[mpilla]

Hi,



I posted this to an older string, and then got some email on the topic, so I am reposting in the off-road section for you all to see. I recently purchased a 2008 TW, and immediately went looking for software applications to show trails around my area. I found some interesting applications in the Google and iTunes stores, and decided I would go with my current Android phone as the GPS of choice.



I mounted my phone to my TW200 using the Arkon SM032. It ROCKS for both the iPhone and Android phones on the TW. I love it because it has full mud protection, plus it has a convenient (yet nearly sealed) cut-out on one end for power and headphone connection. As you can see in the link above, it is $20 on ebay delivered.



While the holder is perfectly suited to either an iPhone and many Android phones, I own a Samsung Galaxy S2/ i9100 (Android) with an extended battery. It fits this case without flaw. In order to install the Arkon dead center on my handlebar (see below) I was simply required to loosen the handlebar bolts to install the mount dead center.



As far as software, I downloaded several trail-oriented GPS apps and landed with a favorite (so far) in AllTrails. You should be able to get this for any type of smartphone. All Trials has a database of trails broken down by hiking; biking; off roading; fishing; etc. and you can sort by type. It also tracks your route and calculates average speed so you can share your trail with others or store in your phone for your use in the future.



In the photo below are my phone, mount, and AllTrails running on my TW:



[media]https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=1761C4010E0493FB!405[/media]



Enjoy and ping me with any questions!



Matt

 

[Goofy Footer]

Matt, I highly recommend dualsportmaps.com for gps editing, uploading and downloading tracks. They also have an android app which a lot of the guys in my local club use for trail navigation. Dualsportmaps is nice because its moto specific and you can see other riders' posted tracks. I'll have to check out your AllTrails program too though!



If you get a chance can you compare AllTrails to dualsportmaps.com? Id like to hear your thoughts.

 

[Goofy Footer]

For gps I run a Garmin 76Cx from West Marine and RAM Mounts. Works great!



Your setup looks fantastic! Large color screen smack dab in the middle of your view - can't beat that!

 

[darnold87]

That's a cool phone mount. How well does the phone's touch screen work through the clear plastic of the mount?

 

[losttourist]

I was looking at that same mount, glad to hear your happy with it.

 

[Skyking]

I looked at the reviews on the Akron, and they weren't too good. The mount fails very quickly. Your phones are valuable, and should be protected as such.





Ride on.

 

[bikerjosh]

Speaking on mounts, I've had very good luck with RAM mounts for GPS, Spot, camera, and even tablet mounts in the past. No my tablet was not mounted to the tw.

I'll have to check out those programs as I have only used Garmin topo maps and just downloaded Backcountry Navigator Pro(for the tablet)

 

[mpilla]

Replying to a few of the posts:



1. I will definitely check out dualsportmaps - I have not yet looked at this, and have no doubt there are better solutions than allmaps. Thanks for the tip!



2. Mount quality - there are many knock-offs for the Arkon. I suggest you find the original. The mount is beefy and the plastic is very strong with ribbed reinforcements around the mounting ball. I can't see this one coming off too easily.



3. Touchscreen through the plastic shield. I was highly skeptical this would work. I am a technology guy (it is my career) and I was shocked to see that I could easily use two fingers to zoom in and out on maps, and all functions work fine with a fingertip. I am not sure how it works (it must be the material), but it does work well on my capacitive touchscreen.



Thanks guys! off to try dualsportmaps!