They seem only useful for finding an address I'm unfamiliar with, fuel, food, or lodging. I still prefer a map, a pencil and a notebook for long distance riding. They ride easily in my tank bag clear window. I write out my route in large clear script so I can read it at a glance. The exercise of watching the distance/time to each waypoint is part of the navigation fun. as another mental exercise, mentally calculating actual speed with time/distance while comparing the gauges to road mile markers also keeps me focused while on long trips.
The GPS wants to go routes that conform to it's algorithm not the route I would like to take. Without having to say it to this group, like many of you, my route is seldom the fastest or the shortest.
jim