Always enjoy these vlogs by Billy always explained in detail.. Bought my first R1250 GSA about 12 months ago i wanted to use both the Nav 6 and my iPhone so purchased the Quad lock plus all the adaptors i needed plus the anti vibe connection. I also purchased the Nav 6 at £600. By moving the Nav mount over to the RHS using a knuckle adaptor for the Quad loc and ages messing around i finally got it looking the business, The iphone in portrait position perfectly lined up next to the Nav 6 where i could still insert the key with no hassle...and how happy i was phone calls and music to my helmet including the Nav 6 and the BMW Nav app all singing and dancing. All was ok for about a month then my phone started to play up the camera got shakey and there was ghosting on my home screen so that peed me off and i had to order another phone but i had to stop mounting it to the bike so all the Quad loc stuff was waisted but at least i had my Nav 6 for directions etc. Then a few weeks in i noticed the Nav started to play up jumping to different screens etc so i took it back to my local dealership. They sent it off somewhere to do what ever it is they do and when it came back they told me it was practically a brand new updated version and it appeared fine but you guessed it this only lasted about a week. I asked them to give me a new one but they said this wasn't the policy and so off it went again for another 2 weeks after getting it back and each time losing my screen protector i had fitted and found it to go faulty again after one week. I complained and told them no more chances and managed to get a full refund so pretty poor i guess. So im now without Nav or phone on this wonderful GSA?? So waiting on you Billy to show us the way and we will follow so hope all works out. I do have a Tom Tom Rider but this is also very poor and the screen mists up all the time?
Karlos, mate. What an awful experience you have had from Garmin and BMW. It's such a shambles. I know you are not alone in this type of experience but that does not help you out. I have gone with a sat nav device due to the fact these are meant to be on your bike and as you have experienced, getting a full refund (eventually) I am not sure that a phone company would be give in and provide a refund. I love the use of an app and phone. So compact and incredibly useful but not really meant to be on a bike and taking the battering they do on the bikes vibration. I will be positing in a week or so the full installation of the Garmin XT and the new mont that I have. It is unlikely to be faultless in the future but at least it's a device made for a motorbike so the warranty will cover any issues. Thanks for watching and stay safe. I look forward to hearing what you do next! Cheers. Billy
I think most of us now have a spare cheap smart phone that we can simply use for navigation / maps. I'm using my old iPhone 6 just purely for navigation. You could probably purchase a cheap android smart phone and the cost of that will probably be cheaper than a dedicated SatNav as well.
HI Mr Zahir. Thanks for watching. I did think of that and tried it for while. Although I should have probably got a second SIM card for it as changing the SIM card al the time was a bit of a pain in the arse. Never mind, it will be a good experiment for me as I have not had a sat nav device for a long time so lets see how i get on with it. Stay safe. Billy
I use a used lower level iPhone plus Nav V. I keep my good phone and its camera in the tank bag. On the phone I use GAIA. This XT option is intriguing so many thanks.
Hi Charles. Thanks for watching and your comments. I would prefer to use a phone as the apps are great including Gaia!. Once there is a phone mount that significantly reduces the vibration that cones with with bing mounted on a motorbike then I will return to a phone. Nothing even close to achieving this at the moment regardless of manufactures claims of anti vibration. I quite like the set up i have now, it works well. Cheers BIlly
I have logged 90,000 miles using a smart phone as my nav, and also, just storing my smart phone in the holder on my bike. I have always used the Marlin's clocks M mount for my phones. In fact, it's been the same mount over 12 years, and 2 bikes. I had to make some adjustments in the mount for increasing size of phone, but it's been a great mount, and can handle different sized phones at any time. With that being said, I have experienced the camera issue with phones that cannot handle the vibration. The phones that I had issues with were HTC models. I have had multiple Motorola phones that have never experienced any issues, and I do put on lots of miles. My phone is always in the holder, whether I'm using nav or not, just a convenient place to have my phone, and I can see notifications if they pop up. Biggest advice would be to research the phone to see if anyone has experienced issues with vibration and cameras. My wife has iphones, and We have put her phone in the holder a few times, when she was expecting a message from her kids, and have not experienced any issues, but this was limited use, and the phone was not really active while in the holder. I think a lot has to do with particular phones, which is what I was finding when researching the issues I had with HTC phones. again, NO issues with multiple Motorola phones.
Hi Ron. Seems like the Motorola is the cast iron solid phone to have. Was not aware HTC also have issues. iPhones definitely and Apple aware of this. I have not heard much noise about Google or Samsung phones but I have decided to go to a device which is not my preferred option. Love the use of the phone and varying apps. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience on this topic. Stay safe. Billy
To avoid vibration damaging smartphones, you can always mount them to a tank bag instead of the bike. In my case, I have an iPhone mounted to a Wunderlich tank bag MOLLE grid, using the Quadlock belt clip. Completely eliminates vibrations
Hi mate. Thanks for watching and your suggestion. It's a great option but for me tank bags get in the way so never use them. I find that they make the cock pot a bit cluttered so I don't use them. Totally a great option for those happy with tank bags. Cheers. Billy
I tried this but found that I kept looking down at the device and not looking where I was going. The device needs to be close to your line of sight IMO.
I am at a crossroads myself. I have been using my garmin montana 600 in north america(canada, usa, mexico) for the last 12 years, and likely 100'000 km mounted on a bike. many places I travel are out of service, or totally unplanned. I need a new map however, and am going to be on a new bike this year. either way I will be forking out $$$.... A quad lock setup won't likely be obsolete either way. the abiliity to use my garmin with gloves, in its powered mount and in the rain, along with hiking..... its just a solid unit.
Shagged my iPhone using it on my bike but phones are simply the most versatile bit of kit. So I’m gonna buy an iPhone 8 (first iPhone which is waterproof) and use it purely as my bike phone and not bothered if it Shag’s the camera. The must have app, if you’re green laning is OS map app, on iPhone I’ve found it faultless, easy to plan on a Computer and then transfer to a phone, Had various gps devices but they are all a pain to use, phones are a gps, a sat nav, a media device, and even a phone. Only issue is if out of the UK. But for 99% of my daily walking/ mountaineering/ biking, you can’t beat a phone with OS map app
Hi Mike. Thanks for watching and your comments! 100% agree! I may very well find that I am not enjoying the XT and move back to a phone again. But I do love the versatility of them all the different apps available. OS map being a really great one. Stay safe. Billy
I just replaced my TomTom Rider 500 by a CarPlay device on my GS Adventure. I don’t want to have my phone mounted on my bike. But want to make use of all its possibilities. Very happy with it!
I have the XT, with the Italian bracket to mount to the BMW prepped for Sat Nav set up. Works like a dream and is an awesome piece of kit. Lockable too. The BMW app just doesn’t really work. That said setting up the XT to talk to the phone/Lid is a complicated ‘in certain order’ process. Similar story with the phone camera on an earlier model but now have a 12 mounted on a quadlock and damper. No issues so far, even through Australian Outback riding
HI Chris. Thanks for watching and your comments! Have not set up the XT yet so thanks for the heads up on it being a bit of a process. I have the Quadlock damper on my T7 so hopefully that will help with the use of a phone on that bike. I do envy you having the outback to ride around. Must be epic! Stay safe. Billy
I had the XT for a while and got rid of it. Just too many Bluetooth connections with my phone, intercom, etc that would continue to lose connection. Garmin requires two connections itself for phone notifications and for music. One is always dropping or having to be reconnected. I don’t like having to fill with it during my ride.
Hi Richard. Agree it's not the perfect device but what is at the moment. Improvements to be made on most devices I think. But I prefer GPS devices to phone despite their flaws
The day I saw your video mounting the phone cradle for the BMW, I've made my decision, buy a 2nd hand smartphone for half the price of a dedicated GPS device and use it as GPS, and also its other capabilities, such as existing various apps, and just ignore the camera usage. Are you planing a video with how you create routes and export them to your Garmin? Thanks for sharing your content, always great!! 👍👍
HI Nelio. Thanks for watching and your comments. I tend to agree, in hind sight I may wish I had kept using the smart phone and ignore the camera. Yes, once I have had some experience with it I will do a video on how to import GPX files etc. Thanks for asking for that video. Stay safe. BIlly
I am one of those people who has never had a problem with my Nav 5 or Nav 6 even though I've purchased them used in the past. However like you I am now switching to an alternative system, in my case a Garmin Montana 700i. I did look at the XT but it states it isn't dustproof and I wanted something which I could use for doing the TET which could be a tad dusty in places! 👍
HI Planet GSA. Thanks for watching and your comment. Great point on the dust proof level of the Garmin XT. I will purchase a screen protector for to avoid damage and see what happens. Had a Garmin Montana previously but the touch screen pack up. It seems none of these devices are immune to wear and tear. Stay safe. Billy
Hi Billy this has come at exactly the right time for me, only last week I decided the same go for a Garman XT and have been looking on how to install it on my GSA with the adaptor (out of stock) seems to be sticking out in your face more than the phone or by other means onto the rail with BMW nav adaptor removed, I havent purchased anything yet now will await to seewhat your set up look like, thanks for the vid
Hi Mark. With the adapter on the nav prep it does look like it sticks lout quite a bit. Hence why I removed mine. Vid coming next week full installation and which bracket I am using and how to install it. Thanks for watching and your comment. Stay safe. Billy
So very simple trick everyone i bought an old phone for 30£ and use it just for sat nav so i don't care what's gonna happen to the camera you can either download all maps and use them offline or you can share a hotspot dron your phone to the old one and use maps that way you don't need a sim card for the old phone just use it for satnav so 30 quid for an old phone and phone mount for the bike and that's you all done for less than 100£ not spending fortune for sat nav also i like to use waze you can't get waze on any other type of sat nav so enjoy 😁
Hi and thanks for watching and your comments. A have heard of a few doing this exact thing. I still prefer the sat nav option. But a good option for those not wanting a sat nav. Cheers Billy
Another thought-provoking video, thanks. I suppose there is no way to tell if the damage to your camera was caused on the Quadlock mount or the BMW nav prep mount (or both!). As I said the other day, I am using Quadlock across both bikes and so if the camera dies, there will be no doubt. 8000 miles in and fine so far, but I guess it could go at any moment. If/when it does, I think I would continue to use the same phone as I think that would be the cheapest option, with an inexpensive SIM, and buy a new phone and resolve never to use it as a bike-mounted nav. I would be very interested to see a video about the differences in features between the various navigation apps available on phones and the functionality of the Garmin XT.
Hi Carl. Thanks for watching and your comments. A great suggestion as I don’t think there is an app out there that does it all really well. I will see what capability the XT has and then do a review of my thoughts probably at the end of summer about my experience of it and my preference. Your idea of continuing to use the phone with a cheap SiM is a good one. The only issue is the roaming costs in Europe. But May still be cheaper than a nav device. Stay safe. Billy
Hi billy sounds a good Satnav the Garmin XT like the sound of it planing off tracks be honest with I use quad lock with anti vibration base but on my F850 GS adventure I’ve fitted in the headstock hole been using that for 9 months no problem so far when I had fitted to the handle bars it shook even with the Anti vibration mount so hence why I fitted in the headstock 👍👍
HI Degs. I wondered if the headstock had vibration as much as the handlebars. Hopefully time won't tell! Not had a GPS device for many years so will be interesting to see how i get on with it. Thanks for watching mate. Cheers Billy
@@BillysBikeAdventures hi billy thanks for the reply I’ve looked into the Garmin XT there look good and what they can do is brilliant also I looked at the trial tech one only use for that one is pure off road use like the reviews say it couldn’t to McDonald’s 🙏🙏👍👍👍
My experience with these "vibration dampening" phone holders has been the same; the camera is messed up, the compass and the sensor for rotating the phone is messed up as well. Had to buy a new one, keeping the old one as a GPS on my bike for now. Am looking to buy an "Outdoor-Tablet" in the near future.
Hi Herla. Thanks for watching and your message. Your experience is what I had suspected, in that these anti vibration devices don't really work. Thanks for sharing your experience! Cheers. Billy
There are many 'tough phone' devices that are not that expensive. I am new to NAV and thinking about trying these. One of them is $370 US: Ulefone Armor 24 Rugged Phones, 1000LM Camping Light IP68/69K, 22000mAh(66W), MTK Helio G96 24GB+256GB Android 13, 64MP+64MP Night Vision Camera, 6.78" FHD+ Corning Gorilla Screen, Dual 4G, IR Blaster
Hi there. Thanks for watching and your comments. Somme of the phones you have mentioned I have been looking at for a tablet to use for digital roadbook riding. I did reach out to Ulefone to see if i could test one but radio silence. ALso not too many reviews on them. When it comes to using a phone, I don't renew my phones often enough to use an older one for nav. Also because i do a bit of off road riding, I need a nav app that can go off road and most of them for phones don't and if they do they are not very good. If you get one of the 'rugged' phones let me know how you get on with it. Cheers. Billy
A few months ago I commented about using quadlock with the vibration mount and not having issues. That was after 8,000 miles. Now after 13,000 miles I’m sad to report that the camera on my iPhone X has developed a fault where it sometimes shakes and refuses to focus. It’s not every time, and seems to be fixable by closing the camera app & restarting. I’ve had the phone mounted on 3 bikes across the past 18 months and 13,000 miles. It has always been mounted on a quadlock anti vibration mount.
Ah sorry to hear that. This is why i moved to a GPS device. No matter how good the claims to be about anti vibration, they are never not there. I had my phone on my T7 the other day, i was waiting for a mount for my Garmin XT to arrive and whilst rising I touched the phone to see how much vibration was there (mounted with Quadlock and anti vibration) and it was intense. May not be able to see it but touch your phone whilst riding and most would be shocked by the intense vibration. Thanks for the update Carl1 Cheers Billy
HI Andy. Thanks for watching and your comment. Was the screen not big enough on the XT? I was going to look at a tablet but though it would be a bit big. Send me a pic once you have it done. Stay sage. Billy
@@BillysBikeAdventures Hi, no the screen size wasn't the issue, despite plotting routes etc. During my trip to Turkey found that the XT often took me miles out of me way to go around a roundabout and then back on myself, so i ended up relying more on Apps (Calimoto, Gaia, MyRoute and Google). So i am looking at using the Drive Mode Dashboard. will be experimenting with a tablet, if this is to big/heavy will look at getting a cheap large screen Rugged phone.
I choose to get phone that's waterproof and shockproof instead of a GPS device. So far it's working out well. It cost $150. Brand is Blackview. My backup will be Butler motorcycle maps.
Hi David. I did reach out to a similar company to see if i could teat one of their tablets but to no avail. I hope it continues to work out for you and their prices are much more competitive. Good luck! Cheers. Billy
I use my old phone as a sat nav. I upgrade every two years and the old phone gets wiped except for Navmii which works offline. I just whack on wifi now and again for updates. No need to worry about the camera and the new phone stays in a pocket.
Hey there. Thanks for watching and your comments! Its a good solution but I find most apps restrictive for planning off road routes so planning online and sending to my nav works for me. Sounds like you are sorted with you set up, nice one! Cheers billy
@@BillysBikeAdventures I use Garmin for hiking and mountaineering. If I had to use Basecamp to set up my trips, I'd probably lose my mind. It is just so clunky. Luckily I don't go off road on the bike. Neither it or me is made for that😂
Hi Billy. I usually use Kurviger on my phone and then export it either to BMW Connect or to my XT via Garmin Drive. Both have their benefits in my opinion.
Hi Dee Wee. Thanks for watching and your comment. Could not agree more! I am not sure that I want to fork out for another phone anytime soon. Stay safe. Billy
i bought secondary phone for GPS its one of those rugged ones.. motorola DEFY its cheap and as i use it only for navigation it does all what i need and its waterproof dust proof heat resistant and also vibrations resitant.. so for me its the best option some of those cheap rugged phones.. because in my opinon navigation apps are much better and you can have multiple ones for casual roads and offroads like TET and etc.
Hi there. Thanks for watching. I am able to plan for the TET on my Garmin XT as these are legal tracks and therefore identify on most maps. I use MyRoute app for planning. I have not missed the convenience of my phone at all since getting the XT. Its great that you have a system that works for you. Cheers. Billy
Phone navigation for me in UK. I use a cheap Alcatel 1 phone for it. Google Map with free live traffic and Mapsme as a back up when no data available. I used Mapsme touring Thailand and it never let me down.
Hey there. Thanks for watching and your comments. I agree that if riding roads only then a phone that you don't mind the camera breaking on is a good option. I do a fair amount of off road so use My Route app for planning and then the Garmin XT for guidance. Works well. I would of course prefer to use a phone as easier and much more manageable. Cheers Billy
Hi Troy. Thanks for watching. The touratech mount that is lockable is the one i have bought. Will be posting that in the next week or so with full installation. Stay safe. Billy
I think of using my smartphone with a bluetooth connection to a gps display designed for motorbikes. Phone stays in pocket, and the display is cheaper than a garmin or tomtom and larger than a phone. I am new at this, so maybe those displays werent available yet when this vid was made.(?)
Thats a good alternative. For me though the device provides more functionality than a bluetooth device that has Apple or Google play. Most navigation apps are limited to the road only which is no good for me off road. If staying on the road then yeah a good idea as long as the warranty for it covers use on a motorcycle. Thanks for watching. Cheers. billy
Nav 6 are the major failures on the forums....had 2 that had the screen issues and now brought a 2nd hand nav 5 for £200. I use that and also the BMW connected app on my phone as a fallback....having dropped and smashed my phone on tour last year it taught me to have a fallback. I believe most of the camera vibration issues have been with iPhones ....haven't seen many posts on android having these issues but agree at £1000 it's a big risk!!
Hi Darren. Thanks for watching and your comment! Thanks for sharing your experience! I will also be using my phone as a backup just in case but not primary device. Agree that not seen much of camera issue with Android. Not sure if that is a result of a larger proportion of riders using iPhone vs Android. I may still us it on my T7 and see what happens. Stay safe. Billy
I must say the I phone 7 is very old And you pretty much had a good run with it Newer phones are much more better well designed for high impact/ vibration But I’ve used Tom Tom rider for year Always been a good unit I use my phone in my van with Tom Tom go every day Will be using it with Bmw motorrad cradle at some point on my gsa At least the good thing you can use the garmin software from Bmw to your new nav Looking forward to more vids bud 👍🏻
Yeah I had a really good run with the 7. Maybe coincidence that the camera failed a few months after the announcement from Apple. I think a car is fine for a phone. Had a TomTom previously and worked pretty well. 👍👍
I had the same experience twice with my Huawei P30 Pro after using it in the cradle on the handlebars. Initially I thought it was due to freezing temparatures.... Camera's optical image stabilisation breaks, so the camera image looked very much like you show in your video. I did it again. Used it at highway speeds in more humane temp ranges ... and camera broke again. This is only when I realised that it's the vibration that killed it the previous time too. Had it fixed both times under warranty at our local Huawei service centre ... but now my P30 Pro isn't as waterproof as it was because it was opened twice now with stuff replaced. By the manufacturer's shop. I'm really disappointed that modern phones (their cameras at least) don't seem to survive the steering / handlebar vibrations on a motorcycle. I'll still mount phone for short slower trips when I need to see the display, but the rest of the time I just keep in in my pocket and listed to the GPS instructions through the headset in my helmet. Not ideal, but I don't want to have the now-out-of-warranty phone break on me again.
HI Donald. Thanks for watching and your message! Yeah it is disappointing. But thats tech for you great in most situations but also very sensitive to moisture and impact. As the video shows I have gone back to GPS device (reluctantly) and will see how IO get on with it. Its great that Huawei fixed them under warranty for you. Stay safe. Billy
Hi adys6115. That is an option but given the vibrations the phone would have packed up at some stage altogether so bit the bullet and got the Garmin XT. Also don’t need to maintain a SIM card for full operation. Expense now or later, I went with now. But great suggestion 👍. Cheers. Billy
Hi there. Thanks for watching. It was an iphone 7 plus. Most phones are at risk even if they claim vibration dampening. I would not risk it now. Cheers. Billy
If you like using your phone then you coulfd always buy a cheap second hand one just to use as a GPS. A lot cheaper than a dedicated GPS and much more useful. Just a thought 👍
Thanks for watching and your suggestion. It a good option. For em whist cameras on phones are sensitive to vibrations I assume the other elements of the phone are. Having a GPS device for me is built to be on a motorbike. But each to their own and as you say a second phone is an option. Cheers. Billy
I need a new phone I also need a gps and do not want to buy two separate things for my bike so I am thinking about a Nokia xr20 or 21 phone which are supposed to be military grade proof.What do you think. Is it just the camera that goes or are there any other problems.I don't really care about the camera I want the gps and to make calls
Hi David. Can't speak to the Nokia X20/21, if this is what you have read then you are more informed than me on this. The smart phone cameras are sensitive so can expect them to fail eventually and if this is happening what are the vibrations doing to other parts of the phone? If going ahead with the phone option I would look to mount it on the handlebars, this seems to be the part of the bike for mounting phones with the least vibration and use a mount that has some kind of vibration dampening. They are not brilliant but every little helps. Cheers Billy
Totally agree! Companies claiming great performance with their vibration dampening built in to their product or specifically to reduce (i know they are not saying eliminating) are not that great. The high intensity vibrations generally can not be seen but can definitely be felt so any video showing a difference here is only showing low intensity vibration dampening not high intensity.. Its the high intensity that is the issue. A good opportunity for someone! Cheers. Billy
Hi Donna. I moved to a sat Nov due to the fact that vibrations from your bike will eventually break the camera in your phone. Phone companies are adapting their warranty to exclude replacing / repairing phones where this could be the problem. Nav devices are supposed to be on the bike so no warranty issues. That's my take on it anyway. Hope that helps. Cheers. Billy
i used a chinese aluminum clamp that transmited all the vibration and it broke my camera after about 4k miles, it vibrated so bad that it coudent detect with way was up and navigation would spin randmly. because I have an android s21 it was only $24 to get the camera replaced, kind feel bad for people with iphones where thats a new phone type issue. got a $17 Chinese knockoff quadlock with the vibration dampener and a genuine quadlock case and it works beautify, haven't had any issues sience with meny meny more miles. im interested in a navigation I can just leave on the bike and keep my phone somewhere safe, but im alittle worried about how slow these navigation systems are dont want to pay so mutch money and have it so difficult to use I just use the phone anyway.
Hi Billy. How disappointing to hear that your smartphone was damaged by vibrations in your cradle. I looked at your videos related to the BMW Connected app and to the BMW cradle. I ordered the cradle and I am prepared to move from the Navigator V device to my iPhone in the cradle. I am one of these people who can only blame Garmin and BMW for this very poor Navigator V that fails to do the job. It is by far the worst GPS I ever had, and I have had a lot ! On top of facing so many issues with this device (which happens to be the second in a row after the first one crashed completely, hardware included, on the occasion of a software update, can you believe that...), when you report an issue to BMW they kick you out on the basis that it is a Garmin device and you'd better speak to Garmin. When you call Garmin, they tell you to arrange the issue with BMW... Now I am a bit confused, I was so enthusiastic with the prospect of using my iPhone instead... I think I will give it a try anyway and we will see. Many thanks again for your feedback on your experience.
HI Stan. Thanks for watching and your comments. It maybe coincidence that my iPhone '7' yes 7's camera packed up a few months after the iPhone announcement or it may just be that it is so old. But a new phone costing £1000 is something i don't want to damage (maybe it won't happen). It is far cheaper to get a new sat nav than a phone. That said whilst I am looking forward to trying a GPS device again, I do still prefer the phone and nav apps. Much more convenient in my view. IF you are an android user, the lack of these kind of incidences being reported is quite encouraging. Your experience with Garmin and BMW is shameful on their part and I can only imagine how frustrating that experience was. Good luck with the cradle. I have had a good few years use out of it so really pleased with it. Stay safe. Billy
Could do but all those vibrations will eventually break more parts of the phone. At least with a sat nav its meant to be on the bike when it comes to warranty and repairs. Cheers. Billy
Us a $100 smartphone and never worry about it. For $250 you can get a very nice IP rated Samsung phone. You don't have to put your expensive personal phone on your bike.
True, but for just a little bit extra you can get a full blown GPS device. I agree with the principle but still money to fork out unless you have a spare phone at home. However, eventually other elements of the phone will stop working with the vibrations. Thanks for watching. Cheers. Billy
Sorry to hear you have had that experience. Its all a big con really. There is nothing on the market at the moment to eliminate vibrations enough to NOT do any damage. Thanks for watching and the feedback. Cheers. Billy
Why don't you keep using your Iphone exclusively for motorcycle navigation? You have the phone already, won't need the camera anyway, don't have to use (and buy) a dedicated GPS device.
Hi there. Thanks for watching and your comments. I guess that other elements of the phone will pack up eventually as well. At least this way I. have a device with a warranty that can't be questioned. Also not many apps allow for off road planning or navigations as well so device is better. Cheers. Billy
@@BillysBikeAdventures Valid points. I suppose that to some degree, it's a matter of what level of peace of mind you want. My reasoning is, that if i'm using an old phone as a GPS and it for whatever reason gives in during a trip, i still have my main phone as backup. But then again, at the moment i don't have the need for offroad navigation, and if the need arises, i'll probably (reluctantly) have to go your route with a dedicated GPS device (i have a Zumo XT, but don't get along with it).
Garmin is pure garbage. I got the XT2 and the display was sluggish and would freeze up requiring frequent reboots. Sometimes it would just reverse all the text on the screen. Yes, all software updates were applied. And if all that's not enough it was discovering their terrible support and warranty and the sheer amount of open source software stitched together which can be seen in one of the menu items. I'm an embedded engineer who so happens to design displays just like this in the agriculture and construction segments. Google protobufs, seriously? All that serialization and deserialization of what? I can't imagine why they would need this on such a simple device but regardless.... the device simply didn't work at end of the day and I had to fight to get a refund. Based on the experience and the knowledge of the poor software development practices at Garmin, I'm so done with their products.
I have been there and sympathise with your experience. Agree they don't have very good customer service. I have stayed away from the XT2 having the first of these which (touch wood) has had no problems. Great to hear you got a refund even though you had to work hard for it. Cheers. Billy.
Only ridiculous if the GPS came with it and was a reliable product. Given that they don't and they are not then if I am going to buy a device that is more reliable, ironic that its the same manufacturer, then I can spend my money as i wish. If you have a Nav 5/6 that works and is reliable then you are one of the lucky ones
Always enjoy these vlogs by Billy always explained in detail.. Bought my first R1250 GSA about 12 months ago i wanted to use both the Nav 6 and my iPhone so purchased the Quad lock plus all the adaptors i needed plus the anti vibe connection. I also purchased the Nav 6 at £600. By moving the Nav mount over to the RHS using a knuckle adaptor for the Quad loc and ages messing around i finally got it looking the business, The iphone in portrait position perfectly lined up next to the Nav 6 where i could still insert the key with no hassle...and how happy i was phone calls and music to my helmet including the Nav 6 and the BMW Nav app all singing and dancing. All was ok for about a month then my phone started to play up the camera got shakey and there was ghosting on my home screen so that peed me off and i had to order another phone but i had to stop mounting it to the bike so all the Quad loc stuff was waisted but at least i had my Nav 6 for directions etc. Then a few weeks in i noticed the Nav started to play up jumping to different screens etc so i took it back to my local dealership. They sent it off somewhere to do what ever it is they do and when it came back they told me it was practically a brand new updated version and it appeared fine but you guessed it this only lasted about a week. I asked them to give me a new one but they said this wasn't the policy and so off it went again for another 2 weeks after getting it back and each time losing my screen protector i had fitted and found it to go faulty again after one week. I complained and told them no more chances and managed to get a full refund so pretty poor i guess. So im now without Nav or phone on this wonderful GSA?? So waiting on you Billy to show us the way and we will follow so hope all works out. I do have a Tom Tom Rider but this is also very poor and the screen mists up all the time?
Karlos, mate. What an awful experience you have had from Garmin and BMW. It's such a shambles. I know you are not alone in this type of experience but that does not help you out. I have gone with a sat nav device due to the fact these are meant to be on your bike and as you have experienced, getting a full refund (eventually) I am not sure that a phone company would be give in and provide a refund. I love the use of an app and phone. So compact and incredibly useful but not really meant to be on a bike and taking the battering they do on the bikes vibration. I will be positing in a week or so the full installation of the Garmin XT and the new mont that I have. It is unlikely to be faultless in the future but at least it's a device made for a motorbike so the warranty will cover any issues. Thanks for watching and stay safe. I look forward to hearing what you do next! Cheers. Billy
I think most of us now have a spare cheap smart phone that we can simply use for navigation / maps. I'm using my old iPhone 6 just purely for navigation. You could probably purchase a cheap android smart phone and the cost of that will probably be cheaper than a dedicated SatNav as well.
HI Mr Zahir. Thanks for watching. I did think of that and tried it for while. Although I should have probably got a second SIM card for it as changing the SIM card al the time was a bit of a pain in the arse. Never mind, it will be a good experiment for me as I have not had a sat nav device for a long time so lets see how i get on with it. Stay safe. Billy
@@BillysBikeAdventures You can just create a hotspot from your main phone
I use a used lower level iPhone plus Nav V. I keep my good phone and its camera in the tank bag. On the phone I use GAIA. This XT option is intriguing so many thanks.
Hi Charles. Thanks for watching and your comments. I would prefer to use a phone as the apps are great including Gaia!. Once there is a phone mount that significantly reduces the vibration that cones with with bing mounted on a motorbike then I will return to a phone. Nothing even close to achieving this at the moment regardless of manufactures claims of anti vibration. I quite like the set up i have now, it works well. Cheers BIlly
I have logged 90,000 miles using a smart phone as my nav, and also, just storing my smart phone in the holder on my bike. I have always used the Marlin's clocks M mount for my phones. In fact, it's been the same mount over 12 years, and 2 bikes. I had to make some adjustments in the mount for increasing size of phone, but it's been a great mount, and can handle different sized phones at any time. With that being said, I have experienced the camera issue with phones that cannot handle the vibration. The phones that I had issues with were HTC models. I have had multiple Motorola phones that have never experienced any issues, and I do put on lots of miles. My phone is always in the holder, whether I'm using nav or not, just a convenient place to have my phone, and I can see notifications if they pop up. Biggest advice would be to research the phone to see if anyone has experienced issues with vibration and cameras. My wife has iphones, and We have put her phone in the holder a few times, when she was expecting a message from her kids, and have not experienced any issues, but this was limited use, and the phone was not really active while in the holder. I think a lot has to do with particular phones, which is what I was finding when researching the issues I had with HTC phones. again, NO issues with multiple Motorola phones.
Hi Ron. Seems like the Motorola is the cast iron solid phone to have. Was not aware HTC also have issues. iPhones definitely and Apple aware of this. I have not heard much noise about Google or Samsung phones but I have decided to go to a device which is not my preferred option. Love the use of the phone and varying apps. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience on this topic. Stay safe. Billy
To avoid vibration damaging smartphones, you can always mount them to a tank bag instead of the bike. In my case, I have an iPhone mounted to a Wunderlich tank bag MOLLE grid, using the Quadlock belt clip. Completely eliminates vibrations
Hi mate. Thanks for watching and your suggestion. It's a great option but for me tank bags get in the way so never use them. I find that they make the cock pot a bit cluttered so I don't use them. Totally a great option for those happy with tank bags. Cheers. Billy
I tried this but found that I kept looking down at the device and not looking where I was going. The device needs to be close to your line of sight IMO.
I am at a crossroads myself. I have been using my garmin montana 600 in north america(canada, usa, mexico) for the last 12 years, and likely 100'000 km mounted on a bike. many places I travel are out of service, or totally unplanned. I need a new map however, and am going to be on a new bike this year. either way I will be forking out $$$.... A quad lock setup won't likely be obsolete either way. the abiliity to use my garmin with gloves, in its powered mount and in the rain, along with hiking..... its just a solid unit.
Shagged my iPhone using it on my bike but phones are simply the most versatile bit of kit. So I’m gonna buy an iPhone 8 (first iPhone which is waterproof) and use it purely as my bike phone and not bothered if it Shag’s the camera. The must have app, if you’re green laning is OS map app, on iPhone I’ve found it faultless, easy to plan on a Computer and then transfer to a phone, Had various gps devices but they are all a pain to use, phones are a gps, a sat nav, a media device, and even a phone. Only issue is if out of the UK. But for 99% of my daily walking/ mountaineering/ biking, you can’t beat a phone with OS map app
Hi Mike. Thanks for watching and your comments! 100% agree! I may very well find that I am not enjoying the XT and move back to a phone again. But I do love the versatility of them all the different apps available. OS map being a really great one. Stay safe. Billy
I just replaced my TomTom Rider 500 by a CarPlay device on my GS Adventure. I don’t want to have my phone mounted on my bike. But want to make use of all its possibilities. Very happy with it!
Hi Daniel. Thanks for sharing. What was it? Great to see different options available for us. Cheers. Billy
I have the XT, with the Italian bracket to mount to the BMW prepped for Sat Nav set up. Works like a dream and is an awesome piece of kit. Lockable too. The BMW app just doesn’t really work. That said setting up the XT to talk to the phone/Lid is a complicated ‘in certain order’ process. Similar story with the phone camera on an earlier model but now have a 12 mounted on a quadlock and damper. No issues so far, even through Australian Outback riding
HI Chris. Thanks for watching and your comments! Have not set up the XT yet so thanks for the heads up on it being a bit of a process. I have the Quadlock damper on my T7 so hopefully that will help with the use of a phone on that bike. I do envy you having the outback to ride around. Must be epic! Stay safe. Billy
I had the XT for a while and got rid of it. Just too many Bluetooth connections with my phone, intercom, etc that would continue to lose connection. Garmin requires two connections itself for phone notifications and for music. One is always dropping or having to be reconnected. I don’t like having to fill with it during my ride.
Hi Richard. Agree it's not the perfect device but what is at the moment. Improvements to be made on most devices I think. But I prefer GPS devices to phone despite their flaws
Thank you for your comments Billy and look forward to your post👍👍
Thanks Karlos for watching and your comment! Video coming soon. Stay safe. Billy
The day I saw your video mounting the phone cradle for the BMW, I've made my decision, buy a 2nd hand smartphone for half the price of a dedicated GPS device and use it as GPS, and also its other capabilities, such as existing various apps, and just ignore the camera usage.
Are you planing a video with how you create routes and export them to your Garmin? Thanks for sharing your content, always great!! 👍👍
HI Nelio. Thanks for watching and your comments. I tend to agree, in hind sight I may wish I had kept using the smart phone and ignore the camera. Yes, once I have had some experience with it I will do a video on how to import GPX files etc. Thanks for asking for that video. Stay safe. BIlly
@@BillysBikeAdventures thank you Billy, stay safe too!
I am one of those people who has never had a problem with my Nav 5 or Nav 6 even though I've purchased them used in the past. However like you I am now switching to an alternative system, in my case a Garmin Montana 700i. I did look at the XT but it states it isn't dustproof and I wanted something which I could use for doing the TET which could be a tad dusty in places! 👍
HI Planet GSA. Thanks for watching and your comment. Great point on the dust proof level of the Garmin XT. I will purchase a screen protector for to avoid damage and see what happens. Had a Garmin Montana previously but the touch screen pack up. It seems none of these devices are immune to wear and tear. Stay safe. Billy
Hi Billy this has come at exactly the right time for me, only last week I decided the same go for a Garman XT and have been looking on how to install it on my GSA with the adaptor (out of stock) seems to be sticking out in your face more than the phone or by other means onto the rail with BMW nav adaptor removed, I havent purchased anything yet now will await to seewhat your set up look like, thanks for the vid
Hi Mark. With the adapter on the nav prep it does look like it sticks lout quite a bit. Hence why I removed mine. Vid coming next week full installation and which bracket I am using and how to install it. Thanks for watching and your comment. Stay safe. Billy
TomTom rider/450/500 have always been reliable. Also the 550 has a planning mode you can plan on your phone/Pc & wirelessly transfer to the TomTom
Hi Andrew. Thanks for watching and your feedback. It's another great GPS device option. Cheers. Billy
So very simple trick everyone i bought an old phone for 30£ and use it just for sat nav so i don't care what's gonna happen to the camera you can either download all maps and use them offline or you can share a hotspot dron your phone to the old one and use maps that way you don't need a sim card for the old phone just use it for satnav so 30 quid for an old phone and phone mount for the bike and that's you all done for less than 100£ not spending fortune for sat nav also i like to use waze you can't get waze on any other type of sat nav so enjoy 😁
Hi and thanks for watching and your comments. A have heard of a few doing this exact thing. I still prefer the sat nav option. But a good option for those not wanting a sat nav. Cheers Billy
Another thought-provoking video, thanks. I suppose there is no way to tell if the damage to your camera was caused on the Quadlock mount or the BMW nav prep mount (or both!). As I said the other day, I am using Quadlock across both bikes and so if the camera dies, there will be no doubt. 8000 miles in and fine so far, but I guess it could go at any moment. If/when it does, I think I would continue to use the same phone as I think that would be the cheapest option, with an inexpensive SIM, and buy a new phone and resolve never to use it as a bike-mounted nav. I would be very interested to see a video about the differences in features between the various navigation apps available on phones and the functionality of the Garmin XT.
Hi Carl. Thanks for watching and your comments. A great suggestion as I don’t think there is an app out there that does it all really well. I will see what capability the XT has and then do a review of my thoughts probably at the end of summer about my experience of it and my preference. Your idea of continuing to use the phone with a cheap SiM is a good one. The only issue is the roaming costs in Europe. But May still be cheaper than a nav device. Stay safe. Billy
Hi billy sounds a good Satnav the Garmin XT like the sound of it planing off tracks be honest with I use quad lock with anti vibration base but on my F850 GS adventure I’ve fitted in the headstock hole been using that for 9 months no problem so far when I had fitted to the handle bars it shook even with the Anti vibration mount so hence why I fitted in the headstock 👍👍
HI Degs. I wondered if the headstock had vibration as much as the handlebars. Hopefully time won't tell! Not had a GPS device for many years so will be interesting to see how i get on with it. Thanks for watching mate. Cheers Billy
@@BillysBikeAdventures hi billy thanks for the reply I’ve looked into the Garmin XT there look good and what they can do is brilliant also I looked at the trial tech one only use for that one is pure off road use like the reviews say it couldn’t to McDonald’s 🙏🙏👍👍👍
My experience with these "vibration dampening" phone holders has been the same; the camera is messed up, the compass and the sensor for rotating the phone is messed up as well. Had to buy a new one, keeping the old one as a GPS on my bike for now. Am looking to buy an "Outdoor-Tablet" in the near future.
Hi Herla. Thanks for watching and your message. Your experience is what I had suspected, in that these anti vibration devices don't really work. Thanks for sharing your experience! Cheers. Billy
There are many 'tough phone' devices that are not that expensive. I am new to NAV and thinking about trying these.
One of them is $370 US: Ulefone Armor 24 Rugged Phones, 1000LM Camping Light IP68/69K, 22000mAh(66W), MTK Helio G96 24GB+256GB Android 13, 64MP+64MP Night Vision Camera, 6.78" FHD+ Corning Gorilla Screen, Dual 4G, IR Blaster
Hi there. Thanks for watching and your comments. Somme of the phones you have mentioned I have been looking at for a tablet to use for digital roadbook riding. I did reach out to Ulefone to see if i could test one but radio silence. ALso not too many reviews on them. When it comes to using a phone, I don't renew my phones often enough to use an older one for nav. Also because i do a bit of off road riding, I need a nav app that can go off road and most of them for phones don't and if they do they are not very good. If you get one of the 'rugged' phones let me know how you get on with it. Cheers. Billy
Hi there. Thanks for this video. At this time I'm using Beeline and found it very good for my travel & riding purposes.
Hi Olli. Thanks for watching and your comment! I have heard of this. Great to hear that it is sufficient for your travels! Cheers. Billy
A few months ago I commented about using quadlock with the vibration mount and not having issues. That was after 8,000 miles. Now after 13,000 miles I’m sad to report that the camera on my iPhone X has developed a fault where it sometimes shakes and refuses to focus. It’s not every time, and seems to be fixable by closing the camera app & restarting.
I’ve had the phone mounted on 3 bikes across the past 18 months and 13,000 miles. It has always been mounted on a quadlock anti vibration mount.
Ah sorry to hear that. This is why i moved to a GPS device. No matter how good the claims to be about anti vibration, they are never not there. I had my phone on my T7 the other day, i was waiting for a mount for my Garmin XT to arrive and whilst rising I touched the phone to see how much vibration was there (mounted with Quadlock and anti vibration) and it was intense. May not be able to see it but touch your phone whilst riding and most would be shocked by the intense vibration. Thanks for the update Carl1 Cheers Billy
Used the XT for a trip to Turkey and back, now switching to a tablet with GPS etc.
HI Andy. Thanks for watching and your comment. Was the screen not big enough on the XT? I was going to look at a tablet but though it would be a bit big. Send me a pic once you have it done. Stay sage. Billy
@@BillysBikeAdventures Hi, no the screen size wasn't the issue, despite plotting routes etc. During my trip to Turkey found that the XT often took me miles out of me way to go around a roundabout and then back on myself, so i ended up relying more on Apps (Calimoto, Gaia, MyRoute and Google). So i am looking at using the Drive Mode Dashboard. will be experimenting with a tablet, if this is to big/heavy will look at getting a cheap large screen Rugged phone.
I choose to get phone that's waterproof and shockproof instead of a GPS device. So far it's working out well. It cost $150. Brand is Blackview. My backup will be Butler motorcycle maps.
Hi David. I did reach out to a similar company to see if i could teat one of their tablets but to no avail. I hope it continues to work out for you and their prices are much more competitive. Good luck! Cheers. Billy
I use my old phone as a sat nav. I upgrade every two years and the old phone gets wiped except for Navmii which works offline. I just whack on wifi now and again for updates.
No need to worry about the camera and the new phone stays in a pocket.
Hey there. Thanks for watching and your comments! Its a good solution but I find most apps restrictive for planning off road routes so planning online and sending to my nav works for me. Sounds like you are sorted with you set up, nice one! Cheers billy
@@BillysBikeAdventures I use Garmin for hiking and mountaineering. If I had to use Basecamp to set up my trips, I'd probably lose my mind. It is just so clunky. Luckily I don't go off road on the bike. Neither it or me is made for that😂
Hi Billy. I usually use Kurviger on my phone and then export it either to BMW Connect or to my XT via Garmin Drive. Both have their benefits in my opinion.
Hi Dee Wee. Thanks for watching and your comment. Could not agree more! I am not sure that I want to fork out for another phone anytime soon. Stay safe. Billy
I have tried many apps. Of these many, Kurviger is the absolute best app
i bought secondary phone for GPS its one of those rugged ones.. motorola DEFY its cheap and as i use it only for navigation it does all what i need and its waterproof dust proof heat resistant and also vibrations resitant.. so for me its the best option some of those cheap rugged phones.. because in my opinon navigation apps are much better and you can have multiple ones for casual roads and offroads like TET and etc.
Hi there. Thanks for watching. I am able to plan for the TET on my Garmin XT as these are legal tracks and therefore identify on most maps. I use MyRoute app for planning. I have not missed the convenience of my phone at all since getting the XT. Its great that you have a system that works for you. Cheers. Billy
Phone navigation for me in UK. I use a cheap Alcatel 1 phone for it. Google Map with free live traffic and Mapsme as a back up when no data available. I used Mapsme touring Thailand and it never let me down.
Hey there. Thanks for watching and your comments. I agree that if riding roads only then a phone that you don't mind the camera breaking on is a good option. I do a fair amount of off road so use My Route app for planning and then the Garmin XT for guidance. Works well. I would of course prefer to use a phone as easier and much more manageable. Cheers Billy
Very informative
I'm thinking about the Garmin XT
Also the tourtech mount,
Hi Troy. Thanks for watching. The touratech mount that is lockable is the one i have bought. Will be posting that in the next week or so with full installation. Stay safe. Billy
I think of using my smartphone with a bluetooth connection to a gps display designed for motorbikes. Phone stays in pocket, and the display is cheaper than a garmin or tomtom and larger than a phone. I am new at this, so maybe those displays werent available yet when this vid was made.(?)
Thats a good alternative. For me though the device provides more functionality than a bluetooth device that has Apple or Google play. Most navigation apps are limited to the road only which is no good for me off road. If staying on the road then yeah a good idea as long as the warranty for it covers use on a motorcycle. Thanks for watching. Cheers. billy
Does the Shkalacar R1200GS Phone Holder
Take a galaxy s22 ultra from a size perspective
I don't know the answer to that question. Sorry
Nav 6 are the major failures on the forums....had 2 that had the screen issues and now brought a 2nd hand nav 5 for £200. I use that and also the BMW connected app on my phone as a fallback....having dropped and smashed my phone on tour last year it taught me to have a fallback. I believe most of the camera vibration issues have been with iPhones ....haven't seen many posts on android having these issues but agree at £1000 it's a big risk!!
Hi Darren. Thanks for watching and your comment! Thanks for sharing your experience! I will also be using my phone as a backup just in case but not primary device. Agree that not seen much of camera issue with Android. Not sure if that is a result of a larger proportion of riders using iPhone vs Android. I may still us it on my T7 and see what happens. Stay safe. Billy
I must say the I phone 7 is very old
And you pretty much had a good run with it
Newer phones are much more better well designed for high impact/ vibration
But I’ve used Tom Tom rider for year
Always been a good unit
I use my phone in my van with Tom Tom go every day
Will be using it with Bmw motorrad cradle at some point on my gsa
At least the good thing you can use the garmin software from Bmw to your new nav
Looking forward to more vids bud 👍🏻
Yeah I had a really good run with the 7. Maybe coincidence that the camera failed a few months after the announcement from Apple. I think a car is fine for a phone. Had a TomTom previously and worked pretty well. 👍👍
I had the same experience twice with my Huawei P30 Pro after using it in the cradle on the handlebars. Initially I thought it was due to freezing temparatures.... Camera's optical image stabilisation breaks, so the camera image looked very much like you show in your video. I did it again. Used it at highway speeds in more humane temp ranges ... and camera broke again. This is only when I realised that it's the vibration that killed it the previous time too. Had it fixed both times under warranty at our local Huawei service centre ... but now my P30 Pro isn't as waterproof as it was because it was opened twice now with stuff replaced. By the manufacturer's shop. I'm really disappointed that modern phones (their cameras at least) don't seem to survive the steering / handlebar vibrations on a motorcycle. I'll still mount phone for short slower trips when I need to see the display, but the rest of the time I just keep in in my pocket and listed to the GPS instructions through the headset in my helmet. Not ideal, but I don't want to have the now-out-of-warranty phone break on me again.
HI Donald. Thanks for watching and your message! Yeah it is disappointing. But thats tech for you great in most situations but also very sensitive to moisture and impact. As the video shows I have gone back to GPS device (reluctantly) and will see how IO get on with it. Its great that Huawei fixed them under warranty for you. Stay safe. Billy
If you have bought a new phone, just carry on using your old one for a sat nav.
Hi adys6115. That is an option but given the vibrations the phone would have packed up at some stage altogether so bit the bullet and got the Garmin XT. Also don’t need to maintain a SIM card for full operation. Expense now or later, I went with now. But great suggestion 👍. Cheers. Billy
Hi, did you mention which iphone got damaged while using the cradle? i was just about to get the bmw cradle and i have an iphone 11 so :) :)
Hi there. Thanks for watching. It was an iphone 7 plus. Most phones are at risk even if they claim vibration dampening. I would not risk it now. Cheers. Billy
If you like using your phone then you coulfd always buy a cheap second hand one just to use as a GPS. A lot cheaper than a dedicated GPS and much more useful. Just a thought 👍
Thanks for watching and your suggestion. It a good option. For em whist cameras on phones are sensitive to vibrations I assume the other elements of the phone are. Having a GPS device for me is built to be on a motorbike. But each to their own and as you say a second phone is an option. Cheers. Billy
They often to too hot in the sun however...thats the issue with me and no considering the Zumo XT2
I need a new phone I also need a gps and do not want to buy two separate things for my bike so I am thinking about a Nokia xr20 or 21 phone which are supposed to be military grade proof.What do you think. Is it just the camera that goes or are there any other problems.I don't really care about the camera I want the gps and to make calls
Hi David. Can't speak to the Nokia X20/21, if this is what you have read then you are more informed than me on this. The smart phone cameras are sensitive so can expect them to fail eventually and if this is happening what are the vibrations doing to other parts of the phone? If going ahead with the phone option I would look to mount it on the handlebars, this seems to be the part of the bike for mounting phones with the least vibration and use a mount that has some kind of vibration dampening. They are not brilliant but every little helps. Cheers Billy
@@BillysBikeAdventures Thanks for the reply.I ended up ordering a Garmin XT .My very old phone is fine, I am not really a phone person.
Sounds like theres a gap in the market for a phone holder with vibration dampening.
Totally agree! Companies claiming great performance with their vibration dampening built in to their product or specifically to reduce (i know they are not saying eliminating) are not that great. The high intensity vibrations generally can not be seen but can definitely be felt so any video showing a difference here is only showing low intensity vibration dampening not high intensity.. Its the high intensity that is the issue. A good opportunity for someone! Cheers. Billy
I’m not good with technology so should I use my phone or an expensive sat-nav?
Hi Donna. I moved to a sat Nov due to the fact that vibrations from your bike will eventually break the camera in your phone. Phone companies are adapting their warranty to exclude replacing / repairing phones where this could be the problem. Nav devices are supposed to be on the bike so no warranty issues. That's my take on it anyway. Hope that helps. Cheers. Billy
i used a chinese aluminum clamp that transmited all the vibration and it broke my camera after about 4k miles, it vibrated so bad that it coudent detect with way was up and navigation would spin randmly. because I have an android s21 it was only $24 to get the camera replaced, kind feel bad for people with iphones where thats a new phone type issue. got a $17 Chinese knockoff quadlock with the vibration dampener and a genuine quadlock case and it works beautify, haven't had any issues sience with meny meny more miles. im interested in a navigation I can just leave on the bike and keep my phone somewhere safe, but im alittle worried about how slow these navigation systems are dont want to pay so mutch money and have it so difficult to use I just use the phone anyway.
Hi Billy. How disappointing to hear that your smartphone was damaged by vibrations in your cradle. I looked at your videos related to the BMW Connected app and to the BMW cradle. I ordered the cradle and I am prepared to move from the Navigator V device to my iPhone in the cradle. I am one of these people who can only blame Garmin and BMW for this very poor Navigator V that fails to do the job. It is by far the worst GPS I ever had, and I have had a lot ! On top of facing so many issues with this device (which happens to be the second in a row after the first one crashed completely, hardware included, on the occasion of a software update, can you believe that...), when you report an issue to BMW they kick you out on the basis that it is a Garmin device and you'd better speak to Garmin. When you call Garmin, they tell you to arrange the issue with BMW...
Now I am a bit confused, I was so enthusiastic with the prospect of using my iPhone instead... I think I will give it a try anyway and we will see. Many thanks again for your feedback on your experience.
HI Stan. Thanks for watching and your comments. It maybe coincidence that my iPhone '7' yes 7's camera packed up a few months after the iPhone announcement or it may just be that it is so old. But a new phone costing £1000 is something i don't want to damage (maybe it won't happen). It is far cheaper to get a new sat nav than a phone. That said whilst I am looking forward to trying a GPS device again, I do still prefer the phone and nav apps. Much more convenient in my view. IF you are an android user, the lack of these kind of incidences being reported is quite encouraging. Your experience with Garmin and BMW is shameful on their part and I can only imagine how frustrating that experience was. Good luck with the cradle. I have had a good few years use out of it so really pleased with it. Stay safe. Billy
Quadlock do a universal attachment
That's an option
Just bought a cheap waterproof phone to function for navigation only.
Good idea. Apps are becoming better but still need some work. But a great option
or just use a smartphone you may have laying around... an old one... or even buy a cheap one that you jsut buy for this purpose
Could do but all those vibrations will eventually break more parts of the phone. At least with a sat nav its meant to be on the bike when it comes to warranty and repairs. Cheers. Billy
Us a $100 smartphone and never worry about it. For $250 you can get a very nice IP rated Samsung phone. You don't have to put your expensive personal phone on your bike.
True, but for just a little bit extra you can get a full blown GPS device. I agree with the principle but still money to fork out unless you have a spare phone at home. However, eventually other elements of the phone will stop working with the vibrations. Thanks for watching. Cheers. Billy
Quad lock even with damping killed my camera! Ktm1290
Sorry to hear you have had that experience. Its all a big con really. There is nothing on the market at the moment to eliminate vibrations enough to NOT do any damage. Thanks for watching and the feedback. Cheers. Billy
Why don't you keep using your Iphone exclusively for motorcycle navigation? You have the phone already, won't need the camera anyway, don't have to use (and buy) a dedicated GPS device.
Hi there. Thanks for watching and your comments. I guess that other elements of the phone will pack up eventually as well. At least this way I. have a device with a warranty that can't be questioned. Also not many apps allow for off road planning or navigations as well so device is better. Cheers. Billy
@@BillysBikeAdventures Valid points. I suppose that to some degree, it's a matter of what level of peace of mind you want. My reasoning is, that if i'm using an old phone as a GPS and it for whatever reason gives in during a trip, i still have my main phone as backup. But then again, at the moment i don't have the need for offroad navigation, and if the need arises, i'll probably (reluctantly) have to go your route with a dedicated GPS device (i have a Zumo XT, but don't get along with it).
Took ma a while to get used to it but not an issue now and it has some cool features as well so getting along with it great now.
Your solution was already done... You didn't buy a new iPhone.
I bought the Google 6 Pixel Pro.
Garmin is pure garbage. I got the XT2 and the display was sluggish and would freeze up requiring frequent reboots. Sometimes it would just reverse all the text on the screen. Yes, all software updates were applied.
And if all that's not enough it was discovering their terrible support and warranty and the sheer amount of open source software stitched together which can be seen in one of the menu items. I'm an embedded engineer who so happens to design displays just like this in the agriculture and construction segments. Google protobufs, seriously? All that serialization and deserialization of what? I can't imagine why they would need this on such a simple device but regardless.... the device simply didn't work at end of the day and I had to fight to get a refund.
Based on the experience and the knowledge of the poor software development practices at Garmin, I'm so done with their products.
I have been there and sympathise with your experience. Agree they don't have very good customer service. I have stayed away from the XT2 having the first of these which (touch wood) has had no problems. Great to hear you got a refund even though you had to work hard for it. Cheers. Billy.
Ridicules having a GPS system on your bike as standard, and having to buy another. How stupid is that. ?
Only ridiculous if the GPS came with it and was a reliable product. Given that they don't and they are not then if I am going to buy a device that is more reliable, ironic that its the same manufacturer, then I can spend my money as i wish. If you have a Nav 5/6 that works and is reliable then you are one of the lucky ones
@@BillysBikeAdventures Yep not good is it.
12 minutes talk without much useful information. For complaining about the phone you broke, I don't have to lend you my ear.
If you feel this could be representative of my other videos then don't watch, no problem