A specific GPS for motorcycles, called Trailblazer, has been developed by Map my India for Indian motorcycle riders. The Trailblazer unit uses FM radio technology, rather than Bluetooth, to communicate to the rider.

While this may seem like a step backwards in technology, it makes perfect sense when you realise why they’ve done this: if you’re riding in a group, and not everyone has Bluetooth technology, it suddenly makes communication right across the group possible, as long as you have a simple FM radio receiver.

At this stage, there is a catch though, with the unit being able to communicate across only ten metres, which means you’ve got to be riding very close. It’s a great little bit of innovation though, and I think we could probably learn a few things from our counterparts in countries where “necessity is the mother of invention” still holds true. Check out MapmyIndia.com for more details.

Source | Motorbiker.org

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Linear Edge’s track maps could be an interesting idea the family house or office or simply a gift idea for the racing enthusiast.

Linear Edge produces track maps from all the current MotoGP, Formula 1, SBK and NASCAR road tracks and are fabbricated in laminated birch plywood and formica and they can custom make any track of your choosing.

The tracks are priced at $199, about € 137, but if you want something a little cheaper to remind you of your favorite track, why not check out Circuiti Gioielli’s track map thongs?

They don’t have all the tracks that Linear Edge does, but they do have Misano, Mugello and Valencia and one of these could become your favorite if worn by the right lady.

Source | hellforleather

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The Honda U3-X looks just like the kind of contraption I could fall off without too much effort. It’s an intriguing concept however, half segway, half….electric motorcycle? The U3-X seems to work via the sitting weight transfer of the passenger, and can travel at 6 km/hr. It weighs 10 kilos and looks like other pedestrian vehicles for getting around town more quickly. The U3-X will be presented at the next Tokyo motor show. What I really want to know is whether it will do my abs and love handles, or should I just stick to walking…?

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The fact that the 8 times World Champion, Valentino Rossi is a virtual gold mine when it comes to endorsements is a well known, besides all his VR46 tagged merchandise that includes T-shirt, caps, cell phone covers and lately even children bedroom furniture with the Berloni company, that will be launched in October, the Italian has now designed and endorsed a range of bicycles for Cicli Adriatica, a national and global manufacturer of bicycles since 1946 and based in Pesaro.

The collection is naturally called VR46 and includes three models specifically for children and has Rossi’s racing symbols, including his favourite colors, the moon and sun that adorn his helmets and leathers and his iconic racing number. The brand VR46 will also be signing a racing bike and a mountain bike.

The new line VR46 will be presented in Milan during EICMA that will start on 18th until 21st September 2009, and you can see the VR46 at Stand M43, Hall 9.

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Chicco Toys has come up with this Ducati Race Track that features two mini remote controlled Ducati 999 Superbikes, that can be driven around the curves and bumps of a Grand Prix race track with an infra red handle bar control. The toy features accessories like a start line, pit stop, crash barriers, lap counter, sponsors advertising boards and has real Gran Prix sound effects.

This looks like a great gift idea for kids, and it’s recommended for children ages 2+ but knowing the attention span of pre-school children, it’ll probably be used and enjoyed more by their daddies.

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The Kawasaki 1400GTR is already a high-tech bike, but in 2010 it could become even more avantgarde, equipped with night vision. This kind of technology has so far only been seen on luxury automobiles, but Gizmag reports we could soon see it on the 1400GTR.

The infrared night vision, developed by Kawasaki itself, could appear as an option or as an aftermarket upgrade. The technology would function from the rear view mirrors of the bike, and information would be transmitted to the computer, which would judge how far away objects are and whether any obstacles lie outside the range of the headlights.

The technology therefore also functions as an anti-collision tool, but given it’s based on heat-sensor lights, it would only work for animals or people, and not anything that is no warmer than the general background. The technology is currently being used on top-of-the-range BMW and Mercedes cars.

The anti-collision feature would either appear on an LCD display, or even send an audio warning via Bluetooth to the rider’s helmet. It all sounds a bit sci-fi, but the technology could appear as early as next year, and even be presented at the Paris show this autumn.

Source | Gizmag

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Italian company Givi has released this motorcycle accessory to carry bags and parcels, which is specifically designed for Monokey Side bags.

The new V35 Monokey Side bag needs to be attached to a motorcycle via a series of tubular supports called PLX. The Givi frame enables the bag to be securely attached to the motorcycle in a design which doesn’t interfere with the look or style of the bike.

For more information, see the Givi site.

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Did this guy get freebies from Musco Lighting? They could have used him as a backup when the lights went off at Daytona.

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Could this be the future of MotoGP? It’s already got onboard cameras.

Check out the second video.

Source | solomoto

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For most of us the idea of riding a motorcycle with the accelerator on the left hand side would be a strange and uncoordinated feeling, but Triumph is helping out left-handed motorcyclists with a kit that will make things more natural for the lefties of the two-wheel world.

Plenty of gadgets and widgets are now available for left-handed motorcyclists, and in this photo you can see Triumph’s kit that inverts the controls on the handle of a motorcycle, placing them on the left.

It will soon be available in all official dealerships, but only after a set process to equip a motorcycle. The rider must present a medical certificate attesting to left-handedness (can’t wait to ask for that from the doctor) and after a trial run with the dealer, the kit will be assembled for free on any Triumph model.

Source | Panorama

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