A Motorcycle GPS is an essential piece of gear that can help you turn a weekend road trip into an amazing adventure. It opens a world of new experiences and places to explore, keeping you safely on the track on all your journeys.
As you could expect, the market offers a bountiful range of GPS systems for motorcycles, and choosing the best one could be overwhelming. That’s why we did the hard work for you, picking the top ones in Australia.
After the summary table below we discuss the key things to look out for when choosing your GPS, followed by our reviews of the best products on the market.
Best Overall: Garmin Zumo XT
Screen size: 5.5″
Glove-friendly: Yes
Waterproof rating: IPX7
Connectivity: Bluetooth, WIFI
Why we chose it: Garmin has been the leader in navigation equipment for many years and their latest release does not disappoint. The Zumo XT comes with the largest screen size we’ve seen on a motorcycle GPS and can be paired with a smartphone to make hands-free calls, listen to music, and receive live weather and traffic updates. It also has preloaded maps (on-road and off-road) and the option to display roads, topological maps, or satellite imagery.
What’s changed from previous models: The Zumo XT features a larger, brighter, dual-orientation 5.5” screen and more features than the previous top model, the Garmin Zumo 595. It also offers better processing performance.
Runner Up: Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S
Screen size: 4.3″
Glove-friendly: Yes
Waterproof rating: IPX7
Connectivity: Bluetooth, WIFI
Why we chose it: If you don’t need the off-road capability (or the big screen) of the Zumo XT, the Zumo 396 remains a good option. It presents good value for money, even when compared to non-Garmin products, and features a lot of the innovation found on higher-end models such as the IPX7 waterproof rating, Easy Route Shaping for on-the-go alterations, and smart notifications via the app.
Best for Off-Road: Trail Tech Voyager Pro
Screen size: 4″
Glove-friendly: Yes
Waterproof rating: IP67
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Why we chose it: The Trail Tech Voyager Pro is a high-quality GPS unit built for built for dirt bikes and off road adventures. It features a 4 inch touch screen anti-glare display and bluetooth connectivity to connect your headset and phone. The Buddy Tracker feature supports up to 20 members, allowing you to view your friends’ locations on your screen in real-time.
How it compares: A big difference between this model and the others on our list is its IP67 protection rating. This means that not only is it fully waterproof (like the IPX7 rated models), but it is also fully dustproof, so it stays fully protected while out on the trail.
Minimalistic design: Beeline Moto GPS
Screen size: 2″
Glove-friendly: Yes (buttons only)
Waterproof rating: IP67
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Why we chose it: The Beeline Moto GPS mounts easily on any motorcycle or scooter. Its clear and simple navigation interface makes it easy to get around town. The app is free on Apple and Android, and includes route planning, route import, and ride tracking.
The clean, modern design and clear interface on the Beeline Moto make it easy to use, so you can focus on the road ahead.
Also Great: TomTom Rider 550
Screen size: 4.3″
Glove-friendly: Yes
Waterproof rating: IPX7
Connectivity: Bluetooth, WIFI
Why we chose it: If you’re looking for a motorcycle GPS alternative to Garmin, the TomTom Rider 550 makes a great choice. This easy-to-use GPS quickly plots your round trip, and its MyDrive feature allows you to sync hand-picked routes directly from your smartphone.
Like the Garmin Zumo XT and 396, the TomTom Rider has both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. Connect it to your phone for hands-free calling, and receive live traffic updates and speed camera notifications.
Motorcycle GPS vs Smartphone
Many motorcyclists rely on their smartphones for navigation. After all, it saves you paying for an expensive motorcycle GPS and has most of the same features.
However, this is not an ideal solution if you intend to spend a long time on the road or trails for the following reasons:
- Durability – Your smartphone is not as resilient as a dedicated motorcycle GPS.
- Screen size – A bigger screen means easier navigation, which makes for a safer ride.
- Route planning – While smartphones may be good for planning the quickest way to a nearby restaurant, if you want to plan your own tracks or find the best windy roads, get yourself a motorcycle GPS unit.
Features to look for
If you want to invest in a GPS that lives up to your expectations, make sure you check the following criteria before buying.
Mapping: Motorcycle GPS systems often come with maps for a specific country, and you will usually get free upgrades for them. However, you might have to buy new maps if you plan to visit other countries. Some systems do come with worldwide maps though, so that’s something worth checking if you plan to ride outside Australia.
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Durability: Your GPS unit will be exposed to elements, so it’s crucial to pick one designed specifically for motorbikes. Make sure the unit is waterproof and weather resistant.
Battery life: Pick a motorcycle GPS that comes with a battery life that’s as long as possible. Otherwise, you might have to interrupt your journey every few hours to change or recharge batteries, which will prove to be very annoying over time
