Adventure Motorcycle GPS Units are as essential today as your brake levers. Don’t leave home without one! We’ll show you the best GPS units for ADV riders.

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Really, these are a total asset whether you’re traveling the world, doing a weekend adventure or simply a day ride. The last thing you’ll want to be is totally lost on an ADV ride in a remote wilderness area. That’ll be a sure-fire way to spoil an otherwise good day.

We’re going to cover both the best models available in 2022 but also what unique features you should be looking for if you’re an adventure rider.

Let’s begin.

Best Adventure Motorcycle GPS

If you’re looking for an adventure-spec type of GPS for your offroad motorcycle, then this list is for you. We’ve taken our time to research the best models in the marketplace right now that’ll handle the rough conditions for years to come.

As an adventure riding brand, we’d only bring you recommendations that you can genuinely trust.

1. Garmin Zumo 595LM Motorcycle GPS

We really love the Zumo 595LM. It’s got some serious features and is the most luxury adventure GPS in the market. A lot of riders on ADVRider swear by this one as do those on Facebook groups.

The features are incredible:

• A massive screen at 12.5cm corner to corner. Perfect for reading while travelling at 70 miles per hour.
• You can use the Garmin App to pair with your phone. Essentially the same data from your phone can be seen on the screen.
• Adventure motorcyclists can plan their route on this GPS in multiple languages.
• World maps. There are maps from most countries in the world. Perfect for global ADV riders!

2. Garmin GPSMAP 64st Handheld GPS

For something a bit more smaller and affordable, the GPSMAP 64st is a solid way to go. Not only can you use it on a motorcycle adventure, but throw it in your day pack for a trek up the mountain. It comes pre-loaded with TOPO maps which is helpful and that warranty may come in handy too on the rougher roads we typically ride down.

Some solid features here:

• You can share your routes, tracks and waypoints with other riders wirelessly
• You’ll be able to see the heading and precise altitude. This is perfect in the Himalayan mountains
• It has smart notifications so you can get both emails and texts on this device.

3. TomTom Rider 550 Motorcycle GPS Navigation Device

We really like the TomTom Rider 550 because it has most things you would expect from an adventure motorcycling GPS but without the cost. You can often get this device brand new from Amazon for less than $300.

The adv-spec features are impressive:

• Glove-friendly screen, with both heavy and light glove mode
• Winding and hill select modes: Either light, medium or high.
• Sync your road trips between other TomTom users globally
• Update the software with WIFI. No need to plug it into your PC.

4. Garmin Zumo 395LM All Terrain Waterproof Motorcycle GPS Navigation System

Wanting one of the cheapest adventure motorcycle GPS? Then, while not so reliable, we’ve found it for you. This Zumo 395LM is a GPS for motorcyclists in general. Unfortunately, it has mixed reviews and wouldn’t really be our 1st choice.

Some of their features:

• IPX7 water rating for water crossings
• Built-in micro SD card port
• 4.3 inch touch screen display
• Very basic in functions and maps

5. Garmin GPSMAP 276CX

On this list we’re showcasing many of the motorcycle GPS devices that are usable for adventure motorcycling. However, Garmin has really gone a step further here.

The GPSMAP 276CX is a mighty fine unit because they built this for dual-sport motorbike riders. Its battery, for example, will last for 16 hours plus you can then use some AA batteries too for an extra boost.

For true adventure riders, we really struggle to see screens. This is why you’ll want to buy an adventure motorcycling GPS with a big screen. The Garmin GPSMAP 276CX has the biggest screen in the market.

Because they know that these units need to be rugged for all conditions, it’s not only waterproof but also has durable glass. There is no touch screen which we here at Frontaer believe is a good thing. Your dirty gloves won’t put smudges on it as you’ll use the buttons on the right hand side.

The non-touch screen approach that Garmin has taken with this GPS is admirable. This shows they’re very much in touch with the adventure riding community.

6. Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S

Another affordable option for dirt bike and adventure motorcyclist is the Garmin Zumo 396 LMT-S. Here in Australia, it’s one of the best models available because it’s often cheaper than other comparable brands.

Features include:

• Glove friendly screen though you can’t change the settings (thick glove vs thin glove)
• It’s resistant to fuel vapors and the damaging rays of the sun
• Is reasonably small so it will fit within the navigation console of smaller adv bikes.
• Provides a decent set of maps as well as a trip computer

7. Garmin Edge 520 Plus

Yes – another Garmin on this list. This time it’s actually a bicycle GPS. The reason we’ve included this here is the size. Your ADV bike might have a navigation area that’s too small because you’ve got your phone already mounted there and a route book.

With a basic outline, you’ll be able to at least get a pin-pointed location at the very least in the Sahara desert. At the best, you’ll be navigating around city streets quite easily.

You can even hook this GPS up to a heart-rate monitor while riding. Neat!

8. Magellan TRX7 Off Road Navigator

At 7″, this is a huge GPS for going offroad with a motorcycle or dirt bike. For most of us riders, it’s more space than we have available in the nav station.

However, if the space is there and you want to go high-tech, then this is the way to do it. Magellan have really thought of everything with this model.

The features are much like many of the other GPS units featured on this list. Unfortunately, the price is on the really high side so we’ve had to feature it down the bottom.

9. Garmin GPSMAP 78 Handheld GPS

We promised you 8 on this list, but let’s throw you another good alternative. It really does seem that Garmin is dominating this list. They are indeed the market leader. One of their cheapest models is the Garmin GPSMAP 78 Handheld GPS.

The display is small and still uses conventional buttons instead of a touchscreen display. However, it’s a great unit if you go boating, hiking and adventure motorcycling because now you only need to buy 1 unit.

It’s certainly waterproof to IPX7 Standards and floats in water too.

Buying Guide

While Garmin was clearly featured multiple times on this list, it’s simply based on them having a massive market share which is hard to penetrate. Let’s not forget that these units featured are of great value for the adventure rider and weekend warrior.

Now, what do you actually look for in a motorcycle GPS unit? Well, there are a few things. What’s most important is considering the type of riding that you’ll be doing.

There are units that are best for corrugated roads and others that are best for the bitumen and occasional dirt tracks. So have a think about this first because while those marketing photos of Dakar bikes look incredible, most people won’t be flogging their bikes at 100+ miles per hour on the dirt.

You could save yourself some decent money by simply going for a cheaper model if you’re predominantly on the bitumen. At times, even your cell phone will suffice especially in more populated areas.

GPS for Adventure Touring

When it comes to adventure touring, the GPS needs to be very rugged. While it will be fine on the highway, it’s when you hit that rocky track that things start to come to the surface including faults.

Adventure motorcyclists don’t make compromises with their safety gear and certainly not with their choice of motorcycle. And for that reason, we would generally recommend the most expensive unit that they can afford.

GPS Device for Dual Sport Riders

This is a milder approach than adventure touring. You’ll go on the pavement but also venture onto forestry tracks on occasions.

In this case, you’ll want to look for a GPS that has maps for your chosen region. Also, get a reliable cradle for your GPS as well that secures it when you’re on fast-flowing dirt tracks. Sometimes the manufacturers make these too, but if they don’t, there are always high-quality aftermarket options on the market.

Dirt and Trail Bike GPS

It’s not uncommon for dirt bike riders to want to have a GPS these days. Weekend riders like to navigate around their local tracks and trails while not getting lost. On rate occasions, MX riders like to also have navigation to improve track times.

Our recommendation is that you choose the Garmin GPS MAP 78. Don’t worry about mounting it either. For most trail bike riders, a GPS is merely a tool that is checked occasionally for reference than to be completely relied upon.

Often dirt bike riders simply throw these in their backpack and leave the unit off until it is needed. You can actually get some GPS units that double as satellite phones as well.

Basic Touring

For basic touring, practically any waterproof GPS will do the job just fine. Or even your own smartphone, as long as you aren’t going into remote areas.

You can actually get a waterproof cover for your phone as well as offline Google Maps as well these days. Just note that these often expire after 30 days.

By opting to just use your smart phone, you reduce your weight (slightly) but keep the handlebar area very much uncluttered.

In Closing

Those who go on challenging mountain routes or long distances through the deserts need to have a GPS, even as a backup safety device. We’ve featured the best adventure motorcycle GPS units on the market to help ensure you reach your destination safely. Pair it with a Spot Device and you’ll be very secure no matter which direction you go down.

Our choice is easily the Garmin Zumo 595LM. This is a sensational product that ticks all of our boxes.

I’ve written a full guide for those looking to buy a dirt bike trailer to haul their motorcycle to and from the race track or riding trails.

This is a guide that Frontaer has been wanting to write up for a while. After all, many people either choose to ride unregistered dirt bikes or simply don’t want to ride on the road between trail riding areas.

For many of us, we don’t have the luxury of living on a big parcel of land or a truck with space at the rear. And for those who do, they often prefer a dirt bike trailer as they have many advantages.

The 4 main types of dirt bike trailers

Did you know that dirt bike trailers really differ in their style? Some are small while some are absolutely huge, so let’s look at each individually.

Fully enclosed trailer

These are very common with weekend warriors. Enclosed dirt bike trailers are often well built and are waterproof too.

Advantages are:

• No one can see that you’re hauling dirt bikes and are less likely to follow you
• Provides a safe place to store them when you’re away from the campsite
• You can sit, eat and even sleep inside the trailer if the weather turns bad
• If your tie-down straps break in transit, then your dirt bike is still contained
• You can paint the trailer camo green for steal camping in the outdoors

However, the downsides are:

• Higher upfront cost than most other dirt bike trailers
• Requires a larger vehicle like a sedan or pick up truck
• You can’t see who’s behind you when backing up without a camera
• Higher registration and insurance costs depending on your state
• You’ll need more space at home to store it safely away

In my opinion, they are certainly worth the cost if you have more than 2 dirt bikes. That extra space comes in very helpful during weekend getaways.

Basic dirt bike trailer

On the flip side, we have the basic dirt bike trailers which are common all across the world. These are well built but also lightweight too.

Advantages are:

• Very affordable. A basic dirt bike trailer should only cost you $500 for a quality unit.
• Can tow behind almost any hatchback or small car in the market without struggles.
• You can see your dirt bikes when travelling in the rear vision mirror to check straps
• Registration and insurance costs are lower, as is routine maintenance and paintwork
• Super easy to load and unload dirt bikes from these trailers by complete beginners
• Very easy for storage. You can even store these trailers in an upright position in the garage

However, there are reasons why not everyone chooses them:

• Basic dirt bike trailers provide no protection from the sun, wind or rain on you or your dirt bike
• Easy to get stolen. I’ve seen 2 fully grown men can pick up one of these trailers and take ’em away
• Doesn’t have anywhere to store your accessories like jerry cans, helmets, tools or riding boots
• If your dirt bike tie-downs slip when in transit, then it’s likely to fall off the trailer and on to the road
• Often manufacturers use inferior tyres. I’ve seen so many of these blown on the highway.

Now if you’re the occasional trail rider, then a basic dirt bike trailer is enough to get the job done for you.

Hybrid MX trailer

Looking for a combination of both worlds? Then a hybrid trailer is what you’re looking for.

These offer some storage options for your gear and fuel up the front, while some are even dirt bike trailers with tents on the roof.

When you consider that most people go for a 2-3 day weekend adventure with their dirt bikes, it makes perfect sense to have a dirt bike trailer with a rooftop tent.

Even some MX tracks let riders camp track-side for the entire weekend, so why not have the tent on the roof? This will give you a penthouse view each morning!

Complete dirt bike toy haulers

Last on the list are complete toy haulers that are very much multi-functional. You can take dirt bikes, quad bikes (ATVs) and even side-by-sides with these which are very popular in Australia and the United States.

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If you’ve got money to burn, then these can be a worthwhile investment. Commonly MX racing teams use toy haulers to move between events.

Their riders get a great place to sleep, or even recover between sessions on the dirt. The dirt bikes travel safely and securely without the fear of theft.

For many casual riders, these toy haulers are simply outside the realm of both affordability and storage space. However, if you want to live on the road and ride in a new place each week, then these are perfect.

What to look for

Now that we’ve shown you some of the best dirt bike trailers on the market, we wanted to help you with your purchasing decision. There are things that you should really be looking for.

Before you decide to make a purchase, you should actually take a step back and analyze your riding type.

Ask yourself:

• What is your tow vehicle? Can your current car handle a trailer just fine or will you need to upgrade it?
• How many dirt bikes are you expecting to haul? There is a big difference between 2 bikes and 5 bikes.
• Are you strong enough to not need a jockey wheel or will you simply buy one to save you the pain?
• Where are you storing your gear? Does your car have enough space and can do you (or your significant other) deal with the smells?
• What’s the fuel situation like where you typically will ride? Easily available or will you need to cart 10 jerry cans with you?

All good important questions to ask and are unique to each individual rider.

Stolen trailers are common

That’s the #1 fear of not just buying a used trailer, but buying a used dirt bike in general. It’s hard to be absolutely sure that it isn’t stolen.

Generally, the owner should have a very good reason for selling it. Not only that, but they should be able to ask any reasonable question about its functions and usage.

You should really know if the person is a genuine offroad riding enthusiast very soon into the conversation. If they don’t have a tow vehicle at all, then this is a sign that it could be stolen.

In many countries, you can look up the registration details through an online database. However, thieves are smart and often erase VIN numbers.

Rust and excessive wear

Commonly dirt bike trailers are used in offroad conditions. As a result, this causes rust on the underside of the trailer.

When you inspect a used dirt bike trailer with the intention to purchase it, then you should take a very good look under the trailer. Bring a torch with you as your smartphone light just isn’t enough.

Not only should you inspect the undercarriage, but also the wheels and axles. These are common areas where rust builds up over time.

Lastly, you’ve got the drawbar and hitch. Check that these are well functioning and haven’t started to rust, as they are the most expensive to replace.

Workmanship

There are cheap dirt bike trailers and then there are those which are basic yet cost thousands of dollars. Why? The build quality.

You generally get what you pay for with these things. If you pay too little, then there is a good chance that you’ll have to buy another trailer next year.

Avoid the Chinese specials and purchase a locally produced trailer but those experienced in the industry. Look at their online reviews and feedback.

The build quality of the trailer should show strength. After all, you’re carting around dirt bikes which cost thousands of dollars already. The last thing you’ll want is to damage one of the bikes in transit because something went wrong.

Avoid any trailer that doesn’t have rail guides. These will go a long way in preventing your dirt bike from sliding side to side and falling over on bumpy highways.

New vs Used

Often dirt bike trailers are very affordable so we recommend buying new when possible. You’ll find plenty of manufacturers across the country that have trailers ready to go out the gate.

Used MX trailers often have wear and tear plus the rust issues that we’ve highlighted. However, you’ll also pay a whole lot less. Most used trailers are homemade setups too.

One thing to note with new trailers is their customizations available. Often manufacturers will be happy to add 2 extra jerry can holders or an additional spare tyre mount.

Where it makes perfect sense to buy a used trailer is when it has been hardly utilized by the owner. Sometimes they give up on the sport or simply didn’t use the trailer enough for the season.

Size

It does depend on how many dirt bikes you’ll be hauling. For example: You can fit a dirt bike in a 6×4 trailer quite easily. To do this, place each wheel corner to corner, and you may have to remove the rear tailgate.

Should you have more than one dirt bike to fit in a 6×4 trailer, then this is entirely possible and up to 3 dirt bikes can fit. It’s significantly easier if you have a small dirt bike in the centre and standing reversed so the handlebars aren’t all clashing.

Tips for your first haul

Imagine arriving at a dirt riding spot that you’ve been excited for the last few weeks, but you’re also nervous. After all, you’ve got your new trailer in tow.

To avoid embarrassment, we recommend that you:

• Wear your riding gloves when loading and unloading your bike off the trailer
• Watch out for the trailer ramps as riders often trip over these by mistake
• Park in a spot away from others. You don’t want to be the centre of attention
• Use high-quality tie-downs and do them up properly. Get someone to double-check
• Pack some zip ties, duck tape and WD-40 with you just in case. It really helps.

Also, don’t be afraid to put some decent compression on your forks. They are designed for this very purpose and will lessen the likelihood of the bike jumping around in the trailer. However, we wouldn’t recommend leaving your dirt bike compressed overnight. Do it just before you leave home.

Next steps

As you can see, there are numerous types of dirt bike trailers available for different types of riders. Not all of them are created equal.

If you’re the occasional weekend warrior then you’ll do just fine with a basic trailer. For those addicted to trail riding, then an enclosed trailer will be a better option.

Either way, practice safe hauling techniques to protect your bike, the general public and your pride. We’ll see you out there on the trails!