Motorcycling tech I seen recently

When I heard about the BMW motorcycle glasses, I was finally thinking yes at last a heads up display (HUD) to solve the google maps navigation problem I have had for ages. Its way too expensive but a interesting development.

Originally I thought why isn’t this built into the helmet but then I watched F9’s video. Shoei’s in-build HUD system is looks pretty awful but alas its development from sticking a phone to the phone or mapping it to the inbuilt display.

Honda Forza 750 being ridden on a road

Recently I have been looking at what I would do if my Honda Silverwing Scooter needed to be scrapped due to a change to the planned ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) in Manchester (My silvewing is ok as things stand), started falling apart, etc. I finally found the Honda Forza 750 while in Lisbon. Decided to look into a test ride and was super impressed.

However I did find the keyless entry something worrisome after watching whats happened with some cars. Don’t mind if this was an option but as the only option?! Following the car like route, I was interested in the pairing of the smartphone to the onboard display, which could be useful for the Google maps problem, maybe…?

Of course I keep thinking, where is the electric maxi-scooters, and when will I get my test ride BMW?

Seems like a bad move to buy another petrol maxi-scooter right now?

5 years imprisonment for damage including to my scooter

Silverwing Scooter

The Criminal justice system have kept me informed about the case involving my scooter break in.

Scooter break in again…

One of the people received 5 years imprisonment, 7 years of driving disqualification and a criminal behaviour order for 10 years.  So it was worth the effort I put into chasing the police and doing a part of their work for them.

Obviously I now have 4 different and separate locks including chains of different thickness. Because I have scooter wheels I purchased the most thick chain and lock which goes through my wheels (not quite 20mm thick but close). On top of this, I use my alarm everyday and still have that gps tracker.

It might be a lot for a second hand Honda Silverwing but its mine and I’m not letting some idiots break my scooter for the 3rd time. I was happy to stand up in court and say what I saw. Ok I didn’t get any pay out for it, I didn’t claim on the insurance but I’m glad some justice was served.

Where are all the Electric Maxi-scooters?

What is a maxi-scooter

I do enjoy my Honda Silverwing scooter but I keep thinking its time for a Electric vehicle. Especially seeing how it currently wouldn’t pass the new London ultra low emission zone and frankly its time for more environmental focus.

The problem I see is there are two extremes when it comes to electric motorcycles/scooters.

At one end you have your electric scooters (don’t look up electric scooters, as you get something very different and questions of where to ride them). I remember looking at scooters to hire in Berlin, thinking where the disc breaks and will car drivers actually see you on such a small thing? But at the other end there are electric motorcycles like the new Harley Davison livewire. But theres little in between.

What is needed is maxi-scooters which are electric powered surely? However I have had such a hard time finding them.

The closest I can find is the BMW Cevolution

 

Another Honda Silverwing but in Blue

Honda Silverwing 600

Finally part-exchanged my Honda Silverwing 600 which I have had for 13 years for another newer model Honda Silverwing 600 (600cc with ABS). Its a great bike and although I looked for other higher CC maxi-scooters, but decided the Silverwing still has the edge on price, reliability and years on the market. I test rode the Honda NC700D Integra (700cc) and BMW C 650 GT (650cc); but decided the Integra along with a motorbike, lacked everyday storage; the BMW was too expensive with few on the 2nd hand market.

I been to many places on the old Honda Silverwing but it was old and I’ve been told multiple times its going to start costing more to fix than to get another one.

Pretty happy with the bike so far, especially since my old Givi top box, fits the rack and I replaced the horrible Givi black box (one for ebay I think). That and I’m having to work out the fitted alarm which didn’t come with instructions but I found online easily enough.

Just a shame the weather has been so rubbish this weekend, at least tomorrow I get to ride work on it.

Time to fix up the scooter?

Honda Silverwing

Saw this picture and started thinking its about time I fixed my scooter to either use it or sell it… I do believe it will get warmer and there is almost nothing better than riding around in the summer breeze.

Now I just need to find a decent motorbike repair shop somewhere near the centre of Manchester? Any pointers would be useful…