EKIY 5.0 Inch Wireless CarPlay Moto Review: Is This Budget GPS Worth It?
We’ve all been there. You’re halfway through a scenic ride on a winding backroad, and you realize you have no idea if the next turn is the right one. You pull over, fumble with your phone, try to unlock it with sweaty gloves, and struggle to see the screen in the bright sunlight. By the time you’re back on the move, the rhythm of the ride is totally gone.
For years, motorcycle riders have been stuck between two bad options: expensive, proprietary GPS units that cost as much as a used dirt bike, or dangerous phone mounts that vibrate your expensive smartphone’s camera sensor to death.
Enter the EKIY 5.0 inch Wireless CarPlay Moto Android Auto Portable Digital Motorcycle Dashboard GPS Navigation Removable Display Screen. It promises to bring the convenience of your car’s infotainment system to your handlebars without breaking the bank. I’ve been testing this unit for a few weeks, and I’m ready to share an honest EKIY 5.0 inch Wireless CarPlay Moto Android Auto Portable Digital Motorcycle Dashboard GPS Navigation Removable Display Screen review so you can decide if it belongs on your bike.
What Exactly Is the EKIY 5.0 Inch Motorcycle Display?
In simple terms, this device is a rugged, weather-resistant tablet designed specifically for motorcycles. It connects wirelessly to your iPhone (via CarPlay) or your Android phone (via Android Auto). Once connected, your phone stays in your pocket or a safe compartment, and the EKIY screen takes over.
The main appeal here is that it’s a budget-friendly way to get high-end tech on an older bike. Many riders are flocking to these units because they offer a professional look at a fraction of the cost of a Garmin or TomTom. Plus, if you hunt around online marketplaces, you can often find these with free shipping, making the barrier to entry even lower.
Real-World Features: How It Changes Your Ride
It’s easy to look at a spec sheet, but what does it actually feel like on the road? Here is how the EKIY unit handles the daily grind.
1. The Screen Visibility The 5-inch display is compact enough not to clutter your cockpit, but large enough to read navigation prompts at a glance. It’s an IPS screen, which means it’s much easier to see from side angles than a cheap tablet. Does it struggle in direct midday sun? A little, but it’s significantly better than a smartphone screen, which usually overheats and dims itself after 20 minutes in the sun.
2. Wireless Connectivity The setup is fairly painless. You pair it once, and from then on, the unit usually connects to your phone as soon as you turn the ignition on. Having your Google Maps or Waze displayed right in front of you—with turn-by-turn directions—is a massive upgrade for long-distance touring.
3. Durability and Weatherproofing The unit is rated IPX7 waterproof. I’ve ridden through a moderate downpour, and the screen didn't flicker or lose touch sensitivity. The housing feels like decent quality plastic, not something that’s going to shatter if you hit a pothole.
4. The "Removable" Factor One of the best features is the quick-release mount. If you’re parking your bike in a city or a public area, you can pop the screen off in two seconds and throw it in your jacket pocket. It removes the temptation for thieves who might otherwise target a mounted GPS.
The Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
No piece of tech is perfect, especially at this price point. Here is the reality of living with the EKIY system.
The Pros: Price: It’s significantly cheaper than major brand motorcycle GPS units. Easy Installation: If you’re handy with basic tools, you can wire this to your bike’s accessory port in about 30 minutes. Phone Protection: Keeps your expensive smartphone safe from rain, vibrations, and road debris. User Interface: CarPlay and Android Auto are intuitive; if you know how to use them in a car, you already know how to use this. Portability: The removable design is a huge win for security.
The Cons: Reflections: On very bright days, the screen can be a bit reflective. A small sunshade helps, but it’s not included. Boot Time: It takes about 10–15 seconds to boot up once you start the bike. It’s not "instant on." Touchscreen Sensitivity: It’s not as snappy as the latest iPhone. You have to be deliberate with your taps, especially if you’re wearing heavy gloves. Wiring: While the mount is great, the wiring harness is a bit bulky and requires some creative cable management to keep your handlebars looking clean.
Who Is This For?
You should buy this if: You commute regularly and rely on navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps. You are tired of your phone overheating or vibrating to death in a handlebar mount. You want a clean, modern look for your older motorcycle. You are shopping on a budget and don’t want to spend $600+ on a premium GPS.
You should skip this if: You ride in extreme off-road conditions where a screen might get hit by branches or rocks. You are a "tech purist" who wants the fastest, highest-resolution screen on the market. You aren’t comfortable doing basic electrical work on your bike to hide the wires.
What Users Are Saying
To give you a better idea, I’ve summarized the common feedback from other riders who have installed this unit:
- "The daily commuter's best friend": “I installed this on my older sportbike. It’s not perfect—sometimes it takes a second to reconnect if I stop for gas—but having maps and music controls right there is a game-changer for my hour-long commute. For the price, I really can’t complain.”
- "Great value, but watch the wiring": “I picked this up during a sale with free shipping. The hardware is solid and handles rain well. My only gripe is the wiring harness; I had to spend an extra hour zip-tying everything neatly so it didn't look like a bird’s nest behind my headlight.”
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?
If you’re looking for a professional-grade, top-tier GPS experience, you’re going to be disappointed. However, if you are a realistic rider who wants the convenience of CarPlay or Android Auto without the massive price tag of a premium motorcycle-specific head unit, the EKIY 5.0 inch Wireless CarPlay Moto Android Auto Portable Digital Motorcycle Dashboard GPS Navigation Removable Display Screen is a solid choice.
It’s a budget-friendly tool that solves the most annoying problem riders face today: how to use a phone for navigation without destroying the phone. It’s not fancy, and it has a few quirks, but it gets the job done reliably.
If you’re tired of stopping to check your phone or worrying about your camera sensor, this is a smart, affordable upgrade that will genuinely make your rides more enjoyable. Just make sure you take your time with the installation, and you’ll be good to go.
