Yes, you can use a car GPS on a motorcycle. Riders do it all the time, and with the right mount and a hardwired power connection, a unit like the Garmin DriveSmart 71 EX will get you where you’re going. The real question isn’t whether it works. It’s whether the tradeoffs are worth it for how you ride. This guide covers the hardware you need, how to set it up properly, and where a car GPS falls short compared to a dedicated motorcycle unit.
A car GPS can work on a motorcycle, but you’ll need the right mount, power supply, and a clear understanding of its limits.
Car GPS on a Motorcycle: What You’re Working With
| Factor | Car GPS on a Motorcycle | Dedicated Motorcycle GPS |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle Mount included | No — aftermarket required | Yes — metal RAM mount included |
| Weatherproofing | None — needs case or cover | IPX7 rated |
| Glove-friendly screen | No | Yes |
| Vibration tolerance | Car-rated; may degrade over time | Motorcycle-rated |
| Hardwired power | Requires aftermarket USB charger | 12V direct wiring included |
| Topo maps / off-road | No | Usually yes, preloaded |
| Adventurous routing | No | Yes |
| Live traffic | Yes, built in | Via smartphone |
| Cost to get started | Lower — if you already own one | Higher upfront |
What You Actually Need to Make It Work
Running a car GPS on a motorcycle isn’t plug-and-play. The suction cup mount that came in the box won’t hold at highway speeds, the internal battery won’t last a long ride, and the device has no weather protection. You need to solve three things before you head out: the mount, the power, and the weather.
1. The Mount
Most Garmin car GPS units — including the DriveSmart series — use a 17mm swivel ball on their cradle. That ball is your connection point to any aftermarket motorcycle mount. You’re not replacing the cradle, just swapping the base it connects to.
The Arkon Bike and Motorcycle Handlebar Mount is the straightforward solution. It’s mount that clamps to handlebars up to 1.25 inches in diameter and accepts the standard 17mm Garmin ball. Installation takes about five minutes with no tools. It works with the DriveSmart 71 EX and most other current Garmin car GPS models by popping the existing cradle ball straight into the mount head.
If you want a more versatile universal option, the Techmount Universal Motorcycle Handlebar Mount Kit is a heavy-duty chrome metal system that fits handlebars from 7/8 inch to 1.25 inches and supports multiple Techmount attachment heads. It’s a good choice if you want to switch between different devices on different bikes without buying a new base each time.
2. The Power
A car GPS running on internal battery alone will die mid-ride. More importantly, traffic-enabled models like the DriveSmart 71 EX depend on a continuous power connection to keep the traffic receiver active. Running on battery alone cuts that feature entirely.
The right solution is a hardwired dual USB charger wired directly to the motorcycle battery. The BlueFire 5V/3A Dual USB Charger is a clean, compact option that handles this properly. It wires to the battery with an inline fuse, mounts to the handlebars or under the dash, and gives you two USB ports: one for the GPS, one for your phone. Waterproof cap protects the ports when not in use.
3. The Weather
Car GPS units have no weatherproofing. A rain shower is enough to kill one. If you ride in anything but clear conditions, you need a plan. Options range from a dedicated water-resistant GPS case to a simple shower cap pulled over the device when clouds roll in. Whatever you choose, remove it the moment the rain stops: trapped heat and condensation will cause more damage over time than a brief shower.
The Limitations You Need to Accept
Even with the right mount and power sorted, a car GPS on a motorcycle has real gaps. None of them are dealbreakers for casual riding, but they’re worth knowing before you head out on a longer trip.
No glove operation. Car GPS touchscreens require direct finger contact. In gloves, you’re either stopping to make changes or taking a glove off mid-ride. On a dedicated motorcycle GPS like the Garmin Zumo XT2, the screen is tuned for gloved input from the factory.
No topo maps or adventurous routing. Car GPS units route for speed and efficiency. They don’t know about elevation, twisty back roads, or scenic passes. If that’s what you’re after, a car GPS won’t find it for you.
Vibration over time. Car GPS units are tested against the vibration profile of a car cabin, not a motorcycle handlebar. Most will handle casual street riding fine. Sustained off-road riding or high-vibration engines can loosen connections and degrade the hardware faster than it would in a vehicle.
No safety tether from the factory. A suction cup that pops off at 70mph is dangerous. Any handlebar mount should be paired with an aftermarket safety tether looped through the GPS and secured to the bars. This is inexpensive and non-negotiable.
When It Makes Sense and When It Doesn’t
A car GPS on a motorcycle makes sense in a few specific situations. If you already own a DriveSmart and just need basic navigation for a fair-weather road trip, buying a mount and charger is a reasonable way to avoid spending several hundred dollars on a dedicated motorcycle unit. If you’re a casual weekend rider who mostly sticks to streets you know, the gaps don’t matter much.
It stops making sense when you’re riding long distances regularly, riding in variable weather, or heading off-road. At that point the workarounds add up and the gaps in capability become real problems. Dedicated motorcycle GPS units exist precisely because casual riders eventually start riding more seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a car GPS survive rain on a motorcycle?
Not without protection. Car GPS units have no weatherproofing. A water-resistant case or cover buys you time in light rain, but is not a long-term solution. If you ride regularly in wet conditions, a dedicated motorcycle GPS with an IPX7 rating is the right tool.
What mount do I need for a Garmin DriveSmart on a motorcycle?
Most DriveSmart models use a 17mm swivel ball on the cradle. Any 17mm-compatible motorcycle handlebar mount will work, including the Arkon GN032. You keep your existing cradle and swap only the base. Confirm your specific model uses a 17mm ball before ordering.
Do I need to hardwire my GPS to the motorcycle battery?
For anything beyond short rides, yes. The internal battery won’t last a long trip, and traffic-enabled models lose live traffic when running on battery alone. A hardwired dual USB charger wired to the battery is the cleanest solution and powers both GPS and phone simultaneously.
Can I use the car GPS suction cup mount on a motorcycle?
No. Suction cups are not rated for motorcycle vibration or wind load at speed and will fail. Use a dedicated handlebar clamp mount rated for motorcycle use.
Is a car GPS good enough for long motorcycle trips?
For paved road touring in dry weather, it can work. For mixed conditions, off-road, or serious long-haul touring, the lack of weatherproofing, glove-friendly input, and topo mapping are real limitations. Most riders who do serious touring end up with a dedicated motorcycle GPS eventually.
What’s the best dedicated motorcycle GPS right now?
The Garmin Zumo XT2 is Garmin’s current flagship motorcycle navigator. It has a 6-inch glove-friendly display, IPX7 weatherproofing, preloaded topo maps, Adventurous Routing, and ships with a RAM metal handlebar mount included.
