[DaveyR]

Hi all
I acquired a used 2018 1200RS a few months ago. It's all configured for satnav - BMW cradle etc, but I have yet to bite the bullet and buy something, However, as the next big trip is only 6 weeks away I need to start focusing attention...

So, can anyone help me with a few questions I have?

1. are there any other satnavs that will fit/interface with the BMW OE fitment, or am I limited to getting a Navigator?
2. is the Navigator worth the money (it seems to be c.£600 wherever I look - which compared to a Michelin map is a bit on the steep side)?
3. am I right in thinking the Navigator V and VI are interchangeable on the same cradle?
4. has anyone got one for sale secondhand, or can anyone recommend a retailer who specialises in secondhand units?

Many thanks

 

[dbyker]

Hopefully others can respond about other models fitting the BMW cradle.

The Garmin/BMW Nav V and VI will fit the cradle and work with the left handlebar controller. The V is a solid model, the VI is a little brighter & faster & has a few more features but has also had some known issues which Garmin has pretty much stood behind (there's a couple Nav VI threads around). Otherwise, both models work decently, fit and lock securely, are waterproof and do the job. They're not the greatest, but they work.

They occasionally but not frequently come up for sale used. There was a Nav VI here just the other day for $300 which I thought was a steal but it went fast. You'll just have to look around for used or find a reasonable price for a new one. I imagine global supply chains are not helping with supply right now, so there's that too.

Best, Dave

 

[DaveyR]

Thanks Dave
Much Appreciated

 

[zer0netgain]

Zumo 660 should also work. I thunk there’s another Zumo model that will also work.

 

[UK Beemer Boy]

Like dbyker has said the BMW nav's work of the left hand wonder wheel. This is great for zooming in and out on the map with little effort or distraction. It also connects to the bikes electronics and gives allsorts of info if required.
You can connect phone and intercom to it and i have music stored in mine.

 

[PeteG]

Hi all
I acquired a used 2018 1200RS a few months ago. It's all configured for satnav - BMW cradle etc, but I have yet to bite the bullet and buy something, However, as the next big trip is only 6 weeks away I need to start focusing attention...

So, can anyone help me with a few questions I have?

1. are there any other satnavs that will fit/interface with the BMW OE fitment, or am I limited to getting a Navigator?
2. is the Navigator worth the money (it seems to be c.£600 wherever I look - which compared to a Michelin map is a bit on the steep side)?
3. am I right in thinking the Navigator V and VI are interchangeable on the same cradle?
4. has anyone got one for sale secondhand, or can anyone recommend a retailer who specialises in secondhand units?

Many thanks

Another option is the BMW Connected Ride Cradle. It’s about £200 and slots right into your nav prep and holds your smartphone in place of a Nav V or VI. I am using one with an iPhone 12 and it is excellent so far, plus you still get to use the handlebar switchgear / wheel to scroll and change screens etc.

 

[Wally E]

Hi all
I acquired a used 2018 1200RS a few months ago. It's all configured for satnav - BMW cradle etc, but I have yet to bite the bullet and buy something, However, as the next big trip is only 6 weeks away I need to start focusing attention...

So, can anyone help me with a few questions I have?

1. are there any other satnavs that will fit/interface with the BMW OE fitment, or am I limited to getting a Navigator?
2. is the Navigator worth the money (it seems to be c.£600 wherever I look - which compared to a Michelin map is a bit on the steep side)?
3. am I right in thinking the Navigator V and VI are interchangeable on the same cradle?
4. has anyone got one for sale secondhand, or can anyone recommend a retailer who specialises in secondhand units?

Many thanks

Yet another option is the WunderLINQ. It works in the same way as the BMW ConnectedRide Cradle, and also provides LH wheel controller functionality with a choice of nav apps. About $250US I think.

 

[RC65]

Another option is the BMW Connected Ride Cradle. It’s about £200 and slots right into your nav prep and holds your smartphone in place of a Nav V or VI. I am using one with an iPhone 12 and it is excellent so far, plus you still get to use the handlebar switchgear / wheel to scroll and change screens etc.

On one hand, I’ve been so excited about this option, but on the other hand, so concerned about the potential vibration damage to my phone’s camera, as per recent reports and cautions in the news. I just got a new iPhone 13, and don’t want to break it right after buying the thing. Vibration damping seems to be minimal or nonexistent with the current mount, as near as I can tell…I tried to find some reassurance in the ConnectedRide promotional material, but it appears to avoid the issue.

I guess I could try and find & buy a dedicated iPhone 12 (to still take advantage of wireless charging) to use, but at that point/cost, I might as well buy a dedicated nav unit instead. It’d be cheaper: $500ish for a nav unit to put in the stock cradle vs. $200 for the ConnectedRide cradle plus $600ish for used iPhone 12.

That’s the back-and-forth my mind has been doing on the issue…still not sure what I’m going to do. If it wouldn’t break my current phone’s camera, the ConnectedRide is obviously the cheapest and most attractive option. Will probably just let the early adopters be the guinea pigs for this first year, see if there are any complaints about vibration damage, before I do anything.

 

[Wally E]

On one hand, I’ve been so excited about this option, but on the other hand, so concerned about the potential vibration damage to my phone’s camera, as per recent reports and cautions in the news. I just got a new iPhone 13, and don’t want to break it right after buying the thing. Vibration damping seems to be minimal or nonexistent with the current mount, as near as I can tell…I tried to find some reassurance in the ConnectedRide promotional material, but it appears to avoid the issue.

I guess I could try and find & buy a dedicated iPhone 12 (to still take advantage of wireless charging) to use, but at that point/cost, I might as well buy a dedicated nav unit instead. It’d be cheaper: $500ish for a nav unit to put in the stock cradle vs. $200 for the ConnectedRide cradle plus $600ish for used iPhone 12.

That’s the back-and-forth my mind has been doing on the issue…still not sure what I’m going to do. If it wouldn’t break my current phone’s camera, the ConnectedRide is obviously the cheapest and most attractive option. Will probably just let the early adopters be the guinea pigs for this first year, see if there are any complaints about vibration damage, before I do anything.

IMHO you're pretty safe mounting a phone on the OEM nav prep which has rubber mounting bushes.. Mounting a phone directly on the handlebar with no damping would be a no-no.
I've had my iPhone 8+ on the nav prep/WunderLINQ for more than 15000 km with no problem at all.

 

[PeteG]

On one hand, I’ve been so excited about this option, but on the other hand, so concerned about the potential vibration damage to my phone’s camera, as per recent reports and cautions in the news. I just got a new iPhone 13, and don’t want to break it right after buying the thing. Vibration damping seems to be minimal or nonexistent with the current mount, as near as I can tell…I tried to find some reassurance in the ConnectedRide promotional material, but it appears to avoid the issue.

I guess I could try and find & buy a dedicated iPhone 12 (to still take advantage of wireless charging) to use, but at that point/cost, I might as well buy a dedicated nav unit instead. It’d be cheaper: $500ish for a nav unit to put in the stock cradle vs. $200 for the ConnectedRide cradle plus $600ish for used iPhone 12.

That’s the back-and-forth my mind has been doing on the issue…still not sure what I’m going to do. If it wouldn’t break my current phone’s camera, the ConnectedRide is obviously the cheapest and most attractive option. Will probably just let the early adopters be the guinea pigs for this first year, see if there are any complaints about vibration damage, before I do anything.

I have done over 500 miles with the iPhone 12 in the connected cradle now and there are no issues to report. The sync of the TFT / Phone / Helmet was easy and it all stays hooked up - so far, so good!

 

[PeteG]

As another thought; BMW Connected Ride lists iPhone 12 and 13 as compatible, amongst others as attached, so they must have done some research and if the phone does break, you have Apple warranty......how will they know it wasn't just in your pocket as opposed to in the cradle??

 

[RC65]

Well, the Apple warranty is just for one year so that still leaves next year and the year after etc. etc., plus I’d still rather keep my camera from breaking than mess with warranty (and if it does break then I’m stuck with a ConnectedRide cradle I can’t use any longer lest it happen again). I appreciate the assurances above, but I do think waiting and seeing how first-year adopters fare is probably a prudent move.

 

[43220]

So what's different from an iPhone 12 to the 13? I have a 6S+ that will have to upgrade soon, even though it still works perfectly. It has BT 4.3, when newer ones have 5.0, which has longer range. But would have to upgrade my Cardo unit too, so it's not going to be cheap. Ha ha. I also want to have wireless charging, but did I understand correctly that it went away with the 13? I'd get a leftover 12 if that's the case, and cheaper to boot. Thanks gang.

 

[PeteG]

So what's different from an iPhone 12 to the 13? I have a 6S+ that will have to upgrade soon, even though it still works perfectly. It has BT 4.3, when newer ones have 5.0, which has longer range. But would have to upgrade my Cardo unit too, so it's not going to be cheap. Ha ha. I also want to have wireless charging, but did I understand correctly that it went away with the 13? I'd get a leftover 12 if that's the case, and cheaper to boot. Thanks gang.

I went from a 6S to a 12 and all said and done, you realise it costs a lot to upgrade and it is still just a smartphone with the same apps you had before!

That said, battery is way better, as is the camera and the wireless charging which is present on both 12 and 13. I was a bit miffed as a month after buying the ‘new 12’ it became the ‘new 13’, but having looked at the specs they are basically the same with the 13 being that little bit more as it’s the next generation.

I run a Sena 3s with the TFT and connected cradle to the 12 and it all works perfectly. Perhaps the Cardo is capable of a firmware update that may make it work with newer smartphones?

 

[zer0netgain]

Short answer…there is minimal improvement from one iPhone generation to the next. Buying the prior generation used is a huge savings unless you must have the latest features.

I just upgraded from a 7 to 12 Pro Max. The push to 5G was forcing mom to replace her flip phone by the end of 2022. Once I confirmed a carrier worked at the house, I got both of us 12s. I was happy with the 7, but I could expect that sooner or later I’d also be forced to upgrade, and while AT&T served me well enough, I knew my next phone would require going to a better provider.

When I went from the 3GS to the 4, I gained a flash for the camera and Siri. When I upgraded from the 4 to the 7, that phone’s camera did so well that I took all my European vacation photos with it. The only immediate benefit I’ve gained by going to the 12 is a larger screen (for my aging eyes) and the ability to phone/text from home.

 

[pbansen]

I'm a (very) new owner of a bike with the BMW Navigator 5, although I have been using Garmin GPS units for decades, so my GPS literacy is excellent. Since you have the BMW mount/cradle, my suggestion would be to look for a used Navigator 5. It works great as a GPS with the mount and the added extra of being able to monitor bike functions on the GPS screen is pretty terrific. I may try putting one of my Garmin Zumo units in the cradle to see how it works, but if you can find a lightly used Navigator 5 for $300 or so, it seems like a great unit with excellent functionality to me.

 

[Boxer25]

This is for sale on a GS FB site and there are several on eBay. where are you, you could have a play with mine to see if you think the outlay is worth it if not too far away.

 

[DaveyR]

Thanks all for you're input, ideas, and wise counsel.
I'm keeping tabs on ebay to see what pops up.
Meanwhile, counsel from chief navigator is "we've done this for years with maps and road signs, so why should this trip be any different" - keeping it simple (probably)

Cheers all.

 

[moto-rama]

Hi all
I acquired a used 2018 1200RS a few months ago. It's all configured for satnav - BMW cradle etc, but I have yet to bite the bullet and buy something, However, as the next big trip is only 6 weeks away I need to start focusing attention...

So, can anyone help me with a few questions I have?

1. are there any other satnavs that will fit/interface with the BMW OE fitment, or am I limited to getting a Navigator?
2. is the Navigator worth the money (it seems to be c.£600 wherever I look - which compared to a Michelin map is a bit on the steep side)?
3. am I right in thinking the Navigator V and VI are interchangeable on the same cradle?
4. has anyone got one for sale secondhand, or can anyone recommend a retailer who specialises in secondhand units?

Many thanks

I use Offfline Maps on my phone. There are a few options for that. My favorite are Google Maps. I can also pre-plan routes, save them to screen and just go when I want to. Routing is better with cellular service.

 

[fireman]

Hi all
I acquired a used 2018 1200RS a few months ago. It's all configured for satnav - BMW cradle etc, but I have yet to bite the bullet and buy something, However, as the next big trip is only 6 weeks away I need to start focusing attention...

So, can anyone help me with a few questions I have?

1. are there any other satnavs that will fit/interface with the BMW OE fitment, or am I limited to getting a Navigator?
2. is the Navigator worth the money (it seems to be c.£600 wherever I look - which compared to a Michelin map is a bit on the steep side)?
3. am I right in thinking the Navigator V and VI are interchangeable on the same cradle?
4. has anyone got one for sale secondhand, or can anyone recommend a retailer who specialises in secondhand units?

Many thanks

After using BMW Nav 6 for about a year now, I can tell you that it doesn't do anything significantly better than a modern smartphone, with exception of integration into the wonder wheel (buy a BMW Nav. phone cradle for that) and using while wearing gloves or when raining/wet. There is a learning curve to just how to operate the unit, and it can be confusing at times.

Considering you have a 2018 model, a BMW Nav 6 would allow you to integrate cell phone's media player via Nav 6 as well as show live traffic (you need Link+ Garmin app on your phone and internet connection), as well as show certain motorcycle stats that are not easily readable or not available on the instrument panel of your motorcycle. One big benefit of Garmin navigation systems comes not from the unit itself, but from accompanying computer software called Basecamp. It is a very powerful and somewhat complex program that does a lot of things, and therefore it takes time to learn how to use it.

From what I understood, Nav 5 and Nav 6 are fairly similar, with exception of slightly updated electronic guts, and minor functionality upgrades when it comes to connectivity. I don't know what the exact differences are, but I'm sure there is a good youtube video on the topic.

If you are used to Google maps/Waze/Apple Maps or their respective integration into modern cars, you will probably be disappointed with how clumsy some things can be on a Nav 6 compared to Google maps. There are several free/inexpensive applications with off-line navigation/maps, even Google maps has some limited functionality baked-in, although you need to dig into settings. I only used off-line navigation on smartphone briefly to get to a main road that has connectivity.

Nav 6 specifically has a major manufacturing defect with touch screens: a lot of people reporting the problem (see more here). Garmin fixes them, but it takes several weeks at a time for shipping, unless your BMW dealer is willing to replace on the spot. It is a bit of a gamble even with a brand-new unit, especially when you are planning a trip.

BMW has an application that displays a lot of useful information about your bike. I don't know if it works with pre-TFT motorcycle models, but it could be worth looking into it. I used it for navigation, route planning and find it totally sufficient in absence of the Nav 5/6 or other alternatives. You might need a BMW cradle to use it in the absence of TFT screen on the bike.

BMW Motorrad Connected on the App Store (apple.com)

Bottom line: IMHO a used BMW Nav 5/6 it is not worth 300-600 quid, unless your phone is not water resistant and/or you don't want to use it as a navigation tool (maybe time to upgrade the phone instead of buying a BMW Nav unit). Also, placement of the navigation cradle is not ideal on R/RS bikes, below the line of sight on the handlebars. It can be remedied with fairly expensive Wunderlich contraption (almost $300 USD). I think there are a few different manufacturers out there for RS that make a similar unit as the Wunderlich, also expensive.

P.S. Please don't use paper maps... LOL