navigation
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 10
From: North Alabama
My only complaint about Google Maps is it will force alternate routes on you at the worst times. I've had it suggest a quicker route and want me to press ignore to stay on my current route. That's not always do-able with gloves and sometimes its came up when I needed to have 2 hands on the bars. If you don't hit ignore and stay on your current course it will continue to try and lead you to the alternate. It gets annoying.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 413
Likes: 104
From: Detroit
The problem is, navigation is the most useful when cell service is the least likely. A GPS is more reliable than cell coverage. Having said that, a cell phone is MUCH more convenient to use when simply looking for a quick address and directions.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 84
From: Southern Maine / Seacoast NH
This is one reason why a bunch of us use Copilot. It stores map data locally on the phone, so navigation works just fine when you have no cell service - it functions just as well as a stand alone GPS unit in the boonies.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6,386
Likes: 900
From: Columbus, Ohio
Google maps will do the same thing.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,192
From: Maryland
Perhaps with a lot of caveats/limitations... The biggest if you start the process without signal, then you are screwed with Google Maps.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6,386
Likes: 900
From: Columbus, Ohio
What do you mean start the process without signal? You can download off-road maps in the luxury of your own home, and use navigation just fine with zero signal using Google Maps.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,192
From: Maryland
It doesn't take a lot of imagination to think of the many ways this paradigm can let you down when in need.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6,386
Likes: 900
From: Columbus, Ohio
Well, anything CAN let you down. But, I don't dwell in it. The phone can fail. A stand-alone GPS can fail. The CoPilot app can fail. I might lose all electrical generators on my jet 160 miles from land at midnight over the Gulf of Mexico with thunderstorms everywhere. I could get attacked by flying monkeys. LMAO!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,192
From: Maryland
Well, anything CAN let you down. But, I don't dwell in it. The phone can fail. A stand-alone GPS can fail. The CoPilot app can fail. I might lose all electrical generators on my jet 160 miles from land at midnight over the Gulf of Mexico with thunderstorms everywhere. I could get attacked by flying monkeys. LMAO!
And there's actual route planning (as in planning in advance) etc... Another arena where something other than Google Maps can make sense.