The days of nervously attaching your €1,200 smartphone to a handlebar mount and praying that the vibrations wouldn't ruin the camera's optical stabilizer may be over. With the W702S Pro, manufacturer Carpuride offers an enticing promise: to transfer all the intelligence of your phone to a rugged 7-inch screen designed for the road. I installed this device on my trusty Yamaha FZ1 Naked for a real-world test. Here's my verdict after several hundred kilometers of riding.
Installation: Integration that requires careful thought
The Carpuride W702S Pro comes with a fairly comprehensive mounting kit, including RAM Mount-compatible ball mounts, offering great freedom of orientation. When it comes to power, there are two schools of thought. The first is to connect directly to the battery via the supplied harness, concealing the cables under the tank for a permanent and clean look.
However, if you don't want to get involved in dismantling or your machine is already equipped, it is entirely possible to plug it into an existing USB port. This is a welcome "Plug & Play" option for those who want to quickly switch the screen from one motorcycle to another.
On a trail bike, integration is often natural. On the other hand, on a naked roadster like my FZ1, it's a different story. The screen is very large. You have to be clever to position it without obscuring the speedometer. In addition, for motorcycles without round tubular handlebars (clamps, specific triple clamps), installation can be complex despite the adapters. Aesthetically, on a "naked" machine, the wiring can quickly look out of place if it is not perfectly integrated.
The issue of security and theft
This is my one small concern. The mounting system is practical, but a little too "open" for my liking. Anyone with basic tools can remove the entire mount in a matter of minutes. Fortunately, the screen release mechanism is quick and easy to use, with a small key (not needed to attach the screen, but essential to remove it). My advice: never leave the screen on the motorcycle during a long break. Take it with you; thieves won't get very far with just the cables and the empty mount.
A screen that defies the elements
Once on the road, the first thing that strikes you is the quality of the screen.
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Visibility in bright sunlight: The contrast is impressive. Even with the sun beating down directly on the screen, it remains completely legible. It's like night and day compared to a smartphone, which often lowers its brightness for thermal safety after 15 minutes.
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Touchscreen and gloves: I tested the device with my thick winter gloves on. The touchscreen responds instantly, with no latency. It's smooth, precise, and you never have to try twice.
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IP67 waterproof rating: I rode in the rain and the case didn't budge. No internal fogging, no touchscreen bugs due to water droplets. It's solid.
The nighttime question: While I haven't yet made a long nighttime trip, I'm concerned about light pollution. Switching from a bright 7-inch screen to the distant view of a dark road can strain the eyes. Careful adjustment of the light intensity will be necessary to avoid this discomfort.
As for the controls, Carpuride provides a separate device with three physical buttons that can be installed anywhere on the handlebars. Although it's a good idea to have shortcuts, I hardly ever used them. Why? Because the touchscreen is so responsive, even with gloves on, that you end up doing everything directly on the screen.
Connectivity: Android Auto rules
The W702S Pro is not a standalone GPS in the true sense of the word; it's an extension of your smartphone. For this test, I mainly used Android Auto (the device is also CarPlay compatible for iPhone users).
Exemplary fluidity
Once the phone is paired, the connection is automatic as soon as you turn on the ignition. The responsiveness is excellent for switching between Google Maps and Waze, while managing your music playlist at the same time. Everything can be controlled with your fingertips, quickly and without taking your eyes off the road for too long.
Audio and dual Bluetooth
The sound is sent directly to your headset/intercom. The dual Bluetooth technology of the "S Pro" model provides a stable and highly responsive connection between the phone, screen, and headset. There are no dropouts, and call and music management is seamless.
Handy shortcuts
You can add favorite contacts as shortcuts on your auto-play screen so you can reach them quickly without having to search through your contact list.
Voice control: the weak point
This was the big disappointment of this test. Despite the responsiveness of Carpuride support, I was never able to get voice dictation to work. According to the manufacturer, in iPlay/Auto mode, you should use the intercom microphone, as the command is processed by the phone without visual feedback on the screen. In practice, at my house, it was a systematic failure. This is all the more frustrating because voice control is supposed to avoid having to manipulate the screen to enter a destination. Paradoxically, phone calls work perfectly, proving that the microphone/Bluetooth connection is technically operational. For GPS, you'll have to resign yourself to typing in your addresses when you're stopped.
The absence of Liberty Rider and "Motorcycle" apps
Another frustration is that certain apps, such as Liberty Rider, are not compatible with Android Auto. This is a shame, as the screen would be the ideal medium for following a specific roadbook. We hope that app publishers will open up their systems more in the future.
Beyond the mirror: Native functions
If you don't use CarPlay or Android Auto, Carpuride offers a very basic but functional internal interface. It allows you to:
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Battery monitoring: Handy for keeping an eye on your machine's voltage.
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Connection settings: To switch between different headsets or phones.
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Local media player: Via an SD card if you don't want to use your phone.
However, let's be honest: you buy this device for smartphone replication. The native interface is too limited for everyday use.
Road safety: A double-edged sword
Carpuride makes it easier to read messages and manage calls. However, as a motorcyclist, I must warn you: making phone calls or reading text messages while riding is extremely dangerous. Even if the screen is large and easy to read, every second spent looking at it is a second of inattention. Use it for navigation and music, but save the rest for your coffee break!
Handy shortcuts: a plus for ergonomics
Since we're talking about phones and safety, Carpuride offers a very useful feature: managing your favorite contacts. You can add your loved ones as shortcuts directly on your CarPlay or Android Auto screen so you can reach them very quickly. This saves you from having to search for them in an endless list of contacts, limiting the time you spend looking at the screen rather than the road.
How does it compare in price to traditional GPS devices?
This is undoubtedly where the Carpuride W702S Pro really shines. If we look at specialized motorcycle GPS devices from Garmin or TomTom, prices often range from €350 to €600 for high-performance models. On top of that, you sometimes have to add the cost of map updates or hazard zone services.
The Carpuride W702S Pro is officially priced at €287.95, but the brand regularly offers aggressive deals. Currently, you can take advantage of a special offer that saves you up to $130 with free shipping included.
The math is simple: it's almost half the price of a premium standalone GPS device. And since the device uses your smartphone's internet connection, you get free, real-time map updates via Waze, Maps, or Google Maps.
Warranties and good deals
To remove any remaining doubts about the purchase, Carpuride offers some pretty solid terms:
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2-year warranty: Essential security for a device exposed to vibrations and the elements.
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30-day returns: If integration into your machine is really too complex, you have a month to change your mind.
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MotoPlanète special offer: By using this direct link, you can take advantage of a discount coupon on your order.
This brings the device down to an extremely competitive price, making the technology/price ratio virtually unbeatable in today's market for connected motorcycle accessories.
Verdict: A serious alternative?
Who is the Carpuride W702S Pro designed for? If you are a frequent rider, often take trips to unfamiliar places, or do a lot of touring, this is a smart investment.
Strengths:
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Economical alternative to traditional GPS devices (free updates via your phone).
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Total protection for your smartphone against vibrations and drops.
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Superb screen, even in sunlight or rain.
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Excellent touch responsiveness when wearing gloves.
Weaknesses:
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Mounting slightly vulnerable to theft.
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Bulky on naked roadsters.
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Voice control is temperamental.
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Lack of certain motorcycle apps on Android Auto.
In summary, the Carpuride W702S Pro is a powerful tool that transforms the motorcycle navigation experience. If you can overlook the absence of certain specific apps and take care with the installation, it will quickly become indispensable for your rides. For more advice or to share your installation tips, there is a very active community on Facebook (Carpuride France) where mutual assistance is the norm.
MotoPlanete's opinion: A mature, robust product that is finally readable in direct sunlight. A true extension of your digital life on the handlebars, as long as you use it sensibly while riding.
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