Are Motorcycle Maps Really a Must Have?

Are Motorcycle Maps Really a Must Have?

motorcycle maps for your riding pleasure

Are motorcycle maps that important after all? Well, let’s try and evaluate this rhetoric question. Why would you need a motorcycle map if you already know the destination? Just hop on the bike, saddle up and off you go. Do we need a map for that? Certainly not! So many might still nod their heads and vibe along with me that maps are not that of a big deal. But I’m just messing with you. Never leave for your destination without a map. Well, nowadays it’s a bit easier since we have apps that aid us in getting to our destination. But even these can’t replace a proper waterproof motorcycling map that won’t run out of batteries and can’t be shattered to pieces or so easily lost.

If you keep on using the same roads for your trips, then never call it a trip. You’re rather tripping on yourself! What’s the point in this kind of “adventure”? Mastering a single motorcycling route is taking the fun out of the whole process. Trying new roads is the ultimate approach to your motorcycling hobby. Trying new roads and routes is the greatest test for your biking skills. But feeling safe enough should be your first priority. The right gear, an engraved helmet that might have a special meaning for you are all good. But a high quality motorcycling map is a must-have attribute for your voyage.

go on a motorcycle trip

Having a map doesn’t necessarily mean that you wouldn’t get lost. No. But when you’re actually lost the amazing thing about having a map is that you can easily trace your way back. You might lose your map, but the map will never get you lost. This is one of the most joyous and fun parts of a motorcycling trip, when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, your GPS isn’t working and your don’t have any Internet connection on your device. The fun here lies in the ability to get yourself out of this situation with the help of the map, “boyscouting” your way out of the situation, if I may say so. But in any case, always remember about the safe rules of going on a motorcycling trip, one of which is to have a partner. Especially if you’re not too good with maps.

A couple of other benefits of owning a map, designed specifically for bikers. Our products score pretty high on this list:

  • more detailed info for bikers (good scenery locations, dangerous turns, road structure info, etc.)
  • designed to withstand the elements, as it’s more likely to get affected by them than any other map
  • offers routes that are verified by real motorcyclists and are not just recommended, based on Trip Advisor
  • the fact that you navigate yourself using a real map and not just some fancy GPS, just like a real badass

Have anything to add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.

Comments (7)

  • Michael Kallelis Reply

    Nice blog article. A map is comfort food for me. With a GPS on the bike and map apps on my mobile phone you’d think a map is old school, or redundant. It may be, but a map is easier to read than a small GPS screen and mobile phone signals are not always available, or reliable, in remote areas. A map, on a tank bag, is easily referenced and still the best way to “get your bearings”. I consider them a must and just ordered a set for an upcoming trip out west.

    February 17, 2016 at 3:13 am
  • Mike P. Reply

    If you are a serious rider looking for the best rides and roads, Butler is the map for you, I picked up one and looked at it while my bike was being serviced and was impressed by how much great stuff they packed into a manageable, tear-resistant, fold-up package. I’m a big GPS guy but there are times when you just want the “big picture” for orientation or for trip planning. I can sort out the best roads for my trip and then put them together in my GPS for a great single or multi-day ride.

    I’m heading out on a ride in a couple of days and couldn’t find the Butler map I needed anywhere I checked in my area. I contacted Butler customer service to see if they could point me to a source I may have missed. Butler came through for me in completely unexpected ways. Their customer service went above and beyond the call to ensure my trip came off without a navigational hitch. Outstanding product and exemplary customer service!

    April 30, 2016 at 1:49 pm
  • MarkManning Reply

    Really nice blog. Nothing can replace a motorcycle map. GPS works only when you have an internet connection in the phone. There are many places where Internet connection is not properly so there arises a question regarding how the GPS would work? Therefore, I think Motorcycle map is necessary if your destination is new you have never been on that road.
    http://www.wewilltransportit.com/motorcycle-transport/

    May 3, 2016 at 5:08 am
  • Adam Stevenson Reply

    I think motorcycle maps are huge. For me, the biggest part of being on the bike is taking the slow, curvy roads and just getting off the interstate. That’s where your Butler maps are so great. Just wish that you guys had more for the East Coast though!

    May 31, 2016 at 6:17 pm
  • Mark Lancaster Reply

    I have several Butler Maps & have given them as gifts to riders in my family, as well as riding buddies. My touring bike has a GPS, but Butler Maps provide the routes. The small group I ride with look for scenic, twisty roads where we will spend the riding day on the side of the tire. On most of our trips we only plan the first day of riding, each evening we pour over a map or maps & decide the next day’s adventure. Butler has provided our kind of roads in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming & Colorado.

    June 2, 2016 at 11:37 pm
  • Pierre Tremblay Reply

    I was planning my first trip this year to Conway New Hampshire. A friend told me about butler maps. I’m a big GPS fan and after looking at the website i ordered one. What a difference did it make !! Every evening we were planning the next day ride base on the map. Even one day we decided to go to Ogunquit ME and planned two completely different route with the map. The map gave us an opportunity to see places when didn’t even think existed. Thank you Butler !

    July 5, 2016 at 12:17 am
  • Eric Schatmeier Reply

    Is it OK to admit that I don’t ride a motorcycle? Instead, I drive a sports car and am always looking for new roads to travel that are away from the interstates and not necessarily the shortest distance between two points. Maps and guides help me to find these routes in a way that GPS cannot. This kind of thinking may be hopelessly old school, but in this case, old doesn’t mean obsolete.

    January 11, 2017 at 7:24 pm

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