Wow. I feel like every single week I write a new article about a manufacturer’s upcoming motorcycle app. Last week it was KTM’s new app for controlling their MX bikes suspension and engine settings, and a few weeks prior to that it was Ducati’s MyDucati app to keep you updated on all Ducati-related things. This week, I’m introducing you to Husqvarna’s addition to the motorcycle app world.
myKTM, myDucati; what could this new Husky app possibly be called?
… the app is called myHusqvarna (sigh)…
The app will work seamlessly with all your 2021 4-stroke Husqvarna dirt bikes and 2020 FC 450 Rockstar edition bikes as well.
Similarly to the myKTM app, this rendition allows for controlling engine performance and power, while having an additional feature to let the bike tune/adjust the suspension depending on rider weight, skill level, and what kind of track you’re running around.
If you’re not very experienced with motorcycle setup, the app has 2 modes, one of which is a stripped-down version that allows for traction control sensitivity. The advanced model on the other hand gives the rider full control over throttle response, engine braking levels, launch control, etc.
You can create and save presets to use at a later date in the event that you find a perfect set up for your local track, but it perhaps doesn’t translate to a different track and you want to have multiple presets ready for a seamless transition when unloading and starting up your bike at a new track.
The unit that you connect to your bike to allow for the app to connect properly mounts directly to the bike and communicatess with your smartphone (both iOS and Android) so you can have full control of your motorcycle with the touch of a button (or screen, rather).
A device you wear on your wrist could alert you to a rider in your group falling behind, contact emergency if you crash and even monitor your riding behaviour.
So far the campaign has raised $A4546 or 18% of its $25,000 goal from 28 backers in the first couple days with a month to go.
It will cost $A180 (€109, $US130) for supporters and the retail cost when/if it goes to market in May 2021 will be $A280 (€169, $US200).
So how does it work?
Motobit SENTINEL connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone and the Motobit app provides the rider with warnings about potentially dangerous situations through strong vibration feedback, called haptics.
They say the haptic response is “non-distracting” so the rider can keep their focus on the road.
There are some interesting, helpful and dubious features of the wearable device.
Like many emergency call features now available, it will call the ambulance or a nominated contract if it detects you have crashed from its G force sensors. You can obviously override these if you’ve just dropped the your bike!
A useful feature is in group riding where the combination of two devices or more can alert a lead rider if another group motorcyclist cannot keep up or has crashed.
A dubious feature is its use of algorithms to monitor rider behaviour and analyse the course of the road ahead to suggest the adequate riding speed.
Surely that’s part of simple road craft!
We also worry about its ability to provide incriminating information to the police or your insurer!
Motobit SENTINEL can be worn on on your wrist, attached to your trouser belt, kidney belt or in your pants or jacket pocket.
Motobit Sentinel is the product of two years of research and development by Austrian company motobit GmbH, which was founded by two motorcycle enthusiasts.
More women’s jackets have been added to the MotoCAP safety ratings after concerns that women’s riding gear was underrepresented in the world-first safety initiative.
In fact, it took a year after the 2018 launch of the Australian program before any women’s jackets were added to the ratings.
Now six of the 13 latest jackets added to the list are women’s.
That brings the total of women’s jackets tested to 39, compared with 96 men’s jackets.
MotoCAP has tested 17 women’s pants and 43 men’s, while they have rated 37 pairs of gloves for women and 68 for men.
It should be noted that some of the gear, particularly gloves, is deemed unisex, so it has been counted twice as it classified as both men’s and women’s.
It may seem there is not a lot of women’s gear tested at 40% for jackets, 39.5% for pants and 54.4% in gloves.
However, the proportion is much higher than the proportion of female riders in the community which is estimated to be about 10-12%.
Dr Hurren with clothing testing machine
Deakin University researcher Dr Chris Hurren says MotorCAP does not specifically select women’s or men’s gear for testing.
“We use a random database that suggests what to buy to the (secret) buyer in store,” he says.
“This particular buying run the app selected more women’s clothing.
“Often when an items of women’s clothing is suggested by the app it is not available in store so the buyer goes to the next option on the list.
“This particular run it looks like everything the app suggested was available in store.”
Dr Hurren worked with Dr Lliz de Rome and others to produce the protocol that is used by MotoCAP for their testing regime.
MotoCAP is a partnership between Transport for NSW, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), VicRoads, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.
Testing is carried out by the Deakin University Institute for Frontier Materials on behalf of the MotoCAP partners.
Australian smart helmet start-up Forcite Helmets, has released exciting world-first, racer-perspective video from their Forcite MK1 helmet with an integrated camera, bypassing the usual racing restrictions on body-worn cameras.
The Forcite MK1 helmet retails for $A1299 and the next limited batch will be available for Australians this summer.
ASBK competitor Giuseppe Scarcella on board his Forcite Racing Ducati 1299, filmed his race with an integrated camera contained within the chin of the Forcite MK1 smart helmet at the recent NSW Championship race meet at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Watch this video which will make you feel like you are really there.
The film of Giuseppe coming from the back of the grid to finish third overall captures the daring and skill needed to handle a Ducati 1299 at race pace.
From being tucked in down the straight at just a few clicks under 300km/h, to leaning over millimetres from the tarmac, the POV helmet footage gives the viewer an exhilarating experience that on-board cameras cannot.
The video was made as part of the European certification (ECE 22.05) process.
Forcite’s co-founder and CEO, Alfred Boydagis, believes this footage will be a game-changer for fans.
“The Forcite MK1’s ability to capture every twist and turn of the race from the perspective of their favourite rider will give fans an unbelievable perspective on the action,” he says.
“The race legal integrated camera is engineered to give the best view, whatever the position of the rider. Fans can expect this POV footage on their TVs soon – this is the cutting edge of live race action.”
While testing the MK1 during the opening round of ASBK/WSBK at Phillip Island in March, Forcite Racing’s Giuseppe Scarcella says he is happy with the way the helmet feels on the race track.
“Especially popping up from the bubble at over 300km/h to brake for turn one,” he says.
“The helmet’s just stuck to my head and just feels amazing. You realise the difference between a great helmet and a cheap helmet.”
The Forcite MK1 shell is made of carbon fibre and the helmet is packed with AI such as Forcite’s patented RAYDAR™ helmet system.
This server-based software system uses millions of data points through mobile applications, GPS, and cameras around the world that are currently inaccessible to motorcycle riders.
It also features LED technology inspired by communicative visual cues found on F1 car steering wheels, audio interactivity, military-grade camera recording and a fingertip handlebar controller.
A special app also allows the rider to control settings and use their phone for sat-nav, music and calls.
With all this tech integrated, it does away with the need for bulky click-on devices. That also means it passes race scrutineers who ban body-worn cameras and helmet attachments.
It would be the ultimate track-day helmet to video and relive your day!
Pairing helmet intercoms used to be a fiddly process, but now QR codes are making it easier.
You may have recently used a QR code when checking in at a restaurant during this pandemic, so you will know how easy it is to use.
Just turn on your phone’s camera and hold it over the code, and it brings up a window which you click to then enter details.
Some helmet intercom products are now using a similar QR code system and the latest is popular Bluetooth company Sena with their Smart Intercom Pairing (SIP) system.
It will work with nearly all Sena devices and many Sena-powered devices with Bluetooth 4.1 that are branded by companies such as Harley-Davidson, Schuberth, Shoei, HJC, Polaris, Klim, Nexx, ICON, AGV, and more.
How it works
Instead of using your phone’s camera to scan the QR code, the Sena SIP system works via their Sena app which does much the same.
Just scan your friend’s QR code and you’re paired.
Not only to do the speakers have more bass and 7% more volume, but are also slimmer and therefore more comfortable against your ears.
Sena will roll out upgrades for each device’s firmware to ensure HD speaker audio quality is maximised.
The Sena Utility app and 30K Utility app will also be updated with the audio equaliser function that is included in the 50 Utility app. It allows the user to customise frequency and volume.
First it was Sena who increased their 50 series speaker diameter to 40mm to enhance bass response and now Cardo have introduced the Packtalk Black with 45mm speakers.
Packtalk Black is, of course, black, but all other features remain the same. They also offer 45mm JBL speaker replacements for existing Cardo units.
It’s all about the bass
Like Meghan Trainor sang, “It’s all about the bass”, although she refers to body size, not music quality.
Bass doesn’t really matter for intercom or phone conversations, but a lack of bottom end severely impacts sound quality for music, especially modern music that features a lot more bass.
Lower frequencies are wiped out by the abundance of mid to high frequencies caused by wind noise when riding.
Anything above about 50km/h can substantially reduce bass response. It is almost non-existent at highway speeds.
That leaves riders listening to shrill and distorted music which can be a dangerous annoyance.
To compensate, many riders now wear special filtered earplugs that reduce wind noise.
However, some of these can also decrease bass response.
I tested the new Sena 50R and found the bass response and volume substantially increased without any increase in distortion levels when turned up loud enough to hear over my Alpine filtered earplugs.
Sena 50R
Is audio important?
We have published many stories about listening to music while riding.
Indian Motorcycle will join Honda and Harley-Davidson in offering Apple CarPlay to owners of 2020 Chieftain, Roadmaster and Challenger models with navigation.
Honda Goldwing was the first with Apple CarPlay in 2018 and Harley followed a year later with the software update to its Boom! Box GTS Infotainment Systems on their Touring models.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow riders to access some phone apps such as access Google Maps for navigation, traffic and weather reports, as well as some other apps such as Spotify.
Indian Motorcycle Australia & New Zealand National Marketing Manager Tom Mendey says the free update for Aple CarPlay is available now for owners with the 7″ Ride Command system.
“It’s free to do at home via the website provided and a suitable USB device or can be taken into a dealership for the update,” he says.
To use the device, the phone must be plugged into the bike via its charging cable.
The screen will mirror the phone, allowing riders to access it through the touchscreen, Google Assistant voice control or a handlebar control.
It will also allow riders to stay up to date with the latest vehicle information; plan and track routes; share rides with others; and keep maintenance records.
Chinese computer company Lenovo signed a multi-year agreement with Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati in 2018.
Initially the agreement was to support the Ducati MotoGP team with computer firepower, but also to develop products and collaborate on research and development.
The result of this collaboration includes special products such as this limited-edition Lenovo Ducati 5 laptop PC, starting at $1999. Only 12,000 will be produced.
It is based on Intel Core i5 processors up to the 10th generation, with a 14-inch full HD display with a thin bezel and Dolby Audio speakers facing upwards.
Lenovo Ducati 5 also has a fingerprint reader on the power button for secure access that is quicker than entering a password.
There’s also a Privacy Shutter, so you can close the webcam when you don’t want to be disturbed.
Matching Ducati’s MO of lightweight and powerful motorcycles, the laptop is 19.1mm thin and weighs only 1.52kg.
Motorcycle relationship
We love the official press release that also plays on the motorcycle relationship:
The Lenovo Ducati 5 can run for up to 12 hours without needing to pull over and refuel—more than enough to watch your favourite motorbike team go from pole position to the podium. And when the battery’s low, there’s Rapid Charge. Just 15 minutes of recharging and you’re good to go for another three hours.
Get off to the best possible start with lightning-fast performance and various options, including 1TB PCIe SSD storage, 8GB DDR4 memory, and WiFi 6. Plus, with a state-of-the art USB-C port, you can charge your other devices or transfer data at speeds up to 10Gbps.
Ducati. A symbol of speed, performance, and innovation. The Lenovo Ducati 5 taps into that spirit. Dynamic and aesthetically engineered, it fuses pure horsepower with style and verve. With its metallic chassis elements and Ducati detailing, this special edition 14″ laptop is sure to ignite your passion. Start your engines.
The biggest problem with many Bluetooth helmet intercoms is the poor quality of sound, but the new Sena 50R and 50S raise the bar on sound quality to a new level.
I’ve reviewed many intercom systems over the years and my go-to unit has been the Sena 20S for reliability and quality.
But my new favourite is the 50R slimline model that Sena Australiasent to me for review.
Sena 50R
Sena’s new 50 series consists of the 50R and 50S which cost $545 in a single pack or $965 for a dual pack.
The main difference between the Sena 50R and 50S is that the R is slimmer and has three buttons instead of the jog dial and has slightly shorter battery life.
Its slimline look is discrete and it probably reduces drag and wind noise, but I would be lying if I said I could discern any differences.
I thought I would miss the very convenient jog dial which has long been a feature of Sena models.
However, the 50S includes an automatic volume adjustment (or “Smart volume control”) that raises and lowers the volume as ambient sound changes.
In other words, it gets louder as you go faster and drops the level when you pull up at the lights so you aren’t blasted.
Consequently, I have never had to touch the volume buttons anyway.
The associated Sena 50 Utility app (available on Apple and Google Play) also allows you to quickly select whether you want this feature set to low, medium or high.
That means you can have subtle changes in volume or quite dramatic changes. I wouldn’t have thought this would be a significant feature, but it is.
The 50 Series will also connect to digital assistants such as Siri or Google using standard voice commands of ‘Hey Siri’ or ‘Ok Google’.
So you can use that to control volume, tracks, make and receive calls, etc, so there is no need to ever touch the controls.
Sound quality
Another significant update is the slimmer and therefore more comfortable speakers with more bass and 7% more volume.
Not only are the speakers slimmer, but they are bevelled so they fit even in the tightest of helmets and don’t hurt your ears which is important on a long ride.
In fact, I didn’t even need to fit the supplied foam speaker covers.
Sound quality is also greatly improved.
Many helmet intercoms sound fine when you are stationary, but when you hit about 80km/h the bass is drowned out by the wind noise.
However, these still have a full and rounded sound with plenty of bass, even at highway speeds.
They are also louder.
Now Sena don’t want to deafen riders, but they acknowledge that many riders use filtered earplugs with their intercoms.
I use the Alpine MotoSafe which filter out harmful wind noise, but allow you to still hear important sounds such as sirens, screeching braes, car horns and, of course, your music, albeit at a slightly reduce volume.
However, this can be difficult when you’re out on the road unless you have your laptop with you.
The 50 series now comes with wifi capability allowing you to automatically download firmware updates with the special charging cable.
Just plug in the wifi charger and connect to a nearby wifi source such as your phone’s hotspot.
Wifi charger
Mesh
Mesh is an intercom software system that allows multiple riders to connect even when some riders are out of line of sight.
It’s not a system I use much, but for group rides it is very convenient and is a vital safety feature. (In fact, on one occasion, a rider behind me yelped and I knew straight away he had gone down even though I couldn’t see him.)
Critics say the Mesh software is unreliable, but Sena claim the flaws have been fixed.
I haven’t found any difficulties at all. In fact, there is less “crackling” interference from surrounding obstacles such as blind corners, trees, buildings, trucks, etc.
Sena says the intercom range s up to 2km in open terrain, which is about right by my tests.
I haven’t tested its full capacities with a “virtually limitless” number of riders in Open Mesh and 24 riders in Group Mesh intercom. (I don’t have that many friends!)
However, I have no reason to disbelieve Sena’s claims that Mesh extends range up to 8km (5miles) between a minimum of six riders.
Sena 50R tech specs
Price: $545 (single pack), $965 (dual pack)
Warranty: Two (2) year from date of purchase on manufacturers defects
Dimensions: 97mm x 48mm x 27 mm (3.8in x 1.8in x 1.0in)
Speakers: 40mm diameter, 7.2mm thick
Weight: 65g (2.29 oz)
Operating temperature: -10°C to 55°C (14°F – 131°F)
Bluetooth: 5.0
Working distance: up to 2 km (1.2 miles) in open terrain; Mesh extends up to 8km (5miles) between a minimum of 6 riders
Bluetooth Intercom: 4 riders
Open Mesh Intercom: virtually limitless (9 channels)
Group Mesh Intercom: 24 riders
Microphone Noise Cancellation: Advanced Noise Control
If you love touring on your Ducati in Italian style, safety and comfort, you’re going to want the new touring range from the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.
If you can’t wait, you can buy the gear online on shop.ducati.com.
Sport Touring C3 Jacket ($A789)
The Tour C3 sport-touring jacket, is produced by Spidi exclusively for Ducati with CE-certified protectors on shoulders and elbows. You can also fit a back protector.
The outer jacket, made of a mix of polyester fabrics, is equipped with large air vents and has a waterproof and breathable H2Out membrane.
The removable thermal lining can also be worn as a casual jacket.
It is designed to be worn zipped together with Tour C3 trousers.
It comes in a men’s cut in black/red and high-visibility black/ yellow, and for women in black/red.
Tour C3 Trousers ($A499)
The Tour C3 trousers are designed by Aldo Drudi and made in collaboration with Spidi Sport.
They also have the H2Outmembrane, CE-certified shin and hip protectors, a removable lining, elastic fabric, and zipper-adjustable air vents.
The pants are tailored in different cuts for men and women.
Fabric-leather gloves Strada C4 ($A299)
These limited Strada C4 gloves are produced by Held exclusively for Ducati.
The exterior is made of cowhide, sheep leather and polyamide fabric.
Inside is a Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable membrane. However, the reduced thickness created by the Gore grip process still allows control sensitivity.
They also have SuperFabricinserts, volume adjustments on the wrist and are fully CE-certified.
Horizon helmet ($A999)
The Horizon composite fibre helmet is based on X-lite’s X-1004 shell, but designed by Drudi Performance.
The chin guard has a dual safety opening system and ventilation system.
There is a removable and washable internal padding, a sun visor with UV 400 protection and reflex inserts for greater visibility.
Black Steel helmet ($A949)
The Black Steel helmet is based on the Arai Renegade V and designed by Drudi.
The outer shell is made of SFL fibre while the inner shell is made of EPS with differentiated density.
Its interior is made of antibacterial and washable fabric, the VAS visor has a wide field of view and the ventilation system is able to circulate about 14 litres of air per minute.
All Terrain Touring Boots ($A569)
These CE-approved, full grain leather and suede, all-terrain boots were made in collaboration with TCX.
They are equipped with a waterproof and breathable eVentmembrane and a closure system with adjustable, interchangeable aluminium levers.
The boots have a rubber sole for maximum grip on the pegs and feature lined pleats to increase comfort.
Ducati Communication System V2 ($A569)
This intercom system with voice commands allows up to 15 motorcyclists to communicate simultaneously in a range up to 1.6km in “ideal conditions” and about 1km in “real conditions”.
The connection is automatic, activates by talking and goes off after 30 seconds of silence.
In case of interruption, the connection is automatically restored.
It is based on a Cardo Intercom System and allows the rider to make and answer calls, control mobile devices with the touch of a finger or a voice command and listen Bluetooth music or the integrated FM radio.
The volume of the device adjusts automatically according to the background noise.
It features universal connectivity with any Bluetooth headset of any brand.
