[Jeroen]

During my four years in India I used a Garmin Etrex 30 with free maps from http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl. Drove 15.000 km using this combo.

As standalone GPS units go it's still probably the cheapest solution. The screen isn't too big. I found Delhi sufficiently detailed for my purpose. Of course, the maps on openstreet get continuous updates as well.

It works in combination with Garmin Basecamp, so you can the route planning on your PC at home and upload your route to the Etrex. Very convenient.

I'm still using my Etrex back at home in the Netherlands for my cycle tours as well.

[abhishek46]

As per my experience, Google maps is accurate 90% of the time. They are far better than the other options available.

A good mobile holder with waterproofing and a USB charging cable should suffice.

To avoid network issues, you can pre-download maps to your phone.

[proton]

Very good experience with a Google smart watch, like Moto 360 1st gen connected to a smartphone in your pocket!

[Randhawa]

Originally Posted by prasadee

Is this observation specific to a city? I find Google maps and live traffic routing to be very useful. While on rides in the desert, I download large areas for offline usage. I downloaded offline maps for London over wifi, and was able to walk around the city in airplane mode with GPS on, without any issues. I have used the inbuilt GPS on my Toyota Prius, and compared with Google Maps on my Galaxy S8. I find the positional accuracy to be same as the Prius (with a standalone GPS antenna).

People used to swear by Garmin Zumo. But now I see one star reviews on Amazon about bugs and flawed software. For $800 I would super mad to own an unusable device.

I use to love Tom Tom out there and loved it and it was long way back when I heard it was being launched in India. Checked their portal and they have nothing for navigation anymore(or never was) for India.

Originally Posted by abhishek46

As per my experience, Google maps is accurate 90% of the time. They are far better than the other options available.

A good mobile holder with waterproofing and a USB charging cable should suffice.

To avoid network issues, you can pre-download maps to your phone.

It's the 10% which worries me. Have lost my way many times and re-routing is sometimes very wrong. I need something with quite accurate interstate navigation rather then just city itself.




What about mapmyIndia units, are they Ram mountable?

[Snehal Sekhar]

Originally Posted by Randhawa

What about mapmyIndia units, are they Ram mountable?

I don't think MapMyIndia has any Ram Mountable device. The other option you'd have is to download the MapMyIndia App from the App Store on your mobile, they charge a one time fee of Rs.500 or so, and use that phone as a dedicated navigation device. The only problem with doing that is, the mobile gets drained pretty quick and you will need to either carry a power bank or fix a charger to the bike.

[rakesh_r]

Well, I have two options on my disposal-
1- An old Garmin unit with map my India maps with RAM handle bar mount.
2- My old Motorola G3 (since it is water and dust proof) with RAM X universal grip.
The common between these two is the handle bar mount which is common for both. The device holder is the only stuff that is different which makes it more practical for me. I prefer to use Google Maps since they show me the real time traffic updates. The Garmin is used only in places where there is no mobile reception.

[ashwinprakas]

Originally Posted by rakesh_r

Well, I have two options on my disposal-
1- An old Garmin unit with map my India maps with RAM handle bar mount.
2- My old Motorola G3 (since it is water and dust proof) with RAM X universal grip.
The common between these two is the handle bar mount which is common for both. The device holder is the only stuff that is different which makes it more practical for me. I prefer to use Google Maps since they show me the real time traffic updates. The Garmin is used only in places where there is no mobile reception.

Hi, mines a Garmin Nuvi 55LM, and it fits well with the ram mount but I have a few queries.

1. What do you do to avoid glare? The screen on mine is absolutely useless when riding under the sun.

2. What do you do for waterproofing? A fellow rider suggested transparent packing pouches, but I'm yet to finalize on them.

3. What do you do for charging, I use a power bank with a mini USB cable from an old mp3 player.

[hothatchaway]

I have been using a Nexus (2012) tab, first with NaviMaps, and then MapMyIndia once the licence for the former expired. The device saw me through initially on 4 wheels and then on 2 wheels from Bangalore through the heart of India to Kanha, Agra, himachal and more. On my bike, I insert the device into the transparent pouch of a magnetic tank bag (its difficult to install a mount on the clip on handlebar that my bike comes with) and it has generally served me well. The glare does cause problem at times but a bit of adjustment usually solves the problem. I use a power bank for charging on the go.

[ritz3645]

I was totally dependent on mobile Maps for my bike travel in Blr. I did buy a Chinese mobile holders for bike, but never got it installed.
With experience I will always keep mobile in jacket pocket & on maximum volume. So While riding I will hear the prompt especially since dense traffic required zero distraction.

My experience :
Uniformity of Cell Data is inconsistent by some providers.
Google map prompt are not as precise as compared to example Garmin. A GPS company product still is superior than mobile maps like Google map.
The difference of product based and service based is there.

Gps latching or hardware or software, I was unable to figure in latest AGPS android phones.

Buying an old model but new Nokia phone (small & loud) for its GPS is still in my to do list.

[shyn]

Maximus Pro launched their motorcycle-specific navigation device at India Bike Week 2017. Looks good albeit a little pricey (₹14,999). But then again, it does seem to do a little more than just navigation, which by the way is from the trusted Google Maps. The build quality seemed pretty good, but I hardly spent 30 seconds at the booth as it was getting crowded.
http://maximuspro.com/

https://youtu.be/TlcCDIk-bOQ

[Snehal Sekhar]

Originally Posted by shyn

Maximus Pro launched their motorcycle-specific navigation device at India Bike Week 2017. Looks good albeit a little pricey (₹14,999).

They actually have 2 seperate units. One is just the display module and then there is an additional device which is installed on the bike called the connectivity module.

The display module is for navigation purposes alone and costs Rs. 8,499.00. The display + connectivity module costs Rs. 14,999.00. The connectivity module is installed on the bike and tracks the bike's battery voltage and also alerts you if there is some unwanted movement of the bike like theft or towing.

[adises]

Reviving this thread to check if there are any viable options in 2019. I would rather have a dedicated weatherproof gps on the handlebar than risk my smartphone.

[Motard_Blr]

The best is Garmin. It's expensive but the only one worth choosing for serious adventurers and travelers.
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-t...cycles-p1.html

[bigron]

There is a good selection of products available now to use on the motorcycle.
There is the Garmin Zumo 595/395 LM. Then there is the Magellen TRX7 and the Tomtom 400 I think. All are great products and this being a sorta niche space re quite expensive.
The question is which one of these is going to be best for use in India. For example as far as I know, Garmin does not even sell the Zumo range here.

[Rob UK]

Originally Posted by abhishek46

As per my experience, Google maps is accurate 90% of the time. They are far better than the other options available.

A good mobile holder with waterproofing and a USB charging cable should suffice.

To avoid network issues, you can pre-download maps to your phone.

I use my phone inside a magnetic tank bag with a clear front pocket. I have a battery bank charger pack that fits in the bag, so I can leave the phone plugged in for long journeys. I have a smaller version of the same thing on my push bike as well which attaches with Velcro straps.

On the motorcycle, I can pair the phone to a Scala Rider intercom unit installed on my helmet to hear directions, I can take calls on the move too.