Back in 2017, Google Maps introduced the ’Two-Wheeler Mode’ to its navigation app which let people who wish to travel on two-wheelers get accurate routes to their destination. This update, however, was only released for Indian users in it’s and slowly would roll onto the rest of the world.

As of today, Google Maps have completed its beta test in the biggest market for motorcycles and is ready with its final version. Announcing at an event in Thailand, the first markets to receive the ’Two-Wheeler Mode’ will be the East Asian countries where the major mode of transport for the masses is still two-wheelers.

The Motorcycle Mode was released as part of Google’s ’Google for India’ initiative and will save up both travel time and distance since it features in smaller roads and poorer road conditions as well. Google likes to call them ‘Shortcuts’ not accessible to cars and trucks. The new travel mode in Google Maps is seen alongside Drive, Train or Bus and Walk alternatives.

The new markets where this mode will be entering will be Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Myanmar. Google says “providing a customized experience for motorbikes was one of the most-requested features by maps users in Asia”.

Google Maps will take account of lane filtering rules and also show major landmarks on the route before starting directions so that riders can memories the way through and not have to stop and check their phone often. Road closures and live parking availabilities for motorcycles will also be shown in the description of the destination.

On the whole, this mode will save riders close to 10 minutes on an hour’s journey compared to cars. That is an hour’s ride cut down for a drive that will take up 5 hours in a car.

This update has only been released to Android users in Asia currently, while iOS users will get them soon. There is no word on when this update will launch here in the States, but when it comes, it certainly will come in handy.

There are already stand-alone motorcycle GPS available in the market by Garmin and TomTom, but no one gives a better user interface like how Google puts it across. And having one device that does everything are always a welcome element, especially for riders who wish to carry light on rides.