Just thought I would cobble this together in case people are interested, or are looking to do away with sat-nav unit. I still have a basic Garmin. More and more though I have found the lack of updates (live) and the need to search for food/ accommodation etc has meant the smart phone has seen more use. Also one less thing to look after, remove from the bike at stops. Googlemaps still has its place when stuck, also conveniently on the phone..but data dependant. Anyway, enough waffle, using Samsung Note 9 in to a BMW wireless cradle. No problem with charging cables coming loose, getting wet or bad connection. You just need a compatible phone. I have the option of connecting to the bike and using BMW navigation, I do not really like how the BM app works and find the information on screen lacking (eta, etc etc) I have downloaded tomtom navigation, there is a yearly fee. Camera alerts are good, it also has live updates. *beware if you load a route and it will not work. One of two things, either you are missing a map (eg Luxembourg…) Or there is a road closure. For routing, I a am using Myroute-app. You can switch between gmaps, Michelin, tomtom maps etc within. As usual, success of routes depends on care taking planning, waypoints being accurate, also **. So far very pleased after a couple of hick-ups. Things that are not good with tomtom app. If you are not following a route, the screen zooms out to the point of being useless ( there may be a setting…) If you want to download one of your routes, you will need wifi or decent data. I found this out the hard way… There will be other negatives Plus points I have found it gives perfect turn by turn instructions. Petrol, or next camera location shows on the side bar. Connected to bluetooth headset, even if not following a route, alerts for ‘dangerous road ahead’. It completely does away with needing a nav unit PLUS phone. Moving on, bespoke sat navs for motorcycles are waterproof (rain anyway) and build is supposed to be tougher than car units. OK. On Garmin number two, the first packed in after three years. Lifetime Garmin updates, that meant, lifetime of product being for sale. They stopped selling that version, no more updates… My phone is IP68 approved, waterproof(ish) to 1.5 metres. Plus, behind the screen of the GS, rarely gets wet anyway. Note, I only use Android. Past exp with Iphones, they overheat. Bluetooth connecting, I use a Shape headset, not sure which, picture attached. It keeps excellent charge, it is loud enough to hear at speed. I wear earplugs and can still hear instructions and ‘alerts’. I dis-connected the bluetooth from the GS and connection is only between phone and headset. I have yet to work out if multiple connections, including rider to pillion (or mate with bluetooth) causes any problems. This is still a learning curve, one done, one up. Some pictures attached to give colour. Hope this might be of help to someone. There are other options to garmin/tomtom units, nothing is perfect though.
Btw, yes, helmet and the mothership are still filthy. Around 3000 miles done on a trip. Cleaning time since return, zero.
