Biker News - Regularly updated

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Category: Products & Clothing

  1. NUVIZ, first fully integrated Head-Up Display for motorcyclists, available in Europe

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    • First fully integrated Head-Up Display (HUD) developed for motorcyclists now available in Europe
    • Integrated navigation, communication, camera and music in a single helmet-mounted device – simplicity that enhances the ride
    • Available from rideNUVIZ.com for €699/£615
    • Free shipping, 30-day returns policy and one-year warranty as standard

    NUVIZ, the first Head-Up Display designed specifically for the needs of motorcycle riders, is now available in Europe and can be purchased directly from www.rideNUVIZ.com

    The units have a 30-day returns policy, come complete with a one-year warranty and free shipping.

    The innovative device fits simply and easily to a full-face helmet and displays customisable information in the natural line of sight of the rider – allowing riders to keep their eyes ahead.

    Seamlessly bringing together the functions of a motorcyclist’s navigation, communication, media player and HD action camera into a single device, the NUVIZ includes a glove-friendly wireless handlebar controller that offers intuitive control of the various functions.

    Features include:

    • Head-Up Display – the patented NUVIZ HUD creates an image in the rider’s line of sight, giving them access to customisable information including driving conditions and maps. The Liquid Crystal On Silicon (LCOS) micro display offers crisp and vibrant full colour in all lighting conditions.
    • Navigation – an included GPS function and global offline maps allow riders to select routes and destinations and receive turn-by-turn instructions, view zoomable maps and more. All maps are included for free – so no need to buy additional maps depending on where you plan to ride.
    • HD action camera – the built-in camera captures photos up to 8MP and HD videos up to 1080p/30fps. Photos are saved to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth and videos recorded directly onto a microSD card – not included. Housed on a ball joint, the angle of the camera can be adjusted easily and the HUD allows for a ‘live view’ to align the camera after being attached to the helmet mount. The device includes an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness.
    • Communication – the integrated headset and microphone allow riders to make and receive phone calls and provide narration on videos.  Compatible with most major brand Bluetooth enabled headsets, NUVIZ users can pair and communicate with others too.
    • Music – the integrated headset means that NUVIZ riders can listen to music on the go.

    The wireless controller can be mounted in a variety of ways depending on the user’s preference or type of motorcycle and the base-plate system means it can be easily transferred between motorcycles.

    A protective carry bag keeps key components together when removed from the motorcycle and helmet.

    The NUVIZ pairs with a dedicated smartphone app – available both for Android and iOS devices – which allows riders to play routes and save favourite riders, access photos captured on the device and view riding statistics captured by the NUVIZ sensors. Users can also share the information directly to social media. The App allows for easy – and free – updates and integration of the new NUVIZ features as soon as they are added.

    Compatible with most existing traditional full-face helmets, the NUVIZ device attaches to a low-profile base-plate – designed to allow the device to detach in the case of an accident of fall – which adjusts to the user’s right eye that still allows for small tweaks after installation to ensure the ultimate view.

    The HUD combiner optic is fully replaceable and additional accessory mounting kits allow for one NUVIZ device to transfer to different helmets and controllers to different motorcycles.

    NUVIZ, the first integrated HUD technology available to the riding public, is currently available in the US and Europe via www.rideNUVIZ.com – with sales in other regions to be announced later this year.

    Co-Founder of NUVIZ, Malte Laass, said: “We’re two-wheeled enthusiasts ourselves and wanted to develop a solution that not only enhances and simplifies the riding experience, but lays a foundation for the forthcoming technology revolution that will affect riders.”

    Chief Design Officer of NUVIZ, Valtteri Eroma, added: “We know that there are many types of riders on many different kinds of machines. NUVIZ is designed for those riders who want to dial up or down the information they have access to – all while keeping their eyes ahead. Situational awareness is critical, and riders who appreciate this technology learn that it can enhance the ride without distracting from it. We expect that many touring riders, sportbike and adventure riders will appreciate the benefits of a head-up display added to their favorite full-face helmet.”

    As the future of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2V & V2I) communications is developed by governments and the global automotive and powersports industry, NUVIZ expects continuing development and future integration opportunities that will benefit all riders. Future connectivity into the motorcycle electronics and advanced safety sensors that will soon become standard also represents a key area of NUVIZ R&D efforts. 

    About NUVIZ

    NUVIZ, Inc. is a privately-owned technology company based in San Diego, California and Salo, Finland. NUVIZ is backed by a strategic investment from Pierer Industrie AG, the parent company behind KTM Industries, Husqvarna Motorcycles, WP Suspension and Pankl Racing Systems. Founded upon the desire to empower riders with technology that improves their riding experience, the core leadership team of visionaries has formed an industry-leading team within the digital and mobile space. Combining their passion for motorcycling and powersports, with decades of technological prowess, NUVIZ is revolutionizing the riding experience. NUVIZ’s first product is an integrated Head-Up Display (HUD), designed specifically for the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts, and is the first product of this nature, to go to market. 

  2. New figures show that MASTER protected motorcycles are 6 times less likely to be stolen

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    Recent analysis of theft data for new motorcycles sold in 2017, shows there is a huge difference between machines which are marked with the MASTER Security Scheme, compared to those which are not. New MASTER protected bikes are six time less likely to be stolen.

    MASTER, which stands for Motorcycle and Scooter Tagged Equipment Registration, is the UK’s only official and national scheme and has been adopted by the majority of major motorcycle manufacturers since its launch in 2013. It both deters theft and makes it easier to secure a conviction.

    What do new statistics show?

    Information from the MASTER Scheme database and new registration data shows 66,423 new motorcycles and scooters were registered in the UK from the beginning of this year to the end of July 2017. 42,254 were marked with the MASTER system, of which only 78 have been reported stolen. Of the 24,169 motorcycles and scooters which were not protected by MASTER, 285 have been stolen.

    Rates of theft

    There is a clear and significant difference in rates of theft. MASTER tagged machines registered in the first seven months of the year have a theft rate of just 0.18%, while non-MASTER tagged new bikes have a theft rate of 1.17%, showing MASTER tagged bikes are more than six times less likely to be stolen than bikes which are not protected by the MASTER Scheme.

    Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association, which first introduced the MASTER Scheme in 2013 says:

    “The MASTER Security Scheme represents a significant investment by major brands and these figures confirm that the decision to invest in the official MASTER scheme was the right thing to do. This data is very encouraging and hopefully will persuade those manufacturers not yet marking bikes to reconsider the MASTER Scheme as significant benefit to their customers.”

    How does the MASTER Security Scheme work?

    The MASTER Security Scheme uses a sophisticated array of technology to mark the motorcycle or scooter’s major component parts providing a unique 'fingerprint'. This layered approach involves a combination of visible and concealed elements including tamper evident warning labels, hidden microscopic Datadots, stealth UV etching and a number of unique radio frequency identification transponders which are embedded into parts. This is similar to the technology that allows the chipping of cats and dogs, but cannot be altered or erased.

    The combination of hidden elements (detailed above), along with the high visibility and the unique number on each tag, offer both peace of mind to consumers and help the police secure prosecution when recovering stolen motorcycles. Police have access to the MASTER Security Scheme secure database 24 hours a day.

    The MASTER Scheme system includes a highly visible ultra-destruct identification/warning label that is fixed in a prominent place on the bike (generally on the frame near the headstock), alerting potential thieves to the fact that it is marked and registered. The label disintegrates if it is tampered with and alarm bells will ring for police and subsequent owners if the label is missing on models from participating manufacturers.

    All motorcycles and scooters from participating manufacturers are registered on the MASTER Security Scheme’s national secure database. This is updated continuously, which means the reporting of stolen vehicles is immediate.

    It would be virtually impossible for a thief to remove all traces of the MASTER Scheme technologies from all parts, which is why this makes protected bikes far less attractive to them.

    There are now over 250,000 MASTER protected machines and this number increases each year.

    Facts about motorcycle theft

    43% of all insurance pay outs are due to theft (according to MCIA research).

    Many motorcycles are ‘cloned’, which involves being broken up into parts within hours of being stolen and reassembled onto legally acquired frames, which have log books. This can net thieves thousands of pounds a day.*
    80% of these ‘cloned’ motorcycles find their way into the legitimate dealer network. Before the MASTER Scheme it was virtually impossible for dealers or the police to identify stolen parts.*

    **(Facts and figures supplied by the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group).

    MASTER Security Scheme

    www.masterscheme.org

  3. Need/want some new kit?

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    Check out Ghost Bikes for a huge range of clothing, accessories, helmets, luggage and more...

    Lots of top brands including Agrius, Buffalo, Caberg, Furygan, Givi, Knox, Nitro, Oxford, O'Neal, Rev'It, Richa, Shark, Shoei, Sidi, Spada, Wulf Sport and more, as well as high quality own GhostBikes branded products.

    Great clothing designed for Lady Riders, including Boots, Gloves, Jeans, Helmets, Jackets and Trousers.

    Special offers and discounts for loyal customers, an easy exchange or refund policy and order by 3pm for same day dispatch.

    Web-store and also @ Unit 1a, Fishwick Park, Mercer Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 4LQ

    www.ghostbikes.com

    www.facebook.com/GH0STBIKES/

    Ghost Bikes for a huge range of clothing, accessories, helmets, luggage and

  4. Sharing The Road With Motorcycles

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    Motorcycles are less stable and less visible than cars, and they have good performance capabilities which is sometimes bad and sometimes good. For these and other reasons, motorcycles are very much more likely than cars to experience crashes and get involved in accidents.

    At Siima MotoWear, they have done some research and came up with some useful thoughts for both riders and drivers, so they share the road safely and respect each other.

    Motorcycle riders lack the safety of an indoor vehicle, so they're much more likely to get injured or even killed. Per mile traveled, the involving deaths on motorcycles is roughly 26 times the number of a car. Riders who won't be wearing a helmet are 40 % more likely to suffer a fatal head injury, in contrast to helmeted riders.  

    The actions of motorcyclists can affect motor vehicle operators in various ways. When you follow a motorcycle, bear in mind that motorcycles contain the ability of stopping a whole lot more quickly than other vehicles. So keep your distance to yourself and the biker safe. While maintaining a safe and secure distance from motorcyclists in front of you, check your rearview mirror and be aware of motorcyclists following you. When a motorcyclist is following you, be especially careful not to create any sudden stops. Otherwise you set the rider's life in danger.

    Weather and road conditions present greater problems to motorcyclists. A puddle may hide a dent that jolts your car; the same hidden hole can throw a motorcycle out of control. When it rains, reduced traction makes it difficult for riders to balance. Is actually much harder for the motorcyclist to stop or get control of his motobike on slippery roads. Needless to say, things get a lot worse on icy roads.

    Strong winds are extremely dangerous if not knowing how to deal with. In many occasions winds are able to move your bike to the other lane, creating very dangerous conditions for you. Best thing to do is to slow down at the speed you feel comfortable and able to manage your bike. If the winds are really strong better stop the bike. In these cases, drivers should be extra careful and have their eyes open for motorcyclists. Check your mirros and look for single headlight vehicles, they are probably motorcycles.

    When you are following a motorcycle with a pillion riders, be extra careful. Pillion riders' positionand seat can partly control the motorcycle's behavior and performance. If the motorcyclist is inexperienced in transporting a passenger he/she will probably have extra issues with balancing and controlling the motorcycle. 

    Remember to dress for the slide, not the ride. Always use ATGATT, and make sure you use proper motorcycle safety gear.

    See full article here 

    www.siimajackets.com/single-post/sharing-the-road

  5. Transform your day with Knox

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    It's official! Summer has started and those clammy months are here!

    But don't get hot under the collar, with our all season base layers you can transform that sticky, clammy day into something much better, whether you're on or off the bike.

    The entire collection is carefully made in our own UK factory in the beautiful Lake District using the outstanding quality and technical performance of Merino PerformTM Advantage, woven in Australia. 

    By adding cool synthetic fibres to manage moisture transfer, the garment does not cling on to moisture so is perfect in hot weather. Unlike other types of wool, superfine Merino fabric is soft and comfortable to wear without itchiness as each fibre has a silky outer layer.

    View the range