GPS - Radar - TPM - iPhone - B2B Radio - Entertainment Controller

Riding since 1970 I'm familiar with all those interest in remaining minimalist riders. All alone with the bike. Good for those who wish to ride that way.

Coming from a BMW K1600GT, and looking for a small bike experience again, the Hyperstrada is in my garage. However, I really enjoyed having all the powered goodies I had on the BMW. Three items made my backroad rides much more enjoyable: 1) GPS to lead me on complicated routes on all sorts of connected zero-traffic little backroads, 2) Radar Detector to alert me when I need to make sure I'm following the rules, and, 3) B2B radio for the twice a year rides with three or four friends.



To tie all these inputs to me I use the Motochello system which offers an easily adjustable means of mixing and prioritizing the various audio sources.

Motorcycle Audio Systems

To easily add these items to the Hyperstrada the electrified tankbag was modified to be a strong platform. This way I can easily remove these gadgets, or move them to another motorcycle. Let's say I want to rent a motorcycle to ride the Pacific Coast Highway some winter. This tankbag will travel with me as luggage and then quickly connects to a rental bike in San Francisco.



The inside of the tankbag is lined with sheet aluminum and also one length of steel bar stock to make the relatively heavy GPS solidly positioned.

Everything is mounted with RAM 1" balls.



Lots of cables, which I zip-tied in bundles and labeled to make changes easy.



All the wire bundles and Motochello head unit are covered with a fabric liner. Plenty of room for my tankbag needs - camera, visor cleaner and water bottle.



Again, if you don't want any of these things intruding on your ride, fine. Don't criticize me for enjoying my rides the way I choose.

The key to preserving my hearing and still enjoy the audio inputs and music are my custom molded Sensaponics ear monitors. These are the same monitors many musicians use for their stage performances.



These monitors are modified by Sensaphonics to be used comfortably under a helmet.



I had these monitors tested in my ears by the audiologist and found that they offer 40 db of hearing protection. Considering that helmet sound levels are over 100 db, this is critical protection. The interesting thing is that I can hear horns, sirens and mechanical sounds better with the background wind noise blocked.

I know that many riders don't protect their hearing. That's fine as hearing aids are getting better. In the alternative, my old age will be spent without the need for hearing aids.



Sensaphonics are $750 - Good hearing aids are $6,000.

2X-S | Sensaphonics

My small group rides are far safer, and more fun, because of having B2B radio. We often ride with a significant distance between riders and the radios allow all of us to stay coordinated. Gas needs, pee stop, photo stop, directions at turns, deer in the road, etc...

Here are three videos showing what being connected looks and sounds like.

Link: Ride Videos - dougs650



Link: Ride Videos - dougs650



An my version of that same ride. (Click on image to go to the video).

One time having B2B radios really saved me. Separated in Utah's Arches National Park we were miles apart when my battery suddenly died. The military grade Kenwood B2B radios allowed me to contact the guys and guide them to my location where we jumped the bike.

The B2B is also used to connect the riders with the person holding the camcorder for capturing ride videos. In this one you can hear the riders talk as I use the little .5 watt Kenwood to stay in touch with the guys for the flyby scenes.



Click on the image to go to the ride video.

I added a magnetic mount for a ride camera. This allows me to take photos while riding with a separate waterproof camera.



The plan for the camera:



Lanyard prevents camera loss.

Magnet securely holds camera in place regardless of speed, lean or bumps. Magnet doesn't affect camera operation of flash memory.

Skateboard grip tape makes for easy hold while wearing gloves.



Cabinet door bumpers make the camera buttons easily work with gloves. The raised buttons have a good feel right through the glove material.



Ride photos are fun to have.

Radar detectors are a tool which alerts the user to the use of radar, be it a automatic door opener or a speed trap. My experience, in 40 years of using a radar detector, is that the top tier detectors help even the odds in the cat & mouse game we all have with speed enforcement.

All my gadgets are now powered by a switched relay under the seat. The low power signal wire is connected to the yellow tail light wire, between the wiring loom and tail light.

I inserted a power delay between the relay and the SAE splitter. This allows the engine voltage to come to normal before all the gadgets ignite.

All the above tankbag gadgets and Clearwater Darla LED lights are powered this way. Easy and efficient.

The front tire valve needs to be twisted to allow for the added length the TPM adds. Necessary to clear the brake caliper.

gatdammit said:

All a radar detector does is let you know you're definitely getting a ticket.

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Using detectors since the original Fuzz Buster in 1976, through to today, my personal experience is different.



Like all technology, it is merely a tool that requires experience and understanding before it can really be effective. Effective it can be when it warns you of radar use on a vehicle ahead of you.

But then, since I always follow all speed limits, it is just for entertainment value.

gatdammit said:

P.S. Do you daily ride your bike?

Click to expand...

No, it's not a commuter. I ride fun roads, mostly by myself, but a twice a year with invited friends.

The tankbag mounted set-up is to make taking everything into the motel room at night easy. The 4 buckle clips on the bag and one electric connection. Grab the handle and walk to the room, with everything secure. Nothing left on the bike.

Winkie said:

RSL Do you foresee any problems using Garmin TPMS on Valves that are mounted axially instead of radially?

With centrifugal force, the pressure on the stem could be quite strong at high speeds.

I like the TPMS and being naturally lazy, this is a great way to know your tyre pressures. Do you know what accuracy they offer?

Click to expand...

Stays in place so far.

Accuracy? Well, like every sensor it appears to show 2 psi different than my very good gauge. For me the TPM is a means of early warning of a flat.

gatdammit said:

And that fuzz buster is awesome! Was it effective in it's day?

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Yes it was. But then X band was so loud and radar was so new.

gatdammit said:

I had a trooper show me how they use a "dead-man" switch for when they know someone is using a radar detector. They simply line you up, keep the switch depressed, then *boom*- your Valentine 1 sings like a canary on meth. It did it's job, but they still got you.

I don't think you'll catch much of the lobe bleed-over if they are actively targeting the vehicle ahead of you with a hand held gun. But, I know plenty of guys with Valentine 1's that swear they keep them safe.

Click to expand...

Instant on Ka is hard to beat. But on the lonely backroads most speed detection is done with the radar on all the time, or blasted on when there is eye to eye contact.

Either way, it is a tool I enjoy using. Cat & Mouse.

Everything is firmly secured which makes it a snap to take everything into the ride motel room a 2 second effort. One simple bike power connection and tankbag buckle release and off I go.