Honda is way out in front in technology it may seem.  They tested their “motorcycle to car” communication system on a test track in Germany during the CAR 2 CAR Consortium. 

This system, now get this, generates warnings to riders and drivers of other approaching vehicles.  How useful could this be when used to detect vehicles approaching intersections and being on a collision course?  The system apparently generates warnings to riders and drivers of other vehicles by “continuous exchange of positioning data from GPS sources.”

The Honda life-saving system facilitates communication with vehicles from 8 other manufacturers.  However, the exact manufactuers names were not published.

For some reason, people perceive motorcycles to be traveling slower than wat they really are if they see them at all.  This system is designed to reduce the perception problem by giving a warning of impending collisions so evasive action can be initiated.  

According to an article at http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/22/190441.html 

“V2V communication rapidly relays information in a simple and concise manner, which supports motorists’ and bikers’ recognition processes. Information including position, direction and vehicle dynamics coordinates is exchanged between vehicles. Motorcycle riders can safely receive warnings about vehicles near them on a Head-up Indicator Display, and can receive information through an in-helmet audio system, neither requiring them to take their eyes off the road. Drivers can view information on the status of cars and motorcycles in their vicinity and receive warnings on, for example, their navigation system display.

Honda Advanced HMI

The effectiveness of a Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure communication system largely depends on the HMI concept - the interface between the rider and his machine. Based on extensive research, Honda has developed for the Car 2 Car demonstration a simple, logical and intuitive HMI for faster and easier recognition. Both a visual and an audible warning are provided in safety critical situations. The visual HMI is located on the upper edge of the motorcycle dashboard, as close as possible to the line of vision, enabling the rider to spot the information and warnings easily without actually having to take his eyes off the road. The intensity, colour and the position of the lights provide intuitive information on the seriousness and the location of the danger ahead. To augment the riders’ recognition and further specify the hazard ahead, an acoustic warning by means of spoken text is given in the helmet, which is connected by means of Bluetooth® communication link with the on-board system. This advanced HMI contributes to enhanced motorcycle safety.”

Wow! now that is some cool stuff!

Part of this post is courtesy of http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/22/190441.html

Is it cool to wear earplugs when you are riding?  I guess you can be “Cool” even when you are deaf.  I have been riding for years and every time I go on a long ride, I feel like I am deaf.  Lately, my left ear has been hurting while I have been riding.  This leads me to believe that I have or had some sort of ear infection or something.  Since I have some degree of high frequency hearing loss as it is; I have been doing a little research about hearing loss and protection.

You may think that wearing a full face helmet protects your ears.  From personal experience, my ears were ringing just as much when I wore my expensive Shoei full face helmet as they did when wearing my quarter helmet.  The noise from which you are trying to protect your ears is not exhaust or engine noise.  Your exhaust really only affects those who ride behind you.  Studies have shown that a full face helmet only reduces the noise about 3db.  While that is something, many who ride cruiser style motorcycles don’t wear a full face helmet let alone any helmet at all.

Much is being said nationwide about the rising number of motorcycle rider deaths.  In many states, it has become mandatory that a person take a Motorcycle Safety Course prior to being issued a motorcycle endorsement or license. 

In California, there have been many deaths among soldiers returning from Iraq & Afghanistan who buy motorcycles.  There is no clear cut answer as to why the deaths are occurring but one death especially among our brave soldiers who survive a year or more in a combat zone is one too many. 

A new law in Florida requires that all those who would like to obtain a motorcycle endorsement pass a rider safety course.  This law does not affect those who already have their motorcycle endorsement but even the most seasoned rider can learn something by going through a saftey course. 

THE RISKS: Nationwide, motorcycle accident deaths more than doubled between 1997 and 2007.  Why is that?  Is it because of the increase in fuel prices; causing more people to buy fuel efficient motorcycles?  Could it be that more young riders are buying sport bikes and do not realize that the power of such motorcycles is to be respected?  Is it DUI? 

This writer, being a rider, holds the opinion that the majority of crashes involving motorcycles and other motor vehicles is due to the other drivers not seeing motorcycles.  People just do not look for motorcycles for some reason.  With more of them out on the road than ever, we need to educate people to look for motorcycles and also to make them understand how they operate differently than cars. 

Ride Hard, Ride Safe!

Source: Jacksonville.com 10-23-08

Before or after a U-Turn?

Well as this is my first attempt at a ride breakdown and report I will give it the ole” navy try.  This was a great ride with beautiful weather and great BBQ. 

Muster was at 0730 and most all of the gang was there early.  Yes, I said early.  It was a momentous occasion and a sign of the day to come.  After a nice leisurely breakfast at the usual Burger King we debated over the chill in the air and most wrapped up and headed north.  It was a very nice ride with the morning sun cresting the Florida intercoastals’ wetlands just before you reach Georgia. Nice to be alive! 

We arrived in Kingsland just as the event was sending out riders. We waited our turn and were able to spend some time visiting with the Georgia brothers prior to heading out. By the way, I’m working a 3 and a jack at this point so it isn’t looking good.  So out we go. 

Where is the swamp?

First let me say I am not the biggest GPS fan in the world and Brenda isn’t the best map reader.  However, between her and hammer lets just say that it was “interesting at each turn in the road.  If I am not mistaken, I’m sure I heard the term “u-turn directed at hammer more that once.  With Brenda holding the map in my face as I drove, Heat had his signal blinking one way , hammer’s the other way and the rest of us just following it was a sight to behold as we all made our ” practice u-turns for better driving” as Hammer put it. So the “practice” continued till the last stop and we’re all better drivers for it. Thanks Hammer. 

Maps? We don't need no stinking maps!

Hammer/Weeble and Kabar up front, Bull and Heat, myself/DragonLady and Mick, with Hotrod and Pipes playing TG.  As we rode along and settled in for a stretched Heat commenced the game known to us as “Dodge Heats Debris”.  You see, prior to this leg we had spoken together at some length about Ka-bar’s unsecured items leaving his person during a past ride and how important it is to ensure you and your bike are ready to roll.  Well, not Heat. Picture this… Heat’s port side saddlebag flops open and those of us in the back begin the game, as items ceremoniously depart his saddlebag and fly at or past us. Begin the chaos…lol! as we began to break ranks to head back to try to find all his items.    It was funny to say the least. We did manage to find all the items and continue on.  This is good for at least a few months of poking fun at Heat so enjoy. 

Are you talking to me?

If you we unable to attend this weekend you know you were missed and there is a spot reserved for you at all times.  God bless everyone and be safe this week!