Calimoto Review
What are we looking at here? - Calimoto
This Calimoto Review will look at a motorcycle trip planner, GPS and tracker, all rolled into one. Also available as an app on your phone, which offers some extra features.
Online Features - Calimoto
After creating a free account, users have access to a range of features in their local region, including a comprehensive ‘Trip Planner’ and an option to ‘Discover.’
The ‘Trip Planner’ allows users to choose a start point, add via points, and alter these via points by dragging and dropping them into the order they desire. Information on the estimated time of the trip, and distance will be displayed as the trip is formed. The ‘Calimeter’, will also show how twisty the route will be – indicated by a red bar that ranges from 1-100.
A 24 hour weather view is available by clicking the weather icon, and the nearest points of interest – such as petrol stations and restaurants – can be found by clicking the POI icon. Saving the trip means it can then be used as a live navigation system on your mobile device simply by opening the app. Export the trip in GPX format to import it onto a GPS device.
Between any two points, the user may choose whether to take the fastest route, the fastest route avoiding highways, twisty routes, or super twisty routes, by changing them with the red road icons. Super twisty routes are a Premium feature which require users to pay a subscription fee, but more on that later.
Other options while in the online ‘Trip Planner’ include ‘My Rides’ and ‘My Favourites’ tabs.
In ‘My Rides’ users can save, share and rate their completed trips. These are rated on fun factor, scenery, and road condition. Notes can be made, and photos can be attached, then the trip can be shared for other users to view, or saved for personal use in the future.
Under ‘My Favourites’ users can save their favourite trips (although I don’t think that needed explaining!)
All trips saved in the users profile will appear blue on the map. The number of tours taken, total distance travelled and any saved motorcycles will be displayed under the users profile name.
As aforementioned, there is a Premium version of Calimoto available at a small cost. The photo below shows the additional features, including speed camera notifications, and extra data analysis on aspects such as lean angle and acceleration. To opt for super twisty routes, users will also have to have a Premium subscription, so if these features appeal to you the pricing is as follows:
• Weekly subscription – £4.99
• Yearly subscription – £39.99
Offline world maps are included in the cost for Premium users, but they can also be purchased without a subscription for a single payment of £59.99.
Additional features included with Premium subscription
App Features - Calimoto
The additional ‘Maps’ tab allows users to download offline world maps, provided they have an active subscription. These can be enabled underneath, which will save the user eating into their mobile data.
‘Tracking’ can be used for logging improvised routes and Premium analysis.
The ‘Round Trip’ feature is by far the most impressive on the mobile app. It allows users to simply choose a distance they’d like to ride, in any direction, from any start location, then generate the trip. Calimoto will instantly determine a route with plenty of twisty roads, fitting the criteria you have asked it to. Users can edit the route as they wish, then hit ‘Start Navigation’ for the navigational instructions to begin.
Pros
1. ‘Round Trip’ Feature – This makes it super easy to hop on your motorcycle and discover new roads you may never have ridden before. After you add just a few bits of criteria, Calimoto will do all the hard work for you in planning your round trip.
2. Online ‘Trip Planner’ – A great way of setting up a trip abroad, saving you the time of doing it while you’re away. Research your favourite roads, then plan your routes with ease on Calimoto. Make sure to save them, so when you’re cruising through paradise all you have to do is load them from ‘My Rides’ on your mobile device, then ‘Start Navigation.’
3. Weekly Subscription Option – Perfect for those who may not need a subscription for the whole year. If you are planning a tour abroad, or just fancy having access to the Premium features for a short period, this could be the more economical route to take.
4. Offline Maps – Ultimately, being offline can save you money. If you’re worried about draining your data, the offline maps option could help you out. For the single payment of £59.99, all world maps are accessible without requiring an internet connection. This could also be useful when you’re venturing to new horizons where the signal doesn’t stretch to.
5. Flow Through Via Points – When you ride through a via point, there’s no need to hit continue journey. Unlike Google Maps, you can keep riding without having to tell the app to keep directing you. Safer, and less hassle. On a side note – there is no limit to the number of via points you can set, which is especially useful when creating long rides.
Cons
1. Twisty Routes – Watch out! These can sometimes be a little hairy. Not always, but on occasion I’ve found myself on a gravel road descending a steep hill wishing I had followed my instincts instead of the app. I haven’t dared to try the super twisty routes yet, but then again, I prefer to ride on paved roads. Maybe some would prefer these windier routes, just not me!
2. Underestimated Route Times – The longer the route, the more incorrect the estimated route time will be. Consider this when planning your trips. It’s not always accurate and you could be on the road longer than you had anticipated.
3. Lack Of Live Traffic Indications – For some reason these aren’t integrated into the navigation system on the app. If I could improve one thing, it would be this. There’s nothing more disheartening then planning a trip to have some fun, only to find out there’s road works backing up traffic along your favourite strip of road.
4. Missed Via Points – We all make a wrong turn, but if you do it with Calimoto you could be infinitely extending your trip. If you miss a via point, the navigation will try to send you back through that point, even if it means going back on yourself. I would have preferred if it re-directed me back on course automatically, toward the next via point. You can skip the via point by tapping on the three dots in the top left corner of the navigation menu, but this will require you to pull over and remove your gloves.
So, what's the verdict? - Calimoto
Look no further for your worldwide motorcycle trip planner or GPS! Calimoto is cost effective, sophisticated and user friendly. It’s all you’ll ever need.
The synchronicity between the website and the app make planning and navigating a route simple, without sacrificing the details. With offline world maps, you can go anywhere without the worry of getting lost. Plan your trips in advance at home, then load them to your mobile device when you need them to maximise your precious time abroad!
The ‘Round Trip’ feature is innovative and intelligent. It makes it irresistibly convenient to let the app choose your ride for you, although do watch out for some questionable roads while en route.
All in all, Calimoto have hit the nail on the head. Rides can be shared, saved, planned, navigated, and just about everything else using their services. Try it out for free online or from your mobile app store. You’ll see what I mean.
How to use Calimoto