Description:
TAILORED DESIGN FOR HJC HELMETS
SMART HJC 10B is a Bluetooth communication system co-developed with SENA tailored specially for HJC’s helmets.
Based on SENA’s SMH5, 10B model provides optimal Bluetooth environment with intuitive operation and easy installation of the unit.
When riding you can listen to your music, GPS guide and make phone calls through Bluetooth connection.
Intercom communication range is up to 400m based on one-to-one connection.
CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HJC HELMETS
• Bluetooth 3.0
• Advanced noise control
• Intercom 400m
• Voice prompt
• 1:1 Intercom
• Music sharing
Description:
TAILORED DESIGN FOR HJC HELMETS
SMART HJC 20B is a Bluetooth communication system co-developed with SENA tailored specially for HJC’s helmets.
SMART HJC Bluetooth 20B can be installed on HJC’s various models and due to compact size and aerodynamic design of the Bluetooth unit, it enhances overall look and aerodynamic design of the helmet.
Based on SENA’s best-selling model 20S, the 20B model provides optimal Bluetooth environment with intuitive operation and easy installation of the unit. Please enjoy SMART HJC 20B’s multi-function: phone call, listen to music, GPS guide and intercom.
SMART HJC AND OPTIMAL RIDING
The SMART HJC 20B provides various functions such as group intercom for optimum riding experience. With the Universal IntercomT SMART HJC 20B can be connected to various Bluetooth communication devices. The Noise ControlT feature suppresses wind sound and other noises effectively during intercom or phone calls maintaining the high audio quality.
CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HJC HELMETS
The Dual Bluetooth chip inside the SMART HJC 20B allows you to enjoy intercom conversations and music listening at the same time through Audio MultitaskingT.
With Audio MultitaskingT the music volume automatically decreases when a conversation starts and it returns to the original volume when the conversation ends.
Group intercom: You can also communicate with 7 riders at the same time in a maximum range of 1.6 km.
Use the lightweight HANDLEBAR MOUNT PRO MTB to mount your SP Connect™ Phone Case aerodynamically to your bike’s handlebar. Mount it in an out-front position on your gravel bike or reversed position on your mountain bike to protect your phone. In both cases your smartphone will be securely positioned right in your field of vision, allowing you to navigate or access your playlists and other apps whilst riding.
Following the success of their Dual USB Sockets for BMW motorcycles, Nippy Normans now offer two universal versions, suitable for non-BMW machines and designed for a quick and easy DIY fit.
With most riders relying on smartphones and other devices for turn-by-turn navigation, communication, web connectivity, video recording, photos and music, on-bike USB charging is fast becoming an essential.
The new sockets – based on Nippy Normans’ popular BMW-specific versions – offer the facility to power multiple devices on the move, without having to resort to fiddly and often unreliable adapters.
Two versions are available: a Panel Mount, which can be fitted in place of a cigarette lighter socket or in a convenient panel; and Handlebar Mount, which comes with its own sturdy bracket.
Both sockets have been specifically designed to be fitted at home, using basic tools and common sense.
Each one comes with simple wiring already attached – a fused live and an earth – for direct attachment to the bike’s battery or wiring loom. The socket itself then simply clips onto to the wiring via a built-in connector.
Both ports are weatherproof when in use – specially designed rubber membranes seal around the USB plug when it is inserted, protecting it against dust, dirt and moisture.
When not in use, separate rubber caps – easily opened whilst wearing gloves – pop over the top of each port.
The Sockets have an output of 5 volts, so they are compatible with most smartphones, sat-navs and tablets, with Intelligent device recognition to detect Apple and Android devices.
Protection from output overvoltage, overheating and short-circuit is built in for complete peace of mind. Each port also has a current limiter (2.3 Amps for Port 1 and 1.0 Amps for Port 2).
The Panel Mount socket retails at £39-; the Handlebar Mount version costs £44- (both including VAT).
For further information visit the UK’s no.1 BMW and touring accessory specialist www.nippynormans.com
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With the SP Connect™ UNIVERSAL PHONE CLAMP, you can use just about any smartphone (see phone sizes below) on any SP Connect™ mount to securely attach your phone to bikes, cars, motorcycles, etc., using the patented “twist to lock” mechanism which is integrated in this clamp.
Simply pull out the crown, screw it tight, and then push the crown back in to lock your phone in place. While remaining fully operable, your phone can now be attached to or detached from the mount in seconds.
Integrated mounting mechanism
Easy and secure locking system
Touchscreen operability and use of buttons remains possible
Tool-free size adjustment from 58 – 85 mm
Please Note: Wireless charging is not possible when using the Universal Phone Clamp.
Safe, strong, super quick and easy to use, Andy Strapz are a game-changer for attaching luggage to bikes.
Significantly stronger than bungee cords
50 mm wide so they won’t cut into or roll off cargo
Heavy duty Velcro® for a strong safe join
No dangerous or damaging hooks or fiddly clips
Multiple lengths and configurations
Easily adjusted to suit changing loads
They come from a land down under
The brainchild of a senior emergency nurse, who’d seen too many permanent eye injuries caused by bungee cords, Andy Strapz are 50 mm-wide, flat-profile, elasticated webbing straps, secured with Velcro®.
Their flat profile means they won’t cut into the cargo they’re securing, even when pulled tight – the width spreads the pressure evenly. It also means they stay exactly where they’re positioned and won’t ‘roll off’ or ‘creep’ to the centre of the load, like round profile cords invariably do.
Secured along the strap with Velcro®, there are no dangerous or damaging hooks; fiddly and unreliable plastic buckles or clips to break; and no loose ends to flap about in the wind.
Their design also allows quick and easy adjustment, by simply wrapping round the anchor point or the load until fully secure – ideal if the load increases or decreases in size en-route.
Each one features a built-in loop for pulling the strap tight and into position, which are big enough to operate with a gloved hand.
Designed and made in Australia, there are three styles of Andy Strapz to choose from; regular Flat Strapz, Piggyback Strapz, for strapping one item on top of another and Smart Strapz, designed for lashing to footpeg hangers and luggage racks.
Andy Strapz come in 750 mm, 1000 mm and 1500 mm lengths and prices start from just £20 including VAT per pair.
They’re available in the UK from BMW and touring accessory specialist www.nippynormans.com
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The great American highways might have been created with cars and trucks in mind, but there’s no better way to feel the open road than on a motorcycle. For those who are craving some nature and some time behind the handlebars, it’s easy to get both when you take a cruise on America’s most beautiful roads.
If you’re looking to see the wonders of the USA on the back of your favorite bike, here are eight must-do rides. Some are reasonably newbie-friendly, while others are challenging roads best suited to experts. Each one offers a unique experience that shows you something great about the backcountry corners of America, and each will give you a greater appreciation of the exquisite scenery in the Land of the Free.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina)
The Blue Ridge Mountains are some of America’s oldest and most beautiful natural features and, as luck would have it, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 500-mile road created specifically to allow you to enjoy them. Get your friends together, sync your helmet communication systems and enjoy a group ride on these beautiful mountain passes. You’ll find not one but two spectacular national parks along its length: the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Shenandoah in Virginia. If you don’t mind some crowds, come in the fall for a truly spectacular display of the colors of autumn leaves.
Pacific Coast Highway (California)
An iconic route for the development of west coast biker culture, the PCH stretches over 650 miles up and down the coast of California. The best views (and some of the most challenging conditions) are generally agreed to be in the route’s central Big Sur section, but just about any section of this highway will provide some famous scenery. Note that since it’s also a major state road, traffic can easily ruin the fun, so scout out a section ahead of time and find out from the locals which times you can catch a quieter ride.
Beartooth Highway (Montana/Wyoming)
A ride for the true wilderness lover, the Beartooth Highway snakes its way through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming and is crowned with a glorious summit called the Top of the World that clocks in at a whopping 11,000 feet. Go just another 50 miles or so, and you’re in Yellowstone National Park, another of America’s true natural gems, and Old West aficionados should make sure not to miss the town of Cody, home of Buffalo Bill. Note that the Beartooth requires more attention to weather conditions than some other routes since it’s prone to everything from extreme winds to mid-summer snow.
The Twisted Sisters (Texas)
Looking to push your riding skills to the limit? The infamous Twisted Sisters route of Texas will test you like no other. These three country roads form a 100-mile loop that’s infamous for its challenging twists, dips and hairpins. Like a lot of skill rides, the Sisters are best experienced with a group of friends to enjoy the views with and look after one another, so grab your buddies for this one (and maybe a motorcycle Bluetooth headset to stay connected.)
Tail of the Dragon (Tennessee)
One of America’s most famous rides, both for its legendary Blue Ridge scenery and the high skill level required, Tennessee’s Tail of the Dragon is a classic piece of motorcycle history that lives on today. Unfortunately, its popularity means that you’ll often have to navigate around swarms of other riders, as well as state troopers looking for an easy ticket, but it’s worth it for what could be the ride of your life. (Check out the nearby Cherohala Skyway, too, which has equally spectacular scenery and is typically less crowded.)
North Shore, Oahu
Oahu (Hawaii)
When it comes to scenery, Hawaii has so many wonderful rides that it’s almost impossible to choose, but touring Oahu by motorcycle is a great choice, thanks to the numerous attractions you can scope out on the way. From the famous dormant volcano called Diamond Head to the heartbreaking beauty of the Oahu North Shore, there’s no shortage of amazing locales to scope out around Oahu. Just beware of sudden rainstorms and fog as you explore these ancient and mysterious islands that form a very different part of America.
Million Dollar Highway
Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)
Colorado has more than its share of scenic riches, but the Million Dollar Highway (US 550 between Ouray and Durango) just might outshine them all, at least from a motorcyclist’s perspective. As if the mountains weren’t enough, you can catch a glimpse of the abandoned Idarado Mine on your way up, a relic of the industry that originally put Colorado on the map. Note that this one isn’t for the faint of heart—the two-lane road hugs the side of the San Juan Mountains for dear life, many sections don’t include a guardrail, and RVs and campers frequently go barreling down the road.
State Route 36 (California)
The road itself may not have the cultural clout of the PCH, but California’s State Route 36 is a beauty all unto itself. For one thing, it passes through the gorgeous and iconic California redwood forests, and it also offers a gorgeous glimpse of the many mountain ecosystems of the Golden State. It’s also a slightly gentler ride than some others on this list, although riders should still exercise caution around the route’s numerous blind corners.
With such a big and broad country to explore, lots of people swear that the best way to see it is on the back of a bike, and we’re inclined to agree. When it’s time to start planning your next great bike trip, take the opportunity to remind yourself about one thing that’s incredibly right with America: its bounteous natural beauty.
New Oxford TOOLSTASH – in stock now – OL259 RRP £19.99
Organise and store all your go-to tools in this handy little tool roll. Perfect for hanging on your workshop wall when servicing the bike at the weekend, then rolling up and stashing away in your weekend bag for those trips away when you hope you don’t need them.
Oxford’s Toolstash is a compact tool roll which comprises of 34 elasticated tool locations. It is constructed using tough 600D, PVC backed polyester.
Key Features
• 3 layer padded construction
• Reinforced window pocket for visible extras
• Steel eyelets to facilitate hanging in a workshop
• Hook-and-loop fastening compression straps with bar-tack reinforcements
Dimensions
• 150 X 285mm (Closed)
• 575 X 285mm (Open)
Motorcycle Communications Technology Company Returns As Official Partner Of Premier Road Racing Series
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that Cardo Systems will again be an official partner for the 2021 MotoAmerica Championship. Cardo will continue to showcase its advanced PACKTALK lineup, which features industry leading connectivity, to road racing fans via the MotoAmerica Series.
Cardo Systems specializes in the design, development, manufacturing and sale of state-of-the-art communication and entertainment systems for motorcyclists. Since its inception in 2004, Cardo has pioneered the vast majority of innovations for Bluetooth motorcycle communication systems – having created the first rider-to-rider product and innovating connectivity with the introduction of its Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC).
“Last year we worked with Cardo Systems for the first time, and it was great for both of us,” said MotoAmerica Senior Sponsorship Manager Lance Bryson. “We used the Cardo’s systems for several features on race broadcasts and MotoAmerica Live+ programming where we were able to really show how well the system works with riders talking to each other while riding around the track. The 2021 season is going to be a good one and we’re happy that Cardo is along for the ride with us.”
“We’re excited to be returning for another year with MotoAmerica,” said Dan Emodi, Cardo Systems’ Chief Marketing Officer. “The series provides an incredible platform to not only showcase our product’s capabilities, but to reach and engage passionate motorcyclists who are always looking for the latest and greatest motorcycle accessories.”
As the category leader, Cardo offers a wide range of products designed for multiple use cases. Cardo’s FREECOM line offers three variations of Bluetooth communication systems, while the PACKTALK line utilizes the “always-on” mesh connectivity via Cardo’s proprietary DMC. For more information, visit www.cardosystems.com.
2021 MotoAmerica Series Schedule
April 30-May 2 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia
May 21-23 Virginia International Raceway Danville, Virginia
June 11-13 Road America Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
June 25-27 Ridge Motorsports Park Shelton, Washington
July 9-11 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California
July 30-August 1 Brainerd International Raceway Brainerd, Minnesota
August 13-15 Pitt Race Wampum, Pennsylvania
September 10-12 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, New Jersey
September 17-19 Barber Motorsports Park Birmingham, Alabama
For more news checkout our dedicated MotoAmerica News page MotoAmerica News
SIZZAPP NeXT-Generation Security System for Your Vehicle Launches Kickstarter today.
SIZZAPP is a startup company raising funds via a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to finish the development of its revolutionary automotive safety technology and introduce NeXT-Generation Security SIZZAPP (IMT Technology) devices. The company is setting out to raise $20 000 on Kickstarter to finish development and produce the latest invention that will change the automotive safety technology market.
SIZZAPP NeXT-Generation Security SIZZAPP (IMT Technology) devices SIZZAPP has already proven its place in the European market. However, ambition now, with the help of Kickstarter, is to introduce NeXT-Generation SIZZAPP (IMT Technology) Devices, making it available to everyone everywhere, bringing SIZZAPP to the broader region, forward across the world.
SIZZAPP Kickstarter Mission Statement To create a revolutionary automotive safety technology community platform to change the motorcycle and car industry worldwide.
SIZZAPP Kickstarter Mission Statement To bring everyone closer to safer and more effective vehicle usage.
Team SIZZAPP has five team members: 2 business and team management-oriented and three tech & product people. We can tell you about our years of experience in the vehicle telematics field and how we launched multiple successful products. But what you should know about us is that we are bikers ourselves, and SIZZAPP is a product we love to build. We are both capable of making SIZZAPP work, and we enjoy doing so.
Cameras are everywhere you look these days. Speed Cameras, CCTV cameras, Dash Cams and also Action Cams. If you are looking to capture your epic events then is an action camera the tool for the job? Superbike News recently reviewed a motorcycle dash cam https://superbike-news.co.uk/viofo-mt1-dash-cam-review/ so, which is right for you, an Action Cam or a Dash Cam.
The Ghost X from Drift is a compact action camera that has been designed to be mounted virtually anywhere. It records HD 1080P video at 30fps
It’s Drift’s budget camera coming it at about £130, it offers a 5 hour battery life which can be extended to 8 hours with the bigger battery unit that is available for another £25. The included 32GB microSD card might need to be replaced for a bigger one as a 10 minute video (1080P) takes up 3.8GB of storage so by my very rough calculations you are probably good for 1.5 hours before you’d fill the card. Not a problem if you change one of the mirad of settings to give you loop recording. The loop interval can be set at different stages between 10 seconds and 10 minutes meaning it will record at 10 minute lengths until the card is full then return to the start and begin overwriting.
In the box is everything you need to get started. I initially ignored the instruction manual as it looked too thick and technical. I set about figuring the camera out myself. There are only 3 buttons on the top how hard could it be. One button is clearly an on/off as identified by the international on/off symbol. I pressed it, nothing. I pressed and held it for a couple of seconds and the little camera beeped into life.
The back of the Ghost X has the tiniest of screens, smaller than a postage stamp, it had illuminated a pleasant green colour. This is where those with bad eyesight may begin to struggle. The little screen is giving out a lot of information in such a small space but, if you can see it, it does makes sense.
Information such a recording mode; view angle; recording quality; the number of files saved; battery life and remaining card capacity are all shown on a screen size of 132mm²
Staring at the screen I began pressing buttons, The top button, the one closest to you as you look at the screen, cycles the display through the various modes that the Ghost X has to offer, Video, Still camera, time lapse, burst image, settings menu, each one of these comes with its own colour. This will prove useful as you can instantly tell the mode the camera is in simply by looking at the glow and not squinting at the screen. Pressing the button again cycles back to the start. I pressed the middle button and discovered this cycles through the options on the screen being displayed, so in video mode you can alter the resolution to 1080, 960, 720 or WVGA which is probably the same resolution as a typical CCTV camera the advantage being you can up the frame rate to 60fps if you need to. I’m not a keen photographer so would probably need to look up what a lot of the settings do to fully understand the functionality of the Ghost X but then I would probably ignore them all and set it to record video at its best 1080P x 30fps resolution and never touch any settings again.
Cycling through the screens and the modes, I only had to revert to the instruction book once and that was to understand what the K140 meant. I could change it to K90 and K115 but did not know what I was doing. Reluctantly, I flicked through the quick guide to realise that the K wasn’t a K but a symbol to illustrate the field of vision for the recordings. There are three options 90º, 115º and 140º.
Once familiar with the button layout and how the options on the screens cycle through the menu options and back to the beginning, setting up the time and date and other options on the Ghost X was relatively simple. Just click slowly to get to where to need to be otherwise run the risk of cycling through all 28 menu options before getting back to where you need to be. (press and hold the button to go backwards through the menus)
One of the 28 menus was Video tagging, this seems like a very clever idea if you don’t want to be recording all day and then have to wade back through hours of footage to find that one time where your mate did something cool. Video tagging is like having the Ghost X set in sleep mode, it’s always watching but not recording until you press the record button. Then, depending on the settings it can record the previous 2 minutes and the following 2 minutes. With Video Tagging, you’ll never miss that perfect action shot ever again.
I eventually found my way back to the screen that told me the camera was in video mode but how to actually record video? I had one button left to press so pressed it, The Ghost X emitted a little beep, change to a big beep or no beep in settings, and the green glow turned red. It was recording.
Starting and stopping is as simple as touching a button and to check it was all fine I hooked the camera up to the computer using the included USB lead and was impressed at how quickly the device was recognised. Much easier than removing the SD card from a DashCam type recorder. The Camera also charges up while attached to the computer and the little screen glows green when fully charged.
Feeling good that I had worked out all the buttons and squinting at the tiny screen, I was feeling ready. I just one had more flick through the user guide to make sure I had found everything. It was at this point I made the life decision to read the manual first on every new thing I get.
The guide was easy to use and only so thick because it contained all of the languages. It mentioned an APP, of course there is an APP, I downloaded that and looked up how to connect the APP to the camera. It was here that the instruction booklet came into its own. After connecting the APP to the phone via on-board Wi-Fi (easy) you get full access to all the system settings on your phone screen, not one that is 11mm wide x 12mm high. You can see a live image of the camera on the phone to help you set in the perfect location. You live and learn. The APP does a lot more than just system settings you can control the camera, live stream and join the drift community to share videos and experiences.
After fiddling with the menus, it was time to fix the camera to my crash helmet. I already have a motorcycle dash cam on the bike, I didn’t want to go full Tellytubby and mount it on the top on my lid so opted for the side. The box contains 2 x 3M sticky pads, one is flat and the other curved. There was a lot of searching for the best location on the helmet to stick it. 3M pads are wondrously sticky so I wanted to find the right place first time. One of the great things about the Ghost X is that the lens can rotate so the camera can be mounted at any angle and the level corrected by simply rotating the lens so that the marker arrow is pointing straight up. Doing this exercise while looking at the image on your phone means you can get it right first time.
As expected from an action camera there are many different mounting option available, the handlebar mount, designed for mountain bikes, might work on the handle bars or crash bars of some motorbikes. It is made from metal and looks & feels well build and robust. There is a pivot mount that will allow for the camera being mounted any which way; a roll bar mount for clamping onto scaffold sized tube. In fact, wherever you want to mount your camera there is probably a mount designed to do that job on the Driftinnovation.com website.
I wanted a sleek fitting camera so went for the simplest solution of the curved sticky pad and then having the camera clip fitting directly into that. The camera clip is indexed onto the camera with a serrated grooved ring that controls the vertical angle the camera. The horizontal view depends on where you put the sticky pad. Changing the orientation of the camera and rotating the lens can be done without tools making camera position changes quick and easy, something that can’t be done with a dashcam.
The camera clip locks into the sticky pad via a couple of spring loaded plastic prongs. Pinching these together enables the camera to slide out. When not on the helmet the sticky pad socket is hardly noticeable. One thing I would always want to be sure of, though, is that the camera clip is securely located in its socket. Make sure you listen for 2 audible clicks as it locks into place and then try to pull it back out. The last thing you want to see is footage of your camera bouncing down the road, if you ever find it again that is. There are no tethers available on the website to offer peace of mind.
The buttons and the release prongs are easy to use with a gloved hand. Once you have mastered where the buttons are, you can turn the Ghost X on and off and start and stop the recording by touch. Or do as I did and start the camera recording and then lock it into place on the helmet. Remember that colour coded screen? There’s a small indicator light above the lens so you can check in a mirror what mode you’re in and if you are recording or not just by looking at it.
Out and about on the bike, I didn’t notice the camera at all. It’s slim enough that it doesn’t rub on your shoulder when cornering and light enough that I couldn’t feel it. I made a few runs, the first one used the onboard mic and suffered horrific wind noise, maybe the sensitivity was too high. The second run I used the external mic. On returning back to base and reviewing the footage I was very disappointed that the mic had not picked up commentary. I did some checks with another mic and diagnosed a bad connector on the original mic. I’ve ordered a new one for £10 which fixed the issue.
With the mic fixed and installed inside my helmet alongside my intercom mic, I connected the app to the camera via the on-board Wi-Fi and set off on another test run using the app to alter the settings along the way.
The Ghost X is not waterproof at least, I don’t think it is. It’s probably not fully waterproof. you see, I’m not really sure if it is or not but there is a waterproof case that is available as an accessory so, if you do want to go out in the rain then that is probably what you need. I tried in on the camera and was not happy with it. It’s good for 40m underwater though! The Ghost XL is waterproof, according to the website, and as it’s only another £20 I’d get that one. However there is one annoyance that comes from browsing the Driftinnovation.com website, and that’s the constant notifications that people are buying stuff. I really don’t need to know that Karen from Margate has just bought a Drift Class 10 MicroSD card 1 hour ago. I want to know the IPX rating of the Ghost X is please so I can decide to go out in the rain or not. Thank you very much.
Overall, a great action camera, reasonably simple to set up and get going but will need some fine tuning of the settings to get the most out of it. I was happy that it came with a fully charged battery so I could start to mess with it immediately. I later searched the website and found out that the Ghost X is IPX4 rated. This means that you can use it in the rain, but not at high speed in heavy rain.
It has other modes apart from the video; you can take 12MP still images; bursts of up to 15, 4MP images and set up time lapse. These are good to have but I wonder how many times they will be used.
It’s certainly less hassle as a camera than a dash cam system, it’s compact and easy to access the files with the USB link, the quality of the video is great and it offers more to the video creator because when mounted on the helmet it follows the rider’s eye. With the bigger battery and a larger SD card up to 128GB the recording times are comparable to that of a hardwired dash cam system, but ask yourself how often do you ride for longer than 8 hours? Even if you do, grab a spare battery that can be charged up via USB and swap them in seconds. The downside is that it only records in one direction and if something happens behind you you’ll miss it.
So which is right for me dash cam or action cam? Well the perfect solution is to have both. The helmet mounted action cam will be used extensively to record live commentary over the top of video for training and feedback purposes and the front and rear dash cam system will be there to record any incidents and as also as back up when, not if, I forget to press the record button.
Definitely a great little camera that looks sleek has a lot of functionality and will absolutely capture your best moments. You should get one.
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Getting your bike permanently rigged up for on-board video recording may not sound like the sort of thing you want to do but having a record of that car pulling out on you while you were perfectly in the right may go a long way to help with any insurance claim, but why else would you want one?
Action cameras have come a long way in recent years; Go-Pro, Drift, Insta360 and the like are great, but there is an element of faff that inherently comes with them. If you are like me, you don’t want to get to the end of a gorgeous ride and realise that you forgot to record it. You don’t want to be mithered with batteries and charging and limited video length. And you don’t want to look like a Teletubby with a camera stuck on the top of your helmet.
The VIOFO MT1 Motorcycle Dashcam has both front and rear cameras. It is hardwired onto your bike so it starts to record once the ignition is on and stops when the ignition is off. You can put a 256GB microSD card into it that will record around 18hours of footage on the front and rear cameras in 1080HD at 30FPS. You will never miss capturing that silky smooth set of curves again. The DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is water resistant and conforms to IP66 protection so it ideal for use on a motorbike.
In the box is the full system, two cameras, DVR, remote mic, 32GB MicroSD card with adaptor, GPS receiver, wiring loom for connection to battery and switched live, a load of sticky pads, hook and loop pads and zip ties. There is also a well written, simple instruction manual, but who’s ever going to read that, right? There is a downloadable APP for your smartphone that you’ll need to adjust the settings. More on that later.
I have used another twin camera video system for a few years now so was interested to see the differences between these two systems which, on the face of it should be very similar.
First job was to remove the old system that has done a great job over the last 3 years, producing content videos and also assisting in footage for rider training. Putting the two systems side by side you can see that the VIOFO is slightly bigger.
The quality of the connections appear better and because they are all colour coded it makes for a very easy installation so still no need to read the manual.
One of the downsides to hard wiring cameras onto your bike is that there is going to be some disassembly required. If you are not very confident in removing fairing and the fuel tank then something to consider would be the additional cost of getting someone to for it for you. Budget for around 2-3 hours work. There will also be some electrical connections to make. The kit includes a power loom that comes with connectors to attach directly to the battery and a third wire that will need to be attached to a switched live. Tap into anything that comes on with the ignition.
The permanent live wire is used to keep the camera system ready to record. There is an inbuilt G-sensor that detects if the bike has been moved or knocked and it will start recording until movement stops before resetting. The sensitivity can be adjusted (low, high and off) and there is also a motion sensor option that will start the camera recording if it detects movement in front of the cameras it will record for 60 seconds then go back to detecting motion again. The switched live starts the camera recording around 5 seconds after you turn the key. Once these wires have been attached to your bike, the rest of the fitment is very straightforward, the hardest decision being where to mount the cameras.
With all panels removed from the bike, you can start to identify the best place to mount the DVR and cameras. The length of the camera wires will dictate where the main DVR unit will be fitted. There is enough cable to run from the front/rear of the bike to the seat area but if you wanted to mount the DVR at the extreme front or rear of the bike you would struggle to make the connection. If you have a tortuous wire route through the bike frame then you might struggle with available wire length.
A few moments to plan your layout before you start the installation is time well spent.
Resting all the components on the bike and seeing where you can run the wires is a useful tip.
Once you are happy with where the DVR will mount you can start to run the wires. The colour coded plugs are narrow enough to squeeze through gaps and can be well hidden inside fairings and alongside the original loom. Make sure that there will be no pinch points when putting it all back together.
With the wires in their designated places and the plugs joined up it’s time to mount the cameras.
The kit comes with two types of mounting plate that are both essentially the same. One plastic and the other metal. You can choose to stick these mounts onto the bike with the supplied sticky pads or use a more extreme method such as self-tapping screws through the holes provided.
The design of the mounting plate gives limited options for camera location. There is no swivel facility once you have stuck the pad down. So if you are going for the sticky option be sure to get it right first time round. – a suggestion here is to get everything all wired in and working and then set the view of the camera up on the APP before securing the mounting plate to the bike. The mounting plates have quite a big footprint, this is to allow for enough sticky material to be in contact with the bike – a good idea but this limits fitment options. The last thing you want to be doing is fabricating mounting brackets and fitting them to the camera clamps. In this instance there wasn’t a good option for the front camera so, as a compromise, I re-engineered the foot and made it fit. Clearly, the smaller you make the area available the less secure the camera will be. Personally, I would have liked to have had a few more options available in the kit.
After a bit of fettling, the front camera was mounted and attention was turned to the rear. This was mounted to the underside of the luggage rack with a couple of Tek screws (not supplied). Both cameras have an indicator arrow to assist you with orientation when mounting. The cameras themselves are the same as each other and roughly the size of your thumb.
Next up was finding a place for the GPS sensor. This is used to record speed on your videos although it can be turned off. The GPS sensor will also track your geographical location so that your journey can be overlaid on to google maps via third party software such as Dashcam Viewer.
Finally, fitting locations also needed to be found for the remote control (which houses a couple of control buttons and the external mic). With all the elements connected up and wired in and all the panels put back on the bike it was time to see if it all worked. For that we need the APP.
The VIOFO app is available for android or apple from their respective app download locations.
The app controls the system settings of the camera. You can choose options such as time lapse speed, how long your loop recording is, sensitivity of the G-sensor, and if you want text superimposed onto the video – a great feature for content creators! There are also some very useful additional camera set up options available such as altering the exposure, this would be handy in dim or bright light conditions. You can set the speed unit and format the SD card all from within the app.
The app is very intuitive to set up and use. It was easy to connect to the inbuilt WiFi of the VIOFO MT1 system (password 12345678) and access the saved recordings. Fine tuning the camera placement can be done in real time while watching the image on your phone (not while riding your bike obviously!). There are 4 modes available Front, Rear, PIP (Picture in Picture) rear and PIP front.
You can use the app to take stills with the camera should you wish.
Getting familiar with the functions of the APP takes a few minutes of tapping on the screen. The interface is car orientated and I would have liked to seen a bike on the splash screen, but once in, it is possible to review video footage stored on the MicroSD card directly over the internal WiFi and delete videos if required.
Depending on the system settings you may see that some videos are locked, these have been recorded due to activation of the motion sensor or G-sensor and can only be deleted by taking the MicroSD card out and putting into a computer. This is so that they cannot be accidentally deleted.
Getting a file off the DVR and saving onto your phone is possible but takes around 8 minutes to download a 10 minute video clip over the internal WiFi, much better to remove the SD card and take that to a computer for editing.
The video footage quality is full HD 1080P with a 170º wide angle. This is great for recording where you’ve been and where you are going. However, even in Full HD picking up registration plates is difficult. (Screen shots of Video)
If your reason for having a Motorcycle Dash Cam is to record wrong doers then unless you are close to them you will struggle to get a clean shot. At 30FPS a vehicle can be out of shot too quickly to capture a good frame.
Overall, this system offers good value for money at just over £200 and once installed can offer peace of mind to riders that want proof of fault in accidents and incidents. They can be very useful for fleet managers who want to keep tabs on their machines and riders, blood bike groups or for riding instructors.
My main use for it is to review footage taken when training associates for their IAM Advanced Motorcycle qualifications. They can reflect back on how they have ridden and with having the two cameras means I can lead or follow without losing footage of them.
If you want to see the actual footage taken by this camera please head to
Notice that the GPS has not recorded a speed on the video but watch right to the end and it does start to do something. This could be due to the positioning of the GPS receiver so that will need to be investigated but it is in the same position as my previous one was.
There is a lot of wind noise from the remote mic and this could probably be fixed by altering the location to a quieter wind noise / louder engine spot but, as it has the control buttons on it, some consideration and some trial and error may be required to find the sweet spot.
Overall, it is an easy to install and user friendly system that quickly connects to the app and offers different modes of recording and playback. Being around £100 cheaper than my previous system it’s a good choice for those looking to save a few quid and still have the peace of mind that on-board video recording gives you.
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Carl Fogarty’s exclusive and limited-edition watch collection, in collaboration with FORZO, launched yesterday on Kickstarter.
The brand-new partnership with the freshly-established British watch brand, was announced in January and will make its hotly-anticipated release yesterday (31st March 2021) at 3pm. To secure your watch before they run out, please click here.
A Facebook Live session with the bike ace also took place at 7pm yesterday to celebrate the launch of this exclusive collection, giving fans and watch aficionados the chance to chat live with the legend himself.
Fogarty – a motorbike hero and known the world over simply as ‘Foggy’ – is a seven-time World Champion and was, for seven years, the fastest man around the legendary Isle of Man TT road circuit.
His all-new watch range takes inspiration from the great moments in his illustrious motorbike racing career, including a record-breaking 1992 TT lap at an unforgettable average speed of 123mph. Appropriately enough, the first watch he has created together with FORZO is called the “123mph” range – and it comes in a variety of colours and specifications.
Foggy said: “I’m so pumped up for the launch honestly! My brand new partnership and watch collection with FORZO is finally out there, and I get to chat with my fans live all about it: I know that everyone’s going to be just as excited as I am. Don’t forget to follow my official Facebook page – it’s going to be a lot of fun!”
The watches themselves can be ordered on Kickstarter starting from 3pm today (31st March 2021), with some special rewards available for early backers.
Follow Foggy on Social Media
Follow Foggy on his official Facebook account, @CarlFogartyOfficial or sign up to the event by clicking here, to join the motorbike legend live on Facebook at 7pm.
For more information on Forzo Watches visit their website forzowatches.com/
Cardo Systems is aiming to put a ‘spring’ in your step with discounts being offered on a variety of Cardo Systems’ devices as part of its ‘Get ready for the riding season’ campaign.
Since pioneering the motorcycle Bluetooth market in 2004 with the ‘Scala Rider’, Cardo Systems has become a global market leader in wireless communications systems designed specifically for motorcyclists. In this 15-year pursuit, Cardo has achieved a number of world firsts including the world’s first rider-to-rider intercom, first music sharing capability, first ‘mesh’ device and the first Natural Voice Operation with direct access to ‘Hey Siri;’ and ‘Ok Google’.
With this combination of constant innovation and proven experience within the sector, those who purchase a Cardo Systems device can be sure they’re getting a product they can rely on.
The complete Cardo Systems’ range is waterproof and can be controlled using the free Cardo Connect™ app, meaning users can create ‘groups’ of riders, manage their favourite radio stations, configure phone speed dials, control settings, adjust volumes and see the units battery status at a glance.
Whether riders are looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, or would like to treat themselves to something new, there are a number of units in the range included in the promotion.
Simply click on the correct document for your country above to see what’s included in the offer in your market.
Find the right Cardo Systems gift for the motorcyclist in your life – or treat yourself – by visiting www.cardosystems.com.
Research by motorcycle dryer manufacturer Bruhl reveals that most riders are still drying their bikes the hard, and inefficient, way.
In a survey of 250 riders, the majority (58%) report using a microfibre cloth or chamois leather to dry their motorcycle after washing it.
While hand-drying gives an improved finish and helps prevent condensation if the machine is garaged or parked under a cover, this method will not remove moisture from hard to reach areas, such as the engine, suspension linkage, brake rotors, speedo/dash area and control switches. In time, this can cause corrosion and/or affect performance.
Hand-drying also involves time and effort and the cloths need to be washed and dried afterwards.
On a more positive note, only 15% leave their motorcycle to dry in the air, which often leads to ‘water spotting’ and smears on bodywork, as well as allowing water to drain into crevices on the bike, where it becomes trapped.
Although bike dryers have been available for several years, less than one in ten riders surveyed use one.
Bruhl dryers use a powerful 1600W turbine to blast away water in seconds, leaving the entire vehicle dry, with minimum fuss.
They have several features specifically developed for automotive applications, including a filtered air intake, to provide a debris-free blast of clean air. The bright red power lead is highly visible, reducing trip hazards, and protected by an RCD ‘trip switch’ to prevent the risk of electrocution – very important when using electrical appliances in wet conditions.
Prices start at £119- including VAT for the Bruhl MD1400, which is covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. Visit bruhl.co.uk to see all the options.
PPE, or personal protective equipment to give it its proper title, has been one of the buzzwords of 2020. Keeping ourselves and others safe has become our national duty during the Covid-19 pandemic and as we look towards happier times in 2021, specialist ear protection company Auritech is asking that we don’t forget to look after our hearing in the new year, when hopefully our favourite activities will start to return to normality.
Auritech recently conducted a survey among the British public, which has revealed that almost half of those interviewed have changed their opinion on personal protective equipment (PPE) since the start of the pandemic. The survey found that 48% of all respondents now had a more positive attitude towards wearing PPE and now Auritech is urging the public to ensure that they also consider protecting their hearing too.
Auritech’s range of earplugs are all equipped with a precision tuned filter to protect wearers from the damaging noise generated by activities while enabling them to hear essential surrounding sound such as conversation, in many cases enhancing the experience of the activity. Manufactured in the EU and CE certified, the range contains seven specifically tuned universal fit earplugs designed for particular activities, and all make a practical stocking filler for your loved ones this Christmas.
Auritech Intelligent Hearing Protection range
Biker: tunes out harmful high frequency wind noise, while still allowing the motorcyclist to hear traffic noise, engine tone and conversations through intercom systems.
Sleep: Promotes healthy sleep by softening background noise, including snoring, while allowing important sounds, like fire alarms, crying children and door bells to be heard clearly.
Travel: pressure regulating filter reduces risk of ear pain caused by pressure changes, removing disturbing background noise while allowing normal conversation to be held on aeroplanes and underground trains.
Shoot: Reduces gun blast noise while allowing wearers to hear conversations and nature sounds, enhancing shoot safety and experience.
Work: Reduces machine and tool noise while allowing the wearer to maintain communication and concentration, which can be a problem when wearing foam earplugs for sustained periods.
Music: For musicians and gig goers, the filter in Auritech Music plugs enhances the sound of the music while reducing overall volume, which would usually be above safe decibel limits.
Water Sport: Regular water contact inside the ear can cause bacterial build-up, irritation and damage. Protecting the middle ear and ear drum from water contact with hearing protectors is recommended.
All Auritech universal fit ear plugs are fully reusable, being constructed from easy to clean medical grade, silicone free hypoallergenic thermoplastic. They come in a stylish aluminium storage tube, which doubles as a keyring, all for £19.95 a pair.
Motorbike tarpaulin covers ensure that motorbikes do not remain unprotected when they are not being used for a while. The iXS Outdoor Tarpaulin Cover provides efficient protection against the weather – suitable for the spring, summer, autumn and winter, while the iXS Indoor Tarpaulin Cover mainly keeps the dust and dirt away. The motorbike covers help to preserve your motorbike in the best possible way and make a major contribution to retaining its value and reducing maintenance costs.
Outdoor Tarpaulin Cover
An unprotected motorbike can be subjected to various weather and environmental conditions. Rays of sunshine make bright colours fade, the paintwork becomes matt, rubber and plastic become brittle. Rain, snow and ice will allow rust to develop and splashes from water, leaves, sand and dust can make the bike dirty. The Outdoor Tarpaulin Cover was created to keep these unpleasant influences reliably away from your motorbike. No water can penetrate the weather-resistant material and UV and the sun are effectively kept away from the bike. The Outdoor Tarpaulin Cover is made of extremely robust, tear-resistant and long-lasting 300D polyester.
The iXS protective cover is available in four different sizes to ensure the best possible fit. In addition, the shape is tailored to the contours of a motorbike. A good fit is very important so that the protective cover does not flutter around in the wind. Otherwise it might scratch your motorbike. If the tarpaulin is a good fit, it also simplifies handling when you put the cover on and take it off. The elastic seam helps with the optimal sit of the tarpaulin and minimises its exposure to wind. The silvery inserts and prints increase visibility, without making it appear obtrusive. A window is integrated in the tarpaulin so you can see the number plate. In some countries, including Germany, such a window is even compulsory. Thanks to the light material, the tarpaulin can be folded into a handy pack size and stored in the bag provided.
Indoor Tarpaulin Cover
The Indoor Tarpaulin Cover is designed to be used under an outdoor cover or in a dry place such as in a garage. It prevents the bike becoming dusty and protects it against other environmental influences. It also prevents scratches, which might for example be caused by the friction of an outdoor tarpaulin fluttering in the wind against the motorbike. The Indoor Tarpaulin Cover is made from a high-quality 4-way stretchy material and adjusted to the shape of the motorbike’s silhouette. Four sizes are available to ensure that the fit really is perfect. The material is so light that the cover can be folded up compactly and stored in the bag provided.
Tarpaulin Outdoor
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Colour: silver-black (093)
Article N°: X95001
Size Dimensions Price (Recommended Retail Price:)
EU/UK USA
M 203 x 83 x 119 cm € 44.95 US$ 55.-
L 229 x 99 x 125 cm € 49.95 US$ 59.-
XL 246 x 103 x 127 cm € 54.95 US$ 65.-
2XL 277 x 104 x 141 cm € 59.95 US$ 69.-
PRODUCT FEATURES
Motorcycle cover Outdoor made of 300D Polyester
Carrying bag
Transparent window for license plate
4 different sizes
MATERIAL
Shell: 300D polyester
Tarpaulin Indoor
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Colour: black (003)
Article N°: X95000
Size Dimensions Price (Recommended Retail Price:)
EU/UK USA
M 203 x 83 x 119 cm € 49.95 US$ 59.-
L 229 x 99 x 125 cm € 54.95 US$ 65.-
XL 246 x 103 x 127 cm € 59.95 US$ 69.-
2XL 277 x 104 x 141 cm € 64.95 US$ 75.-
PRODUCT FEATURES
Motorcycle cover Indoor made of 4-way stretch fabric
carrying bag
Gentle internal coating for the paint
4 different sizes
MATERIAL
Shell: 90% polyester, 10% elastane
For more information on iXS products visit ixs.com/moto/
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With the winter season upon us, Gear Gremlin – the great value brand for indispensable accessories for motorcyclists – is reminding riders that a few inexpensive additions to their workshop and kit cupboard can make a big difference, whether you’re storing your bike or riding it through the chilly months.
A good quality, well-fitting cover is essential for bikes parked outdoors, keeping your motorcycle protected against rain, frost, snow, harmful UV rays (when the sun occasionally shines) and away from prying eyes too. The Gear Gremlin Classic Neon Cover is made from a waterproof, soft and durable polyester with elastic hems for a secure fit. Reinforced side cut-outs are provided to pass a security chain through and the neon yellow section increases visibility on dark roadsides. It comes in three sizes for the perfect fit, from £45.99 including VAT.
If you’re storing your bike, the Silencer Bung protects your engine and exhaust from water ingress, as well as uninvited guests (rodents, insects, etc). It also comes in handy during washing. The universal ‘comb’ fit is suitable for 2- and 4-stroke pipes, priced at £5.99.
Don’t get caught in the cold, rain and/or dark because you haven’t got the tools to fix a simple problem. Compact enough to stash under a seat, or even in a pocket, the Gear Gremlin Tool Kit contains everything needed for emergency roadside repairs – only £14.99.
It’s always worth carrying a spare Gear Gremlin Bandana with you, so you have a dry one to hand. They can be worn in many different configurations, including face mask or beanie, come in a variety of designs and colours and one size fits all. From £6.99.
And finally, we can’t live without our smartphones any more; keep yours safely wrapped up with the waterproof Phone Dry Bag. Made from a durable PVC, with 2 securing poppers, it suits devices up to 135 x 110 mm and sells for £3.99.
Visit www.thekeycollection.co.uk for details on these and the wide range of accessories from Gear Gremlin.
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Starting right now and running until the 1st December, shop Oxford’s Black Friday deals at your local Oxford dealer and save on the selection of products listed below.
Black Friday offers are subject to change and whilst stock last.
This is a SizzApp review about a bike tracker that I didn’t think I’d use, but since I fitted it, it’s become essential. As much as we’d love to ride our bikes 100% of the time, at some point we are going to leave it; either tucked up in a garage, or maybe in a free parking space on a busy street, or in the corner of a poorly lit car park. I used to regretfully look over my shoulder as I said goodbye to my precious motor. Now I can walk away knowing I’m still connected to my bike through the SizzApp monitoring device.
The immediate reassurance of fitting a tracker are the movement notifications, indicating that your bike has moved. In my case, my delightful partner was taking her out of the garage for a clean and the SizzApp device alerted my phone immediately via a ‘towing’ notification. It will also tell you less good news, if the monitor had been unplugged, the signal was jammed or if it has been in a crash. You can even set up a ‘Geofence’, where it will report if your bike has moved outside the perimeter you have set around your home, or where you parked it. If you’ve left your bike sit for a while, it’s easy to check the battery voltage too, all reported in the app.
The tracking GPS function is ideal for a group ride out. If you’ve all got the monitor fitted; being separated is easily fixed as you can see exactly each party is and navigate straight back to each other. You can record all your ride-outs for the last 2 years, share your favourite rides on social media and plan trips with others. You even get some bragging stats for the cafe stop, including top speed (km/h), braking & acceleration forces (m/s2)… best to save those max efforts for the track eh?
The less appealing bit is fitting it. It is definitely simple but if you’ve got a bike where the battery is firmly tucked under fairing instead of your seat, it’s a pain. The app interface is a bit sensitive and not quite as intuitive as you might be used to, however I’ve never had better instant customer service than the @Sizzapp Instagram team. Now I’ve fitted the Sizzapp monitor I don’t want to give it back!
Watch this space you will be able to get the Sizzapp at a very discounted price for Superbike News readers.
For more information on Sizz App visit sizzapp.com
Next up Lara will be reviewing a Ducati Panigale v2 for us courtesy of Chris and Martin from Ducati Manchester in the meantime you can check out LaraMoto’s Youtube channel.
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