Triumphrat

TheNomad · 07-10-2007

I see a lot of posts about how to hook up Cell phones, GPSs, Ipods, etc, etc on the forum.

I, for one, could never forgive myself if I got injured on a motorcycle while trying to operate one of these devices.

IMHO riding motorcycles is too dangerous. I would never purposely introduce any device that could possibly distract me.

I cast my vote for No Tech.

What say Ye?

MD

smegin · 07-10-2007

I'm with you on this one Nomad. When on the bike, mind on one thing THE BIKE and eyes on everything else.

Umberto · 07-10-2007

I agree on all the devices you mention except the GPS.
I find that very useful when I don't know where I am or how to get back home. In stead of trying to find the signs for the right direction and thus not fully concentrating on the other traffic, I rather have a nice woman voice tell me the directions directly in my ear while I can concentrate on riding.
Just my two cents :-D

SR1 · 07-10-2007

I often seek out and ride "new" and obscure roads in the Appalachian mountains and if it weren't for GPS I'd be carrying lots of large scale maps so I could find lots of things...also, especially on my long cross-country trip the GPS was invaluable as I could quickly find not only detours or the best way to go through an area, but ALSO local hotel and camping information while not even slowing down. The secret to doing this and not wrecking is memorizing the page format of your GPS. I can operate it by feel and only take my eyes off the road long enough to see the final page showing directions.

iPod, radar detector, and maybe even a walkie-talkie (if it works well) all are welcome on my bike.

I've got well over 32k on the Sprint now so I obviously don't just leave it in the garage. In that amount of time I have used the ***** out of all those devices, making my motorcycling experience very efficient and rewarding. YMMV

[ This message was edited by: SR1 on 2007-07-10 08:07 ]

Sprint1050DA · 07-10-2007

No Tech...although I can see the argument for GPS and might have one, one of the units I could switch back and forth between car and bike if money allowed. It'd probably only get used a few times a year though.

oldndumb · 07-10-2007

I wish cell phones could be made inoperable in all moving vehicles.
I don't think the rest of the items cause the degree of distraction that a cell phone does.
I don't remember what the setting is called, but my Zumo is set so that only the required functions are active while moving. If you want to play with the bells and whistles, you have to stop.
On a related note, every time we ride we see people driving cars and playing with their cell phones . Yesterday I was amazed to watch a girl drive through an intersection while using both hands to play with her phone!
Well, I bet the witty ones will take this and run with it, but I didn't know how else to describe what I saw

dolson · 07-10-2007

I get on a bike to get away from all that jazz. I do take a cell only for emergency use but I'm usually out of a coverage area anyway.

Don

jthursby · 07-10-2007

Just say no to gizmos. (besides the Valentine 1)

Jim T.

amrehm · 07-10-2007

Once you've used GPS you can't do with out it. I cant tell you how many times I used to look down at a map only to look back up & find a car slowing in front of me & having to slam on the brakes. GPS is much safer as you can drive & keep your eyes on the road at all times.

As for the IPod...I love it. No different than listening to the radio in your car. It actually helps me relax & I ride better. It makes the 12 hour travel days seem much shorter as well. If you can't listen to music while operating a vehicle safely, then just don't use it.

Alan

MVP44 · 07-10-2007

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.