BMW ConnectedRide Cradle and Connected App Review

Late-model BMW owners have several options when it comes to managing information and entertainment on their bikes. BMWs are often equipped with an optional yet ubiquitous navigation prep (nav prep). It is a centrally mounted attachment point. BMW Motorrad Navigator V and VI, and now the BMW ConnectedRide Cradle. There is a trend to move away from dedicated GPS units, attach smartphones, and use smartphones for all functions of dedicated GPS, etc. I certainly like the idea and saved me about $1000 on his Navigator VI made by Garmin.Anyone can find a smartphone mount for almost any smartphone and motorcycle dashboard or handlebar combination, keeping your smartphone within sight and reach. This is the budget-conscious GPS. In many cases, connecting power from 12 volts to USB is not difficult. On daytime rides, you may skip charging and rely on your phone’s battery or powered case. Many modern bikes come standard with a powered USB port. Mounting your smartphone on your handlebar is the easiest solution, but integrating your phone into your motorcycle gives you more functionality. Enter the BMW ConnectedRide Cradle and his free Connected app for iOS and Android. Install the app, pair it with your BMW via the connectivity hub and you’re good to go. The $259 BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Cradle mounts to the Nav Prep Holder just like a GPS. Unlock the Nav Prep, insert the cradle and lock. A single thumbscrew loosens two support brackets, and you’re ready to mount your smartphone.The ConnectedRide Cradle does very little. But they are important. It supports phones, has wireless inductive charging, a USB-C outlet, and integrates your phone with BMW’s awesome multi-controller handlebar dials (also known as the Wonder Wheel) so you can control your phone without ever touching it. . I have a thin case for my iPhone 11 and it fits perfectly and charges just fine. I have two concerns. After the initial pairing, the cradle and bike may not pair on startup.I usually reboot ultimate motorcycle BMW R 1250 RS project bike, to resolve the glitch. Bluetooth technology still has its moments, so it doesn’t happen often enough to bother me. Another concern is heat. After riding my bike on a hot summer day, I took my phone out of the cradle and it was very hot. Not as hot as a “thermal event”, but almost too hot to touch. I don’t want to expose my phone to this kind of baking too often, so I keep it in my pocket.Finally, users should always keep their location services turned on. The BMW Connected app does not work if ‘While using the app’ is selected. Three days after the ride he gets a reminder that the app is still tracking me, which I don’t like. So you have to manually change the settings to prevent unwanted tracking. Perhaps the next software revision will resolve this.The BMW Connected app has many advantages as it allows you to set a destination and follow the map. The app is paired with the bike so turns and other instructions are displayed on the dashboard. If paired with the helmet intercom, voice guidance will flow. Search for a destination and click GO to create a route. GPX files can be imported. On my iPhone I get them from iCloud and save them to my desktop after creation.Here’s a tip for GPX. Garmin users often use the Basecamp program to plot routes and export GPX files. However, Basecamp is not an easy product to use. Create a route on Google Maps using a Chrome browser with his free GMaps2GPX extension installed. Once you’ve planned your route, there’s a download GPX icon that saves your files to iCloud. Google Maps may not be as detailed as Basecamp, but it has everything you need. I did this with three long route maps. They were imported and worked perfectly. You can use the controls on the map to set the usual options (fast route, winding, toll avoidance, ferry avoidance, etc.). In addition, the arrival time and time to arrival are displayed. The app will also tell you the weather and when your bike will be serviced next time.The BMW Connected app records selected rides with start time and date, distance, ride time, average speed, minimum and maximum temperature, minimum and maximum altitude, a number of maximum values (rpm, inclination, acceleration, and Deceleration: This app graphs your ride with playable moving graphics and shows you in real time where you were on the map with acceleration, deceleration, tilt angle, speed, etc. at each moment. One of the best free apps I’ve ever seen.I have a ConnectedRide Cradle and a BMW Navigator and I run the Navigator on hot days to protect my iPhone. However, on other days or after dark, I prefer the way the Cradle and Connected app shows maps and additional information, and how it’s more integrated with things like my phone and contact list with addresses. is best suited for certain vehicles. Replacing the unit is a 30 second procedure. I ran the BMW ConnectedRide Cradle and the BMW Connected App for most of this summer. I really like the features and the app is great. Combined, these make for a unique combination in terms of price and features offered during use and are highly recommended for BMW riders.