[Lokni]

I'm interested to learn what others are using, planning or conceiving for communication and navigation. . I've picked up great insights from disparate forums - and would like to hear from others what works, why and how!

Using:
Nexus 6P, running Android 6, mounted to the Indian Nacelle phone mount via Rokform universal adapter.
Sena 20s Bluetooth Communicator

Short term Goals:

1. Use Smartphone's native voice commands and/or Google voice command to:
Answer or Ignore phone calls
Invoke Google Maps for navigation
Check weather
Occasionally make calls or texts.
Occasionally Listen to downloaded Music
Turn everything off!

2. Use the Sena's voice commands or buttons to initiate Intercom conversations with passengers, and to occasionally to access FM.

I already execute most of these features by voice in my car with a Plantronics edge Bluetooth earpiece. The display provides adequate viewing for Navigation,

Anyone using their smartphone similarly? What is your experience?

 

[EskimoQuinn]

I have the following to add to my Vintage once it is out of the shop. I'm interested to learn what others are using, planning or conceiving. I've picked up great insights from disparate forums - from the value of packing a CB to alternative audio, GPS and communication systems, and would like to hear from others what works, why and how!

Using:
Nexus 6P, running Android 6, mounted to the Indian Nacelle phone mount via Rokform universal adapter.
Sena 20s Bluetooth Communicator
Sena Handlebar Controller
Service Carrier - Project FI (experimental on my end too)

Short term Goals:

Keep total cost under $500 (not including phone)
Full Voice Command (look ma no hands!) for access at will to:
Receiving, Ignoring and Making phone calls
Access to Full GPS features including directions, navigation, nearby places, traffic etc.
Access to real time Radar maps and up to date weather reports
Access to comprehensive infotainment audio features
Cast at will to helmet or handlebar BT speakers
Connect via intercom to selected riders/passengers
Listen to texts, phone mail ----- that

OK, so the list is endless - I already execute most of these features by voice with a Plantronics edge Bluetooth earpiece (in my car, not on the Vintage) using OK Google, Maps and other freely available applications that provide nearly everything imaginable, without ever touching a screen. The display provides near 6" of viewing real estate, more than adequate for viewing maps and the like, and the entire solution is simply a smartphone plus a bluetooth communicator. I bought the handlebar controller (1 button) to activate voice command, and to circumvent complex voice commands, or to active commands still requiring touch, I hope to only (occasionally) use my left thumb, and to always keep my hand on the handlebar.

Any reasonably current IOS or Android smartphone should provide the same features when paired with a good BT communicator. Garmin offers all of their high end GPS features through an IOS application - turning an IPhone into, well, a high end Garmin. Hopefully Android will be supported soon as well.

I'm expecting to experience challenges, and will post them as they occur.

Anyone else sold on using their smartphone this way? What other ideas are out there?

Sounds fine until you get in a mountain range out of cell phone service area.
After adding all that to your Vintage, might look a bit crowded on the handlebars.

1. Look at the Schuberth C3 Pro helmet. It has an add-on devive that does nearly all you listed, when connected to whatever device.
2. Go with a Linux based phone (Android). Open Source software allows for FAR cheaper apps. Stay away from Apple - proprietary software will lead you directly to the withdraw window of your bank. Window$ OS? Forget it - too vulnerable, unstable, quirky, and also proprietary.

 

[WhizzbangK.C.]

Just hang up and ride. There's enough f-tards driving around in cars totally distracted by their phones, we don't need bike riders that way too.

If a call is that important, stop somewhere and make a call.

 

[LandD]

Add the following app to your Nexus:

"Locate Indian Motorcycle Dealers"
Locate Indian MC Dealers - Android Apps on Google Play

I'm the app developer (aka Rings Island Software) and just updated it yesterday with the current count of 300 Indian Dealers Worldwide, 155 in the US. It's a quick way to find the closest Indian Dealer with buttons to invoke Google Maps navigation, Phone, Web page.

(No, this is not a commercial plug. This is a free to download and ad free app. I developed a version of this app for Harley Dealers a few years back for a road trip - that app now has 14k downloads/4.4 Rating - and I developed this app a couple of weeks after I bought my RM this summer).

 

[Lokni]

Just hang up and ride. There's enough f-tards driving around in cars totally distracted by their phones, we don't need bike riders that way too.

If a call is that important, stop somewhere and make a call.

Agreed - However, I'm mandated to respond to certain calls within given timeframes, so knowing who is calling is paramount. That being said, while driving in my car, my plantronics edge (<$100) notifies me of a call, who is calling, and if I wish to answer or ignore. A voice command of "ignore" is all I need to send the caller to Voice mail, allowing me to pull off he road to call back and take notes.

I also have a disabled son, and am often called on topics related to his care. Voice commands are a god send in this case.

My point is that not having to fumble with a phone or touch screen, or to even move your hand from the handlebar has proven a good thing. Even better when I can turn everything off!

 

[Lokni]

Add the following app to your Nexus:

"Locate Indian Motorcycle Dealers"
Locate Indian MC Dealers - Android Apps on Google Play

I'm the app developer (aka Rings Island Software) and just updated it yesterday with the current count of 300 Indian Dealers Worldwide, 155 in the US. It's a quick way to find the closest Indian Dealer with buttons to invoke Google Maps navigation, Phone, Web page.

(No, this is not a commercial plug. This is a free to download and ad free app. I developed a version of this app for Harley Dealers a few years back for a road trip - that app now has 14k downloads/4.4 Rating - and I developed this app a couple of weeks after I bought my RM this summer).

Wow!

You are much closer to all of this and can explain what is happening from a development and "supercomputer in a pocket" perspective - I hope you continue to post!

 

[Nattie25]

I have the following to add to my Vintage once it is out of the shop. I'm interested to learn what others are using, planning or conceiving. I've picked up great insights from disparate forums - from the value of packing a CB to alternative audio, GPS and communication systems, and would like to hear from others what works, why and how!

Using:
Nexus 6P, running Android 6, mounted to the Indian Nacelle phone mount via Rokform universal adapter.
Sena 20s Bluetooth Communicator
Sena Handlebar Controller
Service Carrier - Project FI (experimental on my end too)

Short term Goals:

Keep total cost under $500 (not including phone)
Full Voice Command (look ma no hands!) for access at will to:
Receiving, Ignoring and Making phone calls
Access to Full GPS features including directions, navigation, nearby places, traffic etc.
Access to real time Radar maps and up to date weather reports
Access to comprehensive infotainment audio features
Cast at will to helmet or handlebar BT speakers
Connect via intercom to selected riders/passengers
Listen to texts, phone mail ----- that

OK, so the list is endless - I already execute most of these features by voice with a Plantronics edge Bluetooth earpiece (in my car, not on the Vintage) using OK Google, Maps and other freely available applications that provide nearly everything imaginable, without ever touching a screen. The display provides near 6" of viewing real estate, more than adequate for viewing maps and the like, and the entire solution is simply a smartphone plus a bluetooth communicator. I bought the handlebar controller (1 button) to activate voice command, and to circumvent complex voice commands, or to active commands still requiring touch, I hope to only (occasionally) use my left thumb, and to always keep my hands on the handlebar.

Any reasonably current IOS or Android smartphone should provide the same features when paired with a good BT communicator. Garmin offers all of their high end GPS features through an IOS application - turning an IPhone into, well, a high end Garmin. Hopefully Android will be supported soon as well.

I'm expecting to experience challenges, and will post them as they occur.

Anyone else sold on using their smartphone this way? What other ideas are out there?

All I want is a USB port for phone charge on my scout... Whaaaa

 

[Lokni]

Sounds fine until you get in a mountain range out of cell phone service area.
After adding all that to your Vintage, might look a bit crowded on the handlebars.

1. Look at the Schuberth C3 Pro helmet. It has an add-on devive that does nearly all you listed, when connected to whatever device.
2. Go with a Linux based phone (Android). Open Source software allows for FAR cheaper apps. Stay away from Apple - proprietary software will lead you directly to the withdraw window of your bank. Window$ OS? Forget it - too vulnerable, unstable, quirky, and also proprietary.

Cell phone service is not always needed - Most GPS devices and smartphone apps can download map data to the device.

 

[Lokni]

All I want is a USB port for phone charge on my scout... Whaaaa

Just use your car's USB adapter and 12 Volt Accessory Power Kit | Indian Motorcycle Store - and really, you don't need the bag, and the Scout should have the same connector. There are also less expensive alternatives on the Net.

 

[enzo5000]

None. I ride to get away from the noise.

 

[Nattie25]

Just use your car's USB adapter and 12 Volt Accessory Power Kit | Indian Motorcycle Store - there are also less expensive alternatives on the Net.

I have the Indian Nacelle mount - Nacelle Phone And Accessory Mounting Kit | Indian Motorcycle Store and plan to quick strap a USB battery underneath when needed. I'm also looking into a flat battery with a solar panel attached since I hope to enjoy plenty of Sun. So far I've found pre-fab solutions under $20 USD - but I'll probably go DIY for the fun of it.

Oh really. I'm on it! I only decided I needed this when I was out yesterday in the cold. Never thought about it until I had no battery left on my phone and wanted to call home. Lol thx

 

[Nattie25]

None. I ride to get away from the noise.

That's usually me tooooo... But I realized no gps or home help sux for me when I got lost... Lol

 

[FlacoReyna]

None, also. I like the sound of the motor. Plus you can hear any changes in engine sounds, it just makes you more aware.

 

[downswalker]

A Sena 20s intercom if I'm with Mrs downswalker. My ancient Nokia 6310i phone in the unlikely event of needing to make a call. One day I'll try a smart phone, but that Nokia despite its advanced age, will pick a signal out of the air where others fail.

 

[Zipperhead Frankenberry]

"What Electronics are you Packing?"

None.

 

[Lokni]

None. I ride to get away from the noise.

Couldn't agree more about escaping the noise - instead of "just say no" - I just say "off"

 

[clif02]

Whatever electronics that came on the bike is it. I don't pack any extra except my IPhone which I keep in the saddle bag.

 

[EskimoQuinn]

Add the following app to your Nexus:

"Locate Indian Motorcycle Dealers"
Locate Indian MC Dealers - Android Apps on Google Play

I'm the app developer (aka Rings Island Software) and just updated it yesterday with the current count of 300 Indian Dealers Worldwide, 155 in the US. It's a quick way to find the closest Indian Dealer with buttons to invoke Google Maps navigation, Phone, Web page.

(No, this is not a commercial plug. This is a free to download and ad free app. I developed a version of this app for Harley Dealers a few years back for a road trip - that app now has 14k downloads/4.4 Rating - and I developed this app a couple of weeks after I bought my RM this summer).

BRAVO ! Good for you, making it free and commercial free. THANK YOU!

 

[The2dCour]

Phone (GPS mainly but can take calls, listen to music) connected to my helmet if I need it to find where I am going, otherwise nothing.

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

Garmin Zumo 665 w/XM
Sena 10 helmet comms
iPhone bluetoothed to the bike so I can see on my display who is calling and decide whether or not to talk.