Beeline Moto2 test : advantages and disadvantages, user experience, ease of use, robustness, etc. In the end, what has it got that version 1 hasn’t?

Introduction

It’s clear that the Beeline GPS is arousing the curiosity of motorcyclists. In fact, we wrote a detailed test of the 1st version of the Beeline in an article that was much appreciated by our readership.

Click -> here <- to discover it.

After more than 3 years of intensive use, in all kinds of situations, we came to the conclusion that it was of real interest to bikers.

And that it offered a real breakthrough. An ecosystem that included

• A minimalist, non-intrusive navigation,
• A device easy to mount/dismount and to transfer from one vehicle to another.
• A dust/water resistance, so you don’t have to worry about your smartphone, the price of which continues to rise.
  • As these pieces of equipment are fragile, vibrations can damage the camera (OIS) and a heavy downpour can ruin your smartphone for good.
  • In short, it can help out, but we don’t recommend using a 1000$ device as your main GPS.
• And all this for a relatively reasonable price (around $/€/CHF 200).

However, the user experience was hampered by a number of details that could prove prohibitive:

• No re-routing when importing .GPX files
• Handling a little confusing at first
• Lag/delay during urban/suburban navigation

A long-awaited product renewal?

Beeline had launched a new version of its model, designed for cyclists. We were also expecting to see a new revised version of the motorbike-specific model.

And so, at the start of 2024, Beeline announced the launch of the Beeline Moto 2.

So is the upgrade worth it, and what does it have that its big brother doesn’t?

We take a look at the specs and differences between the two models.

Note that the Beeline Moto1 is still available in the catalogue, and has benefited from a significant price cut.

So, if you’re tempted by the concept but don’t think it’s worth the price difference, now could be the time to grab a bargain 😉 ?

What does it have that the Beeline Moto 1 doesn’t?

We don’t want to go into the details of what a Beeline is here. Readers can refer to our dedicated article -> here <-

So let’s look at the main differences between the two products. Here’s a comparison that highlights them:

Test Beeline Moto	Beeline Moto 2	Beeline Moto 1
Screen	Ultra-bright IPS TFT screen with anti-reflective and hydrophobic coating 1.45”, 412×412 pixels, 402 PPI	LCD screen with led backlight 1”, 208 x 208 pixels, 287 PPI
Navigation	Mini-Map mode Navigation with arrows Compass mode LED alerts .GPX track compatible Planning of tour via dedicated smartphone app	Navigation with arrows Compass mode LED alerts .GPX track compatible Planning of tour via dedicated smartphone app
Interface	Buttons: RockerTop 2, glove-friendly buttons (accessible from the front)	4 physical buttons (on the sides)
Battery	600 mAh battery 1h charge -> 14h ride	400 mAh battery 1h charge -> 30h ride
Charging	Via USB-C cable	By proprietary system USB-A charger with pogo pin interface
Case	Plastic or brushed metal IP67 certified	Plastic or brushed metal IP67 certified
Weight	42 gr, plastic 60 gr, metal	30 gr, plastic 80 gr, metal
Connexion	Via Bluetooth 4.0 low energy Pairing with smartphone required otherwise does not work	Via Bluetooth 4.0 low energy Pairing with smartphone required otherwise does not work
Price at the time of the launch	Approx. CHF/$ 230 for the plastic version	Approx. CHF/$ 200 for the plastic version
Availability	On the manufacturer’s website and at many e-retailers	On the manufacturer’s website and at many e-retailers
Accessories	Transportation bag Various handlebar/retro mounts, including one with connection to charge it via the motorbike battery	Transportation bag Various handlebar/retro mounts, including one with connection to charge it via the motorbike battery
Included	Beeline Moto II USB-C charging cable Universal elastic support Quick start guide	Beeline Moto device USB charging cable Self-adhesive modular mount Universal elastic support Quick start guide

Beeline Moto2 Review

What are the differences in concrete terms?

The main differences are the presence of a USB-C connector. We’re finally one step closer to the ultimate goal, i.e. going on a roadtrip with just one cable and not 15 different ones.

The screen has also a higher resolution, and the buttons are on the top-front of the device.

According to the manufacturer, they are easy to operate, even when wearing gloves. We’d like to see this tested.

But with a brighter/larger screen comes greater power consumption.

So we’re losing 50% of battery life compared with v1.

14 hours of riding is still enough for most users. And with the arrival of USB-C charging, it’s super easy to recharge via a powerbank or on the main power supply, once you’ve arrived at the hotel/camping site.

We found the buttons of the old version, located on the sides of the device, not always very easy to use, especially when driving. So we’re delighted to see whether this is a real improvement or not.

But the big news is the new navigation interface, known as the mini-map.

Is v2 compatible with the old accessories?

Per se, the mounting system is different from version 1 of the Beeline Moto.

So on their own – you will not be able to use the original Moto device or mounts with the Moto II product range.

However, Beeline has created mount adapters within the collection that you can use to either:

1. use your current original Moto with new Moto II mounts. You’ll need the Original Moto Device > Moto II Mount Insert Adapter in this case
2. use a new Moto II on an existing mount set-up rather than installing new mounting. You’ll need the Moto II Device > Original Moto Mount Insert Adapter in this case

Convenient, as these adapters cost roughly 6. $/CHF/€.

So you won’t need to buy the whole mount again, which costs around 40.- CHF/$/€

Why did they change the mount?

Admittedly, Beeline’s argument is that the new mount is more secure than the old one.

One final piece of information…

As the device still lacks a GPS chip, pairing with a smartphone is compulsory, otherwise the system will be inoperable.

But the reverse is not true. It is still possible to use the Beeline App directly on the smartphone, without connecting it to the Beeline device.

Although we don’t see much point in doing so, as the possibilities for personalising routes are still very limited in the App.

And should you use your smartphone as a main navigation tool,  you would be better off with the ViaMichelin App, for recommended routes, or Waze for real-time traffic and radar alerts.

So let’s move forward and see if this iteration will be enough to make us forget the shortcomings of version 1?

Let’s get started with our in-depth Beeline Moto2 test

We’ll tell you more in our forthcoming uncompromising test, once we’ve gathered enough experience.

[review to be published soon, stay tuned]

 

Ride on !

Link : https://beeline.co/

Test Beeline Moto2