TomTom vs Garmin review: Which is the best motorcycle sat-nav? Anyone else find motorcycle sat nav mounts ugly? You can also end a route from the Beeline by pressing the power button then confirming with the bottom one. Bobber Bikes 14 Bobbers You Can Own Today, Indian Scout Vs Scout Bobber Whats The Difference. Covering motorways, A-roads and more minor routes, it was a good chance to see how accurate the Beeline is. Is there any reason the charger couldn't be mounted to the bike? Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe Retro 60s Street Racer on Steroids, Motorcycle Camping Planning a Great Road Trip. Consumer Editor of Bennetts BikeSocial, John's owned over 20 bikes, has been testing motorcycle kit for more than 25 years and is amember of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators, and part of the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group. In Compass Mode the large arrow simply points at the destination, with the distance showing how far it is as the crow flies. Looking at full navigation first, planning a route is incredibly quick and easy from Peterborough to Lands End is calculated in a couple of seconds. Because the Beeline Moto device is battery powered and connects to your phone via bluetooth there are no wires to connect to your bike and your phone can be safely tucked away in your inside pocket. In Compass Mode, where you go is of course up to you, but in Route Mode, if you run off course the device can automatically redirect you, or it can be left for you to tap the top button to do it manually. Mounting the Beeline is easy here Ive got it on the fairing bracket of my 1999 ZX-6R. In Compass Mode, you need toyoure your common sense, have a vague idea of the destination, and keep an eye on road signs. You can download it now from the App Store or Google Play (search for Beeline bike navigation) and have a mess around with it. or 6 weekly interest-free payments from 1.66 today & 5 weekly interest-free payments of 120.00 with what's this? Whats important to understand is that the Beeline is about using road signs; Ive got lazy through using my TomTom, not taking any notice of road signs or land-marks, simply letting the sat-nav tell me which turn to take next. Both the plastic- and metal-cased Beelines are rated to IP67, which means dust wont get in, they can survive water jets (great in the rain), and they can be immersed in water up to one metre deep (youve probably got bigger problems if your bikes a metre under water. For me, its the joy of exploring with the compass mode that really stands out here, but the fact that its a discreet, beautifully-styled device also means that it can add a good level of navigation to any bike, without having to spoil it with a large colour screen. Beeline Moto in a black plastic finish. For information including how to stop them,click Cookie Policy. You can also plan a route from scratch simply by touching to add waypoints up to 23 on top of the start location. Another time this lack of visual mapping became an issue was on an unnamed road my TomTom will often not tell me theres a turn coming up, but the clear map will show the route I need to take. The Beelines battery life is brilliant and it allows you to keep a phone in your pocket. , planning a route is incredibly quick and easy from Peterborough to Lands End is calculated in a couple of seconds. Motorcycling is a great excuse to get lost in your own thoughts. You just have the compass arrow that always points toward your destination (rather than North). I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The main arrow during navigation shows you the direction you should be heading; in Route Mode follow this, and use the white dot to see where on the road the next turn will be coming. A distinct lack of distractions from touchscreen infotainment systems, hands-free phone calls and talkative daytime radio hosts means it is just you, the hum of an engine and the open road. The twist/lock mechanism is the same (or very similar) to those used by cycling computers, meaning the base can be mounted using a universal elastic strap mechanism that you might find on a Garmin device, for example. On the Beeline, youre relying on a count-down to the next junction, a dot and an arrow. Login with username, password and session length. The Beeline moto on review here is an alternative to the usual sat-navs from the likes of TomTom and Garmin at just 48mm in diameter, its a tiny device that sits discretely on your bike to give turn-by-turn navigation, or a simple direction arrow (in compass mode), when riding anywhere in the world as long as your smartphone is connected. The Beelines battery life is brilliant and it allows you to keep a phone in your pocket. The use of the USB-A pogo pin technology has the benefit of allowing device charging without any ports for water to creep into. This is the premium version with a gun metal grey finish. Its home screen consists of just two fields. Other nav units are bulky and distracting, while strapping a smartphone to your bikes handlebars is awkward and often foolish. Order from Sports Bike Shop using the button below and get free shipping for both USA and UK. 913949). While you do of course need to have your phone connected to the device, which will drain its power, its not too significant; I got to Dorset while also streaming music to my Sena without running out of power. But, blah blah blah. As well as the displays shown above there is also a speedometer which I imagine is for if you use it in the optional cycling mode. Posted on Published: 23/01/2022- Last updated: 23/07/2022. As long as you have the time, you can really explore while riding, taking any turn you fancy while meandering your way to your destination, I used Compass Mode to get to Chris Walker Kawasaki the grey line is the grey line is as the crow flies, while the blue line is the route I ended up taking.
While theres no option for a winding route like youd find on TomTom and Garmin, you can quickly turn on the option to avoid highways, which gives slightly more scenic routes, and Beeline has something potentially much better to offer, but more on that in a moment By default, the app will start route planning from your current location, but by touching the start point, you can drag the arrow to a new place, or touch the current location icon on the circle to search for a new point. The Beeline Moto navigation device pairs with your smartphone and follows routes you plan using the free Beeline app. Please Note: the charger is already included with every purchase of a Beeline Moto. It feels more like a compass than a traditional nav system, seeing as there is just a screen and three buttons (one is power on/off), but users interact and plan routes via an equally simple and stylish smartphone app. The navigation display itself is cleverly compact, but it does take a little getting used to; fortunately theres a neat tutorial built into the settings on the app. With the route planned, you can touch anywhere to add a waypoint, then drag it, or search for a new location. The only limitation I managed to find with GPX import was when trying to install the, the one file is broken into sections, so while the BMW Motorrad connected app recognised them and gave me the option to save all the sections or individually, Beeline only showed one small section. You can add a maximum of 22 waypoints to a route; I dont see this as much of a limitation if you need to plan a route in more detail you can create it in other software, then upload it as a GPX file; I was able to add a GPX by finding a link online with my phone (like this one of the best motorcycle riding routes in the UK) once downloaded, I had the option to open it in Beeline. It just does does it in a minimalist way. When riding in compass mode the Beeline device becomes an even simpler display.
But anyone who regularly rides on two wheels will attest to the difficulty when navigating to a set destination, without constant stopping to check Google Maps on the phone, taping some scribbled directions to the tank or relying on tinny vocal instructions from a set of headphones shoved underneath a helmet. Tested: Ultimate Addons bike phone mount review, Tested: Viofo MT1 motorcycle dash cam review, Tested: Zona motorcycle rear view system prototype review, Brilliant compass mode encourages exploration of new roads, Very easy route planning with surprising control if you want it, Not as accurate or easy to read as a full-spec sat-nav. No more having to pay for map updates 12 months after purchasing your sat nav. Page created in 0.184 seconds with 37 queries. Gives live traffic and weather updates. Brilliantly simple and a world-apart from the faff required for larger proper sat-navs. In fact, I wouldnt be surprised if many forget it is there and end up losing a unit to light-fingered bastards. If you use a Beeline Moto Nav you know it runs on a rechargeable internal battery. If getting somewhere at an exact time with the minimum of fuss is what matters to you, Id think carefully before choosing this over a proper sat-nav (or even using your phone strapped to the bars). Finally, the mapping while great isnt always accurate enough. The use of the USB-A pogo pin technology has the benefit of allowing device charging without any ports for water to creep into. But more on that later. Both the Garmin and TomTom motorcycle Sat Nav offerings give much more detail and include things like traffic updates, road works and speed camera locations, information that is going to be essential to you if time is of the essence. While theres no option for a winding route like youd find on TomTom and Garmin, you can quickly turn on the option to avoid highways, which gives slightly more scenic routes, and Beeline has something potentially much better to offer, but more on that in a moment With the route planned, you can touch anywhere to add a waypoint, then drag it, or search for a new location.
You dont need the device connected to plan a route, and recent searches show up as you type. It couldnt be easier to unclip it and shove it in a jacket pocket when parked up at a service station. The Beeline isnt a cheap alternative to a full-spec TomTom or Garmin; it doesnt have the fine level of control, or the very visual navigation and accuracy. Cookies improve the functionality of our website and offer you the best experience. Its a very minor quibble, as most will select the correct mount for their chosen machine, and fastening it to a Triumph Speed Twin later in the week was far easier. The only limitation I managed to find with GPX import was when trying to install the entire Trans European Trail for the UK the one file is broken into sections, so while the BMW Motorrad connected app recognised them and gave me the option to save all the sections or individually, Beeline only showed one small section. As the journey progressed, Id see roads I liked the look of and would take them, the Beeline always pointing at where my final destination was. One issue I did come across was a waypoint in Route Mode wasnt recognised as having been visited (the searched business location had put it on the opposite side of the road to where it was), so after leaving, the Beeline kept trying to redirect me back; the only way to stop this was to pull over, take my phone out and cancel the route before plotting again. The miles to go before the next turn is replaced with a total miles to go to your destination as the crow flies. If you return your order anytime within 30 days, we'll send you your money back. Ive seen these Beeline devices selling for under 80 ($100), what gives? The latter mode is designed for the more adventurous purists, who perhaps dont mind being taken down some narrow, bumpy country lanes to get to the next coffee stop. With UK free shipping. The Beeline Moto shines as a navigation aid for road trips or for lazy Sunday rides but if youre a motorcycle courier or similar then you are going to want to go with one of the motorcycle Sat Nav devices from the big 2 manufacturers.
While theres no option for a winding route like youd find on TomTom and Garmin, you can quickly turn on the option to avoid highways, which gives slightly more scenic routes, and Beeline has something potentially much better to offer, but more on that in a moment By default, the app will start route planning from your current location, but by touching the start point, you can drag the arrow to a new place, or touch the current location icon on the circle to search for a new point. The Beeline Moto navigation device pairs with your smartphone and follows routes you plan using the free Beeline app. Please Note: the charger is already included with every purchase of a Beeline Moto. It feels more like a compass than a traditional nav system, seeing as there is just a screen and three buttons (one is power on/off), but users interact and plan routes via an equally simple and stylish smartphone app. The navigation display itself is cleverly compact, but it does take a little getting used to; fortunately theres a neat tutorial built into the settings on the app. With the route planned, you can touch anywhere to add a waypoint, then drag it, or search for a new location. The only limitation I managed to find with GPX import was when trying to install the, the one file is broken into sections, so while the BMW Motorrad connected app recognised them and gave me the option to save all the sections or individually, Beeline only showed one small section. You can add a maximum of 22 waypoints to a route; I dont see this as much of a limitation if you need to plan a route in more detail you can create it in other software, then upload it as a GPX file; I was able to add a GPX by finding a link online with my phone (like this one of the best motorcycle riding routes in the UK) once downloaded, I had the option to open it in Beeline. It just does does it in a minimalist way. When riding in compass mode the Beeline device becomes an even simpler display.
But anyone who regularly rides on two wheels will attest to the difficulty when navigating to a set destination, without constant stopping to check Google Maps on the phone, taping some scribbled directions to the tank or relying on tinny vocal instructions from a set of headphones shoved underneath a helmet. Tested: Ultimate Addons bike phone mount review, Tested: Viofo MT1 motorcycle dash cam review, Tested: Zona motorcycle rear view system prototype review, Brilliant compass mode encourages exploration of new roads, Very easy route planning with surprising control if you want it, Not as accurate or easy to read as a full-spec sat-nav. No more having to pay for map updates 12 months after purchasing your sat nav. Page created in 0.184 seconds with 37 queries. Gives live traffic and weather updates. Brilliantly simple and a world-apart from the faff required for larger proper sat-navs. In fact, I wouldnt be surprised if many forget it is there and end up losing a unit to light-fingered bastards. If you use a Beeline Moto Nav you know it runs on a rechargeable internal battery. If getting somewhere at an exact time with the minimum of fuss is what matters to you, Id think carefully before choosing this over a proper sat-nav (or even using your phone strapped to the bars). Finally, the mapping while great isnt always accurate enough. The use of the USB-A pogo pin technology has the benefit of allowing device charging without any ports for water to creep into. But more on that later. Both the Garmin and TomTom motorcycle Sat Nav offerings give much more detail and include things like traffic updates, road works and speed camera locations, information that is going to be essential to you if time is of the essence. While theres no option for a winding route like youd find on TomTom and Garmin, you can quickly turn on the option to avoid highways, which gives slightly more scenic routes, and Beeline has something potentially much better to offer, but more on that in a moment With the route planned, you can touch anywhere to add a waypoint, then drag it, or search for a new location.
You dont need the device connected to plan a route, and recent searches show up as you type. It couldnt be easier to unclip it and shove it in a jacket pocket when parked up at a service station. The Beeline isnt a cheap alternative to a full-spec TomTom or Garmin; it doesnt have the fine level of control, or the very visual navigation and accuracy. Cookies improve the functionality of our website and offer you the best experience. Its a very minor quibble, as most will select the correct mount for their chosen machine, and fastening it to a Triumph Speed Twin later in the week was far easier. The only limitation I managed to find with GPX import was when trying to install the entire Trans European Trail for the UK the one file is broken into sections, so while the BMW Motorrad connected app recognised them and gave me the option to save all the sections or individually, Beeline only showed one small section. As the journey progressed, Id see roads I liked the look of and would take them, the Beeline always pointing at where my final destination was. One issue I did come across was a waypoint in Route Mode wasnt recognised as having been visited (the searched business location had put it on the opposite side of the road to where it was), so after leaving, the Beeline kept trying to redirect me back; the only way to stop this was to pull over, take my phone out and cancel the route before plotting again. The miles to go before the next turn is replaced with a total miles to go to your destination as the crow flies. If you return your order anytime within 30 days, we'll send you your money back. Ive seen these Beeline devices selling for under 80 ($100), what gives? The latter mode is designed for the more adventurous purists, who perhaps dont mind being taken down some narrow, bumpy country lanes to get to the next coffee stop. With UK free shipping. The Beeline Moto shines as a navigation aid for road trips or for lazy Sunday rides but if youre a motorcycle courier or similar then you are going to want to go with one of the motorcycle Sat Nav devices from the big 2 manufacturers.