Newbie here - can I hook my Garmin directly to the battery? Is the Spring 2026 Android Update still coming?

[JC4givs]

New Spyder ryders here. I'm getting ready to install the bracket from Slingmods for the Garmin zumo. I was just wondering if anyone knows if I can hook directly to the battery? Would that drain too much while the vehicle is off? I ask because I remember seeing it has a blue light by the USB connection, but I'm guessing it's very minimal.
Also, has anyone heard if Can Am is going thru with the Spring 2026 update to accommodate Android users? Thanks.

 

[racoon]

@JC4givs, I would not connect directly to the battery.
What year and model is your Spyder?

There has been some discussion about whether CAN-AM can/will accommodate Android users in the future.
First comment is that CAN-AM currently supports Apple CarPlay, which is not directly supported by Android.

There has been at least one member who posted about adding a device to the Spyder that supports a Bluetooth connection to an Android phone, but communicates with the Spyder using the Apple CarPlay protocols.

There was also a discussion about BRP GO! and BRP Connect. BRP GO! is an app for Apple or Android phones that supports various navigation apps. So GO! and Connect provide the communications connect, and you can choose one of the navigation apps to add to your phone. There's information about BRP GO! here:

BRP Go!: A smartphone app for riders - Can-Am On-Road

The BRP GO! app, available on our electric motorcycles and 3-wheelers, allows you to use some of your favorite apps directly on your vehicle display.

can-am.brp.com

At the bottom of that page, there's a section titled "THE BRP GO! APP CAN BE USED ON WHICH VEHICLE DISPLAYS?"

BRP GO! can be used on:
- The 7.8" display of 3-wheel vehicles: When BRP GO! is connected to the display, you can use select compatible apps on the vehicle display (through screen mirroring).
- The 10.25" display of electric motorcycles: When BRP GO! is paired with the display, it will offer vehicle information of your Can-Am electric motorcycle right from your phone

*For the 10.25" display of 3-wheel vehicles, Apple CarPlay replaces the screen mirroring features of the BRP GO! app.

CAN-AM upgraded the RT and F3 models to 10.25" displays in 2024, so if you have a 2023 or earlier Spyder with the 7-8" display you could use BRP GO!/BRP Connect.

There's a link at the bottom of the BRP GO! page listed above that shows what apps can be used with the 7-8" display, including several navigation apps.

 

[RayBJ]

Your avatar is a 2020+ RT so you should have a 'GPS' wire under the right side panel. It's plugged into a dummy socket until needed. That wire is 'Key-on' 12v so no drain when ignition is off. If you plan to add more 12v items, use this wire to trigger a fuse box or a relay fused to the battery. (Note that the polarity of the leads has been known to be reversed, so check it first.)

 

[JC4givs]

@JC4givs, I would not connect directly to the battery.
What year and model is your Spyder?

...

I have a 2025 RT Limited. Thank you all for the responses. JC4givs.

 

[racoon]

I have a 2025 RT Limited. Thank you all for the responses. JC4givs.

Then you have a glove box in front of the handlebars with a USB A connector.
Connect your Garmin to that connector for power.

 

[jdgretz]

New Spyder ryders here. I'm getting ready to install the bracket from Slingmods for the Garmin zumo. I was just wondering if anyone knows if I can hook directly to the battery? Would that drain too much while the vehicle is off? I ask because I remember seeing it has a blue light by the USB connection, but I'm guessing it's very minimal.

If, by 'the blue light on the USB connection', you are referencing the cell phone & GPS docking station w/Dual USB ports, then you can tap into the supplied wiring harness to get key-on power to your GPS like I did on mine. Everybody and their brother makes t-taps and several make a two wire tap like this:

Clear 24-18 AWG "T" Tap Wire Splice Connectors - Single, Dual Channel

Easily splice wires without stripping insulation with single-channel or dual-channel "T" tap connectors. The non-weatherproof, insulated wire splice connectors are designed for 24-18 gauge wire and have a secure snap closure to hold wires in place. The transparent housing allows you to ensure...

www.diodedrive.com

which is pretty slick, as you are only dealing with one tap rather than one for each wire.

jdg

 

[JC4givs]

Then you have a glove box in front of the handlebars with a USB A connector.
Connect your Garmin to that connector for power.

Thank you! I thought that was just for the phone features. I never thought of that. I appreciate it.

If, by 'the blue light on the USB connection', you are referencing the cell phone & GPS docking station w/Dual USB ports, then you can tap into the supplied wiring harness to get key-on power to your GPS like I did on mine. Everybody and their brother makes t-taps and several make a two wire tap like this:

Clear 24-18 AWG "T" Tap Wire Splice Connectors - Single, Dual Channel

Easily splice wires without stripping insulation with single-channel or dual-channel "T" tap connectors. The non-weatherproof, insulated wire splice connectors are designed for 24-18 gauge wire and have a secure snap closure to hold wires in place. The transparent housing allows you to ensure...

www.diodedrive.com

which is pretty slick, as you are only dealing with one tap rather than one for each wire.

jdg

Thank you. I believe I have those taps from a different project.

Correction: I had a different type, but I just ordered 7 of those. Thanks again.

 

[Kromm]

I used a GPS plug and play harness from Lamonster. Here is where you can order one:

GPS Plug-N-Play Harness 2020+ Can Am® Spyder RT

Easily power your favorite Can-Am Spyder RT 12v accessories with our Plug and Play power harness

lamonstergarage.com

It's a very easy and clean install.

 

[hogmemberisold]

I connected to the side GPS wires using Posi-Tap connectors, as I had a few of those here.

 

[racoon]

Several people have posted about the accessory power port that's located on the right front side of the bike, and even mentioned wago lever wire connectors like on the Lamonster adapter.

You do need that kind of connector, but the accessory power port is hidden behind a plastic panel that you have to remove to get at.
I added a cell phone/GPS docking station to my 2024 Spyder RT that I bought from Slingmods.com.

Can-Am Spyder RT Phone Holder / Mount with USB Charge Ports (2020+)

Enjoy hands free navigation when riding your 2020+ Can-Am Spyder RT with our hands free Smart Phone Docking Station

www.slingmods.com

It has the connector cable with the wago connectors mentioned above, but it also has the wiring to go from the connector back up to the handlebars...plus the whole mounting bracket/docking station.

And it has instructions on how to remove all the plastic panels to run the wires.
Here's what mine looks like on my 2024 Spyder RT.



The "12V" cap on the right covers a standard "cigarette lighter" style power port.
The "USB" cap on the left covers two standard USB A ports.

 

[RayBJ]

Then you have a glove box in front of the handlebars with a USB A connector.
Connect your Garmin to that connector for power.

USB power is 5v.