Just joined the HD community today buying my first bike, a 2007 Sportster.

When I drive a car, I normally take interstate and on my test drive today interstate got boring after 5 mins of going fast, and honestly I hated how much the wind kept rattling my head and if I rode for speed I'd be on a sport bike. I'd rather take back roads and enjoy the open ride.

I know I could probably log in each coordinate to google maps someway in my phone, but there's got to be an app or program where I can accomplish this easier. In an ideal world, there would be an app with great motorcycle loops.

How do you use your phone to get around?

 

There are apps but a dedicated GPS like a Garmin will be your best solution.

 

Last trip that I took, I used my phone with Google maps. I just told it to stay off the highway and toll roads. That did the trick.

 

Weaver, how do you do that?

 

I disagree with getting a dedicated GPS unit. Get a nice Ram mount and download inRoute on your phone. You can program your own route with waypoints. Awesome app that is free with up to 25 waypoints, if your route has more than 25 waypoints there is a small charge.

 

After you enter your starting and ending points, open the route and select route options. From there check the avoid highway and avoid tolls box, click done.

 

That works fine if you always have cell coverage. I like to ride off the beaten track on two lane roads out in the country where there often isn't cell coverage. Having a GPS lets me find my way back or to the nearest gas station if needed.

 

I don't have a phone but I use my iPad and on it, I have an inRoute app. Turn by turn, miles, times. It works for me.

 

Co-Pilot is a full GPS app and it resides on your phone and stores all maps there.
No internet or cell service required.
$39 but well worth the money.

 

I have a Garmin Nuvi (the non-motorcycle GPS). There's no audio but it does give turn-by-turn directions. It stays in the bag as a back up, if something ever happened to my cell phone.


But for the most part, I use my phone, Galaxy Note 5. I'll either pair it to my stereo or will pair it to my headset.


I use a variety of GPS apps:
MapQuest;
Google Maps (as someone already mentioned, you can save your destination for offline use and when there's no cell coverage. Also, you can elect to stay off highways, etc);
CoPilot;
Scout;
Waze; and
Android Auto.


For me, I can't justify the expense of a Garmin Zumo when there's more advanced technology out there. Some guys ride around the country and the zumo might work for them but if that's not you, just use your phone.