Beeline Moto II motorcycle sat-nav review - Sportsbikeshop
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- Shop Beeline Moto II bit.ly/BeelineM2
The new Beeline Moto II lets you use your phone as a sat-nav and keep it in your pocket. It’s minimalist, it stops you getting lost and might help you avoid a speeding ticket. We’ve spent 500 miles on the road with one and here’s our review.
NB: We may not have made it clear enough that voice instructions and the ability to import/follow GPX routes on the Beeline Moto II are only available to those who subscribe to a premium version of the Beeline Moto app (£3.99 a month at time of review). Full details here... support.beeline.co/en/collect... - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
The Beeline has never auto-redirected riders for imported GPX files (it will for routes planned in the app). It's something I, and I assume many others, reported to them years ago; but they've still not fixed. It would be particularly useful. However, the mileage will tell you how far you've deviated from the route (and therefore how much closer you are to rejoining it), and you can always stop and look at the map on the phone app to see precisely where you are and the easiest way to get back on route. Once back on route, the Beeline will act normally - you just gave up too soon! As for accuracy, it's better than Connected, Sygic, and even Garmin. I've tested them all at the same time over many complex routes.
yeah, i'm one of those who reported the 'back on track' feature for gpx files, twice in 2 years and got a 'we'll take a look at it later' response both time but no action, so i have doubt's it will ever be in there.
Osmand+ does a great job of linking gpx points to vector roads and producing a route with turn-by-turn directions.
@@robocombo GPX derived from OSM, Google, HERE, base-maps all work well in Beeline 'if' you stay on route. But as mentioned, Beeline cannot 'auto' re-route a loaded GPX when off route - which e.g. a Garmin Zumo can. The Beeline treats the import like a Track rather than Route in this respect
I've actually completely given up on importing .gpx routes into Beeline. You can't deviate at all from the gpx route without it freaking out, skip waypoints on an imported .gpx.
I now get a route from Calimoto, look on the map for key waypoints and just create the route again in the Beeline app. It's a pain, but I'd rather have the pain whilst generating the route, rather than when I'm riding out on the route!
@@billpayer3745 The new spoken directions might help keep you on route, but that's only in the new subscription package. They should have resolved this issue for this new device launch IMHO. And worked out an account synch API with MyRoute-app website. They'd then be onto a winner.
The last thing I would want in view when riding is my phone.
I have a Moto and have ordered a Moto II.
Another brilliant review, thanks.
Tony, I have "another" Tony on the top of my "best reviewers" list but I have to say you got right up there for quite some time now ;)
Thanks for the great videos and the no bias/no bs real life advices.
SBS forever
If 'the other Tony' is the one I'm thinking of then I'm pleased to be considered in a similar bracket! Cheers, Tony
I got a Velo 2 when they came out and was really impressed, just that little bit of extra info on junction layout etc is a huge help vs the previous approach of just an arrow.
Are you able to use it for motorcycle navigation? I heard that it might lead you onto pedestrian paths since its meant for bicycles
@@ei.. oh no the app won't let you enter "Moto mode" when you only have a Velo
@@Geshmaal dang that's a shame
Great review 👍
Thanks Tony 👍
Looks interesting, if a little pricey. I have original Beeline, this looks like a good step up as Occasionally I found I missed turns on old version. Seeing the shape of the road helps. The app is excellent and looks to be the same. My fav function is compass, which I suppose oddly I set destination as home and then just ride to explore never worrying about getting lost as the arrow always point home. Setting routes on app is exceptionally easy by just long pressing a location and it adds to the route. Easy to attach and easy to pocket when you stop for a cuppa, but that ease also has a negative in that its easy to forget and leave on the bike which I do regularly and being easy on and off could result in a quick theft, so be careful. I've had my reminder for the 2nd release to purchase, but I think I will stick with old version for a while.
Had the original one which worked well thanks for review waiting for new version to arrive main down point seems to be battery life version 1 was amazing.
I have a friend who uses the original and he said the same. I found the 10-hour claim to be accurate and I was happy with that lifespan. Riding two hours a day meant charging once a week and I'd expect it to last a full day on a trip, then get charged at night. Appreciate that's not as long-lasting as the original, though. Thanks for getting in touch. Cheers, Tony
Sorry to sound negative. I had the original and didn't get on with it. In the city, it was late in responding to turns and would often freeze, leaving no navigation. I couldn't understand why voice prompts were not part of the package as I believe it uses Google maps. I went back to using a Garmin on my main bike and Google maps on a smartphone in a tank bag using voice prompts on my other bike. I returned my Beeline back to Sportsbikeshop as it was deemed faulty.
The battery life on V1 is incredible. I'm convinced it is powered by witchcraft, as I've used it for 20hrs 11mins and 49 seconds so far and it still has 66% battery left.
I’ve never really use a SatNav to take me along pre-determined roads. Mostly, I want to get to a location via one of a couple of routes. If I specifically wanted to take the A149, I’d navigate to there and re-map. I know some devices allow this but I’ve never seen it as a requirement or consequently an omission
I do agree that the extra info on the Moto 2 makes it easier to use. I’ve run into problems with Moto 1 when junctions are close to each other.
Certainly not going to pay for a nagging voice to distract me but I’m sure some will love that feature
It is a great concept, it’s compact, basic, and easily stored away, but with the recent intervention of CarPlay devices, which give all the same advantages of having your phone tucked away in your pocket, it looks expensive in comparison! I would certainly consider it if it was a lot cheaper though!
a fair summary, thanks. i like to plan my routes using calimoto web on my PC and import the gpx, as i find planning routes on the phone (iphone 13 mini) too fiddly and awkward, but beeline are developing their own route planner for the PC atm but it's not quite ready yet and development of it seems to have stagnated over the last 6 months. i don't do too much city centre riding, and my original beeline while not perfect, especially with close togeter turns, works well enough for what i need it for. I personally don't see a need for the bells and whistles of the moto II as the problem of gpx import files 'back on track' still isnt in there, but not to dwell too much on the negatives, overall i'm a reasonably happy 4/5 with my original moto, as it has a good battery life, and minimal intrusion on the bike, but i'll keep up with development, & maybe in future when my device fails i'll get the newer one. GL
A great, honest review. I was pleasantly surprised. As a backer of the kickstarter I am waiting for mine to arrive, but it's not good to hear the issue with .gpx files. Got to be honest and say that I have not gotten on too well .gpx files throughout many GPS devices. Very curious about the inaccurate speed warning. That's not good.
I use Google maps for audio and my old tomtom rider satnav for visuals works extremely well for me. I can even just about navigate through Bristol without unintentionally breaking many traffic regulations. I've now abandoned any idea of entering Bristol.
The device itself is just about perfect in terms of size, visibility, battery life and functionality I want from a navigation device that I’m going to use on a bike
The routing ability in the app however is shockingly poor. It’s fast route from me down to the Eurotunnel at Folkestone takes 30 mins longer using Beeline’s fast routing as opposed to Apple Maps ir Google Maps - because it will never use the M26 and M20
As the video highlighted it’s also dangerous to use the speed limit warning - it’s more often wrong than right and I’ve seen it displaying 60 in a 20. It also holds 30s for miles into nationals
But if it won’t navigate you back onto a GPX route if, for instance, you had to divert off the route for a road closure then that seems quite a big flaw?
Also it still seems incredibly expensive for what is, an admittedly nice and compact, repeater of the info on your phone.
Also for longer journeys, you’re still going to need a power source for your phone, unless the beeline drastically reduces battery drain? Something no one seems to cover in their review.
Gunna be interested in the speedo function.
Ultimateaddons case I have cause my Iphone to overheat ! TomTom's display poor to see ! Garmin started cutting out when hot! So I started using the iPhone 15 on a mag mount which worked well. Quadlock cost £80 to mount it. So this could be the answer.
I’ll take a look at this when it comes out. I’ve had the v1 for a number of years and been fairly happy with it. I could never justify the high price of a dedicated Garmin unit so the Beeline was a good compromise. When I’ve done rides around the countryside it’s been great, but around town with complicated junctions, its very basic display could leave you guessing at times, hope this is something they’ve managed to improve. Can’t say I’m bothered by the GPX issue although it doesn’t seem impossible for them to add as an update for those who need it
I agree entirely, although my experience is with Moto 1. Don’t care about GPX but expect the improved graphics will help around complicated junctions
Mmmm i like idea... And would buy one, but pricing is.... Wow... My bicycle sigma rox 4 from 2021 costed 84 euros back then, have integrated gps, ant+, and bluetooth... He could do the same... Garmin instinct could do the same strapped on handlebar... We already have too much devices with similar functionality... I think i still be fine with voice guidance on my intercom without ANY display as i was doing manny years.
Not sure it should be referred to as a "SatNav" it outputs the data sent to it from your phone, maybe Navigation Aid would be a better term, certainly an improvement on the 1st gen, although probably cheaper to get a sim in an old phone.
agreed, it is an aid, and a great idea, one i considered too, as i have an old motorola i dont use any more, with fantastic battery life and good sized screen i could use, but decided against it as as it means buying a mount, having 2 phones to charge and carry around, and i don't like the look of them on the bars anyway.
Also seems bit shady you pay £200 for the device only to have features locked behind pay wall?
yessssss, agree, and not to harp on about it as i've said in another post, an extra £30 for a proper bar mount rather than have something that uses as rubber band is a bit scammy as well, especially as there is no back on track feature for imported gpx files. GL
Hmmm. For that money i think I'd rather buy a cheap smart phone for
i agree, that can be a really viable option, or use a phone upgraded on contract, but i bought a beeline for the simplicity and the fact it does look smart and unobtrusive on the bike, and i can just about live with the things i dont like about it
you still need a sim card with data on it unfortunately, otherwise that is a perfect solution
@@WhippyWhip2you can share a hotspot from your main phone in your pocket.
Still better to just use your main phone on the handlebar with a quad lock, if you’re nit concerned with theft. I paid a bit less than €200 for my premium quad lock mount (metal) + induction charger + vibration dampener + phone case, it’s so convenient and well built
2:37 nope, even with all those things it's not close to the high price of what is essentially a remote display, and that's it's issue with me it's a lot for a little device
Does this show the speed limit like any other gps device?
Completely off topic, I lik the jacket you got on. What make is it and model? What casual hoodie type jacket would you recommend for everyday riding in?
The jacket in the video is a Richa Atomic 2, which is coming into stock soon. It's the first hooded jacket I've worn and it works well, but my lack of experience in this field means I can't give a personal recommendation on the best options. The most popular with customers are lined fabric hoodies like the Oxford Super Hoodie 2.0 and Weise Stealth. Options are limited for jackets with hoods. The original Richa Atomic is popular, but there are only a few left. Maybe hang on for the Atomic 2. Links...
Oxford Super Hoodie 2.0 www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/481937
Weise Stealth www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/424569
Richa Atomic www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/378521
Cheers, Tony
The Atomic 2 has just arrived in stock in black and black/grey. Black version at link below, black/grey by clicking on the 'variants' tab... www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/929171 Cheers, Tony
Is the version you reviewed 100% plastic or does it have a metal bezel? This is the description by Beeline on their website - Standard: ASA polymer casing with CNC aluminium bezel (Black)
The black model is the ABS model, silver and GunMetal are the metal editions :)
That's the one I reviewed, the Standard unit. This from the Beeline explains differences between Standard and Metal...
Standard: ASA polymer casing with CNC aluminium bezel (Black)
Metal Edition: Machine-finished anodised alloy main casing with CNC aluminium bezel, ASA polymer back casing (Black)
Cheers, Tony
This device would be awesome if I hadn’t purchased every high end (QuadLock) accessory known to man to mount my iPhone safely to my bike, including a shield that covers it to protect against the sun and rain! If I were to decide down the road and get this device, how well does it work with gloves on? I have only seen it being operated with the bare hand! 🤔 🇺🇸👍
No issue with gloves on the unit itself as the unit rocks to operate a manual switch. The onboards show me switching between displays with winter gloves on. Using the phone app will depend on the effectiveness of your gloves' touchscreen capability. Cheers, Tony
@@sportsbikeshop Thank you so much for the reply, and of course it works along with the audible directions from my phones GPS that I would receive in my helmet speakers. Awesome presentation, thanks again. 👍
on my original moto i found the rubber band mounted holder can slide around too easily, it didnt feel as solid when twisting the device on/off as i wanted, and i was worried about the longevity of the rubber as i didnt want to find it perishing or snapping a year or two down the line and my device falling off. i thought the beeline price for their own bar mounted clamp outrageously expensive for what it was, so canibalised the extra universal mount that came with it onto a cheap gopro mount for a fiver, but this isnt included in the new version, and their simple solid bar mount is now £30 on top, it won't break the bank and if the beeline is mounted securely works well, but i don't like to feel a bit scammed for something that should come as standard, or at least the type of mount be an option when purchasing. GL
Personally i would rather buy a second hand Garmin Zumo or BMW Motorrad GPS off ebay.
The route to start function is for training, mainly for cyclists who have training routes given to rhem by coaches. Why you want that on a motorcycle i have no clue.
Why would a motorcyclist want a bespoke route on a device like this? To be able to tailor a route that's likely to be more enjoyable, not the most direct or fastest. And being able to plot a route and import it to a device means people riding in groups can all have the same route on their device without everyone having to plot it on their device and check everyone else has the same. It takes a lot of the stress out of group riding as people can ride without fear of losing the others. Hope that helps. Cheers, Tony
I think you're doing it an injustice dwelling on the imported GPX file issue.
The app is perfectly good for working out really quite complex routes, you just need to add waypoints in the same way you're no doubt doing on your PC, either one at a time as you plot a route, or by touching onto the already planned route till a waypoint marker appears and the using the handle to drag the waypoint to the desired place.
Sorry if you feel I dwelt on the point. That wasn't my intention. I set out that day to show how it works, rather than expecting viewers to rely purely on an explanation. I think that part takes up a relatively small amount of the review, is placed into context of being an issue for relatively few riders, and my overall conclusion on the Beeline Moto II is very positive. But all opinions welcome, and thanks for getting in touch. Cheers, Tony
@@sportsbikeshop Dwelling is perhaps the wrong word, but I do wonder for how many riders it will be a problem. I think I've imported a GPX route maybe 4 or 5 times since I got my original Beeline Moto straight from the Kickstarter
@@AlexOnABoat i take your point, but i use imported gpx files almost exclusively as i dont commute and plan most tours & trips in advance using the ease and comfort of my pc rather than on a fiddly little phone screen, so sorry to say it can be a problem, especially in an unknown town or city in traffic when junctions are close together, or when you come across a road closure. if it's not obvious where to divert it's annoying to have to stop, and re-program a route, often with a glare on the phone screen. dedicated sat-navs usually sort it out for you, and the beeline app does as well, but not imported gpx's, and this is the main reason i wont upgrade to a moto II anytime soon. GL
I've actually completely given up on importing .gpx routes into Beeline. You can't deviate at all from the gpx route without it freaking out, skip waypoints on an imported .gpx.
I now get a route from Calimoto, look on the map for key waypoints and just create the route again in the Beeline app. It's a pain, but I'd rather have the pain whilst generating the route, rather than when I'm riding out on the route!
@@billpayer3745 Totally agree. I tried the same but got sick of the fiddly nature of reprogramming the beeline app on my iphone mini, where you get so little screen real estate to work with, and the promise of the 'still beta' beeline maps option on my PC (which i had great hopes for), seems to have stopped being devoloped, so it's all a compromise whatever way we choose. GL
Does the app use Google Maps for the content or do they use their own nerfed maps?
I'd say it's Google Maps. If it's not, it looks very similar. Cheers, Tony
It's funny if someone watched me watching the video of you watching the tiny device they would conclude that for me to see anything at 5-85+ mph the screen size would make that unlikely.
Are you sure about the Navigate To The Start option?
Mine has it in the app, I tap on Go, and it asks if I want to.
Mine doesn't do that. The app just has a blue arrow over my current location, with no option given for navigating to the start of the route, or option to navigate to the part of the route that's nearest to my current location. Going into compass mode may, I guess, show me the way to the start. But seeing as it doesn't tell me that's what it's doing, it'd be a bit of a punt to follow that. Cheers, Tony
the original moto definately does as you know, but the new one apparently not, however i'd expect this to be sorted soon
Will it re-route if you make a wrong turn/ miss an exit?
Yes, as long as your connected phone has signal/data when you miss the planned route direction.
@@colruddock Thank you!!
I love it how much in merican
At the moment, from us it's $240 for the base model and $265 for the Moto II Metal. We're still awaiting stock of both versions - we were given an early model. for this review Prices to overseas markets fluctuate with the currency exchange. Cheers, Tony
The lack of audio was the biggest downside for me. Aside from that it’s ok but no substitute for a quad lock and phone.
The biggest drawback for me having a phone mounted on the bike, is that in an accident you and the bike part company, if that were to happen at night and you were in a ditch, you have just lost your emergency backup device to call for help, I keep mine in an armoured case in my jacket, so wherever I end up so does the phone.
The old beeline has audio now, but requires a small monthly subscription and the voice is fixed and sounds very robotic. It works well and when using with voice makes the old system so much stronger. I love the simplicity of the arrow but when in a city it could get confused, the voice prompts over come that
Really disappointed they put features on a subscription and didn't tell us during the kickstarter.
Fully agree. In fact, I‘ve only heard about the subscription from this video. 😡
How accurate is the speedo?
Not sure what you'd want it calibrated against. It seemed in keeping with most sat-navs, reading about 10% less than the bike speedo. Cheers, Tony
It is using the GPS from your phone, so only as accurate as your phone used.
It says the device has an accelerometer on the Beeline website so I understand it is not using GPS for speedo info.
Too expensive.
bit overpriced for a glorified mini screen, that's all it is, and when they hide options behind a paywall after that as well it makes this very overpriced
Please learn to rev match, you are killing that gearbox
Could you explain what you mean by rev matching please. Cheers, Tony
@@sportsbikeshop , never let go of the throttle during gearshift, match the revs so the gearbox shift without noise.
So match rpms and tap the pedal, never push.
And if the bike has autoblip and quickshift down through the gearbox, turn it off and learn to do it correctly
Bs.