Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on Your Motorcycle

You may already be familiar with it from modern cars – Android Auto and Apple CarPlay make navigation and music control particularly easy. But does it also work on motorcycles? Or maybe you've heard the name "CPMC" before, but aren't sure what it means? 

No problem! In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for motorcyclists. You'll learn what advantages these systems offer, what to look for when buying, and whether the purchase is really worth it for your riding style.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay: How They Work

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are smart interfaces that connect your smartphone to an Android Auto or Apple CarPlay-enabled display. This can be an external display or your vehicle's dashboard, meaning you definitely need your smartphone to use these systems.

First, let's start with the most important difference: If you have an Android phone, you use Android Auto. If you have an iPhone, you have Apple CarPlay. Vice versa? Nonsense.

Both systems were developed with a clear goal: to allow you to use your most important phone apps while driving without distraction. That's why the apps in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are deliberately kept simple – with fewer functions and settings than you're used to on your smartphone. Everything is designed to allow you to concentrate fully on the road.

With exactly the same goal in mind, apps on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay often offer additional ways to interact with them, for example, via voice commands or using controls on the steering wheel.

Advantages of Android Auto / Apple CarPlay on Motorcycles

The biggest advantage of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on motorcycles is that you always have important information at your fingertips.

This is especially helpful if you use a navigation app, because instead of looking at a small smartphone display, you can follow the route on a larger, weatherproof screen designed specifically for outdoor use.

Many motorcyclists therefore consciously choose an Android Auto or Apple CarPlay display instead of a traditional motorcycle navigation system. While these aren't necessarily cheaper, they offer significantly more features and flexibility. Another advantage: your often expensive smartphone simply rides with you, well protected in a bag.

The system provides greater convenience, especially on long tours: You can use your favorite music app and change songs without taking your hands off the handlebars. This keeps your focus on the road at all times – and that's what matters most.

Using Android Auto on a Motorcycle

If Android Auto or Apple CarPlay sound interesting to you, you're probably asking yourself: How can I use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on a motorcycle?

There are really only two options:

• With a motorcycle with integrated Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
• With an Android Auto- or Apple CarPlay-enabled retrofit display

Motorcycles with Integrated Android Auto / Apple CarPlay

You can find Android Auto and Apple CarPlay almost everywhere in modern cars these days – but things are different with motorcycles.

While some motorcycle manufacturers have already begun equipping their new models with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, this is by no means the case for all motorcycles, and the selection is usually limited to premium models.

Here is a list of motorcycles that support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay:

• Indian motorcycles with Ride Command+: Indian models equipped with Ride Command+ from 2020 onwards support Apple CarPlay (in the Americas only) but not Android Auto.
• Honda Gold Wing (2018 and later): Honda introduced the Gold Wing in 2018 with a 7-inch LCD screen that supports Apple CarPlay.
• Honda Africa Twin (2021 and later): This model did not ship with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay immediately, but was later added via a software update.
• Honda NT1100
• Harley-Davidson models (2019): Starting in 2019, Harley-Davidson integrated Apple CarPlay into select 2019 Touring models. (Boom! Box GTS radio required)
• CFMOTO 800 NK Advanced (2024): This motorcycle is compatible with Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto is not yet available.

Please note that the availability of these features may vary by region and specific model. Therefore, it is advisable to check with a local retailer or the official website for exact specifications and availability.

Retrofit Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Display

Since only a few motorcycles offer integration with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, retrofitting with an Android Auto or Apple CarPlay-enabled display is the most common solution for using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on a motorcycle.

Suitable displays for your motorcycle are available in various sizes and are specially designed for "rough" use: Wind, rain, and dust are no problem. Thanks to the extra-bright screens, you can see everything clearly even in direct sunlight.

Installation is usually very simple: You attach the display to the handlebar, connect it to the power supply directly via USB – and you're ready to go.

These systems have recently become increasingly popular among motorcyclists. There is now a wide selection of different models from several manufacturers.

We have compared the best Android Auto and Apple CarPlay displays for motorcycles for you.

✅ P7: Motorcycle Android Auto / Apple CarPlay Display

Upgrade your ride with the P7 7-inch Motorcycle Touchscreen Display, designed to bring seamless Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to your bike. Built tough with IP67 waterproofing and a 700-nit high-brightness IPS screen, it ensures clear visibility and reliable performance in any weather. With dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0, you’ll stay connected and in control wherever the road takes you.