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This is very much a n00b review of the DMD2 app. I’ve only had it installed for a few days, just enough time to start getting familiar with how it works. I’m planning to purchase the Thork Racing DMD2 Nor7e when it becomes available and have preinstalled a GPS mount on my bike in preparation for the navigation system's arrival. For reference, I’ve included a photo showing my current navigation screen configuration. Today, I loaded a simple GPX file created in the DMD2 planner, and also downloaded another GPX file, which I transferred via Google Drive. It would be great if this process could be streamlined into a single step — similar to Google Maps’ “Send to phone” function — rather than its current method for transferring files. *Update* Looks like this is possible with a subscription or a full DMD2 nav system. The route itself was just a straightforward ride to work, with the intention of inverting it for the trip home. First Ride – No Turn-by-Turn (User Error!) On the ride in, I didn’t have turn-by-turn navigation enabled — mainly because I couldn’t find the setting (more on that shortly). The navigation page displayed the track clearly, much like most navigation apps. I deliberately went off course at one point to see how the app would respond. I really liked how it draws a line — complete with distance — back to the track. That’s a genuinely useful feature. The second time I went off route wasn’t intentional. I was focused on riding, forgot the route briefly, and missed a turn. When I glanced down, I realised what I’d done. That was the moment I decided I definitely wanted turn-by-turn prompts enabled, just to give me a heads-up like “next turn left in X metres.” Using the off-track line, I was able to work my way back onto the route easily enough. Finding Turn-by-Turn Once at work, I was determined to find the turn-by-turn function. The answers I found online pointed me toward: GPX Settings → Tracks Extra Instructions But I simply couldn’t find it. After quite a bit of digging, I eventually discovered that enabling:
With that sorted, I inverted the route for the ride home and set off. Where It Came Unstuck This is where things got interesting. I was watching my shiny new turn-by-turn instructions when it told me to take the second left. The problem? In the ACT, some roads are widely separated, and following that instruction would have taken me down the wrong direction of a one-way section. I should have taken the first left instead. Tip for young players: the app doesn’t account for this when you invert a track, and it won’t automatically reroute around one-way systems in that scenario. It would be fantastic if that functionality were added in the future — though I understand that may not be straightforward. For now, it just means you need to apply a bit of rider awareness when reversing routes. Overall Impressions Overall, I’ve found DMD2 significantly easier to use than OsmAnd, which I’ve been running for a couple of years. I’ll continue using DMD2, especially since it will be the standard system when I buy the Nor7e. It’s reassuring to know I can still add a shortcut to OsmAnd if I ever need it — though I suspect that will be unlikely. Customisation is generally very good, and I particularly like being able to control my music without leaving the app. Feature Suggestions A couple of small tweaks I’d love the developers to consider:
Final Thoughts
All in all, I’m very satisfied with the DMD2 app so far. It’s intuitive, capable, and clearly designed with riders in mind. I’m looking forward to receiving the Nor7e and having it properly mounted on the bike. This may be a beginner’s perspective — but from where I’m sitting, it’s a strong start.
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I’ve had a bit of a dream for a while now — probably since the first month of owning my bike. That dream has been to move towards a more rally-style setup for adventure riding, complete with a proper navigation system. Not long after, I discovered the DMD 2 navigation platform. I was immediately drawn to the larger tablet-style units, but it quickly became clear that the biggest option would be a little oversized for my bike, so the smaller 6-inch model seemed the sensible choice. That was until DMD announced a new 7-inch unit, scheduled for release in March this year. That changed everything. The size looks like it’ll be just right for my setup — now I just need to work out how to mount it properly. Mounting and protection became the next challenge. My current phone mount leaves the device fully exposed to the elements: branches, flying rocks, dust, and, of course, bug splatter. I’d previously tried a Bajaworx windscreen, but the helmet buffeting was unbearable and quickly ruled it out. I even toyed with the idea of building a small fibreglass cowl based on the headlight shroud, though that project never quite got off the ground. Then I came across a GPS mounting system from NICECNC — the same company that made my existing GPS mount. It looks like it might strike the right balance between protection and airflow, without introducing unwanted buffeting. To fit the NICECNC mount, however, I’ll need to remove the crossbar from my handlebars, which means this project is turning into a multi-stage upgrade. Stage 1: New BarsTo remove the crossbar, I needed to move to a 1⅛-inch diameter bar setup. That meant replacing several components:
Stage 2: GPS MountNext, I’ll need to relocate the ignition and USB charger to make room for the new mount. Hopefully, I won’t need to replace the odometer with something smaller. Until the new navigation system arrives, I’ll continue using my SP Connect phone mount and phone. Stage 3: Navigation SystemOnce available, I plan to purchase the DMD 2 NOR7E along with the remote controller and complete the installation. For now, Stage 1 is complete — and the rally-style transformation is officially underway.
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Head HomeAuthorHi, I’m Mark McIntosh — though most people just call me Macr. This blog is where I share my adventures, both big and small, through stories, photographs and now videos. Whether it’s on two wheels, four, or on foot, it’s a place to document the journeys and moments that make exploring worthwhile. For my more serious photography work, you’ll also find me over on Flickr. Archives
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