Technology helps put more motorcycle electronics at your fingertips.

Motorcycle electronics such as GPS's, MP3's, CD's etc. are available today and as for tomorrow, who know where it will all stop. The latest push throughout the automotive and motorcycle industry has been GPS's. It seems like every time you turn on the TV there is a commercial for one.

I would dare to say that in the motorcycle touring arena, Garmin seems to be one of the more popular units. Their latest street pilot model provides not only GPS but an XM radio interface,  MP3 player, Audio Books, Tour Guide, and Bluetooth. With third party wiring you can integrate it all into your audio system to where the unit will switch automatically when you have an incoming phone call.

Okay so all this is really out there for a motorcycle, and they are available. But for a basic GPS, they come in very handy. I've tried to do the map thing and create a ride that took 10 days and covered 2800 miles. It's tough, Stopping and pulling out a map or having a co-rider hold it in front of you to look at. And just try to focus on that!!

So by getting a basic GPS unit you can lessen the stresses of your ride. All the stops can be plugged into your route. You know about how far you can go in a certain amount of time. And if you find someplace you like, just save it as a waypoint in your favorites.

One thing I would highly suggest though is treat the GPS as a tool, not as an "All Knowing" command center. They are fairly accurate and as long as you keep the maps up to date you should be okay, but there is nothing better than the good ol' gut feeling when it comes to riding. We have found many more great places by making a wrong turn than we have by going on a specific route. So don't be afraid to take that "wrong" turn, besides if you have a GPS, you can always get home, know where the gas stations are, get to a restaurant, find a hotel, etc.

Bottom line, if you have one, use it and enjoy it, but don't live by it. Besides it doesn't know how much fun you're having on that twisting back road that will take you an extra hour to get to your destination.

MP3 units are a great addition if you don't already have an audio unit. A simple I-Pod can be mounted up with a remote control unit and you are off and down the road, riding with your favorite tunes. They may not be considered Motorcycle Electronics, but they'll work just the same.

CD players can be added to your bike also. From a small discman to a unit meant for a car. You can easily mount a unit in your trunk or on the dash and wire it in. Placing the unit on repeat will allow you to go down the road and not be bothered with having to do much more than listen. One draw back to CD's is the shock. Vibration can cause them to skip or jam. If the unit is a built in unit like the ones on the Honda Goldwing. They are mounted with air suspension racks that take vibration well. I would have to say that if you are adding music from scratch, there are two ways that I would go. Either pick up an I-Pod and load it up with all your favorite music, or get an XM radio and dial in your favorite station. Just remember with XM, there are still some dead spots and you have to pay for the subscription.

Regardless of the "toy" you get, motorcycle electronics can have one drawback, distraction. Make sure that while using your electronics no matter what they are, don't let it distract you. Pull off to the side of the road, do what you need to do, then continue on. It's all too easy to get into a wreck on a bike, we don't need to compound the problem.

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