Triumphrat

oldndumb · 07-10-2007

Quote:

On 2007-07-10 10:27, MVP44 wrote:
I used to be of the same op as Nomad, but then secured a new Zumo to my bike - will never be without one again. The incredible freedom this allowed me on my recent trip cannot be duplicated. What I did do is to use an extra long RAM arm to mount the Zumo so that it sticks slightly above my windscreen. In this position no head movement is required only a quick glance to the right (less than a mirror check) and I could get all info I need in less time than a mirror check. Another ref point - Depending on my riding position (upright slab for much of the trip) I had to move my head more to check the RPM and speedo than to look at the Zumo and since the Zumo had speedo info that is all I used. Didn't stop me from getting the ever so slight infration from a dislexic Tenessee trooper, but that is another story. GPS properly affixed and monitored will not hamper your riding or road monitoring.

Hook an Autocom to the Zumo then all you have to do is listen to the nice lady give directions and warnings. Still have to glance at it for the speedometer, but you'd have to do that anyway.
Just don't use no sticking cell phone. :-D

norcaltriumph · 07-10-2007

GPS- Yes. Can be very helpful, as long as you're not fiddling with the settings or route guidance while riding.

iPod- Probably illegal in most states, but I don't have a problem with this as long as you're not blaring music so loud you can't her anything else, or you're selecting songs while riding. My iPod earbuds also act as earplugs by deadening sound a bit.

Cell Phones- Hell No. Nothing is more distracting than a cell phone while driving or riding.

(Un)fortunately, I'm in the SF Bay Area, the epicenter of tech. I've seen people typing emails on their laptop in the #3 lane. I've seen, people text messaging on their smartphones while changing cd's in their car. I do agree that the tech phenomenon has made things more dangerous for everyone, but I also think that some of this technology, particularly GPS, can actually make things easier/safer.

bakwheeltango · 07-10-2007

I just setup the 60" lcd tv (really bad aerodynamics)
its connected to an xbox 360 with the steering wheel.

well, I nearly rear ended a semi truck. I was playing forza motorsport2 and doing 200mph with an audi lemans car at the time.

I could have been killed!

I say no to some high tech. (seriously)

gps -yes

radar - uh... hell yah.

Ipod (long trips only) cranked ipod -no
you should be able to hear your engine.

on board camera- uh no evidence!

cell phones- hell no.

:razz:

[ This message was edited by: bakwheeltango on 2007-07-10 14:31 ]

Aske · 07-10-2007

Neither. :razz:

I have a Zumo setup to talk inside my helmet via Bluetooth. I might pair my phone with the Zumo, but I DON'T make or take phone calls. It'd only be so I'd know if someone were trying to get me (because the only calls I'd get would be important ones from my wife). I would NEVER listen to music.

But it is great to have the navigation prompts come into the helmet. If you've looked at a map, part of your concentration already is off the riding and on the route ... what's the difference between that and listening to "In point five miles, turn right onto Glenwood Road"?

airrider03 · 07-10-2007

I must be the only one who answers the phone. It's hooked up to the Autocom and works 100% hands free. I don't do it all the time, but when I'm on the road for a few hours or expect some important communication, I use it.
Mind you, I don't pull out a spreadsheet or wave my arms when I talk on the bike phone, as a matter of fact, you won't even know I'm using it.

deller4210 · 07-10-2007

If you are riding, you need to be focused on the road and the cagers. Forget the calls, stereo, bike to bike communication, CD players. All this ***** will do is get you killed. It's bad enough that people driving cars are fiddling around with all of this S H I T while you and I are attempting to ride. Don't double the effort at extinguishing you own life by joining in. :-D

CLB · 07-11-2007

I suppose you killjoys would frown on running the old CGA based Packman game under a DOS emulator while riding?

How about surfing Triumphrat then?

[ This message was edited by: CLB on 2007-07-10 23:31 ]

jeffster · 07-11-2007

I have an old radar detector on a bars mount ( I have bars, not clip-ons). It is not state-of-the-art, but since CHIPS'
radar units are left on most of the time, even when not in use, the radar detector acts as a proximity detector, which I like. I can hear the first 1 or 2 beeps under all circumstances, including the use of earplugs and at speed (wind noise) so it helps. I cannot see it in daylight, but can at night, so at day I only listen, never look. You can also get dedicated moto radar detectors that have either/or an audio/visual alert hooked up to the helmet, plus larger, brighter displays. $300-400 list. That would be the sweet set-up for long hauls or commuting.
I also carry my cell phone, but don't pay any attention to it until I stop somewhere.
I don't use GPS because (so far) I haven't gone anywhere that I am unfamiliar with.
Occasionally I will hook up earbuds to a small AM-FM set-up, but I do this infrequently.
You could say I go for medium tech in moderation.
jeffster
I noticed that recently I have started doing squid stuff in my car - next up, splitting lanes in a Saab 9-3.

denman13 · 07-11-2007

No music! The sound of my triple roaring through a canyon is music to me.
No walkie-talkie. But then again I don't do a whole lot of two-up riding. If you feel you really need one for long passenger trips it should be used for the following statements only:
1. Gotta pee
2. I'm falling off the back!
3. I'm on fire!
4. Your on fire!

No "look at how beautiful the sunset is to your left..." CRASH.

Radar detector...CA Highway Patrol uses them on a limited basis. More likely to get caught by the stealth cruiser or bike cop you passed flying through the banked corner looking at the road before you see him.

GPS - I can see that being useful for long trips through unknown regions. But only if it operates with no more interaction required than looking at your speedo/tach.

Cell phones! GOD FREAKIN' NO NO NO! I ALWAYS carry my cell with me. I NEVER use it while riding (even with Bluetooth.) Too many idiots out here and you need to be watching them as well as the road cos they often aren't watching you.

Quote:

On 2007-07-10 14:19, Aske wrote:

I have a Zumo setup to talk inside my helmet via Bluetooth. I might pair my phone with the Zumo, but I DON'T make or take phone calls. It'd only be so I'd know if someone were trying to get me (because the only calls I'd get would be important ones from my wife).

If you're expecting an important or urgent call i.e. pregnant wife about to deliver, set the phone to vibrate and when it buzzes, pull off the road and deal with the call. IMO better than trying to have a conversation while riding. Riding takes 110% concentration. And like Don said, one of the things I love about riding is being with just my bike and the road beneath me. The world can wait till I stop to talk to me. My $0.37 (long, I know)

:-D

steventhechef · 07-11-2007

I ride to get away from all of that.

No extras for me.. :-D