GPS Cradle - Guess I'll Just Move it and Figure it Out Later

[TriangleRider]

When I got my bike, I promised myself I would wait 5K miles to make any mods.

At about 5,001 miles I bought a MotoMate and wish I had done this sooner. Yes, the GPS works in the stock location, but it is much better above the TFT where it is directly in my line of sight.

[Lee]

I get traffic warnings when I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Are you talking about the constant rerouting due to traffic that could be hundreds of miles down the road? Can these can be disabled under avoidances -> traffic? Unchecking the traffic boxes (Setting -> Traffic) might also help.

I have Traffic unchecked on the GPS.

I get a message at the top of the GPS screen saying Traffic Congestion and I get a ding if the sound is on. It does not try to reroute me.

[ESquared]

Ray has some fantastic info/data over on the Windscreen thread, and just posted about his trip to Aeroflow, where he test-rode a
touring variant.

What caught my eye was this: "Relative airflow both sides of the screen seem optimized in either position. (One reason the engineers at BMW and Paige don't recommend obstruction of airflow on the backside of the windscreen by mounting a navigator against the screen.)"

Does this help explain BMW's placement of the cradle? Seems like the only explanation I've seen so far.

[Ray]

.....But, you guys think the cradle relo is the right move, or no?

(back to the thread)

Perhaps a minor issue at lower speeds, but the fastidious Paige Ortiz of Aeroflow argues against obstruction of high speed airflow along the back of the screen by mounting the navigator in that position.

That seems a likely reason that the BMW engineers went with the lower and less ergonomic mount on the RS, and one reason the Aerofliow design was not modified to accommodate those who use higher mounts.

[Grumpy Goat]

Perhaps a minor issue at lower speeds, but the fastidious Paige Ortiz of Aeroflow argues against obstruction of high speed airflow along the back of the screen by mounting the navigator in that position.

That seems a likely reason that the BMW engineers went with the lower and less ergonomic mount on the RS, and one reason the Aerofliow design was not modified to accommodate those who use higher mounts.

I cannot personally support or deny that theory since I had my GPS relocated early in my bike’s life. That said, it is almost a universally held view that the stock windscreen on the RS is noisy, and most people with RS’s done have relocated GPSs.

I don’t expect any windscreen other than a barn door will be quiet on the RS. The question is, how quiet do you want to go while balancing the lack of cooling air. Since owning a naked bike (quietest / smoothest I have experienced) I will never get a bike with a large screen. The Tracer‘s screen is about the largest I can stomach, and with the deflector lip it works for me, especially now that Houston is cooling down. My MRA Xcreen Sport on the RS is a nice compromise and it’s actually much better than stock even with the relocated GPS.

But I do also like the Aeroflow Sport windscreen, especially the width that controls the airflow at the sides.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[maxredline]

I do like the moto-mate bracket for the 1200 but with the stock windshield at the low position the Nav screen has to be at a less than optimal angle or me. This angle could reduce glare but I do not know that. I plan to use the upper windscreen position so it is not an issue.

[ESquared]

I promised myself I wasn't even going to touch the Connected Cradle until after my run-in service, so this became the weekend to dive into that accessory.

Once I figured out how to remove the Navi-Prep cover, popping the cradle in place was super simple, and securing the phone in place was easy as well.

I had "pinned" a decent route for today's outing in Google maps, and it was fairly easy to get to that pinned route even after I had the phone clicked into the cradle.  Just hit "Start" and got turn-by-turn directions (on-screen only, no audio- that's next week's project), re-routes if I decided to deviate from what was prescribed and the cradle kept the phone charged (wirelessly) at 100% the whole time.

Unfortunately, I can't take a picture of the phone in the cradle because the camera's in the phone, but I did snap a pic from a bit of a distance so you can get the idea of perspective of where the cradle sits relative to the TFT screen, windshield, etc.  This is the Wunderlich Marathon screen in the "UP"position, just for reference.  No issues seeing all the necessary info on the TFT, and the NAVI screen is at a great height for quick checks of "miles until next turn" type of info.

[ESquared]

Didn't want to cross-post and the admin may end up moving it, but see a "first drive" of the Connected Cradle in the "Newbie" thread today.

[Grumpy Goat]

Didn't want to cross-post and the admin may end up moving it, but see a "first drive" of the Connected Cradle in the "Newbie" thread today.

Good guess ...   I do like to see staying on topic as much as possible ... makes it easier when we advise others to "do a search ..." Even the Connected Cradle posts in the "Newbie" thread can be moved over here for easy reading (which I just did).

I don't have a Connected Cradle but I am interested in knowing all about it since it looks like it may be the placement for the venerable Navigator.

[Pyrrho]

I bought a Nav VI used on Craigslist for $450. I don't expect there to be a Nav VII -- looks like BMW is replacing it with combined use of the TFT w/Connected Ride app and/or Connected Ride cradle. Haven't bought a relocation kit yet as I kind of like the idea of not having my damn phone in front of me all the time. And besides, between the handlebars is where I put a Garmin on a previous RS and that worked out pretty well.

   

[ESquared]

Didn't want to cross-post and the admin may end up moving it, but see a "first drive" of the Connected Cradle in the "Newbie" thread today.

Good guess ...   I do like to see staying on topic as much as possible ... makes it easier when we advise others to "do a search ..." Even the Connected Cradle posts in the "Newbie" thread can be moved over here for easy reading (which I just did).

I don't have a Connected Cradle but I am interested in knowing all about it since it looks like it may be the placement for the venerable Navigator.

I may be wrong, but I believe the only real purpose for the Connected Cradle is to hold a cell phone that the rider intends to use for Navi, Music, Phoning and related activities.  And the wireless charging of said phone, if it's so equipped.  The XR fits nicely.

[ESquared]

I bought a Nav VI used on Craigslist for $450. I don't expect there to be a Nav VII -- looks like BMW is replacing it with combined use of the TFT w/Connected Ride app and/or Connected Ride cradle. Haven't bought a relocation kit yet as I kind of like the idea of not having my damn phone in front of me all the time. And besides, between the handlebars is where I put a Garmin on a previous RS and that worked out pretty well.

For me, it's a line of sight issue.  Having the Navi staked basically to the top of the triple clamp was a deal breaker.  It was outstanding for me on the trip this morning, as it was to a destination I'd never been, so just having the visuals of upcoming turns (even without her lovely voice) was a plus.

[pej7445]

I promised myself I wasn't even going to touch the Connected Cradle until after my run-in service, so this became the weekend to dive into that accessory.

Once I figured out how to remove the Navi-Prep cover, popping the cradle in place was super simple, and securing the phone in place was easy as well.

I had "pinned" a decent route for today's outing in Google maps, and it was fairly easy to get to that pinned route even after I had the phone clicked into the cradle.  Just hit "Start" and got turn-by-turn directions (on-screen only, no audio- that's next week's project), re-routes if I decided to deviate from what was prescribed and the cradle kept the phone charged (wirelessly) at 100% the whole time.

Unfortunately, I can't take a picture of the phone in the cradle because the camera's in the phone, but I did snap a pic from a bit of a distance so you can get the idea of perspective of where the cradle sits relative to the TFT screen, windshield, etc.  This is the Wunderlich Marathon screen in the "UP"position, just for reference.  No issues seeing all the necessary info on the TFT, and the NAVI screen is at a great height for quick checks of "miles until next turn" type of info.

I'm curious after over a year of use what your thoughts are of the Connected Cradle? I just bought a used 2020 RS and I'm exploring this as an option. Do you also use the Connected Ride App?

[ESquared]

I promised myself I wasn't even going to touch the Connected Cradle until after my run-in service, so this became the weekend to dive into that accessory.

Once I figured out how to remove the Navi-Prep cover, popping the cradle in place was super simple, and securing the phone in place was easy as well.

I had "pinned" a decent route for today's outing in Google maps, and it was fairly easy to get to that pinned route even after I had the phone clicked into the cradle.  Just hit "Start" and got turn-by-turn directions (on-screen only, no audio- that's next week's project), re-routes if I decided to deviate from what was prescribed and the cradle kept the phone charged (wirelessly) at 100% the whole time.

Unfortunately, I can't take a picture of the phone in the cradle because the camera's in the phone, but I did snap a pic from a bit of a distance so you can get the idea of perspective of where the cradle sits relative to the TFT screen, windshield, etc.  This is the Wunderlich Marathon screen in the "UP"position, just for reference.  No issues seeing all the necessary info on the TFT, and the NAVI screen is at a great height for quick checks of "miles until next turn" type of info.

I'm curious after over a year of use what your thoughts are of the Connected Cradle? I just bought a used 2020 RS and I'm exploring this as an option. Do you also use the Connected Ride App?

It's a mixed bag, honestly.  The biggest positive is the positioning for better on-road visibility/access.
The downsides have been both technical and physical.
The biggest technical issue is that my phone (an older iPhone XR, admittedly) doesn't automatically pair every time on start up (but it does MOST of the time), so it's not tracking all the rides, mileage, etc.  In my case, if I wanted to make sure all the devices were talking to one another, it just amounted to double-checking the connection before taking off.
Maybe a bigger disappointment was that the sliding "arm" that extends out of the right-hand side and holds the phone in place (laterally, if that makes sense) somehow "warped" and would no longer fit flush with the surface/edge of the phone.  The fix turned out to be a $33 "Repair Kit" that was recently released by the mother ship to address such problems, which amounted to new sliding arm and some other bits and pieces.
Bottom line is I'd strongly recommend moving the Nav to above the TFT, but consider how much you'd be using which functions of the app, what hardware/phone you'd be connecting to it and how patient you'd be with the learning curve(s) getting it all to work together.

[pej7445]

I promised myself I wasn't even going to touch the Connected Cradle until after my run-in service, so this became the weekend to dive into that accessory.

Once I figured out how to remove the Navi-Prep cover, popping the cradle in place was super simple, and securing the phone in place was easy as well.

I had "pinned" a decent route for today's outing in Google maps, and it was fairly easy to get to that pinned route even after I had the phone clicked into the cradle.  Just hit "Start" and got turn-by-turn directions (on-screen only, no audio- that's next week's project), re-routes if I decided to deviate from what was prescribed and the cradle kept the phone charged (wirelessly) at 100% the whole time.

Unfortunately, I can't take a picture of the phone in the cradle because the camera's in the phone, but I did snap a pic from a bit of a distance so you can get the idea of perspective of where the cradle sits relative to the TFT screen, windshield, etc.  This is the Wunderlich Marathon screen in the "UP"position, just for reference.  No issues seeing all the necessary info on the TFT, and the NAVI screen is at a great height for quick checks of "miles until next turn" type of info.

I'm curious after over a year of use what your thoughts are of the Connected Cradle? I just bought a used 2020 RS and I'm exploring this as an option. Do you also use the Connected Ride App?

"It's a mixed bag, honestly.  The biggest positive is the positioning for better on-road visibility/access.
The downsides have been both technical and physical.
The biggest technical issue is that my phone (an older iPhone XR, admittedly) doesn't automatically pair every time on start up (but it does MOST of the time), so it's not tracking all the rides, mileage, etc.  In my case, if I wanted to make sure all the devices were talking to one another, it just amounted to double-checking the connection before taking off.
Maybe a bigger disappointment was that the sliding "arm" that extends out of the right-hand side and holds the phone in place (laterally, if that makes sense) somehow "warped" and would no longer fit flush with the surface/edge of the phone.  The fix turned out to be a $33 "Repair Kit" that was recently released by the mother ship to address such problems, which amounted to new sliding arm and some other bits and pieces.
Bottom line is I'd strongly recommend moving the Nav to above the TFT, but consider how much you'd be using which functions of the app, what hardware/phone you'd be connecting to it and how patient you'd be with the learning curve(s) getting it all to work together."



Thank you for the quick response. My local BMW dealer has an open box that he's willing to let me explore/test out. If I buy one it will come with a 2 year warranty, hopefully the new design wiill address the earlier design flaw you experienced. My phone is a Galaxy S22+ and it pairs reliably with the TFT. I'm generally pleased with the Connected Ride App so far, but I really can't stand the Nav 6.

[Grumpy Goat]

The biggest technical issue is that my phone (an older iPhone XR, admittedly) doesn't automatically pair every time on start up (but it does MOST of the time),...

If the pairing is via Bluetooth, then the fault is likely with the iPhone. I had a similar experience with the previous phone (also iPhone XR) pairing to my Cardo or my Nav VI (my bike does not have BT) and also with my Tiger. I upgraded the iPhone to an iPhone 13 Pro and still have occasional failure to pair automatically. In all cases the PITA solution is to go into the iPhone Settings and turn BT off then on.

[Gazza]

Well after much research I went with the connected cradle.  2017 R1200RS.  I had a Samsung S8 that was in good shape so used that.  Remote charging capable and can keep the cover on it while charging;  The BMW app connected without any drama and the phone GPS  display seems to bright and high res.  The thumb wheel works well and shows all the systems data that I will ever need. A new-to-me bike which is still not insured.  Waiting for riding weather.