Updated for 2026 — This article has been reviewed and updated with the latest recommendations.
Using your phone for motorcycle navigation works until it does not. Vibration from the handlebars can damage phone cameras. Screens wash out in direct sunlight. Touchscreens are useless with thick riding gloves. And dropping a 1,200-dollar phone at a gas stop hurts a lot more than dropping a dedicated GPS unit.
A purpose-built motorcycle GPS solves all of these problems. They are designed for vibration, weather, glove operation, and bright sunlight.
Here is what to consider.
Garmin Zumo XT2
The Zumo XT2 is Garmin's flagship motorcycle GPS and the most popular dedicated unit on the market. It has a 6-inch display that is bright enough to read in direct sunlight and responsive enough to use with heavy winter gloves. The screen has a rain mode that adjusts sensitivity to prevent false touches from water droplets.
The routing engine is where the Zumo shines.
It includes Garmin Adventurous Routing, which lets you set a preference for curvy roads, hills, or unpaved surfaces. Tell it you want the most winding route between two points and it delivers roads you would never find on your own. For touring riders, this feature alone justifies the purchase.
The XT2 is IPX7 waterproof, connects to your phone via Bluetooth for live traffic and weather, and pairs with compatible Bluetooth headsets for turn-by-turn voice directions.
Lifetime map updates are included. Price is around 500 to 550 dollars.
TomTom Rider 550
The Rider 550 is TomTom's motorcycle-specific GPS and the primary competitor to the Zumo. It has a 4.3-inch screen that is smaller than the Garmin but still readable in sunlight. The screen works with gloves and responds accurately in rain.
Build quality is solid, with an IPX7 waterproof rating.
TomTom's routing feature is called Winding Roads, and it works similarly to Garmin's adventurous routing. The Rider 550 includes Wi-Fi for over-the-air updates, which is more convenient than plugging into a computer. Mounting uses TomTom's RAM-mount compatible system, which is more flexible than Garmin's proprietary cradle. Price is around 400 dollars.
Garmin Zumo 396
If the XT2 is more GPS than you need, the Zumo 396 is a capable step down. It has a 4.3-inch screen, the same adventurous routing features, Bluetooth connectivity, and IPX7 waterproofing. It uses the same powered motorcycle cradle as the XT2 line. At around 300 to 350 dollars, the Zumo 396 is the budget Garmin option for riders who want a dedicated unit without spending over 500 dollars.
Phone-Based Alternatives
If you already have a phone with a good GPS app, the cheapest approach is a quality phone mount with a vibration damper.
Calimoto
Calimoto is a motorcycle navigation app that does curvy road routing better than Google Maps or Apple Maps.
You set your preference for winding roads and it plans routes accordingly. The app also tracks your rides and scores your lean angles. Available on iOS and Android, with a free tier and a premium subscription around 30 dollars per year.
Kurviger
Kurviger is a European-developed routing app that has become popular worldwide for motorcycle touring. It prioritizes curvy and scenic roads and lets you set avoidance preferences for highways, tolls, and ferries.
The free version is quite capable, with a pro version at about 10 dollars per year.
Quad Lock Vibration Dampener
If you go the phone route, invest in a vibration dampener for your mount. Apple has confirmed that motorcycle vibration can damage iPhone cameras over time. The Quad Lock vibration dampener sits between the mount and the phone case, isolating the phone from high-frequency vibrations.
The dampener costs about 20 dollars and fits all Quad Lock mounts.
Dedicated GPS vs Phone
A dedicated GPS is better in rain, direct sunlight, with thick gloves, and for long-term reliability. It does not drain your phone battery, and if you drop it, you are out 400 dollars instead of 1,200. The adventurous routing features on Garmin and TomTom are mature and optimized for motorcycle touring.
A phone with a good mount and vibration dampener is cheaper, always up to date, and can run multiple navigation apps. The downside is that phones are not designed for the motorcycle environment.
For serious touring riders who put thousands of miles on their bikes each year, a dedicated GPS pays for itself in convenience and durability. For casual riders who do the occasional weekend ride, a phone with Calimoto or Kurviger and a Quad Lock mount is perfectly adequate.
