When it comes to motorcycle travel, the thrill of exploring new places is unmatched. However, navigating unfamiliar territory can be daunting without the right tools. While Google Maps is a popular choice, it lacks motorcycle-specific features that can enhance your riding experience. In this blog, we’ll dive into five notable motorcycle navigation apps: InRoute, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Calimoto, and Rever. We'll explore their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide which app is worth your investment.
Why Consider Paid Navigation Apps?
Many riders wonder why they should pay for navigation apps when free options like Google Maps and Apple Maps are readily available. The answer lies in the value these specialized apps provide. You're essentially paying for a service that enhances your riding experience, whether through advanced features, better routing, or enhanced safety. Here’s what to consider:
- Functionality: Specialized apps often offer features tailored specifically for motorcyclists.
- Data Privacy: Some free apps monetize your data; paid apps can offer greater privacy.
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Support: Paid apps often come with customer support and regular updates.
Google Maps: The Familiar Favorite with Limitations
Google Maps is convenient and free, making it a go-to for many riders. It allows you to search for routes, landmarks, and even campgrounds. However, it lacks motorcycle-specific features, which can be a drawback.
One of the challenges with Google Maps is the difficulty in importing and exporting maps. While you can share routes via My Maps, it requires a Gmail account. Additionally, while the app provides excellent visuals, including speed limits and upcoming turns, it doesn’t cater specifically to bikers.
Google Maps is great for basics, but riders deserve better.
Top 5 Motorcycle Navigation Apps
1. InRoute: Tailored for Riders
InRoute comes with an annual fee of $49.99 and offers a 7-day free trial. Unlike Google Maps, InRoute is designed with motorcyclists in mind. It allows you to avoid highways, and you can easily change routes by dropping pins on the map.
The app excels in optimizing routes with multiple waypoints—up to 150 in the paid version. This is particularly useful for riders planning long-distance trips. However, it does lack features for showing campsites or gas stations, which might necessitate using another app alongside it.
2. Harley-Davidson: A Community Focus
Harley-Davidson’s app is another free option, designed for both Harley riders and those who simply enjoy riding. The app allows you to plan trips with multiple stops and even share your rides with other users. However, it defaults to showing Harley dealers and rallies, which may not be relevant for everyone.
While it has some limitations in terms of route planning and map accuracy, it does offer a unique social aspect where users can share rides and experiences. If you’re specifically looking for Harley-related features, this app could be worth a try.
3. Indian Motorcycle: A Niche Player
The Indian Motorcycle app is also free and offers features similar to the Harley app. However, it may not be as robust. Users can share rides, but the app struggles with route planning, often generating bizarre routes that can be frustrating to fix.
While it allows you to find Indian dealers and avoid gravel roads, its functionality may not be sufficient for serious trip planning. If you don’t own an Indian motorcycle, you might want to skip this one.
4. Calimoto: The Curvy Road Specialist
Calimoto is a standout app for those who love twisty roads. Priced at $100 per year, it offers a 7-day trial to test its features. This app is designed specifically for motorcyclists and allows you to choose routes based on how direct or curvy you want them to be.
One of the key benefits of Calimoto is its ability to show the curviness of roads directly on the map, making it easier to plan exciting rides. It also includes a good database of camping sites and amenities, enhancing your trip planning experience.
5. Rever: Community and Navigation Combined
Rever is a social app that focuses on sharing rides and experiences. While it offers turn-by-turn navigation, its primary strength lies in its community features. It allows riders to save and share their routes, making it easy to discover new rides from fellow bikers.
The app also has a decent database of amenities and campsites, but its usability can be clunky due to the focus on social sharing. If you’re looking for a navigation app that integrates community features, Rever could be a good fit.
Conclusions: Which App Should You Choose?
So, which app should you pay for? Google Maps remains a strong contender for its extensive database and ease of use. However, if you’re serious about motorcycle riding, specialized apps like InRoute and Calimoto might offer the best value for your money.
InRoute excels in planning long-distance rides with multiple waypoints, while Calimoto specializes in curvy routes that make your ride more enjoyable. The Harley and Indian apps may be useful for brand enthusiasts but lack the functionality that serious riders need.
Ultimately, the best app for you depends on your riding style and needs. Experiment with the free trials to see which app resonates with you. Happy riding, and may your journeys be filled with adventure!
What apps do you use for planning and navigating your motorcycle trips? Let us know in the comments!
