BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Good afternoon folks. I've read a few threads about fitting an aftermarket sat-nav to the dash of the RT. There's various bits and bobs around fitting the sat-nav to the rotary wheel and there were some more words written around having some sort of metal plate installed behind the sat-nav. Basically what I'm hoping for from this post is tapping into our great hive mind to try and find out...
1- Whether placing an aftermarket sat-nav on the dash is a good idea
2- If so what is the best sat-navs others have used
3- What are the best value sat-navs
4- Which ones to avoid
5- Obviously how to do it
6- Consideration of using phones and apps etc

Thanks in advance and if anyone can point to threads that cover most of these questions I'd be grateful for all support
-Chris, Sheffield, England, UK

This is a frequent subject that regularly appears on the forum, so if you use the search button you’ll find lots of posts to read through and some may answer your questions.

I bought a 2018 1200RT about 3 years ago and initially used a Garmin Nav5, but very quickly changed it for a Tomtom which I personally found far better, it can be fitted into the same location point with an adapter and looks OEM, but does not incorporate with the Wonderwheel.
However if you have a TFT display on your bike (I don’t know when they came in) I understand you can still fit a dedicated sat-nav device as well.

I have a 1250RT with TFT and I still use my TomTom 550. The TFT has got better but it can still drop out unexpectedly sometimes it will give directions and no map other times nothing at all. My TT is attached above the TFT with a ram mount stuck to the top of the screen with 3M VHB tape
Been there for over 12 months no issues.

I have not connected the tomtom to my phone or helmet so if the TFT stops working I need to check the Tomtom screen or turn up the volume on it

I have just come back from an almost 3000 mile trek through Spain/Portugal, and the BMW one only dropped out once, and that was in remote mountains. I'll just keep using it as once you get used to it it's better then you may initially think, although I still agree BMW have dropped a clanger and it should automatically connect, or have car play. It's also a pain that with the sat nav in full screen it is considerably smaller the the actual TFT, they could simply change all the riding info to the right of the screen and let the sat nave expand more. It's also has just about a second or two of lag, which is a pain on some roundabouts as your past the turn before it notices

So it's ok, but not as good as it could be, and software updates could sort it, so come on BMW, get stuff like this sorted on what is supposed to be a premium tourer, there should not be threads with people asking for aftermarket sat navs on these

James

Following this thread. I've been happy with my Garmin Zumo XT on my 2006 F650GS for my adventures rides and I'm used to it and like how i can download routes to it. Would like to see how people mount the Garmin ABOVE the TFT screen on a 2022 1250RT.

1- Whether placing an aftermarket sat-nav on the dash is a good idea [VR46 - Sure. The factory equipment doesn't work well, so why not?]
2- If so what is the best sat-navs others have used [VR46 - I think there are two trains of thought here - use a dedicated GPS system (like Garmin), or use something with Carplay/Android Auto. I personally really like having a satnav system in the event I don't have cell availability and need navigation. I had Nav V that came with the bike, and I added a Carplay/Android Auto device that clips right into factory GPS mount (custom). I much prefer this system, but keep the satnav on hand for emergency use. I'd try to prioritize the safety-net of having satnav on hand (if you really even need it) vs the features available in a Carplay/Android Auto system.]
3- What are the best value sat-navs [VR46 - for our bikes and available equipment / mounts (link below), I think the Garmin Zumo XT2 is the best satnav system to fit. The best Carplay/Android Auto unit I am aware of currently is the Carpuride Motorcycle unit. I used a 10.25" screen, but had to do a lot of work to build a custom mount and waterproof it.]
4- Which ones to avoid [VR46 - Obv. anything that isn't waterproof. Anything that won't allow you to download and store offline maps (unless you have a satnav backup).]
5- Obviously how to do it [VR46 - Carpuride can be really simple, just handlebar mount and you're done. If you go Zumo XT/2, link below to mount.]
6- Consideration of using phones and apps etc [VR46 - Consider (1) a waterproof case for the phone, (2) a charging solution, as nav can drain battery quickly, (3) download offline maps so that you aren't stranded if you're without service, (4) use an old phone as a backup or as your primary nav device by using offline maps.]

In any case, you wouldn't have taken the time to post this if it wasn't a pain point, so I vote you go for it and share your progress!

Link to Zumo XT nav adapter:
https://www.adapter3dmotorrad.com/en/product/e-navxt/