In this episode of the Throttle and Roast podcast, host Niels Meersschaert delves into the evolving landscape of Motorcycle Navigation in 2026. The discussion begins with the ubiquitous smartphone, a device most riders already own and often default to for navigation purposes. While phones offer versatility—serving as communication devices, cameras, and note-takers—they come with significant drawbacks when used on motorcycles. Niels emphasizes that phones aren’t built to withstand the intense vibrations, weather exposure, and rapid changes in lighting experienced on a bike. Mounting a phone on handlebars exposes it to risks like camera or microphone damage, water intrusion, and overheating from sun exposure. These factors can lead to critical device failures, potentially leaving a rider without a means of communication in emergencies. Moreover, using a phone for navigation drains the battery rapidly, and even with a powered mount, charging may not keep up with usage, especially in hot conditions. The touchscreen is not glove-friendly by default, and the screen’s visibility suffers in bright sunlight and at unconventional angles. Overall, while using a phone is cost-effective, Niels concludes that the risks often outweigh the benefits. The conversation then shifts to dedicated GPS devices, which are purpose-built for motorcycle navigation. Unlike phones, these units are designed for glove operation, durability, and weather resistance. Brands like Garmin dominate this space with models like the Zumo XT and XT3, offering features tailored to motorcyclists, such as robust mounts, weather sealing, and downloadable maps for offline use. These devices also include specialized options for adventure and off-road riders, like high-definition topographic maps and group ride tracking. While dedicated GPS units are more expensive than simply using a phone, their longevity and resilience make them a worthwhile investment for frequent riders. Niels also acknowledges specialized Android-based units like the DMD NOR 7E, which combine the flexibility of customizable apps with rugged hardware, albeit at a higher price and with a steeper learning curve than consumer-friendly units like those from Garmin. Finally, Niels explores remote screen solutions, a growing trend Send us Fan Mail Support the show Thanks for listening! Follow us on FaceBook. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser or your favorite podcast app. Click the "Send us a Text Message" link above to send us your questions, comments, and feedback on the show! Please make sure you leave the podcast title. Or if you prefer to leave an audio message, leave us a voicemail on our website! Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date on the latest from the show. We sometimes use affiliate links in our content. This won’t cost you anything extra, but if you purchase something from one of the links, we may earn some money for coffee. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Looking to start a podcast of your own? Get a $20 credit on any paid plan with Buzzsprout. We host our podcast website https://www.throttleandroast.com with PodPage. Sign up with them to host your podcast website & it automatically can pull your podcast feed from Bu...
