Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1539926
VOLUME ISSUE SEPTEMBER , P131 tion. Typically, when I'm traveling on a highway or in an area with reliable cell reception, I use my phone and Google Maps to navigate from one location to another via the quickest route possible. However, when I'm on a ride where I'm following a track, such as a BDR, I rely on a Trail Tech Voyager Pro or a Garmin XT, both of which have their own internal GPS receivers. Therein lies my concern with a device like the Chigee, which relies solely on your phone for a GPS signal and your cell service to load maps as you travel. Surprisingly, what I discovered is that the AIO-6, loaded with Gaia, my favorite naviga- tion app, is much more capable than I ever realized, provided that you've downloaded all the maps needed for your adventure. Why? Simply because it's much brighter and easier to see than a cell phone or the other devices that I've used. The clarity and bright- ness of the six-inch 2000-nit screen are incredible. It is, however, simply mirroring your cell phone's screen, so you must ensure that your maps are loaded and the app you're relying on is open on your phone in the back- ground. With maps preloaded, or if you have good cell service, the satel- lite overlays from Google Maps are so detailed that you can zoom in and find a camping spot or whatever else you're looking for with ease. Again, provided that you have cell coverage or have downloaded the maps you need in advance. If you're in an area where cell coverage is reliable, the possibilities are endless. You can open weather apps, send and receive text mes- sages or phone calls, listen to your favorite tunes—anything you can do from your cell phone is made readily available right in front of you and with hands-free control on the AIO-6 screen. Simply put, this device can do just about anything you need. From monitoring your motorcycle's critical systems via a plug-and-play OBD module to controlling your Insta360 or GoPro action camera to running your favorite navigation apps. It even has Wi-Fi capability for over-the-air firmware updates. The 4G network, which requires a SIM card activation, opens up even more capabilities, like geo-fencing to protect and monitor your bike when it's parked or automatically making an SOS call if you're unconscious after an accident. If you don't want or need the 4G network capability, the AIO-6 Max does everything the LTE model does, just without the • INCREDIBLY BRIGHT SIX-INCH TOUCHSCREEN • COUNTLESS UPGRADES AVAILABLE • INCREDIBLY BRIGHT SIX-INCH • NO INTERNAL GPS • IF CELL PHONE DIES, SO TOO DOES THE CHIGEE. SMART RIDING DISPLAY STANDOUT FEATURE All-in-one navigation, communica- tion, and security device RIDER ANALYSIS We're reviewing the new AIO-6 LTE 4G device, along with all available upgrades, to provide a thorough review of the product. Having no prior experience with these types of devices, I was both eager and somewhat skeptical about using a device that doesn't have its own built-in GPS receiver for naviga- control right from the seat of your motorcycle. A handlebar- mounted wireless remote can be added for even more con - venient control of the AIO-6. BMW owners can also add the Chigee BMW quick-release mount, which enables OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) func - tionality as well as integration with the BMW Wonder Wheel (multi-controller). Countless other mounting, OBD monitor - ing, and other upgrades are available for virtually any make and model motorcycle—or even motor scooter—on the market. The base price for the AIO-6 LTE 4G is $560, and the AIO-6 Max is $460; however, depend - ing on the chosen upgrades, the price can add up quickly. Our as-tested unit came in at just over $1000.