Motorbike and Gear thread
I figure there'd have to be a few people in here who ride bikes, or at least rode in the past. What sort of bike do/did you ride? What's your preference on gear? Any good/horror stories? Post up pics if you can be arsed.
I had a GS500, great little bike for commuting and twisties. I'd only done 7000 or so kms on it before a ute coming the opposite direction at an intersection turned right in front of me. Couldn't avoid it and slammed into the tray, bike was written off and so was most of the skin on my upper left thigh. Must have gotten my leg hooked on the tray and the metal just flayed it. A few fractures as well, but came off decent all things considered. It's been a couple of months since the accident, and I just picked up a new GSX-R750 L3 yesterday. Loving the new bike so far, only done a couple of hundred kms but I'm looking forward to getting on some of the mountain roads after it's properly broken in. The GS500: http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x336/bangbangmackmack/GS500_zps985e2e86.jpg Just after the accident: http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x336/bangbangmackmack/mbapic1_zpscddc131d.jpg After skin grafts: http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x336/bangbangmackmack/mbapic2_zps8e162ad9.png The GSX-R750 http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x336/bangbangmackmack/gsxr7501_zpsd35bc863.png I'd considered getting a hayabusa, as I'd like to do some longer trips, and sport bikes are a bit uncomfortable for it, but settled on the 750, as it'll mainly be used for commuting/twisties/track days for now. Might go for a 1250FA or busa a couple of years down the track. |
05:32pm 29/09/13 Permalink
f*** bro thats a pretty hectic leg injury. knock on wood no c*** ever pulls out on me like that. (have about 4 friends that have had the same thing happen to them)
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05:36pm 29/09/13 Permalink
05:39pm 29/09/13 Permalink
Intersections are killers. Apparently it's by far the most common cause of motorbike accidents because most motorists have blind spots for bikes. I vaguely remember some show where they were talking about how it's all because of what the brain is trained to see, and similar to how optical illusions work, people aren't used to seeing bikes and so can literally be staring right at one and it just doesn't register. The crappy part was that he saw me, hesitated, then decided to gun it anyway, then braked again. I'm going to treat every intersection as potential skin grafts now lol.
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05:43pm 29/09/13 Permalink
that is if you live another couple of years down the track
personally i like the idea of riding a bike but the evidence seems stacked that no matter how good the rider is its the other mugs on the road that are the danger still i guess if its what you enjoy doing and you have that get back on the horse attitude go with it but try to be careful |
05:43pm 29/09/13 Permalink
I hate intersections and round-a-bouts.
There is a round-a-bout near my house on my way to work, that I have to take super careful. There has been a few times where I've stopped on the round-a-bout as a car just plows on through. To be fair, I'm coming from a less used entry to the round-a-bout and they are coming in from a well used entry (the opposite of that entry is where they would be looking, not so much my entry). |
05:52pm 29/09/13 Permalink
I was thinking of buying a motorbike, but went with the slightly safer option of riding a hungry lion to work every morning instead.
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05:56pm 29/09/13 Permalink
Heres my bike. Its a 2013 Ninja 300. Bought it brand new 3 months ago and have put 8500km on it.
http://i.imgur.com/GNaSYtr.jpg My gear is Alpinestars jacket HJC CL-16 Helmet Icon Variant Helmet Dri Rider gloves (cheap $50 job) Kevlar jeans. need to get some riding boots too have been putting that off for too long. |
06:08pm 29/09/13 Permalink
first time on a bike I flipped over the hangers and flew through the air. I found the crashing part more exciting than the riding so figured me and bikes should never be friends.
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06:08pm 29/09/13 Permalink
I have a yamaha FJR1300. My second after a prang last year wrote the first one off with very little in the way of injuries.
http://www.chawtle.com/images/bikelake.jpg |
06:22pm 29/09/13 Permalink
Goddam that leg pic is f***ed.
No horror stories for me yet, just 1 minor accident @ f*** all kmph on my last bike - a 1998 zx6r. Now on a 2006 zx6r. Just ride to and from work/whatever. Currently dont ride during peak hour traffic which has decreased my close calls massively. Wear full protective gear. Wanna get one of those go pro hero cams once i hav the cash to record close calls and get rich off youtube vids. |
06:22pm 29/09/13 Permalink
The GoPros are good. Got the Hero3 Black edition a little while ago, have some nice mountain ride footage but nothing that'd pull views, and wasn't wearing it when I crashed :/
Nice pic Crakaveli. I've got a Dainese racing pelle jacket, Shark Vision-R GT Carbon helmet (handy drop down sun visor and inflatable cheek pads, plus a great seal with the bamboo lining that knocks out heaps of sound), Alpinestar alloy gloves, Covec bull-it jeans, Alpinestar fastback waterproof boots (which are so damn comfy I wear them as my regular casual boots). Would highly recommend those boots just for casual riding, obviously not for the track though. The FJR1300 looks like a great bike for touring. |
07:01pm 29/09/13 Permalink
I ride rubba's Buell XB9S Lightning around. It's ok.
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07:52pm 29/09/13 Permalink
Anyone know a good way to clean vomit out of my keyboard.
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07:59pm 29/09/13 Permalink
ex zx9r rider,
if i could give any advise.. get a bike that can brake.. if it doesn't have 3 pot duel discs up front... look elsewhere also we used to say.. $10 helmet for a $10 head |
08:00pm 29/09/13 Permalink
F***** hell Chez did know you'd stacked it !
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11:13pm 29/09/13 Permalink
gruesome injury dude!
I've never had that much skin damage but my knee has been in a similar state from an impact with the bitumen. i have a 2005 suzuki sv1000 atm. i like it but i have been thinking about getting something more modern lately. |
11:49pm 29/09/13 Permalink
F***** hell Chez did know you'd stacked it ! Yup, s*** happens. All good now aside from the slow process of having the grafts grow out. Until I get some ink to cover the scars I'll just tell people that I was wrestling great whites with Vladmir Putin, or something. gruesome injury dude!I've never had that much skin damage but my knee has been in a similar state from an impact with the bitumen. i have a 2005 suzuki sv1000 atm. i like it but i have been thinking about getting something more modern lately. How'd the accident go down? Any idea on what bike you'll get next? |
12:55am 30/09/13 Permalink
2005 Yamaha r6. Saw one of those cheap also helmets, seriously felt as sturdy as a ice cream bucket. Using an arai helmet.
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01:49am 30/09/13 Permalink
Yup, s*** happens. All good now aside from the slow process of having the grafts grow out. Until I get some ink to cover the scars I'll just tell people that I was wrestling great whites with Vladmir Putin, or something. Honestly, I don't think anyone would think any less of you if you just told the truth on that one lol. Figure that skin grafts from getting your leg ripped open is enough props. |
01:53am 30/09/13 Permalink
Great way to start a Moto thread (It'll really sort the wheat from the chaff :P)
I got the bulk of my road learning out of the way on a ruined Baby Ninja (occaisionally wouldn't start, back brakes were shot, regularly needed oil (was just burnin it). I was the third 'learner' to use it, and I can only assume it's been scrapped now.) After having one mate of mine near lose a leg (broken femur in 4 places, and very close to becoming an amputee), and another snap the ball socked from his femur (at age 28 he now needs a 'new hip' every 4-5 years apparently.) I decided my first 'new bike' would be a cruiser. I went the silly option and bought a new Harley Davidson Sportster 'forty-eight' (and in the ACT they see you comin' a looooong way away). With an 8L fuel tank, I decided the extra 1-2k was worth it instead of trying to source the bike from Syd or Melb, and then 'puddle jump' my way home on her maiden voyage. It's not a practical machine, but be damned if it doesn't turn* heads. (mine included, and no, not in the 'south park harley' kinda way) Glad to hear your skin grafts were the worst you got out of that accident mate. *corrected, thanks. |
02:37am 30/09/13 Permalink
How'd the accident go down? Any idea on what bike you'll get next? my own fault. i low-sided my cbr600 at the bus stop on lakeside raceway & was only wearing jeans for leg protection. my left knee took the majority of the impact & i had to have a op to remove the gravel n sew it all back together. it was very painful because on the 2nd night after the initial op they decided to go back in as there was some infection. the re-opening was a lot more painful than the initial op! still not sure what bike i want next... i was on the supermotard kick for a while but i think i'm over it. i no longer dig the cutting edge superbikes, the racer crouch is too hard on my back... i need to sit more upright. but the majority of bikes that aren't superbikes i find pretty boring. something like the old streetfighter style bikes would suit me... light & powerful but with a more upright seating position. It's not a practical machine, but be damned if it doesn't turd heads. tee hee, turd heads.. sounds about right for harley folk :D |
09:23am 30/09/13 Permalink
maybe u should get bikes like this
but since that was 1988 maybe not. |
11:51am 30/09/13 Permalink
Ride a CRF450X Dirt Bike myself with one notable injury (broken wrist and tore my knee open to the cap). Apart from that all good fun and love hitting the state forests north of Brissie.
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11:59am 30/09/13 Permalink
I'd love to get a bike and I toy with the idea often. I'm not after speed, just something to cruise to work and back each day... The idea of some motorist taking me out though prevents me from doing it, not for my own sake, but for my family.
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12:07pm 30/09/13 Permalink
+1 groganus,
Love the idea of a bike, and considering I live down the road from mount me, there would be excelent places to take it very close by. Still, trying to convince the misses that the Q-Ride course would make an excelent christmas pressent. Although last time she let me "try out" something i was interested in i ended up buying a boat. so i think more convincing will be required this time round. |
01:30pm 30/09/13 Permalink
If you guys are considering getting a bike, just go for it. They really are great fun, and the novelty just doesn't seem to wear off. It's relatively safe if you follow a few golden rules, like riding with the assumption that absolutely nobody can see you, slowing down at busy intersections, never sitting in blind spots etc. Even in the case of my accident, it was entirely avoidable. The other driver may have been in the wrong, but I should have slowed down at the intersection.
my left knee took the majority of the impact & i had to have a op to remove the gravel n sew it all back together. it was very painful because on the 2nd night after the initial op they decided to go back in as there was some infection. the re-opening was a lot more painful than the initial op! Ouch. I was pretty lucky with the knee, the slice went right down to the bone but didn't damage it. Same with the thigh lacerations, took the skin off but didn't touch the muscle. |
09:08pm 30/09/13 Permalink
Another reason why I'm not stupid enough to ride a motorbike
Motorbikes cause Erectile Dysfunction study of 234 avid motorcyclists between the ages of 20 and 60 found significantly higher ED across all age ranges compared to a control group. Sixty-nine percent of motorcyclists suffered from ED compared to 35 percent of the controls |
09:47pm 30/09/13 Permalink
sheeeeez those are some nasty lacerations cherocha, did you side swipe a railing or something?
i really want to piss the car off and get a bike, but i've seen some shocker accidents on the roads. a piece of s*** car is better than what they say is statistically significantly more dangerous over 10+km's travel also, you need a tl;dr for details last edited by trillion at 21:59:36 30/Sep/13 |
09:52pm 30/09/13 Permalink
ffs, take your d5 c*** |
10:05pm 30/09/13 Permalink
i don't like you already and you just washed up on the last high tide
why won't you just rack off, shoot through, get a wriggle on, scooty scoot it's a revolving door, don't let it hit you in the ass on your way up outty |
11:53pm 30/09/13 Permalink
Interesting find hardware. I wonder how long the riders averaged on their bikes per week. Id heard of cyclists experiencing crotch problems in both guys and girls but thought this was heavy cyclists, the kind that might do 1hr+ per day on average. I skimmed thru the link you provided but the dude doesnt reference during his article and i CBF going thru the 5 or so references with asian looking names that explore the d***/motorbike relationship.
It's relatively safe if you follow a few golden rules, like riding with the assumption that absolutely nobody can see you, slowing down at busy intersections, never sitting in blind spots etc. Yeah i agree. I find i have to pay heaps of attention to other cars. Watch for people on phones, P platers, cars lane cutting. Try and predict what could happen and adjust accordingly to minimise the risk of harm. |
12:21am 01/10/13 Permalink
Another reason why I'm not stupid enough to ride a motorbike Is erectile dysfunction something that you regularly worry about? What the study failed to mention, was that the other thirty-one percent get massive stiffies from riding such glorious machines. also, you need a tl;dr for details To be fair to audi, the answer to your laceration question was in the details, and 8 lines of dialogue shouldn't require a tl;dr unless the reader has serious attention span issues. tl;dr leg hit tray of ute, skin goes bye bye. |
12:28am 01/10/13 Permalink
I've seen a few near misses for people on motorbikers. I've had a few near misses just driving myself, where I've predicted what will happen. A car towing a trailer in the left lane didn't slow down to let a bus pull out, the bus pulled out anyway, I'm in the right lane and already saw it coming so started braking earlier. Car towing the trailer slams their brakes on and the trailer starts swaying out pulling the car out with it, the car swings into my lane which would have side swiped me had I not have dropped 20 K's seeing it coming. He managed to recover it and pulled back into the left lane, gave me the thumbs up and kept on driving. On a bike you'd have to be on edge for that sort of stuff even moreso.
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12:40am 01/10/13 Permalink
For these reasons I suspect competent motorcyclists are better car drivers in traffic too. I saw a dude on a moto yesterday morning, wearing stubbies and thongs.. WTF is wrong with people. Also, I don't suffer from erectile dysfunction. |
08:10am 01/10/13 Permalink
I have a 2013 BMW F800GS, was riding in the left lane, car in the right lane changed lanes on top of me, didn't knock me off but pinned my foot against the bike (Car hit in front of the A piller, dude was blind).
Foot broken in 4 places, torn ankle ligament, dislocated toe, boot is a write off. http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=HHV6-TssleTJRM&tbnid=xcnqihjcG2ct-M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.bargainbikegear.com.au/off-road/riding-boots/sidi&ei=LQ5KUuDCLsTRkwXGxoDABA&bvm=bv.53371865,d.dGI&psig=AFQjCNFo41tyhAWGH7Rd3V819_I0tW_XGA&ust=1380671401185600 |
09:52am 01/10/13 Permalink
^Pic not working ATM.
How the f*** did you sustain that amount of damage to your foot and not fall off? |
10:03am 01/10/13 Permalink
I have a 2013 BMW F800GS, was riding in the left lane, car in the right lane changed lanes on top of me, didn't knock me off but pinned my foot against the bike (Car hit in front of the A piller, dude was blind). Jesus. You sue him? I'm biding my time until this damn police report comes in (been a bit over 2 months I think) so I can take legal action. |
07:49pm 01/10/13 Permalink
I've got a 2010 yamaha R1, seeing these pictures always makes me when to sell it.. but its an addiction that can't be stopped. i've also had the suzuku gsxr1000, and honda cbr1000. the gsxr probably my favourite.
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08:20pm 01/10/13 Permalink
I've got a 2010 yamaha R1, seeing these pictures always makes me when to sell it.. but its an addiction that can't be stopped. i've also had the suzuku gsxr1000, and honda cbr1000. the gsxr probably my favourite. Why'd you give up the gixxer and go with an R1? I considered getting the litre bike but it's just overkill. No point in forking out extra for insurance etc when you're not even going to get close to taking a gsx-r1000 to it's limits. |
08:38pm 01/10/13 Permalink
2013 BMW F800GS What are these bikes like? always wanted an adventure bike but i wonder how they would handle off road considering they weigh a freakin' ton. I've been considering a Yamaha Tenere for my next bike they look pretty good. http://i.imgur.com/o8fmN5M.jpg last edited by Crakaveli at 21:16:13 01/Oct/13 last edited by Crakaveli at 21:16:32 01/Oct/13 |
09:14pm 01/10/13 Permalink
ive only ridden a bwm motorad once, and while i'm not a fan overall of that bike type (give me a classic, cruiser or a tourer anyday), I didn't mind the bmw, most of the (non me) weight was down low, and it has great road manners (not been off road on one)
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08:15am 02/10/13 Permalink
Sorry.. iPad...
Didn't come off as it's a big ass heavy bike, bounced me sideways and kinda rodeo end it. It handles great, all the electronics on the bike help a lot. http://http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery B/AC Schnitzer BMW F800GS Supermoto.jpg http://http://image.sportrider.com/f/31475245/146_1011_01_o black_fusion_air_sidi_boot .jpg |
08:23am 02/10/13 Permalink
08:42am 02/10/13 Permalink
i like to try different bikes, i'm getting the bmw s1000 next, apparently they're an amazing bike. the gixxer was a k6, last of the super light weight, after that they all got heavier in weight. i'd upload pics but i have no idea how anymore.
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04:45pm 02/10/13 Permalink
just reported everyone in this thread for phat loots.
Queenslanders have been promised rewards of up to $500,000 for information about criminal bikie gangs. story for my cash Told crimestoppers QGL was a new gang looking to set up in QLD. can't wait to see your "colours". I'm thinking a HDD with a keyboard and mouse as crosses. hey can someone design the new QGL Bikie Gang colours? I'm gonna be rich, rich i tells ya! |
06:40pm 02/10/13 Permalink
My 5min MS word job:
http://i.imgur.com/flQnQwY.jpg Case = skull Mice = eyes Ram = teeth Keyboards = cross bones In case its too s*** to tell. |
08:25pm 02/10/13 Permalink
Nice start DD
Needs a little work :-) |
08:35pm 02/10/13 Permalink
Gotta say, pretty much in love with the gixxer. Being a friday night, every bogan in a souped-up skyline or holden V8 was trying to drag race. Feels good man.
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10:16pm 04/10/13 Permalink
people don't try and race me :(
Picked this up yesterday http://i.imgur.com/ITHCfZ1.jpg Need to grab myself some dirt bike gear now if anyones selling |
07:13pm 07/10/13 Permalink
Not usually a big fan of motorbike commentary vids, but just stumbled on this guy, sounds exactly like Jeremy from The Peep Show, kind of hilarious.
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12:28am 01/11/13 Permalink
its the double bloody standards
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01:13am 01/11/13 Permalink
Here's my beast a 2012 Yamaha R6-SP, thinking back on it I should have gone for the WorldGP edition instead...
http://i.imgur.com/lbURK.jpg I haven't been in an accident yet, I hope I never am but I have come close... http://i.imgur.com/nCR6kR5.jpg |
06:45am 10/11/13 Permalink
I have only been riding for 3 months or so now with no prior experience before getting my license. I'm only using the bike as a weekend thing. Got interested in learning and thought it would be a great experience to go on group rides and learn more about bikes and riding. Was looking at a bunch of different bikes, mostly ones that I both liked the look of, and ones that the instructor from my Q Ride course recommended. Decided on a new Ninja 650 which ticked both boxes, it has been very exciting thus far. Almost ready for it's 1k service which I have ordered a few bits and pieces to go on.
Would love to participate in a day out if one was organised. http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss158/Cemax187/IMG_1267.jpg |
08:11am 10/11/13 Permalink
Used to ride back in Aus, but been out of the game since I've been living in Vancouver. No extra cash to have one here, plus you can't really ride year round here due to the never ending freezing cold rain in winter.
My progression was Kawasaki ZXR250 Husaberg FS650e (most fun bike ever! but cost a fortune to fix and maintain) Buell XB9s (still own it, currently lives with and gets ridden occasionally by reso) I want to get a bike for summer over here, but won't be for a while :( Crack what do you think of the Ninja 300? They look like an absolute banger for a daily commuter. Bit nicer than the 250 and they aren't really too expensive all things considered. It's definitely something on the radar even though I prefer more upright naked bikes. Suzuki DRZ400SM is probably what I want, love sumos... so much fun :) Gear wise I'm a big fan of Icon gear, I have a problem with loud bright colours and Icon fits those needs precisely lol... I've not had any bad experiences with their stuff, however never owned one of their lids before. |
08:45am 10/11/13 Permalink
How did you get that pic Netrosis?
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09:22am 10/11/13 Permalink
How did you get that pic Netrosis? Would be a still of GoPro footage or a similar cam. They are up to 4K res at 30fps I believe on the new cams now iirc. |
12:14pm 10/11/13 Permalink
^
Figured as much. Im looking to borrow my brother-in-law's go pro, what side of the helmet do you guys put it on? |
05:40pm 10/11/13 Permalink
2004 Kawasaki Z750 Rider here. Actually just getting back on it after a long break from biking...
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06:20pm 10/11/13 Permalink
^Figured as much. Im looking to borrow my brother-in-law's go pro, what side of the helmet do you guys put it on? I normally either slap mine on top, or on the tank, to get speedo etc in the shot, mainly because I couldn't be arsed messing around with placement on the side and making sure it's aligned squarely. As far as res, you'd pretty much never record at 4K unless you were toying with the protune feature that's available on the newer cams, and I haven't bothered sussing it out yet. I remember there were issues with playback while recording in 4K on the regular mode. I had a play with each res and found the sweet spot for quality and saving space (64GB micro SD cards don't stretch as far as you'd think) was 720p at 50fps (can go lower with frames but it gets super choppy if you want to slow down footage at any point). If your bro has a hero3, make sure you've got an extra battery or two, as they chew through them in no time. I think the battery life on previous iterations is better, but it's pretty s***e on the latest one, pretty much the only drawback. An LCD screen also goes a long way with providing much better ease of use and functionality. |
07:43pm 10/11/13 Permalink
Crack what do you think of the Ninja 300? They look like an absolute banger for a daily commuter. Bit nicer than the 250 and they aren't really too expensive all things considered. It's definitely something on the radar even though I prefer more upright naked bikes.it's a great bike. very cheap to run and is awesome around town. On the highways it starts to feel a bit lacking but it can still cruise on 110kph pretty comfortably. |
08:52pm 10/11/13 Permalink
I think it should be compulsory for EVERYONE to ride a bike for 1 year before they can get any type of car license.
At least then maybe some muppets might get a clue and understand they should LOOK around them more. |
08:58pm 10/11/13 Permalink
I think it should be compulsory for EVERYONE to ride a bike for 1 year before they can get any type of car license. I've been cut off by people in cars while I'm driving a car. People should be made to drive a car for a year before they can get a car lice...... oh wait. Doesn't matter what the other person is on, the cutter offer is just a d*******. |
09:02pm 10/11/13 Permalink
Thanks for the comments cherocha.
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09:04pm 10/11/13 Permalink
If you have one of the newer gopros there's an app that lets you use your phone to line them up and control it. It works "sort of" (there's lag).
To be honest though, I've had no end of trouble with my hero 3 black. No matter what SD card I use in it (even recommended ones) it just stops recording randomly after a while. The first one I got, the battery wouldn't even last an hour and it would drain itself even when the camera was turned off. Got a replacement and this one lasts a while longer but it's pot luck whether the thing will keep recording or not. I've heard it's only really the black ones that have the troubles and it also seems to be the luck of the draw whether you get a good one or not. Apparently it happens because the card can't keep up with the camera so the camera just shuts down the recording. Instead of being smart and starting it up again, it just sits there and does nothing. Protune is awesome though, you get much better low light performance and it turns down the contrast a bit. It's mostly for people who want to do colour / brightness / contrast corrections in post production. I used it though because in standard mode, low light performance wasn't quite good enough for what I wanted. |
09:09pm 10/11/13 Permalink
If you have one of the newer gopros there's an app that lets you use your phone to line them up and control it. It works "sort of" (there's lag). To be honest though, I've had no end of trouble with my hero 3 black. No matter what SD card I use in it (even recommended ones) it just stops recording randomly after a while. The first one I got, the battery wouldn't even last an hour and it would drain itself even when the camera was turned off. Got a replacement and this one lasts a while longer but it's pot luck whether the thing will keep recording or not. I've heard it's only really the black ones that have the troubles and it also seems to be the luck of the draw whether you get a good one or not.Apparently it happens because the card can't keep up with the camera so the camera just shuts down the recording. Instead of being smart and starting it up again, it just sits there and does nothing.Protune is awesome though, you get much better low light performance and it turns down the contrast a bit. It's mostly for people who want to do colour / brightness / contrast corrections in post production. I used it though because in standard mode, low light performance wasn't quite good enough for what I wanted. Doesn't the wifi chew through batteries? I've read stacks of complaints that it virtually cuts battery life in half, and also drains it when the camera's off. I don't even use the remote, for that reason. A fix would be to do whatever you want in setting it up, then turn the wifi off for the duration of recording? I got an LCD bacpac, but haven't gone out with it yet. It pretty much does what you'd want it to, gives you a display of the picture, and even has some extra menu options, like being able to delete vids and pics on the fly, and you can turn it off so as to preserve battery life. Heard the touch screen one was a bit dodgy, so went with the regular. Going to have to read up on protune, I'm guessing it's fairly straight forward? I just read that you're actually limited in res options, contrary to what I thought. |
10:18pm 10/11/13 Permalink
Im looking to borrow my brother-in-law's go pro, what side of the helmet do you guys put it on? Is this for commuting as it will make you look like a tool. Mount on bike instead for less toolness. I've been riding a bike for a few months now and must admit I'm a better car driver because of it. Always on the look out now for my fellow bike riding bro's so that I don't hit them. Before I was always wary because it's not always the cars fault if there is an accident, you get a lot of idiots on bikes that ride erratically and fast whom are just asking for it. last edited by maRtz at 11:08:30 11/Nov/13 |
11:04am 11/11/13 Permalink
if i am recording from my bike with my gopro i usually use the suction cup mount on the tank of the bike.
if i want a helmet camera i use the mobius action camera. it's much lighter & smaller... you hardly notice it on a helmet. as cherocha says.. the battery life in the hero3 is awful. using the wifi will make it worse. i get about 45mins of reliable recording time per battery with wifi off. with wifi on it becomes a guessing game of when it's going to get a flat battery. however this is not the only downside of the hero3 compared to previous models. both the hero hd & the hero2 were physically tougher & more resilient to impacts. the hero3 is weak as piss & will sometimes stop recording if you give it a bit of a bump. after it has had a few decent bumps it can be pretty unreliable... turning itself off randomly with a decent charge still in the battery. i would rant further but this guys sums it up.. even if he is a little over the top :) |
12:44pm 11/11/13 Permalink
I have mounted mine on front of bike.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e21/joekool1983/WP_20130817_002.jpg |
02:21pm 11/11/13 Permalink
i get about 45mins of reliable recording time per battery with wifi off. Damn, that sounds dodgy. I get at least an hour and a half without wifi. I'm thinking of getting a USB sorted on the bike, so I can charge GPS and GoPro etc on the fly. |
03:59pm 11/11/13 Permalink
i am using the aftermarket qi brand batteries.. both my original hero3 batts died a while back & won't take a charge anymore. the qi batts are rated the same .. 5v / 1000mah.. but they definitely have a bit less life in them. although i never got an hour & a half ... even when the batts were brand new.
the thing is.. the 'genuine' hero3 replacement batts are like $50-70 each. i bought 6 x qi batts with a 240v charger for $38 :) |
04:40pm 11/11/13 Permalink
http://burnsmoto.com/usb-power-socket-weatherproof.php something like this would be good if youre looking to charge while you ride.
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05:03pm 11/11/13 Permalink
Is this for commuting as it will make you look like a tool. Mount on bike instead for less toolness. Yeah its for commuting. Want it for a compilation of close calls to get rich from youtube. Also in case of some accident and need proof. Wouldnt helmet let you catch action to the left or right better (as the head turns) than the cam being stuck on the bike? Eg i doubt a cam on the bike would have caught much of this: http://i.imgur.com/nCR6kR5.jpg |
06:09pm 11/11/13 Permalink
the field of view from cam would have got that fine, otherwise cam on helmet is more informative showing your head movement and where you're looking.
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01:33pm 12/11/13 Permalink
K, sounds good.
I'll check out the bike mount options. |
06:57pm 12/11/13 Permalink
How did you get that pic Netrosis? I have a Contour+ 2 http://i.imgur.com/7jXQAKZ.jpg It has 720p and 1080p modes, I use the 720p so I can fit more rides on the Micro-SD card (class10 32GB, think the cam comes with a 4GB one) before needing to empty it, plus the battery lasts long enough for a ride to and from work (about 80 mins total). It also records GPS, and when combined with their proprietary software you can make videos which displays where you were going (like a map overlay sort of thing) plus the speed you were travelling. I prefer helmet mounted to bike mounted. Admittedly, the GoPros attached to helmets tend to be a lot less attractive then the "bullet" style that the Contours have. The benefits include that I can turn my head to point the camera at specific things. As an example if someone cuts me off I can point my helmet at their rego plates and hope the camera picks them up (close range only). http://i.imgur.com/9jHrDuq.png?1 http://i.imgur.com/FaSlYmd.png?1 That rego plate is really close and it is already barely legible, the second photo the camera didn't see through the tint too well, but it's a lady with sunglasses holding up her right hand to her mouth as if she was shocked going "oops" after I blasted my horn at her. If you are going to mount it on your helmet, make sure to mount it so the camera sits around the same level as your eyes, otherwise the pivoting of the helmet will be exaggerated if it sits on top or in the chin area. My Contour+ 2 comes with a laser that displays as a line, which when mounted to the helmet you can rotate it until it is level or the angle you want. |
12:50am 18/11/13 Permalink
Would be a still of GoPro footage or a similar cam. They are up to 4K res at 30fps I believe on the new cams now iirc. 15fps. 2k is 30. Pretty sure the new + model is exactly the same specs as the old ones just longer battery life. If you want a gopro, try and find a decent 2nd hand original HD hero. I had mine mounted to my savage flux. Seeing an RC car nail things at 60km/h with a camera strapped to it is cringeworthy but both the car and camera survived numerous impacts. I have a hero 3 black which I never use because, as what's his face up there said, it's just too unreliable and the battery life is s***. Wi-Fi is unreliable and will just stop working randomly. It just stops recording randomly (apparently because the SD cards can't keep up but it doesn't matter which card I put in it, it still does it). All in all I'd rate them a 2 out of 10. |
01:31am 18/11/13 Permalink
What are you guys doing to get cut off so often? I rarely get cut off or have people do weird s*** around me.
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10:48am 18/11/13 Permalink
Unless I was flogging past people (90% of the time), I found myself sitting off the quarter of cars next to me. They could throw the wheel as hard as they want eitherway and won't hit me. When I overtake people, I keep pace and get it out of the way.
This has flowed into my driving as well. I'm not comfortable driving next to another car neck and neck. I need to be 3-4 feet ahead of neck and neck, or I'll back off until he's fully ahead. In a 2 week period near Canberra, I had 2 cars and a bus merge into my lane while I was next to them (in a car myself). On one occasion I ended up off the highway - a GTR on the grass at 110km/h. I sped past the b**** to make a point and there was a HWP on the side of the road. 154km/h in 110 zone. That b**** probably drove past thinking her driving was infallible because she's quote "Never had an accident" - Only because everyone else is quick enough to dodge her. |
01:58pm 18/11/13 Permalink
What are you guys doing to get cut off so often? I rarely get cut off or have people do weird s*** around me. It's not an often occurrence for me but I'm not doing anything out of the ordinary. Other drivers fail to do a proper head-check, or when they do they don't "see" a motorcycle because they are only checking for cars and trucks. If you know motorcyclists who drove for a few years before getting their bike licence, ask them if after they got their licence whether they started consciously noticing more motorcycles on the road. This is why it's wise to keep the mentality that other drivers cannot see you. Even after some drivers look directly at you, their brain doesn't acknowledge/register it because on a bike you can "camouflage" into the background. This is a really good video on it, known as the SMIDSY (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) There are all sorts of tricks you can do to make yourself more visible. For example when I stop at lights I make sure my bike has an exit path if the vehicle behind me comes in too fast. When a car approaches from behind and I'm on level ground I will tap my rear brake which makes the brake light flash on & off. |
04:00pm 18/11/13 Permalink
I've nearly hit so much s*** because the pillars in modern cars are f*****g huge and it's actually possible to hide bikes and sometimes even a small car behind the A pillar. I f*****g hate it. You pretty much have to stick your head out the window ace ventura style when going around a particular corner near my place because the A pillar literally hides the entire oncoming lane of traffic.
Nice work modern car makers. A guy at work said he has the same problem in a different model of car so there you go. If I look over my shoulder I also get a face full of drivers side pillar and can't see s*** that's beside me. Might make the car safer in a crash, but makes it more likely to HAVE a crash in the first place. Stupid d******* car manufacturers. |
07:18pm 18/11/13 Permalink
For example when I stop at lights I make sure my bike has an exit path if the vehicle behind me comes in too fast. When a car approaches from behind and I'm on level ground I will tap my rear brake which makes the brake like flash on & off. Started doing the same after watching some horror motorcycle crash compilations where people would get plowed from behind. |
09:20pm 18/11/13 Permalink
I'm in the process of buying my first bike. Having no experience apart from the QRide day, I'm opting to buy a Honda CBR250R.
I've gone to team moto and they have some with low kilometres (around 2000km) for around $5k but I think I can get a better deal from private sellers from bikesales but I'm not sure what to look for when buying a motorbike privately. I have a mechanic friend who has offered to come with me but are there any things I need to look out for when buying used bikes? |
06:19pm 18/01/14 Permalink
^Harley
+ leather vest for safety |
08:01pm 18/01/14 Permalink
same with a car I suppose. any evidence of a crash, missing stickers, odd looking paint, dents on the underneath of the exhaust system (depending on where it's mounted), funny noises coming from the engine.
If it's a 2nd hand "first time bike", I would just automatically assume it's been crashed a couple of times anyway though.That's why you buy them, cheap, easy to ride, easy to fix. |
08:49pm 18/01/14 Permalink
What are you guys doing to get cut off so often? ... It's happened to me on a number of occaisions, and I've been driving for 10+ years and am yet to be responsible for an accident (Have been rear ended twice). This is a really good video on it, known as the SMIDSY (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) I really like the approach this video has. "As much as the car is at fault, don't leave it up to the car (and it's driver); make yourself more visible to other road users". One thing this video didn't cover (and I think should belong in the SMIDSY category) is how quickly motorcycles accelerate (even at half throttle) Often drivers dismiss motorcycles because 'there's no way he can cover that distance in the time it would take me to cross the lane'. I recall vividly using every ounce of braking power that crippled Ninja had to being me to a stop when someone drove across my lane into a parking garage. After locking the rear (using progressive braking) over the last 2-3m I stalled the engine but stopped the bike with less than a foot of space between me, and the rear passenger door of this drivers car, and she didn't even see me. (Didn't even look either). There's a healthy attitude to Motorcycling in the two social clubs in the ACT that really resonate this. 'Drivers will be drivers, but as a motorcyclist there are a number of things you can do to minimise your risk' For example when I stop at lights I make sure my bike has an exit path if the vehicle behind me comes in too fast I never stop at lights with my bike aligned to the centre of the car in front, I always set myself to one side, and keep an eye on what's happening behind me. In 'peak 15-minute' (it's really not peak hour in the ACT) traffic, I always slow down really slowly to ensure that I won't be 'surprised from behind' too. Other than that I practice what I call 'Assertive riding', thankfully the ACT police are very pragmatic about motorcyclists, so long as you aren't speeding profusely, the local uniforms look the other way at a quick burst of throttle to make sure you're not in other road users blind spots. |
09:33pm 18/01/14 Permalink
Alize'
Honda's are well made bikes, the CBR should serve you well. Things to look for are any evidence of the bike being dropped (esp. if 'near new') and depending on age of the bike how well it has been maintained (fork seals, chain condition and tension, engine seals, any smoke while 'riding aggressively') Take a look over the faring and ensure that it all aligns well and has no evidence of being dropped/damaged/etc. I bought new because I didn't want the liability of a dropped bike, unlike a car, if a bike 'breaks down' mid corner, you can't really pull over and stop, it usually involves low siding the bike. |
09:37pm 18/01/14 Permalink
Be a good idea to check service records as well, I'd think.
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01:04am 19/01/14 Permalink
When checking the fairings, look in the inside, where the fairings bolt into the frame or onto each other. You want to look for cracks or similar.
I bought my 2008 GPX250 with 9000k's on the clock for $2900. Private seller. Check the brake calipers to make sure they are not all gunked up, is another indicator of service quality and safety. When buying a private bike another thing to consider is the condition of the wheels, find out when they were last replaced. The CBR250's and GPX250's are both excellent first bikes. IMO the GPX250/Ninja250 is the best bet super easy to maintain and really tough engines. |
10:03am 19/01/14 Permalink
12:30pm 19/01/14 Permalink
You, my friend, are an idiot. A childhood friend of mine did the same thing at about 160 kmph and ended up with no leg.
Amputated by the impact. Leg ended up on the back passenger seat. Drive a car for gods sake. |
12:32pm 19/01/14 Permalink
You, my friend, are an idiot. A childhood friend of mine did the same thing at about 160 kmph and ended up with no leg. wait, what?, you friend was being a tool and wasn't riding in a safe manner, therefore all bikes are bad thats a f***ed up logic |
01:31pm 19/01/14 Permalink
Looks like they're modelling the naked FZ1 off the ER-6n, or vice versa. Love the look of them, and the upright position. How's it treating you?
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01:34pm 19/01/14 Permalink
I bought my CBR250R brand new for about $5.3K late last year. Looking to sell it over the next few months. Never dropped it as I don't ride like an idiot and in general I have been very careful.
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01:37pm 19/01/14 Permalink
is that an fz1 or fz8 ? fz1. i wanted to ride the 8 but couldn't get one. i rang almost every motorcycle dealer in brisbane looking for one and there was no joy. How's it treating you? its been a bit of an adjustment from the FJR, but its great. i keep forgetting these little sportsbike motors like to be revved. the riding position is almost perfect but i'm thinking about lowering the pegs just a whisker. going to buy a small tailbag and i'm set :) |
01:54pm 19/01/14 Permalink
You should be doing that while riding as well. Those oil patches.. Plus I find riding on the left/right end (usually right end) of the lane puts me in peoples mirrors at least. That way I can at least give them a better chance of seeing me. Also playing the 'spot the driver that is about to change lanes without indicating game' is an essential sport riding bikes. |
01:58pm 19/01/14 Permalink
Nails, screws and bits of metal are a biggie. Despite always sticking to tyre lines, I've had two rear flats so far this year, and my tyre and rim insurance only covers two a year. Since the last one I've been looking out, and it's incredible how often you'll see screws lying on the road. It's like tradies just go around with unsecured cargo, flicking bits and pieces all over the place. There are also a couple of intersections on the way to work that seem to see accidents quite regularly, and there will always be a decent amount of glass and debris still left on the road after the cleanup.
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02:14pm 19/01/14 Permalink
I bought my CBR250R brand new for about $5.3K late last year. Where did you get it from? Why the hell are they $5k used if they are only $5.3k new? I might as well buy new? Cheers for the info guys. Tollazor I was keen on the ninja 250 as well but I prefer fuel injection and a digital speedo. |
02:48pm 19/01/14 Permalink
Well, if you like the extra work/complexity of fuel injection go for it.
I had one loose a ladder in the lane next to me lol |
02:59pm 19/01/14 Permalink
Also Centre stands are awesome.
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04:13pm 19/01/14 Permalink
Where did you get it from? Why the hell are they $5k used if they are only $5.3k new? I might as well buy new? I bought a 2012 model where Honda give the dealer a $1000 rebate to push "old" stock along. I asked him what the difference between 2012 and 2013 is and he said basically nothing so I got the 2012 (plus I did a little haggling to get the price lower). |
08:05pm 20/01/14 Permalink
I'm looking forward to the upcoming electric motorcycles. There are few in production now, just not easily available in Aus. Oh, and I'm sure the Aus Tax will completly negate any reasonable price they could have been. The Zero XU was selling in the US for about $8k.
Zero FX is their 2014 model. 60cents for 65-115KM's travel, charging time is bit rough at 7 hours, 3.5 if you use two power points on separate circuits. Still they are getting much closer to being a reasonable alternative, at least for city commuting. It would work well for my travel and save $800/year in fuel. Maintenance heaps easier too, no oil! |
08:12pm 20/01/14 Permalink
I hate bike riders who ride on my left, REALLY close. Especially near an intersection where I will be turning left. I always wonder if they're suddenly going to try to overtake on the left up the kerb. I spend more time watching my mirror than I do the road. Please f*****g stop doing that. |
08:15pm 20/01/14 Permalink
It's my lane, I'll do what I want. Not sure why you would be turning left from a right lane ... but that isn't how you do it man.
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08:25pm 20/01/14 Permalink
