Technology And Two Wheels

"Justin Hughes" (justinhughes54)
08/18/2015 at 08:00 • Filed to: two wheels good

Many riders say you should leave the technology home when you hit the road on two wheels. Forget the phone, the GPS, and all the electronic leashes of modern society. I understand the desire to get away from it all, but I feel that these technologies can be used to actually enhance the getting away from it all experience.

In a comment about !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (the first in a Miata), Raphael Orlove wrote:

I know that not everyone is in favor of GPS in a car like that, but it’s super nice to go out way way way way way into the middle of nowhere and never really get lost. You don’t have to worry about if you have maps to cover the area and scouting out twisty roads is super easy.

I feel the same way about using a GPS on a motorcycle, and I’ve used one on my Honda Pacific Coast 800 for years. (You can read the specifics about how I installed it !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .) I don’t feel tethered to the device, but liberated by being able to ride anywhere I want and knowing that a route home always is just a keypress away. If I want to go somewhere in particular, I don’t need to plan a route in advance if I don’t already know how to get there - I just type in where I’m going and follow the little red line. I find it easier than printed directions or maps in a tank bag, or a road atlas in a saddlebag (though I carry an atlas anyway on long trips as a backup).

Smartphones offer all of these navigation features and more, such as automatically updated maps and traffic information. They also go beyond navigation functions and let you look at a weather map, which can help you avoid storms or other dangerous conditions. These devices have disadvantages as well, but I find my riding to be better with them than without them, especially once I learned how to work around their quirks.

GPS

I run a fiveish year old TomTom GPS on my bike. It is absolutely not a motorcycle specific GPS. It’s the GPS I replaced with my phone, no longer minded having out in the elements, and wouldn’t cry over if it died. Miraculously, the stupid thing still works, and continues to defeat my justification for replacing it with a motorcycle specific Garmin zmo. Since the standard suction cup mount would fall off at the first bump, I use an assortment of RAM Mount parts to attach it firmly to the bike.

Its free map updates having long since expired, I last updated them two years ago when I bought Canada - just the maps, not the whole country - for my pilgrimage to the Cabot Trail. Despite being out of date now they’re still pretty accurate, and good enough for my needs. During my Canadian trip, I also found it quite convenient to switch the GPS to metric units as I crossed the border. Not only would my directions now match the signs for distance measurements, it doubled as a speedometer that I could read much more clearly than the nearly invisible km/h markings on my bike’s speedometer, which kept me out of trouble with the Mounties.

While a smartphone app always gives you the latest maps automatically, a standalone GPS doesn’t require cellular service to do it. Since many of the best riding roads are way out in the middle of nowhere, this is a major advantage. While it’s possible to download and cache a planned route in many apps, you can’t change it on the fly without an internet connection. That’s no problem if you’re carrying the database with you. That, more than anything, is why I keep a standalone GPS around.

It’s not perfect. It’s impossible to hear spoken directions over the wind noise. I prefer to run silent anyway, even in a car, so this isn’t an issue for me. What is an issue is that the “Avoid Highways” feature doesn’t always work on my old TomTom, taking me down limited access highways whether I want it to or not, and not because there is no other route. I have this problem near home all the time, where Route 2 is not considered a highway in TomTom land, despite being a limited access highway for half of its length across the state. But knowing this limitation, I can plan around it. I also can’t set more than one waypoint on a route. When I’m taking a longer trip, and there are specific roads I want to ride, I have to make a written list of waypoints, then enter each of them as a destination manually as I go along. Many modern GPS units allow you to plan an extensive route with many waypoints in Google Maps, then download it into the GPS and have it all there. So many of my gripes would be cured by the Garmin zmo I really want.

Smartphone

The other alternative is to simply use a piece of technology that most people already have these days - a smartphone. You gain the advantages of always having the latest maps and traffic info. Since you already have one and many navigation apps are free, the only additional cost
involved is a mount for your bike, which you’d need no matter what device you use. I also recommend a way to keep your phone charged while you ride, since the GPS and data transfers drain your battery.

Countless navigation apps are available. If you have an Android phone, you’re in luck - plan your route at home in Google Maps, and poof, it’ll be available on your phone as well. If you have an iPhone, you’re out of luck - the iOS version is intentionally crippled without this feature. I’ve written about !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! before, and its advantages apply to bikes as well.

There are even some motorcycle specific navigation apps out there. Some help you find and share the best riding roads where you are. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (Android only) is a neat one that, when turned on, will automatically send a text message to an emergency contact if it detects a fall. You have some time to cancel the alert if you’re OK, but if you’re incapacitated CRADAR will call for help for you. Obviously this only works if you have a signal.

Weather apps can also be immensely useful to motorcyclists. There are certainly those who don’t mind riding in the rain. I’ve done it myself, and with proper rain gear you can stay surprisingly comfortable and dry. But I prefer to avoid it due to the reduced traction and visibility. And when it comes to summer’s pop-up thunderstorms, it can become a matter of safety. Last weekend I was taking a breather in central Massachusetts, and having seen some
interesting looking clouds I took a look at WeatherBug to see what was up. Spark, the lightning detector part of the app, warned me to seek shelter immediately, despite bright sunny skies where I was. I checked
the radar, and what I saw was disturbing - a thunderstorm that had seriously intensified over the Quabbin Reservoir right along my intended route, and a line of strong thunderstorms just over the border in New
Hampshire. I scrapped my original route, extrapolated where I expected the storms to move in the next couple of hours, and planned a route home that would slalom around these storms. When lightning strikes got too close for comfort, I bailed onto the superslab, sped home, and got the bike covered before getting hit by rain or lightning. I wish I’d been this fortunate the time I got stuck riding in a severe thunderstorm once time in Maine. Hail hurts at 50mph.

Another advantage is Bluetooth capability. Few GPS units support it, but most modern phones can connect to a Bluetooth helmet headset if you have one. You can hear spoken directions. You can give voice commands to your phone without taking your eyes off the road. If you like listening to music while you ride, you can do that as well.

But there are downsides as well. You need data service for most of these functions to work. It is possible to download and cache a route in some navigation apps, but you won’t be able to change course until you’re connected to the internet again. When riding through northern
Vermont, occasionally I found my cell service (or lack of, in my case) coming from across the Canadian border. I had to switch to airplane mode quickly so that I didn’t rack up expensive international data charges, despite not leaving the US.

Many of the best riding roads are far from civilization, so this can definitely be a problem. Phones are not waterproof, so you need to make sure it stays dry. But the most inconvenient part for me is that their capacitive touchscreens don’t work with gloves. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , , but they require either very specific gloves or modifying your existing ones by adding special thread or goop on the fingertips to make it work. Obviously you shouldn’t be texting or dialing while riding, but it can be useful to double check your directions or report a road hazard on Waze.

The Off Button

There’s one thing the technology haters seem to forget about all of these gadgets and gizmoes - the off button. Just because I have all these toys doesn’t mean I use them all the time. If I’m just going out for a cruise on one of my local loops, I usually won’t bother turning them on at all. It’s definitely still possible to just unplug and get away from it all if you want to. The technology helps, but I always have the choice of whether to use it or not. That’s why I don’t mind having it along for the ride. I can take advantage of the benefits when I want to, and pull the plug, kick back, and ride when I don’t.

You can read more about my motorcycle adventures on my bike blog, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

(Photo credits: Justin Hughes, motorbiker.org, phoneshieldmounts.com, entrepreneur.com )

DISCUSSION (59)

McMike > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 08:25

We just finished a 4500 mile trip and I relied on Google’s “Avoid Highways” option for most of it.

Aside from having to put the phone in a pocket/saddlebag whenever it started raining, it worked pretty damn good.

Kinja'd!!!

Pixel > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 08:42

I just started riding, and recently picked up a tank bag & USB power port that uses the same connector as my trickle charger. This has allowed me to indulge my new favorite time-waster, getting on the bike and deciding “I’m going this way” for as long as I want. I can enjoy the scenery and the roads without caring if I took a left or a right at the last intersection. When I am done I fire up the GPS, hit “go home” and it figures out where I am and how to get me home from there.

Kinja'd!!!

Justin Hughes > Pixel
08/18/2015 at 09:10

That’s what I often do when cruising around locally.

Justin Hughes > McMike
08/18/2015 at 09:13

I noticed you posted a Google map of your route to Sturgis. Glad it worked well for you. There are waterproof containers you can get, but I’ve never tried one to see how well it works. The way your windshield is set, as long as you can keep moving your phone should stay dry where you have it mounted. I got stuck in one heavy rain on the highway and didn’t have time to put my GPS away, but it actually stayed pretty much dry because it’s tucked behind the windshield like yours.

Show us more Sturgis pics!

McMike > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 09:24

I’m sifting through all the stuff I have to see if I can come up with any interesting to go with the photos. http://oppositelock.kinja.com/tag/mcsturgis

To me, Sturgis was just a three-night stop on our two week trip. It was interesting, but pales in comparison to the rest of the adventure.

Yeah, the phone stayed dry behind the shield. However, by the time you give up and put your rain gear on, it’s time to put it away. I use headphones to listen to the directions, too and those stayed in.

Patrick Nichols > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 09:24

My solution when riding my old moped the 40 miles or so through back roads to college was much less elegant...

I duct taped my iphone over the speedometer because I usually knew how fast I was going (full throttle all the time was good for 35-45). The avoid highways feature has always been crucial for speed reasons and then also while driving a dump truck for work which had issues getting up to 60 when loaded with 5-10 yards of loam or mulch

Justin Hughes > Patrick Nichols
08/18/2015 at 09:26

Hey, whatever works!

uofime-2 > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 10:11

my bike has an old garmin nuvi attached with zip ties onto a strip of steel bent to be attached between the mirror attachments. The zip ties are actually critical because if it is bolted directly the plastic mount quickly cracks.

It looks super janky but has survived a few thousand miles and cost next to nothing!

They kill you on motorcycle specific gear, its ridiculous.

Justin Hughes > uofime-2
08/18/2015 at 10:19

That, more than anything, is why I haven’t gotten my Garmin zmo. I can’t justify the significant expense for the features I’d get beyond what I have now, despite the TomTom’s flaws. A brake/clutch fluid reservoir cover with a built-in RAM Mount ball for my bike is something like $50. That’s more than I spent on my entire mounting system, and why I was willing to screw a generic mount into the dashboard.

iakona > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 11:59

I have a RAM mount with a custom phone cradle and a dual USB charger on my VFR800. Made my long trips a bit easier, compared to shoving a garmin in my bag and basically having to look straight down.

JimmyH > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:01

And no one has mentioned that he has the AWESOME PC800 for a bike? I tried to talk my wife into buying one instead of a Piaggio MP3 500. Didn’t work. When I wanted a second bike for myself, couldn’t find one within 500 miles. Now my wife has a $27000 Spyder payment and I can’t justify having an extra bike in addition to my K1200RS, even if it is Plastic Fantastic.

tonered > McMike
08/18/2015 at 12:02

It might sound weird, but drop your phone in a sandwich bag, wrap it tight, and drop it in your mount. Instant, and cheap, rain cover. If you need to charge, just rip a hole near the charging port. No water will get in there.

472CID > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:05

In 2008 I road my KLR 2000 miles all around the middle of the country, I used a big WalMart atlas stuffed in one of my bags. It like a proper adventure with a paper map in hand, but jumping off the bike, digging in your bags, and trying to find where you are is pretty inconvenient.

GPS are a lot like online shopping, it’s infinately quicker, easier, but a lot less personal/intimate/adventurous. Not saying it’s good or bad, just rambling.

450X_FTW > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:05

I just put a handlebar mount on my bike for my phone and it’s awesome having the turn by turn google maps as navigation. Before I’d have to stop, get my phone out and check my location all the time to make sure I didn’t miss a turn somewhere.

Iamopenlyjudgingyou > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:07

Occasionally I get it in my head to pick up a mount for my bike but I always back out due to knowing that gps makes me lazy. I’m sticking to memorization for now. That and the occasional pit stop to review notes or google maps. I do have the advantage that most of my riding is on an island. Worse comes to worse, turn around when you hit water and wait until you hit a major roadway.

Some of my favorite roads were found while “missing a turn”.

If I do more road trips or end up commuting by motorcyle again then I’d reconsider. Knowing where traffic is backed up is handy. Would then have to decide whether to go hard mount or just get tank bag with the little mount right there.

smithncustom > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:11

On my 1975 Harley FLH I replaced the stock mechanical speedometer with a GPS controlled unit from SpeedHut. Works great! Other than that I am not really interested in anything but tuning out,

http://www.speedhut.com/gauge/G338-SPE…

Justin Hughes > JimmyH
08/18/2015 at 12:14

Thanks! My “awesome PC800” is for sale, if anyone’s interested...

Xan1765 > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:14

It sounds like you’re implying that there is no internet free app for smartphones.... That isn’t the case. There are several options (I use Copilot) that allow you to download state/country specific maps and will do routing and trip planning on nothing but GPS overlay.

The downside is that they are absolute battery hogs, and can actually cause your phone to shut off due to heat in super hot weather. If I’m going on a trip that is likely to involve cell service dead spots (which happens a lot out here in the boonies and mountains), I’ve used copilot a lot to have interruption free routing and just plug my phone into my powerlet socket.

McMike > tonered
08/18/2015 at 12:19

I thought of that, actually.

I put it in a dashboard mode while using navigation so it will not go to sleep on me. All I need to do while using it is hit the sleep/awake button to bring the screen up when the Google lady starts talking (or if I’m curious how long we have until the next direction.) I don’t need the touch screen for that.

klurejr > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:19

I must have an unusually strong sense of direction. I see no point in this.

Justin Hughes > Xan1765
08/18/2015 at 12:25

Not at all, actually.

Since you already have one and many navigation apps are free, the only additional cost involved is a mount for your bike, which you’d need no matter what device you use.

It’s actually much cheaper to use a phone you already have and a free app than to buy a standalone GPS for the bike. but there are ups and downs either way.

I’ll have to check out Copilot. As much as I like Waze, that sounds like a better match for what I want on the bike.

Xkjacob > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:26

I dunno.

My friend uses blue tooth in his helmet.

He has wrecked his bike about 5 times.

Secondly, all my driving instructions are antithetical to needing any of that.

1. Don’t ride where you haven’t driven before. So, you don’t need GPS.

2. Constantly pay attention to traffic and the environment.

3. Keep both hands controlling the bike constantly.

4. Plan ahead. Check weather reports ect ect.

dyrtdawwwg > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:28

you don’t need cell service if you have a gps app that stores maps locally on your device. the copilot app is free and has a gigantic 2+gig map file that covers US and Canada. When my cell service drops, I just switch from google maps to copilot.

tonered > McMike
08/18/2015 at 12:29

The touch screen will still work through the bag or most any other waterproof cover. Depending on what gloves that I have on, I can still hit bigger buttons through the bag.

Good stuff.

Justin Hughes > Xkjacob
08/18/2015 at 12:30

1. Exploring places I’ve never ridden or driven before is a lot of the fun of riding, for me.

2. Yes, always, this. I’d make this #1 on any list of mine.

3. Definitely. I set my route before I begin riding. If I do need to make a change, I’ll only press buttons when there are no cars around me, or if it’s more complicated than a couple of keystrokes I’ll just pull over and do it.

4. A good thought, but not always possible. I checked the weather before I left last weekend, and it was clear. Thunderstorms often pop up without warning where I live this time of year.

Gonemad > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:32

Kinja'd!!!

Exactly my model. And how the hell did you manage to fix it in the bike? Is is screwed on? Just a magnet? [reading] Oh... thanks for the link, will read!

Justin Hughes > dyrtdawwwg
08/18/2015 at 12:35

I’m definitely going to check out Copilot. Thanks for the tip!

deekster_caddy > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:39

There are some smartphone apps that have complete offline map and routing capabilities. I use Navigon when I know I’m going to leave cell service and want to bring maps along. You do have to download the state’s maps before you leave your cell service behind, but once the maps are saved to the phone you are good to go. It’s not a free app, but it’s very good.

For online use, Waze is where it’s at to keep moving. Just choose “No highways” in navigation settings to avoid the interstates. You can also choose “Fastest Route” or “Shortest Route” or add a stop to manipulate the generated routes. There’s also an “avoid dirt roads” option.

JimmyH > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:40

For anyone unfamiliar with the PC800, it tried to do in the 90’s what Honda is doing right now with the auto transmissions and user friendly bikes, make a solid, affordable, reliable, usable, and comfortable ride. There are some that feel that if they are not being pummeled or punished while they are riding that it isn’t a worthwhile endeavor. I am not one of them. I average 10000 miles or more a year on my cycle, pretty much all on weekends and vacations, so I appreciate a fast bike with a comfortable saddle. The PC800 was ahead of its time, and I’m glad there is a subculture dedicated to keeping them running.

deekster_caddy > McMike
08/18/2015 at 12:41

I just put my phone in a ziploc bag. The touch interface and even fingerprint scanner works fine through the plastic! (except when wet)

deekster_caddy > Xan1765
08/18/2015 at 12:44

Copilot and Navigon are the ones I’m aware of that allow full functionality while offline. I bought Navigon (East) many years ago and keep Vermont, NH and Maine maps loaded in it all the time. The only other place I’ve driven where I regularly lost cell service was northern Michigan (not UP, just up around Mackinac etc), and Navigon got the job done just fine there.

McMike > Xan1765
08/18/2015 at 12:48

Another downside, is that if you don’t have data, you ain’t got no maps.

Mrs McMike had a Verizon iOS device we enabled as a hotspot, and I pulled data from my saddlebag.

edit - I misread your post.

Master Cylinder > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:48

I run an old Casio Commando cellphone (waterproof and shock-resistant, great for being on a bike) that is no longer on contract as my on-board GPS. I can still download map updates for Osmand via wi-fi, so the lack of cellular service isn’t an issue. Then, I can keep my actual cellphone on my person so that it’s more accessible to me in the unfortunate event of making a sudden, unexpected departure from the saddle.

It’s definitely nice to be able to just wander around for a few hours without having to worry about finding a way home afterward. And, like you said, it can be turned off. Lately, I’ve enjoyed trying to find my way back home without a map or GPS, just estimating my position and using my “mental compass.” It’s a fun exercise in keeping yourself oriented, and if I end up just making myself more lost, there’s always the GPS to get me home.

Justin Hughes > JimmyH
08/18/2015 at 12:50

I’ve been pondering writing an article about this unusual model. Mine’s a 1998, the final year for the PC. Only around 500 were made that year.

Xkjacob > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 12:52

Yea I’ve been rained and flash flooded a few times on my 1.5 hour commute to work.

Now my job is 20 minutes away so much less likely.

Maybe riding places you’ve never been before is more a veteran rider thing. I have been riding about 4 years and it still feels odd having to manage traffic, weather and the new area layout.

JacksonAces > iakona
08/18/2015 at 13:07

Wow, I was about to write this exact comment. My VFR800 had probably the same RAM mount, and I used my phone with a USB hooked into the bikes electrics, for charging. So nice to be able to use that, and with the Bluetooth in my Helmet, I could even hear the spoken directions.

Justin Hughes > Master Cylinder
08/18/2015 at 13:43

Exactly. If you know you have the GPS as a safety net, there’s nothing holding you back from getting truly “lost” just for fun.

dyrtdawwwg > McMike
08/18/2015 at 13:57

waterproof case ftw even has a grommet for the charging cord

Vander > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 13:57

I’ll stick to paper maps and the magic of stopping your engine roadside and work out your position and route, surrounded by silence. Then starting your engine and off again.

No GPS can beat that.

+good maps is where the nice roads are more easily found.

iakona > JacksonAces
08/18/2015 at 14:02

Yes definitely! Do you use a Sena as well? Right now my setup is basically, Nexus 5(About to be a Nexus 6), RAM mount on the steering head, and a SMH10 for the helmet sound and whatnot. It works great with the ‘Ok Google’ voice commands as well.

AnotherHobby > deekster_caddy
08/18/2015 at 14:05

Navigon is really good. It’s also slick that you can make routes externally (like in google maps) and open them in Navigon (assuming you know how, using ITN Converter).

JacksonAces > iakona
08/18/2015 at 14:08

Are...are we twins? Sena SMH-10, Nexus 5, RAM Mount on the Steering head; Great minds I guess?

I just finished selling my VFR though, as it was in Italy, and I am now back in the US.

The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 14:21

I love bringing the GPS along. Most times, the screen is blank and it is just recording my track. That way, when I find something cool, I can return to it again.

The cell phone sits in a compartment, but it is nice for weather and to check if anything at home needs attention.

I also keep a Ham radio on the bike most times. That way, when I go beyond the cell phone (not nearly as often as it used to be) I’m not without the ability to communicate.

If you think about it though... Most bikes are rocking a fuel management computer, ABS computer or more these days. Unless you are making the effort to ride the old iron, it is hard to avoid technology.

iakona > JacksonAces
08/18/2015 at 14:28

No kidding! I am about to toss my N5 as the power button is sticking for the nth time and I’m sick of replacing parts on it. Hopefully you get another VFR, great bikes man! I absolutely love mine.

Justin Hughes > The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About
08/18/2015 at 14:58

I used to run APRS on my bike, with a Tinytrak3+, a Kenwood TM-281A in the trunk, and a half wave antenna (groundplane not required). It worked, but not well enough for me to keep it around, even with the rig on high power. I probably should throw a handheld in the trunk, though, like you do.

73 de KJ1H :)

Mirror Universe Stig > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 15:08

Question: I’ve never owned a dedicated GPS like a Garmin. Do they have a points of interest feature, most specifically, gas stations? I’ve had a couple of times out in the mountains where I really needed to find a gas station. Once had google maps lead me down a little road for miles to a station that had been closed for some time. Range anxiety - every road trip rider has known it.

LegHumper > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 15:11

Years ago I upgraded from masking tape and sharpie on the tank turn-by-turn navigation to a Zumo. It was great for plotting country/mountain roads, especially where the roads aren’t well marked.

The Zumo came with a RAM mount that I attached to my clutch cylinder bracket, which put it at perfect spot for left-handed use.

It died after a few years during a time when I wasn’t riding as much, so now I’m back to using an iPhone in a tank bag, which gets the job done but isn’t nearly as elegant.

Justin Hughes > Mirror Universe Stig
08/18/2015 at 15:39

I hear that, especially with my tiny tank! Yes, many POIs are generally available, including gas stations. How accurate they are, well, that’s another story. I never trust my TomTom’s POIs after some bad experiences there. But others are probably better.

The English Guy > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 16:52

I’ve ridden through all 48 contiguous states with an iPhone in a LifeProof case on my bars, a USB charger rigged up beside it. There was also a GoPro on time lapse up there.

The things I’ve learned:

iPhones will shut down to self protect at about 120°.

Stopped in the desert, waiting for roadworks, in direct sun, they will hit that.

When they come back on, your route is lost. You are now in the middle of the desert with no idea where the next gas is and no cell towers to help you get maps back.

Find the next gas station. Screenshot it. Then it matters far less if the GPS fails.

Kick yourself when you realize you realize you forgot to do that, heading from Kentucky into West Virginia where you’ll never find a cell tower or a gas station.

If you stick to freeways, outside the desert, there are towns every half hour where you’ll find cell service and gas.

Most states are great at signposting gas on freeway exits. Except MN seems to put gas stations a few blocks further back and so they feel there’s no gas station off the freeway so no sign merited.

GoPro’s adhesive mount is designed to be removed with heat. Long summer riding will weaken it.

A GoPro slipping off the bars and hitting you in the testicles at 95 is uncomfortable.

It takes you about quarter of a mile to stop. Idaho has no one on the 15. You can wander lazily up the freeway to go find it.

GoPro housings scuff but they’re amazingly tough, otherwise.

You’ll realize you are an idiot for not backing up your trip of a lifetime footage, even if you do get lucky and don’t lose it.

You will become convinced of the claim Apple deliberately slow older iPhones. The same device that did GPS brilliantly last year will keep telling you to turn just after turnings. It will then stay one step behind you as you try to correct, confusing you more.

You are a misogynist. You will discover that from the things you scream at Google’s female voice. You will feel guilty and want a male voice.

Your buttocks will clench very tightly when Google is determined to lead you to where you can see forked lightning crashing down in Toledo.

Bluetooth in your helmet and a phone full of music is awesome.

You want capacitive touch friendly riding gloves.

You can text with the aid of a throttle lock.

Don’t.

Your iPhone camera will let you collect a huge library of picture of Harleys in their natural environment as you ride around the country.

Their natural environment is a trailer, being driven to where the badass dentist does his brief annual ride on his custom airbrushed trailer queen.

The best hardware you can add to a GS is an extra light. Then another one. After that, add several more. And as many GS decals as you can find so people know you’re just like Ewan McGreggor. And change out those uncomfortable knobblies as you’ll only ever be on road anyway.

Come to terms with the knowledge you’re a dick for teasing other riders.

Appreciate that the cool thing is everyone’s out riding, enjoying themselves.

Except the dentist whose Harley is being trailered. He's probably off shooting a lion.

Justin Hughes > The English Guy
08/18/2015 at 16:56

COTD as far as I’m concerned!

Rick Brasche > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 17:19

I used to turn off the GPS, fill the tank and take the FJR every backroad and turn I’d never tried before. When I was down to half a tank or about to call it a day, turn on the Zumo and have it find me the way home. No worries about navigation or remembering all the turns, just seeing new sights.

The English Guy > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 17:54

Very kind of you to say so.

OneMoreTimeAgainandAgain > 472CID
08/18/2015 at 20:44

You’re on a KLR, of course you have a map from WalMart. What color is your milk crate?

OneMoreTimeAgainandAgain > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 20:46

I see no reason to avoid using tech on my bike. I love to go camping, and I like to track where I am (so I can map it later). I use my smart phone to message my family, take photos, find a cafe, navigate - all the stuff I do at home. I just do it as often.

Moderation.

Broken Machine > uofime-2
08/18/2015 at 22:15

The one thing a Zumo give you over the Nuvi that is pretty unadvertised is the ability to turn off Re-calculation. Creating a hard-coded route that has a start and finish at the same spot and crosses over itself is impossible unless you use Waypoints to force the route on the Nuvi.

I don’t like paying the upcharge for motorcycle-specific tech, but I do, because it is the only option.

Broken Machine > Justin Hughes
08/18/2015 at 22:25

Meh, the people that want to tell me how i’m enjoying my ride wrong can go stuff it. I’ve been riding for 28 years, and I know what works for me and allows me to enjoy my ride better.

I’ve developed a great skill at mapping out routes in areas I’ve never been, by using a variety of sources - Paper Mad Maps, Google Earth, friend’s routes, ADVrider.com (Im not afraid of dirt roads) and especially flavortownusa.com for eateries. I pick a spot on the map, find a nearby hotel to use as home base and start mapping out routes; it’s like a custom made itinerary, or being in a group ride following someone who knows the area.

Additionally, the GPS gives me the ability to use my phone as a conduit for weather and traffic updates, and allows control of media playback as well. It’s an all-in-one device that allows me to keep my phone safely stowed and charging, and allows me to pause and play media without taking my gloves off.

Additionally, having USB chargers with SAE ends helps charge devices while riding, or even while parked if careful. On a few camping trips, the bike provided the only electricity we had.

uofime-2 > Broken Machine
08/18/2015 at 23:00

I know they have some nice features. A lot have higher brightness settings too which would really be nice.

JimmyH > Justin Hughes
08/20/2015 at 08:00

I will eventually wander home with one. At which point my wife will, start to utter those words, “What in hell’s bells do you need that for?”, stop at “Wh-”, and walk off. That always makes me giggle. Then she’ll ride it, like it, but won’t admit it. If I buy something I don’t want her to ride it has to be tall enough she can’t reach the ground.

swervingsammy > Justin Hughes
08/22/2015 at 16:58

I’ve been getting by with a bluetooth receiver and some helmet speakers paired to my smartphone. A whole suite of apps keep me happy and in the right direction on trips. OsmAnd lets me import routes ahead of time and gives voice directions. Real-Time GPS 2 lets my family keep track of me and ease their worries. Google music provides some tunes and GPS Volume adjusts the volume to suite my speed. I’ll pull the trigger on a nice Sena unit eventually but I’m very happy with the setup so far.