Back in the 90s when this writer first started riding, navigation meant a soggy UBD street directory stuffed into a tank bag window. The CPMC B7 changes all that, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with hands-free access to a host of features.
That includes the aforementioned navigation, calls, music, and messages. Designed specifically for BMW motorcycles, it replaces the ageing Motorrad setup. We installed it on our trusty GS to find out just what it was capable of.
Sporting a 60Hz IPS HD display and an IP67 waterproof rating, the B7 has dual Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and is compatible with the BMW Wonder Wheel. Quick and easy to install, there’s no complex wiring or tools required.
So, after logging a few thousand kays on the tarmac, lets get into how it handles the daily grind and the weekend twisties. The absolute best bit is how it physically mounts to the bike. If your BMW came with that standard 18-pin cradle, you are laughing.
You literally just pop the old Navigator out and click the B7 straight in. The B7 BMW motorcycle GPS system is designed for plug-and-play and is compatible with the BMW nav cradle. It even uses BMW’s original protocols.
That means it delivers real-time battery voltage, tire pressure, speed, and gear position data directly from your bike’s system. There are no messy wiring looms to splice, no dodgy aftermarket RAM mounts cluttering your bars, and no routing cables.
It clicks in, powers up with the ignition, and locks securely with your bike’s key. Functionality is great too, and being able to toggle through your screens, skip tracks, or zoom in on a map without taking your hand off the clutch side is a massive win for both safety and convenience.
Around town, or up the coast, and on the freeway, the B7 is nothing short of brilliant. Once Apple CarPlay fires up and links to your iPhone, it transforms your ride. The 7-inch screen is crystal clear and cuts right through the harsh midday Aussie glare.
Running Waze or Google Maps gives you live traffic alerts, speed camera warnings, and hazard updates right in your line of sight. Having text messages read directly into my helmet comms and being able to reply via Siri just works seamlessly.
But here is where the honeymoon ends, and it’s something you need to be acutely aware of. Unlike a traditional Garmin Zumo or TomTom unit that relies on an internal satellite antenna and pre-loaded topographical maps, the B7 is essentially just a monitor.
It only knows what your phone tells it. When you lose 4G, it essentially goes to sleep. Unless you’ve been diligent enough to pre-download map regions for offline use, on your phone, your map will turn into a useless blank grid when you hit a mobile blackspot.
Your streaming music will cut out. Siri won’t answer you. Rerouting becomes impossible. If you are a dedicated adventure rider who disappears into the High Country or outback for days at a time with zero bars of service, this is a massive liability.
If you’re a road tourer, a daily commuter, or someone who mostly sticks to the populated coastal runs where the cell towers are thick though, the CPMC B7 is an incredible upgrade. It breathes fresh, modern life into the BMW dash.
It also takes the stress out of navigating traffic. But, if your idea of a good weekend involves bulldust, corrugated dirt, and getting well and truly off the grid, remember that this screen is only as smart as your phone’s reception. Our biggest recommendation – download maps.
You can find out more about the CPMC B7 on their website. If you want to buy one, you can get a 25 per cent discount on regular pricing until 30 June 2026 with the code Exhaust25. If you’re reading this after that date, use the code Exhaust22 for 22 per cent off.
Pros – superb integration with bike; easy to interact with; water and dust proof.
Cons – only as good as your mobile signal; you need to have a backup plan for maps.
Our test product was supplied by CPMC for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this product. Images supplied.
