12 Best Motorcycles With CarPlay & Android Auto

Major motorcycle manufacturers offering factory-integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto include Honda, Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle, Can-Am, and SYM. Top-rated models such as the Honda Gold Wing, Africa Twin, and Harley-Davidson’s touring range equipped with Skyline OS provide these smartphone mirroring interfaces. These motorcycles with CarPlay and Android Auto allow riders to access navigation and media safely through digital instrument clusters.

Connectivity 101: Requirements and Headset Compatibility

For many riders, the transition from a car to a motorcycle with smart connectivity for motorcycles comes with a learning curve. Unlike a car, where you can simply plug in your phone and hear audio through the vehicle's speakers, motorcycles usually require a secondary audio output device for the interface to even activate. This is a safety feature designed to ensure you can use hands-free voice control without taking your hands off the bars.

To use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on most of these bikes, you must pair a Bluetooth helmet intercoms system. Industry leaders like Sena and Cardo compatibility is standard across almost all platforms. Once your headset is paired to the bike and your phone is connected—typically via USB-C connectivity ports located in a fairing cubby or under the seat—the smartphone mirroring interface will populate on the screen. While wireless Apple CarPlay for motorcycle navigation is becoming more common on 2024 and 2025 models, many still rely on a wired connection for stability and phone charging.

The Heavy Hitters: Harley-Davidson & Indian

When it comes to top-rated touring motorcycles with integrated infotainment systems, the American V-twin giants are currently setting the pace. Harley-Davidson made a massive leap forward with the introduction of its new operating system. The 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Road Glide now feature 12.3-inch TFT displays that support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a dedicated operating system known as Skyline OS.

The Harley-Davidson touring bikes with skyline os and android auto are specifically designed for the "Grand American Touring" experience. The screen is anti-glare and optimized for use with gloves, though many functions can also be managed via the tactile buttons on the switchgear. It is worth noting that Harley-Davidson became the first motorcycle manufacturer to provide Android Auto compatibility for its on-board infotainment systems starting in 2020, giving them a significant head start in software refinement for Android users.

Indian Motorcycle offers a formidable alternative with its Ride Command system. Found on models like the Challenger and Roadmaster, Ride Command provides a highly responsive 7-inch touchscreen. While Indian was slightly slower to adopt full smartphone mirroring compared to Harley, their current lineup offers robust motorcycles with android auto and CarPlay support that integrates deeply with bike telematics.

Japanese Precision: Honda & Suzuki

Honda remains the benchmark for reliability and tech integration. The 2018 Honda Gold Wing was the first motorcycle in the world to offer factory-integrated Apple CarPlay compatibility. Today, the Gold Wing uses a 7-inch display that acts as a central hub for everything from suspension settings to Spotify playlists.

For those who prefer the dirt to the interstate, the Africa Twin stands out as one of the best adventure motorcycles with built-in apple carplay support. It features a dual-layer display: a primary 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen for the infotainment and a smaller secondary LCD for basic speed and gear data. This setup ensures that even if you are using the main screen for complex off-road turn-by-turn GPS navigation, you never lose sight of your vital stats.

If you are searching for motorcycles with carplay under 15000, Suzuki has entered the chat with the GSX-S1000GT+. While it uses a proprietary app called Suzuki mySPIN to bridge the gap, it provides similar smartphone mirroring interface functionality on its 6.5-inch screen. It is one of the most affordable ways to get a brand-new bike with a sophisticated digital instrument clusters setup and integrated luggage.

Urban & Electric: SYM and Emerging Tech

The demand for connectivity isn't limited to cross-country travelers. Urban commuters are increasingly looking for best maxi-scooters with apple carplay and android auto to help navigate city traffic. The SYM TTLBT is a standout in this segment, offering a premium 7-inch TFT screen that mirrors your phone, allowing for hands-free audio streaming and quick access to maps during a morning commute.

We are also seeing this technology become a standard feature in the burgeoning electric market. The Can-Am Pulse, an upcoming electric motorcycle, is designed with a massive 10.25-inch touchscreen. These electric motorcycles with integrated apple carplay and smart screens represent the future of the industry, where the powertrain and the digital interface are developed as a single, cohesive unit.

Retrofitting: Adding CarPlay to Any Bike

If you own an older machine or a brand like BMW that famously focuses on its own internal ecosystem (like the Navigator series), you might feel left out. However, you can learn how to add apple carplay to motorcycles without factory tech by using aftermarket motorcycle head units.

Devices from brands like Aoocci and Chigee are becoming incredibly popular. These are external, waterproof smart hubs that mount to your handlebars or existing navigation cradles. They connect wirelessly to your phone and then transmit the audio to your headset. Many of these units offer high-brightness screens (often over 1000 nits) to ensure visibility in direct sunlight, and some even integrate with the BMW Wonderwheel via specialized adapters. This is a cost-effective way to get real-time traffic updates and modern navigation on almost any bike.

FAQ

Which motorcycle models come with Apple CarPlay?

The most prominent models with factory Apple CarPlay include the Honda Gold Wing, Honda Africa Twin, Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Indian Challenger, and Indian Pursuit. Several other touring and adventure models from these brands, along with specialized scooters like the SYM TTLBT, also feature the technology.

Can you install Apple CarPlay on any motorcycle?

Yes, you can add this functionality to virtually any motorcycle using aftermarket motorcycle head units. Portable smart screens from companies like Aoocci or Chigee can be mounted to the handlebars and powered by the bike's battery, providing a full smartphone mirroring interface regardless of the bike's age or original equipment.

Does motorcycle CarPlay require a Bluetooth headset?

For factory-installed systems from Honda and Harley-Davidson, a paired Bluetooth helmet intercoms system is almost always required to initialize the software. This is to ensure that the rider has a way to use hands-free voice control and hear navigation prompts without creating a distraction.

Does wireless Apple CarPlay work on motorcycles?

While early versions required a wired USB connection, many modern models like the 2024 Harley-Davidson touring range with Skyline OS support wireless connectivity. Aftermarket units also frequently offer wireless Apple CarPlay for motorcycle navigation, though keeping the phone plugged in is often recommended to prevent battery drain.

Does Apple CarPlay work with gloves on motorcycle screens?

Most modern motorcycles with CarPlay are equipped with capacitive touchscreens that are specifically tuned for motorcycle gloves. Manufacturers like Harley-Davidson and Indian design their TFT touchscreen display units to be pressure-sensitive or compatible with standard riding gear, though some older or cheaper screens may require touch-sensitive glove fingertips.