Tag Archives: Gear/accessories

News

Do you turn your paper map or GPS to face north?

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Should north be at the top of your paper map or GPS satnav device for the best guidance? Satnav and mapping expert Peter (World Mapman) Davis looks into the phenomenon in the third part of our satnav series.

Paper maps always have north at the top. However, you can just as easily turn the map around to face the direction you are going.

GPS satnav units also have north at the top when showing your position on a map and sometimes even when a route has been selected.

However, they usually default to having the direction you are going at the top when you start navigation mode.

Map expert reviews TomTom Rider 550
TomTom Rider 550

You can overrule that by selecting the option to have north at the top.

So which is the right way?

I believe those who turn a map in the direction they are going may actually be better map readers.

Turning the map so the top is the direction you are heading allows you to get your bearings.

It also makes more sense. If you need to turn left, you turn left.

Having north at the top is not the wrong way to do it, but it does require your brain to do another process.Map expert reviews TomTom Rider 550 paper map

For example, if you are heading south, then a left turn becomes a right turn on the map.

This can become confusing and is often the cause of navigation errors.

On a motorcycle it is also better and safer to have a simple process as riding already takes a lot of mental activity.

Some people can do both methods. Some can only do one.

But people who say they are a terrible navigator are usually those who persist with the north-at-the-top orientation.

I can make them a good navigator just by turning their map around.

Are paper maps obsolete?TomTom Rider 550 GPS satnav Peter Davis map paper map

It seems GPS satnav devices and smartphones with maps have taken over the world.

In fact, some experts say the reliance on satnav has robbed millennials of their sense of direction.

I say use both.

Before you start your road trip and every day before you start the next leg of your ride, get out a paper map.

It shows you the whole route and gives you a good idea of distances and perspectives.

Also, when satnav fails — and it periodically does — you will have some idea of working out which direction to go.

A paper map is a great fallback and the image in your head will also help you find your way.

If you blindly follow satnav guidance it is just like following someone’s taillights.

Click here to find out about types of satnav guidance.

Click here to learn how to plan a route.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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How to plan a ride route on GPS

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Map and satnav expert Peter (World Mapman) Davis tell us how to plan a ride route on a GPS in this second in a series on satnav.

In the first in this series, we talked about the different types of Satnav: moving maps and guidance navigation. 

Planning a route moving maps

TomTom Rider 550 GPS satnav Peter Davis map route
Moving maps

Using moving maps, you can select points on the map which creates a waypoint file.

These can be selected by going to the menu and usually clicking a plus sign.

You can then either nominate a latitude and longitude or simply touch your finger on the screen to drop a “flag” icon.

If you enlarge the map, you can move the flag to an exact point.

Give the waypoint a name and you will be able to find it easily later on.

The waypoints show up as a layer over the map and you navigate yourself on the tracks and roads to those waypoints.

If you save those waypoints, you can share the file with others no matter what moving maps app they use because it is just a series of lats and longs.

Once you import a waypoint file, go to the menu and it will show waypoints as a series of flags on a moving map.

Moving map nav also allows you to record and save the tracks you have done which allows you to view and share so you can repeat the journey.

Planning a route on guidance navTomTom Rider 550 GPS satnav Peter Davis map route

GPS units allow you to plan a route using waypoints just like on a moving map by touching the screen.

But it also allows you to use POI (points of interest) or type in names of places, street names, towns, etc.

You can save the routes to favourites, my routes, etc.

However, once you have created a route, you can only share it with other riders who have the same satnav brand.

That’s because manufacturers develop unique software with features they continue to develop. They don’t want people to use their system unless buying their GPS unit.

You can export them via email, Messenger and sometimes Bluetooth or wifi, depending on the device.

They often include a smartphone app so you can plan a route on your phone or computer and then send it to your device or are it on an online community such as TomTom’s MyDrive.

How to become satnav savvyMap expert reviews TomTom Rider 550 route

The trend with most satnav software is to provide fairly limited instructions in the owner’s manual, or no manual at all.

These days you get comprehensive instructions on the internet or even in YouTube.

But studying the manual first will only get you so far.

By all means, explore the menus at home, but then get out on the road.

The only way you really get to know your satnav device, is to start using it and not worry about making mistakes.

Take your satnav device or app for a ride through an area you already know well so that if you get things wrong, you can still find your way home.

I’ve learnt more satnav quirks as I ride along, rather than from studying the manual.

Explore the settings and try changing things to see what happens.TomTom Rider 550 GPS satnav Peter Davis map route

You can also go for a ride with friends and talk to them and get their tips.

They don’t have to be using the same satnav device as you.

These days most systems are fairly similar in how they work.

So it doesn’t really matter what satnav you use.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Adding action to your motorbike photos

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Motorcycles are about action, yet we rarely see any motorbikes in motion in Facebook photos.

I’m getting a bit tired of the same old photos of motorcycles in car parks or parked outside cafes.

action photos
Typical Facebook carpark photo

The proliferation of these is probably because we are too busy riding and having fun to stop and think about taking some photos of our mates riding past.

But let’s do our Facebook friends a big favour these Christmas holidays and make a pledge to get more action in our shots. Your mates will appreciate your efforts.

You don’t have to be a photographer or use an SLR camera to take good shots, either.

action photos
Photo taken with GoPro on a low tripod

I started out as a photographic journalist and have for years carried around expensive SLR cameras and lenses.

However, they are too big, expensive and fragile to cart around on a motorcycle. I’ve broken several over the years from vibration and bumps on the bike.

These days I just use an action camera or a phone. Most take fantastic idiot-proof shots.

Here are a few quick iPhone tips to snap some interesting motorcycle action photos on your next ride with friends. (Android phones should have similar functions.)

Panning shotsaction photos

Action in a photo is best shown by having some blur. This is easy.

When you next stop for a coffee/toilet break, tell your mates you will leave a couple of minutes early to station yourself on a corner or scenic outlook where you will photograph them as they go past.

Park safely off the side of the road and set yourself up somewhere with the sun behind you and a good clear shot of the road as the riders go past.

Hold the phone out about 30cm from your face so you can see the live action at the same time as what’s on your screen. This will help you follow the action.

As each rider comes into view, hit and hold the “shoot” button, careful to keep the rider in the centre of the shot as you follow them around the corner.

This will create a “burst” of photos that focus on the rider and blur the background.action photos

When you check the photos, you will see the word “Select…” at the bottom of the screen.

The main photo may be blurry and not well framed, but if you click on Select, you will see all the photos from your panning shoot.

Select the best to show your mates. They will look like MotoGP starts even if they are riding slowly!

Or you can blur the bike to show speed with a nice panorama in the background.

Simply hold the phone still as the riders go past and hold down the shoot button.

action photos
Blurred riders look fast

Scenic photos

A beautiful landscape photo looks even better with a bike in the foreground.

And it doubles the attraction if you also have a moving bike in the frame.

In this shot, I’ve positioned my bike in the foreground with a mountain in the background and a fellow rider going past.action photos

Low-down action

You can also make an action shot more dramatic if you get down low to shoot the bike.

Too many people hold the camera at eye level while standing.

action photos
Low-down action

Bikes only stand a bit over a metre tall, so at eye height, most of the bike is in the bottom half of the photo.

Get down low and you will fill the frame with motorbike.

And if you can jump an adventure bike even a few inches off the ground, it looks like a whole lot more!

Now show us some of your best motorcycle photos.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

AGV X3000 retro helmet review

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Everything old is new again in the world of helmets and the latest to join the retro helmet rage is the very stylish AGV X3000 race replica.

The X3000 range is led by a $999 limited-edition tribute to the legendary 15-time world motorcycle champion, Giacomo Agostini.

There are 10 colour choices ranging in price from $599 in solid colours to $699 for multi-colours and $799 for the Gloria.AGV X3000 helmets retro helmet

Style and function

The X3000 retro helmet series replicates the original helmet that AGV founder Gino Amisano worked closely with Ago to develop.

It features a low chin guard, tapered bottom and the contoured chin piece that Ago requested so he could lean his head on the tank.

The low chin guard not only looks retro, but also provides a wide aperture for good vision.

Safety first

That’s a great primary safety feature, but what about secondary safety – crash protection?

Top UK-based SHARP helmet rating system has not tested the X3000 series yet.

However, our survey of all their ratings shows AGV is the second-highest rating in safety behind Shark.

AGV also rated third in the Canstar Blue helmet customer satisfaction survey.

The fibreglass shell and EPS structure are in three sizes for a close fit and safety.

They also feature a sturdy double-D chin strap clasp.

AGV X3000 retro helmet review
Stylish “AGV” stamp on clasp

Retro helmet road test

Australian importer Link International sent me a $699 black and white Legends to review.

It’s a handsome helmet with high-quality gloss finish and luxuriously plush leather and fabric interior. The lining is breathable, replaceable and washable.

The helmet could easily go on the mantlepiece for all to admire.

However, this is for test, so I’ve taken it on several rides to test comfort and practicality.

Fit is different for every head. AGV helmets fit my particular head shape well with no pressure points on my head.AGV X3000 retro helmet review

However, I seem to take one size larger than with other helmets, so it’s important to try it on in a store, rather than (or before) ordering online.

Pulling the helmet on it feels very comfortable. There is an ear recess where you can fit your Bluetooth intercom speakers without hurting your ears. It’s a snug fit, but I found I can still wear earphones without pulling them out as I pull on the helmet.

Speaking of Bluetooth, there is no way to use the clamp attachment as there is no gap between the lining and shell. Instead, you will need to use a sticker mount.AGV X3000 retro helmet review

Visor closure

There are two traditional magnetic snap-latches on either side of the visor. You can open the visor with just your left hand, leaving your right hand free to stay on the throttle.

Closing the visor requires a firm push on both sides and the middle to fit the seal around the wide face aperture.

Most retro helmets have large gaps around the visor. It may be traditional, but it makes them noisy and tiring on a long trip.

This has a rubber ring around the aperture for a firm fit. It is easily the quietest retro helmet I have tested with the visor closed.AGV X3000 retro helmet review

However, there are a lot of different whistling sounds when the visor is open.

Like many retro helmets there is no chin spoiler to deflect wind and noise.

Surprisingly, not a lot of wind noise comes up through the chin gap. Yet you do get a lot of cool ventilation for your face.

There is only one long and narrow vent at the front of the visor. It is blocked by a removable black rubber gasket.

AGV X3000 retro helmet review
Single vent

Pull it out and it feeds cooling air straight into vents at the top of the aperture that channels into the shell.

Together with the facial air flow, it’s surprisingly cool on a hot day.

But with no chin spoiler it might be a bit breezy in winter.

Visor change

Changing the visor from clear to tinted or vice versa is not as easy as many modern helmets that simply pop into place.

This one is held by a screwed-in plate and a circlip on each side.

To undo, pull off the small black plastic cap and unscrew the round metal plate with an allen key (not provided).

Pull out the circlip, careful not to drop the two plastic gaskets that locate the visor.

That’s five pieces to remove.

It’s needlessly fiddly, time-consuming and will fill up your swear jar.

Conclusion

If style and safety is your thing, try the X3000 which is the most practical of the retro helmets I’ve tested.AGV X3000 retro helmet review

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Rider leggings get poor safety ratings

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The world’s first motorcycle clothing safety ratings program, MotoCAP, has given just half a star each to three sets of rider leggings and mixed reviews on gloves.

MotoCAP launched in September with ratings for 10 leather jackets and 10 pairs of rider jeans.

Last month they added ratings for 10 textile jackets which rated lower than the leather jackets on safety.

MotoCAP has set a target of testing 10% of available jackets, pants and gloves in its first year of operation.

Leggings tested

BulliIt Fury Jeggings leggings
BulliIt Fury Jeggings

So far, no women’s jackets or pants had been tested, but now they have tested three pairs of women’s leggings.

The Bull-It, Draggin and Oxford leggings rate just half a star for safety out of five.

The Draggin Stealthz leggings also rated half a star for comfort, while the Oxford Super Leggings rated three and a full five stars for the Bull-It Fury SP120 Lite Jeggings.

Click here for the full ratings for all pants.

Gloves tested

Ducati Corse C3 gloves leggings
Ducati Corse C3 gloves

Finally gloves have been tested with a mixed range of results.

Ducati Corse C3 gloves received maximum protection ratings, while Macna Catch Mesh and DriRider Air Ride scored just one star.

No ratings were given for comfort.

Four stars went to Harley-Davidson Circuit waterproof and Alpinestars SP-2, three to Ixon RS Rallye HP and Five Gloves Sportcity and two stars to Dainese Mig C2.

Testing target

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched target
MotoCAP testing equipment

In October, a Transport for NSW spokesman told us leather pants are also being tested.

When MotoCAP was launched, the motorcycle clothing industry was not invited to pay for testing to guarantee independence.

The gear was bought anonymously from stores and local online outlets.

However, MotoCAP has invited companies to submit products for ratings and pay a low fee to cover testing.

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched testing

It is not yet known if these new items were randomly selected or provided by distributors.

Companies can voluntarily advertise their rating using the MotoCAP logo.

MotoCAP is a not-for-profit organisation in partnership with the following: from NSW – Transport for NSW, SIRA and the NRMA; from Victoria – VicRoads, TAC and RACV; from South Australia – DPTI, MAC and RAA; from Queensland – TMR and RACQ; from Western Australia – the Western Australian Road Safety Commission; plus the Australian Motorcycle Council and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation.

The Transport for NSW spokesperson says MotoCAP is designed to “reduce road trauma and injury severity for motorcyclists” by informing riders of their choices.

“It is hoped this will be achieved by raising consumer awareness of, and demand for, better protective clothing, and manufacturers and suppliers will respond to that demand,” he said.

“The MotoCAP rating system will be continually monitored and feedback will be considered to identify any improvements that can be made.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

LDM introduces ExoFlex waterproof jacket

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UK brand LDM is a relative newcomer to the market with a range of affordable riding gear including this LDM ExoFlex all-weather jacket with a trendy hood.

Lorenzo, founder of LDM, says he set up the company three years ago as an online retailer of well-known motorcycle clothing brands including helmets, gloves, and accessories.

“After a couple of years, I was finding people including myself were getting fed up with the lack of innovation that’s going on among the budget-mid level motorcycle clothing brands,” he says.

“As a slightly younger biker I could see the potential to make exciting new motorbike gear using newer materials in more casual clothing items. Which is how LDM was born.

LDM ExoFlex jacket
LDM ExoFlex jacket

“The whole mission is to provide good value motorcycle clothing that is more than just your normal textile or leather jacket or gloves. Everything we do is designed to be different but also practical.”

The LDM range is still quite small, but is experiencing a lot of growth in the UK and is planning to expand into European distribution next year.

You can also buy their gear through their online presence at LDMotorcycles.co.uk.

Their gear has not been tested by the new Australian MotoCAP system.

LDM ExoFlex jacket

Lorenzo sent us their new ExoFlex all-weather jacket which has been inspired by the success of their softshell and leather gloves.

It’s a smart-looking and comfortable jacket that sells for £114.99 (about $A200 plus postage), but is currently on discount at just £89.99 (about $A157).

This is not a jacket for touring or racing, but a comfortable and fashionable urban jacket.

It features CE-approved impact armour in the back, shoulders and elbows with abrasion-resistant DuPont 220GSM Kevlar aramid lining.

(The back protector is level 2 EN1621 while the elbow and shoulders are level 1, but they are upgrading to level 2.)LDM ExoFlex jacket

When LDM claim it is an “all-weather” jacket, they are probably referring to UK summers. With its windproof shell and no venting, it’s too hot over about 30C on a non-faired bike.

There is no zip-out liner for winter riding, but you could easily fit a thermal underneath for cold conditions.

With some recent milder weather as well as some torrential rain courtesy of Cyclone Owen, we have been able to put the jacket to the test.LDM ExoFlex jacket

ExoFlex is a bomber-style jacket with elasticised cuffs and waistband like I used to wear when I started riding too many years ago.

It’s extremely comfortable, but I’m a bit concerned about the elasticised sleeves and bottom of the jacket riding up if I slide along the ground.

Waterproof claims

The soft-shell outer and main YKK zip are waterproof, although the elasticised sections can slowly suck in some water.

LDM ExoFlex jacket
YKK zips

But you can make it properly waterproof if you overlap waterproof gloves with the cuffs and wear waterproof pants under the waistband.

Three deep, outside pockets also have waterproof zips to keep moisture off your wallet and other contents.

I proved it by carrying a tissue in each pocket to see if they became wet while riding in heavy rain. When I pulled them out later, they were still dry.LDM ExoFlex jacket

There is only one internal pocket, but it is conveniently the same shape and size as most modern plus-size phones. It also has a hole for an earphone cord.

Many modern urban motorcycle jackets now come with a drawstring hoodie section which is not only trendy but practical as it keeps the rain off your head when you take off your helmet.LDM ExoFlex jacket

It would be nice if it was detachable as the drawstrings and hoodie section flap around annoyingly at highway speeds.

Unlike many motorcycle jackets, it doesn’t feature a lot of ugly shapes, panels and labelling. That makes it suitable casual wear off the bike.LDM ExoFlex jacket

It doesn’t have any reflective material, so you might think about wearing some when riding at night.

If you need an affordable comfortable and protective jacket for urban riding and commuting, check out this LDM ExoFlex.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

AGV adds retro X3000 and X70 helmets

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Retro-designed AGV X3000 full-face and X70 open-face helmets are now available in Australia with two race legend tribute helmets.

The X3000 range is led by a $999 limited-edition tribute to the legendary 15-time world motorcycle champion, Giacomo Agostini (pictured above).

Top of the open-face X70 range is the $499 Pasolini which is a tribute to GP legend Renzo Pasolini who died in the Monza GP in 1973.

AGV X70AGV X70 x3000

The X70 range has six colours ranging from plain black or white at $299, to silver and matte black at $329, a three-shade maroon at $399 and the Pasolini.

The profile of the X70 jet helmet is compact, owing to the three fibreglass shell sizes.

It is also light, has a fully removable and washable interior, double shell fastening and a double D-Ring retention system.

There is a range of peaks and visors available, that attach via the three classic press studs.

AGV X3000AGV X3000 helmets

There are 10 colour choices in the X3000 range ranging in price from $599 in solid colours to $699 for multi-colours and $799 for the Gloria.

AGV X3000 Gloria
AGV X3000 Gloria

AGV founder Gino Amisano worked closely with Ago to develop the full-face helmet for racing.

The X3000 series replicates the profile of the original helmet with a low chin guard and tapered bottom.

It also includes the contoured chin piece that Ago requested so he could lean his head on against the tank.Giacomo Agostini Ago AGV tribute helmet

In true classic design, the visor mechanism has a dual-button snap shut that can be opened with the left hand alone.

But unlike some of the other retro helmets around, it appears to have a better wind seal for lower noise. 

The interior features leather and fabric with breathable, replaceable and washable padding.Giacomo Agostini Ago AGV tribute helmet

There are only 3000 of the ASGO tribute helmets available worldwide. It comes in a luxury leather bag in sizes 56-59.

The Ago is made of carbon fibre and weighs just 1290 grams in the smallest size.

The rest of the X3000 range is made of fibreglass.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Bike SMS has second go at crowd funding

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A French company which plans to produce LED signs for motorcycles and cars so riders and drivers can communicate with each other by SMS is having a second go at funding its product.

The idea is you use voice activation to dictate a written message to traffic which is displayed on an LED sign. It could be thanking them for leaving a gap, warning them of emergency braking or abusing them for cutting you off!

We announced the launch of their first Indiegogo crowd funding campaign in May 2018.

Drivers and riders obviously didn’t think much of the SMS idea because it raised just €318 (about $A491) from eight backers. The flexible goal was €32,735 (about $A50,500).

Now French company Omicron is having a second go at crowdfunding. This time, they just want $A%000 and have raised more than $1500 with almost three weeks to go.

A simple wave or finger gesture has always been enough for me, but it appears some people want more precise communication.

Dictate SMS

The MotoChat and CarChat devices use a Bluetooth microphone, universal voice recognition and an LED board that fits on a bike’s or car’s number plate.

Riders simply dictate their SMS message through the microphone to the LED board which shows seven letters, but also scrolls so you can display a longer message.

The microphone uses a different signal to normal bluetooth intercom so it won’t interfere.

There is also a three-axis gyroscope accelerometer that will detect emergency braking and automatically translate it to the LED board as a warning to drivers behind.

However, let’s hope they spell “brake” correctly and not “break” as in the video!MotoChat message warning sms

SOS function

MotoChat also includes an SOS function in the event of a crash.

The accelerometer detects lean angles of more than 67 degrees and interprets that as a crash.MotoChat message warning sms

The GPRS tracker will note the exact location and an associated app that works with any smartphone will send an SOS message with GPS location to a prerecorded number of your choice, so long as there is signal.

The person who receives the SOS can then alert emergency services at the touch of a button.

There is no subscription required for the service as there is with some other emergency tracking devices.

The European Union now requires all new cars to have a similar SOS device called eCall and it will only be a matter of time before that extends to all new motorcycles.

BMW already has an eCall function available on some of its bikes.

BMW Motorrad SOS alert button tracker message sms
BMW’s SOS button

MotoChat price

Retail price will be €90 for MotoChat and €119 for CarChat. Supporters of their Indiegogo funding campaign will be able to order them for €60 (about $A92) and €75 ($A115.75).

The only use I could see for this device is to ask road hogs to move over and let me pass. However, the driver wouldn’t see that message unless I displayed it on the front of my bike!

  • What are some of the messages you would like to send? Leave your reply in the box below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Forcite Helmets seek test pilots

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Australian motorcycle helmet startup Forcite is looking for riders to act as test pilots for their ultralight but ultra-hi-tech smart helmet.

The smart helmet revolution is coming with several hi-tech helmets or add-on units hitting the market in the next few years, changing riding forever. 

Not to be outdone by Silicon Valley and Asian tech wizards Michael Drysdale of Forcite Helmets in Sydney is working on a helmet that will include a lot of technology.

If you would like to be a test pilot, simply click here and request to join up.

Forcite helmetForcite smart helmet

The carbon helmet will have an integrated camera system, navigation, intercom and active noise-cancelling.

Their custom camera system is based on body-worn video used by the defence force.

They also claim Forcite has developed “a totally new way to navigate, get alerts and locate Police and speed camera’s through a combination of software and hardware technology”.Forcite smart helmet

Forcite helmets will include an electronically tinted visor that changes tint within a few milliseconds.

It sounds similar to the AGVisor system that changes tint in less than a second at the touch of a button.

Valentino Rossi with his special Pista GP helmet with AGVisor tinted visor forcite
Valentino Rossi with his special Pista GP helmet with AGVisor

The helmet is made of ultralightweight carbon fibre composite “unique to the Forcite range”.

They claim it will be lighter than most standard helmets even though it is equipped with a huge amount of technology.

“It has taken us three years of work to learn how to make this possible with the entire electronics package less than the size of a credit card,” he says.Forcite smart helmet

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Jarvish offers smart helmet discounts

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Taiwanese company Jarvish has launched a crowd-funding campaign and discounts to produce their X and X-AR smart helmets that include a host of technology as well as voice-only access to Siri, Amazon Alexa and OK Google control.

Other features are a carbonfibre shell, front and rear 1080p 360-degree cameras, Bluetooth audio, active noise cancelling to reduce wind noise, a drop-down HUD screen, and integrated satellite navigation.

A range of those features has been promised in other smart helmets, but none promises all of them.

There are other points of difference:

  • The cameras will not only record video on 16 GB of internal storage plus a 256GB card slot but the rear camera can also be used as a rear view mirror;
  • Its head-up display screen is voice-activated to retract and deploy so it isn’t in your face the whole time;
  • Automated sensors turn the helmet on when you put it on and turns off when you remove the helmet;
  • Gyro, e-compass, accelerometer and ambient light sensors analyse the weather and road conditions to provide real-time alerts;
  • Access to Siri, Alexa and OK Google is voice activated without having to tap a button; and
  • Wireless charging.Jarvish X-AR augmented reality HUD smart helmet

Now they have launched their Kickstarter campaign with early bird pledge offers.

The full-featured X-AR is being offered at $US899 (about $A1230) compared with the retail price after the campaign of $US1599 ($A2190). It is scheduled for delivery in September 2019.

A “budget” X version without HUD and the rear camera will cost $US399 ($A545) for early bird backers compared with the retail price of $US699 ($A950). Delivery is planned for April 2019.

Shipping will be free in the UK and US, but $US100 (about $A135) elsewhere.

Jarvish promises to deliver

The Jarvish HUD promises to show “critical information” such as bike speed, local speed limit, time, weather, chance of rain, media, phone calls, fuel stops, compass, navigation, traffic alerts, and even “road slip notifications”.

That’s a lot of information available to overload the rider and possibly make the helmet very heavy.

However, voice activation means the rider can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the bars while  control the cameras, make a call, adjust the volume, play music and more.

Even with all that technology and capability, the ECE and DOT-approved carbon helmets weigh only 14.kg for the X and 1.7kg for the X-AR.

Battery life will be six hours for the X. The extra tech in the X-AR will drain the military-grade solid-state flexible type lithium ceramic battery in four hours.

There is also an Android and iOS app that comes with the helmet to widen its capabilities.

Smart revolution

There have been many smart helmets promised, but only a few have materialised and not with all the trimmings as this promises.

So it would be understandable if riders were sceptical about this product materialising as promised next year.

However, at least they are not asking for crowd funding as most others have, including the infamous Skully which squandered its funding on fast cars and fast women and was then supposed to be resurrected by now.

Skully HUD helmet fenix cheaper hudway Jarvish
Skully helmet

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com