I'm working on a Seattle to Austin ride in October.  I've got the standard BMW Connected Ride but I replaced it with a Carpuride for the better audio quality and flexibility with nav apps. These sorts of trips tend to wander into areas where phone service is non-existent and I'd like to have off-line nav. So, I'd like to know what you prefer for an off-line capable nav app and why you like it. Thanks in advance for the advice.

I have a BMW Nav VI which I would use when not using the Carpuride 702B, e.g. where there is no cell signal. So far my Nav VI screen has been behaving itself but then I don't use it that much.

I have only my Nav VI (2018) and use it all the time without any screen issues.

I'm sort of torn between Rever and TomTom. Google maps is fine for what I do, but I won't always have cell service. I don't mind paying for the app. In the greater scheme of things, they don't really cost much for the utility I will derive.

(08-20-2025, 07:49 PM)saread Wrote: I'm sort of torn between Rever and TomTom.  Google maps is fine for what I do, but I won't always have cell service.  I don't mind paying for the app.  In the greater scheme of things, they don't really cost much for the utility I will derive.

Wasn't aware that Tom Tom had an app so had to go check it out. Always wondered what that would be like compared to Garmin, aside from the different map appearance. does not look like there is a motorcycle version, not that it would matter much. I tried Rever for 5 minutes ... didn't take to it. Maybe I should give it 10 minutes if I ever really had a need. 

I do have the ReveR app but use it to develop routes and then transfer them as GPX files to the Garmin. I just don't like using my phone for this stuff as it's most certainly NOT weather proof.

(08-21-2025, 04:21 AM)Motorhead1977 Wrote: I just don't like using my phone for this stuff as it's most certainly NOT weather proof.

Yes there is that too ...

(08-21-2025, 04:21 AM)Motorhead1977 Wrote: I do have the ReveR app but use it to develop routes and then transfer them as GPX files to the Garmin. I just don't like using my phone for this stuff as it's most certainly NOT weather proof.

(08-21-2025, 06:46 AM)Grumpy Goat Wrote:

(08-21-2025, 04:21 AM)Motorhead1977 Wrote: I just don't like using my phone for this stuff as it's most certainly NOT weather proof.

Yes there is that too ...

Well, that's the point of the Carpuride. Phone is in my pocket or tank bag. I still retain functionality via Android Auto so I can make/receive calls, listen to music, etc.

Old school guy here. I use my Garmin Nav VI and BaseCamp for planning adventures. For example, I'm riding from my secret HQ in the Snoqualmie Valley over to Republic, WA on Monday. I set up a route out Hwy 2 to the town of Wilber, then north on 21 to the Ferry boat across the lake, and then on to Republic. Haven't taken this route in a while. It's simple, but I like the way that my system works, so I use it almost all the time.

Seeya
 ATB

(08-21-2025, 12:31 PM)Paughco Wrote: Old school guy here. I use my Garmin Nav VI and BaseCamp for planning adventures. For example, I'm riding from my secret HQ in the Snoqualmie Valley over to Republic, WA on Monday. I set up a route out Hwy 2 to the town of Wilber, then north on 21 to the Ferry boat across the lake, and then on to Republic. Haven't taken this route in a while. It's simple, but I like the way that my system works, so I use it almost all the time.

Seeya
 ATB

I'm heading Bothell to Mazama today via the awesome Hwy 20.  Running 20 over to Republic is also a really nice trip. No ferries involved, but still a nice ride.  Enjoy!!

One tool that's pretty useful is https://driveweatherapp.com/

(08-22-2025, 12:29 PM)mojoguzzi Wrote: One tool that's pretty useful is https://driveweatherapp.com/

Nice one. I'm going to be doing a bunch of mountain stuff and that could be very handy.

(08-22-2025, 12:53 PM)saread Wrote:

(08-22-2025, 12:29 PM)mojoguzzi Wrote: One tool that's pretty useful is https://driveweatherapp.com/

Nice one. I'm going to be doing a bunch of mountain stuff and that could be very handy.

It's really helpful to see weather radar on your map.
I've used the weather radar plenty of times on my NAV V to go around bad storms.

Lee, how do you get weather on your Garmin? I don't have it on my Nav VI and I'd really like to get it. Even at extra cost/subscription. It was standard on my Goldwing and I miss it

(08-22-2025, 03:55 PM)Motorhead1977 Wrote: Lee, how do you get weather on your Garmin? I don't have it on my Nav VI and I'd really like to get it. Even at extra cost/subscription. It was standard on my Goldwing and I miss it

It was a Add On. I don't remember having to pay for it, but if I did, it was a small one time fee.
I usually leave my phone off when riding. If I think weather will be a problem I have to remember to turn the phone on.
Here's what Google shows.

To get weather radar on a BMW Nav VI, you need to pair it with your smartphone using the Garmin SmartLink app (or similar app) and purchase the weather service, then enable it from the Nav VI's apps menu. After setting up the connection and the purchase, navigate to the weather radar app or feature on the device and activate the radar to display it. 



1. Install the Garmin SmartLink App: 

• Download the Garmin SmartLink app on your smartphone from your phone's app store.
  
• Ensure it's the correct app for your GPS device.
  

2. Purchase the Weather Feature:

• Open the SmartLink app on your phone and find the weather options. 
  
  
  

[*]Purchase the "Advanced Weather" or similar weather feature, as this is often a one-time cost. 



3. Pair Your Phone and Nav VI:

• On your Nav VI, go into the settings or connectivity hub to pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth. 
  
  
  

[*]Use the SmartLink app to establish the connection to send weather information to the Nav VI. 



4. Activate the Weather Radar on Nav VI:

• Once connected, look for the Weather app or Weather Radar option within your Nav VI's apps or menu. 
  
  
  

[*]Select the weather radar option to display real-time weather conditions and animated radar maps on your device's screen.

As far as I know it is a one-time purchase payment as I have had it for years and not seen any recurring payment.

(08-23-2025, 09:31 AM)Grumpy Goat Wrote: As far as I know it is a one-time purchase payment as I have had it for years and not seen any recurring payment.

I downloaded the app (didn't see it ask me for any payment at any point throughout the process) and it seems it's fully functional on my Garmin (weather, traffic and traffic alerts are apparently active) but the procedure was different than @Lee posted. I'll have my 17 year old granddaughter take a look. She's my IT department 

(08-24-2025, 05:20 AM)Motorhead1977 Wrote:

(08-23-2025, 09:31 AM)Grumpy Goat Wrote: As far as I know it is a one-time purchase payment as I have had it for years and not seen any recurring payment.

I downloaded the app (didn't see it ask me for any payment at any point throughout the process) and it seems it's fully functional on my Garmin (weather, traffic and traffic alerts are apparently active) but the procedure was different than @Lee posted. I'll have my 17 year old granddaughter take a look. She's my IT department 

Good to hear it's still available.
The procedure was from AI and I've found AI is hit or miss on accuracy.
Good to hear you have a granddaughter to help with computer stuff

Without her I be using pencils and paper and reel to reel tapes

...another vote for Rever Pro. Been using Rever since the beginning. The Pro version now comes free with the Revzilla membership or can be purchased directly from Rever. It has a Butler Maps layer and includes online Butler regions not yet avaialble as paper.  I make a habit of trying to hit every Butler Gold Route, Lost Highway, and Paved Mountain Trail I can string together while getting from point A to point B.

I download the GPX files directly to my Nav V - which I still connect to my phone with the Garin Smartlink for weather and traffic info. (No need to use base camp - a trick
BobAin'tStoppin' taught me in Eureka Springs (quite) a few years back.)

The Rever App keeps all my old routes handy. I also carry a Microsoft Surface Go 2 tablet to handle en voyage re-routes, downloads, and things like finding local camping and hotels.

I use several apps for ideas and resources for trips. Keep in mind, I like to camp. These are currently on my phone.

• RidewithGPS  (yes - bicycle routes generally make great motorcyle routes.)
  
• Eathmate - more for off-road ridiing
  
• AllTrails
  
• National Park Trail Guide (Don't forget the senior discount card for free NP admission and USFS campground discounts)
  
• Recreation.Gov
  
• Trailforks
  
• USFS app
  
• WikiCamps USA (Though more RV oriented)
  
• Wildcamps USA
  
• Puregas (thank you Darrell) a little outdated, but helps the hunt for ethanol-free fuel
  
• RoadRunner WEB
  
• Google maps.
  

Also reminided, that our friends at RoadRUNNER have had some nice articles on route making and route following including a review of Riser (owned by Cardo) I believe in June. They also have GPS files on over 1000 tours. And I just got an email last week on a review of Route Planning and the Art of Dropping Waypoints.

BUT - in looking at all these apps, and this thread, and advice, I'm still reminded that some of my best rides came when an intersting road seemed to head in the right direction and I made the turn and ignored the GPS and all the apps. (Best if you have the time to eventually turn around if you need to), but these are the roads that free us from the the computer voices and prompts that tell us where to go and how to get there..... (And right - I gave up the Sena headset about 4 y ago.)

If I ride a route I like, the track is saved by my Nav V, the Rever and Polar HR monitor apps in my phone, and most recently, the Techair App for my Alpinestars airbags. 

I really don't expect anyone else to do what I do. Do what seems right. In the end, keep it at a level that's fun;  time spent mapping can be inspiring, but it's not time spent riding.  'nuf said.