The Best Motorcycle GPS Navigation Devices

Reaching a new destination is always more fun on the back of a motorcycle. However, if you are traveling to somewhere you’ve never been before, it can be easy to get turned around and end up lost. This is where GPS can really come in handy. While GPS is becoming more and  more common on cars, motorcycles are rarely equipped with this kind of technology, and so many riders choose to rely on an external gadget such as their cell phones. However, GPS companies have been taking notice of motorcyclists’ need for these handy gadgets, and have been developing new GPS units specifically for use on motorcycles. 

While the industry is still growing, there are already quite a few options for riders with different needs. From GPS units that help with long trips, to ones that can record your ride, there is a GPS for nearly any situation, and choosing the right one for you can be difficult. 

To help make navigating the selection of motorcycle specific GPS devices easier, we have compiled this list of the very best units you can buy today. Each unit featured is designed with your ride in mind, and is equipped with features to help you enjoy your bike to the fullest. We’ll also go over a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for your own GPS device and make sure that no matter what your specific needs are, you will always be able to make an educated decision. 

Top Pick

The Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S GPS takes our top recommendation thanks to its lifetime map support, durable design, and numerous quality-of-life features. 

Here are the Best Motorcycle GPS Devices:

#1: Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S

This GPS by Garmin is a feature-rich option that is designed specifically to cater to motorcycle riders. Garmin’s Adventurous Routing can also help to avoid major highways while locating roads that fit your own personal preferences. Simply dial in your preferences for hills, curves, and highways and the GPS will direct you to the best route for you. 

This unit also features hands-free connection to your cell phone, as well as a dedicated app that can be used to keep the maps up to date, allow hands-free calling and notifications, and share your routes with a group. The 4.3 inch screen is bright and readable even in sunlight, with glove-friendly touchscreen operation to make any adjustments you need to make that much simpler. 

Mounting hardware is included in the package, allowing you to mount your GPS right to the handlebars for maximum visibility, and an included charge cable allows you to keep the device plugged in so that it is always functional. 

Specs:

-Interface: Touchscreen

-Screen size: 4.3 inches

-Weight: 1.76 lbs

#2: Garmin DriveSmart 61 NA LMT-S

This GPS unit from Garmin features a 6.95 inch touchscreen display, free lifetime map updates for North America, and support for live traffic and parking updates via Garmin’s app. This GPS unit can be mounted to your bike’s handlebars with a separate attachment in the same way that you would mount a cell phone, and the onboard battery offers up to an hour of navigation time without being connected to a charger. 

Connectivity to TripAdvisor can come in handy when traveling to unfamiliar locations, and when paired with live updates to traffic and parking, this GPS gives you all the information needed to find your way around like a local. While this unit can be mounted to the handlebars of your bike, however, it is not designed specifically for use on a motorcycle, and so lacks a lot of the design elements that a motorcycle-specific unit might have, such as weather resistance or glove-friendly operation. 

Specs:

-Interface: Touchscreen

-Screen size: 6.95 inches

-Weight: 0.6 lbs

#3: Garmin Zumo XT

This motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle specific GPS unit from Garmin offers the latest in the company’s navigation software in a rugged, waterproof package. The bright, 5.5 inch display provides a clear display for standard navigation maps, as well as BirdsEye satellite imagery for maximum spatial awareness for your rides. Garmin adventurous routes can also tailor your route for the kind of ride you would like, allowing you to specify a route that favors curves or hills. 

The unit also allows you to save your favorite routes to the device so that you can simply select one that you knew you enjoyed previously, allowing for frequent repetition of your best rides. The Garmin Drive App allows further interaction by providing live traffic and weather updates, and even allowing you to share your route with other riders. 

Specs:

-Interface: Touchscreen

-Screen size: 5.5 inches

-Weight: 0.58 lbs

#4: Garmin Tread Powersports Navigator

Riders that enjoy trail rides and off-road adventures might consider this specialized GPS unit from Garmin, which is designed specifically for off-road use. This GPS unit features waterproof construction, a glove-friendly 5.5 inch touchscreen, and a full map of the US that includes information on public and private land boundaries, as well as Forest Service roads. BirdsEye satellite imagery allows enhanced trail awareness without the need for a subscription. 

Other features that specifically cater to wilder rides include a built-in compass, altimeter, barometer, and pitch and roll gauges, all of which can be helpful in navigating off road. The Tread App can also help to keep track of trail waypoints, and can even provide live weather updates. These features can all come in handy on your next trail ride, and the battery can also last an impressive 6 hours before needing to be recharged.

Specs:

-Interface: touchscreen

-Screen size: 5.5 inches

-Weight: 0.58 lbs

#5: TomTom Via 1525 SE

TomTom is one of the most reputable makers of portable GPS units in the industry, and this compact model delivers on their promise of quality at an affordable cost. The 5 inch touchscreen display provides clear navigation in full color and free quarterly map updates to ensure that your navigation is always accurate. Advanced lane guidance highlights the best lane for your route as well, ensuring that you never miss an exit. 

Through a connection to your cell phone, this device can also keep you informed with live traffic updates to help keep you riding, rather than getting stuck at a standstill due to congested roads. While this GPS offers great features and a low price, the package does not include a motorcycle mount, and the design is not weather resistant. This is due to the fact that the unit is not purpose built for use on a motorcycle, which means being aware of riding conditions is a must when using this specific unit. 

Specs:

-Interface: Touchscreen

-Screen size: 5 inches

-Weight: 1.32 lbs

#6: GoolRC 2-in-1 Motorcycle/Car Navigation

This dedicated motorcycle GPS from GoolRC offers solid satellite navigation for nearly any location including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The enormous 7 inch touchscreen displays maps in clear, full color resolution, and also includes several built-in gadgets preloaded to the device. 

The package contains a handlebar mount to allow the unit to be placed right where it can be seen, saving you from the hassle of having to purchase a separate mount to hold your GPS. Being designed specifically for use on motorcycles, this GPS unit is waterproof as well, allowing it to continue guiding you even in the rain. However, the build quality does struggle in dealing with a lot of heat, and riders in hotter climates will want to remove the unit from the bike any time it is parked to avoid damage. 

Specs:

-Interface: Touchscreen

-Screen size: 7 inches

-Weight: 2.42 lbs

#7: Parkvision WRS-50US

This GPS unit from Parkview uses Apple Car Play and Android Auto to deliver a wide range of features, including hands-free calling and bluetooth connection to your helmet’s headset. A strong, anti-glare screen provides bright and easy to read visuals, and the unit is waterproof to allow for use even in wet conditions. 

Rather than using a brand specific app, this GPS can integrate your phone’s own features to make the operating process as smooth as possible, without the need to download, learn, and use a completely new piece of software. 

Specs: 

-Interface: touchscreen

-Screen size: 5 inches

-Weight: 2.2 lbs

#8: Okeytech Motorcycle GPS

This motorcycle GPS by Okeytech is a great option for riders that are looking for a reliable satellite GPS unit without the need for specific Detective apps or services. This unit is designed specifically for use with motorcycles, and includes handlebar mounting hardware for an easy, secure setup. Android Auto and Apple Car Play are both supported to allow for a wide range of applications and features that do not rely on the GPS itself. 

As a motorcycle specific option, the GPS is water and weather resistant, allowing it to be used even in conditions that are not ideal, such as rain. This unit also offers bluetooth pairing to a helmet’s headset to provide audio directions or even music that can be heard clearly. These options make the Okeytech GPS a solid option for motorcyclists. 

Specs:

-Interface: Touchscreen

-Screen size: 5 inches

-Weight: 0.33 lbs

#9: EZoneTronics RM-PCD005

This multifunctional device from EZoneTronics offers a solid suite of features including GPS navigation, phone mirroring via Android Auto and Apple Car Play, and FM radio. The unit is waterproof, and equipped with a stereo speaker to eliminate the need to connect to an external device such as a headset or speaker. 

The 5 inch touchscreen offers bright, easy to read visuals to ensure that the information provided is simple and easy to read, taking any guesswork out of your navigation. Phone mirroring functions also allow you to see whatever is on your phone on the device screen, which can even include important messages so that you are always up to date, even when riding. 

Specs:

-Interface: Touchscreen

-Screen size: 5 inches

-Weight: 2.2 lbs

Factors to Consider When Buying a motorcycle GPS 

While advancing technology, especially in mobile devices, has made specialized devices less common in recent years, having a dedicated GPS unit is still a good idea. However, when choosing the specific GPS unit you would like to use, there are a number of factors that you should consider before making your purchase. To help make sure that you have all the information you need to make an educated decision, here are a few of the most important things to consider when buying a motorcycle GPS.

Display

The display screen on a GPS is one of the most basic but vital things to consider when looking at a GPS for your bike. The ideal screen will be easy to read, even in poor conditions. Many GPS units will come with an anti-glare screen, or may opt for a brighter display that is still visible in bright conditions, or through rain that may build up on the screen. 

It is especially critical that you go with a screen that can be easily read during your typical ride. If you ride during the day, for example, these anti-glare screens and bright displays will be a necessity, as they can be easily seen even in bright sunlight. 

Robustness

Any device that is going to be installed on a motorcycle should be able to handle the conditions that the bike goes through on a typical ride. Unlike a car, electronics mounted to the handlebars of a motorcycle will be exposed to the elements, which may sometimes include heavy rain or extreme heat, and choosing a device that is designed to handle these conditions is a good idea. 

Devices designed to handle harsh conditions will be more durable than standard GPS units or cell phones, and can generally be relied on to continue working in most conditions. Choosing a device specifically designed to handle rough conditions will be even more important if you spend a large amount of time riding off-road, as trails and dirt paths are significantly harder on the bike and any attached accessories, like your GPS, than city streets. 

Mounting Options

An important part of any motorcycle GPS is its mounting location. As a general rule, a GPS should be mounted in a spot that is easy to glance down at while riding without taking your eyes completely off of the road. Most GPS mounting brackets will attach right between the bike’s handlebars for exactly this reason. 

Always check out the mounting hardware that is included with any GPS, and make sure that it is compatible with your bike. Mounting a GPS securely is not only important for making sure you don’t lose your device, but is an important safety feature as well. In the event you have to use a universal mount, double check the mount to both the bike and to the GPS as well to be absolutely certain that it can securely hold your GPS unit without coming loose or falling off of the motorcycle. 

Water Resistance

GPS units attached to motorcycles are extremely likely to be exposed to rain at some point, and when that happens it is important to have a GPS that will not immediately lose functionality or act up. Water resistance is a major feature for many GPS units, and the vast majority of units on the market are resistant to moisture, if not outright waterproof. 

Look for GPS units that claim IPX ratings of waterproof, such as IPX7, which denotes a unit that can withstand 1 meter of submersion. This standard is a good indicator of just how reliable your GPS will be when it is exposed to the elements. 

Mapping Functionality

A GPS that offers regularly updated maps and live updates is a great option to consider, especially if you frequently rely on your GPS navigation to lead you to your destination. While GPS devices offer navigation as their primary function, not every device gets the same quality of updates, and many are completely reliant on your cell phone to provide up to date information. 

Certain brands like Garmin and TomTom will have dedicated updating services that ensure that your GPS is always up to date with the latest information. When considering the best GPS system for you, this feature becomes more important the more you will be relying on the device. 

Hands-Free Operation

GPS units that offer hands free control are safer, as they allow you to make adjustments without taking a hand off of your handlebars. Many GPS units will also connect to your phone as well, giving you access to your messages, and allowing you to make and receive phone calls on the go. 

Riders looking for an option that will provide them with a wide range of features, or that are looking for a more integrated experience may want to prioritize hands-free and cell phone connection options when browsing for their own GPS units. 

Battery Life

If you find yourself riding long distances, then a GPS unit with a longer battery life may be an important thing to consider. The longer the battery lasts, the further you can travel without having to worry about charging the battery. 

Some GPS units will include a power cable that you can connect to your motorcycle and provide constant power to the unit, although these options do require a more involved setup than a battery operated unit does. Ultimately, the deciding factor for how important battery life may be to you will be the length of your average trip. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

In this guide we’ve gone over some of the best options currently available for motorcycle GPS devices, and provided some helpful tips on what to look for when you are shopping for your own device. While the field of dedicated motorcycle GPS devices can be limited, there are still plenty of options with a wide variety of features to choose from. With the information presented here you will be able to determine for yourself which of these features is most important to you, and choose the best option for your own needs. 

Whether you need a dedicated GPS built for off-road trails and adventures, or a simple gadget to provide directions to a new location, these useful devices are a great way to make sure you always have a great ride without ever worrying about getting lost.