Today, when everything is just a tap away, there is, understandably, an app for everything; from ordering food to getting a medical consultation, and of course, for navigation and safety while riding motorcycles. The app market is saturated with numerous options that can assist the motorcyclists in the UK, with various features such as GPS-enabled maps, road alerts, speed trackers, and more.
Choosing the right app can significantly enhance the experiences of your motorcycle rides. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the best mobile apps that offer navigation and safety solutions for sport bike riders in the UK.
1. Waze
Waze has a community-driven approach where the users provide real-time traffic and road information. It’s like a social network for drivers and riders, which can be extremely helpful for bikers.
Waze not only offers GPS navigation but also lets you know the traffic situation in real-time. This feature is beneficial for motorcyclists who need to plan their routes efficiently and avoid any areas with heavy traffic. The app even provides information about any accidents, hazards or police on your route.
Available for both Android and iOS, Waze’s other notable features include voice-guided navigation, automatic rerouting, and the ability to send your ETA to others.
2. Calimoto
Calimoto is designed specifically for motorcyclists and is packed with features you will find useful. It’s one of the best motorcycle apps, providing turn-by-turn navigation and allowing you to plan your own route or choose from numerous pre-built routes.
One of the unique features of Calimoto is the ability to create a ’round trip.’ All you need to do is set your location and desired travel duration, and Calimoto will generate a route for you. Additionally, Calimoto also displays information about the windingness, road surface, traffic, and sightseeing points on your route.
Calimoto is available for both Android and IOS platforms, and although the app is not entirely free, it does offer a free version with basic features.
3. Rever
Rever is another app that focuses on enhancing the ride experience for motorcyclists. Apart from providing GPS navigation, Rever allows you to discover new routes shared by other users, or you can create and share your own routes.
Rever also comes with a tracking feature that records your ride in detail, including distance, speed, elevation, and more, which you can later review. This feature can be particularly helpful for those who like to review and improve their riding skills.
Rever is free to download on both Android and IOS platforms. However, to access some of its advanced features, you’ll need to upgrade to the premium version.
4. Maps.me
For those who prefer offline navigation, Maps.me is the ideal app. It allows you to download maps of specific areas for offline access, which can be incredibly useful when riding in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Maps.me comes with all the necessary navigation features, including turn-by-turn directions, points of interest, and traffic data. It also includes a safety feature that alerts you about speed cameras along your route.
Available for Android and IOS, Maps.me is entirely free, with no in-app purchases or ads, making it a great option for those on a budget.
5. EatSleepRIDE
Last but not least, we have EatSleepRIDE, which is more than just a route planning and navigation app. It has a strong community aspect, allowing users to share their ride experiences, pictures, and even safety information with each other.
One of the standout safety features of EatSleepRIDE is the CrashLight feature, which detects a crash and automatically sends an alert to your emergency contacts with your location. This feature can be a lifesaver in case of an accident.
EatSleepRIDE is available for free on both Android and IOS platforms, although the CrashLight feature requires a paid subscription.
These apps with their unique features can significantly enhance your motorcycle riding experience, ensuring you have a smooth and safe ride each time you hit the road on your sport bike.
6. CoPilot GPS
CoPilot GPS is another excellent motorcycle navigation app that focuses on providing precise and detailed directions for bikers. It features voice-guided navigation and automatic rerouting in case you deviate from the set path.
The app offers offline maps, which are perfect for those long countryside rides where internet coverage might not be reliable. This feature ensures that you never lose your way, even if you’re exploring the most remote locations.
CoPilot GPS also allows you to plan your routes based on your vehicle size and type, ensuring that the routes suggested are suitable for your motorcycle. The app offers real-time traffic information to help you avoid delays and reach your destination faster.
The app is available for free on both iOS and Android platforms. However, to unlock more advanced features, like 3D maps and speed limit warnings, you can opt for an in-app purchase.
7. Google Maps
No list of navigation apps would be complete without mentioning Google Maps. Google’s powerful mapping service offers everything a sport bike rider could need. From turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic updates to the ability to explore new places, Google Maps has it covered.
One unique feature that sets Google Maps apart is its ‘Street View’ option. This feature allows you to get a 360-degree view of the streets, helping you familiarize yourself with the route before you even start your ride.
Google Maps is a free app available on iOS and Android platforms. It also offers offline maps, which can be downloaded and used when you don’t have access to the internet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are some of the best motorcycle apps that sport bike riders in the UK can use for navigation and safety. Each app has its unique strengths, whether it’s real-time traffic updates, route planning, offline maps, or community-driven features.
Choosing the right app can greatly enhance your riding experience, ensuring you have all the necessary information at your fingertips, and most importantly, helping you stay safe on the road. Remember, while these tools can aid your journey, nothing replaces safe and responsible riding.
Whether you prefer free apps or are ready to pay a premium for advanced features, it’s all about finding what works best for you. So, download a few of these apps, give them a try, and see which one you find most helpful on your next ride.
Remember, in the age of smartphones, being a sport bike rider in the UK has never been more exciting. Happy riding!