GPX Files and Maps

Please comment below as to what you are using and if using a phone the app you are using.

Trying to accommodate everyone for the 450...

If you are using a phone which phone and which application.

If you are using a dedicated GPS/SATNAV unit please indicate brand and model.

BTW All Garmin users... The latest map update Is City Navigator North America 2026.3 if you are on a lower version please update your maps in both your GPS and Computer so everything will sync properly!

I use multiple GPS apps that take gpx files. Stopped using Garmin a long time ago. I prefer gpx files that don't have 5 million waypoints but I can reduce the waypoints if necessary.

2026 BMW R1300GS Adventure

2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited

2007 Moto Guzzi Breva 750

1996 BMW R850R

1979 BMW R65

I have used my Garmin Zumo 396LM for 8 or more years. It's always been a pain in the neck getting routes onto it and then having the routing work properly(I've followed all of the directions to a tee before, and even had Phil look at and confirm my settings were correct on the one 450- and it was still not routing properly).

I've been thinking about getting something that supports Android Auto so I can use Google maps from my phone(something like carpuride, chigee etc).

I have Rever on my phone but I always forget to start it when I go out on rides.

On my phone I have only used Google maps for navigation. One time I tried Rever when I got the free premium version with my Cycle Gear membership and for me it was terrible or I didn't know how to properly use it.

I have a Garmin Zumo 396 and have used that now successfully on all past 450 rides I have participated in and it has worked flawlessly the way it was intended. The only issue I struggled with the first year was getting the actual turn by turn to work but I figured out why that was and the last 2 years I have not had any issues. I also had to reconfigure how all my devices connect when using it as normally my phone connects directly to my Sena but when using the Garmin I have to connect my phone to the Garmin and the Garmin to the Sena. Then I can Still listen to music but not miss any of the GPS prompts.

2014 Triumph Street Triple R

Tech nerd / Custom PC builder

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I currently use a Garmin XT2. Been using Garmin devices for years (Street Pilot III, Zumo 600, Zumo 595, Nuvi 30).

Started out using Basecamp for routing and I'd consider myself proficient in it. Learning curve is a bit steep, but having a database as a backend is a great feature. Unfortunately Garmin isn't maintaining Basecamp anymore and there haven't been any updates to the software for at least three years. Routing software is fairly complex and I can't trust any complex piece of software that isn't being maintained. I've migrated to using MRA or MRA Routeplanner. While it doesn't store the waypoints in a database backend, the software works and is maintained.

I've also been using Garmin Tread to transfer routes from MRA to the Zumo XT2, but the Tread software is buggy. There have been many issues reported with Tread on the GPS forums.

Every GPS device/software is going to have minor differences in how they calculate the route.

My one recommendation is to include a TRACK with the route. Hence, people can compare the track with the route and make changes to the route in their software based on the track.

Oh... current map update Is City Navigator North America 2027.1

I am able to transfer (export) directly out of MRA to my BMW Nav6.

I was using MRA for a while but discovered it is actually easier to use Basecamp and enter the Beginning and End points and let Basecamp decide the route then modify the route as you like.

As you said a steep learning curve but once you learn and start using Basecamp regularly it is actually pretty easy.

I got in on the ground floor with MRA and got a Lifetime Gold Membership for $20.00.

I like MRA mainly because I am able to view a route in Google Satellite to make sure that nice twisty road is not through a housing subdivision or industrial park.

I'm also able to transfer (export) directly out of MRA to my Zumo XT2, but I think you are missing my point, or a major advantage of MRA. I'm not one that likes to carry a laptop with me on trips. Especially, when I already carry a smart phone. How would you transfer your routes that you create on Basecamp to your SATNAV if you didn't have a laptop? MRA runs on a smart phone. I can create/modify routes on my phone (or laptop) and send them to my XT2. I can have friends email or instant message me GPX files and can send them to my XT2 also. Plus, my smart phone contains my library of routes and waypoints and it's always with me. No need for me to carry my laptop. That flexibility alone, makes the migration to MRA a simple decision.

Plus, Basecamp does NOT support directly transferring a route to a Garmin XT2. It says that as soon as you start Basecamp with the XT2 connected.

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=OTC4DbqwPt33jPUxBWrQQ6

PS: My experience is just the opposite of yours. I find it much easier to create a route in MRA and modify it compared to Basecamp.

When we travel I do carry a Laptop/Notebook with me but I am mainly a "Seat of the Pants" navigator...

I know what direction I need to go and wing it! If we get in a jam I use google maps on the phone to see where we are and where we need to go and head in that general direction. This has resulted in many adventures for Lynn and I...

Of course that doesn't work when you are trying to get several different groups of riders to a common destination.