Technology, don't want it.

[motorman587]

Anybody feel the same that, radio, either IPOD XM radio, GPS, CB and other doodads that can be mounted on the motorcycle, just take the fun out of riding. I got this new to me motorcycle and do not have the interest in mounting the above. I totally enjoy the quietness just listening to the wind noise and the engine purrrrrr.

[moshe_levy]

I agree, for the most part. At times when you're going straight for an hour with nothing around you and constant rpm, a little music doesn't hurt.

 

 

-MKL

[beemerman2k]

I agree, for the most part. At times when you're going straight for an hour with nothing around you and constant rpm, a little music doesn't hurt.

 

 

-MKL

 

No, it doesn't hurt at all, especially some Led Zeppelin or another great musical piece to listen to while riding is the theme from, "The Lord of the Rings". When the music for the Nazgul, the Black Riders, rings out, you just feel like a total bad@ss riding on your, um, sewing machine sounding motorcycle -- the Hobbit bike among Saruman's fighting Orc's :smirk:

[bikebits]

Anybody feel the same that, radio, either IPOD XM radio, GPS, CB and other doodads that can be mounted on the motorcycle, just take the fun out of riding. I got this new to me motorcycle and do not have the interest in mounting the above. I totally enjoy the quietness just listening to the wind noise and the engine purrrrrr.

 

I'm with you 100%. Even during 9 hour days of nothing but gravel and spruce trees on the Trans-Labrador Highway, I had no desire for any distraction from the countryside. It's all about the scenery and the ride.

[plext]

Tend to agree as a general rule, it's not really the best of environments to be having distractions.

 

I will also note that the times I have listened to music from the phone via bluetooth,

seems to make me ride like a lunatic, 200km/h being far from uncommon.

 

No, best I leave it to listening to the bike.

[Selden]

Fred Rau deals with this very issue in the February 2012 issue of Motorcycle Consumer News:

 

Certainly all this marvelous technology is useful, and even entertaining, but lately I have begun to wonder if it is really enhancing the riding experience, or perhaps detracting from it.

 

In the past couple of months, I have toured on a new Triumph and a new BMW, neither of which was equipped with any of the new electronic gizmos with which I have become so used to riding.... It didn't take me long to realize that without all the extraneous input, the ride was definitely different. Not only was I noticing more things than before, which I had somewhat expected, but I seemed to feel more relaxed and "in tune" with each bike and the ride.

Each person has his own threshold; for me, a GPS is the limit, primarily as a trip computer on interstates or when I am in unfamiliar territory, when the quality of the ride is sometimes improved by not needing to stop at frequent intervals to consult a paper map.

[David13]

I have to stop regularly anyway. Well, every 100 or 200 miles or so.

So paper maps when I stop are fine.

For me it is about the ride and the scenery. And being in touch with everything the bike does. So I do not need gps, radio or other diversions.

It is me, the machine, and the location.

dc

[upflying]

I'm a Luddite biker too John.

[Nesbocaj]

 

 

I frequently take random roads to see where they end up. Because of this I NEED my GPS's "go Home" button.

 

The GPS also plays music, so sometimes music and sometimes not. If I had to add anything else, I wouldn't do it.

 

BT from J&M: IIRC this is the 4th year with it, not one problem, no wires!

 

 

[philbytx]

+1

I am, somewhat of, a reformed Luddite as I recently installed a GPS on the big bike. Still have paper maps....no phone hook-up, no music.

 

Our phone is just a basic Samsung phone....no texting, no apps, no nuttin'.

We both worked with, and I managed, technology too long to "appreciate" its use in our personal/mobile lives.

This is especially true now that we are retired LOL!

[Firenailer]

I feel the same way that you do. It's funny because in my truck I'm totally wired, GPS, Phone, Satelite Radio.

On the bike however, I don't have any electronics at all. Just the sound and sensations of the road.

 

I'll stop every 150 - 200 miles for fuel, stretch the legs, take a bathroom break, and I can check the maps then.

 

I do have a GPS App on the smart phone to double check, but my primary means of directions are a strip of blue tape on the tank. Easy to follow, and remove with no residue!

[BerndM]

The only "add-on" electronic device I use on my bike is a Garmin 855 GPS. I don't often need it but it amuses me nonetheless.

I have the AM-FM-CD on my 05 RT and I never turn it on unless I'm parked somewhere and want to hear the traffic or whatever.

That radio system is a HUGE waste of $$$$ (IMHO).

[scout6]

As a confirmed ADD/ADHD guy, I do need a little something to tie up that part of my brain that would cause me to wander (mentally) on the long straight trips. I have the Garmin for that find the way home after exploring feature. I also listen to Audible books on the freeway.

[Francois_Dumas]

I don't care for radio etc., but when voyaging I wouldn't want to be without my GPS anymore. It takes a lot of strain out of finding your way when you really want to go to a specific place or follow a specific route.

 

On the other hand, I often don't mount it when just riding around the the region in the evening.......

[outpost22]

Anybody feel the same that, radio, either IPOD XM radio, GPS, CB and other doodads that can be mounted on the motorcycle, just take the fun out of riding. I got this new to me motorcycle and do not have the interest in mounting the above. I totally enjoy the quietness just listening to the wind noise and the engine purrrrrr.

 

Yep.

I do mount a handheld GPS on the GS as I travel many unmarked dirt/gravel BLM/Forest Service roads in the middle of nowhere to mark waypoints. Other than that, I'm not a gizmo person.

 

Heck if somebody leaves a message on my cell phone, I may not get it for 3-4 days as the phone is rarely turned on.

[Mister Tee]

I honestly don't feel that way at all, particularly on long rides. I'm all about using technology to make riding more enjoyable. Let's face it, a 100 mile stretch on a long flat slab can get boring. I even have Pandora tuned in to high energy dance mix when I ride my bicycle on long rides. I don't have a GPS mounted on my bike (I might do that at some point) but at stops I will pull the Iphone out sometimes to locate nearby restaurants and gas stations, and to monitor traffic, although I don't particularly need it for navigation itself.

 

That said, it is up to the rider not to misuse technology and become distracted from riding.

[chrisolson]

Anybody feel the same that, radio, either IPOD XM radio, GPS, CB and other doodads that can be mounted on the motorcycle, just take the fun out of riding.

Nope ... after many years of silence, I've completely embraced the new technology.

 

Enjoy music on the ride and think in some cases it actually enhances the experience. GPS, really handy. Don't load routes but won't leave home without it when going cross country. And bike to bike eliminates the shouting and the mysterious, untranslatable sign language between riders. The occasional "all clear to pass" is also quite helpful.

 

 

[JWMcDonald]

I get on the motorcycle to get away from people / radio / music / phones.

 

I will admit to GPS, though.

[ElevenFifty]

Technology - Love it

 

The GPS frees me from navigation concerns and allows me to plan and execute very complex routes on very rural roads.

 

I'm also in the "enjoy my music" column ... I will push the off button and ride with just the wind and bike noise, sometimes for an hour or so. But most of the past 90K miles has been with Sirius radio and an iPod.

 

I also have my cell on bluetooth ... mostly because I can consult from anywhere and am lucky to be able to take my work "on the road". It is a FIRM rule with me, that if the phone rings, I pull over ... If I'm in traffic, the conversation is always "I'm on the road, I'll call you back in 5 minutes" ... and I get off the road.

 

I find that music does not hinder my concentration but conversations on the phone and riding a motorcycle do not mix.

[David13]

There is my approach.

People say "oh, you want to go out there all alone?"

Yes, I say. There is less arguing that way.

(Not that I don't like to argue.)

dc

[Autocom Matt]

I've got a friend that thinks transistorized ignition is too much technology for his motorcycle and just caries a bag with a spare set of condenser and points zip tied to his bike.

 

To each there own.

 

That said with all my "gadgets" they aren't noticed unless I want to use them or a revenuer is broadcasting radar. I installed good quality stuff on my bike, installed it properly, and don't have to mess with it.

 

If I'm burning some interstate heading back from mountains I can stay awake with some radio. I can focus on my lines rather than if I need to take that intersection or keep going. Most importantly, me and my girlfriend can vacation on the bike with a 800 mile travel day without complaining.

 

Everything installed on my bike is there for a certain shortcoming or need.

[BIWOZ]

Adventure seeker on an empty street,

Just an alley creeper, light on his feet

A young [sic] fighter screaming, with no time for doubt

With the pain and anger can't see a way out,

It ain't much I'm asking, I heard him say,

Gotta find me a future move out of my way,

I want it all, I want it all, I want it all, and I want it now,

I want it all, I want it all, I want it all, and I want it now,

 

GPS, intercom, two-way handheld with PTT switch, iPod music, movie camera ... the combined digital barometer/thermometer/altimeter/compass is on order ...

 

Of course, I don't actually use most of it ... but it looks way cool when I park down on the coffee strip ...

[woodnfly]

im with you,ive got an 07 rt no gps,no radio,i ride to ny every year in the fall and have taken more backroads from here to there and back than i can remember,i like the solitude very few places you can ride anymore where youre not going to run into a major highway soon enough,to each his own

[eddd]

Crossing 800 miles of Texas for the 50th time can get really boring without some music, old time radio, or other entertainment channels.

 

And a little

as you're chasing hoons around Fish Lake can be lots of fun!

[AviP]

Tend to agree as a general rule, it's not really the best of environments to be having distractions.

 

I will also note that the times I have listened to music from the phone via bluetooth,

seems to make me ride like a lunatic, 200km/h being far from uncommon.

 

No, best I leave it to listening to the bike.

Nice track. I can see myself twisting the throttle wide open by minute 2 on that track. And god forbid, if there are canyons. Knee pads will be a pre-requisite. That is why I don't listen to music and ride.

 

Even in my truck or car, I will turn off the music during any dangerous situation, like driving in the wet or snow. I'd rather hear the primary reaction of loss of traction rather than the secondary reaction of loss of direction. It's always served me well.

 

I do like to soak in the countryside on my rides, especially since my riding days seem to get lesser each year. So no RADIO, MOBILE INTERNET, MP3, GPS, MOBILE CALLS, BLUETOOTH or BIKE-TO-BIKE. I did try BIKE-TO-WIFE once, but had to pretend the system failed after a couple of hours.

 

 

[bendbill]

On 90% of my riding--touring runs, overnights, and day rides--I'm blissfully free of gadgets

 

On commutes or very familiar roads, I listen to faves on my $49 i-Pod with comfy Arizona Al earplugs that produce great sound.

[CVA-42]

Interesting to read the various takes on this issue. I don't think I'm a Luddite exactly but I tend to keep much of this personal electronic technology at arm's length because I'm not convinced that it has made life a whole lot better. Different, maybe. Better, I'm not so sure. I do have a healthy respect for electronic technology but only on my terms where I think it benefits me - - EFI on my 2 and 4 wheel vehicles, the computer on my 1200RT, my (not so smart) cell phone, the high-tech equipment that my cardiologist uses, this computer - - that kind of thing. But on a motorcycle, I haven't made the leap to the kind of personal electronic devices we are talking about. As for boredom on a bike, nah - - hasn't happened to me yet and I've been on some pretty long solo rides. Trouble staying awake on a bike? No, the only times I've ever gotten drowsy is after a big lunch riding in the hot sun so I just avoid doing that. I can relate to people who shun electronic gizmos on their bike as well as to those who want to have all of the latest and greatest. I just do what feels right for me.

[JohnnyJ]

A garage door opener and occasionally the radar detector.

 

I don't want anything but earplugs stuffed into my ears.

 

 

Johnny J

[Paul Mihalka]

A garage door opener and occasionally the radar detector.

 

I don't want anything but earplugs stuffed into my ears.

 

 

Johnny J

That describes me but then I'm a old fart Luddite.

[Burt]

I like my GPS for longer trips, but that is it. I don't even listen to music in the car.

[RussL]

Technology...some people like it, some don't. I tend to embrace technology in that I use a radar detector, carry a gps most days and listen to music. However, there are days I ride without the music and gps. It just depends on my mood. I also have an autocom for communications, but I haven't hooked it up in several years.

[Mike]

I always have a radar detector hooked up. I've gone the route of music, intercom, phone hooked in, etc. and find it distracting. As others have noted, the only time I find that it really adds to the experience of riding is when I'm droning down a four-lane.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

I have become addicted to my GPS on my bike to the point that I feel like something is amiss if it isn't there, even on day rides in long-familiar local territory. Mostly I prefer the digital speed readout in lieu of the bike's own speedometer, but I also look at the map from time to time. On trips in unfamiliar territory in which one wants to follow a specific route, GPS is a godsend. I have a favorite route through southwestern Wisconsin that includes dozens of turns over the course of a 380-mile day:

 

 

 

I did it with paper maps once, but it required extreme attentiveness to location and a fair amount of backtracking. I did it in 2010 with GPS, and it was fantastic, being audibly warned of upcoming turns with adequate notice.

 

Music? Great for the interstate highway to alleviate some of the boredom. Anyplace else, the ride is interesting enough that I don't need it.

 

Radar? I've considered getting a detector, but haven't so far. Through some combination of luck, caution, and deferential roadside demeanor, I've managed to earn only three speeding tickets in thirteen years/155K miles of riding.

 

Comm system? Easy communication really is a boon to group rides. Not for inane chatter, but the occasional quick missive, e.g. "hey, let's stop at the next scenic overlook" is more easily sent over the airwaves, instead of via frantic honking, flashing, waving, etc.

 

Hands-free cell phone use? Nah. I'll check my cell phone for messages during stops, but it's very rare that something happening far away can't wait for an hour or so to be resolved.

[MT Wallet]

I ridden a naked bike all these years and got along just fine. I don't need technology. But I'm not oppoed to it either.

[Glenn Reed]

Eons ago, I was in college and working at a stereo store and was getting ready for a trip where I was going to ride about 650 miles the first day. I borrowed a Sony Walkman © and removed the clips that connected the earphone pieces to the top stretcher on the headphones. I slid the earphones into place in the ear openings in my helmet, and I could listen to cassette tapes while I rode. (Yes, I said cassette tapes...)

 

I was moving along the interstate and at one point realized I just wasn't paying anywhere near as much attention to my riding. I shut off the unit and when I got home I put everything back the way it was and brought it back into work.

 

The only theory I have come up with, and it correlates with my use of a Bluetooth headset as well, is that the sound is so much "closer" to my ears, that my brain processes it as being much more important than when I listen to tunes in the car or truck.

 

I have purchased a GPS from a member here, but have not had it long enough to see how well I get along with it. I know that at some of the BMWST get togethers, the rides that are already scouted are available to be downloaded and that might be nice. The Go Home feature as well.

 

I seem to get along well enough with my thoughts, even on the interstate.

[Quinn]

Yea, I know what you mean. I replaced that decadent soft seat on the bike with a rock and when I couldn't figure out how to disconnect my heated grips, I started putting ice cubes in my gloves to keep that real feeling. When I stop to fill up, I get out my map and sextant to see where I am. I follow bread crumbs that I've dropped to find my way home. On trips I don't use the internal combustion engine and just duck walk it down the road. If I'm on a long straight highway and want some music to keep awake, I just sing the only three lines of MacArther Park that I know.

 

None of this wuzzy, high tech crap for me. I'm a real motorcyclist.

 

----

 

 

[moshe_levy]

Fred Rau has a great column on this very issue in this month's (Feb) MCN. Check it out.

 

-MKL

[Huzband]

Fred Rau deals with this very issue in the February 2012 issue of Motorcycle Consumer News:

 

Certainly all this marvelous technology is useful, and even entertaining, but lately I have begun to wonder if it is really enhancing the riding experience, or perhaps detracting from it.

 

In the past couple of months, I have toured on a new Triumph and a new BMW, neither of which was equipped with any of the new electronic gizmos with which I have become so used to riding.... It didn't take me long to realize that without all the extraneous input, the ride was definitely different. Not only was I noticing more things than before, which I had somewhat expected, but I seemed to feel more relaxed and "in tune" with each bike and the ride.

Each person has his own threshold; for me, a GPS is the limit, primarily as a trip computer on interstates or when I am in unfamiliar territory, when the quality of the ride is sometimes improved by not needing to stop at frequent intervals to consult a paper map.

 

Fred Rau has a great column on this very issue in this month's (Feb) MCN. Check it out.

 

-MKL

 

You don't say.

[JohnnyJ]

GPS has it's place, but some of my favorite spots have been found when I was lost.

 

 

Johnny J

[moshe_levy]

Ooops, missed that. Sorry!

 

-MKL

[Lone_RT_rider]

I totally enjoy the quietness just listening to the wind noise and the engine purrrrrr.

 

Ever cross Nebraska on I-80? 400 miles of flat nothing. It gives me a slight hint of what being in solitary confinement might be like. It weren't for my MP3 player and watching the GPS going up 1 foot of elevation at a time (going east to west), I would probably get off the bike begging for a straigh jacket.

 

Shawn

[Ron_B]

Ever cross Nebraska on I-80? 400 miles of flat nothing.

 

Shawn

 

I used to be one of those riders who scoff at the idea of having music on a bike. Then I tried it. I cross the great plains four to six times a year. Music makes Nebraska and Kansas much more tolerable.

 

Also, another good thing about having music pumped into my ears when riding - it drowns out the voices.

 

[AlexG]

I don’t have any additional electronics on my bike and I don’t need them. I listen to wind and engine. I stop and consult paper map if need to and rest at the same time. Cell phone is off, stored in the side bag and is only checked when I reach my destination. I like the relative solitude that motorcycle riding provides. I try to disconnect from daily errands and problems and let my brain rest (I live in a madhouse called NYC after all) by being preoccupied with a single task – riding. Sometimes I sing inside my helmet, but only because I am enjoying a ride, not because I need to entertain myself. So far so good.

[lkchris]

It's hard to do without goodies once you've had them.

 

I'm a bit disappointed my recently acquired R1100S doesn't have a gear position indicator and that I actually have to set fast idle when I start it. And no fuel gauge? And I think the throttlemeister doesn't work but sure think the electronic cruise on my RT is cooler anyway. And if it's available on any next bike I get, it will have ASC.

[bushmanstan]

I am old fashioned and believe that when riding a motorcycle or flying an airplane you should be listening (paying attention) to the machine you are piloting and your constantly changing environment. It may be boring but you can bet it can/will change in an instant.

 

I also ride bicycles. The other day I was coming up behind a bicycle (road rider) and this dog comes out of a yard plows into this bike rider taking him down. When I stopped to see about the poor guy he still had one of the ipod wires hanging out of his ear. Apparently he was deeply involved with whatever was being pumped between his ears and got pretty scuffed up due to being unaware of his surroundings. Afterall, what can happen; rural blacktop at 20 mph???

 

I agree with original post.

[Glenn Reed]

Ever cross Nebraska on I-80? 400 miles of flat nothing. It gives me a slight hint of what being in solitary confinement might be like. It weren't for my MP3 player and watching the GPS going up 1 foot of elevation at a time (going east to west), I would probably get off the bike begging for a straigh jacket.

 

Shawn

 

Shawn and Ron,

 

Living here in the East, and never having ridden west of Ohio, I have not had this experience yet. I have done plenty of slab miles, but nothing that flat and straight. I have the iPod with me, and if it came to it, that might be a possibility.

[Paul Mihalka]

I dunno. I crossed the plains about once a year for the last 10 year or so (thank you UNs and Torrey). I do my best to stay away from the slab. Two-lanes are never fully straight or fully flat, and I enjoy it without any additional entertainment.