Whether you're commuting through the city, exploring remote backroads, tackling multi day adventure rides or heading deep into the wilderness, choosing the right GPS can make all the difference.
Modern GPS units offer everything from turn by turn navigation and smartphone connectivity to satellite communication and group ride tracking. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for your riding style?
In this guide, we'll compare some of the most popular GPS and navigation devices available today, including the Chigee AIO-5 Lite, Garmin Zumo XT2, Garmin Tread SxS Edition, Garmin Montana 710i, Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus and Garmin eTrex 22x.
Why Use a Dedicated GPS Instead of Your Phone?
While smartphones are great for everyday navigation, dedicated GPS units offer significant advantages for motorcycle and adventure riders:
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Built to withstand vibration, rain, dust and harsh conditions
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Glove friendly operation
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Superior screen visibility in direct sunlight
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Longer battery life
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Off-road mapping capabilities
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Satellite communication options
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Group ride tracking
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More reliable navigation in remote areas
If you're serious about touring, adventure riding or off-road exploration, a dedicated GPS is a worthwhile investment.
Best GPS for Everyday Motorcycle Riders
Chigee AIO-5 Lite Smart Riding System
The Chigee AIO-5 Lite is ideal for riders who want to leverage their smartphone while adding a motorcycle specific display.
Best For:
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Daily commuting
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Weekend road rides
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Riders wanting Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
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Modern touring motorcycles
Key Features:
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Apple CarPlay compatibility
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Android Auto compatibility
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Bright touchscreen display
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Front and rear camera integration capability
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Tyre pressure monitoring compatibility
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Easy motorcycle mounting
Pros:
✔ Uses your favourite navigation apps
✔ Excellent value for money
✔ Modern smartphone style experience
✔ Compact and easy to install
Cons:
✖ Relies on phone connectivity
✖ Less suitable for remote adventure riding
Verdict: If most of your riding involves sealed roads and you want seamless access to Google Maps, Waze and music apps, the Chigee AIO-5 Lite is one of the best smart riding systems available.
Best Motorcycle Touring GPS
Garmin Zumo XT2
The Garmin Zumo XT2 has become the benchmark for motorcycle touring GPS units.
Best For:
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Long distance touring
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Adventure touring
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Road riders wanting premium navigation
Key Features:
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Large ultra bright display
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Rider alerts and route planning
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Scenic routing options
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Topographic mapping
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Satellite imagery
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Group ride mobile tracking
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Weather overlays
Pros:
✔ Outstanding sunlight visibility
✔ Built specifically for motorcycles
✔ Excellent route planning features
✔ Waterproof and rugged construction
Cons:
✖ Premium price point
✖ More features than casual riders may need
Verdict: If you spend significant time touring and want one of the most capable motorcycle GPS units available, the Garmin Zumo XT2 is hard to beat.
Best GPS for Group Adventure Riding
Garmin Tread SxS Edition with 8" Group Ride Tracker
Built for extreme adventures, the Garmin Tread is designed for riders and off-road enthusiasts who venture well beyond mobile coverage.
Best For:
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Adventure riders
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Off-road touring
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Group expeditions
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Remote area travel
Key Features:
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Massive 8-inch display
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Group ride tracking
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Off-road mapping
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Satellite imagery
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Public and private land boundaries
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Rugged military grade construction
Pros:
✔ Exceptional off-road navigation
✔ Group ride tracking functionality
✔ Huge display for easy viewing
✔ Designed for harsh environments
Cons:
✖ Larger size may not suit all motorcycles
✖ Premium investment
Verdict: Riders planning remote expeditions, desert crossings or group adventures will appreciate the advanced navigation and tracking capabilities of the Garmin Tread.
Best GPS for Adventure and Exploration
Garmin Montana 710i
The Montana 710i bridges the gap between handheld GPS units and full-size navigation systems.
Best For:
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Adventure motorcycling
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Hiking and camping
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4WD touring
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Multi sport exploration
Key Features:
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Large glove friendly touchscreen
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Multi GNSS support
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Topographic mapping
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inReach satellite communication
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SOS emergency functionality
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Long battery life
Pros:
✔ Navigation and communication in one device
✔ Highly versatile across multiple activities
✔ Excellent battery performance
✔ Works well on and off the bike
Cons:
✖ Larger than traditional handheld GPS units
Verdict: For riders wanting one device that can transition from motorcycle adventures to hiking and camping trips, the Montana 710i is an excellent choice.
Best Emergency Satellite Communicator
Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus
If safety is your primary concern, the Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus deserves a place in your riding kit.
Best For:
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Adventure riders
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Solo travellers
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Remote touring
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Emergency preparedness
Key Features:
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Global satellite messaging
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Interactive SOS functionality
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Weather forecasts
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Location sharing
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Compact lightweight design
Pros:
✔ Tiny and easy to carry
✔ Works outside mobile coverage
✔ Potentially life saving emergency communication
✔ Excellent battery life
Cons:
✖ Not designed as a primary navigation device
✖ Requires subscription for satellite services
Verdict: Every adventure rider travelling beyond mobile reception should seriously consider carrying an inReach device.
Best Budget Handheld GPS
Garmin eTrex 22x
The eTrex series has been trusted by outdoor enthusiasts for decades.
Best For:
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Budget conscious adventurers
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Trail riding
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Hiking
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Basic navigation needs
Key Features:
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Preloaded TopoActive maps
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Multi GNSS support
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Compact design
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Long battery life
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Simple operation
Pros:
✔ Affordable entry point
✔ Reliable GPS performance
✔ Proven durability
✔ Excellent battery efficiency
Cons:
✖ Smaller screen
✖ Less advanced navigation features
Verdict: The Garmin eTrex 22x remains a fantastic option for riders who want dependable navigation without spending a fortune.
Which GPS Should You Buy?
Choose the Chigee AIO-5 Lite if:
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You primarily ride on road
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You want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
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You prefer using smartphone apps
Choose the Garmin Zumo XT2 if:
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You regularly tour long distances
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You want the best motorcycle specific navigation
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You ride both sealed and unsealed roads
Choose the Garmin Tread if:
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You ride remote tracks and trails
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You travel with groups
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You need advanced off-road navigation
Choose the Garmin Montana 710i if:
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You enjoy multiple outdoor activities
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You want navigation and satellite communication
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You need versatility on and off the bike
Choose the Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus if:
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Safety is your priority
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You ride in remote areas
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You need emergency communication
Choose the Garmin eTrex 22x if:
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You're on a budget
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You need simple, reliable navigation
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You want a lightweight handheld GPS
Final Thoughts
The best GPS for your motorcycle depends entirely on where and how you ride.
For road-focused riders, the Chigee AIO-5 Lite and Garmin Zumo XT2 offer exceptional navigation experiences. Adventure riders venturing off the beaten path will appreciate the Garmin Montana 710i and Garmin Tread, while the Garmin inReach Mini 3 Plus provides invaluable peace of mind when travelling beyond mobile coverage.
No matter your destination, investing in the right GPS can help you ride further, explore more confidently and enjoy every journey to the fullest.
Looking for the best motorcycle GPS in Australia? Browse our range at MotoHeaven of Garmin and Chigee navigation systems and find the perfect companion for your next adventure.
