I bought the ottocast. Have not used it yet. Not overly impressed with it but it may prove adequate

 

I keep hoping to hear from riders who have actually tried some of these. I have a double din head unit in my truck that has Carplay and Android Auto. That functionality seems like it would work on a bike. I just don't feel all warm and fuzzy about the quality based on how many of these chinesium head units I've gone through. They seem to fail in freezing weather. (Probably broken solder joints on the pc boards.)

FWIW, I have an old Garmin that didn't have enough room for the latest map update, but I was able to add an SD card and update it that way.

Following....

 

My Garmin 550 also has an SD card to supplement the memory but there is no provision on their map update feature to load to that. I've tried and even Garmin says you can't.

And I agree with you about build quality. Still watching Youtube videos to get a clearer picture. Unfortunately the Youtubers who review these things feel the need to ramble on for 20-30 minutes.

Another consideration is also if I can use Bluetooth ear buds AND/OR corded ear buds. I have both and figure if the charge on the BT buds die I can just plug in my corded.

 

I don't have apple products, but this Spedal Navicam has both Carplay and Android Auto. Just got it installed and it seems to be working well. Cameras are a nice option, as well.

Spedal NaviCam

 

I bought this unit also I really liked it but it had a large connector to connect the host and accessories that I didn’t love. Made it hard for wire management. So it went back. I know they make it with individual wire connections also. I’m interested in how you wired it.

 

That unit is interesting. More than I was looking for with the f/r cameras. I did a chat and waiting to hear back if there is a jack for corded ear buds. But it has made my short list. Thanks.

 

There is a physical audio jack as part of the wire harness, but I'm not sure if its for input or output, as I connect my Sena via bluetooth.

 

I've got something similar to # 2 above. It works OK. It seems to have occasional trouble reconnecting with my Android phone, less trouble with an Apple phone. I use it with a Cardo Bluetooth headset with helmet speakers. Mine has a RAM ball-ish mount so it was easy to put on a handlebar mount. I have a USB outlet on fairing panel above the battery and this plugs into that.

I use it with Apple Maps, Google Maps, Sirius XM, or an audio player. Typically for navigating I'll search for the destination on the phone then control it via the Carplay unit. Same for SiriusXM, I select the channel on the phone and then control with the Carplay.

It does use a lot of battery on the phone (because the phone is talking to the Carplay via Bluetooth and the internet via phone).

I wouldn't depend on it if I was riding in the Iron Butt Rally but for normal riding (where you can always stop and look at the phone) it's OK.

When I first got it I also had my old car GPS mounted on the other handlebar but I'm comfortable enough with this thing that I removed that. Although the GPS is better than this as a moving map because on the Carplay, I find the labels on the roads are small and hard to read. Apple Maps is clearer than Google Maps.

 

I have the Carpuride 5" unit, running Android Auto. I've only got a few months' experience with it, but so far, it's worked fine. It lives on top of my dash via a Ram mount.

 

Also.... does anybody know of any units that have an audio out jack for corded ear buds as well as BlueTooth?

 

I have been shopping for one ove these units for a while. I tested the navicam model and really liked it but didn’t like the wire harness on it. They make it in two styles and I would have kept it if i got the other wire design.

The aux cable on the navicam is audio out. I tested as I was hoping to wire in my radar detector.

Carpuride 502/702 would be my choice for a no frills unit.

I have been looking at this Alien Rider 2 model it also incorporates blind spot alerting. Aux is audio out.

AlienRider M2 Pro Motorcycle Dash Cam with 6.1 Inch Touch Screen and 77GHz Millimeter Wave Radar Supports Wireless Carplay and Android Auto1080P HD Dual Recording Waterproof and Dustproof https://a.co/d/iUeEqL2

We can get a discount on a group buy coming from china.


This Chigee unit has some unique features like and obdII connector and gps receiver

CHIGEE AIO-5Lite Motorcycle Carplay Apple Android Auto GPS Navigation System, BSD, STARVIS HDR 5" IPS LCD, 5G Wi-Fi BT, IP67 Waterproof, Support Siri Google Assistant, 24H Parking Mode, Dedicated App https://a.co/d/9egF2M9

 

I have been shopping for one ove these units for a while. I tested the navicam model and really liked it but didn’t like the wire harness on it. They make it in two styles and I would have kept it if i got the other wire design.

The aux cable on the navicam is audio out. I tested as I was hoping to wire in my radar detector.

Carpuride 502/702 would be my choice for a no frills unit.

I have been looking at this Alien Rider 2 model it also incorporates blind spot alerting. Aux is audio out.

AlienRider M2 Pro Motorcycle Dash Cam with 6.1 Inch Touch Screen and 77GHz Millimeter Wave Radar Supports Wireless Carplay and Android Auto1080P HD Dual Recording Waterproof and Dustproof https://a.co/d/iUeEqL2

We can get a discount on a group buy coming from china.


This Chigee unit has some unique features like and obdII connector and gps receiver

CHIGEE AIO-5Lite Motorcycle Carplay Apple Android Auto GPS Navigation System, BSD, STARVIS HDR 5" IPS LCD, 5G Wi-Fi BT, IP67 Waterproof, Support Siri Google Assistant, 24H Parking Mode, Dedicated App https://a.co/d/9egF2M9

I thought the Carpuride was the high end until I saw the other one you mentioned. And there are much cheaper units naturally. I still don't think I want all of the other features like blind spot warning and f/r cameras.

Thanks, good info. Keep it coming everybody.

 

I don't want to get on another subject, but cameras that record can be a godsend if you are ever in a wreck. Without a witness who is willing to testify, you need video proof that you were not at fault. Otherwise, in many states, you will be found at fault automatically. (I think some states call it "no fault")
I added cameras/DVR when I was inches from being rear-ended to death by a Deputy. It was my word against his.

Now, if the worst happens, my kin will at least know the truth of what happened. If someone takes me out and I don't die, I will have admissible proof.

It is the cheapest, most effective insurance you can buy. I have a friend who is paying his own medical bills and fixing his bike on his own dime because the cop wrote the report that way. Even though the other driver involved admitted fault at the scene, the witnesses left and he was left holding the bag.

So to get back on topic, a camera feature that records would add a ton of value to an Apple Carplay Standalone unit.

 

I don't want to get on another subject, but cameras that record can be a godsend if you are ever in a wreck. Without a witness who is willing to testify, you need video proof that you were not at fault. Otherwise, in many states, you will be found at fault automatically. (I think some states call it "no fault")
I added cameras/DVR when I was inches from being rear-ended to death by a Deputy. It was my word against his.

Now, if the worst happens, my kin will at least know the truth of what happened. If someone takes me out and I don't die, I will have admissible proof.

It is the cheapest, most effective insurance you can buy. I have a friend who is paying his own medical bills and fixing his bike on his own dime because the cop wrote the report that way. Even though the other driver involved admitted fault at the scene, the witnesses left and he was left holding the bag.

So to get back on topic, a camera feature that records would add a ton of value to an Apple Carplay Standalone unit.

I live in a no-fault state. Each driver settles with their own insurance company. No suing unless you opt for lawsuit eligible insurance, which people rarely do because the rates are 3 times over.

I also know of guys who were pulled over and had their cameras confiscated and videos used against them in court. Nothing like providing evidence to the prosecutor to screw you with.

 

OK so I just happen to be on Amazon and the Carpuride units went on flash sale. The 7 inch is $229 (-50) and the 5 inch is $199. I opted for the 5 inch as the 7 seems too big for my tastes, it's too "in your face". And my Zumo 550 has a 3 1/2 inch screen which I had no issues with so a 5 inch screen will be a nice upgrade.

I'll report back after I check it out.

 

Following.

I like that 702 that you linked. I'm thinking about it.

 

Came home from spending the day out with the family and the unit was sitting on the front porch when we got home. I do love Amazon for that.

Tomorrow I'll check it out using alligator clips to my car battery. I'll try all the functions and get a feel for it. If I like it, Tuesday the wifey will be working on site and the little guy will be in school, I'll start my spring ride prep by removing my Garmin and installing this.

 

I have it ordered. Tuesday arrival. Thanks for the heads up on the sale!

 

As I was using Android Auto in my truck this weekend, I found that my phone was dying quickly and I had to get it on charge way earlier than normal.
Something to keep in mind ad you test these out. Monitor your phone battery.

 

I hesitate with one of these devices. Android Auto defaults to using Google Maps, which just eats battery...... best keep it on a charger..... meanwhile, not going to put it on the bike....

 

I don't mind Google maps at all. I'll also use Waze too. I don't know what Apple Carplay defaults to yet. Tomorrow is the day I get to play with it. And I have a USB port for charging right on the fairing near the glove box.

 

Maybe it's the interface in my truck, but I didn't like the screen at all and could not shut Google Maps off for more than a few minutes and it came back.... I would have liked a way to customize the screen to what I want on it.....
I have a Zumo GPS, so between it, headset and phone, I really don't need it. The Zumo XT will display text, phone calls, emails, weather, traffic, music player.....

 

I've got zero experience with Android and very limited with Carplay. We shall see.

 

Not really a techie so can someone explain these things a bit better. Iam using my phone for navigation and music connected to Cardo helmet speakers. I would assume? these car play units would do the same when they’re connected to my phone. Anyone have pics with the units mounted on the bike

 

You pair your phone to the unit. Then you pair the unit to your audio out ( BT ear buds or in your case to your Cardo). After the pairing is done you use the screen on the unit to control the apps. In my case it's an iPhone so any app Supported by Apple Carplay, those apps appear on the units touch screen.

I just tested mine and it's pretty cool. I used Google, Google Maps, Waze, InRoute, text msg, music, etc. My only issue is my friend could not hear me but I'm pretty sure the mic on the cheapo comm set I was using is defective (wire for the mic looks kinked and possibly broken entering the mic) but I could hear him.

I'm pretty pleased so I'll be putting up my Garmin Zumo 550 for sale. No need for it now.

I'll be mounting it Thursday I'll snap some pics then.

 

So it works about the way I assumed it would. Iam using an IPhone as well. I had/have issues with my Cardo unit not pairing all the time-the instructions suck and tech support is worse. It’ll be interesting to see what you come up with mounting. I haven’t ruined the camera on my phone yet but Iam due for a new phone and don’t want to take any chances

 

Don't know if this helps or not but the CarPlay unit is going right where my GPS is in this pic.

 

How did you mount it up there?

 

It's a mount from Advalp ---> NaviGrip GPS bracket - Yamaha FJR1300 13-18

bolts to the 2 arms that raise and lower the windshield. Much sturdier/heavy than it needs to be but works great.

 

Thanks that looks like something I gotta have...but sold out. Love the Polish to English on the site, very old country.