View Full Version : GPS (the importance thereof)
What is your personal view as a motorcyclist?
Absolutely essential/relatively essential/non-essential?
Now I understand that some may be directionally challenged 50-70 kms from home, but what level of importance has the GPS become to the way you ride?
It’s also apparent that some motorcyclist ride more familiar roads more often than not, so the question probably does apply so much to those riders.
The question is more for those who will frequent unfamiliar roads/destinations, for a change.
My own view on GPS while riding, is non-essential.
If the topic descends to using a GPS unit as safety measure? My own view on that, is no.
We have one in the car and it’s a bit of fun, my parents think I we are magic when we say we will be there at 15:44 and we are.
Banditbandit
19th May 2015, 16:54
Completely unnecessary - we coped extremely well for many years without the bloody things ..
george formby
19th May 2015, 16:57
Good in strange city's but a PITA when trying to find new roads to ride. Paper & planning for the win around here.
Good as a real speedo given how inaccurate motorbike speedos are and no use going too slow so don't take the speedo as the correct figure.
Completely unnecessary - we coped extremely well for many years without the bloody things ..
Does that take away from their usefulness now that they are available?
In New Zealand we're never far from a gas station or another motorist though, so we can do without if we want. Different story in bigger countries.
Brilliant for plotting an 'offroad' route, particularly unformed legal roads where you can run into trouble if you wander off public land accidentally or in an unfamiliar city and not wanting to fuck around.
First time leaving Auckland airport at 11pm in the rain in a car I had just picked up there that as it turns out had no demisters and shit wipers, I had no clue where to go (thought I could just follow a sign that said Hamilton, Wellington or South, of which there were none) and having a GPS saved a heap of time once I caved and turned it on. It also told me how much time I had up my sleeve to stop and look at some stuff on the way down. If I wasn't lazy I could have worked that out before I left, but I am lazy, so the borrowed GPS was awesome.
I've driven and ridden up there a bunch of times since and haven't needed one (other than phone GPS for addresses) but for that first time it was awesome.
Also driving overseas where the road signs are shit compared to ours they make life a bit easier. Still off more often than not but when you arrive somewhere late and just want to hit a pillow or bottle they save time and arguments.
People coped without electricity for 1000's of years Banditbandit. Get your candles out man :laugh:
First time leaving Auckland airport at 11pm in the rain in a car I had just picked up there that as it turns out had no demisters and shit wipers :laugh:
What was that a Morris Minor or something older?
Hobbyhorse
19th May 2015, 17:17
I was at Nikau Caves a couple of months ago and the owner was commenting on the number of cars and bikes that get into a bit of a panic when they realise there is no cell phone coverage out there and their smart phones have become a little less smart with no mapping capability.
What was that a Morris Minor or something older?
A vehicle modified by someone who forgot to put the vents back in when they had the dash off. Wasn't bad with the window down once you knew you'd actaully needed to put the window down.
I was at Nikau Caves a couple of months ago and the owner was commenting on the number of cars and bikes that get into a bit of a panic when they realise there is no cell phone coverage out there and their smart phones have become a little less smart with no mapping capability.
In that instance, you just turn around and back track.
We have just got back from looking after a Motel in Te Awamutu Rhys, A car club member asked me how to get to Taumaranui from there? it's not that difficult, just follow the road you're on and it'll take you to Te Kuiti, then over the hill to the eight mile.. ''yeah yeah I know the way from there'' :crazy:
Swoop
19th May 2015, 19:34
Unnecessary.
Learn to read a paper map. It doesn't go flat, need recharging or batteries or take up space in a pocket.
Top Tip: The sun rises in the East & sets in the West. You can find north by using your hour hand of your wristwatch...
bogan
19th May 2015, 19:44
Fookin mint mate.
Important, nah, but neither are maps, or knowledge of where you are going, etc etc.
But fucking handy, hells yeh. Went to upper hutt the other weekend for a mate's 30th. Realised they hid the road names fucking well (I wrote down what turnoffs to take beforehand) about when I was at the bottom of upper hutt thinking this shit ain't right. Made a few guess, stopped and turned on my phone data/gps. Re-acquired routing information in 2mins on roadside and got to destination no problems.
Why sort of technological neanderthal would shun such a marvelous invention? Probably the same sort that doesn't belive in always riding with an ICE phone; which makes sense cos they are the same fucking thing nowadays :bleh:
Oakie
19th May 2015, 19:45
Not necessary for me. I'm a planner and I'll know where I'm going and how to get there before I leave.
I guess useful for those who leave home not really knowing where they are going or touring on secondary roads.
Zedder
19th May 2015, 19:54
Unnecessary.
Learn to read a paper map. It doesn't go flat, need recharging or batteries or take up space in a pocket.
Top Tip: The sun rises in the East & sets in the West. You can find north by using your hour hand of your wristwatch...
Tell the rest of the story though...
Gremlin
19th May 2015, 19:54
It depends.
If you're commuting from here to there the whole time. Nope. If you're in random places only once or twice, kinda handy, especially if you learn a few extra back routes.
Average country rider riding the same routes every weekend... Nope. Handy when you're in strange places and can go directly to where you want to be... I remember a mate was lost in Chch for 2 hours trying to get to our accommodation (I know, I had no idea you could be lost for so long in such a small place... but apparently you can). Maybe some need it a whole lot more than others? :msn-wink:
For me? Almost essential and very much a part of my riding. I've got a Zumo 550 somewhere around, done 100,000km on it and just need to replace the screen thingy and it's still good to go. Current GPS is a Zumo 660, done over 40,000km on it. It's a hub for helmet and mobile, when I sync it up. It holds all my music when riding. Last weekend, I went on a 300km round trip to the Waikato purely to ride roads I'd never ridden, in order to feed the data back to the mappers, reporting on roads needing re-aligning, changed from seal to gravel or v.v, and removal or addition of any extra roads.
Obviously, that's not really essential, but it's an enjoyable way to ride for me, as you have no idea what you're going to find... must find time to do it more often... plus anyone using the maps gets more accurate maps.
pritch
19th May 2015, 19:56
They are handy in an unfamiliar city. I originally bought my bike GPS 'cause my Ducati speedo read 30kph slow and my mental arithmetic can be seriously mental, 'specially the high speed calculations. Luckily I found out about the discrepancy before the :Police: pointed it out.
Like a lot of technology it pays not to place total faith in it. If you just follow the suggested routes blindly you could have some really interesting (and probably unwanted) adventures. There are some KBers I know of that had first hand experience of this - and a long unplanned late night ride.
You should not concentrate on the screen. I had a really scary ride with a guy who tended to stare at his GPS. He was so intent on the screen he wasn't seeing anything outside the car.
And like the instructions say, don't muck about with the GPS while moving.
My experience with the GPS on the bike was such that I now have one in the car as well. Like radar detectors, most people who are against them haven't tried them so they aren't qualified to comment. If there was someone who had tried them and didn't like them I'd be interested to know why?
I guess useful for those who leave home not really knowing where they are going or touring on secondary roads.
This ....
Also, definitely handy sometimes :yes: but fcukin frustrating at other times :brick:
If you get one, get a decent one and use it lots, otherwise it'll end in utter hopelessness DAMHIK:weep:
Gremlin
19th May 2015, 20:06
Also, definitely handy sometimes :yes: but fcukin frustrating at other times :brick:
If you get one, get a decent one and use it lots, otherwise it'll end in utter hopelessness DAMHIK:weep:
I'm somewhere around 50/50. Sometimes it's fucken wrong and I'm sooo right.
Other times... well, I uh, wanted that adventure :facepalm:
russd7
19th May 2015, 20:08
Why sort of technological neanderthal would shun such a marvelous invention? Probably the same sort that doesn't belive in always riding with an ICE phone; which makes sense cos they are the same fucking thing nowadays :bleh:
must be a neanderthal then as i have neither, ICE equals total waste of time as my phone is always locked and if im injured i don't want some effen do gooder going through my phone and ringing the missus and stressing her out unnecessarily, and as an emergency first responder i don't go looking for and then through a persons cell phone. as for using a GPS i have to admit to being guilty of using the one on my phone to find my sisters place in auckland but apart from that our wee country is extremely well sign posted even if you are off the beaten tracks, just gotta have some idea of the next few places along the track
In New Zealand we're never far from a gas station
Seen all the shut down service stations the last couple of decades ? We have a shit load less service stations around now, been caught out more than once planning to refuel at a gas station that had been there 60, 70 years, maybe even longer...and found them closed down. We need a bit more planning on fuel stops these days, when we used to be able to fill up anywhere, anytime.
I've been riding on back roads all my life, never with a map....I might look at a map before I go, but not on the road. Getting lost is half the fun.
Laava
19th May 2015, 22:44
Gps or even more specifically, sat nav, is only usefull occasionally as far as I care. I have one and only use it for big cities, the rest of the time it lives in a bottom drawer somewhere. A mapbook is far easier to navigate esp when there are a few of you arguing about where to go!
Used them in Europe quite a bit, very useful. Generally just the moving map, usually had an idea where I was heading.
Now use one in Asia. Would quite like two, one for the detailed view and another showing the wider view. I'm generally exploring very minor roads and two views would make navigation much easier. But can't justify it so one it is.
Personally, I have two main uses for a GPS
1. Getting around unknown cities, especially overseas, especially those with complex one way grids - you can't pull over to read a paper map, you need a very large scale paper map to show the one-way arrows, and a GPS is the fastest safest way to navigate to a bike shop or a hotel in a place like LA or New York.
2. Estimating the arrival time on a long journey; the ETA gets pushed back obviously with traffic delays and detours and stops for gas and that can be very useful.
(A minor advantage is getting accurate speed on tightly patrolled highways; not essential as once I learn the discrepancy between the bike speedo and actual speed I can adjust for that)
R650R
20th May 2015, 06:11
Non essential but handy to have at times.
I'm a big flag waver for paper maps too and planning beforehand.
But a lot of times I've gotten somewhere or changed my route or there is a diversion etc... so I swallowed my pride and bought an Iphone.
And its brilliant in those situations to check via an electronic map. I'm not too much into the whole plotting thing though
Completely unnecessary for me, but I still have one. I'd like to swap it for a radar detector.:rolleyes:
The End
20th May 2015, 08:16
I wil whip out the cell phone on the odd occasion to consult Google Maps on the best route to my destination. If I am just out for a weekend ride I will largely ride GPS free, unless I get lost somewhere :baby:
There is something freeing about trying to find your way out of the middle of nowhere when you don't have time constraints.
On a group ride one time, we were heading from Taupo to Okoroire, but not up SH1. There is a more biker friendly way. Poihipi road/Kaahu road/Whakamaru road/Old Taupo road/Putaruru/Oko. We left in a split group with the lead rider of the first group having a GPS. Just before leaving it was decided that a few wanted a coffee stop at Whakamaru, but the lead rider went straight to Putaruru. When the second group got to Whakamaru, we wondered what the hell had a happened to the first group. They decided that Putaruru was a good place to stop for a caffeine top up.
Things can change while riding, but no so much if you’re governed by or rely on a GPS.
GPS does not allow for detour/sudden directional change/let’s stop here situations on a group ride, it’s keep going until Karen says ‘’you have reached you destination’’.
Eddieb
20th May 2015, 08:41
On a group ride one time, we were heading from Taupo to Okoroire, but not up SH1. There is a more biker friendly way. Poihipi road/Kaahu road/Whakamaru road/Old Taupo road/Putaruru/Oko. We left in a split group with the lead rider of the first group having a GPS. Just before leaving it was decided that a few wanted a coffee stop at Whakamaru, but the lead rider went straight to Putaruru. When the second group got to Whakamaru, we wondered what the hell had a happened to the first group. They decided that Putaruru was a good place to stop for a caffeine top up.
Things can change while riding, but no so much if you’re governed by or rely on a GPS.
GPS does not allow for detour/sudden directional change/let’s stop here situations on a group ride, it’s keep going until Karen says ‘’you have reached you destination’’.
There are other apps that can be useful in that scenario, check out Glympse: http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/rider-tracking/glympse/
I use GPS a lot, but 99% of the time to track where I have been rather than to navigate to where I am going. I track rides to share so that other adventure riders can find cool places to ride, e.g : http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/north-island-tracks/
There are other apps that can be useful in that scenario, check out Glympse: http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/rider-tracking/glympse/
I use GPS a lot, but 99% of the time to track where I have been rather than to navigate to where I am going. I track rides to share so that other adventure riders can find cool places to ride, e.g : http://www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/north-island-tracks/
Certainly, anywhere off the beaten track they would prove essential, at the very least for the point you raised.
SVboy
20th May 2015, 09:42
Handy to accurately calibrate speedo healers.
MisterD
20th May 2015, 10:53
Non essential but handy to have at times.
I'm a big flag waver for paper maps too and planning beforehand.
But a lot of times I've gotten somewhere or changed my route or there is a diversion etc... so I swallowed my pride and bought an Iphone.
And its brilliant in those situations to check via an electronic map. I'm not too much into the whole plotting thing though
I do like that a GPS doesn't mind getting rain on it and doesn't get blown to shreds when you try re-folding it on a windy day, but you can't beat laying a proper (sigh, I miss Ordnance Survey :( ) map on the table to plan stuff.
I don't know how I ever managed as a Sales Rep without Street View though.
https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/188x319/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/9/7/9780319232064_Cover_C4.jpg
rastuscat
20th May 2015, 12:30
I've got a Zumo 550 somewhere around, done 100,000km on it
Wow, that's impressive. I thought you had a motorbike.
James Deuce
20th May 2015, 12:43
What is your personal view as a motorcyclist?
Absolutely essential/relatively essential/non-essential?
The antithesis of essential. It's better to arrive 2 days late, on a motorcycle.
That's an incomplete sentence.
Oh well.
Jezxa
20th May 2015, 12:47
I just use google maps on my phone with headphones for voice directions.
willytheekid
20th May 2015, 13:34
I kinda like getting lost thanks
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/c5/82/88/c582884e96ef10da540dbe125596088e.jpg
...plus its kind of a normal state for me to be in :laugh: (I can get lost in a supermarket!:facepalm:)
Banditbandit
20th May 2015, 13:51
Does that take away from their usefulness now that they are available?
In New Zealand we're never far from a gas station or another motorist though, so we can do without if we want. Different story in bigger countries.
You have been completed sucked in by the consumer society - buy this because you "really really need it". Industries create products then create a need for them .. the aim of the producers in a capitalist/consumer society. You only think it's essential because you've been told it's essential.
I call bullshit - why give the hi-tech companies money for something you don't need ???
rastuscat
20th May 2015, 13:58
I kinda like getting lost thanks
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/c5/82/88/c582884e96ef10da540dbe125596088e.jpg
...plus its kind of a normal state for me to be in :laugh: (I can get lost in a supermarket!:facepalm:)
Dammit. That takes the fun out of me telling you to get lost.
Harrumph.
Blackbird
20th May 2015, 14:10
You have been completed sucked in by the consumer society - buy this because you "really really need it". Industries create products then create a need for them .. the aim of the producers in a capitalist/consumer society. You only think it's essential because you've been told it's essential.
I call bullshit - why give the hi-tech companies money for something you don't need ???
No different from buying megafast bikes or cars - you don't NEED it, you WANT it! Same with most things in life that people aspire to.
willytheekid
20th May 2015, 14:11
Dammit. That takes the fun out of me telling you to get lost.
Harrumph.
:laugh:...but I rely on following "directionally orientated people" like yourself to make my way home again.
ps...that you nodding off while parked up on moorhouse on da troll bike yesterday?...I waved:wavey:, even made lots of sexy V4 noise as I blas..err...carefully went through the lights:D, but it just looked like I had woken you up from a nice wee nap:killingme
rastuscat
20th May 2015, 15:33
:laugh:...but I rely on following "directionally orientated people" like yourself to make my way home again.
ps...that you nodding off while parked up on moorhouse on da troll bike yesterday?...I waved:wavey:, even made lots of sexy V4 noise as I blas..err...carefully went through the lights:D, but it just looked like I had woken you up from a nice wee nap:killingme
I'll fall back on my departed dads call.........I was merely resting my eyes........
Not long to go Wheelie, next Friday is me gone. I'm having to send my troll bike back to Wellytown tomorrow,:crybaby:
Zedder
20th May 2015, 15:51
No different from buying megafast bikes or cars - you don't NEED it, you WANT it! Same with most things in life that people aspire to.
Very true. I've got a list of things I want as opposed to need.
willytheekid
20th May 2015, 16:00
I'll fall back on my departed dads call.........I was merely resting my eyes........
Not long to go Wheelie, next Friday is me gone. I'm having to send my troll bike back to Wellytown tomorrow,:crybaby:
:laugh: thought it was you.
Wow, next friday!...my god this years flown by.
We are gonna miss you & the troll bike mate, you were always good for friendly advice and a big wave (cept when your "resting your eyes" lol)
Truly hope the team give you a bloody good send off mate...you & the lads have done such an amazing job for the chch popo and all us mad chch riders for such a long time...you will be missed sir :first:
http://cdn.meme.am/instances/56630393.jpg
..nuthin less
ps...hope your gonna wheelstand that big bugger before you hand her back in* :headbang::laugh: - stay well Rastuscat, and enjoy the last week or so of work :niceone:
*pps...if you won't...can I?? :eek: (...I know I know..."get lost wheelie":laugh:)
Gremlin
20th May 2015, 18:39
Wow, that's impressive. I thought you had a motorbike.
No, those both have more than 100k on them :lol:
I kinda wore the screen out, happens to a few, haven't got around to replacing the panel yet (had the panel for a couple of years probably). Probably good for more km after that... they're tough wee buggers :)
Reckless
20th May 2015, 19:14
I'm so bad I get lost between the bedroom and ensuite in the night but no GPS on the bike (Radar detector tho).
Have a GPS in the car I use constantly for speed, Speed zone info and trip info, so I am a fan of the technology, but on the bike very rarely use GPS.
Usually do a google maps before hand to plan an off statehwy route of the major stops.
Or I get lost and enjoy the ride
ya know you can meet some cool people asking for directions :cool:
rastuscat
20th May 2015, 19:51
ya know you can meet some cool people asking for directions :cool:
If that's really an issue get in touch with Scuba Steve.
He'll tell you where to go.
Dammit, supposed to be studying, bloody interweb
cynna
21st May 2015, 15:37
gps comes in handy for rides such as the dusty but - was still fun using a roll chart tho
i use mine on the gravel roads all the time - especially when finding new routes. also use in on the trike since the speedo is useless
taking coordinates for stolen cars at the river is also handy, or knowing exactly where you are if in trouble in the middle of nowhere
rastuscat
21st May 2015, 16:09
312071
I get lost when I'm having adventures on my moped sometimes.
So I doubled it's value by adding my GPS.
:first:
awa355
21st May 2015, 18:13
All you need is a watch (or phone). Swing it around above your head then let it go. Wherever it went is west. From there not hard to work out where the other three points are. :oi-grr::oi-grr:
Zedder
21st May 2015, 20:10
All you need is a watch (or phone). Swing it around above your head then let it go. Wherever it went is west. From there not hard to work out where the other three points are. :oi-grr::oi-grr:
Yep, heaps of things go west, it's probably inundated over there.
All you need is a watch (or phone). Swing it around above your head then let it go. Wherever it went is west. From there not hard to work out where the other three points are. :oi-grr::oi-grr:
Cowboy's always knew where west was, I guess they use to look to the sky for direction. If it were cloudy, they would camp out and eat beans.
James Deuce
22nd May 2015, 06:43
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPIP9KXdmO0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPIP9KXdmO0)
Erelyes
22nd May 2015, 09:02
Learn to read a paper map. It doesn't go flat, need recharging or batteries or take up space in a pocket.
https://i.imgflip.com/ltrs6.jpg
Completely unnecessary - we coped extremely well for many years without the bloody things ..
And yet here we are. On the internet. Which we coped extremely well for many years without.
KoroJ
22nd May 2015, 21:31
I place a high importance on the GPS. They're not essential but if you have one as another tool, why not use it....and if you're into distance/endurance riding like me, they make life so much easier.
All the mention of using maps for planning.....it's much easier to use mapping software then transfer it to the GPS unit.
I used to use notes taped to the dash for turns....much easier if Karen, or Emily advises, "In 1km, turn left on..." then, "In 300mtrs turn left on...." I no longer have to slow to read the street signs.
Accurate speed info is good. Music is good and don't have to worry about batteries going flat. ETA info is good. It's nice to have Moving Average and Overall Average speeds to assess progress against the plan. Very convenient to find and assess available fuel stops, or cafes if you're out of your area.
Tracklog is good if one wants to review a ride or check back what sort of average pace was made over a road.
Local knowledge is always good and one must remember that they are a tool and might not be sending you down the 'best' path, but that can be improved by having the preferences set right....and as long as guys like Gremlin continue to monitor and update the mapping software.
I often ride with the unit on the bike just for the music, speed info and tracklog if I'm on a club or local outing, then the ETA once I turn for home.
Yep, heaps of things go west, it's probably inundated over there.
And full of Strines...
I just did a weekend ride up from Harbor City / South Beach LA, to Carmel / Salinas and back on different roads. The GPS is excellent for offering options and giving average speeds and arrival times. Of course I can still navigate with a map, I grew up with the cellulose product. But the helpfulness of the GPS when offering alternatives makes the ride much more fun - because you get options"on a plate". My GPS is hardwired but once set on my route, I usually switch it off until I get into metropolitan areas or areas of high traffic density, because I like to focus on the road and the sights around me. from my perspective, it's not either / or, it's about using the advantages of both options. When planning the next day's ride in a motel, the paper map is king. When on the road, the GPS is king. As always, YMMV...
Bruce Lee
23rd May 2015, 08:14
I'm a self confessed gadget freak so I've got the gps and radar feeding into my headset. Essential, no way but f**king cool. Love having all the information at my finger tips and enhances my ride experience.
The gps does stay in the bag mostly when in commuter mode during the week so like most devices I think of them as just toys for big boys.
MarkH
23rd May 2015, 09:00
I was at Nikau Caves a couple of months ago and the owner was commenting on the number of cars and bikes that get into a bit of a panic when they realise there is no cell phone coverage out there and their smart phones have become a little less smart with no mapping capability.
It isn't the phones that aren't smart!
My phone has an app that uses a downloaded open source map of NZ, I need no network connection to use GPS navigating on my phone.
Mostly I leave my phone in my pocket when I ride, but I like the fact that I have it in case I need it.
rastuscat
23rd May 2015, 09:51
I'm considering taking a toaster on the bike on future rides. Can't have too many gadgets.
If I come across any bears I'll ship up a round of honey on toast. Sorted.
Gadget1
23rd May 2015, 10:50
I'm a self confessed gadget freak so I've got the gps and radar feeding into my headset. Essential, no way but f**king cool. Love having all the information at my finger tips and enhances my ride experience.
The gps does stay in the bag mostly when in commuter mode during the week so like most devices I think of them as just toys for big boys.
Heh, I take it you mean radar detector not radar.
I'm into gadgets as my user name suggests and believe if technology is available then it's there to be used. However, I don't GPS much at all. I map out a ride before hand and go with the flow mostly.
Gremlin
23rd May 2015, 12:17
I'm considering taking a toaster on the bike on future rides. Can't have too many gadgets.
If I come across any bears I'll ship up a round of honey on toast. Sorted.
Some bikes are coming out with enough alternator power to run a fridge... you should consider one, keep the drinks cold ;)
Bruce Lee
26th May 2015, 19:55
Heh, I take it you mean radar detector not radar.
I'm into gadgets as my user name suggests and believe if technology is available then it's there to be used. However, I don't GPS much at all. I map out a ride before hand and go with the flow mostly.
Yep radar detector. The GPS gets the least amount of use and only comes out on weekend rides, otherwise it sits in the car mostly.
Before the GPS I used the iPhone for directions but found it fairly cumbersome.
Gadget1
26th May 2015, 20:06
Yep radar detector. The GPS gets the least amount of use and only comes out on weekend rides, otherwise it sits in the car mostly.
Before the GPS I used the iPhone for directions but found it fairly cumbersome.
Heh, done the phone for directions thing too and agree.
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