Sometime this winter I want to look at either a stand alone GPS unit (like a Garmin Zumo or similar) or a phone mirror unit (like a Carpuride but better quality). I currently run my phone out on rides but that gets HOT and I’ve had it shut off on me to cool down.
So I’m curious what others use/have used and liked. I have a 2005 KLR currently so don’t need the fancy stuff that tells me diagnostics (since there really isn’t any to read).
I’ve used phones, Zumo XT2 (still have one on my 701), but I’ve been using the DMD T865X since late March on my 501, and I’m all in. I’ll convert the nav bar on my 701 to use it as well this winter. DMD also make a smaller screen device, but it lacks a few key features that the big one has.
On youtube, look up Robert Baldinger’s DMD videos; he a Swedish dude that does a great job explaining the device and software detail. For me, here are the key factors that make it so good:
• same screen brightness as a Garmin
• the GPS chip refresh rate is 10x (yes, ten times) faster than an iPhone or Android phone, so there’s no lag, and you’ll never miss that turn.
• the default DMD nav software is really well done.
• it’s an Android device, so it’s seamlessly integrated with Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. Adding a track is as simple as opening Google Drive and selecting the .gpx file. It automatically shows up.
• it’s an Android device so you can bring Netflix or whatever apps you normally use with you on tours. And it runs Google Maps, Gaia, OnX, and anything else.
• it has two SIM slots so it can have its own cellular service/phone number. Or, you can have it piggyback off your phone when you need service. I do the latter.
• it’s waterproof, as is the powered cradle that holds it
• if you have a modern bike, you can make it talk to your bike and get all sorts of information on screen from your ECU.
• there’s a hardware button that turns off screen input when it’s raining, so no phone shenanigans.
• the larger screen is nice for geezer eyes.
• There’s a super active Facebook (ugh) user group, and the lead Software Developer is always in there as well. So when you have questions, that hive mind is top notch, and you often hear from the guy who can fix any bugs you find.
You can also run DMD software on other Android devices of your choosing, but they won’t have the level of integration that DMD’s own device does.
Oh, and in the States, ADV-TIM is the distributor. https://adv-tim.com
Lastly, have a Zumo XT2 for sale if you want to go that route.
I used Garmins from the GPS-V to the Zumo XT. The units themselves are fine but Garmin’s software SUCKS. There are 2000 hour lessons in how to use Garmin software on YouTube because you need a degree in it to do what should be totally intuitive. The Zumo was ok because it was easy to load tracks and routes I’d made in other formats but there was a lot about it I didn’t like. It was constantly fighting with my phone and comm so it interrupted my music. No bueno.
Last December I bought a Carpuride W602. I use an iPhone so it’s a CarPlay device for me. I had to do some minor fabrication and head scratching to get it mounted in a way I liked. I promptly took it on a 1500 mile tour from Vegas through Joshua Tree and Death Valley and beyond. I was a Gaia user but their CarPlay app is unusable so I went with OnX Offroad. We combined BDR tracks with ones we made ourselves, often modifying or making new routes the evening before the next day of riding.
I love the thing. The OnX Offroad CarPlay app works great, as does their app in my tablet. Super easy to create routes. Better even than Gaia because it has Offroad routes highlighted with useful info. I could switch between that and say, Google maps if I wanted to find a restaurant or something. I could also control my music, check text messages from home, etc.
It’s been flawless over a ton of rough terrain. It’s bright. Works with every glove I have.
I sold my Zumo and look forward to never buying another Garmin product.
I saw that just the other day and was wondering about it, especially at the price tag. But that’s more what I’m looking for.
Using a Garmin ZumoXT is similar to using a car with built-in navigation from 2010. If that sounds cool to you, have fun. The hardware is great, but as others have said, the software is terrible.
I’ve been using my iPhone as the primary navigation system for years, and the only downside is that on hot/sunny days, the phone gets too hot and I need to pull the phone of the bars. This is still my primary system on my 690.
This winter I pulled the trigger on a 7” Carpuride. I’m never going back. It works so much better than my phone. I have not had any visibility issues, and the best part is that it only cost me $190. I will likely be buying one for my 690 soon.
I can understand someone’s desire to get a “nicer” unit, but realistically, I would rather buy the newest version on the market for sub $200 every year or two, than spend $400-600 on a high-quality CarPlay device and be stuck using it for 2-4yrs to get my moneys worth out of it.
Can the Carpuride be run in portrait orientation?
I have the Zumo XT2 and while the screen is amazing, the software is trash.
I’ve been using a rugged Android burner phone for a couple of years, no SIM card. I only run Gaia and Spotify on it. How rugged is the Carpuride? Would it survive a hard singletrack ride on a DS?
There is a pretty lengthy thread on ADVRIDER, and I don’t recall seeing anyone share they killed one yet, but most are putting them on ADV bikes and not doing any hard enduro shit.
@TTViper - The 7” can only be mounted in landscape, but I’m not sure about the other models. I vaguely remember reading the smaller 5” model can work in either orientation.
Is this wired or wireless to phone? I ran a similar unit, but wireless Android auto generated too much heat with phone also charging after a while. Also random disconnects that were at less than ideal times.
Wireless. I haven’t had any issues with heat on my iPhone. I have a charging cable running into my tank bag to keep my phone topped off and I have never had any heat issues on my phone.
Regarding disconnects, I would say that they happen, but are pretty rare. Not every ride, and it takes maybe 10-20 seconds for the device to reconnect.
Ok. I’m happy with the current setup, aside from the brightness. WHEN I break this phone, I’ll look into this solution.
For the guys using the Carpuride – how is Gaia in this unit? Ima Gaia guy…
I didn’t use their specific unit, but finally gave up on the unit when Gaia froze a few times. I’m an android user though, so Android Auto vs Car Play. I also experienced overheating issues when phone would be in tank bag charging, while wirelessly broadcasting Android Auto. Usually only in hot weather, and less likely to be an issue if phone is mounted in open. Other than that, it was good. But I still think you should try DMD (sounds like a behind-the-dumpster drug deal)
Yeah, Android version of Gaia works better than iPhone, in my experience. I do have my Android burner phone that I currently use for Gaia and Spotify. I could have the unit mirror that. So, I would be carrying 2 phones and this thing…jeezus.
Just saw that post. Should give it a go on your Android Burner.
Keeping in mind that I’m Apple/CarPlay based: Gaia doesn’t work, period. I was also a Gaia guy until going to the Carpuride. The Gaia CarPlay app is unusable. I switched over to OnX and haven’t looked back. I don’t really miss Gaia as I’ve found OnX to have similar features and benefits along with route suggestions and info specifically for off road vehicle use. It’s also easy to share GPX files between the two.
I’m curious now
Sounds like a need for a new topic - Gaia vs OnX - let the debate begin
I agree. I’ve gone down this path too.
