BMW Navigator V Review 

Thanks for the video, it may seem silly to some but it was a big help for me to decide if I wanted the OEM nav or not.

Got a 2016 K1300 coming with 6.5k miles on the clock. Comes with Nav 5 hence watching your old video. Helpful as always, even from the past :)

A tidy garage/workshop, a great bike and tech! What more could anyone want?! Thanks for posting. 😁👍

Thanks for doing this detailed review. I found it exceptionally interesting and I will get the Navigator V for my GS. Keep these reviews coming!

+Danny Engels I don't know, but you do get free lifetime updates if you're buying in the UK....cheers - TMF

nobody speaks clearer or gives as precise a review as you do. it is a pleasure to listen to you. i own many motorcycles a bmw k1600gtle and a bmw k1 purchased from james daniel may [top gear] yesterday i test rode the bike that i intend to purchase as soon as money permits. the bmw r1200 gs te in matt racing red like yours. keep up the excellent videos. respects bill...

***** Cheers Paul, and agreed, the mounting position is about as ideal as it can be (infact I glance at the data on the satnav more than the "dash").....

I have to thank you ... I would never have purchased this option without your advice! I'm delighted with the unit ... Thanks again!

Fantastic review. I've just sold my Blade to buy a new R1200RS Sport SE; and after watching your video, I have decided to purchase the NAV V with the bike, when it arrives mid July. Keep up the great work 😀

Thanks for the review, I have just bought a new R1200RS and BMW are throwing in a Navigator 5, f.o.c. Your observations are most helpful.

Yes I recently bought it. Pricey yes, useful for technical data. More useful I think when in unfamiliar territory. Didn't know about shift count or lean angle etc...I have not yet connected to my home PC.

Very clear review - much appreciated! I was hesitant to spend the money on such an expensive piece, but I fully agree with your perspective that the integration with the thumbwheel, and the integration with the bike's data bus, makes it very much worth it. I love mine.

Another nice video, TMF. The Nav V with locking mount is an excellent feature for the new R1200GS. On my last road trip on my old bike, I wound up in a horrible stop-and-crawl traffic jam in Chicago. It was a nightmare, and happened because I veered off my intended route. That's why my next bike (a new GS) will have satnav. The one on the new GS is also mounted in a good position to view it, and not having to take it off the bike every time you stop is a very appealing feature.

Thanks for the great review. I got myself a 2013 R1200 Gs and the Nav. V and I love it.

That's a great video on the Nav5. Love how you do your videos. Very well filmed and edited. Ps love your 'man cave' ;-)

Hey mate. Just picked up a great 2013 r1200gs in the same color as yours (and similar spec= everything) with 9,000 miles. Thanks for all the very informative and enjoyable videos!

10 mins well spent. Great overview and seems to be packed with some great features too. Thanks for doing this.

Hi TMF,hope you are well.i thought I would give my honest opinion of the Nav 5,for what it's worth.Truth is,I got tired of looking at the empty mounting on my GS.A friend of mine was off to Canada for 6 months so he very kindly said I could use his Nav 5 whilst he was away,brilliant.I currently use the latest TomTom Rider 400 series,because the mapping is based on Google maps,there is loads of information on the maps and the unit is so easy to plan your own routes on via Tyre .TomTom send very regular map updates so you know you are not going to get lost. I found the Nav 5 to be absolutely superb,you have a screen right in front of you that,as you know,tells you everything that's going on with the bike as you ride,I was like a kid in a sweet shop,when I was playing with the function wheel,excellent. When it comes to it's Sat Nav function,that's another story.One must not forget,this thing is a Garmin,which carries the usual Garmin traits,i,e, outdated maps with little useful up to date information,and the Devil's own invention...BaseCamp,who thought this was a good piece of software? I have found room to run my TomTom right next to the Nav 5 so I can still have the telemetry the 5 offers,alongside a proper Sat Nav that doesn't get me lost. BMW should take a long look at this unit,at this price point,it should be way better than it is.The Nav 6,is exactly the same but with a better screen.I am sure BMW could and should do better with this unit,seems not! Just my opinion.

Nice review. I just bought one for my 2016 GS Adventure. Still the same unit with no real updates.

I am taking delivery of a new GS on March 1st. I think after spending gazillions of pounds on the bike, I will add the sat nav to list. Nice revue and very useful. Thank you.

Very cool! I like the way it's integrated with the bike, displaying tyre pressures, temps, etc. I like bells and whistles. Just for a laugh, switch on captions and watch it again. Haha, it has trouble translating my Aussie accent as well.

Very useful video thanks. I ve just ordered a R1200GS TE and all being well I will be collecting it on Tuesday. Thank you for your videos, they have greatly assisted me in making my final choice. Like you I also rode the Multistrada, but also looked at the Explorer, the ktm 1190, and the Yam Super Tenere. I have to say that I think I've made the right decision.

Just bought Iconic number 16 and will be bolting one of these on. I never knew it could record lean angles!

+Patrol Gear No problem - glad you found it of interest......you'll love the Nav V!

Just got a GS and got this with it thanks to your reviews of both.

Just bought a used one thanks for the intro its very useful.

Always look forward to your vids. Thx for the input and recommendations on the sat/nav. Looking at buying an BMW RT1200 or K1600 early next year and this vid gives great advice on the new Garmin tool for these bikes.

Great review - thanks. I am about to buy a 2015 R1200R and have been wrestling with the cost on this as an option. The R1200R has a analog speedo which is a bit ordinary after using the big digital job on my Speed Triple. But now I can know where I am going and just maybe keep my license intact as well. Thanks for the detailed review!

Thanks for making these videos it's really helped me in making a few decisions from the actual bike to accessories too.

Very informational video. Looking forward to getting my GS adventure in may.

Took your advice and got the device. I splurged on the 6 for the motorcycle friendly road option.

100% agree - I have it on mine as well and it makes things so uncomplicated coz it just works...

Thanks for the good review. I purchased my Nav 5 after watching this. also thanks for the video of the shift assist. I'd covered 2,000 kms on my new GSA before watching your video and learning how it worked.

Just got the sat nav. Going to take a while to get my head around it. Thanks for the video.

Very good review, very well done, great bike and this nav is really well positioned.

great sat nav its definatly on the to do list

Thank you for this. Picking up an 800 adventure today and this video convinced me it's worth the dollars. Very informative!

Unfortunately the "My Motorcycle" mode only works with the R1200GS . . . not the R1200RT. Can't figure out why on that decision !!!

Great video again. I like the high mount position. Safer than glancing down at the speedo, I nearly crashed my new zzr1400 looking at the sat nav screen mounted on a steering stem bracket. It was like driving your car with the satnav on your lap, these high mounts are a must in my opinion.

Great video, thxs for sharing. I didn't know that it had the off-road way point feature in it. Just what I need.

Just wondering, does this version of non-tft dashboard have a speedometer on screen? Or is speed purely on that needle gauge. Assuming no gps.

Hi TheMissendenFlyer, Thanks to posting all these vids and reviews. Its great to follow someone with an enthusiasm for motorcycles the same as mine. One thing I'd love you to do is review doing routes/track on your BMW Garmin. It would be brilliant if you went a little deeper, no one on RU-vid has done this thoroughly yet. I don't know if its just too complicated but things such as doing an off road track and following it. Whether its worth / necessary upgrading to a Montana for off road use. I really think it would be helpful (especially to me!!) as there is so much controversy over how to do it properly. Cheers Phi

Thank you for this video. I'm sold on the navigator now

Thanks for the video. Like you said it'e pricey but it's worth it. I didn't even know it had those fancy grip controls. Going to get the GPS with my 1200 GS Adventure.

Cheers buddy. Just need to find a decently priced one on Ebay now.

mine always shows all of the small boxes, seems like you customized it to show one only or four only, did you do that by zooming with the wheel, or did you do something else?

not noticed any lean angle data on mine not sure that is an option but generally great review even though i already have one i agree its a worthwhile option

good review mate , am sold; will definetley get one when i get my Gs next year

TFM how well can you see your route when the sun is shining directly onto the screen

Here’s a few points owning a 2017.5 GS. The 1200 is (imo) about the last proper conventional twin, the 1250 is smoother, faster and is slightly more sophisticated and last but least, everyone Raves about the TFT Dash. I Hate it. Love the clocks, nice to see the rev counter pointing in various directions and the LCD display on the Clocks in great too. Put on the Nav 5 or 6 as I have been using, you can have your speed in front of you, the clock you all complain about not being to read is not relevant but looks classic and classy. I’ve just had my GS stolen (somehow with the Keyless Ride, (no one can explain how they copied my emergency key!!!!!), but am replacing it almost immediately with another 2017.5. Guess I am going to get a new Nav 6 too. I think having Nav 6 & TFT is an over kill. Keep your wonderful 2014!……. it looks great and thanks for the channel. Greeetings from Amsterdam.

Another excellent Video.

I just spent 3 days riding the new 2015 RT. 3000 kms in total heading for the south of France.. I cannot say how disappointed i was with the navigator 5. First it is almost not readable in sunny situations despite setting the brightness to maximum. In fact on some occasions when the sun shines from behind, it becomes totally useless. Then when you scroll up the names of cities remain terribly small forcing you to stop to try to read the names and not cause an accident. As far as i am concerned it is far from being perfect and i even wonder if it deserves its price.

Hi, can you tell me if the info displayed next to the navigation map can be changed? I.e. Instead of speed or elevation can you have distance to destination or time of arrival.

There is so many posts to go through. Could you please tell me where you can see the angle of your motorcylce on Basecamp PLEASE!!!!!

How do you get that "My motorcycle" screen? I just bought a second hand Nav5 which is on my R1200RT and I can't get the data such as tire pressure, voltage to my screen. I can get trip computer which is a black screen and doesn't have the info I want. Please help, this is one of the reasons I bought this Navigator

I wasn't ever gonna bother with one. I just assumed it was a £600 gps, which my phone can do just as well. Showing the other features like complete computer display, instead of clicking through the onboard options... I do that a lot! The bike has the mount and the wheel as standard. Shame the unit doesn't come as standard. I'm now gonna go get one! Awsome video, great review. You've just earned Garmin some money :)

Nice review mate! Always a go-to place! Just got my '18 R1200R and the cradle was already there. I'm thinking at this V rather than the VI, what do you reckon? Just considering with phone apps too, maybe the VI isn't necessary if this does a good job

Hi TMF I'm in the process of ordering a BMW RT with the Nav5. I've since discovered that on the RT, the "My Motorcycle" app that you mention in the vid, where a load of information can be shown, does not exist. It appears only when the Nav5 is on the GS. I don't understand why BMW have done this.

Hi again! I've picked up my 3rd navigator V from BMW today after other two developed same issue during nearly 2 years of ownership altogether. First got replaced by Garmin themselves couple of months after initial purchase, 2nd packed up on NY eve. Issue is that at 20mls scale terrain overlay dissappears and takes with it city names and gets really sluggish drawing map when you move around. All resets possible that I tried didn't help. Brought unit to my local dealer and explained issue and they ordered new one without fuss. Glad that BMW gives 2 years warranty on it! I know have brand new unit but only with week worth of warranty! at least this one works perfectly and draws maps in 20mls scale instantly! worth checking yours. all the best.

Fantastic video. Infact, I really like all your other videos as well. I'm picking up my new S1000XR in couple of days time and there's an internal debate going on in my head about the Nav V. My biggest concern is that the unit cant be locked unlike on the GS. I'll still get the Nav though... I think ;)

well done video, off curse it'll be one of those when purchase next GS. Thanks

My 2014 did not come with one. Is it really worth that 800 plus dollar 💵. Could I just use my phone instead and keep my 800 dollars?

Hi, Can you tell me how frequently the maps are being updated for this navigation system? Thanks.

Great video as always TMF I’ve just got a 5 for free on my new XR & as you say the book is pants I didn’t know it did half of that it’s time for a play I think with a brew in hand 👍👍

Hi tried that but the tyre pressures enlarge not the speed....????

Really helpful oveview TMF, thanks. Question: suppose you're using the wonder wheel for the SatNav as you demonstrate in the video, how do you then switch it back to controlling the bike's menu panel, and vice versa?

Nice review, thank you.

Does your nav 5 do live traffic. I just bought a used nav 6 with a lug broken at back got it reasonable to go on my new gsa which my friend i am getting sat morning i am getting exited

I got my new GS in august 2015 and decided on your recomendation to get the navigator V afterall. I must say, a great kit to have on this fantastic machine. As i am a fan of your reviews i even viewed some of them several times........ Now i noticed that you mentioned that the nav can show the leanangle. Maybe my eyesight is getting bad 🙈, but i can not find this option. Can you give me a little hint 😳. Keep up the good work, 👍looking forward for your next review.

Just re-watched this as I have the Navigator V on my XR, did you get the tire pressure monitors on the GS and have you connected them via Bluetooth to the Navigator?

New awesome TFT screen announced....is the GS upgradable? Seems like the thumb wheel controller and buttons (black)have also been updated....

Great review. Thanks! Unrelated Question: What kind of crash bars are you running on your GS? They look great.

. Picked up a new R1200RS a couple of weeks ago and because like yourself didn't want to look at the blanking plate I also bought the Navigator V, agree with you thats its a great bit of kit. I do have one strange thing though - on the 'statistics' that show number of gear changes, front & rear brake applications etc, it shows current 300+ uses of the front brake but over 700+ for the rear (?). The number of times the rear is used is far less than the front and I've checked to make sure my boot isn't resting on the pedal. Does your also show the anomaly ?

Hi, Thanks for this info. Great video. Bought a 2014 Rt and I am umming and arring about the outlay. I am hoping that I can Bluetooth phone to sat nav then sat nav to schuberth so I can get caller id on the sat nav. Do you know if this is possible? also I would like to pull music from phone to sat nav and then to helmet..save uploading music to sat nav itself..again do you know if this is possible? I have read that a lot of people have had major issues with the bluetooth between phone and sat nav..have you had any issues?? Thanks.

Hey Flyer! Another clear, concise and informative review. Thanks for taking the trouble to post. Think an old fart like me would suffer information overload and ride through a hedge! Interesting that the temperature display is in foreign but the tyre pressure is in good old PSI. Can you change the former to Fahrenheit? By the way; like the tyre pressure reminder sticker on the clutch reservoir... Did you make it yourself? KR, Buzz PS: Borrowed the GS demonstrator last week and found that the navigation wheel really gets in the way of the high beam/flasher switch.

hello sir, may i ask does this navigator v able to link with any brand of helmet hèadset other than BMW helmet's? thanks. appreciate your good review by the way.

Do you know how to change tire pressure indicator BAR to PSI on the GPS? my motorcycle is in PSI and the gps shows BAR

how do you get it to display the speed only like you did?

Great review. Thanks!

I have had a nav 6 bought used but went faulty with the ghosting issues then i yried the connected ride cradle which is ok but hard to see phone in strong sunlight. And i had to remove phome from case to allow wireless charging and one day i forgot and placed my phone in same pocket as keys and cracked the back glass that was it i sold cradle tjen bought a tomtom rider 40 removed bmw cradle installed that but they are poor so friday night i noticed a nav 5 boxed as new £150 so i grabbed it off ebay it turns up and its obvious although not worn or anything but the ebayer had got the item description wrong so i mentioned it and low and behold she offered £30 refund its very near sane inside as nav 6 but without the issues i hope its all boxed with manual and the bmw carry case

Good video and informative. Thanks

How does all the extra features work on a 2013 RT with multi-function wheel?

If you have cellular data and Google maps, you have an order of magnitude better mapping and traffic warning system than anything Garmin offers. I bought the Nav V only for the remote control via the scrolling wheel, but after realizing doesn't do much in terms of using it remotely, I find it was a HUGE waste of money...

Nav VI worth the upgrade?

Hi TMF... great reviews as always ... a comparison with the VI would be timely now?

Great review. As the Nav links to your phone via Bluetooth, will it display phone information? Just wondering whether you can make a call using the whizz wheel? Im not keen on making calls when riding but at least you can phone home to say you are running late rather than having to stop.

just watched this, 4 years late to the party! I did noticed that you mentioned lean angle, did you said that by mistake, or was it available on the V only? I have a VI and cannot get to find it in the "my bike" section. Thank you for your hard work! Cheers

New back to biking, love the videos and just bought the Nav V based on your review .... not sure if dealer has sold me a former demo at full price as packaging not pristine .... any chance you remember if the box on yours was sealed or the poly bag inside the box was sealed ?

Hi there, did you know you can have your bike speed on your digital clock display?

sir you are amazing I am your fan I also want to be a moto vloger like you but I don't have camera an all other stuff I just have a 50cc motorcycle but I love all your content

Sweet review. I like all of your content. Cheerio!

I followed your suggestion. is really fantastic! one question: when you use it to look to the data instead of the map, I can notice that speed is showed. I'm not able to have this data available. I can see temperature, odometer, Tyre pressure. and engine temp. how can you add the speed instead? Thx!! max

Hallo, as the Zumo590 can handle the SPOTIFY app in my iPhone, I assume this BMW Nav5 should be also capable, as well.... Anybody has a solid info about this?? Thanks in advance...

Hi, Firstly thanks for all you GS uploads I found them very useful . I've just picked up my new GS and loving it . I am considering buying the sat nav 5 but can you tell me if you can switch from mph to kph for use on the continent? Thanks

who looks for where you are going while looking at the screen

Hey thanks for you review. After watching this I decided to go ahead and purchase the Navigator VI to replace my Navigator IV on my GS LC. It discovers my Sharktooth R119. I click connect on the Navigator VI when the sharktooth shows up as a selection. The selection disappears on the Nav 6 and the flashing discoverable lights on the Sharktooth go out at the same time but no connection is made. I also tried this on my Sony SRS-BTX500 portable soundbar and it connects find for calls and music. Did you have similar problems. Be great to hear from a fellow biker with the same equipment.

Hi. Thank you for the great video. Does the GPS unit work without the bike? I mean can i use to find places when i'm not on my bike? Thank you again.

Hi, just bought the Garmin Nav 5 for my husbands RT, works fine on bike and just learnt a few more tips from your video, problem is with trying to load a route onto it from the Tyre programme. I am used to doing this as previous model was the Garmin Zumo so know the procedure. However cannot load a custom made route onto the Nav 5 and I am completely at a loss to know why. The laptop knows it is connected to the Nav 5 as shows both the Zumo and Nav 5 in it's list but cannot transfer the route over, advises that it is not connected any ideas?

I have the Navi 6, and it does not seem to have the same kind of riding info screens that you ride with :-( Or at least I cannot find them

how do you turn it off when out on the bike ?