Hi all,
I'm taking this out of my intro thread. I've got a new 2012 1400GTR on order and once I receive it, it'll be stripped down and kitted out with prototype gadgets and gizmos that my company is/has developing/ed (not just for the GTR). I'm looking to you guys for feedback please if you'd be so kind.. some of it might already exist, in which case, we'll make it better ;)
* Screen: would an automatic feature of the screen be of interest to GTR owners? One would press a button to enable it and it would travel up and down smoothly depending on the vehicle speed (the up/down button overides it). We're going to test it in a wind tunnel for optimum speed/travel/noise etc. It would be a plugin module, switch and possibly a stronger mechanism for the screen.
* Cruise Control? Yes/no?
* Electric, folding, heated side mirrors. These are currently being developed and will autofold with ignition on/off/on etc and have a control like a cars, whereby you can select RH/LH and electronically adjust up/down/left/right or fold the mirrors when filtering etc. The mirrors will also incorporate DRL's (Daylight Running Lights), linked to the bike's lighting for 'E' Homologation. An incorporated front facing camera system will be an optional fitment (see below)
* (Discreetly mounted) Rear camera/rearview. One or two widescreen monitors will be mounted to the left and/or right of the instrument panel and display the rear of the bike with distance grid (170 degree mirrored view). Can be linked to a mini-DVR system and also the front cameras to create a near 360 degree view. GPS overlay can be used, recording speed, altitude, longitude/latitude etc (usefull for ride-outs!!)
* Advanced Crash System. This is something we're developing for all bikes. It is descreet, incorporates lighting and is designed to allow the rider to pick the bike up after a spill and ride off (if they're able to!). Not designed for frontal accidents, it will stop footpegs smashing off, fairing getting damaged etc. We're working with insurance companies on this one for a reduction in premiums if this is fitted.
* Tell me what YOU want to see?? I'm full of ideas, yes, but you lot actually ride this bike and know it first hand. I'm looking forward to riding this bike too and moving up from a fully faired 2001 1200 Bandit (with GSXR1100 engine) that I've owned for nearly 10 years and cover over 14,000 miles/year on. It's not designed for that and never was, no matter what I 'upgrade' on it. Hence the move to the GTR beast!
Bring. It. On ;D
Thanks guys!
Matt
Welcome :D
Some interesting ideas there; I would be interested in a wind tunnel designed screen with better flow, I think there is a basic flaw with angle the screen sits at and that needs to be rectified before any auto adjustment, which is not my cup of tea and a little unnecesary I feel.
Like the idea of 'E' marked running lights in the mirrors, don't like the 'bolted on' look of after market stuff available at the moment, fully integrated sounds good. Folding and heated maybe, but I think the later is more useful. electronically adjustable is a step too far, once set I rarely feel the need to adjust them.
Cruise control, hell yes...please!
Cameras are just a distraction on a car let alone a bike and most of us grudgingly accept sat nav. Unless you can do a heads up fighter pilot helmet display......That just appeals to the geek in me 8)
Crash System, hmmm, need to see it but in principal seems a good idea as long as it doesn't alter the profile of the bike too much and looks better than the 'stick on zimmer frames' some are pedalling (sorry not my thing)
The biggest improvements for me would be;
Larger, stronger screen mechanism with more range
Properly aerodynamic screen, I don't want a car windscreen just something that flows properly, that's actually been tested in a wind tunnel not just lashed up on a CNC machine. The idea of the laminar lip, the aerodynamic slot, should sort this but needs to be integrated into the screen properly.
So Cruise control, heated mirrors, better screen mech, better screen, integrated mirror running lights...Yes
Crash system...maybe
cameras are a no for me.
It's a great bike and I love the fact it can be a tourer or scare the pooh out of sports bikes, too much tech with it's accompanying weight will only serve to push it toward the BMW K16, not a place I personally want to go.
Oh if you could fit twin RPG's with the ammo in the panniers that would help the commute ;D
Screen - That sounds exciting... I'm always interested in screen mods as it's my biggest bug bear on every bike I've owned. I'm 6'6" tall though, so am coming to the conclusion I may always have to suffer a bit. I'm deciding that the stock 2010 screen is not too bad now, having just returned my CalSci XL to heroblobs. Stronger screen mechanism sounds like something the big K need to do when they give the model a refresh. More range of screen movement might help the stock. Better aero testing on screens would be good, including some kind of spoiler / lip.
Cruise control - I personally didn't like it on the BMW I test rode, but I can see some people would like it.
Mirrors - Happy with manually adjustable mirrors. Running lights and / or indicators might be a good addition though.
Cameras - This is of interest, from a recording point of view, rather than a screen to show me what's behind me. I've been wondering whether it might be useful to have a camera on every journey to record what's going on in case of incident where I was not at fault. A system that just recorded all the time, with the ability to save the last few minutes of footage, or whatever, would be handy.
Crash System - sounds interesting.
I can probably think of some other mods, will post anything if I think of any...
Great feedback so far, thanks!
So the screen 'shape/aerodynamics' seems to be an issue with how it manipulates the air around the rider then. The reason we are looking at automating the speed dependant up/down action is so that once you've set your height, you won't have to mess around with pressing buttons whilst riding along; during slow town speeds it will be down, for example, and increase in height as you get faster on the motorways.. it's all about safety and comfort I suppose. You'll still have control via the manual mode buttons though don't forget.
Lots of the accessories we develop are probably aimed at tourers/distance and police riders, such as the forward/rearview camera/recording & telematics system and the comfort of cruise control from behind a more automated front screen. It would probably be more efficient to monitor the pressure from behind the screen to adjust the height of it... just thinking out loud ::)
Anyway, keep the suggestions coming!
@ Cartman, we could probably design a false side fairing panel that would open via solenoid or hydraulics to reveal some kind of automated weapon if you wanted to scare someone on your commute (paintball gun might be safer here!) ;)
Re: screen - this is just what I was thinking. It would need to be rider adjustable for what happens at different speeds. At the moment I have my screen on the 3 (3/4 up) setting when I turn the bike on. This is about right for the motorway (i.e. lowest noise for me). Depending on the wind direction and speed it may need minor adjustment. I actually leave it on this as I forget to do anything the rest of the time, but when I remember I have it all the way down when going slowly / around town. Anything above 3/4 up is useless to me as it's too noisy.
At it's most basic I could see that having two settings might work. Assume screen completely lowered (or has a minimum set height) from 0 - x mph. When you hit x mph the screen can increase height. Then between x and y mph the screen moves up (at intervals perhaps to avoid constant movement). When it hits y mph it hits the highest allowed height. Just a thought.
I'm now waiting to get a laminar lip instead of a big screen. Will see how that goes.
Cruise control, forward facing camera+dvr and integrated bluetooth mp3 player please, when can i expect delivery ?
Coman
I'm relatively small by comparison with some folk on here, I'm only 5' 11" so I dont really experience the discomfort which many others on here do re the screen suitability.
Vibrations through the right bar, not sure if thats a mechanical issue or a design flaw but if that could be resolved that would be a bonus. You'' see what I mean when you get yours!!
I personally think the camera idea is a good one. I've tried a few different camera systems on my bike HD GoPro, Bike Cam 2, the latter was a joke I hasten to add as the quality was significantly poor for £250 compared with the Go Pro which was excellent quality at £299. For me though the bike would have to power the camera rather than an independent internal camera battery which runs out after a couple of hours. Likewise there would have to be the faciity to record directly onto a larger hard drive than a 32gb card which seemed to be the largest which was supported by the cameras. The ability to record comms onto a system is also something I strived to locate.
For me the camera is more of a working tool, something which would remotely record each journey and which would assist me if God forbid I came a cropper as opposed to a means to record rides for the sake of it or for entertainment purposes although this is something I do do occasionally.
Finally the cost of the camera system would have to be viable and practical.
Quote from: Lonewolf on November 01, 2011, 02:13:35 PM
I personally think the camera idea is a good one. I've tried a few different camera systems on my bike HD GoPro, Bike Cam 2, the latter was a joke I hasten to add as the quality was significantly poor for £250 compared with the Go Pro which was excellent quality at £299. For me though the bike would have to power the camera rather than an independent internal camera battery which runs out after a couple of hours. Likewise there would have to be the faciity to record directly onto a larger hard drive than a 32gb card which seemed to be the largest which was supported by the cameras. The ability to record comms onto a system is also something I strived to locate.
For me the camera is more of a working tool, something which would remotely record each journey and which would assist me if God forbid I came a cropper as opposed to a means to record rides for the sake of it or for entertainment purposes although this is something I do do occasionally.
Finally the cost of the camera system would have to be viable and practical.
Just what I'm after...
The big one for me would be a double screen.
Something like the Rifle base mounted to the existing (reinforced?) screen mechanism with a piggyback screen mechanism.
That way you could get an up-down range of 7" or 8" rather than the 4" of the stock system.
It would need to look tidy and ideally give a screen height of the stock-2008-screen-down to CalSci XL (+7.5") in the up position. I thought about designing something like that but I just don't have the time/money.
Not interested in cameras. If I need to see behind me I use the mirrors, to see beside me I do a shoulder check.
Cruise control, yes. I currently use a Throttlemeister throttle lock.
I don't like the idea of folding mirrors. Mine are a little battlescarred but I use them when filtering.
If you've ever been stuck behind an ST1300 while filtering you'll know what I mean.
If they'd either leave the panniers at home or look in their mirrors and move over then I'd have no problem with them.
The problem with the ST is that when ya take the panniers off, they look ****ing pig ugly! <LOL>
If I come across a gap too small even for the "under-over" move, then I wait until the gap opens up.
Crash bars, maybe. But there would have to be an option for riding without the panniers as my panniers have done maybe 3000 miles and the bike has done 46000.
Hi Matt
Being a shortarse (5' 7"ish) I dont get the same problems some of the larger chaps get with screen deficiencies. The 2010 onwards 'standard' screen was still too low for me, so I have fitted a Calsci large screen (+3.5") which if right up I have to look through (no thanks!!). I use it just below my eyeline where quiet prevails. This leads me to the point that your automated height adjustment would need to be programmable for varying height requirements and would (as others have said) be very dependent on the aerodynamics of the screen anyway, which could be improved with better development. What about developing a more efficient screen that can then have a programmable blade that rises and changes its angle of attack to throw the airflow over the rider, operating independently of the screen mechanism? The blades could be sold in different sizes to cope with the height ranges and this wouldn't put extra load on the main mechanism.
The integrated running lights sound like a brilliant idea. Something to enhance the bike instead of an obvious aftermarket add on would go down well I would have thought.
Folding mirrors would be good for me even at home! Getting past cars in the drive and leaving room between bikes in the garage. Would they fold right in?
Crash protection sounds great, but surely this is going to be very expensive going on the price of airbags etc. As you say, a concession from the insurance companies would sweeten the pill.....good luck.
I for one am looking forward to seeing your ideas develop.
Hi
Some interesting ideas
Screen - I like the idea and see how it would suit some people but not for me. On all roads and at all speeds except motorways/dual carriageways I have the GTR screen set to 2 and that suits me fine - like a bit of breeze/wind. On motorways/dual carriageways the screen gets shifted to the maximum position to reduce buffeting etc but the top lp of the screen cuts right through my line of vision.
Cruise Control - would like the option built in but rarely do enough motorway mileage to use it.
Folding mirrors - Yes on ignition switch on/off but not when filtering - if you need to fold your mirrors when filtering then the gap is to tight for me. I ride most of the year round but don't use the bike for commuting but could see the benefit of heated mirrors
Cameras - can't see any benefit. GTR has good mirrors so I have good front/rear vision
What I would like to see is a decent set of front and rear running lights. Front lights possibly built into the mirrors but I also want to see a set of rear running lights - preferably built into the panniers but would still enable the panniers to be taken on//off easily. I just think, particularly in adverse weather, the rear light is crap (as it is on most modern bikes) and want something to high light the back of the bike.
Will be interested to see what actually comes out for trials
Kind regards
Steven
Wow guys, you're really giving me food for thought on the GTR development programme!
A lot of our developments don't suit everyone, indeed, but nevertheless to be able to have that choice as a consumer is what a lot of people say they're lacking when looking for aftermarket (or even factory fitted!) items for their bikes.
The mirrors would look exactly as they do now. (They're original equipment so I'd hope so! ;D) BUT, they'd fold in when you want, or indeed, if you want, be heated etc and have integrated DRL's with an OEM plug that will connect to the OEM lighting harness.
The camera/telematics system (amongst others) is more aimed at the forces etc and will be shown at the next NAPFM (The National Association of Police Fleet Managers') Conference and exhibition show next year hopefully. It will be a covert install in the bike and will also be sold to Joe Public too! It's already being used on many other bikes we developed it for so the GTR will simply be the next in line :)
I'm going to really have to understand what the score is with the screen; some people say stock is fine but noisy, some say it's rubbish and needs to be more aerodynamic etc.. Until we throw it in front of varying wind speeds, we're not going to find out the bugbears of it :(
In agreement with many of you, one of the main things I pesonally hate about bikes is the lighting; front, rear and sides. It's usually pants, especially in comparrison to a car/van etc. The only thing that stops me from riding my bike daily is snow and I cover at least 14,000 miles a year on my Bandit. I WILL be developing a contemporary lighting system for the GTR, using the top box, panniers etc and again, like everything else we do, it will be incorporated neatly and covertly.
I'm just throwing feelers out there for a heads up as I'm yet to collect this bike, so until I can work out what makes it tick underneath, I'm relying on you guys to give me a list of the niggles, warts'n'all, that could be improved. Only if you don't mind and have time or course :)
Matt
Matt, this camera system which you say is already being used on other bikes, what is it and do you have a link to it, costings, demo videos etc?
Quote from: routemaster on November 02, 2011, 12:01:19 AM
What I would like to see is a decent set of front and rear running lights. Front lights possibly built into the mirrors but I also want to see a set of rear running lights - preferably built into the panniers but would still enable the panniers to be taken on//off easily
I agree with Steven, and must say that this is really the only area (other than a more fruity exhaust, and heated clothing hook-ups) that has tempted me to deviate from the standard bike.
There are solutions out there already of course (hyperlites, wunderlich for the front, admore lighting to build into topbox or panniers). The trouble with these are they are mostly US based companies, and they all require a degree of wiring or bracketry work. I think if you could produce a version that plugs into standard connectors, and mounts tastefully, you would have a good market.
I have gone for the DIY approach using bits sourced from the US, so probably too late for me.
Martin.
hi mate,
just a little thought!, i had a puncture a few weeks ago (1st 1 in 25 years plus),didnt know this feature was on the bike,as it happened i glanced down at the dash an it was showing that the rear tyre was loosing pressure!, only when i was picked up by the recovery truck,2mls down the road was a series of loooovely serious bends!!!,.
Only then did i realise what a serious bit of kit this is,but,,,,,,,, if it had blue tooth incorporated into it,,,,well now youd be talking!!!!!!!.
Camera,- ive got a drift x170 hd- this i use for off roading,it has (i think,off hand a160 degree fish eye lens),i mount it on my goggle strap which gives a real view of what the rider sees,ie when your head moves to look at something,ie on top of mountains etc,you see exactly what the rider sees, and by this i mean, if the camera is mounted on the front of the bike,which is usually somewhere on the fairing it only films where the bike is pointed,because it is fixed in one position which at sometimes boring as hell!! lol.
hope this helps a little,but keep us posted what your up to!!!always intrested in extra gizmos,cheers mate.
reguards jenros
Quote from: advancedpcs on November 02, 2011, 09:20:18 AM
I'm going to really have to understand what the score is with the screen; some people say stock is fine but noisy, some say it's rubbish and needs to be more aerodynamic etc.. Until we throw it in front of varying wind speeds, we're not going to find out the bugbears of it :(
In agreement with many of you, one of the main things I pesonally hate about bikes is the lighting; front, rear and sides. It's usually pants, especially in comparrison to a car/van etc. The only thing that stops me from riding my bike daily is snow and I cover at least 14,000 miles a year on my Bandit. I WILL be developing a contemporary lighting system for the GTR, using the top box, panniers etc and again, like everything else we do, it will be incorporated neatly and covertly.
Matt
If you can ever understand the issues around the screen you would make a small fortune :D :D Not matter make the bike - riders will always have an issue with the screen ;)
I would hope that when you are looking at developing front/rear driving lights that you also have the after-market in mind. I would like a decent set that I could fit to the bike now but the stuff from the US while probably very good isn't likely to be EU/UK approved - which probably wouldn't get picked up but I don't want to take that risk
Steve
agreed, tried a few screens, and whist they work OK, haven't yet found one that works well for me (i am currently keeping an eye for a cheap PUIG on fleabay), but i doubt that most (if any) aftermarket screen manufacturers test their kit in a wind tunnel.....(quick some-one get me a computer capable of CFD), also for me running lights (position lights) on the mirrors would be nice..
Have looked at Cruise control, but the pukka units are sooooooo expensive its not pracital (plus need a PHD to fit them)....... bikers are nomadic, and a large percentage of bikers keep their steeds for 3 years or less so anything aftermarket needs to be practical in terms of price and fitting
Not much to ask then?? ::)
Sorry, but you can't really tempt me with any of your shiny toys.
I'm quite happy with the standard screen (I'm 1.76 m) and don't fancy my bike to look like a Christmas tree.
Folding or heated mirrors? Nah - I don't think so. If it's that cold that I would need heated mirrors I rather take the bus, a taxi or walk.
Cruise control - maybe, but how much is that's going to cost?
If I wanted that sort of stuff I would be driving a car.
Hi All
For me id choose:
Screen that extends with one quick push of the button and down in the same manor, but hold to position specifically, speed related wouldn't be relevant and annoying. but may be a faster screen would, not that its slow.
Motorised Folding Mirrors - had the GTR a day, hit traffic the first thing i did was pull them in just to get through the scooter gaps, one button to flip in or out would be great, am thinking about some small substitute mirror just for filtering.
Cruise Control - had it on my RT and used it a lot, especially where average speed camera exist - its a good idea.
Forward Facing Camera for recording journey is worth while, but definitely not to be viewed whilst riding, no point rear facing, the mirrors on the GT are excellent and one of the reasons i bought it, theres a lot on the market and are easy to fit just not secure when parked up.
I know this may sound cliche stupid, but a cup holder! - seriously, in the summer when im running round London im sticking bottles every were to grab while on the run (not while riding, although i have been known to have the odd fag while chipping round town, ash tray would just need emptying!). - i have a cup (bottle) holder on my WR.
Pillion Ejector Seat, weight sensitive with height and trajectory selection would be well James Bond though! ::) Now i am joking in case you couldn't tell!
Quote from: Rehabilitated36 on November 03, 2011, 09:39:10 PM
I know this may sound cliche stupid, but a cup holder! - seriously, in the summer when im running round London im sticking bottles every were to grab while on the run (not while riding, although i have been known to have the odd fag while chipping round town, ash tray would just need emptying!). - i have a cup (bottle) holder on my WR.
Hi
I have a cup holder fitted - no seriously I do there is a photo attached. :D
It will take either a regular Costa Coffee drink or a bottle of water - even the Police Motorcyclists like the idea ;)
Cup holder is available from Ram Mount - http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/drink-cup-holder-with-1-ball-p-1229-c-360_527.html (http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/drink-cup-holder-with-1-ball-p-1229-c-360_527.html)
Kind regards
Steven
Awesome! is it mounted to your crash bars?
£20 for the cupholder, £200 for the crash bars - sounds like a bargain, i'll send the wife and kids on holiday on there own to justify the cost!
Im definitely getting one, cheers!
I am well aware of the age of this thread.......... but
I came across this via google search. Did any of this get done? I was quite taken with DRL/indicators built in the oem mirrors.
Daz
The guy (or company) who started this thread hasn't been back on the forum since late 2012!