We have listed 9 of our top rated choices below, but if you are in a hurry, here’s our #1 choice for the top rated GPS for motorcycle riders: Garmin Zumo 590 LM !(View on Amazon)
Best GPS For Motorcycles: Comparison Table
| Rank | Product | Review Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Garmin Zumo 590LM | 10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  |
Garmin Zumo 390LM | 9.8 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  |
BMW Motorrad Navigator V with Cradle | 9.7 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  |
Garmin Zumo 220 | 9.5 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |  |
Garmin Zumo 665LM | 9.4 | Buy on Amazon |
| 6 |  |
Garmin Zumo 660LM | 9.4 | Buy on Amazon |
| 7 |  |
Garmin Nuvi 2557LMT | 9 | Buy on Amazon |
| 8 |  |
TomTom Rider 400LM | 8.8 | Buy on Amazon |
| 9 |  |
TomTom Rider 400LM | 8.5 | Buy on Amazon |
A Great motorcycle GPS Could Make Your Trip A Lot Of Fun!
A high quality GPS for your motorcycle can turn into many adventures and amazing journeys. In fact, it opens up a new experience and allows you to find hundreds of great places to explore on your own or with your friends.
When we think of GPS units we generally associate them with cars since you can mount them on the dashboard. It does not seem quite as straightforward with motorcycles, though.
Below, we’ll show you our favorite motorcycle GPS units that can easily fit on a motorcycle. You will be able to see the unit safely and clearly and use it to navigate without any issues.
New road trips, destinations and landscapes await with the confidence that you’re never going to get lost again.
If this is the first time you’re planning to get a good global positioning system for your motorcycle, in the paragraphs below we’re going to take a do some reviews to better look at some of the things you need to consider prior to getting one.
Best Motorcycle GPS and Navigation Systems Today:
1. Garmin Zumo 590 LM (Overall Winner)
5″ dual orientation, glove & sun friendly screen
Featuring a 5 inch touch screen display (dual orientation) that’s easily readable in sunlight and glove friendly, the 590LM may very well be the best rated GPS you’ll ever use.
The screen is very easily readable even in bright sunlight. There’s no windshield here to filter the sun’s glare, so the screen has to be very high quality and bright so you are able to read it.
While many touch screens need to be operated by your bare fingers, the touch screen on the Garmin Zumo can be operated even if you’re wearing gloves, as you most likely will be when you are riding.
Handsfree spoken directions & phone control
In order to improve your personal security and that of anyone on the road, it also offers spoken directions and hands free phone control via Bluetooth technology.
Now you don’t have to worry about messing with the settings as you ride, or trying to listen to the directions over the deafening sound of the wind. You can simply hook the GPS up to your bluetooth headphones and you’ll get the audio inside your helmet directly into your ears.
Pandora & iPod compatible for your tunes
You’ll be happy to also know the fact that the Zumo features Pandora compatibility, iPod compatibility, includes an mp3 player and also makes it easy to control music right on the touch screen.
This way it’s not only a GPS device but also an integrated media center that you can use for super long trips, too.
Tire pressure monitor
If you want to monitor the pressure in your tires, then you’ll be happy to know that this model is indeed compatible with the TMPS which is available separately.
The features on this model just keep getting better and better! Not only is it just a GPS and media center, you can also use it to check to see your tires are healthy. You’ll need a separate TMPS sensor, of course.
Excellent weather & fuel spill proof design
Tough and rugged enough to withstand harsh weather (IPX7), UV rays and fuel spills, the Zumo 590LM provides you access to traffic information and real time weather info thanks to the Smartphone Link 2 application.
3D terrain & ability to choose twisty, winding roads
Better yet, you can also ride your favorite twisty by setting the GPS to navigate to winding rides. Given the fact that you can download and view three dimensional terrain detail (extra maps are available separately), with the Zumo 590LM you’ll never get lost again no matter where you want to go.
View The Garmin Zumo 590LM On Amazon.com
2. Garmin Zumo 390 LM
Sturdy, highly visible, waterproof touch screen
The Garmin Zumo 390LM is a sturdily built motorcycle GPS that features a 4.3 inch sunlight readable, highly visible, fuel spray and IXP71 waterproof touch screen that can also be used while wearing your gloves.
The screen has a resolution of 480 by 272 pixels and it’s a TFT screen with great color accuracy and sharpness.
Handsfree bluetooth connectivity PLUS tire pressure monitor
The 390LM comes with a lot of new features, including hands free phone control via Bluetooth, ANT technology which helps you monitor the pressure in your tires when used in conjunction with the TPMS (optional purchase).
Note: TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Keep in mind that if you do decide to get this extra accessory, you’ll be able to monitor the pressure of up to three tires.
Lifetime maps PLUS digital fuel gauge
Garmin has also included free lifetime map updates, meaning that you can easily download the latest maps on your GPS free of charge. There’s also a built-in trip computer that features a compass display and the 390LM also features a digital fuel gauge so you can easily get a clear idea of how long you have until you need to visit the gas station.
Thanks to the speed limit indicator, you’ll also be notified when to throttle down in order to avoid getting a ticket.
Read Our In-Depth Garmin Zumo 390LM Review
View The Garmin Zumo 390LM On Amazon.com
3. BMW Motorrad Navigator V with Cradle
The BMW Motorrad Navigator is an excellent GPS system for your bike.
Excellent screen that’s easy to read in direct sunlight
Not only does it feature a 5 inch TFT resistive touch screen color display, but it also supports 65,000 colors and has a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels.
Both Portrait and Landscape modes are supported, when the Nav Five isn’t in the GPS Preparation Mount or the 4 Button Mount.
While the screen isn’t actually the high quality screen you see in Smartphone these days, it is easily readable in direct sunlight and it does have good color accuracy.
Up to 64GB supported PLUS preloaded with maps of North America
There is support for microSD cards of up to 64GB, but you do need to ensure that they’re formatted to FAT32.
The BMW Motorrad Navigator comes with the mount cradle, features Wireless Bluetooth for use via headset or helmet, 8GB of internal flash storage, a brighter and larger screen, lifetime map updates with map data for N. America coming preloaded into the device.
Overall, this is a pretty great GPS for your motorcycle and given the fact that you can use microSD cards in order to load more maps is certainly a big plus. One thing to mention is that the colors are tuned for best visibility, meaning people with “older eyesight” can easily read the screen.
View The BMW Motorrad Navigator on Amazon.com
4. Garmin Zumo 220
With a glove friendly and bright, yet high resolution 3.5 inch touch screen, the Zumo 220 offers you all the info you need in a simple to read format.
Screen is bright & works in direct sunlight
On top of that, it doesn’t matter whether you decide to ride in the middle of the night or maybe on a bright day, since the screen is very easy on the eyes and won’t give you eye strain. The interface is very intuitive and it allows you to enter information as easy as shifting into a new gear.
Great build quality & waterproof case
However, don’t confuse this with a vehicle navigator that poses as a biker. Build quality is actually really impressive and given the fact that it comes with a waterproof case that easily withstands the caprices of the weather, including UV rays and fuel sprays, you can easily conclude that the Zumo 220 is built for the long haul.
Unlike other GPS systems out there, the Zumo 220 is actually ready for use right out of the box, so the minute you manage to install it you can start using it. It’s preloaded with City Navigator NT street maps and also many POIs, including ATMs, gas stations, restaurants, hotels and so forth.
Tons of great features
There are plenty of other great features you’re going to love about the Zumo 220, including voice prompted, turn by turn directions, digital fuel gauge and a vehicle mount and power cable.
Read Our In-Depth Garmin Zumo 220 Review Here
View The Garmin Zumo 220 on Amazon.com
5. Garmin Zumo 665 LM
Simple, large, glove friendly 4.3″ display
With a large 4.3 inch display, the new Zumo 665 from Garmin puts all the info you need in a very simple to read format that you’ll fall in love with from the very first use.
The glove friendly interface is very intuitive and makes it easy to enter information even when having gloves on.
Easily readable in direct sunlight
Better yet, the display can be easily read in direct sunlight, so whether you ride during a moonless night or during a bright day, it’s going to be a breeze to read it.
Waterproof case
Given the fact the Zumo 665 is also housed in a waterproof case which resists UV rays and fuel spray, you can rest assured that it’s going to last you for a very long time.
You can easily plan and share routes with your friends thanks to the Zumo 665’s amazing planning tools. The way it goes is that you can create a custom route on your computer and then transfer it directly to your GPS. On top of that, you can also add more storage and share routes thanks to the addition of microSD card compatibility.
That’s not all though and there are many other amazing features you’re going to love about the Zumo 665, including the advanced 3D navigation improved situational awareness, turn by turn directions with spoken street names and lane assist with junction view to name a few.
View The Garmin Zumo 665 LM on Amazon.com
6. Garmin Zumo 660 LM
You definitely want to take a closer look at the Zumo 660LM from Garmin.
Unlike other GPS systems out there, this one is ready for use right out of the box. Not only is it preloaded with City Navigator street maps, but also endless points of interests that include ATMs, gas stations, restaurants, motels and so forth.
Maps already loaded PLUS a digital fuel gauge
On top of that, the 660LM also features 3D lane assist with junction view and building view in order to ensure that you get a better picture of your surroundings so that you can get where you need to get fast. Given the fact that it also comes with a digital fuel gauge, it’s very simple to keep track of the number of miles you’ve left prior to having to visit the gas station.
Thanks to the Free lifetime map updates, your navigation info, POIs and maps are always going to be up to date. Also, it’s important to know that map updates can be downloaded up to four times per year with no expiration dates, zero update fees and no subscription fees as well.
Waterproof design, great display
When it comes to the screen, it’s a 4.3 inch touch screen with a resolution of 480 by 272 pixels, it’s resistant to UV rays, fuel spills and it also has a waterproof design (IPX7) and is very well built.
Garmin Zumo 665 vs 660
The 665 has an XM receiver, the 660 does not!
If you have a 665, you can load your satellite radio subscription into it and listen to your favorite stations in between navigation. Since bluetooth is already enabled, you can get the audio directly into your headphones or bluetooth helmet.
View The Garmin Zumo 660LM on Amazon.com
Related:
- Best motorcycle GPS trackers
- Phone mounts for your motorcycle
- Motorcycle Compasses you can mount on handlebars
7. Garmin Nuvi 2557LMT (Best Budget GPS)
Ok, so this GPS is actually meant for the cagers, but works well for motorcyclists on a budget
Probably one of the best selling navigation systems you can currently get if you’re on a budget, the Garmin Nuvi 2557LMT is indeed as exceptional as it’s touted to be.
Preloaded maps
Garmin provides this model preloaded with detailed maps of N. America and since you also get free lifetime map updates, you can easily start realize why this is such a great deal. Just keep in mind that the maps can be downloaded for up to four times a year with zero fees, for the entire life of your GPS.
Decent screen but not great in direct light
The screen on the 2557LMT is a 5 inch TFT color screen with manual dual orientation display and great color accuracy as well. Reading information off of it is easy on the eyes, and you don’t need to worry about getting eye strains no matter how much you plan on doing so.
However, for your increased safety and ease of use, you may want to take advantage of the feature which allows you to get voice directions. This is extremely useful especially when you just want to enjoy the ride and not have to keep looking at the screen every 5 minutes or so.
Good features for cars, but shitty battery life
Other great features you’ll love include UP Ahead view, Bird’s Eye junction view and Active Lane Guidance. However, since this is not meant to be for bikers, the battery life is abysmal compared to the others in this comparison.
View The Garmin Nuvi 2557 LMT on Amazon.com
8. TomTom Rider 400LM
Helps you craft your own adventure
Based on the real user ratings posted online, the Rider 400 from TomTom is indeed a bike navigation system that’s worth looking at. From the thrill of leaning into the tightest curves to the freedom of riding on the open road, with the Rider 400 you can easily create your own adventure.
Thanks to the Winding Roads option, you can easily avoid the straights and find exciting twisties in order to get to your desired destination. With Round Trip planning, you can just tap new areas on the map in order to find new routes.
Sharp, bright, weatherproof screen
All of this information is going to be displayed on the color accurate and sharp screen that’s very compact and features a weatherproof design. You can also read it very easily in direct sunlight, so no matter the time of day, using it is going to be a breeze.
6 hour battery life
Battery life is about 6h which should be enough to satisfy the needs of most bikers and given the fact the Rider 400 also comes with 16GB of internal memory and support for microSD slots, you can preload hundreds of maps into it.
Speaking of which, TomTom offers free lifetime map updates, which is certainly excellent news!
Read Our In-Depth TomTom Rider 400 Review
View The TomTom Rider 400 LM on Amazon.com
9. TomTom Rider Motorcycle GPS
Choose your own way with lifetime map updates
Probably one of the best things about the TomTom Rider is the fact that it actually allows you to choose your own way.
Like most respectable bike GPS companies out there, TomTom decided to include free lifetime map updates for this model which is indeed a great addition that many will appreciate.
Also, it’s important to mention that for the life of the GPS, it’s possible to download four or more complete updates of the maps on your GPS every year.
4.3″ glove friendly screen that works in direct sunlight
Now when it comes to the screen, it is 4.3 inches in size and it can also be easily operated with gloves.
The colors are actually quite sharp and given the fact that you can read the screen even in direct sunlight makes this a pretty great choice for those who are on a budget, yet still want to get their hands on a high quality GPS for their motorcycle.
Budget price, yet weather sealed
Speaking of which, the TomTom RIDER is weather sealed, so you can safely use it in all weather conditions.
There are of course, other features you’re going to love about this model, including the ability to pre-plan with Tyre, get info about POIs, receive instructions via Bluetooth and many more.
Read Our In-Depth TomTom Rider Review Here
View The TomTom Rider on Amazon.com
So, Which Is The Best Rated GPS for Bikers?
View Garmin Zumo 590LM on Amazon.com
Without doubt, our hands-down winner for every kind of motorcycle rider would be the Garmin Zumo 590 LM.
While the BMW Motorrad Navigator, Garmin Zumo 390 & 665LM made it a tough choice, the Zumo 590LM’s 5″ sun-readable display, dual orientation screen among other great features like Twisty Roads, Pandora/iPod compatibility and Weather Alerts make this our favorite by far!
What to look for in a motorcycle GPS unit
Robustness
Robustness is essential, since the motorcycle produces a lot of vibration and the GPS needs to bear all of it.
Make sure the model you get is able to handle a lot of vibration without coming off the bike and that it’s also going to be able to provide great functionality at the same time.
Most motorcycle GPS units will come with a good mounting solution to fix properly onto your bike. If there’s a lot of shaking, you’re not going to have a good time!
Water resistance
The GPS needs to be completely sealed from the weather, since you can ride your motorcycle in virtually any type of weather.
Therefore, not only does the GPS need to be waterproof, but it also needs to withstand the various caprices of weather, including extreme cold, hot temperatures, direct sunlight and so on.
By contrast, car units are more forgiving since they’re inside the car and protected from the elements at all times.
Ergonomics
The more ergonomic the GPS, the easier it’s going to be for you to use it and also mount it.
Make sure that the buttons are also easy to access and press. If the GPS has a touch screen, it needs to be very responsive regardless if you decide to use gloves or not.
Mapping
The number of maps and map upgrades need to be available with the model you get.
After all, it would mean that you have to pay more money every time you decide to take your bike to a different country/continent and that’s not something most people are comfortable with.
Most GPS systems do indeed have free map upgrades. However, you may have to purchase new maps for different countries.
If you’re planning on shipping your bike to another country then you’ll probably be OK spending an extra few dollars to get new maps 🙂
Of course, you could also pick up a phone mount and use Google Maps in offline mode if you’re not too keen on buying new maps.
Voice guidance
While riding your motorcycle, it goes without saying that reading the map is not going to be easy.
Because of that, you need to ensure the GPS model you’re getting features high quality voice guiding. This is not only a lot more convenient for you, but also a lot safer as you can keep your eyes on the road.
Bluetooth
Go for a GPS device that features a wireless connection, since this way it’s going to be a lot easier for you to listen to directions through your bluetooth headphones.
The sound of the wind at high speeds can be deafening!
Battery
The GPS battery life needs to be as long as possible, since it’s certainly going to be a nuisance to have to change the batteries or recharge it often.
Memory
GPS memory can be in the form of hard drives, flash memory or just cards. While some people may like the extra capacity of hard drives, they’re prone to failure and that’s because they feature moving parts.
When it comes to the cards, they need to have enough memory for storing all your required information.
Bonus features
Since these are motorcycle units, there are some extra bells and whistles that give one unit an advantage over others.
These include but are not limited to Pandora/Satellite radio receivers, iPhone compatibility to use as a music player, and an option to select particularly twisty roads so you have a more interesting ride!
Price
Lastly, check the price of the GPS and see whether the build quality, features and ease of use are enough to justify the price.
The perfect navigation system makes all the difference. If you are interested in learning how to find the right GPS for your specific motorcycling adventures, keep scrolling to see our 9 favorite motorcycle GPS systems.
We’ve filtered these 9 out of lots of available models based on the criteria above.
Now that you know what to look for:
Let’s jump right in and see what our favorite motorbike global positioning systems are. We listed our favorite models after researching the top choices extensively as well as reading thousands of reviews to see what real world bikers have to say about their GPS systems.
More electronics for your motorbike:
