter of course, which can ultimately limit the benefits considerably.

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