Thank you for posting this. I really appreciate an honest real world review without someone trying to sell me something. I’m going to need both, as I ride some places where I can’t get a phone signal.
Thank you for posting this video. I recommend that you use setup on your Nav 6 to get the QWERTY keyboard. Might help with entering data if your eyes are OK. Shiny side up - greasy side down!
Hi Dave, always a big question when analyzing, comparing, testing, using navigators! Agree with your video. I have also a long experience using various of equipments and apps. Jez... they are all different and my eyes also fel on this N6 and the BMW conn App for my new GS850Adv 2022 with TFT. The BMW App is absolutely easy and practical compared to Garmin navigators. The other solution I'm using since couple years is the App "Outdoor" that allows you to create magnficent routes for motorbikes but also hiking, biking and much more. Once you've created a route, you can upload it in you're BMW conn App without any hazzle. Doing the same for the N6, there is a BaseCamp operation needed which I still find complex and delivering other routes due to the different algoritm you're mentioning.
Alex, I use and I am getting fairly proficient with base camp, and a big portion of my rides are complex routes, just not sure how well those apps work, but looking at the 2023 BMW RT's, and K bikes I might want to start learning as I see they are no longer supporting the NAV6 option for routing...Dave
I ride a 2020 s1000xr and I also own the nav 6 but I think the app is better and here's why. It works waaaay faster than any sat nav. It's more aware of blocked roads and such. You always carry your phone so you don't have to carry an extra device when you're off the bike. If you import a larger gpx file on the nav 6 it will divide the route in multiple routes because it says there's too many anchor points. The app will just keep the whole route together. Unless you're riding in places where there is no phone signal the Bmw connected app is the way to go for me. Honestly.. Calimoto is even better if you want those nice twisty roads. And btw.. You can change the screen orientation in the menu on the connected app 😉
I still haven't used the Connected app with long complicated routes, as I have with my NAV6's, I do agree it is faster and for local stuff much easier, so to speak. But I haven't imported a big route, guess I need to try that...Dave
Why did you sell your old 2016 GS? How many miles were on it? Was that a reason to sell? High mileage maintenance ? Did you get a good trade in value? Would like to know more……
Hi Dave thanks a lot for the post. I live in a complex city, so for example when the nav says turn right, when I turn right it might not be enough because there can be 3 directions to choose from when I turn right, does the bmw connected app tells you the name of the exit so you turn right and know exactly which direction to go
@@zafer271 So the answer is yes, the middle of the TFT screen displays the street name, and if you have a bluetooth helmet the navigation will be read to you. Also the TFT display is larger than the GPS screen, hope that helps...Dave
Hi, the automatic switch on the TFT to show navigation when a corner comes up is this a function from the navigator & the TFT or from the connected app & the TFT? I use the navigator 6 and it doesn't seem to show this information when a corner comes up.
With the connected app, does the phone screen have to remain on for the system to work? The screen uses the most of the phone battery and generates a lot of heat. I have never seen this addressed exacty. Also, it would be nice to be able to navigate without using the phone at all. I don't suppose this is possible with the new TFT?
You are correct, the phone has to be attached to the BMW Connected app, other wise the system does not work. In my opinion this makes the TFT just a larger display for the phone, as I see it the phone is doing all the work. Not optimal in my opinion. Once connected, you can close the app, but it still drains power quickly, and the system seems to require the phone to make many adjustments on the route, and while moving the options are minimal....Dave
I bought my bike with a Nav VI. Had the ghost touch issue and after Garmin told me that they were out of refurbished replacements but they'd put me on a waiting list, I said screw it and got the BMW ConnectedRide cradle. Had so many issues where the app failed to connect to the bike, or to the cradle, or even the cradle to the bike, that I got so fed up (even after clearing connected devices from the bike and phone, re-setting up cradle and phone, reinstalling the app and even out of desperation factory resetting the phone) I bought a Garmin Zumo XT2 and haven't looked back. The app is VERY bare bones. I have a couple hundred rides saved in it and now every time I try to delete or merge a ride, the app hangs. Even if I delete and reinstall the app it happens. I haven't seen any feature updates or bugfixes (that fix the hanging issue) since it was released. My XT2 has a LOT more features, and has a screen I that I can both read in direct sunlight from any angle, but also can manipulate with a non-capacitive gloved hand easily.
