Showing posts with label motorcycle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motorcycle. Show all posts

8/28/2012

Garmin GXM 30 Antenna NavTraffic and XM Satellite Radio reception for your Garmin navigation system Review

Garmin GXM 30 Antenna NavTraffic and XM Satellite Radio reception for your Garmin navigation system
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(More customer reviews)
I have been using a GXM 30 with my Garmin 2739 for over 2 years now. I am very pleased. I use if for music as well as subscribing to the traffic and weather services from XM. I take the unit wherever I go. The 2730 goes from car to car as well as two motorcycles. The GXM I only use in the cars as I have hard wired a Delphi Sky-Fi II mounting bracket onto both bikes and take the head unit with me as I need it. For those of you who are thinking about buying a car dealer navigation system in the car as well as XM - don't wast your money. The Garmin is a whole lot less (I paid $181 for a refurbished unit), it is more easily updated and for less than the dealer systems, and it is portable. OK, it is not as cosmetically appealing as a in dash screen but I can live with that and the $2000 I saved. I agree with the previous poster, the first person should have researched the product. His complaint is not a valid one.

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8/12/2012

Chatter Box XBi2 Wireless Intercom - Full-Face Kit Review

Chatter Box XBi2 Wireless Intercom - Full-Face Kit
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I recently purchased a Chatter Box XBi2 Wireless Intercome with the full-face kit. I installed it into a full-face Scorpion helmet. The documentation provided with the Chatter Box XBi2 did very little in assisting me with the installation. By the way, the documentation with the Scorpion helmet did even less. If anyone purchasing the Chatter Box XBi2 feel they need instructions or doucmentation to help them figure out the appropriate way to operate and install the device, they will be greatly disappointed. If you can manage to get the Chatter Box installed and operating, it works just fine. Don't buy this item unless you are going to have it professionally installed or your mechanical/electronical skills are way above average.

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3/31/2012

Blueant F4 Stereo Bluetooth Interphone Motorcycle Kit (Helmet not included) Review

Blueant F4 Stereo Bluetooth Interphone Motorcycle Kit (Helmet not included)
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(More customer reviews)
I have owned a pair of these since November (I bought them within a day of their availability in the US), and have lots of miles on them. Don's (Daugherty) review is excellent, and I won't repeat it. I have used these on both my custom Harley (loud) as well as a cruiser, and I can tell you that volume is fantastic, as is the fidelity. However, as Don notes, they are NOT iPhone friendly. The problem is not the A2dp compatiability (BlueAnt tech is using that excuse, but is using old iPhones), as only the first generation iPhones and iTouch's had that problem.
See this link for proof: [...]
The problem is that the BlueAnt F4 is NOT sending the "pause" code when it enters intercom mode. It does send the proper code when it enters telephone mode (the music stops playing and returns when stopped). You do get the music back when the phone call terminates. When an intercom "call" terminates, you can not get back to your music without taking out and fiddling with the iPhone.
Don noted that the external (redundant) Bluetooth adapter works (sort of true), in that the music returns. However, the music has continued playing while you were on intercom, proving that the F4 did not send the pause signal. If it HAD sent the pause signal to the iPhone (or iPod), you would not have to use the external Bluetooth device.
What is bad about the external Bluetooth device hanging on your iPhone? It costs extra, for one. More importantly, it absolutely drains your iPhone battery quickly (you are running 2 Bluetooths on the phone!), AND you can't have your phone plugged into the bike for power since the Bluetooth adapater is occupying the iPhone charging slot!
So, if you aren't using the iPhone as your music and phone device, I fully recommend the BlueAnt F4. However, if you are an iPhone user, you will be frustrated, as the 10h battery life of the BlueAnt means nothing when your iPhone craps out in less than 4 hours !!!
BlueAnt can fix this with a protocol change, and I surely expect them to. Until then, iPhone buyers beware.

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1/10/2012

TomTom Rider 2 GPS Navigator for Motorcycles and Scooters Review

TomTom Rider 2 GPS Navigator for Motorcycles and Scooters
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(More customer reviews)
I received this unit for Christmas primarily for my bike, but once I purchase the car mount adapter it will be used in the car as well.
This is an excellent unit, to say the least. One reviewer mentioned that it's too difficult to turn the unit on- I say "hogwash". The pushbutton is stiff, yes, but that's done to keep the unit from turning on accidentally while in your jacket pocket or carry bag (and with a touch screen, you can well imagine how much mischief one could accidentally create if it turned on without your knowledge). Ditto with the Scala Rider headset- you don't want the thing accidentally turning on, running the battery down, do you?
Another reviewer mentioned that it doesn't have a "speedometer" or trip meter function- it most certainly does have a speedometer, and what I assume is the "trip meter"- but since TomTom set the unit from the factory to eliminate as much extraneous information as possible, you have to activate it in the menus. Once that has been activated, it'll be there until you turn that feature off. In fact, there are a great number of features you can turn on and off in the menus.
I found the documentation to be adequate, and to the point. The printed documentation is to get you up to speed until you charge the units and turn them on- it's easy sailing after that. The unit is very easy to use, and it has tutorials right on the unit, so in my opinion further paper documentation is rather redundant- actually, I think it's pretty smart on TomTom's part to include tutorials on the unit itself rather than supply a printed book- that way I don't have to carry around the book, as all of the information is already on the unit! They really don't say much about the bike power cable, but I can certainly understand why- it's not possible to provide information about every bike out there, and if you aren't familiar enough with your bike, or can't figure out how to install it, it's probably best to get someone who is (like your bike dealer) to do the installation.
I've got a Motorolla Razr phone, and the TomTom easily hooked up to my phone via Bluetooth, and it painlessly downloaded all of my phone numbers I have stored on the phone (thank you for providing this helpful feature!).
I do wish that it gave the street name when it gives you instructions to turn, but I soon got used to how it works- not only does the display give you very clear instructions on where to turn, it also gives you the street name. Once you get used to it, it's easy. But I would like the option of hearing the street name (my PDA does, but the map display isn't as easy to see as the TomTom). While playing with the unit as my father-in-law drove the car, I discovered one potential issue with having the street name spoken to you- what happens when the street name is changed, but your maps haven't been updated? If you rely on the spoken street name, you might miss it- it's best to take a glance at the screen to make sure you're taking the correct turn (I found one such road- the name has recently been changed, but the map showed the old name instead). Still, I'd prefer to have it spoken, and visually double-check the map.
Overall, I give the TomTom an A-. TomTom, if you're reading this, I'll give you an A+ if you guys update the software so that it'll give you the street name by voice- then you'll have the best bike GPS available! However, I'd still buy the unit as is. It would just increase the functionality by including this feature.

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Developed for bikers by bikers, TomTom RIDER is one of the smartest navigation solutions for motorcycles. Switch on and go right out of the box. Just mount the unit on your bike, and you're ready to hit the open road. Turn-by-turn spoken directions guide you safely door-to-door to any address in the United States or Canada.

Rugged waterproof device, anti-glare screen, integrated sun visor, and gloves-on operation give bikers just what they need while riding. Navigation instructions are spoken via in-helmet Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset for great audio quality, external noise cancellation, and added safety and convenience. Itinerary planning helps riders to make the most of their time on the road. And with a choice of routes--including shortest, fastest, non-toll roads, and avoiding highways--you can explore the world your own way.
TomTom RIDER can even be used for safe hands-free calling with your Bluetooth-enabled phone.
TomTom has the most accurate maps, and with TomTom Map Share technology, you instantly can modify street names, street direction, points of interest, and more on your own device.
Included universal RAM mounting kit securely fits most bikes. Optional car mount kit accessory makes it easy to transfer from bike to car.
The TomTom RIDER is the ultimate in smart and easy bike navigation.
RIDER Features
Maps of United States and Canada with TomTom Map Share
Spoken Instructions
Glove-friendly Touchscreen
Waterproof
Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset
Universal RAM Mount
Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling
3.5-inch Touchscreen
Car Mount Kit--Optional Accessory

All TomToms Feature
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.
Preloaded Points of Interest--Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and more on your route.
30-Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.
TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.
Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers, such as police, fire stations, and hospitals.
TomTom HOME--Always up to date.
Traffic Ready--Optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delays.
Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.
Why TomTom? TomTom believes that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. TomTom develops smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.
Easy to Use
Award-winning navigation software
Plug & go

Best Maps
30-Day Latest Map Guarantee
Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share

Best Routing
QuickGPSfix
Traffic ready

Leader in Safety
Help Me! emergency resources menu
Safety preferences menu

About TomTom Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high-quality products and services.
TomTom is a leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further its commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so that the company can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.
TomTom has its own mapping company!
Did you know that every year, roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.
What's in the Box TomTom RIDER, Memory card (SD card) with software and maps, USB cable, High quality Cardo scala-rider wireless Bluetooth headset for in-helmet spoken instructions, RAM Mounting kit

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9/16/2011

Teletype 3500 World Nav3500 Motorcycle and Bicycle GPS Review

Teletype 3500 World Nav3500 Motorcycle and Bicycle GPS
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(More customer reviews)
I finally got myself and Motorcycle GPS. I purchased it because I got tired putting my old non bike GPS into plastic bag so the rain will not get to it.
The price of the Worldnav was just right.
So far I am very pleased with the device. Menu is simple and I can navigate and clearly hear commands. The device does not have XM but it is not that important to me.
I called Teletype about modifying my cable for the headset because I wear "Half Helmet" and wanted to play my GPS not through their speaker by my own headset. I followed Teletype advice and spliced my cable with 3.5 mm adapters that I purchased from Radio Shack. You need one 3.5mm plug and 1 3.5mm jack. That took me about 15 min to do as I am familiar on how to do soldering. They also offered to me to do the job. ($$)
Extension or other type of cables can be inserted.
This option gave me flexibility not only to use their dedicated Bluetooth headset but also my own headset. I will be going soon on the long trip and feel comfortable to take this device with me.


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7/05/2011

GoPro HD Helmet HERO Camera Review

GoPro HD Helmet HERO Camera
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I have used this camera a couple of times since receiving it for Christmas. I have used both the strap mount for my vented bicycle helmet as well as the permanent stick on mount for my dual sport motorcycle helmet. In both cases, the mounts work as well as the camera. I still have the previous generation GoPro HERO in standard definition, but not in the wide field of view lens configuration like the current HD version. I like the wide field of view of this HD model. It is great at giving a very good view of both the trail as will as your handlebar movements while riding both my mountain bike or motorcycle. The quality of the video is fantastic. The files do get large, but that is to be expected with the high resolution of this camera. I have been using a 16GB SDHC card and have filed up about half of it on one battery charge. I would recommend a high speed card reader to improve the download times from the card. A 12 min video was nearly a gigabyte. The battery last I think longer than the previous standard definition camera which ran on AAA batteries. I think that I will buy an additional battery someday for long rides with lots of action.
The only reason I have not given it a full 5 stars is the difficulty in reading the small status screen with all the various modes it has. The same issue I have with the standard definition HERO. The icons that tell you if you are in burst, still, timed, or video mode are very small across the top of the display. The numbers to tell you the number of pictures or videos taken are much larger. It is just difficult if you have the camera mounted on top of your helmet and you try and look in the mirror on your bike to see if the camera is on and what mode it is. You have to use the select button on the front to both turn the camera on and select the right mode. The shutter button is on top and is easy to operator even with gloves. It is not difficult to read the display if you are holding the camera in front of you, but much more difficult when mounted on top of your helmet. You can unclip the camera from the mount, but that can be difficult when it is on top of your helmet.
I am looking forward to the expansion port options being available, like the LCD screen to view the videos in the field. I am also thinking of investing in the chest strap mount so I can get different view over the handle bars as will as making it easier to see the small status display. Other than the small icons telling you which mode, this is a very nice camera that takes very high quality action videos. It is very small and light and easy to use when you have it in the right mode. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone wanting action videos of their bicycling, motorcycle, or skiing activities.

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The world's first true 1080p HD wearable camera!Full frame 960p 4:3 resolution and a massive 170 degrees ofwide angle perspective; as well as 720p 60 frames per secondcamera-ready slow-motion video. Comes with 3 helmet mounts,headstrap, and 2 gear mounts.Runs on 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion rechargeablebatteries.

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6/22/2011

Sena Motorcycle Dual Bluetooth Headset and Intercom System Review

Sena Motorcycle Dual Bluetooth Headset and Intercom System
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I've never owned or used an intercom on a motorcycle before now, so I have nothing to compare this with.
The unit out of the box paired easily with the second unit, my Ipod touch, and one of our two cellphones. I can not get it to pair with my Samsung PDA (which I've successfully paired with other bluetooth devices.) Unit to unit works perfectly. It also works perfectly with my older Motorola razor cellphone. It connects, and allows music playback from my Ipod touch (3g). I cannot control the Ipod with the headset though. But perhaps the Ipod bluetooth doesn't support that (?) The problem with the Ipod is that if you talk too long to your passenger over the intercom, the Ipod will pause, and you can't restart it from the headset. It's too tricky to try and restart while I'm driving, so when that happens, I have to wait until my next stop or pull over. A work around on this is to use the supplied cables and plug the Ipod into the headset. But then, you're messing with cables, and it defeats the whole Bluetooth advantage. I have read reviews on other sites that claim the Sena unit sends a command to pause the Ipod. If that's accurate, then the problem is with the Sena unit, not Apple. However, if you just speak briefly to your passenger, the music comes back on as soon as you click off with the passenger. Also, music over bluetooth will only work with one or the other headset. Your MP3 can't drive both headsets via bluetooth. I mention this, because a lot of folks don't realize this.
Operation is simple, you can leave it on VOX, which will make you and the other rider connect when you speak. Or you can deactivate VOX, and press the side button to connect, then press again when you're done.
We use these with our half helmets. I wear hearing aids, and half helmets are the only helmet I can use my hearing aids with. I sometimes ride with only 1 hearing aid. Either way, with one or both hearing aid in, there is ample volume below about 65 mph to hear fine. Over about 65 mph, the microphone picks up too much wind noise to work well. Couple that with the wind rushing in to a half helmet, and it's only that much harder to hear. Before you buy this for half helmets, read some reviews of other types of intercoms. Some have a mic that touches your throat. Perhaps that would be better in a half helmet, but I really don't know. Anyway, I don't fault Sena for the wind issues in a half helmet. Although it would be sporting of them to mention it in their ad.
Battery life seems pretty good. We set out with two fully charged headsets today. We rode 5 hours with the intercom ON the whole time, with no issues. Recharge time later wasn't long, Less than an hour. Clicking it on and off should extend the battery life.
Bottom line. Except for the Ipod issue, it operates flawlessly. It's not the hot ticket for half helmets though, at least when riding out on the interstate.

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SMH10D-01 - SMH10 Bluetooth Headset/Intercom for Motorcycle Dual Pack (US/JPN) Review

SMH10D-01 - SMH10 Bluetooth Headset/Intercom for Motorcycle Dual Pack (US/JPN)
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Hi Folks,
I just wanted to share what I learned as soon as I got my intercom system SMH10. These are questions that I WOULD LOVE someone has answered to me before deciding what to buy!
1. YES! The intercom usually comes ALONE (just ONE intercom for ONE user). So buy the DUAL PACKAGE (as I did on my order) better than buying both separately. You will save some bucks.
2. YES! These intercoms are GREAT for communications between driver and passenger (pillion) on the bike.
3. YES! Starting the conversation is done by pressing a BIG button (very comfortable), OR (I love this one) by activating the voice recognition as well (so you don't have to push buttons to talk).
Those above were my main concerns!!! And thanks to a guy who wrote a fantastic Intercom comparison review on his blog, and actually who gently answered all my questions and gave me "the" advice, I could go ahead and make my decision to buy this couple of GREAT intercoms SMH10. Well you know..., these things ARE expensive, indeed!, so I just didn't want to buy something that resulted inappropriate for my specific use which is TO TALK WITH MY PASSENGER WHILE OUR RIDES!!!
And YES! These intercoms come also with other functions (I just don't care about that!). All via Bluetooth:
> You can receive/make cellphone calls (of course you will need a cellphone with the availability to do so. The activation (pairing) is a VERY easy process btw.
> You can listen to your mp3 music from your iPod and, I suppose, from any other mp3 player with Bluetooth capabilities. (I wonder who would be crazy enough to do this!, not only for security reasons but also because the main beautiful thing to hear while you ride your bike is the sound of the engine!!! Well..., ahem, and listen to your passenger too...).
> You can configure your GPS to listen voice directions.
> You can talk between other motorcycle riders who have the same gadget (up to 4 communications can be established).
> ...And other functions this thing comes with. I wasn't explore that far yet...
Another important thing to say is about the quality of the communication: IT IS PERFECT!!! (Btw it's in STEREO, this thing comes with 2 headphones which are attached not to your ears but to the helmet). We have tested it while riding my Suzuki GS 500 along with strong winds at high speeds and it does not affect at all our back and forth clear communication. Please note that we use close (full face) helmets; I suppose that open helmets (also called half helmets) certainly involve some kind of trouble for good communications because the wind is going directly to the mic. Despite the mic is pointing to the mouth, this should be taken in account anyway!
I cannot testify yet about the battery duration because I've done just short rides so far (4-6 hr rides with no battery problems). So I really don't know how much they last.
Summarizing, the SMH10 is a perfect product for conversations while riding bikes. The quality of this product is outstanding. And also it is a beautiful gadget which will look GREAT on your helmet!!!
This is one of the BEST products I've bought lately. I love it!

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