BMW Navigator V or VI Are they any different? 

Thank you for the review. The music streaming is very important for the ones that have a radio on their bikes , like me with my RT. In the previous version when you got all paired, helmet, phone, GPS, and radio, you simple couldn’t use the streaming audio from the GPS. Now, on this version, you can because the Bluetooth unit is new and you can have that function also. Also the phone calls via the Nav are better and stable. Cheers,

Really unbiased and funny comparison got me to laugh and get the info I needed as well. Well done guys 👍

I do enjoy your special effects. Useful video, thanks RCTC.

I am a little biased as a V user but I dont like the gloss on the VI, will wait for the VII to see if that changes before upgrading.

I know this is two years old but it has still helped me to save several hundred pounds. After watching I opted to buy a used Nav V, it’s shortcomings seemed insignificant compared to the financial savings made. No regrets whatsoever. Thank you gents.

With the V, and Bluetooth headset, you can either listen to media from phone, OR from the Nav.. If you pair headset and phone to the Nav, you'll hear GPS prompts, and will see caller ID on the NAV, but music is only available if you have an SD card in Nav loaded with music. If you pair headset to phone and not the Nav, you'll hear your music from phone. I think that they've fixed this with VI. Basically most people want the nav as the "hub". I plan on testing this at the dealer with the '18 GSA with TFT. Great video as always!

Very thought provoking video gents, thanks! I currently have the Zumo 660LM that has the same screen as Mark’s and I do get a lot of glare problems. I have been thinking about upgrading to a Navigator as I can’t use the wheel with my Zumo and talking to others that can use it say it’s brilliant, particularly for zooming in and out. I have had several experiences where this would have been useful as using my finger on the screen is not easy and a little unsafe. Think I need to research prices to try and get a good deal and will probably go for the 6 as you can really see the difference between the two screens on your video. What is Felix’s opinion as it was his upgrade that prompted Toby’s upgrade. Keep up the fine work guys. Cheers, Andy

Nice review, really like the VI. Maybe you could make another video with a walkthrough features or tutorial? Would be nice. Thanks, Toby and Mark.

Interesting review - good vid thanks guys. As noted by Rui C would welcome a tutorial/tips on how best to use the BMW navigator particularly with your experience when using abroad.

Currently own a R1200GSA 2016 with Nav 5 went to look for a new helmet today at Allan Jefferies Yorkshire BMW Only gone and bought the 2017/18 Triple Black GSA with sat Nav 6 and new TFT screen your videos are great keep them up. Anyone up for a trip sometime next year SEP(Ish) to Auchwitz concentration camp.

That was awesome fellas, Just ordered my 6 and found this really helpful. Keep up the good work and if your ever in Australia hit me up and we'll go for a ride.

Excellent series of videos gentlemen, many thanks. I appreciate the improved screen and slight speed improvement, but the real question is whether the VI is a real improvement, functionally. I was sold a V by the dealer, last year for my new GSA. His main argument was that the V displays the bike computer functions, but the VI does not. This seemed a viable argument at the time (I hadn't ridden a 1200 prior, previous bike was an 800GS) though I now question this as all those functions are already available on the bike's own display. But why introduce a new product that has less [useable] functionality than its predecessor anyway? However my main gripe is the cost of these things compared to other units on the market. What we are really paying for (about AUS$1000 for the V here) is the mounting and handlebar controller interface (which you've actually already paid for on the bike), because otherwise the unit itself is a "cheap" piece of crap. My phone usually does a better job, and most GPS's on the market for AUS$200 would do as well. I can travel well out of mobile phone range on tours ( easy to do in Oz), so I need a reliable GPS and carry two backup handhelds. I currently use a Sena 10C on my helmet (don't get me started on that - though, like most new technologies, it has positives and negatives) and the Bluetooth linking of iPhone and Sena with the NavV as a hub is just painful. I have had to fit an SD card with music on the V to get a "reliable" source, but that often won't display depending on how the Bluetooth feels that day. What's more the BMW handlebar jog controller for the V won't change music tracks (on the music from the V itself), so you have to take your eyes of the track/road to change music tracks on the touch display - not always easy and certainly not safe. It also doesn't resume music from where you switch off, so every time you restart the bike, the music goes back to the same first track on the SD card - makes you want to tear your hair out! Why the V has things like a stop watch and calculator on board, (when everybody already carries that functionality on their phone) but can't manage to get directions correct, or even find locations that have been there since before GPS was invented, is beyond me. With the power that BMW wields I would expect a better, more tailored and technically superior product - especially for this price. I think the answer is they don't really care; not a fitting philosophy to go with the bikes. So if, after using the new VI for a while, you could do another follow up video to compare the functionalities and operations of the two units, and their respective compatibility with other devices, that to me would be worth a look. Cheers, DS

Thanks for this guys. I've just bought an R1200RT and looking to populate the empty Nav slot. Your video, from around 7:30 onwards showed me that finding a used V on eBay would be a waste of time as the screen really is quite poor and performance tardy. The only dilemma is now is do I stump up nearly 600 quid for a VI, or just rig my nice bright iPhone and use Waze - which is brilliant when in the car and does live traffic re-routing and hazards ahead, which I'm not sure if the VI does?

Very informative, thank you. Maybe I should have waited a year before buying the Garmin 595 as it is clearly the BMW 5 going by the hazy screen.

After selling my 5 on eBay and buying a 6 I can say the difference is absolutely huge! I’d strongly recommend upgrading, one of the best things you can do to your GS.

Thanks Guys, very informative video & convinced me to get a S/H 5 rather than spend a lot of dosh on a new 6, although there might now be some S/H 6s around, but I hear there have been many problems with the 6s. I don't really need all the extra bells & whistles of the 6. BTW. Liked the matching tops with the chevron pattern on the sleeves!

Nice one chaps, another great video. I'm with Mr Mark (unusual for me, I can't justify the cost for the screen). But i just went out and couldn't see the screen on my V :-)

Hi Toby. I am looking at getting a Nav6 for my GS as I don’t have a Sat Nav currently. Your review has convinced me it’s the best for me. Question. When planing a route can you add in places you want to go through rather than the ‘quickest ‘ way, if you like putting in way points on the journey ? Is it possible to list the road you want to stay on ? I had a TomTom and it was difficult to use to put in stops destinations etc, in your opinion is the Nav6 better. Love the videos very unbiased reviews and fun to watch.

Although not presently biking, I enjoy your trips and comments. A few months ago you had switched from Go-Pro to another camera, either because the former was having problems or the latter was performing better. I didn't bookmark it so getting back to that video is impossible. Would you be so kind as to repeat which camera you changed to, why, and how well is that working out. Thanks, and continue riding safely.

great video guys will be buying first sat nav next year so will be the 6 hope dealerwill give me some tips on how to use correctly.

A nice and entertaining comparison to watch, guys. Have you tried using any antiglare or matte screen protectors to diminish the glare from the sunshine?

I still have and use the old IV, works well on my GSA. Yes, it's old, the screen is pixy, but it does what I want. Oh it seems it's almost unbreakable. I would buy a new one when it breaks.

Can l check my speeds any one time to see if the police cameras are correct on sat nav 6.

Guys I'm about to pick up my first BMW gsa 1200 what sat nav would suit the bike best are they all generic fitting?

I've now bought one and it's superb, however, I can't seem to change the last screen to show a digital speedo (using the trip computer page).

When watching the video you guys are great! I question why one reads east the other north and elevation are different?

Does the new screen use a phone type screen? If it does, try it in the rain, it may activate it. Thanks.

The screen is nicer on the 6 than the 5, certainly. If I could make the swap for the same cost as you did, I'd probably upgrade, but I feel you're being a bit misleading by not acknowledging that, in the real world, it's a much larger expense to make the swap. Over here, the 6 is $950, and the 5 is selling for around $400-450 on ADVRider. I can't justify $500-$550 (390 pounds at today's rate) for a brighter screen and 5 seconds faster to load a route. Still, thanks for the video...it actually helped me decide the upgrade wasn't worth the cost.

I own a NAV V as my "go-to" and still have my NAV IV as backup (slow but works.) IMHO, based on all the things I've seen about NAV VI "screen ghosting" issues that, to this day, apparently are unresolved, my pick in the NAV V for reliability. It can work with Tracks and routes (aka "Trips") and will convert a Track to a Trip. I store tons of MP3s on the microSD card as well, and listen on my Sena via Bluetooth. NAV V also can share GPS tracks via BlueTooth with another NAV V/VI. The only random issue I've seen with the V is that it will lock up once in a blue moon. Simply take the battery out, unplug for 1 minute and pop it back in. Problem solved. YMMV

I got the last Nav V the dealer had when I bought my 2017 GSW and got it for about $500 less than the VI. I would have popped for the VI but it STILL has no XM radio built in like my 8 year old Garmin 665 ! I can't believe BMW has missed it again.

Why didn't you show that back of each, for r200rt bikes?

The speed COULD be aided buy the newer battery but you'd expect it to be a little faster. I find Night mode on these preferable to day with the brightness up. (excuse the spam)

Why was the 5 compass North the 6 East

Good comparison guys

If the Nav V worked for more than one season then it's proven to be much better than the Nav VI. I've had three Nav VI replaced by Garmin and this morning, as soon as the weather cooled, the fourth unit stopped working properly. This time the mapping feature stops tracking my location after a only a few minutes. I'm done with Garmin.

There is one serious problem with Nav 5. On a Magellan tour the 5 worked well but causes memory loss. The result was, it caused me to leave my passport at a hotel. This error was more expensive than the upgrade to a 6. I would recommend a check up from the neck up, they are too much money for what they are.

I'm buying 2nd hand, would never spend £600. I'm guessing the BMW mount takes either version? (2021).

I know you guys did this video a while ago but i wanted to know if they both fit to the same cradle on the bike? i have a 5 you see and thinking of upgrading to a 6 thats all. If you could reply that would be fantastic. Thanks, josh

Just bought a GS (which I love) .... Don't have a satnav......so will be buying up front...... Still can't decide!

Hi Toby, just got my new GSA with a Nav6 to say I’m exited is an understatement. Just watching your vid and my eyes were drawn to your hand guard extensions, could I please ask, are they the Givi ones or something else as I want to fit them to mine. Many thanks. Ian

Excellent can you do a vid on how to use the 6. I am thinking of riding to the bike show in Milan (Eicma) but I am worried about the weather this time of year. It starts on the 9th of November and I was wondering if you two think its a bit late in the year to do the journey. Its a big deal for me as I have never been out the country on my own and also done that distance on a bike. I do love a challenge though. Great vid

Nothing to do with the satnavs... what are the long sleeve tops your wearing.

Hi, I have a 2018 R1200 GS and Nav 6 the bike has the tft display. So far I have been unable to figure out how to control functions on the nav 6 with the wonder wheel? Any tips for a tech challenged person. ty Rog

In my 5 I imported 3 trips and it took almost an hour to do it. Have you done this on the 6? Would it take less? It takes me a lot of free time plan routes even more waiting the device to end importing so is a loss of time for me.

Is there any chance you reviewing the BMW connected cradle for your phone and comparing it to the 6? For any one thinking about getting a SatNav who currently doesn’t have one I think it would be very helpful to decide which route to go down (pun intended) plus there’s a huge price difference between them!

You 2 are fun to watch! 2 questions: 1./ what was it with that comment You made on controlling "VIRB" camera, if I understood it right? 2./ Any advice on listening to music from Spotify? (I stopped owning mp3 files and transferring them here and there. I am sure there are others out there who'd just need access to their Spotify songs from their phones. The issue is controlling the Spotify app on your phone, when it's tucked away some place safe.) BTW, wouldn't You want to drive always EAST (and not WEST), if You NOT want the sun to shine on Your NavigatorV and have all that glare ... ??? :-) Cheers!

On the bootup speedtest, the 5 came up with "cannot unlock maps', what does this mean? My 6 that I have just bought (second hand) says the same thing.

Can the Nav6 and Garmin Zumo 595 fit in the same stock mount on the R1200GS Adventure?

How do you hear the directions from the navigation do you need integrated Bluetooth helmet or does it come with ear pieces?

Hi. Nice video. On my 5 the touch screen is not very good. Is it better on the 6?

Quick question. Is the guy on the right with no hair an ex RN clearance diver?

I ride with the tomtom 410 because the sound is better, the Bluetooth is crap, what's the sound level like on the 6 I ride with ear plugs and the last garmins I tried had a low volume eg garmin 100% was the same as 60% on tom tom.So whats the sound like, I use an autocom

hi guys can you fit the BMWs nav 6 screen to the nav 5 if there the same machine ??? thanks

I brought a VI to replace my IV. Sadly its a bit rubbish when it comes to traffic cameras, which is one of main reasons I wanted it. I'm sure you all know how limited this functionality is. For a unit that costs 580 why can't i decide whether to hear mobile zones or not? Its either turn off all of the camera alerts or have to listen to that stupid bong noise whenever I ride down any of my local roads at over 27mph, because once in the past 5 years there was a camera. This is pathetic. On my 6 year old tomtom I can turn mobile camera alerts off without turning them all off. Not that I would because I only actually receive mobile alerts if there is a camera car there. Also since I can't activate the voice control on my phone from the jog wheel and instead have to take my eyes off the road to use the touch screen repeatedly, I have disabled its phone connection and have my connected my iphone directly to my senna, which I can trigger Siri by simply pressing the button on my helmet. which is far safer than taking my eyes off the road. Stupidly unless I connect both the phone AND the headset to the nav the connection to the phone is lost which means I also loose the traffic and weather updates from the smartphone link. All of which are a real shame as the unit has a lovely screen and the jog wheel integration in very good for getting data from the bike. If there was a tomtom upgrade for this unit I would bite your hand off for it, but sadly when it comes to functionality Garmin are miles behind Tomtom. Your better off which a tomtom for half the price.

The glare might not be so bad for the bikes that have recessed GPS mounts (R12 RT and K16).

Does the 5 and the 6 fit in the same stock mount?

I did notice your beautiful defensive riding ... a joy to watch 😉

Can anyone offer up some advice on choosing a GPS unit for my 2010 K1300GT. Since it's an older bike and a pre-wonder wheel having bike would I benefit with getting the Navigator VI and cradle or is there something else out there that is more suited for an older bike? Thanks

Does anybody have a link to a detailed explanation or tips and tricks video for the Nav V or VI

Notice the 5 has speed limit display, 6 doesn't! feature issue or function adjustment?

I was hoping to use my iPhone Waze but - not only could I NOT see it in my Tank Bag - but the iPhone shut down because of temperature after only 20 minutes in very moderate 70 degrees overcast weather!?!

The colour rendition looks great but then at 20:19 the huge amount of reflection is shown....I'm trying to decide about whether to pickup a 5 which I can get for 1/2 the price of the 6... and it seems dollar for dollar that money looks better in my wallet.

That nav need to be matched up with the new TFT screen now lol

The 6 renders the route map details faster.

Tomtom for me on my 1250GSA.

Suppose it depends if you get a decent price for the Nav5... I'd probably upgrade if it didn't cost me anymore than about £100 as I do want fit the Garmin Virb cameras at some point. FYI the Nav5 doesn't stream from the phone, it's source is the Nav's micro SD itself but I had nothing but trouble playing music this way. Now I just connect my Iphone to the Scala Q3 headset (with custom earbuds) and the Iphone to Nav5 (for the Garmin app)... I don't bother with voice commands and the speed alerts got right on my tits! I'd defo get one if I bought a new GSA and didn't already have one, although you can probably save a few quid buying one used online cheaper than from BMW, which I did with my Nav5. On a separate note, do you have tank power? I've got a PDM60 ready to install and one of the connections will be tp send power to my Wunderlich Elephant tank bag to charge various items on the move.

Having concluded the 6 is worth upgrading to .... some of you may be curious about the Tom Tom. All you need to know is; That its faster than the Tom Tom.) Brighter than the Tom Tom. Bigger than the Tom Tom (5” versus 4.3”) and much clearer than the Tom Tom. Oh and far more capable. Believe me, i have both and the ONLY thing the Tom Tom does that the Garmin doesnt is support WiFi. Thats it !

yo me tuve un accidente por tapar el sol con la mano y creo que merece la pena el VI

Any advice re connecting Nav5 to TFT, any issues?

does the 6 fit the 5 cradle?

There's a reflection on your phone because the screen was OFF.

Looks like the VI will be even more difficult to read in sunlight! Design is faulty as far as i am concerned. The screen should be recessed and protected from sun rays.

Think you need to set these up with the same settings for better comparison other wise the speed is irrelevant

The high speed zooming as a plus? Not the way you showed it... Like, 2 twitches on the wheel and you went from showing the neigbourhood to looking down at the whole of the UK! How often would anyone want to zoom that far? The only reason I can see to zoom is to change to a *slightly* narrower or wider view, one or 2 steps at most...

Does it matter if one takes 4 seconds more than the other?! Still reflection. BMW done a good job then!

I always hear TomTom, Garmin, BMW etc but i ended up with a Binatone whatever on earth that is. Guessing there's a reason it goes unmentioned >.

Have BMW sorted all the IV problems??

A bit late to the party but the VI is worth upgrading to on multiple levels but the most important bit is the processor and the newest architecture that is able to handle the newer 4.0+ bluetooth revisions that work with communicators like the Sena 30K and such. The IV is unable to live stream music as well. At the end of the day the IV is old technology and to be fair the VI will only be as good as the newest technology within your phone, bottom line is all connected devices NEED to have current updates and the latest and greatest firmware. The iPhone 6 is the bare bones minimum lowest level that can be used and it's only a matter of time before it too falls off the cliff.

Το καλυτερο navy ειναι αυτο που συνδεεται με το ιντερνετ

It's an evolution, it is not a revolution, having the V, I think it is not worth changing, not having the V, would buy the VI, the progress, is the progress! Now, is it worth to buy the VI, with the TFT screen, which can be connected to the phone's gps? Just to justify a new video mate!!

Thanks a Lot for the video. I have a question. I intend to buy a gs 750 in a few weeks. My thought is that TFT and Navigator 6 overlap in many features and makes no sense buying both. TFT is no brillian in navigation but you can use your mobile phone with google maps connected to TFT. ¿¿Is my thinking right?? TFT and Navigator are expensive devices and I would like to make a wise decision. Thanks a lot...!

BMW has nothing to do with the screen resolution - it is all Garmin

Sorry its a 2014 te.

Got a 6 for free with the bike so i wont complain

Speed limit is shown on 5 not 6

Big deal. Is it worth it! Mmmm,

Can't beat Google maps

My GOD ! You go on about the better screen. I got that already ! When you finnaly get to new functionality you just skip it and go on about the better fucking screen ! WTF do I care if it starts 5 seconds faster ? This 21 minute movie should have taken 1 minute. Sorry to be so blunt guys. All I wanted to know where differences / improvements of the 6 over the 5.

It's bullshit that Garmin doesn't just sell the software for download to bring it up to specs as the 6 I'm not cheap... I'd be glad to pay for the download...its just think it's a waste to buy an entirely new Navi, which includes screen, case, and such..its bullshit

I’ve owned both and like the 6 better but both are way over priced!

Dont bother with the 6 its crap !! I'm on my 3 replacement. Screen locks ghosts and the touch screen is un responding to touch . Total fail by garmin and poor customer service in admitting the fault and recalling the 6 and fixing them . Its the elephant in the room and the reason i won't be buying garmin products ever again. Dont waste your money honestly.

Britain's roads are maintained? lol. Not round here they aren't. Only the council tax increases are maintained.

who cares how fast? Do not buy its useless; how did this pass testing? The routes are always wrong inputting is a disaster. $150 units at target far superior you can load routes by voice before hand that are so much faster than even Apple iPhone without touching keyboard