How Do You Use Your GPS

eddiekay · December 28th, 2014, 09:26 AM

Besides finding a gas station , what do you use your GPS for.
Do you leave it on all the time or just when you're lost or running low on fuel. Do you leave it on for the whole trip or just when you have to find that exact final address. It seems like everybody has one but me. What am I missing?

verboten1 · December 28th, 2014, 11:04 AM

If I used it when I was lost, I would be using it all the time on trips. I just head in the direction I want to go, and look up food or gas when needed!

dcj13 · December 28th, 2014, 11:06 AM

You're missing out on the opportunity to direct your attention to a little screen instead of the world around you. Go to a restaurant or mall and look around. See all those folks that are fiddling with their smart phone? That's similar to what you're missing.

One can carefully (and time-consumingly) plan routes with waypoints and collect all kinds of data (overall and waypoint-to-waypoint). Then after the ride, one can look at the numbers: total time; average speed; top speed; waypoint-to-waypoint info; and on.

Or one can break out the paper map, figure out a route, write down a few pieces of key information, and put it in the top of the tank bag and go. The smart phone can tell one where the closest gas station is.

eddiekay · December 28th, 2014, 11:12 AM

One can carefully (and time-consumingly) plan routes with waypoints and collect all kinds of data (overall and waypoint-to-waypoint). Then after the ride, one can look at the numbers: total time; average speed; top speed; waypoint-to-waypoint info; and on.
Oh....I can see how that might be useful.

adouglas · December 28th, 2014, 11:13 AM

useful for finding my way to an unfamiliar address. otherwise, i don't use one

dcj13 · December 28th, 2014, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adouglas

useful for finding my way to an unfamiliar address. otherwise, i don't use one

Same here.

JohnnyBravo · December 28th, 2014, 11:21 AM

If I'm going someplace and I don't know how to get there I use it when I'm close to get the rest of the way there... The little voice telling me what to do kindly annoys me

NevadaWolf · December 28th, 2014, 11:22 AM

Depends on the purpose of the ride. I have a DeLorme PN-60 so not very in motion friendly. Also use CoPilot or Google on my phone.

Generic every day ride: Simple log of where I went saved on the DeLorme. Never look at it. -also serves as a speedometer check when running new tires or wanting as accurate as possible readings.

Ride to unfamiliar place: Turn by turn directions from phone.

One day long distance ride in familiar area: DeLorme provides instant data on elapsed time and overall average speed. Printed table in tank bag's map pocket provides distances to next gas stop.

Multi day long ride in unfamiliar area: Detailed route on DeLorme provides distance to next stop while CoPilot or Google also provides running turn by turn directions (app choice depends on area data coverage and level of desire to muck with CoPilot) to next area.

Would I like a dedicated vehicle GPS? The ability of weather information overlaid on my position and route would be nice as well as a larger music library stored locally, but meh. My phone can do that.

All depends on what you need it for. GPS is one if those things you really need a good idea of why you need it and how you will use it. If you find you've not needed it and have no intention of changing your riding style, then you aren't missing out on anything other than a distration. If however you find yoirself consulting a map or referencing directions often, it may be useful.

InvisiBill · December 29th, 2014, 12:35 PM

I use Waze and have it running all the time. I don't generally put in a destination for directions while on the bike, but occasionally will stop and check it for roads that look interesting. It's handy for showing which roads are gravel too (that's the kind of surprise I don't like).

cbinker · December 29th, 2014, 12:37 PM

So I don't have to calculate travel time in my head anymore.

dcj13 · December 29th, 2014, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InvisiBill

I use Waze and have it running all the time. I don't generally put in a destination for directions while on the bike, but occasionally will stop and check it for roads that look interesting. It's handy for showing which roads are gravel too (that's the kind of surprise I don't like).

Waze is pretty cool. Prettywife has it on her phone and calls out stuff when we're on I-5 or 405.

I assume you're not reporting stuff when you're doing the riding or driving...

allanoue · December 29th, 2014, 12:54 PM

I like waze. People report police traps and stuff on the road. You can not assume a trap is not there if not reported, but it sure helps. During rush hour and the run up to State College for football games it is very dependable. You can set it to not voice turn by turn and only tell you about alerts.

EsrTek · December 29th, 2014, 02:39 PM

Most I use GPS for is to get around traffic backups when in cage... on bike the phone is busy playing music and I'm not caring much where I am/go.

csmith12 · December 29th, 2014, 02:44 PM

I use gps for 2 main features.

Get to my destination and to find those out of the way places (to eat/shop). Chains are so overdone, try something new every now and then. Variety is the spice of life and supports the locals.

December 28th, 2014, 09:26 AM	#1
eddiekay ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: eddie Location: Lawnguylind Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.	How Do You Use Your GPS Besides finding a gas station , what do you use your GPS for. Do you leave it on all the time or just when you're lost or running low on fuel. Do you leave it on for the whole trip or just when you have to find that exact final address. It seems like everybody has one but me. What am I missing?

December 28th, 2014, 11:04 AM	#2
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	If I used it when I was lost, I would be using it all the time on trips. I just head in the direction I want to go, and look up food or gas when needed! __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

December 28th, 2014, 11:06 AM	#3
dcj13 Participant Name: Dave Location: South of Seattle Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much. MOTM - Aug '15	You're missing out on the opportunity to direct your attention to a little screen instead of the world around you. Go to a restaurant or mall and look around. See all those folks that are fiddling with their smart phone? That's similar to what you're missing. One can carefully (and time-consumingly) plan routes with waypoints and collect all kinds of data (overall and waypoint-to-waypoint). Then after the ride, one can look at the numbers: total time; average speed; top speed; waypoint-to-waypoint info; and on. Or one can break out the paper map, figure out a route, write down a few pieces of key information, and put it in the top of the tank bag and go. The smart phone can tell one where the closest gas station is.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 28th, 2014, 11:13 AM	#5
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	useful for finding my way to an unfamiliar address. otherwise, i don't use one __________________________________________________ I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem.

December 28th, 2014, 11:21 AM	#7
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	If I'm going someplace and I don't know how to get there I use it when I'm close to get the rest of the way there... The little voice telling me what to do kindly annoys me __________________________________________________

December 28th, 2014, 11:12 AM	#4
eddiekay ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: eddie Location: Lawnguylind Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.	One can carefully (and time-consumingly) plan routes with waypoints and collect all kinds of data (overall and waypoint-to-waypoint). Then after the ride, one can look at the numbers: total time; average speed; top speed; waypoint-to-waypoint info; and on. Oh....I can see how that might be useful.

December 28th, 2014, 11:22 AM	#8
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Depends on the purpose of the ride. I have a DeLorme PN-60 so not very in motion friendly. Also use CoPilot or Google on my phone. Generic every day ride: Simple log of where I went saved on the DeLorme. Never look at it. -also serves as a speedometer check when running new tires or wanting as accurate as possible readings. Ride to unfamiliar place: Turn by turn directions from phone. One day long distance ride in familiar area: DeLorme provides instant data on elapsed time and overall average speed. Printed table in tank bag's map pocket provides distances to next gas stop. Multi day long ride in unfamiliar area: Detailed route on DeLorme provides distance to next stop while CoPilot or Google also provides running turn by turn directions (app choice depends on area data coverage and level of desire to muck with CoPilot) to next area. Would I like a dedicated vehicle GPS? The ability of weather information overlaid on my position and route would be nice as well as a larger music library stored locally, but meh. My phone can do that. All depends on what you need it for. GPS is one if those things you really need a good idea of why you need it and how you will use it. If you find you've not needed it and have no intention of changing your riding style, then you aren't missing out on anything other than a distration. If however you find yoirself consulting a map or referencing directions often, it may be useful. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

December 29th, 2014, 12:35 PM	#9
InvisiBill EX500 full of EX250 parts Name: Bill Location: Grand Rapids-ish, MI Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): '18 Ninja 400 • '09 Ninja 500R (selling) • '98 VFR800 (project) • '85 Vulcan VN700 (sold) Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1 MOTM - Aug '15	I use Waze and have it running all the time. I don't generally put in a destination for directions while on the bike, but occasionally will stop and check it for roads that look interesting. It's handy for showing which roads are gravel too (that's the kind of surprise I don't like). __________________________________________________ * Unregistered, I'm not your mom and I'm not paying for your parts, so do whatever you want with your own bike. *

December 29th, 2014, 12:37 PM	#10
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	So I don't have to calculate travel time in my head anymore. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

December 29th, 2014, 12:54 PM	#12
allanoue ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Al Location: York, Pa Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '14	I like waze. People report police traps and stuff on the road. You can not assume a trap is not there if not reported, but it sure helps. During rush hour and the run up to State College for football games it is very dependable. You can set it to not voice turn by turn and only tell you about alerts. __________________________________________________ Keep calm and ride on -Motofool Never quit on a rainy day -ally99

December 29th, 2014, 02:39 PM	#13
EsrTek ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Murfreesboro, TN Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.	Most I use GPS for is to get around traffic backups when in cage... on bike the phone is busy playing music and I'm not caring much where I am/go.

December 29th, 2014, 02:44 PM	#14
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	I use gps for 2 main features. Get to my destination and to find those out of the way places (to eat/shop). Chains are so overdone, try something new every now and then. Variety is the spice of life and supports the locals. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

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