Best Route Planning Devices and Apps
Every biker knows the moment when the engine hums, the road stretches ahead, and freedom feels infinite. But freedom needs direction. The truth is simple: the right route planning device or app can turn an ordinary ride into an unforgettable adventure.
A good tool guides you through winding mountain passes, avoids the soul-killing highways, and keeps you safe when the weather turns dark.
Finding Freedom in Every Turn
This article takes you through the best devices and apps available in 2025, blending test reports, rider experiences, and our own stories from the road. Whether you prefer the solid reliability of a dedicated sat-nav, the simplicity of a minimalist gadget, or the flexibility of a phone app, you will find your perfect companion here.
Dedicated Devices - Built for the Long Road
Some riders still swear by the old-school sat-nav. Heavy, bright, and purpose-built, these devices offer reliability where phones often fail.
Garmin - The Gold Standard of Motorcycle GPS
If you’ve ever asked seasoned riders about GPS, one name comes up again and again: Garmin.
Garmin zūmo XT2 - Bright, Bold, Reliable
I remember cresting a ridge in Colorado, the sun exploding on the horizon. My iPhone was useless, the glare turning it into a mirror. But the Garmin zūmo XT2, with its 6-inch, glove-friendly, ultra-bright display, cut through the light. Waterproof, shock-resistant, and built for bikes, it feels like armor for your journey.
At around $600 one-time on Amazon and Garmin’s U.S. site, it isn’t cheap. But it includes lifetime maps and proven durability. For riders who want confidence on long tours, this is the ultimate companion.
Garmin zūmo XT - The Affordable Veteran
Still available in the U.S. for about $420–450 one-time, the original zūmo XT remains a favorite. It’s slightly older but delivers reliable turn-by-turn navigation, off-road routing, and all the essentials. A smart option if the XT2 feels too steep in price.
Garmin Tread 2 - For Off-Road Explorers
For riders who leave the asphalt behind, the Garmin Tread 2 shines. Designed for off-road and adventure touring, it’s rugged and pairs with group ride tracking. At around $700, it’s for serious explorers who want a device that survives dust, rain, and impact.
Beeline Moto II - Small, Simple, Brilliant
Sometimes less is more. On a winding road through the Smoky Mountains, I strapped the Beeline Moto II to my bars. At first, its tiny round display felt like a joke. But then I understood: one arrow, one direction, one ride.
Beeline costs around $200 one-time, with an optional $40/year premium subscription for advanced route planning. Waterproof, minimal, and distraction-free, it’s the ideal device for riders who want navigation without losing focus on the road. Available directly and on Amazon U.S.
Carpuride Motorcycle Displays - Smart and Safe
Phones are powerful, but here’s the truth: vibrations can kill your iPhone’s camera. I’ve seen it happen. That’s why displays like Carpuride have exploded in popularity.
These waterproof, bar-mounted screens connect to your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Your phone stays safe in your pocket while Scenic, Calimoto, or even Google Maps run on a bright, glove-friendly screen.
Models like the Carpuride W702 and Carpuride W502 are available on Amazon in the U.S., priced between $250–400 one-time. If you want app flexibility without risking your phone, Carpuride is the answer.
Apps Every Rider Should Know
Devices matter, but apps are the brains behind the ride. Luckily, the best motorcycle navigation apps are available in the U.S.
Scenic (iOS) - Curvy Roads, Big Library
At $10/month or $60/year, Scenic offers offline maps, twisty-road routing, and thousands of shared routes. For iPhone users, it’s the go-to app.
Kurviger (iOS/Android) - Precision in Your Pocket
Kurviger is loved for its control over twisty-road intensity. At $10/month or $50/year, it’s especially strong in Europe but works well in the U.S. for route planning and GPX exports.
Calimoto (iOS/Android) - Spontaneous Fun
Calimoto generates round trips and emphasizes curves. At $12/month or $80/year, it’s perfect for spontaneous Saturday rides.
REVER (iOS/Android) - Tracking and Sharing
REVER Pro, at $40/year, is more than navigation. It’s live tracking, ride stats, and Butler Maps integration. For U.S. riders who want to explore the Rockies or Appalachians, it’s a powerful ally.
MyRoute-app (iOS/Android/Web) - The Planner’s Paradise
At $39/year Gold or $99/year All-in-One, MyRoute-app offers Michelin map overlays, detailed planning, and GPX exports. Its navigation isn’t as polished as Scenic, but for planning on a laptop, it’s unbeatable.
Safety First - Protecting Your Phone
If you insist on mounting your phone, don’t do it bare. Use a Quad Lock or SP Connect with a vibration dampener. Better yet, keep your phone in your pocket and run it through a Carpuride display or a dedicated Garmin. Your phone is too valuable to gamble with.
5-Point Action Plan
Although we tried to keep it short, there's a lot of information to digest. Maybe this short plan will help you navigate the data more easily.
1. Choose your device style - dedicated GPS, minimalist display, or CarPlay unit. Use this comparison table to get an overview.
2. Pick an app - Scenic for exploration, REVER for tracking, Calimoto for curves, Kurviger for control, MyRoute for planning.
3. Set your budget - one-time investment (Garmin, Beeline, Carpuride) vs subscription apps.
4. Think about your rides - long tours, off-road adventures, or weekend escapes.
5. Protect your gear - safeguard your phone or invest in a purpose-built device.
Route planning is the hidden art of motorcycling. The right device or app transforms a ride from routine to remarkable. Whether you trust a Garmin, prefer the whisper of a Beeline, or let Scenic surprise you with curves, the choice is yours. What matters is this: your journey deserves the right guide.
My 10 Cents in Closing
Route planning is the hidden art of motorcycling. In the U.S., riders have a wide choice of reliable tools - Garmin for touring, Beeline for minimalism, Carpuride for app flexibility, and a range of apps to match every style. With the right choice, your freedom finds the best road.
Fred, Jessi & iFred - on the Road for You
On the road, living free and sharing our adventures. Fred rides, Jessi carries, and iFred connects the stories. This time, our journey taught us about finding the best route planning tools for bikers, powered by the freedom from My Easy Side Business.
And always keep in mind where to find the right supplements and residual income!
