Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Jan 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 46
Best Compass for a Motorbike - Advice Please

I am looking for a cheapish but reliable compass to mount on my motorbike that I can use to help navigate roughly on the move - like through large cities etc. I have looked at the Silva Black Star small boat or vehicle compass 58 that has compensation adjustment.

Does anyone have any experience in using this or something similar and whether they work and are reliable?

Any advice welcome.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Jan 2015
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
I use the sun.

If that doesn't work for you, then use the compass on your GPS and/or smart phone.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Jan 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 46
Thanks but I don't have a GPS and don't want to use a smart phone just a basic compass.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 101
Large cities have loads of metal objects, that will confuse the compass, both above and below ground.

If, and I know you've said you don't want to, go the GPS route, then be aware that some of them will only show a meaningful direction on the compass when you're moving. Others have a flux valve that shows directions when stationary, but with the same problems that apply to a "normal" compass.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 141
A compass is a magnet. A motorcycle is a big hunk of magnet material and associated electrical fields. The two are not very compatible.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Having used a magnetic compass to set up a sun compass, the above is all good advice. Any magnetic compass goes into roulette wheel mode when within 10m of a single bike (and an XT at that, so minimal real metal content) and things like electric train power supplies just sent them loopy. Where the sun is and your watch is going to be more accurate if you don't want to go the far easier and reliable phone GPS route. Boats and aircraft sit in a huge, flat, barely magnetic plain field with a fluid between them and conducted currents, hence the adjuster systems stand a chance.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Have you checked it against known features or just trust the fact that the oil gives it a steady reading? An arrow painted on the steering wheel is accurate typically once every other day and gives a nice steady reading!


Andy
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Jan 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 46
Thanks for your advice. I was hoping to get some feedback from people who have tried to use a compass so thanks Cleland. I know how a magnet can be effected by the electrics and magnetised parts of the bike but some do come with compensating magnets so I was hoping they might work ok. Cleland, does yours have compensation and if so have you adjusted it or were you just lucky it worked straight away?
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Sydney to London - motorbike choice advice needed edwardbgill Which Bike? 8 1 Mar 2015 11:05
Touring advice for North Africa & Middle East Desert_Rat Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 4 12 Jun 2014 05:35
PRACTICAL MOTORBIKE SELLING Tips & Advice (Chile, might work anywhere in the world) 2fortheroad.co.uk South America 0 2 Nov 2013 03:09
Motorbike trip SE Asia starting in Hanoi advice wixtravel Route Planning 7 27 Dec 2012 20:13
Truck + motorbike 'attached' - need advice Tim_A sub-Saharan Africa 3 24 May 2012 21:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:26.