Okay, here’s my blog post about setting up a GPS tracker on my motorcycle:
So, I finally got around to installing a GPS tracker on my bike. I’d been meaning to do it for ages, you know, just for peace of mind. If the worst happens and my beloved motorcycle gets stolen, at least I’d have a fighting chance of getting it back. Plus, it’s kinda cool to track my rides sometimes.
Choosing the Tracker
First things first, I had to pick a tracker. I spent a good few hours, maybe even days, scrolling through all the options online. It’s a jungle out there! There are so many different types, with all sorts of features I didn’t even know existed. Some are super simple, just pinging the location every now and then. Others are crazy advanced, with things like geofencing, speed alerts, and even tilt sensors.
I was initially tempted to buy an expensive brand with all the features, but after considering that the price might be high and the quality might not be as good as expected, I decided to go for a middle-of-the-road option. I want something reliable, with good battery life, and not too complicated to use. And that’s exactly what I got. I bought a model that isn’t too famous, but it meets all my requirements. It must be said that it looks very resistant.
The Installation Process
Alright, time to get my hands dirty. To be honest, I was a bit nervous about messing with the bike’s electrical system. I’m no mechanic, but I’m pretty handy, so I figured I could handle it. My first step was to search for the best way to operate on the Internet. I looked for some tutorials on how to install it.
The tracker came with instructions, of course, but they were pretty basic. I ended up watching a few videos online to get a better idea of what I was doing. The main thing is to find a good spot to hide the tracker, somewhere it won’t be easily found, but still has a clear view of the sky for the GPS signal.
I decided to put it under the seat. It seemed like the most obvious place, but it’s also pretty well-hidden. I disconnected the battery first, just to be safe. Then, I had to find the right wires to tap into. The tracker needed a constant power source and a ground connection. Luckily, my bike has a handy accessory connector, so I didn’t have to splice into any of the main wiring.
I used some wire connectors to make the connections, making sure everything was nice and secure. Then, I zip-tied the tracker in place, tucked the wires away neatly, and reconnected the battery. Fingers crossed!
Testing and App Setup
With the tracker installed, it was time to test it out. I downloaded the app that goes with the tracker, created an account, and paired the device. It took a few tries to get it to connect, but eventually, it worked. I could see my bike’s location on the map! Success!
I spent some time playing around with the app’s settings. I set up a geofence around my house, so I’ll get an alert if the bike moves outside of that area. I also set up a speed alert, just for fun. The app has a bunch of other features, but I haven’t explored them all yet.
First Real-World Test
The next day, I took the bike for a ride. I wanted to see how well the tracker worked in real-world conditions. I checked the app a few times during the ride, and it showed my location accurately. The speed readings were also spot-on. When I got home, I checked the ride history in the app, and it had recorded the entire route. Pretty cool!
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m really happy with the GPS tracker. It was relatively easy to install, the app is user-friendly, and it seems to work perfectly. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I have an extra layer of security for my motorcycle. If you’re thinking about getting a GPS tracker for your bike, I’d definitely recommend it. Just do your research and choose one that fits your needs and budget. And don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
