For motorcycle enthusiasts seeking streamlined navigation, the Beeline Moto series has emerged as a popular choice. Having personally used both the original Beeline Moto and the new Beeline Moto II, I wanted to share a detailed comparison, highlighting the key differences that matter to riders. This review will Compare Moto devices side-by-side, focusing on design, features, and user experience to help you decide which Beeline is right for your needs.
Physical and Design Differences
The first thing you’ll notice when you compare moto devices is the size. The Beeline Moto II is noticeably larger and thicker than its predecessor. It simply feels more substantial in hand. The original Beeline Moto featured four physical buttons around its edge. In contrast, the Moto II opts for a seamless design with no visible buttons. Instead, you interact with the device by pressing down on the outer edge of the display where distinct markings indicate clickable areas. While the button functions remain the same, the user interaction is different. Charging has also been updated to USB-C on the Moto II, a welcome change from the original’s proprietary cradle.
For riders with specific mounting setups, like mine where the device sits between the handlebars and clocks on a BMW R9T, the button change is a significant improvement. Operating the four side buttons on the original Beeline Moto in this position was challenging, often requiring hand contortion or device repositioning. The Moto II’s edge-press operation resolves this issue entirely, functioning flawlessly even in tight mounting spaces.
Material construction also differs. Both versions offer “metal” editions, but the definition has evolved. The original metal Beeline Moto boasted an aluminum casing around the sides and bottom. The new “metal” Moto II, however, uses metal only around the display, switching to plastic for the sides and bottom. This results in a lighter device, which I appreciate for reduced movement with my chosen mounting method. However, the original metal version feels more premium and is easier to handle off the bike.
Mounting and Compatibility
Beeline has redesigned the twist mount on the base of the Moto II. The new mount features a +-shaped interface, allowing for more versatile mounting angles. It appears to be a fully proprietary design. Unfortunately, this change means that the older mounts aren’t directly compatible. To use the Moto II with older mounts, you’ll need to purchase either a completely new mount or a small adapter part. Another point to consider is that the original Beeline Moto mount was similar to a Garmin mount, offering some cross-compatibility or easy modification. I utilized my original Beeline Moto on my bicycle with a Garmin mount, and this will likely remain its dedicated purpose now due to mounting differences.
Display and Visibility
The display is where the Beeline Moto II truly shines and offers a significant upgrade. As you can see when you compare moto screens, the display occupies a much larger portion of the device face. Beyond size, the display technology has been revamped. The Moto II appears to use either TFT or OLED technology and is now in color, a major departure from the monochrome display of the original. The backlight on the Moto II seems to be always-on and is exceptionally readable in direct sunlight, while also appearing more natural in low-light conditions. While screenshots might give a greenish tint, the screen appears virtually black even in darkness. The original Beeline Moto has a blue backlight that needs manual activation and is only truly readable in sunlight without the backlight, similar to a classic Casio watch. The overall impact is that the Moto II displays significantly more information and remains readable in a wider range of lighting conditions without user interaction.
Navigation User Interface
The navigation UI represents the most substantial and noticeable difference in daily use when you compare moto navigation experiences. The original Beeline Moto championed minimalism, displaying only an arrow for the next turn, the distance to that turn, and overall trip progress. It offered occasional supplementary information, like roundabout exit directions. While I grew to appreciate the simplicity of the original, it required an adjustment period. The Moto II adopts a more informative approach, showing a simplified map segment with your highlighted route directly on screen. It retains the distance-to-turn display but the map view provides richer context about upcoming turns and road conditions. For instance, the original offered no indication of turn sharpness or road curvature ahead. Similarly, rapidly successive turns were not easily anticipated. The Moto II’s map view clearly addresses these limitations, enhancing navigational awareness.
A subtle yet effective addition to the Moto II is the inclusion of two small LED lights at the top of the display. These LEDs blink white as you approach a turn, providing a gentle but noticeable visual cue without being intrusive.
Beyond navigation, both devices can track rides and display speed. However, the Moto II’s larger display allows for a much richer data presentation if desired. It can simultaneously show a compass and heading, distance traveled, total ride time, and a clock. While all this data is available on the original Beeline Moto, it requires scrolling through the UI, which is less convenient while riding.
Battery Life and Other Features
Battery life remains a strong point for the Beeline series. In my experience, battery performance is comparable between the two models – long enough that it hasn’t been a concern. The move to USB-C charging on the Moto II further minimizes battery anxieties, as it aligns with the charging standards of most modern devices, simplifying cable management on the go. And yes, the charming on-screen motorcycle animation that reacts to device rotation is still present on the Moto II, albeit facing the opposite direction!
In conclusion, when you compare moto navigation devices, the Beeline Moto II emerges as a clear upgrade over the original Beeline Moto. It offers significant improvements in display technology, navigation interface, physical design, and usability, making it a worthwhile investment for riders seeking enhanced on-bike navigation.
