This is Part 4 of my review of the 2016 BMW S1000XR. If you haven’t already, be sure to read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Navigation & Entertainment

If you read my two previous articles about using your smartphone to run Android Auto on your motorcycle, you know that I consider the Garmin BMW Navigator VI a poor alternative to a smartphone. Initially, I upgraded the smartphone that I use with my S1000XR to a Motorola G6. As of 2020, I am using a Motorola G8 Plus.

This article describes how Installed a mount that takes advantage of the existing Garmin navigation quick disconnect coupler. Although I own a S1000XR, I would expect the solution described below to work with other BMW motorcycles that have navigation preparation ex works including the K 1600 GT, K 1600 GTL, K 1600 GTL Exclusive, R 1200 GS (from 2013), R 1200 GS Adventure (from 2014), R 1200 RT (from 2014), R 1200 R (from 2015), and the R 1200 RS (from 2015).

I found a source for the smartphone mount from Running Panther, in China. The kit includes USB interconnect cables for the iPhone, Micro USB, and USB Type C. The kit also includes a mount if you wish to connect it to a bike that does not include the stock BMW navigator mount. The smartphone mount securely holds your your smartphone in the bracket, while isolating it from road vibrations. Your phone charges through the USB cable.

For my bike, I preferred heavier duty, braided USB Type C cables, so I purchased this 15 cm (6 in) cable from Amazon.

Android Auto v5.5

In addition to Google Maps, it is now possible to use Waze for navigation.

You can confirm which apps are compatible with Android Auto and download them here.

Voice Control

Currently, it is possible to control Android Auto using the Bluetooth headset that I have installed in my motorcycle helmet. However, I need to press a button to invoke Google Assistant (rather than keyword, “Hey Google”). And, given road and wind noise, it isn’t very accurate unless I pull over. This makes Google Assistant less valuable to change music while on the road. But, it is far easier to use Google Assistant to add a point of interest using your voice than entering it manually.

Multi-Controller Support

Ideally, I would like to take advantage of the S1000XR’ Multi-Controller to control my smartphone. And, I would like to have a software app / Android Auto plugin that reads the S1000XR’s motorcycle vehicle data from its CAN bus. This isn’t possible with the kit that I am currently using. However, there is similar Kickstarter project, the WunderLINQ, that I am keeping an eye on, here.

 

Updated on February 2nd, 2020