Does Apple CarPlay work well on your Spyder?

[GP-Pirate]

Hello All -

I am a new member preparing to buy a slightly used (200 mi) 2024 RTL from an authorized dealer. I am concerned that it does not have a built-in GPS as nearly all touring cycles do - especially in this price range. The dealer says that CarPlay handles navigation well. I plan on having him demonstrate it using my iPhone, but would like to know in advance what other owners think of CarPlay on their bikes. I am mostly interested in navigation, but would also use other features that I am used to in my automobile that has CarPlay.

Thank you in advance for any comments that will help me.

Glenn

 

[racoon]

I bought my 2024 Spyder RT Sea2Sky in March of 2024.
When it was first delivered Apple CarPlay did not work.
BRP released a software update, which I installed using my home WiFi network, and then it started working... sometimes.

There was another software update to the Spyder for BRP Connect 4.1 that included some software bug fixes for CarPlay.
Since that update, it has been working with my iPhone SE 2nd Gen.
I also use Apple CarPlay in my 2023 Honda Ridgeline, which worked from day 1.

There are a couple of caveats about using CarPlay on the Spyder.
First, it has to be an Apple iPhone and it has to be plugged into the USB port in the "glove box" in front of the handlebars.
Second, you need a helmet headset that is Bluetooth paired to your Spyder.

Check your Operator's Guide on Pages 49, 50, and 51.

You can download an Acrobat PDF of the Operators Guide from here:

3-Wheel Vehicles | BRP GUIDES

www.operatorsguides.brp.com

Here's what showed on my Spyder's display as I started the BRP Connect 4.1 update over my home WiFi.
I downloaded the update on July 7, 2025.



As for using CarPlay, I've found that the Apple Maps application leaves a lot to be desired, as it does not support GPX files (GPS Exchange Format).
CarPlay supports multiple mapping applications, not just Apple Maps.

I've been using Google Maps since it supports importing GPX files.
I can plot a route using Google Maps on my computer and then have it send the route to the Google Maps app on my iPhone as a GPX, which I can then use on my Spyder and/or my Ridgeline.

 

[General]

Hello All -

I am a new member preparing to buy a slightly used (200 mi) 2024 RTL from an authorized dealer. I am concerned that it does not have a built-in GPS as nearly all touring cycles do - especially in this price range. The dealer says that CarPlay handles navigation well. I plan on having him demonstrate it using my iPhone, but would like to know in advance what other owners think of CarPlay on their bikes. I am mostly interested in navigation, but would also use other features that I am used to in my automobile that has CarPlay.

Thank you in advance for any comments that will help me.

Glenn

Mine works well on my 2024 S2S. I was pleasantly surprised to see my FOBO TPMS icon show up in CarPlay and see it on the move. I also found that the Scenic Navigation app allows one to create routes in another app and then download them to the Scenic app and ride the route or track, which is quite useful. I’m running version 3.1.5 and haven’t been able to see where 4.1 is available from the BRP server. My dealer denies that 4.1 even exists.

 

[racoon]

This thread was started July 7, 2025:

Thread 'BRP Connect Ver 4.1 is now available'

Jul 7, 2025

BRP Connect Ver 4.1 is now available for WI-FI download. Improvements to stability and Apple Car Play. After I downloaded and installed it I tried it out. It seems like ACP loaded almost instantly. Very happy about that if it remains so. I was happy with Ver 3.1 and ACP. If Ver 4.1 makes it even better, I'm a fan. Don't know what they mean by stability improvements. time will tell I guess.

• amkrat
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Spyder RT - Touring

• 

I live near Cookeville, TN and was able to download over my home WiFi at that time.

If your dealer won't do the update for you, you'll need to connect your Spyder to a WiFi network.
Look at the Preferences section of your Operator's Guide, pages 49-50.

I have a home WiFi network which I connected to while my Spyder was in the garage. You could also connect via a cell phone, but the specifics of doing that would depend on the phone.

 

[GP-Pirate]

Thank you for this info.

 

[Dansy]

Short answer no… it was actually better before all the updates!

 

[racoon]

Short answer no… it was actually better before all the updates!

Better how?

What don't you like about the update?