Motorcycle GPS - Explore the Open Road in Style

  Simple navigation via GPS is something that most of us take for granted. They're everywhere, affordable, and reliable. But wait a minute -- what about those of us who ride motorcycles? At face value, it would seem like any standard suction-cup mountable GPS would be fine on a motorcycle. That is, until you actually try it. The truth is that riding demands more of us than a car, and it also demands more of a GPS. And a motorcycle GPS is an important tool -- it's rarely possible (and never safe) to read a map or call for directions while traveling on two wheels.

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Attach a cheap GPS to your bike and go for a ride. The first thing you'll notice is that you can barely make out the screen due to the vibration of the bike. If you're facing the wrong direction, the sun makes the screen unreadable. After all, these things were designed to be inside cars. What if it rains? Expensive electronics and water are rarely a good combination. Plus, all smart riders wear gloves for protection, and the touch-screens on most GPS units are designed to work with bare fingers.

See motorcycle GPS in action

A special GPS for a special vehicle

Fortunately, GPS manufacturers have heard our pleas. Maybe some of them ride... Now there's a whole new generation of GPS models from major manufacturers such as Garmin and TomTom that not only survive the trip, but were designed with the motorcyclist in mind. The no-brainers are all there: Waterproof or water resistant models, the ability to withstand vibration, and touch-screens that respond to a gloved finger.

However, they have taken it a couple of steps beyond that, so there are many other very nice features to look for when you're shopping for a GPS for your two-wheeler. For example, your GPS will probably be mounted on or near your gas tank. There isn't anywhere else to put it. Ever spill a little gas on your tank while filling up? We all have. Look for models that are fuel-resistant in as well as to water-resistant.

Speaking of gas, most bikes don't have fuel gauges. No low-fuel indicator. Your first warning is when you run out of gas. In addition to directing you to the nearest fuel stop as you'd expect, some actually have an electronic fuel gauge. Reset it when you fill up, and it'll warn you when it thinks you've ridden enough miles to need more.

Turn-by-turn directions by Bluetooth

These units also have a screen which is easier to read in bright sunlight. Even so, looking away from the road can be dangerous, and one of the most convenient features of a GPS is spoken turn-by-turn directions. Of course, you're not going to hear anything over your engine -- much less the road noise. That's why they've made them compatible with your Bluetooth headset, or have an optional speaker which can be mounted inside your helmet.

Another important consideration is battery life. Most bikes don't have the 12-volt plug found in even the cheapest cars, so you're going to be relying on that battery. Compare expected battery life when selecting your motorcycle GPS. Your best bet is to get one with removable batteries, whether it has a rechargeable battery pack (buy a spare) or takes standard batteries you can pick up at any convenience store.

Now the last limitation that was keeping you from taking that weekend trip is gone -- you can get a motorcycle GPS that'll fit the bill. But you're a biker, and that means preparation. You wear a helmet even when you're not expecting to crash, so keep some paper maps in your saddlebags. Remember that as amazing as your shiny new GPS is, it can break, be stolen, or the batteries can die. But you won't let that stop you, right? I knew it wouldn't.

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