Advice Pls about adding Carplay to Motorbike

[Neil Bartlett]

It seems some members here are using CarPlay systems on their Motorcycle. I am seeking comments about how people are adding this. Aliexpress is selling systems and I have seen this one:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004686236018.html?ug_edm_item_id=1005004686236018&pdp_npi=3%40dis!NZD!NZ%24357.52!NZ%24214.52!!!!!%40212a703016857546582547516d242f!12000030096599129!edm!!&edm_click_module=alg_product_3_3238495100&creative_img_ind=4&edm_log_data=edm-item-list-three-columns.store-product-log-link&tracelog=rowan&rowan_id1=aeug_edm_27467_1_en_US_2023-06-02&rowan_msg_id=the_COWS_27467_$4a1303b3813a4ced9e1a4da34b0edb96&ck=in_edm_other

I would appreciate peoples thoughts on how best to do this. Thanks

[Bart De Medts]

@Neil-Bartlett I have this one and am very happy with it. I bought it from www.elebest.de.

[Neil Bartlett]

@Bart-DM Thank you for your comment. It looks like the same unit and gives me a little more confidence to purchase from Aliexpress. It is not available from local suppliers.

[Bart De Medts]

@Neil-Bartlett And online via Elebest?

https://www.elebest.de/products/elebest-motorrad-navi-5-zoll-carplay-c650-dual-bluetooth-5-0-sprachsteuerung-wifi

[Bine23]

This post is deleted!

[Dave J 0]

@Bart-DM How are you getting on with your unit? Might be getting one but would appreciate your feedback.

[Bart De Medts]

@Dave-J-0 I am very satisfied with it. The initial connection between the device and my SENA sometimes fails, but once it is established, it works well and I can fully enjoy CarPlay on my motorcycle.

[Arno 0]

And what about the screen size. 5 inch is smaller then most smart phones so isn't it too small? They also sell a 7 inch version.

[Tim Thompson]

These units appear to be sold under various brand names. The one I got was sold under the BINIZE brand (also bought off of AliExpress). So far my unit has worked fine. The only issue I have with it is that the firmware version I have doesn't have the Android Auto volume controls. So, volume can't be adjusted to a useable level with AA. The CarPlay volume control is there and the unit works fine running CP.

I know other brand name vendors for this unit - i.e. MAXCA - are providing firmware updates for these units. AFAIK there is updated firmware (newer than what I have) and it does provide the AA volume control. Haven't tested it yet to confirm.

So, I wouldn't buy this unit from a brand that doesn't have a website, doesn't have a customer support number and isn't providing adequate support (i.e. timely firmware updates) for the unit. AliExpress is no problem though and has good prices. I believe the following list of brand names at least have websites and customer support numbers...

WIZCAR Mate

MAXCA XPlay Lite C5

Ottocast CarPlay Lite C5

BINIZE

One last tip... Bluetooth pairing with phone for AA or CP is typical and done under the settings button on the main page of the unit. On my unit, intercom pairing is done under the Bluetooth Emit button on the main page. That tidbit of info might save you some time getting things setup.

[Dave J 0]

@Bart-DM Thanks for the update - really helpful. What about firmware updates? Is there any support?

[Jörgen]

I have also the Elebest Carplay device, the best option if you do not want to mount your expensive smartphone to your bike.
And a very good combination with MRA, especially if it will be 100% CarPlay compatible.

[Bart De Medts]

@Dave-J-0 There are no updates, but that makes sense as CarPlay is updated through your smartphone.

[Jack van Tilburg]

@Bart-DM
The devices work (usually) on a Unix Operating system. Unix releases updates for their OS'es.

[Con Hennekens]

@Jack-van-Tilburg, yes, but Chinese noname brands usually don't

[Tim Thompson]

@Con-Hennekens said in Advice Pls about adding Carplay to Motorbike:

@Jack-van-Tilburg, yes, but Chinese noname brands usually don't

IIRC reading from the specs from one of the "Chinese Noname" brands, the OS was listed as Linux.

I suspect that all of these devices, whether from Elebest or elsewhere, are of chinese origin.

[Jack van Tilburg]

@Tim-Thompson
You're right. But I have a bad habit of lumping Linux and Unix together (I know it's bad ).
But Linux has already left the hobby corner for a long time and patches and updates are also being released for that. Of course usability and necessity can be discussed.

[Con Hennekens]

@Tim-Thompson, Sure, Apple stuff is also made in China. The difference is in the local support.