News Feature

There's honey in them there turns ...

Well, as promised several months ago, we are pleased to be able to put the new Beeline MOTO II sat navigation unit through its paces and compare it head-to-head against version 1, which we’ve been using for several years now.

At first glance the MOTO II appears larger, a little lighter (we’re comparing metal options), and much sleeker with the absence of raised buttons around the circumference at 12, 3, 6 and 9 positions.

It is far brighter than our previous ‘Triumph’ edition model, relying on white and color illumination of characters over a darker background, and is much easier to read even under intense sunlight conditions. The ‘enhanced’ display – an Ultra bright IPS TFT – features antiglare and hydrophobic coatings for optimal visibility, with a resolution of 412x412 (402ppi).

We took the opportunity, this go round, to upgrade to Beeline Plus (released last November), and for a small $4.99 monthly fee we now enjoy audio directions and a loop route generator, which takes the distance you want to travel and any key stops along the way to create a loop for you to follow.

More importantly, its new ‘glove friendly’ RockerTop 2 TM control system – pushing down on the same 12, 3, 6 and 9 button positions on a larger bezel – allows you to keep the screen fingerprint free.

The screen itself is interesting as the glass face is pretty much the same size as its previous version, but now the entire surface is used, as opposed to only 50 percent in version 1. The lack of screen area used in the original was always a bone of contention for us.

The new unit is described as both waterproof and shockproof (IP67 rated) and has three sensors: an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer.

The Standard MOTO II has an ASA polymer casing with a CNC aluminum bezel (black) while our Metal Edition features a machine-finished anodized alloy main casing with CNC aluminum bezel, and an ASA polymer back casing (black).

Size and Weight:
Dimensions: 53 mm / 2 inches diameter | 20.5 mm / 0.8 inches deep
Weight: 42 g / 1.5 ounces (standard) | 60 g / 2.1 ounces (metal)

The new MOTO II is both waterproof and shockproof (IP67 rated) — beeline

The screen itself is interesting as the glass face is pretty much the same size as its previous version, but now the entire surface is used, as opposed to only 50 percent in version 1. The lack of screen area used in the original was always a bone of contention for us.

Attaching your MOTO II to your bike involves a new cross pattern back which thankfully you can purchase a replacement adapter (screw in) for your mounting system. Ours is stuck to a fuel tank center belt, so we were quite thankful for that option.

And you now no longer need a bespoke charging back for the unit as the MOTO II boasts a usb-c port on the bottom of the bezel … convenience and faster charging.

Beeline now has a weatherproof Powered Mount Insert ($59) which you can attach to your bike’s battery terminals to keep your unit charged on long rides. The unit features auto power switching to prevent flat batteries.

As to functionality, the MOTO II’s integration with software through the Beeline app (for android and iPhone) has been steadily improving, even before the Gen 2 versions were released. We took the opportunity, this go round, to upgrade to Beeline Plus (released last November), and for a small $4.99 monthly fee we now enjoy audio directions and a loop route generator, which takes the distance you want to travel and any key stops along the way to create a loop for you to follow. The expansion is a work in progress with more elements promised in the future. And the subscription can be paused at any time.

Even without the ‘Plus’ option, the MOTO II features advanced navigation – clear, glanceable turn-by-turn directions, speed and your ETA, combined with a simple arrow display for easy decision-making while in transit. Onboard ‘real time’ ride metrics include track speed, distance, and time.

There is also comprehensive ride tracking through the Beeline app where you can share routes or discover new ones with easy GPX import/export. And, where it’s available, the MOTO II features speed limit alerts. The unit supports eight languages for global riders.

Beeline Moto and Moto II head-to-head — beeline

It is far brighter than our previous ‘Triumph’ edition model, relying on white and color illumination of characters over a darker background, and is much easier to read even under intense sunlight conditions.

As to smartphone requirements, you’ll need Bluetooth 4.0 capability as well as Google Play running 8.0 Oreo and above for android systems and iOS 15 and above for iPhones.

Pricewise, the new MOTO II ranges from $220 to $250, with the metal variation being on the higher end. The original Beeline MOTO is still for sale at a reduced rate of $180 for metal units. Only the metal versions of the MOTO II are currently available due to supply and demand.

While to date we are extremely happy with the new MOTO II, there is one issue we’ve discovered on the power side.

The device is promoted as having a ‘long-lasting charge (with) months of standby time.’ The 600mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery is said to provide 14 hours of riding time.

We have yet to do a 14-hour ride to test that assumption. However, we have found that if you leave the MOTO II tuned off, sitting idly for more than a week, it loses its charge. Hopefully a firmware update will improve that one small flaw in an otherwise incredible product.

A little Thruxton 999 night time action with the MOTO II — Rahoul Ghose

To find out more about the Beeline MOTO II, visit the official website at: beeline.co.