DDM Tuning : Motorcycle HID Kits & Lighting

DDM Tuning : Motorcycle HID Kits & Lighting

I installed this recently on my BMW R1150Gs and it looks great. I only installed the low beam, as I don't want to wait for the high beam to warm up when I need to flash someone.

I ordered the 4500k 55w bulb. The light is a nice color - it's not as blue as a stock HID from an Audi or BMW car (those are probably 5,500 or 6,000k).

Looking into the light - it's white. Looking at the output it's close to the color of sunlight (white - slight yellow tinge).

Installation was a snap. Plug and play - though there were no directions. I had to modify the cap that seals the enclosure for the headlight because the HID bulb is longer than the stock halogen bulb.

I do notice with the bike engine off a slight hum from the ballast - but once the bike is on, it's imperceptible.

I'm not sure without side by side testing and pictures, but it appears that due to the length of the HID bulb (the glass part) the light may be focused on a different part of the reflector than a standard halogen bulb, causing the dispersion of the beam to be slightly stronger on the sides of the road than straight down the center. This can be looked at though as a good thing - generally, I don't need as much light down the center because of overhead street lighting. I can always use more light on the side for turning. Plus once you throw your high beam on -- you've got all the light you need down straight.

Kisan Signal Minder Safety Electronics For Motorcycles

Kisan Safety Electronics For Motorcycles: "888-464-5472"

Sena SMH10

I recently upgraded to the Sena SMH10 my from my old and trustworthy Autocomm Pro 7 wired system and I am really happy I made the switch. I used the Autocomm system for tens of thousands of miles across the US and for the most part it did a great job. It is bike powered, the sound quality is great, and the flexibility to connect just about everything I want is there.

The down sides to the wired system are that I have multiple bikes, so I had to fabricate a wiring harness for each of my bikes to be able to 'readily' switch the unit from bike to bike, a process that could take up to 15 minutes each time as I had to remove the seat and or tank to gain access to the wiring. Further, before I could simply get on and go, it would take 5 minutes to setup my system, plug in my everything (Mount the GPS, plug in the MP3, plug in the Phone, connect the Headsets.. and oh the balancing act of finding the headset wire when you're sitting on the bike and your wife gets on the back - then starts to look for the headset wire thrashing about like a fish on deck). And the volume control was non-existent and terrible in some cases. Until I bought an adapter to allow me to use in-ear canal earphones, I couldn't hear my cell phone. Occasionally when riding two up, the wires would get yanked out when my wife would sit on a cable. What's worse is the damage the unit seemed to experience from use. Many times, the wires chaffed and broke. I had to do roadside repairs with electrical tape and my knife on more than one occasion, then solder the connections when I got home. Finally, the last time the connection box broke and I searched the Internet for a replacement part, it took a long time but I found the part for sale at nearly $80. I was tired of this system (Once rated the best system) and I took my spaghetti mess of wires and threw it in a box, did a lot of research and ordered the Sena!

Wow, what a difference! Life without wires is great! I get the same great sound quality, flexibility, and features at a price that is a fraction of the wired system (without all the accessories required to make it as functional as the Sena). Let me restate that - for a lot less money, the Sena (Out of the box) provides more functionality than my wired system (with a lot of accessories that cost a lot of money). The Sena is really easy to use, with only two multi position buttons you have amazing flexibility and control. Tap your phone button to control your phone or rotate or tap the volume and Sena button to manage your other wireless connections. It's that easy!

For reference, I have the Droid X phone and Zumo 550 GPS with XM Radio. Now my Zumo doesn't support A2DP Bluetooth stereo streaming - so to listen the XM radio I still need to connect a standard stereo cable from my Zumo to my Sena (great option!). However, every other connection is wireless. I can stream Internet radio, like Pandora, from my Droid to my Sena. I can even have my Droid set to read messages like texts or respond to voice commands, all wireless from my Sena. I can listen to the GPS or MP3's wireless from my Zumo 550 through my Sena and control the phone functions. It's amazing! I even found various adapter mounts from Sena to accommodate the use of in ear earphones or different microphones for my full face helmet. However, because the Sena unit has such a strong volume output, I no longer need the in-ear canal earphones which after a long ride cause irritation. I simply use foam ear plugs and still get great loud sound!

And one of the best features for me is that switching from bike to bike is never a problem any more! I still take a moment to mount my EZ-Pass and GPS - but there are no wires to connect other than the power cable.

Now life is still not perfect with the Sena, but it never is... is it? Here are a few things I would like to see updated on the Sena in a new release. My Droid and every other new mobile phone on the market uses a standard micro-usb charging port on the device, sadly the Sena does not. It uses a proprietary cable, but the other end terminates in a USB connection that does make it easy to charge using and standard USB charger (including my laptop). In addition, the Sena doesn't support music sharing, so if I'm listening to some great tune on my Zumo, my passenger will need to find her own source of music (like her phone or mp3 player). Music sharing would be a great add-on.

When I go to work, I store my helmet in a GIVI trunk. Unfortunately, the mount for the Sena extends slightly below the lip of the helmet causing the helmet to be slightly taller overall making it difficult to close my trunk with was the exact height of the helmet. But this doesn't seem like something that we can work around as the microphone boom needs to extend below the helmet so that it can tuck it's way near your mouth. And while we're speaking about helmets, if you're not careful closing your modular helmet (e.g. Nolan N-102), the microphone can get caught in the flip front and get nicked.

Several last 'wish list' items would also further improve on a great unit. I understand that certain new Bluetooth phone headsets will speak the called-id of an incoming phone call. The more functionality I can get from my phone (which is also an amazing device with many gadgets built in), means one less device I need to carry, like my GPS. I would like the ability to hold a group chat with my other users and store more than just 4 buddies Sena profiles while riding in a group. I would also like to see the development of an open Bluetooth standard that would allow riders of various types of Bluetooth headsets to communicate. For easier configuration, it would be great if you could post on your site or in the instructions popular configurations and the correct settings. For example: To connect the Sena to the Droid and Zumo, pair the Zumo to the Sena as a Headset, pair the Zumo to the Phone. Power the devices on in the following manner etc. Next, similar to bluetooth headsets by Motorola for your car, it would be great to hear the caller ID announced through the headset. A battery status indicator would also be great and an AM/FM radio would be real handy, but not at the expense of adding cost to the unit.

My last recommendation is to fellow riders for all your electronics on your bike. Especially if exposed to harsh weather conditions, many electrical connection will degrade. To combat this place Silicone Dielectric Compound on all of your pins and connections. It will help seal the water out and lubricate and moving parts like the contact pins on the back of the Sena. I have already experienced some of the pins stick on my Sena stick (I had to get tweezers to retract the pib), but placing some dielectric compound seems to have lubricated the connection. Perhaps Sena would be so generous as to pre-lubricate the pins or provide a little tube with purchase.

A little more about me; I don't have a car and I use my bike for just about everything. I commute to work, day rides and my favorite activity - long distance road trips. I have ridden from NY as my starting point to as north as Newfoundland, as south as Miami, and as west as Los Angeles. I ride both solo and two-up. And though my commuting is relatively short, anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, my long distance riding can cover 1,000 mile days, with my long stretches of about 2,000 miles in 2 days and NY to Pheonix in 3 days. (I'm not officially an Iron-Butt rider, but I enjoy the challenge occasionally) Recently my wife has expressed the desire to get her own bike - and the Sena system will make it much easier for me to teach her to ride. I can keep in contact with her and help guide her through difficult situations with ease.

So far since purchasing the Sena I haven't ridden any long trips, and it doesn't look like I'll have the chance anytime soon (weather and new baby) - but I expect to be able to charge unit while riding, at rest stops, or in the evening from my laptop, which also charges my phone. The battery life seems great so far, lasting my commute for several days without additional charging. I've ridden to work every day with it since purchasing it and it's simply great. I love the freedom, the sound quality, and the cool factor. In fact, I'm so happy with my Sena I wired a charging station next to my helmet rack to marvel at the greatness and help make sure I'm always charged to go!

The bottom line, I highly recommend the Sena SMH10!

LEDs - Ribbon Thin, Flexible, Waterproof & Bright LED Strips

LEDs - Ribbon Thin, Flexible, Waterproof & Bright LED Strips

Sena SMH10

I recently upgraded to the Sena SMH10 my from my old and trustworthy Autocomm Pro 7 wired system and I am really happy I made the switch. I used the Autocomm system for tens of thousands of miles across the US and for the most part it did a great job. It is bike powered, the sound quality is great, and the flexibility to connect just about everything I want is there.


The down sides to the wired system are that I have multiple bikes, so I had to fabricate a wiring harness for each of my bikes to be able to 'readily' switch the unit from bike to bike, a process that could take up to 15 minutes each time as I had to remove the seat and or tank to gain access to the wiring. Further, before I could simply get on and go, it would take 5 minutes to setup my system, plug in my everything (Mount the GPS, plug in the MP3, plug in the Phone, connect the Headsets.. and oh the balancing act of finding the headset wire when you're sitting on the bike and your wife gets on the back - then starts to look for the headset wire thrashing about like a fish on deck). And the volume control was non-existent and terrible in some cases. Until I bought an adapter to allow me to use in-ear canal earphones, I couldn't hear my cell phone. Occasionally when riding two up, the wires would get yanked out when my wife would sit on a cable. What's worse is the damage the unit seemed to experience from use. Many times, the wires chaffed and broke. I had to do roadside repairs with electrical tape and my knife on more than one occasion, then solder the connections when I got home. Finally, the last time the connection box broke and I searched the Internet for a replacement part, it took a long time but I found the part for sale at nearly $80. I was tired of this system (Once rated the best system) and I took my spaghetti mess of wires and threw it in a box, did a lot of research and ordered the Sena!


Wow, what a difference! Life without wires is great! I get the same great sound quality, flexibility, and features at a price that is a fraction of the wired system (without all the accessories required to make it as functional as the Sena). Let me restate that - for a lot less money, the Sena (Out of the box) provides more functionality than my wired system (with a lot of accessories that cost a lot of money). The Sena is really easy to use, with only two multi position buttons you have amazing flexibility and control. Tap your phone button to control your phone or rotate or tap the volume and Sena button to manage your other wireless connections. It's that easy!


For reference, I have the Droid X phone and Zumo 550 GPS with XM Radio. Now my Zumo doesn't support A2DP Bluetooth stereo streaming - so to listen the XM radio I still need to connect a standard stereo cable from my Zumo to my Sena (great option!). However, every other connection is wireless. I can stream Internet radio, like Pandora, from my Droid to my Sena. I can even have my Droid set to read messages like texts or respond to voice commands, all wireless from my Sena. I can listen to the GPS or MP3's wireless from my Zumo 550 through my Sena and control the phone functions. It's amazing! I even found various adapter mounts from Sena to accommodate the use of in ear earphones or different microphones for my full face helmet. However, because the Sena unit has such a strong volume output, I no longer need the in-ear canal earphones which after a long ride cause irritation. I simply use foam ear plugs and still get great loud sound!


And one of the best features for me is that switching from bike to bike is never a problem any more! I still take a moment to mount my EZ-Pass and GPS - but there are no wires to connect other than the power cable.


Now life is still not perfect with the Sena, but it never is... is it? Here are a few things I would like to see updated on the Sena in a new release. My Droid and every other new mobile phone on the market uses a standard micro-usb charging port on the device, sadly the Sena does not. It uses a proprietary cable, but the other end terminates in a USB connection that does make it easy to charge using and standard USB charger (including my laptop). In addition, the Sena doesn't support music sharing, so if I'm listening to some great tune on my Zumo, my passenger will need to find her own source of music (like her phone or mp3 player). Music sharing would be a great add-on.


When I go to work, I store my helmet in a GIVI trunk. Unfortunately, the mount for the Sena extends slightly below the lip of the helmet causing the helmet to be slightly taller overall making it difficult to close my trunk with was the exact height of the helmet. But this doesn't seem like something that we can work around as the microphone boom needs to extend below the helmet so that it can tuck it's way near your mouth. And while we're speaking about helmets, if you're not careful closing your modular helmet (e.g. Nolan N-102), the microphone can get caught in the flip front and get nicked.


Several last 'wish list' items would also further improve on a great unit. I understand that certain new Bluetooth phone headsets will speak the called-id of an incoming phone call. The more functionality I can get from my phone (which is also an amazing device with many gadgets built in), means one less device I need to carry, like my GPS. I would like the ability to hold a group chat with my other users and store more than just 4 buddies Sena profiles while riding in a group. I would also like to see the development of an open Bluetooth standard that would allow riders of various types of Bluetooth headsets to communicate. For easier configuration, it would be great if you could post on your site or in the instruction popular configurations and the correct settings. For example: To connect the Sena to the Droid and Zumo, pair the Zumo to the Sena as a Headset, pair the Zumo to the Phone. Power the devices on in the following manner etc.


My last recommendation is to fellow riders for all your electronics on your bike. Especially if exposed to harsh weather conditions, many electrical connection will degrade. To combat this place Silicone Dielectric Compound on all of your pins and connections. It will help seal the water out and lubricate and moving parts like the contact pins on the back of the Sena. I have already experienced some of the pins stick on my Sena stick (I had to get tweezers to retract the pib), but placing some dielectric compound seems to have lubricated the connection. Perhaps Sena would be so generous as to pre-lubricate the pins or provide a little tube with purchase.


A little more about me; I don't have a car and I use my bike for just about everything. I commute to work, day rides and my favorite activity - long distance road trips. I have ridden from NY as my starting point to as north as Newfoundland, as south as Miami, and as west as Los Angeles. I ride both solo and two-up. And though my commuting is relatively short, anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, my long distance riding can cover 1,000 mile days, with my long stretches of about 2,000 miles in 2 days and NY to Pheonix in 3 days. (I'm not officially an Iron-Butt rider, but I enjoy the challenge occasionally) Recently my wife has expressed the desire to get her own bike - and the Sena system will make it much easier for me to teach her to ride. I can keep in contact with her and help guide her through difficult situations with ease.


So far since purchasing the Sena I haven't ridden any long trips, and it doesn't look like I'll have the chance anytime soon (weather and new baby) - but I expect to be able to charge unit while riding, at rest stops, or in the evening from my laptop, which also charges my phone. The battery life seems great so far, lasting my commute for several days without additional charging. I've ridden to work every day with it since purchasing it and it's simply great. I love the freedom, the sound quality, and the cool factor. In fact, I'm so happy with my Sena I wired a charging station next to my helmet rack to marvel at the greatness and help make sure I'm always charged to go!

The bottom line, I highly recommend the Sena SMH10!

First bikes

For your first ride here are a few rules I would set out.

1) Nothing more than $2k

2) Light (less than 500lbs)

3) Medium powerband

4) able to accomplish your riding goals

5) Japanese bikes are better

6) Non-customized bikes and not sport bikes.

7) check the records

These aren't hard rules, but they are designed to help you grow into riding.

Things that will happen:

You will drop your bike. Not an accident mind you, just coming out of a parking lot or gas station or something.

You may indeed have an accident, although I hope you don't.

1) A cheaper bike will hurt less when it gets damaged.

2) If the bike is too heavy, you will hurt yourself trying to save it from falling.

The heavier the bike, the more physics will take hold of you and the bike and the worse the outcome.

3) A mid power range will allow you to have fun, but will also prevent some handling mistakes of accidentally chirping the throttle. (look for 500 to 800cc) Sportbikes that are 600cc's are super powerful, be wary.

4) Don't get a sportbike if you want to cruise and tour...vice verse. If you want to take a passenger make sure it has a comfortable perch. However, I don't recommend taking a passenger for the first 6months to a year you own a bike.

5) Japanese bikes are built with tolerances for mistreating. They'll stand up better to abuse, minor accidents and maintanence issues.

6) Non-customized bikes and not sport bikes, because chances are sportbikes were dropped and abused. customized bikes are either customized because they were dropped and abused or if the customizations were done improperly, they could be a hazzard, either electrical or mechanical. Many issues are not detectable the first time your ride the bike. Therefore, you'll only learn that after 1k miles that you need to replace the clutch, which could be $700.

7) check the maintenance records of the bike. make sure the owner changed the oil regularly, stashed the bike properly, changed the tires every 5 years. See if the clutch was ever replaced. If it's a high mileage bike 50k... it should have been done or it's getting to be due.

Overall, get a learner bike and then graduate to a nice bike.

Learner bikes don't depreciate that much ($100 a year) so you won't lose money on it. Nice bikes will depreciate as much as $1500 a year. Learner bikes are cheaper to maintain ($50 oil change vs $350 oil change).

Here's a brief list of some good starter bikes.

Suzuki SV-650

Yamaha Virago 750 or even the 1100

Kawasaki Vulcan 500 or maybe 900...

Honda Magna

Honda Nighthawk

Honda Sabre

For Sale: BMW Airflow Pants - Ladies

BMW Airlfow Pants - Black - Ladies - Medium
Excellent condition.

$200

• Pants for Summer suit
• Black abrasion-resistant Dynatec™ stretch material features coldblack® technology
• Silver material features NanoSphere® technology
• AirTex™ mesh
• Removable NP protectors for shoulders, elbows, hips and knees (three height positions)
• NP ProAir back protector with multiple ventilation inlets maximizes air circulation
• Steplessly adjustable pant waist
• 3M® reflective strips on the jacket and pants
• Pants: two zipped pockets
• Waterproof pouch pocket
• All-around zipper
• Connecting zipper (40 cm/15.7 in.)
• 
  

For Sale: Ladies BMW Maverick Suit - Black Kevlar Denim and Leather

For Sale: Ladies BMW Maverick Suit - Black Kevlar Denim and Leather
Price: $450
Size: Small / Short

For Sale: Motoport GP-2 Kevlar Suit - Racing Approved

For Sale: GP-2 Kevlar Suit (Jacket and Pants) including all armor

Price: $500

Color: Jacket:Red/Black; Pants: Red

Size: Men's Small / Women's Medium

The material is very stretchy. It can accommodate a wide range of sizes.

Condition is like new. Worn several times. Clean and amazing condition.

see for more information: http://www.motoport.com/_product_35442/GP-2_Kevlar_Jacket

For Sale: BMW Leather Motorcycle Suit - Women's Small

Brown BMW Cruiser Leather Motorcycle Suit

Asking $500

Like New Condition
Never worn.
Includes shoulder, elbow and knee armor.

SOLD: For Sale: 2003 Yamaha FJR - Silver

SOLD

2003 Yamaha FJR

approximately 24,000 miles
Extended Factory Warranty

Lot's of farkles...

Corbin Seat
Fork brace
Risers
Vista throttle lock
Ceebaily shield
Windshield tilt back mod.
12v power outlet on dash
Ram ball on steering column
Piaa bulbs
Power Commander

Links to: User Groups

www.advrider.com
www.ibmwr.org
www.fjrforum.com
www.1130cc.com

Links to: Reviews

www.webbikeworld.com

Web Retailers

Apparel:

• New Enough - www.newenough.com - Check out their closeouts section
• Motorcycle Closeouts - www.motorcyclecloseouts.com
• See Aerostich below.
• I must confess, I like the BMW gear. I think they make great stuff. I usually wear the BMW Transition boots or the old GoreTex boot. They aren't making the transition anymore, but they're a comfortable on bike boot that offers ankle protection from torsion injuries. Really easy to put on.

Helmets:

Nolan - I have and like.
HJC - I don't have, but seem nice
Schuberth - nice, but expensive
Arai - Comfortable.
Shoei - I haven't tried in a while.
Roof - look really cool, but I haven't tried. I like the look of the boxer, but I think a true modular helmet like the Nolan n103 offers more protection.
MoMo - super cool looking helmets that are great for the city and those that don't want to wear a full face or modular.


Gear:

• Aerostich - https://www.aerostich.com/index.php/catalogrequest/index/
  I wear a Roadcrafter and I really like it. It's not always 100% waterproof, but it does a great job. Slides really well on asphalt.
  

• http://www.roadgear.com/
  I have a couple tank bags and a large duffel that I use all the time.I also have the tool roll, which is good and some ditty bags for misc stuff which are great for packing. Mansour has tried to sell me on the coconut socks, but I haven't tried them yet. I generally prefer to use a wool sock.
  

• http://www.leeparksdesign.com/
  I have 2 pair of the deer gloves and book. I haven't taken the course, but I'm really interested in it.
  
  
• Gerbing - http://gerbing.com/
  Nice heated gear. I have the gloves and a jacket. Also check out....
  
  
• http://www.ventureheat.com/12v-heated-gear/12v-heated-jacket-liner.html
  I got this recently and the quality seems really nice. A little more stylish than the Gerbings.
• www.adventurersworkshop.com - Andrew, the owner, is a local enthusiast. He started his business because of his love of bikes. He carries good products and offers good service at reasonable prices. I bought my air horns from him.