Planning a motorcycle trip has become easier with the help of modern navigation and route-planning apps. These tools allow riders to map routes, discover scenic roads, track rides, and locate fuel stops or lodging along the way.
While traditional GPS devices are still popular among some riders, many motorcyclists now rely on smartphone apps for trip planning and navigation. Several apps are specifically designed with motorcycle riders in mind, offering features such as curvy road discovery and ride tracking.
Below are several apps riders commonly use when planning motorcycle trips.
REVER
REVER is one of the most popular apps designed specifically for motorcycle riders. It allows users to discover and share scenic routes while also tracking rides and recording trip statistics.
Key features include:
- Route planning tools
- Scenic route discovery
- Ride tracking and statistics
- Community-shared routes
Many riders use REVER when planning trips to famous routes such as the Blue Ridge Parkway or Pacific Coast Highway.
Calimoto
Calimoto is another app built specifically for motorcyclists. It focuses on helping riders find winding and scenic roads rather than the fastest route between two points.
Key features include:
- Curvy road discovery
- Trip planning tools
- Offline maps
- Ride tracking
The app is particularly useful when exploring mountainous areas where riders may want to avoid highways.
Google Maps
Google Maps remains one of the most widely used navigation tools for both cars and motorcycles. While it is not designed specifically for riders, it offers reliable navigation and a wide range of useful features.
Key features include:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Traffic updates
- Fuel station and business search
- Offline map downloads
Many riders use Google Maps to locate services and navigate unfamiliar areas during trips.
Waze
Waze is a community-driven navigation app known for real-time traffic information and hazard alerts.
Key features include:
- Live traffic updates
- Road hazard reports
- Police and accident alerts
- Alternate route suggestions
Although Waze focuses on faster travel routes, it can still be helpful when navigating through busy cities or avoiding traffic delays.
Choosing the Right App for Your Trip
Different apps serve different purposes, so many riders use more than one tool when planning a trip.
For example:
- Scenic route discovery: Calimoto
- Ride tracking and community routes: REVER
- General navigation and services: Google Maps
- Traffic alerts and real-time updates: Waze
Using a combination of tools can help riders create enjoyable routes while still navigating efficiently during the trip.
Tips for Using Navigation Apps on a Motorcycle
When relying on navigation apps during a motorcycle trip, a few additional steps can improve safety and convenience.
Helpful tips include:
- Use a secure phone mount designed for motorcycles
- Download offline maps in case of weak signal areas
- Carry a charging cable or power bank
- Review your route before starting the ride
Planning helps reduce distractions while riding.
A couple of long-distance roads for using app navigation:
Final Thoughts
Navigation apps have become valuable tools for planning and navigating motorcycle trips. Whether you’re searching for scenic roads, tracking your ride, or simply navigating between destinations, the right app can make motorcycle travel easier and more enjoyable.
Combining route-planning apps with careful trip preparation can help riders focus on what matters most — enjoying the ride.
For more tips, see our guide to Motorcycle Ride Planning: The Complete Guide.