How to Navigate on Motorcycles Without A Smartphone

Journeying on a motorcycle is a dream that most of us share – the wind rushing past, the engine roaring beneath you, and a sense of freedom like no other. But to keep this adventure on track, you need a reliable navigation system.

Back in the day, paper maps were the only options. Then smartphones came with digital maps, which seemed like a great idea—until we realized how impractical they can be on hours-long rides. If you have been wrestling with phone mounts, battery drains, and constant distractions, read on.

In this blog, you will discover a dedicated alternative to smartphone navigation. Your rides are going to get smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable!

The Problem with Relying on Smartphones

Smartphones are essential in our daily lives; we use them for messaging, browsing, streaming music, and yes, navigation.

But are they really built to handle the demands of hours-long motorcycle rides? No. Here’s a quick look at why your smartphone might not be the best co-pilot:

Battery Drains

With the screen constantly lit and GPS running for extended periods, the phone’s battery can plummet fast. Before you know it, you’re halfway through your journey with a dead device.

Phone Damage Risks

Motorcycles aren’t the most phone-friendly environment. Vibrations, sudden bumps, or an unexpected downpour can wreak havoc on your phone. And with limited mounting options, you risk your expensive device slipping (and getting damaged) on the road.

Visibility Issues

Even the brightest phone display can wash out under direct sunlight, forcing you to tilt the screen at odd angles. And doing that while a riding bike is quite dangerous.

Control Challenges

Phone interfaces are designed for hand-held use. Trying to tap a small icon on a vibrating handlebar is not only inconvenient, it’s downright unsafe. So, motorcycle navigation calls for a purpose-built interface that’s big, glove-friendly, and easy to operate.

A Smart Motorcycle Riding System is the Solution

Instead of relying on a smartphone, consider a dedicated system similar to what you find in cars – an integrated unit with a screen that handles everything, from navigation to music and system controls.

But is that kind of system available in motorcycles? Well, most bikes don’t come with this technology built-in. But there are smart systems like the Chigee All-in-One (AIO) Series that deliver the functionality you need without the distractions that come with using a phone on two wheels.

Learn more about why motorcycle smart systems are better than smartphones through this blog.

Chigee AIO-5 Lite – The Best Alternative to Smartphones for Navigation

Chigee AIO-5 Lite is a complete motorcycle riding system that addresses all the common infotainment challenges riders face. It features a dedicated 5-inch IPS LCD that’s IP67 water-resistant. It can handle any season or temperature, from -20°C to 65°C; that’s far better than most smartphones.

You can sync your Android or iOS phone and enjoy high-quality navigation right on the AIO-5 Lite’s screen. With brightness levels up to 1200 nits and automatic light adjustment, it’s easy to see your maps, even under direct sunlight.

Unlike a smartphone, the LCD is mounted on a shock-absorbing aluminum alloy bracket that withstands vibrations. The screen works seamlessly with or without riding gloves, thanks to a glove-friendly interface and laminated coating that resists dust and moisture.

Best of all, it is powered directly by your bike’s power source (battery), so you don't have to worry about your phone battery being drained quickly.

What’s Possible Beyond Navigation with Smart Riding Systems?

Navigation is just one of the many functions a motorcycle smart system can handle. Once you install the AIO-5 Lite, you open the door to a whole host of additional features:

Video Recording

AIO-5 Lite comes equipped with a wide-angle smart camera at the front and another at the rear, both using Sony IMX307 sensors for crisp, detailed footage. The cameras record in 1080P at 30FPS and save everything directly to the system’s built-in 32GB storage, which is expandable up to 256GB.

Entertainment

Just like in cars with Android Auto or CarPlay, the AIO-5 Lite includes a dedicated app that syncs with your phone and mirrors your apps on the bike’s display. This lets you play music or switch playlists right from your motorcycle’s screen.

Notification Alerts on the Go

You no longer need to fiddle with your phone for messages, emails, or calls. With the AIO-5 Lite, you can see notifications on the display and respond without digging your phone out of a pocket.

Multiple Vehicle Views

Beyond simply recording, the front and rear cameras provide real-time safety perspectives. An advanced algorithm uses the camera sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots. They alert and allow you to ride more confidently and stay aware of your surroundings.

Final Words

Mounting your smartphones on handlebars is outdated, given the safety risks and impracticalities. The way forward is a car-like smart riding system like the AIO-5 Lite.

Besides the Lite version, there’s also the AIO-5 Play (a standalone smart display) and a dedicated AIO5 edition for BMW bikes. Grab the one that suits your ride, and set off on a safer, more enjoyable journey.