My AccountThe best motorcycle sat nav will be tough and durable, and capable of providing safe, seamless, and accurate navigation that you can depend on. But motorcycle sat navs can be pretty expensive, so it’s important to choose a model that meets your budget needs too.
Can I Use a Sat Nav on a Motorcycle?
Yes, it is legal to use a sat nav on a motorcycle.
It’s against the law to hold and use a phone, sat nav, or a tablet while you’re riding. But it’s perfectly legal to use a device for navigation so long as you retain full control of your motorcycle at all times. For motorcyclists, that means getting a sat-nav you can mount to your handlebars without obscuring your view of the road ahead of you.
Read a full guide to the laws for using a sat nav while riding here.
Can I Use My Phone as a Motorcycle Sat Nav?
Yes, you can use your phone as a motorcycle sat nav, so long as you’re able to use it hands-free.
But if you are going to use your phone, make sure you know what to expect:
- Your phone will be exposed to the elements, and to the sort of vibrations that it wouldn’t have to put up with in a car. You may need to get an extra tough case for your phone, along with a screen protector, to make it more waterproof and durable.
- Think about your phone’s battery life. Will it have enough juice to get you to where you need to go, and back again? Or will you need to charge it before you make your return journey?
- Navigation apps, and other battery intensive systems, can cause phones to overheat. Some phones may automatically switch off as a safety feature if they get too hot.
- If you use your phone as a sat nav, and its battery runs dry, you may not have a means of making an emergency call following a breakdown or an accident.
- If you’re involved in a collision or an accident, your phone may be badly damaged, and it may not be covered by your motorcycle insurance.
- Smartphones may not cope well with sun glare. You may struggle to read it when riding in the summer.
So, while there’s no reason why you cannot use your smartphone as a sat nav on your motorcycle, there are many reasons why you might not want to. For rugged navigation you can depend on, it’s probably best to choose a dedicated motorcycle sat nav.
Why Are Motorcycle Sat Navs So Expensive?
Motorcycle sat navs can cost a lot more than car sat navs for a number of reasons:
- They have to be able to withstand all weathers and vibrations, and they need to be able to stay operational without overheating.
- They have pressure-sensitive screens, meaning they can be used while wearing gloves. These screens are also designed to remain visible even in harsh sunlight.
- Motorcycle sat navs tend to rely on dedicated support networks, rather than generic GPS technology. This allows them to respond quickly to changing road conditions, while providing route guidance specifically for motorcycles.
The Best Motorcycle Sat Navs
Here are some models that regularly top the lists of the best motorcycle sat navs:
- TomTom Rider 550 World – As well as being reliably durable, this comes with lifetime access to Winding Roads, TomTom’s dedicated route planning system for motorcycle riders.
- Garmin Zumo 595LM – It has a 5” anti-glare display, which is bigger than TomTom’s, and it’s fully waterproof. Apparently, it can withstand being fully submerged for up to 30 minutes. Plus, the battery is removable, which means you will ultimately only have to pay for a replacement battery, rather than a replacement device.
- Beeline Motor II – If your budget won’t stretch to either of the above, you could always look at the Beeline Moto II. It is a compact navigation device that pairs with your smartphone. It is waterproof, shockproof and has a 14-hour battery life
Motorcycle Insurance
Whether you choose a high-end sat nav or a more budget-friendly option, the right navigation tool can greatly enhance your riding experience – improving safety, convenience, and confidence on the road.
And remember, if you insure your motorcycle with us, we’ll contribute a maximum £1,000 for the replacement of factory or main dealer-fitted entertainment and satellite navigation systems, as long as they were installed at the time of first registration. Read our policy wording here for full details.