Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Compass for bike Compass for bike
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 21 Oct 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Snowdonia,Gwynedd,United Kingdom
Posts: 2
In my experience best to forget mounting one one the bike.I tried it myself again recently after buying one in Germany.It was great until we started moving then it was useless due to magnetism on the bike.Best thing is to put a Sylva hiking compass it the map window on your tankbag and re check bearings when the engine is switched off.Always keep a check with GPS if poss but remember one simple rule.If you don't know where you are at any time,stop and take a bearing or GPS reading,you shouldn't be moving if you don't know you location.
I have been trying to find a method of keeping track of direction without stopping for a while but the truth is I haven't managed it yet.Good luck
Roy F
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 7 Nov 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Just a reminder, GPS compasses will only give you the correct bearing when moving faster than 10 km/h. They don't actually have a compass built in then figure out your bearing from your track.

------------------
A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 19 Nov 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
I found a couple of compasses especially designed for boats, cars,... They ain't that expensive next to a quality compass. They can compansate up to a 45° deviation caused by the bike (or boat, car,...). You have to calibrate them yourself on installation.
I haven't bought one but like the idea. Any thoughts?
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 8 Dec 2001
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: On the road
Posts: 157
Where did you found them? And how much? I have a couple of bikes so a compass in a tank bag is my favoourite solution if they work!
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 11 Dec 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
I found them in a Belgian Outdoor shop: AS Adventure.
It has been a while since I was there and decided not to buy it because somebody explained me that only one correction is not enough. Way to complicated for me to understand all the stuff.
I decided to go with the classic compass in the pocket and a Garmin Etrex mounted on the bike. I guess that these two things in combination with some good maps and experience should do it.


If you want I can go back and write down the prices and brandnames. Just let me know.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 11 Dec 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
I’ve had good luck with Auto Guide compasses. Some of the models allow to adjust both N/S and E/W directions giving you a good reading.

------------------
A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 12 Dec 2001
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: On the road
Posts: 157
Gone for a GPS but thanks for all your help
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 16 Dec 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
hi, yes aircraft are `large metal objects` but they are made of aluminium, which doesnt affect magnetic feilds at all.ships on the other hand.....

i had a SUUNTO electonic watch compass(and barometer-altimeter-and it told the time!!)and it was a great gadget! but a cheap hiking compass(the square, see through base one)was better because you can lay it on your map and read it accurately.
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 21 May 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 13
I have found the automobile compasses work fairly well on my bike. Buy an adjustable one specifically made for an automobile. Mount and adjust per the instructions. Now these compasses are not made for fine navigation. The graduations on mine are something like 10 or even 20 degrees. I would not want to use them to find my way through the woods at night, but they work just fine for general direction on unknown backroads.

Regards,

John
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 17 Feb 2003
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Winchester,UK
Posts: 15
I have been in touch with silva which have there own web site and thay say there adventure compass has compensators, I am taking a multi navigator (silva) also has compass and looking to mount a compass on to the bike as well. As for garmin gps systems no good if u are going to russia
__________________
oldbiker
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 18 Feb 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
Oldbiker,

What do you mean, "GPS no good in Russia"?
Because of lack of data?

Did you already use the compass? How did you mount it on the bike? Does it really work?

------------------
http://users.pandora.be/pieter.maes2/
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 18 Feb 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
H.S.Elmac Ltd in the UK supply compasses for vehicles. They are easily fitted to motorcycles and have multiple compensaters. I had one fitted to the top of the screen on my Africa Twin and once set up it worked faultlessly. I haven't bothered fitting one to my BM though as I have GPS. There web site is: www.offroadstore.co.uk

[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 18 February 2003).]
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 18 Feb 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Tomahawk,Wisconsin USA
Posts: 9
Big subject, the compass. I went thru several and am presently using a Suunto auto compass sold by Aerostitch. Initially I mounted it on my windshield but since I ride off road 50% of the time the vibration broke it fast. I got a new one on warranty and disassembled the base to make it
flat on the bottom and added a piece of velcro so I can stick it on my tank bag. It is a fairly large liquid capsule compass. This compass has internal magnets so you can adjust it for the magnetic interference of the bike. It works fairly well when correctly adjusted and I like it since it provides a general direction of travel and helps if you get turned around like I sometimes do in either urban or off road situations. With the velcro I can pull it off and stash the unit when not needed. You need to carry an extra compass to set it in case it gets knocked out of adjustment. Hey, it isn't perfect but at least I don't do the GPS shuffle when I stop trying to find which way north is. To be honest I use it most on the road when I get turned around and don't go 20 miles out of my way. Bill.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

 
 

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.

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. 11-14
  • 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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 22:47.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top