Daily motorbike news, views & reviews
Technology for motorcycles and riders is exploding at an ever-increasing rate. There are GPS units, cameras, apps, gizmos, gadgets and more. It’s difficult to keep up with all the latest information, so we provide news and information on coming products. We also road test motorcycle gadgets and gizmos for value, practicality, benefits and ease of use, sorting out the good from the bad.
Hi-fi quality sound is coming to motorcycle helmets after Cardo Systems, makers of the popular Scala Bluetooth helmet intercom, announced a partnership with hi-fi speaker company JBL. The American company announced at last week’s Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne that the new speakers would be included in their Packtalk units from next year. JBL is …
German electronic engineering company Bosch has now produced a mySPIN controller for motorcycle instruments that allows riders to access more than 46 phone apps. And that number is growing! The Bosch controller is like a motorcycle version of Apple’s CarPlay. MySPIN Like CarPlay, the Bosch platform makes motorcycle instruments look and feel more like a smart phone. They …
Have you ever had to stop riding and swap your sunglasses for bifocal or prescription glasses to read a map or your instruments? Soon you may not have to stop and swap! A small family company based on the Gold Coast claims to have developed the world’s first photochromic bifocal sunglasses for motorcycle riders so …
The makers of the basic EyeCo head-up display unit that flashes coloured alert lights in a rider’s peripheral vision claim it is a “Fitbit for your eyesight”. EyeCo refer to it as a “personal co-pilot” that helps racers train and supplies basic navigation aids. It looks more like a distraction to us, but it could …
Arizona company MiClimate says their lightweight wearable air-conditioning unit for riders is expected to be available in the middle of this southern summer. MiClimate was unveiled in April 2016 and has been a long time in the development stage. Now MiCli 1 is expected to ship in December at $US399 (about $A540) plus shipping. For …
Production of SlimBuds Bluetooth motorcycle earphones has begun a year after the company launched its successful crowd-funding program and they will be ready for shipping in August. CEO Alperen Topay recently sent me a set of pre-production earphones and the associated app to test ahead of production models which will cost $US140 (about $A189) in grey or black …
Google Maps has expanded its two-wheeler mode for motorcycles and scooters into Asia after launching in India in December 2017. Motorbike mode differs from other modes by providing alternate routes and faster estimated arrival times. Google Maps currently provides travel routes, navigation and travel time estimates for public transport, bicycles, cars and walking, depending on …
Satellite navigation can be confusing and complex, but this small Beeline navigation tool simplifies the process to reduce distraction for motorcycle riders. It is the size of a small can of tuna, will cost about $US129 ($A175, £98, €110), connects by Bluetooth to your phone and doesn’t chew up your data. Make a Beeline for …
Touring apps for motorcycle riders are flooding the market, each with their own quirks and features. Two new touring apps are Moto Trip Now from American rider Keith Kubarek and Tourstart’s BMW MOA, specifically for BMW riders. Moto Trip Now app Moto Trip Now founder Keith says his app allows the rider to plan and share …
The Domio Sport Bluetooth helmet system provides music without internal speakers and messy wires, but has now added a microphone system that has no internal or boom mic. Domio Sport uses micro-vibration technology to deliver sound into your helmet. It is similar to Headwave Tag which uses “surface transduction” to transmit vibrations through the helmet. However, …