Tips for Using Your Smartphone as a Motorcycle Navigation System: From Precautions to Recommended Apps

Smartphone Navigation Apps Convenient for Motorcycle Touring

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/8E-7249769/

More and more people are using navigation on their motorcycles for touring and finding destinations, and smartphone navigation offers an easy-to-use solution.

While dedicated navigation systems are good, smartphone navigation doesn't require an initial investment like dedicated systems and offers various other features.

Many free navigation apps available

Many smartphone navigation apps are available for free, eliminating the need for an initial investment.

Installing a dedicated navigation system can cost tens of thousands to around one hundred thousand yen, a significant difference compared to free navigation apps that only require a smartphone.

Dedicated navigation systems have their advantages, but it's a good idea to start with a free navigation app to save on initial costs. If you find its features insufficient, then consider investing in a dedicated system.

Real-time traffic information and more

Smartphone navigation apps can provide real-time information essential for riding, such as traffic congestion and rain radar.

Traffic information allows you to re-evaluate your route to save time to your destination, and rain radar helps predict the weather along your route and at your destination, which is very convenient.

While basic information is often free, some apps offer more advanced services, such as AI-powered traffic predictions, through paid plans costing a few hundred to 1,000 yen per month.

Easy access to the latest map data

Another major feature of navigation apps is the easy access to constantly updated map data.

Map updates are as simple as tapping the app's update button or the map update button to get the latest data.

Updating maps on a dedicated navigation system requires purchasing memory cards containing map data or preparing a memory card and downloading data from the manufacturer's website, which involves more cost and effort than smartphone navigation apps.

<h3>Easy destination setting</h3>

Smartphone navigation apps are also characterized by their ease of setting destinations.

If you search for information on tourist spots or shops on your smartphone and decide to go there, you can simply paste the address into the navigation app to complete the destination setting.

For example, if you search for a popular restaurant on your smartphone, copy the address of the restaurant you want to visit, and paste it into the navigation's address search, you can set the destination without manually typing the address character by character.

Tips and Pointers for Using Your Smartphone as a Motorcycle Navigator

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There are several tips and key points to make your smartphone navigation experience more convenient.

We also explain tips for long-term stable use, so if you're planning to use your smartphone as a navigator, please refer to this information.

Utilize a "disposable" used smartphone or a secondary smartphone

When using your smartphone for navigation, it's recommended to use a used smartphone that you don't mind getting damaged or a secondary smartphone.

Strong vibrations can lead to malfunctions, and during tip-overs or falls, your smartphone might fly off and hit the ground.

Additionally, non-waterproof smartphones can malfunction in sudden rain, so it's a good idea to use a used smartphone that you don't mind getting damaged or a secondary smartphone.

Using a SIM-free smartphone as a navigator is also an option.

You can use a SIM-free smartphone as a navigator by connecting it via tethering to a smartphone with a data plan.

While this requires having a data-enabled smartphone (your usual phone) and a SIM-free smartphone, it's worth trying for those who own more than one device and want to reduce communication costs.

The slight drawbacks are having to carry two smartphones, and since smartphone navigation consumes a lot of battery, both devices will require power supply.

Power supply from the vehicle is essential when using your smartphone as a navigator.

When using your smartphone as a navigator, it's essential to not only charge your smartphone but also draw power from the motorcycle's power supply.

While used as a navigator, the smartphone is constantly active, leading to faster battery drain. By drawing power from the motorcycle, you can prevent the battery from running out.

Consider waterproofing for rain and other elements.

If your smartphone isn't waterproof, using it in the rain or experiencing sudden downpours can lead to damage from water exposure.

Motorcycles are highly susceptible to weather changes, and even in summer, sudden rain showers can occur. Therefore, if your smartphone isn't waterproof, ensure you take proper waterproofing measures.

Don't overlook vibration; take measures against it.

Smartphones are not very resistant to vibrations, and they are constantly exposed to vibrations from road bumps and the engine, so vibration countermeasures are necessary to prevent damage.

In particular, cameras are vulnerable to vibration, and continuous vibration can lead to malfunctions in camera systems such as image stabilization.

Since the built-in lithium-ion battery for charging is also not very resistant to vibrations, it is important to take thorough vibration countermeasures when using a smartphone as a navigator on a motorcycle.

"Smartphone insurance" useful in an emergency

When using your smartphone as a motorcycle navigator, it's advisable to join smartphone insurance that covers repairs or replacements in case of damage, just in case.

Each carrier offers smartphone insurance, with monthly premiums ranging from 400 to 1,500 yen. This insurance covers not only damage from drops but also water damage.

In addition to smartphone insurance offered by carriers, there are also smartphone insurance plans (for electronic devices) provided by insurance companies, where repair costs for damage or breakage are paid out at a rate determined by your insurance plan.

Precautions for using your smartphone as a motorcycle navigator

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There are several precautions to take when using your smartphone as a motorcycle navigator.

By understanding these precautions, you can take preventive measures or prepare in advance. So, if you're using your smartphone as a navigator, please pay attention to the following points for safe use.

High risk of falling off and damage due to vibration.
Fast battery drain.
Beware of signal conditions at your touring destination.

Caution 1: High risk of detachment and damage due to vibration

When using a smartphone as a motorcycle navigation system, there is a high risk of the smartphone detaching or being damaged by vibrations during riding.

If the motorcycle tips over or falls, the smartphone may detach or be damaged by the impact of the fall.

Furthermore, even without severe impact to the smartphone, continuous vibrations (shaking) during riding can cause malfunctions in features like camera shake correction, leading to damage.

Caution 2: Rapid battery consumption

When using a smartphone navigation app, the smartphone is constantly active, leading to faster battery consumption.

Especially for long trips like touring, it's necessary to constantly secure power, such as by drawing power from the motorcycle's battery.

Caution 3: Beware of signal conditions at your touring destination

When riding to a touring destination or along remote mountain roads, it's also necessary to check if there is cell service.

If you go out of range, the navigation map information will no longer update, rendering the navigation useless.

When using smartphone navigation, check the signal conditions along your route. If you plan to ride long distances out of range, memorize the route or carry a paper map to avoid getting lost on unfamiliar roads.

Turn your smartphone into a motorcycle navigator! 10 Recommended Apps

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Here are 10 recommended smartphone navigation apps suitable for motorcycles.

Many are free to use, but more convenient features often come with a fee. So, it's a good idea to try them for free first, and if you want to use them more conveniently, consider a paid plan.

1. Google Maps by Google

Source: https://www.google.co.jp/maps/

Google Maps is offered by Google LLC, a company so synonymous with search that "googling" has become a verb, making it the global standard for search engines.

In addition to being used as a map, it can also be used as a navigation system, making it recommended for those who regularly use Google Maps.

It provides directions not only for motorcycles and cars but also for walking and public transportation, and it displays nearby stores and spots along the route, making it easy to understand the environment around your route.

Developer: Google LLC
OS: iOS/Android
Voice guidance: Yes
Usage fee: Free
Website URL: https://www.google.co.jp/maps/

2. Yahoo! Car Navigation by Yahoo! JAPAN

Source: https://carnavi.yahoo.co.jp/promo/

Yahoo! Car Navigation is a service from Yahoo! JAPAN, which, along with Google, provides search engines widely used in Japan, making it recommended for those who regularly use Yahoo!.

In addition to route search and guidance, it also displays gas prices at nearby gas stations and offers an easy-to-read map.

Furthermore, a multimedia remote compatible with Yahoo! Car Navigation is also available. While motorcycles offer less freedom of placement than cars, it can enhance convenience.

Developer: Yahoo! JAPAN
OS: iOS/Android
Voice guidance: Yes
Usage fee: Free (with in-app purchases)
Website URL: https://carnavi.yahoo.co.jp/promo/

3. Touring Supporter by NAVITIME

Source: https://touring.products.navitime.co.jp/

Touring Supporter is a navigation app provided by NAVITIME JAPAN, recommended for those who want to use a popular navigation app.

As of 2018, it boasts over 50 million users (total unique users across all services), making it one of Japan's largest navigation apps. It provides route guidance for various modes of transport, including motorcycles, walking, and public transportation.

There are free and paid plans. To use it as a navigation system, you need to subscribe to a paid plan of about 400 yen per month. However, the free plan allows you to search maps, view train congestion information, and use "Spot Search" to find facilities near your current location.

Developer: NAVITIME JAPAN
OS: iOS/Android
Voice guidance: Yes
Usage fee: Free (with in-app purchases)
Website URL: https://touring.products.navitime.co.jp/

4. au Car Navigation by KDDI

Source: https://www.au.com/mobile/service/carnavi/

au Car Navigation is a navigation app provided by mobile carrier au, recommended for au users who collect Ponta points.

Miles accumulate based on distance traveled and can be exchanged for Ponta points. Additionally, a major feature is that it can be used as a navigation system even in areas without cell service, as it's a map app where maps are downloaded to the device.

The usage fee is 550 yen per month, but the first month is free. Moreover, if you are subscribed to au Smart Pass or Smart Pass Premium, it will be free for two months, including the joining month.

Developer: KDDI
OS: iOS/Android
Voice guidance: Yes
Usage fee: Premium course: from 550 yen per month, others: half-year and annual courses available
Website URL: https://www.au.com/mobile/service/carnavi/

5. MAPS.ME by CYPRUS

Source: https://ja.maps.me/

For those looking for an offline navigation app, "MAPS.ME" provided by CYPRUS is recommended.

Even without an internet connection, you can search maps, create bookmarks, and create routes. Measuring the distance to a destination is also easy by simply specifying the origin and destination points.

In addition to motorcycle route guidance, it can also search for routes for public transport, air travel, and walking, making it a navigation app that can be used for sightseeing after getting off your motorcycle at your touring destination.

Developer: CYPRUS LTD.
OS: iOS/Android
Voice guidance: Yes
Usage fee: Free (with in-app purchases)
Website URL: https://ja.maps.me/

6. MAP by Apple

Source: https://www.apple.com/jp/maps/

Recommended for iPhone users, "MAP Apple" is a map app provided by Apple, which sells iPhones and iPads, and it comes pre-installed on iPhones and iPads.

It's easy to search for routes to your destination, and it supports 3D map images that can be viewed 360 degrees, similar to Google Street View, so you can know the surroundings of your destination in advance.

You can also share driving routes with friends, or create and share guides with overviews and histories of selected spots.

Developer: Apple
OS: iOS
Voice guidance: Yes
Usage fee: Pre-installed
Website URL: https://www.apple.com/jp/maps/

7. Life Ranger Navi by MTI

Source: https://www.mti.co.jp/?p=20682

Life Ranger Navi is a navigation app provided by MTI, recommended for those who want to know traffic information and speed camera information (locations and speed limits).

It clearly displays one-way streets and landmarks, and allows easy search for nearby essential spots like bus stops and restaurants by genre or free keyword.

The paid plan offers higher convenience, providing real-time traffic information, congestion predictions based on past data by selecting a calendar date and road, voice guidance for intersection names and directions, and warnings near speed cameras.

Developer: MTI
OS: iOS/Android
Voice guidance: Yes
Usage fee: 30-day ticket: 370 yen, 90-day ticket: 980 yen (free plan also available)
Website URL: https://www.mti.co.jp/?p=20682

8. Zenrin Itsumo Navi by Zenrin

Source: https://www.its-mo.com/

"Zenrin Itsumo Navi" is a navigation app provided by Zenrin, a map information company famous for its residential maps, and is recommended for those who want to view detailed residential maps.

In addition to free-word searches, you can simply select genres like gourmet food or tourist attractions to get recommendations for nearby spots. It also has interesting features such as searching for filming locations from dramas and movies.

The paid plan allows you to get real-time traffic information, and there's a free trial period of 7 days for iOS and 20 days for Android (Google Play).

Developer: Zenrin
OS: iOS/Android
Voice guidance: Yes
Usage fee: (Monthly) 324-360 yen, (Annually) 3,000 yen
Website URL: https://www.its-mo.com/

9. MAPLUS Charade Navi by Edia

Source: https://www.maplus-navi.jp/

"MAPLUS Charade Navi" is a navigation app provided by Edia, a company that handles game services and comic publishing. It's recommended for those who want to customize their navigation by changing the voice to that of an anime character.

It features voice guidance from luxurious characters such as those from the movie "Yuru Camp△", Shō Hayami, voice actress Sumi Shimamoto, and Shinnosuke Nohara from Crayon Shin-chan, and also customizes the screen design.

In addition to voice route guidance, you can hear dialogue depending on the driving situation, making it an enjoyable app for character lovers.

Developer: Edia
OS: iOS/Android
Voice guidance: Yes
Usage fee: Item purchases from 550 yen to 1,960 yen
Website URL: https://www.maplus-navi.jp/

10. Mapion by ONE COMPATH

Source: https://www.mapion.co.jp/

Mapion is a service provided by ONE COMPATH, a group company of Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., a major comprehensive printing company.

Standard maps, route search, topographic maps, and disaster prevention maps are available for free. For 250 yen per month, you can also access reachability maps, boundary maps, and street name maps, though you can view them for 5 minutes free by watching an advertisement.

Among them, the paid "Reachability Map" is particularly useful for planning tours, as it shows how far you can reach from a specified point in one-minute increments, helping you estimate travel times.

Developer: ONE COMPATH
OS: iOS/Android
Voice guidance: No
Usage fee: 250 yen per month
Website URL: https://www.mapion.co.jp/

Summary

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We've covered an overview of smartphone navigation apps for motorcycle riding, along with tips for using your smartphone as a navigator and points to be aware of.

Using smartphone navigation apps consumes your smartphone's battery quickly, so if you're going on long tours, you should consider powering your phone from the motorcycle.

We've also introduced 10 recommended smartphone navigation apps, so if you're riding a motorcycle while using smartphone navigation, please refer to them.