Dirt Bikes

The Best Dirt Bike Trail GPS Navigation and Map Apps for Motocross Bikers

The Best Dirt Bike Trail GPS Navigation and Map Apps for Motocross Bikers

Riding a motorcycle on scenic roads and destinations is quite peaceful and fulfilling. But some riders want to get the thrill out of their riding. So, eventually, they end up riding a dirt bike and find out what they want.


However, off-roading and dirt bike riding are popular sports under different titles. Motocross is one of them and is well known by everyone. Motocross bikers use different gadgets, proper motorcycle gear, and carry all the essentials in their dirt bike luggage.

But one thing that is considerably more important is picking the best Dirt Bike Trail app. On the muddy tracks and hilly areas, you don’t know what is coming next. Or it is really hard to find your way through passing between the sand dunes, as bikers do in the Dakar Rally.


Before you go straight to the best dirt bike trail apps list, there is some mandatory information that you must be aware of before hopping on your bike.

1. Steps to Get the Best Out of Your Dirt Bike Trail App

The following are the tips given to assist the riders and let them know how to get the most out of your dirt bike trail app and what the compulsory steps are that you need to follow.

1.1 First, Get a Best Dirt Bike Trail App

There are many trail bike apps available on both the iOS and Android platforms. You need to download the best out of the whole collection. Follow the steps below to find the best motorcycle app for off-road riding.

  • Consider the stars: Pick one with the maximum star rating
  • User’s review: Read some of the latest reviews in the comment section to know if the app is suitable for you or not.
  • Consult your rider friends: An experienced rider is the most authentic source to get the most information.

1.2 Secondly, Position the Phone on Your Bike’s Handlebar

The placement of your phone is critical because it requires your attention to both the device and the road at the same time. After making adjustments to your bike, you should also be aware of the location of your device operating the app.


The motorcycle handlebar is by far the best option for positioning your phone. It provides easy access and also keeps you focused on the road without letting you tilt your head.

1.3 Thirdly, Get a Good Quality Case for Your Phone

The next step is to get a good quality case for your phone. Usually, off-road, it’s not only you and your dirt bike, your phone has to suffer a lot as well. So, invest in a good phone case that is both shockproof and water-resistant, because your phone is about to take a beating.

1.4 Remember the Battery Life

Motorcycle Navigation GPS apps use a shitload of battery power because they have to interface with 3 or 4 satellites that are flying at a ridiculous speed of about 13,000 miles above your head!


As a result, don't count on your typical power consumption times because your smartphone GPS app will at the very least cut them in half. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in the middle of nowhere because your phone has run out of battery power.


If you're going to use your smartphone, limit your dirt bike adventure into unknown territory to no more than 2-3 hours, including the return trip, or you might get into trouble.

2. Disadvantages of Solely Depending on Dirt Bike Trail App

Well, it sure is a viable option, but there are a few things that you have to know first before considering using your iPhone or Android on a bumpy trail on your dirt bike.

2.1 The Phone’s Screen Isn’t Clear Enough

Usually, smartphones emit just enough power to give you full visibility under normal conditions. Remember the last time you used your phone under direct sunlight? I bet you would have found yourself trying to make some shade with your hand so you could see your messages.


If you were to attach your smartphone to the handlebars of your dirt bike and go riding, you would soon find out that the screen is really hard to read.


You'll find yourself removing the phone from its mount and seeking shelter from the light in order to try to understand what the GPS is displaying. Not too convenient.

2.2 They Make Your Phone Overheat

Smartphones are not meant to work under extreme conditions, either on a dirt bike or on hot summer days. The major problem with using smartphones is that they don’t like heat much and are designed to shut off after reaching the maximum temperatures. You may have previously received a message similar to this.


Well, that’s your smartphone telling you that it’s too hot and if it doesn’t shut down, sensitive parts inside the phone will start to break down. That does not sound good at all.

2.3 The Screen Would Not Respond When You Use Motorcycle Gloves>

Smartphone touchscreens were created with the intent of being activated by human fingers. But try using your phone when you are wearing a pair of gloves and it becomes useless.


So, this means that if you want to interface with your screen, you will need to take a glove off every time, which is a bit of a pain in the ass.


The solution to this problem, however, is now available thanks to streamlined inventions. There are specially made gloves with the ability to operate the touch screen while wearing gloves.

2.4 They are Highly Sensitive to External Forces

Smartphones are highly sensitive devices, and they don’t like to be dropped. They aren’t resistant to water, dust, and dirt either. Excessive vibration does not sit well with them, either.

3. The 7 Best Dirt Bike Trail Apps for Off-Road Bikers

3.1 onX Offroad GPS Maps App

It's an off-road GPS mapping app that includes over 900 million acres of public property and over 400,000 miles of roads and trails, so you've definitely heard of it. This one will work even if your phone is turned off.


You'll discover detailed satellite photography, as well as information on which trails are open and camping statistics.


It's a must-have piece of software for dirt bike enthusiasts, and one of the first questions it'll ask you in its interface is what type of vehicle you're riding, so it can narrow down the trail tracking options and provide you with more precise information.


Another significant feature for you as a rider is that, in addition to the road's characteristics, this app will tell you whether the road is open or closed.


We also enjoy it because it offers you an interesting degree of precision when facing an intersection, for example. And we all know how crucial it is to define where to proceed from there.


You will have the ability to make marks on the route, even if you locate other roads, and you will be able to save that data and map photographs and transmit them to different pals who will be joining the journey with you.


OnX will give you seven days to try it out before charging you $30 for an annual membership.

3.2 Strava

Photo Credit: businessinsider.com

An extremely popular dirt bike trail GPS app because of its functionality. Although it was originally associated with running and cycling, its diverse functions are applicable to a wide range of sports, including dirt bike riding. 


From here, you will be able to track your location while driving, and you will also have references to your speed, time, and distance traveled, with a series of statistics about it.


This app has an active community of dirt bike riders who record their rides and compare their performance as time passes. 


It is compatible with almost all smartwatches and activity monitoring devices that have GPS.


Availability: Free for Android and iOS . A paid version is also available as Strava Summit.

3.3 View Ranger

 View Ranger
Photo Credit: apkmonk.com

We understand that adventure is your thing and that engines propel you to new destinations. This software is aware of this, and it provides a large number of routes as well as highly detailed topographic maps.


It's an intriguing proposition because it's designed to allow you and your friends to explore hills and mountains or simply take a fresh walk in the countryside.


We like it since it comes with a set of extremely useful features that will assist you in planning, exploring, and navigating various driving routes.

It provides a free Open Cycle Map that includes a variety of routes with unique features.


Not only will the topographic maps be extremely handy, but they will also work without a phone signal or data once downloaded. You'll be able to mark landmarks as your bike brings you to fantastic locations.


You may encounter challenges along the route, and this app allows you to communicate your location with pals so that they are aware that you are safe.


Availability: Free for iOS and Android.

3.4 CoPilot GPS

CoPilot GPS
Photo Credit: apppearl.com

As a rider, you won't always be near a cell phone tower. You'll need assistance in certain situations, and this app can provide you with a lifeline.

How? Unlike most apps that track your dirt bike journey, CoPilot does not require an Internet connection. The software will download a full set of maps for your region as soon as you install it.


This off-road GPS will allow you to go wherever you desire with confidence.


Available: Free for Android and iOS .

3.5 Dirt Tracks

Dirt Tracks
Photo Credit: apkpure.com

This app isn't particularly large, but it packs a punch. Its purpose is to keep track of the path you take while doing enduro, motocross, mountain biking, or any other off-road activity.


It offers a lot of features, but it also has a highly user-friendly and straightforward interface, which is always a plus. All off-road activities can benefit from dirt tracks.

You'll find a fun visual representation of the road's speeds and elevations, as well as a simple speed graph.


It quickly generates statistics, and users may form or join groups to share routes with their friends.


Remember that you must have Google Maps installed to use it.


Availability: Free for iOS and Android .

3.6 Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS
Photo Credit: taiwebs.com

Another useful choice if your interest is in travel and natural adventure, Gaia GPS is one of the greatest outdoor mapping apps available, and many guides across the world rely on it.


It will provide you with topographic maps for free, with limitless downloads. This allows you to use them when you're not connected to the internet.


It, like other similar programs, allows you to synchronize your routes with images, maps, and waypoints across all of your devices.


This software allows you to share links to your routes and images via email, Facebook, and Twitter, which is ideal for individuals who appreciate sharing their trips with others.


Availability: Free for iOS and Android .

3.7 MX Circuit

A one-of-a-kind app with a range of features that we, as riders, are confident you will appreciate.


To begin, this circuit App displays a list of all the active circuits. Because it uses your geolocation as a tool, it will launch them to you based on where you are right now.


Once you've chosen your circuit, a technical sheet will pop up with a wealth of information, including the distance you've traveled, directions, circuit technical explanations, and onboard movies.


You'll also be able to determine which circuit you wish to visit based on the ratings that users have left for each one, and the app will quickly compile meteorological data for any location you seek.

MX Circuit,
Photo Credit: melongrafic.com

Each circuit has a profile for the administrator, who sends out notifications to all users. As a result, it will keep you updated on the circuit's progress, whether or not a race is scheduled for the weekend, its current state, and so on.


The Live Streaming feature, which is optional in the app and requires a premium upgrade, as well as an internet connection, is the same.


This software already contains a database of over 135 circuits from various nations across the world, and it is currently working on new features such as a confirmation system for circuit participation.


Available for iOS and Android .

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