Map applications on mobile devices have become a popular form of navigation for bikers in recent years. As you already know, mobile phones can be fixed to a bike using various mounts, or they can be kept in your pocket and directions can be listened to via some earphones or a bluetooth headset.
This is great, but what if you want to go overseas? Or If you want to plan a particularly twisty route? Well, that’s where the TomTom Rider 400 comes in.
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| TomTom Rider 400 - ready for an adventure |
Unlike other makes of satnav, the TomTom Rider 400 (let's call it TTR400) allows you to program an unconventional route based on how twisty the road is, or even the altitude! This means you can avoid main roads, and enjoy all those hidden ones that you dream about riding when you’re bored at work.
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| A screenshot of a lovely twisty road in Northern France |
We tested the TTR400 during our recent trip to Italy on our GSXR 1000 (#Bthou on Instagram). We covered approx. 2k miles in 3 days and we discovered that there’s a big difference between using a mobile device and the TTR400.
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| @Birotar_Max about to set off after checking tyre pressures! |
Here are just some of the most obvious differences:
- Battery life
- Device access
- Touch screen ability
- Satellite/mobile signal
- Waterproofing
- Charging
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| The #Bthou posing just after crossing Mont Blanc |
Max, BirotarUK test rider (@Birotar_Max on Instagram), is very good at getting lost. But the TTR400, allowed Max to do the whole journey without taking one wrong turning. This meant that there was no wasted time at the side of the road looking for the correct route. This was thanks to TomTom’s easy-to-follow visual directions on the colour display.
Mounting the satnav is super easy thanks to the bike-specific RAM mounting system. This requires some preparation, but once installed, it is a very solid and reliable mount that can be used for a variety of other phones/cameras/satnavs. Preparations to the mount include some cutting of a rubber tube and some minimal bolt/nut adjustment (it took approx 10 minutes to install the RAM mount).
The TTR400 comes with a quick release system, but you can also purchase the anti-theft system for an extra £80. This might be worth considering if you don’t have much space on you to put the satnav away in a pocket. It’s not overly sized, but you’ll notice it in your pocket if you’re stopping for a coffee or going for a stroll.
The moment you pick up the TTR400 you realise that TomTom have worked hard to make this device durable. It’s not so heavy that it will effect your 0-60 times, but you can immediately tell that it s a well constructed device.
The menu, maps and navigation are intuitive and responsive to your movement. The satnav can be used vertically or horizontally, and it will automatically adapt your surroundings with the night and day riding modes.
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| TomTom Rider 400 night mode |
The TTR400 will alert you as you enter an area where speed traps are used, even in France and Italy. The TTR400 will also give you a countdown to the exact location where the cameras are. But we didn’t tell you that!
The TTR400 will tell you the speed in MPH as default, but this can be easily converted to KPH in the settings. We kept the setting to MPH for the duration of the trip, and it was nice to see that the TTR400 gives you a constant reminder of the speed limit and it alerts you when there is a new speed limit approaching.
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| The #Bthou relieved to be recovered |
It was our fault for not being prepared enough, but there was something that disappointed us about the TTR400. On the way down through France on the A26, cruising at the speed limit, the GSXR’s throttle cable failed. Once pulled over in a lay-by, we discovered that our mobile phones had no signal. We immediately reverted to the TTR for support but unfortunately; there were no emergency service, breakdown or motorcycle dealer information on the device.
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| The #Bthou being recovered on a rediculous flat bed truck. |
If you are thinking about doing a trip like this, we would highly encourage you take out European break down cover and to bring a spare mobile phone with a sim-card loaded with some credit just in case you get stuck – especially if you are travelling on your own!
Lesson learned!
A big bonus about this satnav is that you automatically receive 'lifetime' maps of Western Europe (45 countries), lifetime TomTom Traffic and lifetime TomTom Speed Cameras - all pre-loaded. It might be worth noting that you can also use this satnav in your car, by purchasing the additional windscreen mount.
Taking all of this into consideration, we can highly recommend the TomTom Rider 400 to any biker looking for a versatile and sturdy navigation system that enables you to reach any european destination, regardless of the weather!
The TomTom Rider price ranges on the package you purchase:
TomTom Rider 40 £249.99 (Lifetime maps of Western Europe (23 countries) and Lifetime TomTom Traffic)
TomTom Rider 400 £269.99 (Lifetime maps of Western Europe (45 countries), Lifetime TomTom Traffic and Lifetime TomTom Speed Cameras)
TomTom Rider 400 Premium £349.99 (Lifetime maps of Western Europe (45 countries), Lifetime TomTom Traffic and Lifetime TomTom Speed Cameras; as well as a Car Mounting Kit, Anti-Theft Solution and Travel Carry Case)
You can find the TomTom Rider 400 for sale on the Bike Stop website.
Do you have any questions? Comment below!
All the best
BirotarUK
#BirotarUK
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