That essential thing is some sort of GPS device. So that comes to what to do when my bike arrives. Now I don't want to buy a GPS unit and it's mounts for my bike because one, they're very pricey and two, I don't want something big and chunky on the handle bars when riding, so I've decided my phone should work just fine, but that brings up 2 issues/questions and maybe a 3rd issue. 1. What's a good Bluetooth device to attach to the helmet and just be able to listen to the directions via Bluetooth through my phone? 2. Since I plan to use my phone, I'll obviously need a power source to have battery life. What's something I can look at that can use the battery source on the bike were I can plug my phone into? 3. This 3rd issue could be cell coverage. I guess if I lose it, my GPS on phone will not work. This is something I'll have to figure out. What's your thoughts and what is your set-up?
I have used my iPhone with tom-tom without any issues. tom-tom works without needing data coverage so no issues there. I have not needed local USB charging, a full iPhone has easily handled GPS and music playing over bluetooth for a whole day riding when I've been touring. You can get USB sockets fitted that look pretty smart, I've picked on up off Amazon but simply haven't bothered to fit it yet. I use the Ultimate Add-ons iPhone case and mount and it works well, waterproof etc. Not even the bulky plastic case, just the smaller flexible case as that takes the iPhone with a case in place. For bluetooth I use a Sony Ericsson MW600 (there are various models they do) it gives me Bluetooth stereo, interrupts music for calls, satnav etc. and means I can use decent earphones for all day comfort (I use Shure high end earphones and these are excellent). I use the exact same setup on my MTS which has satnav so it flips different bikes no problem.
I should have added, tom-tom works fine with the screen off so often I have just had the phone in my pocket and satnav audio only. It also gives speed cameras so worth buying.
GPS is a stand alone device (cell reception not required) But, cell required for map up dates. Power source? ebay has many.
I also have an iPhone. Is the Tom-Tom an app for the iPhone? I was just thinking of using my Google Maps off iPhone. As for ear phones, I'm trying to stay way from them. I've never been able to find comfortable ear-phones.
Yeah I just planned to either have my cell in a pocket or my tank bag and just listen to the directions. I won't need anything to see a screen.
tomtom do an iphone app, it's paid for but if you are out of coverage it makes no difference, I needed that for being in remote parts of the US. Google will work if you don't mind data but you will get the odd time it is slow. Earphones work fine if you get the right fitting and also know how to use them, most people don't fit them properly and then don't get any comfort. I know it sounds daft but fitting earphones properly is a bit of a science.
pfffr,technology is for wimps.. i just get lost a lot,but theres always a signpost somewhere or i stop and actually talk to the humans whose villages i get to whistle through. get to see some amazing places as well.
I didn't even realize that using the Google maps on the phone could use up data. Glad you mentioned that.
Oh I understand that. Just being new to this country and all, the last thing I want to do is get lost in small villages. lol
ah sorry jimmy,youve got every excuse then having only just got here and just in time for our 4 weeks of summer. oh and welcome chap. :thumbup:
Real men (like me) ride to remote far off places where Bear Grylls would be sat behind a bush sobbing quietly. No locals about, places like Dorking and so on.
Maybe something like this for the power source 12V 2 USB Motorcycle Power Charger Adapter Cable iPhone Ipad MP3 Cell Phone | eBay
I too use TomTom on my iphone with the western europe map. It works fine in UK and France. I use it with this set up http://ducatiforum.co.uk/forum/gallery/albums/ultimateaddons-iphone-on-1198.494/
Looks like it works. The case is water proof and works well? Also the way you have yours, is the mount and wiring something that wouldn't be in the way or be easily removed when I do track days?
This looked like something nice for the Bluetooth option? 2x Sets 800M Interphone Bluetooth Motorbike Motorcycle Helmet Intercom Headset | eBay
this advice may assist you... British roads are numbers according to a system. The M25 around london is a circle divided in to segments. All the motorway and A road numbers leading away from the centre of london towards their respective parts of the UK for numbers 1 - 6. So the 1 series roads, like The A12 and A14 which are probably the 2 major roads you'll use up your way are all leading from East Anglia towards London. The numbers then rotate in a clock wise direction, so the 2 series roads go to to Portsmouth, Dover, Kent. 3 goes to Southamptopn, the south West etc etc. Check it here. Great Britain road numbering scheme - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia I won't bother with numbers 7 through 9 as it's all snow up there any way. This probably won't help you around Thetford way as it's all back water stuff around there, but it's so flat that if you stand up on the pegs you can probably see the Shard. Why not use a Garmin Foretrex 301 velcroed on to the triple clamp? Wont tell you which road to take but will tell you which direction to head in as the crow flies and lets you find your own route!
Jimmy, It comes with a battery connection lead with a waterproof connector. There is also a lead from iphone to connector. So you can add/remove easily. It doesnt ever get in my way. The case is waterproof as tested by me in The Jura mountains when the ocean fell on us. The Pacific Ocean. I have a handlebar mount which i clip to the steering damper. This stops the phone screen in gps mode chopping and changing when you move the bars to steer. So it remains the way the bike is facing. I got all from Motorcycle Accessories The case comes with a lanyard too. I tend to wrap this round my top yoke for additional security. When i take it off bike lanyard then is handy to sling phone round my neck. This works well for me.
