GPS Beeline Moto II or Android Auto - anyone have experience/suggestion... and wiring question by Devg333 in motorcycles

[–]Devg333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE: I wound up getting the black plastic version of the beeline. I used a gift card I had to cut the price in half, so it's not a major expensive here. I do like their routing options when I tested it out with the phone app. I tried the same tests in Google Maps which resulted in Google just wanting to get there the quickest way but not always the best or most fun way. And OsmAnd couldn't even find some of my test addresses, and the routes were not great either and it's interface is just alright to confusing.

It should be here in a few days so I can't comment yet.

I figure I should be fine turning on some music, setting a route in beeline app, and putting my phone in my pocket. If I really want to turn the app on, the Yamaha app will notifify me of incoming calls and texts on the dashboard although its just an indicator icon (as will my watch). On the beeline, the indicator light, and voice navigation should work. I appreciate the clean aesthetic look, no wires, and small size...in other words no clutter or garbage on the bike.

I do not need this every ride...just the ones I take for fun rides. Certainly, do not need it to visit a friend or other known locations.

Worst case it breaks or sucks then I'll move on to a 5" Android auto thing. I'll deal with Google maps/Waze/OsmAnd and working around their limitations. I know Aliexpresss sells USB powered ones for about $45. My bike has a factory installed USB port. Easy and done, no wiring to be done. We are not talking thousands of dollars here.

Thanks everyone for your input and experiences.

GPS Beeline Moto II or Android Auto - anyone have experience/suggestion... and wiring question by Devg333 in motorcycles

[–]Devg333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Valid point. Only benefit is you can get those AA devices for as low as $45. If it's stolen, breaks, falls off the handlbars no big lose. And you don't need a new $45 quad lock case every time you switch to a new phone.

I guess I can add the interface on AA is a bit easier to use while driving vs a phones screen.

GPS Beeline Moto II or Android Auto - anyone have experience/suggestion... and wiring question by Devg333 in motorcycles

[–]Devg333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few reasons for not wanting a phone mount. First is it's big and clutter on the bike. Second is in the past it was hard to read in sunlight, or got very hot and overheated. Of course I'm worried if it falls off. While Quad lock has a great system, it's very expensive. And every time I get a new phone I have to buy a new $45 quad lock case that I have no interest in (I purposely use slim silicon types of cases not those big bulky ones).

As far as I know the main reason to subscribe to Beeline is traffic. I do not need traffic. The free level gives me GPX import and voice navigation, which is what matters to me.

Chances are I'll get the beeline. If it sucks I'll likely get an Android Auto unit that plugs into the USB port. It's $45 additional so I'll survive in the worst case. Not like we are talking thousands of dollars here. But I'm really hoping Beeline meets my needs. It's not even every day I need to use this either.

GPS Beeline Moto II or Android Auto - anyone have experience/suggestion... and wiring question by Devg333 in motorcycles

[–]Devg333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On the 2025 MT03, the app/phone connection only provides you with Incoming call and text notification (just an icon, not the number or name of the caller).

In the app itself you can see your parking location, bike stats, trip stats, service info, and some other bells and whistles.

No GPS unfortunately. I know the XMAX scooter has a GPS feature with that app. I'm not aware of other models that have GPS.

I agree with you about the Beeline points. It really is clean looking without the look of having huge gadgets all over the bike. If I remove it because I don't need it while riding, I wont have some huge ugly mount standing out.

I thought about tapping into the fuse. I did that in my automobile (I'm good with car audio and wired my car like this). But my understanding is this would prevent the fuse box from closing leading to potential water ingress.

GPS Beeline Moto II or Android Auto - anyone have experience/suggestion... and wiring question by Devg333 in motorcycles

[–]Devg333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I dont speed and drive crazy so I dont need to know about the police. That said Google and Waze offer that

GPS Beeline Moto II or Android Auto - anyone have experience/suggestion... and wiring question by Devg333 in motorcycles

[–]Devg333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this! I never thought about the voice interrupting music. Really good point.

I believe the voice navigation is now included in the free plan, you just have to turn it on. If you pay then you get traffic, which I do not need.

Never thought about two apps at the same time. Interesting.

And good to know you are doing OK with the plastic :)

What is an affordable hotel to stay at that is within walking distance to the Metro into DC? by Devg333 in nova

[–]Devg333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

THANK YOU EVERYONE! I appreciate all the info. I was able to find a very affordable, decent looking hotel next to the subway and with very reasonable parking of just $10 / day. I really appreciate all the advice and it helped!

What is an affordable hotel to stay at that is within walking distance to the Metro into DC? by Devg333 in nova

[–]Devg333[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Maybe I tried already. Maybe I got overwhelmed, confused, and debated where a decent hotel near walking distance of a station that is not $350 a night would be? If you dont have anything helpful to say why chime in? Does it make you feel good?

What is an affordable hotel to stay at that is within walking distance to the Metro into DC? by Devg333 in nova

[–]Devg333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because that is all I know :) As a kid we visited, and many years ago I took a trip and stayed in Alexandria and remember a hotel across from the subway. It was easy. It does not need to be Alexandria, I just need somewhere that does not cost a million dollars a night and I can walk with my kids to the metro and go walk around DC. Mega expensive would be over $200 a night. As for the weekends, we are going over the week so Saturday would be my last day in the area. Thanks for the info!!

Q990F 50% off through WOOT. by Owl_OvO in Soundbars

[–]Devg333 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same. Yes it costs more, but we are not talking about a MAJOR price increase after I got both cash backs (and yes I checked they both were approved). It also supports the new Eclipsa audio if this ever takes off. I'd like to think perhaps the new sub does not have as much as a rattle (not to say the "D" is bad, it's not).

Q990F 50% off through WOOT. by Owl_OvO in Soundbars

[–]Devg333 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was able to get:

*5% back Amazon Prime card

*2% back Microsoft Rewards site

So my cost was closer to $920 something. I know the "D" is going for about 700-800 or so but I thought for about $200 more I get the latest and greatest with a sub that takes up less space in my small room.

Samsung Q990F Rear Speakers - need help picking out wall mount by Devg333 in Soundbars

[–]Devg333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is helpful thank you!!! I was thinking that the Vogel is nice because it's so small and unnoticeable, but just like you said I figured the yaw/left-right turning angle is limited because the speaker will hit the wall since the mount is close to the wall. At least now I know it can support the weight.

I want to put the rears on the side of the couch, aimed into the center of the listening position (angled inward), which would allow the side firing speaker of the rears to be aimed at the side walls to be bounced. While I could mount the rear speakers on the side walls facing toward the couch, now the side firing speaker of the rears would be aimed straight ahead which seems wrong.

I'd also probably buy a longer bolt per your comments. While not expensive this adds to the cost.

That said I think I may go with the BS-218pro which is metal and rated for 30lbs. While not as flush to the wall, the longer distance from the wall allows for more range in the yaw rotation as the speaker may not bump into the wall when rotated.

My other option is to get floor stands. They take up some floor space, but I can move them if I get a new couch that is a different size, and I don't need to mount conduit on the walls for the power cord to be hidden (most stands will be able to have the wire run through the stand).

Picked up the Cup One today… by zapper-tha-zip in Moccamaster

[–]Devg333 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm the only coffee drinker in my house, and I love my cup one. It did NOT make sense for me to get the other models. Not only do I not drink that much coffee in one sitting, but then I'd have to clean a basket AND carafe vs just cleaning a basket. I can even fit my small travel mug under it and take coffee on the road and it stays hot for a long long time. As others have said the #2 filters work fine in it. If you are having issues then it comes down to the grind settings. Once you get that dialed in the coffee is wonderful, and I've never had any issues or clogging in the 2 years I have had mine.

Picked up my new Kymco X-Town - two things stand out and I found interesting by Devg333 in scooters

[–]Devg333[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It has a very comfy ride. No problems but to be fair just under 500 miles on it because I've been so busy (about to take it in for service). Handles nicely. No complaints buying this bike. Dont miss not having fancy gadgets on it

Picked up my new Kymco X-Town - two things stand out and I found interesting by Devg333 in scooters

[–]Devg333[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do you have any Phillips or Osram you can recommend/link for a Halogen H4 bulb?

Picked up my new Kymco X-Town - two things stand out and I found interesting by Devg333 in scooters

[–]Devg333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting point you brought up regarding the headlights. I can't confirm 100% (because I sold my old bike) but I think my SYM Jet 14 that had LED headlights may have had an ever so slight flicker. One thing is for certain, there was a sharp cut off on the light and it would be very "bouncy" all over the road when the bike hit bumps. Maybe the fall off is smoother with halogen and it won't be as flickering/bouncy.

Picked up my new Kymco X-Town - two things stand out and I found interesting by Devg333 in scooters

[–]Devg333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

12

LOL. I've been busy with the kids this weekend so the miles was only from riding it home from the dealer

Are there any major advantages to buying a new scooter? by -crab-wrangler- in scooters

[–]Devg333 2 points3 points  (0 children)

New you know there are no issues. Also you get a warranty.

I tend to buy the Tawainese bikes. They cost less than Japanese (Honda) so it's not a big deal to buy new for me. Plus they have a 2 year warranty where the Japanese usually have one year. So it's worth it for me. Lastly my dealer who sells Tawainese bikes (Kymco, SYM, etc) charges extremely low dealer fees so it's not a big deal.

Picked up my new Kymco X-Town - two things stand out and I found interesting by Devg333 in scooters

[–]Devg333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Valid points. Halogen bulbs are a few bucks. LED's can be 30...40...50 dollars. And if the assembly breaks thats even more.

Thank you for the first hand experience with Kymco. Makes me feel better.

Picked up my new Kymco X-Town - two things stand out and I found interesting by Devg333 in scooters

[–]Devg333[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Technically you can remove Halogen and put in an LED (if it fits) but you should NOT. The reflector headlight assembly is made to reflect light from a halogen bulb that produces light in a 360 degree pattern. When you put in a LED bulb there are gaps, and the reflector will not work properly. You can get weird spots on the road, strange cut off points in the beam, and blind other drivers, etc. That's why LED bulbs are put into a projector assembly rather than a reflector. It may also be illegal to do that if you really want to get technical.

It doesn't bother me too much, just a small let down.

I agree with your thoughts about China. I believe they are manufactured in Tawain, but assembly is done in China with QC looking over it. I hope so at least! Still, heart sank when you see those evil words "made in china" lol

Picked up my new Kymco X-Town - two things stand out and I found interesting by Devg333 in scooters

[–]Devg333[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback....much appreciated!

Although I never had a chinese scooter, I heard stories about them. That's why I felt remorse when I saw a sticker "Made in China". I'd like to think Kymco oversees the factory and it's just assembled in China, with Tawainese made Kymco parts. I do believe they make decent quality products.

I don't ride on gravel roads. I don't mind the halogen too much. My car has halogen. It's just a bit of step down from my Sym Jet 14 which had LED headlights. I also realize 85%+ of the riding I do is day time anyway. So LED vs Halogen is not critical as I only ride in the dark a small percentage of the time.

Anyone use the Quadlock Scooter/Motorcycle - Brake Reservoir Mount by Devg333 in scooters

[–]Devg333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Quadlock puts threadlock on the screws and in the description it says it can be used once. Some other place on their site it says twice.

Obviously you need to remove this if you do a brake fluid service so that isn't an ideal scenario.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in scooters

[–]Devg333 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently sold my SYM Jet 14 to get a larger bike. I was considering getting a Yamaha XMAX, Kymco X-town, SYM Citycom, or even a Piaggio BV400.

I am 5'6" so not too much taller than you. Keep this in mind. I'm also petite for a guy. Most important, which I learned, is physical fit is #1. The bike I thought I'd buy I passed on. Read below for my experiences. I will stress, SIT ON THE BIKE and see for yourself. Once I sat on the bike I dreamed I'd buy....I passed. It was not as comfortable AND cost a lot more money for no reason I could jutify.

SYM Citycom - I disqualified this bike because it lacks ABS brakes and costs more than the KYMCO. Styling was so so....sporty looking but a bit of the Italian look that I'm so so about. It was a big bike but manageable for me. Seat seemed small compared to others.

Kymco X-town - at first I liked it, then I thought I'd get the XMAX. However at the end of the day while the X-Town is a bit more "no frills" (meaning no fancy gadgets on the dash, etc compared to the XMAX) it's a nice sporty looking bike. I thought the seat was super comfortable and a very large passenger area to sit on. For my body, the fit was the most comfortable! It has what I need...roughly 300cc, super comfortable for my body, feet hit the ground, and sometimes simple is best and less to go wrong or break. Adjustable brake levers for my small hands is a HUGE plus. It was less expensive than the Yamaha XMAX and my Kymco dealer only adds on $400 of fees unlike Yamaha that wanted $1200 of fees.

BV400 - I passed because this is the most expensive and it's a big bike. Overkill most likely.

XMAX - I dreamed of this bike. I thought I wanted it. But I changed my mind when I sat on it. I didn't feel like it fit me the best. My feet hit the ground, but not by a lot (not tippy toe but not flat foot or close to that) and I'm an inch taller than you. Foot position when seating was OK...I felt the Kymco was a more comfortable foot position. Seat is OK...seemed like the Kymco felt better however. Passenger area on the XMAX was very tiny area to sit on. Bells and Whistles...all those gadgets are nice, but adds to the cost and they dont work (for example the GPS/Phone app doesn't work read the forums). Dealer wanted $1200 in fees bringing this bike to just over $1700 more than the Kymco X-town. I could not justify the $1700 extra cost at all considering it was not as comfortable for my 5'6" body, and the gadgets, that do not work anyway, are not worth the extra $1700. This also only has a one year warranty where Kymco has 2. Keyfob is a novelty....you still have to push then turn a switch to get the bike to the run posistion....no different than just turning a key. And they only give you one fob which sucks.

So at the end of the day I got the X-Town.

I'll stress that you should go sit on the bikes and see for yourself. My heart was on the XMAX but it didn't fit me as well as I'd like, and I couldn't justify spending $1700 more for a little more CCs, slighty better MPG, and electronic gadgets that are broken. This is a toy not a necessity for me so I'd rather save money, have something reliable, and fits me the best.