How to Install an Android Auto / Apple CarPlay System on Your Motorcycle 

A step-by-step guide 

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay motorcycle systems are becoming increasingly popular — and for good reason. These devices aren’t just about navigation and music. Many systems also support dash cameras, tyre pressure monitoring sensors, and other accessories that together form a genuine safety upgrade for your bike.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to install an Android Auto / Apple CarPlay unit on your motorcycle, using simple, logical steps. While this installation was carried out on a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 with a CHIGEE AIO6 Max, the principles apply to most bikes and most systems.
This Guide will apply for AOOCCI, CPMC and CARPURIDE, plus many other manufactures 

If you are still looking for your perfect Android Auto Device or Apple Car Play Unit please check out my full reviews on YouTube or here 

What You’ll Need Before You Start

• Your Android Auto / Apple CarPlay motorcycle unit

• Basic hand tools (Allen keys, screwdrivers, long-nose pliers)

• Cable ties

• Patience — some bikes are more fiddly than others 😉

Step 1: Prepare the Bike

Before installing anything, you need to create space to route cables safely.

On some bikes this is minimal, but on more complex bikes (like the V-Strom), you may need to remove:

• The windscreen

• Upper fairing panels

• Plastic rivets or trim panels

• Seat (both front and rear)

• Fuel tank cover (or tank itself on some bikes)

💡 Tip:
As you remove panels and screws, either:

• Lay them out in order, or

• Put screws back into their original holes

This makes reassembly much easier later.

Step 2: Access the Battery

Most Android Auto systems are powered directly from the battery, so you’ll need access to it.

1. Remove the seat(s)

2. Locate the battery

3. Disconnect the battery

   • Remove the negative (–) terminal first

   • Then remove the positive (+) terminal
     This prevents accidental shorts while working.

Step 3: Route the Main Power Cable

Before reconnecting anything, decide how your cables will run through the bike.

When routing cables:

• Keep them away from hot engine parts

• Avoid sharp edges

• Ensure they won’t be pinched when panels go back on
  
  

On the V-Strom, running cables over the top of the tank works well. On other bikes, you may need to route them:

• Under the tank

• Behind fairings

• Along the frame rails

Step 4: Connect the Device to the Battery

Now it’s time to connect the power.

1. Attach the positive (+) wire first

2. Attach the negative (–) wire second

3. Tighten both terminals securely
   
   

⚠️ Important:
Loose battery connections can:

• Cause the device to cut out while riding

• Create electrical shorts

• Vibrate loose mid-journey
  
  

If your bike already has accessories fitted, plan carefully where your new cables sit so nothing is strained.

Step 5: Connect the Switched Power (Ignition Line)

Many Android Auto systems include a switched power wire (often yellow).

This allows the device to:

• Turn on when the ignition is switched on

• Turn off automatically when the bike is off
  
  

Common method:

• Connect the switched wire to the ignition fuse

• Carefully insert the wire under the fuse

• Refit the fuse securely

Use long-nose pliers if needed to ensure a solid connection.

💡 Note:
Some systems have smart power modules that detect voltage drops and don’t require a switched wire. If yours does, this step may not be necessary.

Step 6: Install Cameras (If Your System Has Them)

If your unit includes front and rear dash cameras, install these next.

When routing camera cables:

• Avoid heat sources

• Ensure cables aren’t stretched

• Leave enough slack for suspension movement
  
  

On bikes like the V-Strom, you can gently pull fairings away to feed cables through without fully removing everything.

Once routed:

1. Pull all slack through

2. Check the cable won’t tug on the camera

3. Connect the camera cables to the main unit

Step 7: Mount the Cameras

Most camera kits include:

• Metal or plastic mounting brackets

• High-quality 3M adhesive pads
  
  

To mount:

1. Clean the mounting surface

2. Apply the adhesive pad

3. Press firmly and hold for a short time

4. Leave it to bond properly
   
   

🛠️ You can screw the mounts in if you prefer, but in practice, good adhesive mounts hold extremely well — even long term.

Step 8: Mount the Main Display Unit

Now mount the main Android Auto / CarPlay screen in your chosen location, usually:

• On the handlebars

• On a navigation mount

• Behind the windscreen area
  
  

Before fully tightening:

• Check steering lock both ways

• Ensure cables don’t pull or snag
  
  

Step 9: Power On and Test

Reconnect the battery (if not already done) and:

1. Turn the ignition on

2. Confirm the device powers up automatically

3. Check:

   • Screen operation

   • Camera feed (if fitted)

   • Button or touch response
     
     

If everything works as expected, you’re good to move on.

Step 10: Reassemble the Bike

Now simply work backwards and refit everything you removed earlier.

Most people find reassembly easier than removal — you already know where everything goes.

Tidy excess cable:

• Cable-tie neatly

• Hide behind fairings or screens where possible

• Ensure nothing is under tension

Final Thoughts

While this guide was demonstrated on a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 using a Chiggee AIO6 Max, every bike and every system is different. That said, the core principles remain the same:

• Safe cable routing

• Secure battery connections

• Heat and vibration awareness

• Taking your time
  
  

If this guide helps even a little with your install, then it’s done its job 👍

For full reviews, discount codes, and buying guides, visit
👉 Tom’s TC

If you buy a device using my links and run into issues during installation, feel free to reach out — I’ll do my best to help.

Thanks for reading, and ride safe. 🏍️