Most riders already have Google Maps, and for getting somewhere quickly it is hard to beat: live traffic, accurate addresses and every business on earth. But a motorcycle GPS app is about the ride, not just the destination. This page compares Google Maps with MotoRev for motorcycle riding, including what Google offers for two-wheelers today.
MotoRev is our app. We describe other apps from their own websites, help pages and app store listings, linked under Sources. Features and prices change, so confirm with each company before you buy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it.
Does Google Maps Have a Motorcycle Mode?
Google Maps has a two-wheeler mode for motorcycles and scooters, but Google's help center says it is only available on mobile devices and in limited locations. It launched in India, and news reports describe it reaching other countries in Asia. We found no evidence that it is available in the United States as of October 2026.
Waze, which Google also owns, has a Motorcycle vehicle type. Google's Waze help center documents it, and reporting from Autoevolution says it is live in a set of countries including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines, not worldwide.
At a Glance
| Feature | MotoRev | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; Pro $3.99/wk, $9.99/mo or $99.99/yr | Free |
| Platforms | iPhone, Android, Apple Watch and the web app at motorev.app. | iPhone, Android, Apple Watch and the web |
| Twisty or scenic routing | Yes: prefer twisty roads, avoid highways, tolls or ferries, and Twisty or Scenic loop generation | No curvy road option. Route options include avoiding tolls and highways |
| Turn-by-turn navigation | Yes, spoken turn-by-turn with lane guidance and rerouting | Yes, with live traffic |
| Motorcycle-specific routing | Yes, built for motorcycles | Two-wheeler mode in limited locations, not the US as far as we could find |
| Offline maps | One saved region free, unlimited with Pro | Yes, free |
| Live location sharing | Free for up to 1 hour, until you stop with Pro | Yes, free |
| Ride recording and stats | Yes; free keeps the last 90 days, Pro keeps everything | Not offered as a ride log; Timeline keeps location history |
| Group rides with live voice | Yes, with a live voice channel for the group | Not offered |
| Crash detection | Yes, free (beta). Uses your phone's sensors and alerts your emergency contacts | Not offered in Google Maps |
| Garage and maintenance | Yes, with service records signed by participating shops | Not offered |
| CarPlay and Android Auto | No | Yes |
When Google Maps Is the Right Tool
- Commuting and errands, where live traffic and the fastest route matter most.
- Finding an address, a gas station or a place to eat.
- Riding with a CarPlay or Android Auto head unit, which MotoRev does not support.
- Large offline areas at no cost.
When a Motorcycle App Is Better
- Finding good roads. MotoRev can prefer twisty roads and build Twisty or Scenic loops from where you are, instead of the fastest line.
- Recording the ride. Every ride is saved with its route and stats, and can become a route you share or ride again.
- Riding with a group. One map for everyone, plus a live voice channel.
- Getting home. Free crash detection (beta) alerts your emergency contacts, and live sharing lets family follow along.
- Your bike. A garage for maintenance and shop-signed service records.
Can You Use Both?
Yes, and many riders do. Use Google Maps to find the coffee shop, then plan the long way there in MotoRev and ride it with your crew. MotoRev is free to start on iPhone and Android.
More comparisons: Best Motorcycle Apps, MotoRev vs REVER, MotoRev vs Calimoto, MotoRev vs Scenic, MotoRev vs EatSleepRIDE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google Maps have a motorcycle mode in the US?
Not as far as we could find in October 2026. Google's help center says two-wheeler directions are only available on mobile and in limited locations. The mode launched in India, and news reports describe it reaching other countries in Asia.
Can Google Maps avoid highways on a motorcycle?
Yes. Google Maps can avoid tolls and highways. It has no option to prefer curvy or scenic roads.
What is the best motorcycle GPS app?
It depends on how you ride. For riding with friends, with twisty routing, group voice and crash detection, MotoRev is free on iPhone and Android. Our guide to the best motorcycle apps for 2026 compares the main options.
Sources
Every claim about another app on this page comes from these pages, checked October 22, 2026.
