Connected Ride Navigator, Better than my Navigator VI ?

My trusty Navigator VI finally gave up the ghost after more than six years of faithful service.

The problem: the tab in the USB port had come unsoldered from the circuit board, resulting in a complete loss of connection with my PC and therefore making it impossible to update maps or, even worse, send a route!

With a heavy heart, I had to turn to BMW's new flagship, the Connected Ride Navigator.

So, I was very curious to discover this new GPS. While I've tested various CarPlay systems, and even the BMW Connected app, for me, a standalone GPS is the best way to follow a route or find a destination on a motorcycle, without having to rely on a smartphone for navigation.

I'm not knocking CarPlay; I own two myself, the Carpuride W702BS Pro and the CARABC DB601, both specifically designed for BMW motorcycles, but I have more confidence in a GPS.

The first thing to do once you receive the Connected Ride Navigator is to set it up, which involves:

- Choosing your language;

- Connecting to Wi-Fi;

- Connecting to the BMW Cloud using your ID, the same one you use for the BMW Connected app;

- Downloading the maps, which is quick via Wi-Fi;

- Then setting up the connections with your helmet and smartphone.

And frankly, it's all very straightforward.

All that's left is to try it out on the road, but the weather isn't great, and then I'll share my first impressions with you, maybe even make a video presentation.

Ride Safe