Android Auto Now Has Navigation Built for Motorcycles

Motorcyclists can now enjoy turn-by-turn navigation tailored specifically for their rides, thanks to a new app from Sygic that works on both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Sygic, a GPS navigation company with over two decades in mapping software, has launched a motorcycle-focused version of its app. This version connects directly to compatible head units (the screens on motorcycles). It’s available now for users of both Android Auto and CarPlay.

Why Regular Navigation Doesn’t Cut It for Riders

If you’ve tried using Google Maps on a motorcycle mount, you probably understand the issue. Standard navigation apps cater to cars, prioritizing highways and fast routes. Motorcyclists often prefer the opposite—winding back roads, scenic passes, and routes that make riding enjoyable rather than just efficient.

Think of it like the difference between a delivery driver’s GPS and a road trip planner. Both get you to your destination, but they focus on vastly different needs.

Sygic’s motorcycle mode solves this by letting riders filter routes based on their road type preferences. Riders can avoid motorways when they want to and prioritize roads that enhance the riding experience. The app also considers practical concerns, such as weather conditions and planning for fuel stops.

What the App Actually Does Differently

The motorcycle-specific features in Sygic’s new offering include:

• Curvy road routing — the app actively searches for twisty, winding roads instead of just taking the straightest path
• Waypoint planning — riders can create multi-stop routes without the app constantly trying to “re-optimize” them
• Weather overlays — live weather data appears on the map so riders can see what’s ahead
• Fuel range awareness — the app considers tank range and highlights fuel stations along the way
• Glove-friendly UI — larger touch targets designed for use with riding gloves

Thanks to the CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the app displays on a motorcycle’s connected dashboard screen. This means riders won’t need to glance at a phone mounted on the handlebars.

Which Motorcycles Support This?

Android Auto for motorcycles has been gaining popularity in recent years. Several major manufacturers now integrate CarPlay or Android Auto into their infotainment systems. Brands like BMW, Honda, Yamaha, and Harley-Davidson offer this feature on select models. Aftermarket head units from companies like Pioneer and Kenwood also support these standards.

If your bike doesn’t have a built-in screen, you can add a compatible aftermarket display. Just keep in mind that installation costs can vary.

What This Means for Everyday Riders

For the roughly 10 million registered motorcyclists in the United States, this app fills a significant gap. Many riders have relied on car-centric apps, using workarounds like manually dropping waypoints on scenic routes or using dedicated motorcycle GPS units from companies like Garmin that don’t integrate well with their phones.

Having a navigation app that recognizes you want the mountain road, not the interstate, and that displays natively on your bike’s screen is a valuable upgrade. It’s similar to when hiking-specific apps began providing trail navigation that general outdoor apps couldn’t offer.

The weather overlay feature is especially helpful since motorcyclists have little protection from the elements. Being able to see a rain front on the map before encountering it isn’t just convenient—it’s a safety feature.

Community Reactions

“Finally. I’ve been duct-taping Scenic app screenshots into my Garmin workflow for two years. Native CarPlay support changes everything for touring season.”

“The curvy road routing is the feature I didn’t know I needed. Tested it this weekend on a route I know well — it found a twisty alternative I’d never taken. Sold.”

What To Watch

Sygic’s app launches as a paid subscription service. Pricing details for the motorcycle-specific tier will be worth monitoring as the company expands into more markets. It’s live now in the US, but how it performs in rural areas compared to Google Maps and Apple Maps— which have larger data teams—will be something the riding community will test throughout the 2026 riding season.

Google has also been gradually enhancing Android Auto’s features for two-wheeled vehicles. It’ll be interesting to see if they introduce native motorcycle routing into Google Maps, which could challenge third-party apps like Sygic. Apple hasn’t publicly commented on any CarPlay features specific to motorcycles beyond supporting compatible head units.

If you’re in the market for a new bike, motorcycle compatibility with Android Auto and CarPlay is increasingly a checkbox worth adding to your list. Apps like this are making that connectivity more valuable than ever.

Sources: 9to5Google — Android Auto gets navigation optimized for motorcycles