Part III
Tips on motorcycle navigation
By Corey Eastman
Paper map, phone app, or GPS? Which is right for you?
This topic can result in hours of conversation with seasoned motorcycle travelers. In the end, most riders find the method, or combination of methods that work best for them.
In this last installment of Travel by Motorcycle, we asked our Motorcycle Safety Foundation Facebook followers for their advice on navigation methods for those just starting to do long motorcycle trips. Here is what they had to say.
Comments
Nano Lopez
Paper for planning at home, GPS only to find a specific place. My best guide is following traffic signs.
JP Williams
App to find a route. Blue tape and sharpie marker on the dash or speedo.
Jeffrey Goelz
Standalone GPS with a hard-coded map. No navigation, just a moving map and a course I’ve pre-planned. I generally stick to back roads that don’t go straight, no way to remember them all.
Use the phone for finding fuel or food nearby or getting back to route.
Jerry Buckley
I like having a dedicated GPS for travel, but the phone will work in a pinch.
Serena Rebechini
I’ve adapted to using Google maps on my phone. I run the GPS even if I know where I’m going to avoid unexpected intersections, potential stops, and generally knowing the speed limit. The GPS on my motorcycle is always on, too.
Clare Blashford
I have a motorcycle specific GPS. It’s more reliable than my phone, weather resistant, and less risk to my phone getting damaged by vibrations, weather conditions, or overheating from being in direct sun.
Katherine Winslow
Paper map for highways, Forest Service/BLM map for off-road, GPS for finding fuel, lodging, food, city addresses. Phone stays tucked away on my person for emergency use.
Great advice and inspiration to try a multi-day ride yourself. This series has covered everything from overall advice on multi-day motorcycle trips, to tips on luggage and packing to navigation. We certainly picked up some great tips and can’t wait to try them.
No matter what you choose to do next, keep your skills sharp and consider taking additional rider training. At the Motorcycle Safety Foundation our mission is to help you Ride Your Best.
