SPOT Trace GPS tracker?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
SPOT Trace GPS tracker?
Anybody get one for your ride yet? If so, what do you think? On a full charge how long will it last?
I am thinking of mounting it inside the fairing, and hardwiring it to power. But, gotta figure out how to keep it from messaging me all the time even when I am riding. Seems you need to access the unit to turn it off/on, and change the modes.
Anybody have it, and if so, what do you think?
I am thinking of mounting it inside the fairing, and hardwiring it to power. But, gotta figure out how to keep it from messaging me all the time even when I am riding. Seems you need to access the unit to turn it off/on, and change the modes.
Anybody have it, and if so, what do you think?
Last edited by TriGeezer; Dec 16, 2013 at 01:11 PM. Reason: Updated as I found out a bit more about the buttons on it.
Had one since 2010, batteries seem to last forever I think in the last four years I've replaced the batteries three times. I have the tracker option and it's pretty good but it will loose the signal every now and then. The bottom line it does what it's advertised to do, have no experience with actually using it for an emergency or assistance. I have mine mounted to the handlebars in a Ram Mount; I'm sure the best spot would be on your person.
Got mine after a rider went down on Lolo Pass between Idaho and Montana he wasn't found until a few months later. The only reason people even knew he was in that area was because of getting gas in the area. I don't think it would have helped him but at least they might have found him earlier and his family might not have had to post on the internet looking for him.
Got mine after a rider went down on Lolo Pass between Idaho and Montana he wasn't found until a few months later. The only reason people even knew he was in that area was because of getting gas in the area. I don't think it would have helped him but at least they might have found him earlier and his family might not have had to post on the internet looking for him.
Last edited by EricD10563; Dec 16, 2013 at 01:59 PM. Reason: typo
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
If you have someone monitoring it then it's probably a good idea. My buddy has one that he takes when we go treking in the mountains. His wife watches it like a hawk and has almost called in a false alarm a couple times just because we stopped for and extended break. She assumed he fell off a cliff.
If nobody is watching it then it's also useful to track your route after the fact.
So go for it. They're a great invention. They have a panic button, so if you crash, and aren't dead but can reach it you can get help. It works by satellite, so you don't need cell coverage for example.
If nobody is watching it then it's also useful to track your route after the fact.
So go for it. They're a great invention. They have a panic button, so if you crash, and aren't dead but can reach it you can get help. It works by satellite, so you don't need cell coverage for example.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
I use SPOT Tracker.
The batteries last forever.
I still keep and extra set in my tank bag.
Mine has 3 standard messages.
1) All good
2) Problems but OK
3) is SOS, I would only use it if I am down and can't get up. If the Police are on scene and I am getting in an ambulance I would not push it. (some news is better relayed over a phone) When you hit that button, it is notifying whoever you put on your list to send help.
The reason I got mine was an Iron Butt run through 400 of miles terrible storms through Mississippi, Tennessee and Missouri. During that time my cell quit working and no way to contact my wife and no way for her to contact me. She was pretty much panic stricken by the time I borrowed a phone in a Harley dealer in Cape Girardeau Mo.
Now when I stop for fuel I just hit the "All Good" message and it is sent to her cell. She can track me in real time on the comuter, IPad or smart phone.
The batteries last forever.
I still keep and extra set in my tank bag.
Mine has 3 standard messages.
1) All good
2) Problems but OK
3) is SOS, I would only use it if I am down and can't get up. If the Police are on scene and I am getting in an ambulance I would not push it. (some news is better relayed over a phone) When you hit that button, it is notifying whoever you put on your list to send help.
The reason I got mine was an Iron Butt run through 400 of miles terrible storms through Mississippi, Tennessee and Missouri. During that time my cell quit working and no way to contact my wife and no way for her to contact me. She was pretty much panic stricken by the time I borrowed a phone in a Harley dealer in Cape Girardeau Mo.
Now when I stop for fuel I just hit the "All Good" message and it is sent to her cell. She can track me in real time on the comuter, IPad or smart phone.
Last edited by Jonesee; Dec 16, 2013 at 03:18 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 610
From: USA
I think the OP was referring to the New Spot Trace which is a satellite based theft-alert tracker. I have no experience with that unit but I can say that the Spot Satellite GPS Messenger works very well. I purchased one for a ride to Alaska last year. I think the previous responses were also about the GPS messenger.
I think it's a genius idea...
The first time I encountered it was when I was hiking deep in Utah... Ran across a couple dirt bikers stopped and saw em playing with that thing... Ever since then I wanted one.
I've heard nothing but good things about the item though.
The first time I encountered it was when I was hiking deep in Utah... Ran across a couple dirt bikers stopped and saw em playing with that thing... Ever since then I wanted one.
I've heard nothing but good things about the item though.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 307
Likes: 2
From: Pennsylvania
No technology for me, just gas, oil, rubber and roads baby. I hate that effing hd commercial with that rolling road block when the yuppie sees his incoming call from his boss. Ride the bike. Hey, maybe even get yourself lost. You might enjoy it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
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From: Carlsbad, CA
I think the OP was referring to the New Spot Trace which is a satellite based theft-alert tracker. I have no experience with that unit but I can say that the Spot Satellite GPS Messenger works very well. I purchased one for a ride to Alaska last year. I think the previous responses were also about the GPS messenger.
It's a fairly new device. But, If they kept with their record, based on the above feedback on their other devices, it should work well.
If I end up getting it, I'll write a review if no one else has.
Last edited by TriGeezer; Dec 16, 2013 at 06:36 PM. Reason: Fixing for my dang finger that can't spell...and forgot to preview.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
I use mine all the time on long distance thru hikes in the mountains or back country. As mentioned above, it works as advertised and the batteries do last forever (I use lithium). However, I have never used my SPOT on a motorcycle. My only problem has been that when you really are in the middle of nowhere and in a canyon with mountains the signal will occasionally not go through.
The biggest benefit is that my wife will get my updates on a daily basis and know that I am okay and my exact coordinates (loaded on a map).
SJ Ron
The biggest benefit is that my wife will get my updates on a daily basis and know that I am okay and my exact coordinates (loaded on a map).
SJ Ron
Last edited by SanJuanRon; Dec 16, 2013 at 07:16 PM.