Best App for motorcycle touring / scenic / sport mapping?

Hey guys,

So i'm super excited to have the guzzi up and running, a trunk and tankbag all close to setup...

I'm used to doing longer trips, all backroads. these would sometimes be cross country trips that take a month, solo. I would use paper maps for these primarily, and only gps when needing to navigate a denser area.

Now I live in New York City, have two kids, and need to adapt or let my moto love die... it won't happen!

So, i am wondering if you all can recommend any apps for the iphone that are geared towards finding and navigating good motorcycling roads... google maps is primarily geared to getting to a destination as quickly as possible --not interested. I am wondering if there is an app that would do what i use paper maps for... i would highlight all the roads that looked good, pick an eventual destination, and then just try to hit as many of the good roads as possible - time be damned.

any suggestions?

thanks,
r

Eat, Sleep, Ride (ESR) should be in your app store. Let's you record your rides, and see others near you.

I'm using the TomTom ap. It doesn't require cell service to function in real time. You down-load the map area you want and it stays in the phone. Then all it needs is a GPS signal. It's very user-friendly IMO and it has features that let you avoid highways, toll roads, etc and you can select twisty roads. It works well for me.

I would take a long look at an app called Scenic. I did some deep diving into several apps some months ago, and concluded that Scenic might be the way to go, but since there's not yet an Android version I'm SOL. Most of the others I deleted before even leaving the house.

OldMojo wrote:

I would take a long look at an app called Scenic. I did some deep diving into several apps some months ago, and concluded that Scenic might be the way to go, but since there's not yet an Android version I'm SOL. Most of the others I deleted before even leaving the house.

I agree. After trying Avenza, Gaia GPS, InRoute, and Furkhot, Scenic is my go-to app for route planning. There is supposed to a update coming up soon that will make it even better via improved map data. It also allows you to log maintenance items, share routes and photos, and uses offline maps that are updated as part of the subscription.

I just started, have managed to eschew apps and electronica for the most part. In keeping with that tendency, I'm using Beeline device for visual navigation and Viewranger for route management.
Still learning the latter and the various ways to work with the file type.

SMTCapeCod wrote:

I just started, have managed to eschew apps and electronica for the most part.  In keeping with that tendency, I'm using Beeline  device for visual navigation and Viewranger for route management.  
Still learning the latter and the various ways to work with the file type.

It’s learning the app that takes all the time; after you’ve auditioned a few to figure out whether they’ll work or not. I still find myself jumping around between Scenic and either Gaia GPS or Google when doing route planning as only the satellite images are accurate in showing when a road changes from paved to dirt. This is a problem here in southern Arizona given the number of road types and governmental entities.

I started using a GPS about 20 years ago with a Garmin 2610 after nearly getting clobbered in trying to figure out an intersection on a map in some small town in Pennsylvania. The Garmin was better but the screen failed too often and route planning had to be done on a PC. Using the iPhone and the Scenic app allows me to use less gear and to fairly easily lay out a route on an iPad. Onboard the bike the Scenic app route cues are easy to follow with simple graphics and directions. To my good fortune the previous owner of my GRiSO put a nice cellphone holder right in the middle of the handlebars.

I have been using REVER and so far so good, works well on road and offroad. I just use the free version. Others I ride with use the Premium and can follow other riders in the group. Very useful when you get off the beaten track.

Maps.me is pretty good offline map system.

and its free!!

been using it here in Oz - along with paper.... you can't beat a table sized map for planning.

my buddy managed to get from Scotland to Thailand using it.


and yes, he meant to

I like Scenic and I have used OSMAND on my main GPS which is a "Rugged" Kyocera Android phone: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Have a look here for some day trip ideas: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I will be heading to Cold Spring on Sunday for a small gathering under the
"Bikes and Breakfast" Banner:

BIKES & BREAKFAST | COLD SPRING, NY
________________________________________
THIS SUNDAY | March 21st, 8 - 10AM
LOCATION - The Depot Restaurant
ADDRESS - 1 Depot Square, Cold Spring, NY
________________________________________
3rd SUNDAY EVERY MONTH
- Invite your friends - Add it to your calendar
- Please plan to wear a mask and social distance

hey guzziownr,

That looks like some nice riding - I used to live in the Berkshires - Greenfield Mass - Shelburne falls area. That was in my childhood days before motorcycling was a thing for me.
it's beautiful part of the country,  but long winters!

Chris W wrote:

hey guzziownr,

That looks like some nice riding - I used to live in the Berkshires - Greenfield Mass - Shelburne falls area. That was in my childhood days before motorcycling was a thing for me.
it's beautiful part of the country,  but long winters!

I was up by Phoenicia/Big Indian during the recent thaw. The roads, and eventually the GRiSO were covered in dirt.