[StarfuryTH]

iPhones are pretty much a no-go on any thumper. They have a mechanical image stabilization system built into the camera that will be damaged by vibrations, rendering the camera inoperable.

Yes, there are vibration-damping systems like quad-lock's system, but nothing completely eliminates vibrations, and the newer the iphone, the more sensitive the camera.

A second hardened phone (eg. Kyocera Duraforce Pro/2) can function well as a nav device, and can potentially be tethered to your primary phone while riding.

 

[StarfuryTH]

I've talked to several people locally who have killed their iphones after extended use on the Quad Lock vibration damper. It just took longer than it did on other mounts.

 

[StarfuryTH]

Great. Now I'm wondering if I am going to have problems down the road. The other option is to mount one of the Android Auto/Carplay screens to the bike and keep the phone in your pocket. Those have gotten relatively cheap.

Like I said, a hardened android phone is inexpensive and works well. @KLR-Mule has one and likes it.

Car play can be nifty, but it has limited applications when you get out of cell service. A good offline mapping app is better for actual route planning and nav.

I have a hand me down garmin zumo, otherwise I'd have gone the android route by now.

 

[StarfuryTH]

Can you elaborate on this a bit for me please? Do you use a hot spot, blue tooth or usb cable?

Most phones can set themselves up as a wifi hotspot. You'd need to check your service contract to see if your provider is OK with that (mine isn't), but otherwise it's as simple as connecting to wifi in your house.

 

[StarfuryTH]

I have Verizon and they want $110 for the first phone on the account. I'm not paying that. So i guess Bluetooth it is. I just ordered a Kyocera Duraforce Pro/2 that I found on Amazon for $32 that is unlocked and returnable for free if necessary. I should have it on Thursday.

You don't need to add the phone to the account to tether it. You just need to see if your service plan allows tethering.

However, you don't absolutely need to tether at all. You can load maps and apps on your home wireless (or at Starbucks), or even upload routes from your primary phone via Bluetooth.

 

[StarfuryTH]

@StarfuryTH I think one way or another I will get this to work for me. I have really wanted a better navigation system than having my primary cell phone (expensive) on a mount on my handle bars or buying a dedicated GPS (also expensive) to also mount to my handle bars. When I get that phone this week I will post my progress. Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom.

As a side note I was also recently ready to purchase a Garmin InReach and then found out that satellite messaging is available on some Samsung and Google phones through Verizon. I have had the same Samsung Galaxy S21 for almost 6 years and figure it's time for a new one anyway. I'll post about it when I have in hand.

I had a talk with a deputy sheriff buddy who has done SAR and rides dual-sport a lot.

We agreed that the phone sat comms are a very handy feature...but they're not a replacement for a proper emergency comms system or PLB when you're out in isolated areas with sketchy signal.

For the time being, cell sat antennas are are not as good at consistent sat comm as something like a Garmin or Spot device. And the availability of an emergency response button and even potential 2-way comms with the emergency support team is a big advantage.

Maybe that will change in the future, but for now, I'll keep my cell phone in my jacket, my Garmin XT on the bike, and my Spot X on my jacket.