Riding a motorcycle is rarely just about getting from A to B as quickly as possible. It's about bends, beautiful scenery and the fun of riding. That's why good route planning for motorcyclists matters so much. Many still use a classic motorcycle sat nav, but Google Maps is increasingly becoming a real alternative. Here we look at how Google Maps works on a motorcycle, its strengths and weaknesses, what tricks there are and how the app compares with well-known motorcycle sat navs.
Google Maps for motorcyclists: features and quirks
Google Maps has been the world's most used navigation app for years. For motorcyclists these features are particularly interesting:
- Route planning with waypoints: build breaks, fuel stops or sights directly into the route. The number of stops is limited, though (up to nine according to Google Help).
- Live traffic data: avoid jams and accidents, which can be especially unpleasant on a motorcycle.
- Offline maps: handy in remote areas without reception. Offline, however, Google Maps only navigates in car mode.
- Route options: motorways, toll roads or ferries can be avoided.
- Two-wheeler mode: only available in selected countries, mainly in Asia, Africa and Latin America. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland you ride with normal car routing.
- Voice guidance: hands-free navigation via your Bluetooth headset in the helmet.
What Google Maps doesn't automatically take into account, though, are typical motorcycle roads such as twisty country roads or scenic routes. That's exactly where classic motorcycle sat navs usually have the edge.
Advantages of Google Maps for motorcyclists
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Free | Google Maps costs nothing, while a dedicated motorcycle sat nav quickly costs several hundred euros. |
| Regular updates | Maps and traffic data are updated automatically. |
| Flexible & cross-platform | Runs on smartphone, tablet and desktop. Smartwatches and Bluetooth devices can be integrated. |
| Large POI database | Petrol stations, restaurants, sights and hotels can be added directly to the route. |
| Live traffic | Jams, accidents and roadworks are shown in real time and the route adapts. |
| Easy sharing | The route can easily be shared with fellow riders or sent to other devices. |
Disadvantages of Google Maps for motorcyclists
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| No real motorcycle routes | Google Maps mainly suggests the fastest or shortest route, not the twistiest or most beautiful. |
| Battery drain | Longer tours drain the smartphone battery heavily, you need an external power supply. |
| Offline limitations | Offline there's no live traffic data and no alternative routes. |
| No weather or road conditions | No warnings about closed roads or roads dangerous for motorcycles. |
| Distraction | Without Bluetooth in the helmet, operating it while riding is difficult and risky. |
Google Maps compared with classic motorcycle sat navs
| Function / feature | Motorcycle sat nav | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Special motorcycle routes | Yes, many models offer twisty roads, Alpine passes and motorcycle route planners | No, standard routing without bend optimisation |
| Weather & road conditions | Partly, depending on device and connected services | Not integrated |
| Cost | Several hundred euros (TomTom Rider 550 €399.95 according to the manufacturer), map updates usually included on current devices | Free |
| Usability | Large display, robust, weatherproof | Smartphone, less robust, smaller display |
| POIs | Motorcycle-specific POIs such as biker meeting points | Standard POIs, no special motorcycle hotspots |
| Offline function | Usually very good | Limited, no live data |
| Flexibility & sharing | Limited | Very flexible, easy to share |
Result of the comparison: for simple tours and everyday rides, Google Maps is often enough. But if you're looking for twisty, scenic roads, you'll hardly get around a real motorcycle sat nav such as the TomTom Rider or Garmin zūmo. The Becker mamba.4, often mentioned in the past, came onto the market back in 2015. With such older devices, check before buying whether map updates are still available.
Tips for route planning with Google Maps on a motorcycle
- Use route options cleverly
- Avoid motorways: tick "Avoid motorways" under "Options" when planning
- Exclude ferries if needed
- Plan stops
- Add petrol stations, rest areas, cafés or sights
- Very practical on longer tours on hot summer days
- Download offline maps
- Especially for rural regions or mountains without reception
- Search for the place, three-dot menu → "Download offline map", or define the area yourself via "Select your own map"
- Mount the smartphone securely on the bike
- Use a robust motorcycle mount with charging function
- Route cables neatly
- Use Bluetooth
- Send voice instructions to your helmet headset
- Less distracting and safer
- Plan routes on the computer first
- Better overview, waypoints are easier to move
- Then send the route to your smartphone
- Combine with motorcycle communities
- Platforms such as Kurviger (Motoplaner.com now redirects there) plan twisty routes
- You can then transfer these routes to Google Maps. Because of the limited number of stops, Google Maps often calculates its own way, so check the route
Well-known apps that complement Google Maps
- Kurviger: designed for twisty, scenic motorcycle roads
- Calimoto: motorcycle navigation app with its own routes, POIs and bend optimisation
- Rever: community platform for motorcyclists to record, plan and share tours
Tip: use Google Maps as a basis and leave the fine planning to the specialised apps.
Practical examples of route planning with Google Maps
- Short tour in the Alps (3–4 hours)
- Enter the starting point in Google Maps
- Activate "Avoid motorways"
- Add stops such as viewpoints or cafés
- Send the route to your smartphone and download the offline map for the area
- Switch on voice guidance via helmet Bluetooth
- Day trip to the sea (approx. 250 km)
- Plan a fast route there and back
- Add petrol stations and rest areas as stops
- Check the live traffic situation
- Have an alternative route ready for jams or roadworks
10 more Google Maps tips for motorcyclists
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Check the elevation profile | Google Maps only shows elevation profiles for cycling routes. For mountain tours, look at the profile in Kurviger or Calimoto so you can plan strenuous sections better. |
| 2. Plan breaks | Allow realistic riding times including breaks so you stay focused and don't get overtired. |
| 3. Check the weather | Use a weather app or the regional forecast to check the route for rain, snow or fog. Google Maps doesn't offer a forecast along the whole route. |
| 4. Find parking in advance | Look for suitable car parks or motorcycle bays at your destination, especially in cities and tourist hotspots. |
| 5. Save favourite routes | Save frequent destinations in lists in Google Maps, whole routes can be pinned on your phone. Complex tours are better saved in a motorcycle app. |
| 6. Avoid accident black spots | Look out for "reports" of accidents or dangerous junctions in Google Maps and avoid risky sections. |
| 7. Plan group rides | Share the route via Google Maps with your fellow riders so everyone rides the same way. |
| 8. Calculate fuel stops | Plan fuel stops according to your bike's range, depending on route length and elevation. |
| 9. Include sights | Add beautiful places or viewpoints as short stops on the route. |
| 10. Save the return separately | On longer tours, create a separate route for the way back. That way you don't have to improvise on the road and can navigate home relaxed. |
Summary
Google Maps is a flexible, easily accessible and cheap solution for motorcyclists, especially for everyday rides, city trips and shorter distances. But if you're looking for really twisty and scenic motorcycle roads, you'll hardly manage without dedicated motorcycle sat navs or apps such as Kurviger, Calimoto or Rever.
Our recommendation: use Google Maps as a basis and fine-tune the twisty sections with a motorcycle app. With offline maps, helmet Bluetooth and well-placed stops, your tour becomes safer and more relaxed.
Frequently asked questions
Can Google Maps plan twisty motorcycle routes?
No. Google Maps mainly suggests the fastest or shortest route. For twisty roads you need a motorcycle sat nav or apps such as Kurviger or Calimoto.
Does Google Maps work without reception?
Yes, with previously downloaded offline maps. There's no live traffic data then, though.
Which motorcycle sat navs are an alternative to Google Maps?
Well-known devices are the TomTom Rider and Garmin zūmo. They usually cost several hundred euros and offer twisty routes and motorcycle-specific POIs.
How do I hear Google Maps instructions in my helmet?
Via a Bluetooth headset in the helmet. That's safer because you don't have to look at the display.
Sources
- Google Maps Help (Google)
- Download offline maps in Google Maps (Google)
- Plan routes and options in Google Maps (Google)
- Countries with two-wheeled routing (Google for Developers)
- TomTom Rider 550 (TomTom)
- Kurviger motorcycle route planner (Kurviger)
Last checked: September 2026. Features and prices can change.
