The makers of the inVIEW helmet light hope to raise more than $US1m to develop an update of their innovative product that not only indicates when brakes are applied or a rider slows down on the throttle, but also shows a rider’s intention to turn.
Third Eye Design, founded in 2009, have announced they are producing inView2 and hoping to fund it through their first public stock offering.
Common shares cost $US5.17 each with a minimum investment of $US248.16. Supporters can invest via credit card, ACH, or wire with funds held in escrow until close.
There is no date yet for the new model nor any information about how it will be updated.
The stick-on bluetooth inVIEW light has been available for three years at $US249.95, but the current model has been reduced to $US149.95 ahead of the new model.
It features an accelerometer that activates the brake light even when just slowing down on the throttle which many riders do.
inVIEW
We can’t see why they would be illegal here as they do not replace the motorcycle’s brake lights or indicators.
Some might think this is a great idea as it lifts these important lights higher where drivers are more likely to see them.
It could also be a good safety feature with its brake light that illuminates when the rider slows down on the throttle, rather than the brakes.
How inVIEW works
The inVIEW unit has bright LEDs and is powered by two AAA batteries that they claim will last for months.
Riders get a warning when batteries are low or if there is a problem with the system.
It snaps on via a 3M hook and loop mounting system that Third Eye Design claim is unobtrusive when the unit is not attached and snaps off in the event of a crash.
There is also a small transmitter that can be located close to the rear brake light and indicators.
They say it draws “almost no power and works on all motorcycles, including those with CANBus electrical systems”.
Recording in Full HD 1080P at 30FPS and with the Premium STARVIS™ Low Light Sensor, it promises crisp images in all lighting conditions so you can see things such as number plates and faces.
The 3-Axis G-Sensor and GPS Tagging stamps your footage with an exact location, time and speed at the time of an incident.
There is also a button on the GPS multifunction control box installed on the handlebar to activate emergency recording to prevent files from being overwritten.
With EZYSHARE Instantly via WIFI you can view footage in real-time and share it via the MiVue™ Pro mobile app.
The MiVue™ M760D is IP67 waterproof, has a metal casing and full glass lens.
It costs $599 and may require professional fitting by an auto-electrician as it’s wired in.
However, you can get 20% off and free shipping if you buy using the code M760D20 on the Navman Australia website. Offer ends 31 October 2021.
IdeasMotors says their free app contains more than 60,000 various types of motorcycle events – festivals, shows, motorcycle rides, club meetings and parties, motocross and other events.
It also includes a map that will direct you to the event.
The app may be free, but it does have paid ads.
However, if you support the fundraiser with a $US20 donation, you will get the app ad-free.
IdeasMotors currently has a web page which will be combined with their app in May 2022.
Kickstarter and Indiegogo do not offer refunds to supporters who pledge money for products that either fail to reach their goal or do reach their goal and then fail through fraud.
However, a $US20 pledge is not exactly a high-stakes risk!
Triumph has just partnered up with Beeline, a company that caters to two-wheeled navigation systems, to deliver an upgraded, industrial-strength navigation system with a minimalist design and laser-etched Triumph features, compatible with any motorcycle.
According to a report from AutoEvolution, the new navigation system hit the UK’s store shelves this past weekend and is anticipated to be a big hit – especially since this model is based on the trendy Beeline Moto device introduced back in 2019.
The system features an IP67 waterproof and shockproof case that sports the iconic ‘triumph-branded packaging’ and is said to fit any motorcycle handle – specifically, Triumph models (take your pick of models from this list curated on WebBikeWorld). Simply install the elasticated snap-mount onto your bike of choice, and the system locks in with an easy push and twist.
Should you decide that you can’t wait for the Triumph Beeline to make its way across the Atlantic, Beeline’s website currently has the original, non-Triumph “Beeline Moto” available for purchase – and if you really love the concept of the Triumph Beeline, the navigation company also carries modified systems outfitted for bicycles.
…Not that we’re especially keen to drop our motors and go for a pedal, but the option is there.
According to AutoEvolution, the system will be compatible with motorcycles in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
Looking forward to when the Triumph Beeline makes its way to the Western Hemisphere – until then, long live Triumph!
A battery tech, Colorado-based company, called Solid Power has drawn the attention of BMW, and the brainchild of the partnership is a battery that brags more juice, less weight, and comes with a safer tag.
The solid-state battery has created hype for a reason. It’s a battery that replaces the liquid electrolyte found in a normal lithium-ion cell with a solid material, promising much greater capacity than the graphite anodes used in normal lithium-ion batteries.
A report from CycleWorld states that BMW invested in the company intending to introduce solid-state batteries to the EV Industry as soon as 2025, with production beginning in the next year.
What’s exciting is that this marks the second of rounds of investments that Solid Power has been able to acquire, with other companies such as Ford Motor Company and Volta Energy Technologies joining BMW to pool a cool $130 million into the eventual goal of creating production-ready batteries by the end of the next decade.
The deadlines are real, and they are coming up quickly. BMW states that they will have a solid-state battery vehicle to demonstrate ‘well before 2025’, and Solid Power has released that they will likely have a production line for the batteries by early next year, thanks to the generous funding.
Frank Weber, a member of the board of management BMW AG, says, “ “The development of all solid-state batteries is one of the most promising and important steps toward more efficient, sustainable, and safer electric vehicles. We now have taken our next step on this path with Solid Power.”
Automatic emergency calls that activate in the event of a crash are being installed in cars and some motorcycles and motorcycle helmets, but Triumph has now released a similar phone app that all riders can use.
Triumph SOS will detect if you have suddenly stopped and send an automatic emergency call that can be manually cancelled if you just happened to have dropped you phone or your bike and are not in any danger.
The service has been launched in Australia,New Zealand, Europe and North America.
It is available to any rider, but Triumph owners get a three-month free trial.
Paramedics say the chances of survival of a rider in a crash are linked to the speed of contact with emergency services, making this service vital.
However, it will be limited by phone coverage which can be patchy at best in Australia’s vast outback.
The Triumph SOS app has been specifically tailored for motorcyclists, and monitors key sensors in your smartphone to detect and validate an accident.
The Google-Cloud hosted emergency alerting platform automatically sends the rider’s details directly to the emergency services within seconds of the accident being detected, following a unique validation process.
Details include GPS location, direction of travel, bike details, and medical information, but
Triumph confirms the app does not record or send any speed or telematics data to the emergency services.
Advanced features include sophisticated auto-pause technology to prevent accidental triggering so you can fully focus on your ride.
The app requires a rolling monthly subscription with no cancelation fees or long-term contract commitment.
Riders can download the Triumph SOS app now from iOS and AndroidApp stores.
A satellite navigation app that has a countdown to how long a traffic light will change is now available in Australia in both Apple iOS and Android formats.
The Slovakian Sygic navigation app, used by more than 200 million motorists around the world haswas last year recognised as a CES Innovation Awards honoree.
Sygic GPS Navigation was originally only available in iOS format but is now available on the Android Auto platform as one of the first non-Google navigation alternatives, offering the benefit of offline maps.
Apart from off-line maps, it also offers voice navigation through a helmet bluetooth intercom and quick connection to some modern motorcycle instrument panels.
It also indicates real-time traffic reports such as jams, crashes and roadworks, as well as speed limit warnings.
How the countdown works
The Traffic Lights countdown add-on does not trigger a green light.
Instead, the Sygic add-on displays a green or red light countdown timer at each traffic light.
They claim it will encourage motorists to slow down, increasing safety at intersections, reducing CO2 emissions and improve traffic flow.
Sygic CEO Martin Strigac says their artificial intelligence add-on “will have a major impact on safety and the time of arrival”.
“The kit will be continuously upgraded with additional assistance features, including detection of speed-limit signs, lanes, and obstacles on the road, and collision detection,” he says.
“We are also exploring the idea of integrating it with rail-crossing warning systems.”
Energica has been working with two other Italian brands on a new way for riders to interact with their motorcycles – using voice-enabled functions on the bike.
According to motorradonline.de, the CTO (Chief Technology Officer or Technical Director) at Energica, Giampiero Testoni:
“Thanks to this innovative communication system, the driver will be able to find information about his vehicle easily and without distraction while driving: Alascom uses artificial intelligence to guide you To create voice assistants that improve the motorcyclist’s driving experience, with intuitive voice commands that aim to manage and control the essential functions of the motorcycle.”
When it comes to voice-controlled interfaces, the technology itself isn’t new. Voice-activated commands have been in plenty of automobiles for years. However, this technology has not been found in motorcycles with the exception of Honda’s RoadSync equipped bikes.
In theory, this technology will be very useful for setting up trips or checking maintenance intervals. I’m not sure how practical it would be while whizzing down the highway at 60mph if compared to changing the song on your voice-activated Bluetooth device.
Voice-activation will certainly be more convenient instead of scrolling through menus while in transit. Actions like “Energica, enable rain mode” would save you from having to pull over and run through complex systems found on brand new motorcycles.
The motorcycle industry is constantly evolving. However, the next five years may see some rapid changes. With electrification becoming a more mainstream feature in the wider automotive industry and the necessary infrastructure developing with it, it’s clear that the motorcycle industry will have to rise to a number of new challenges.
Electrification is just one of the many facets of modern motorcycling. With the advent of smart technologies, motorcyclists can be more aware of their surroundings than ever before. New construction materials and methods are being applied to the latest generation of bikes and riding gear. And technologies that were once fun gimmicks are now becoming standard.
We don’t know what the next few years will bring, but we can focus on some brands that are likely to make an impact on the industry in general. You may disagree with our choices—and that’s fine. Whether you agree or not, and whether we end up being right or wrong, it’ll be interesting to see how these brands evolve, develop, or fade away, in the not-so-distant future.
So, let’s get started!
Damon Motorcycles
Credit: WebBikeWorld
One of the most exciting brands out there is Canada’s Damon Motorcycles. Like many upcoming electric brands, Damon has made some impressive claims and what’s more, their claims seem to be more fact than fiction. If you’re not familiar with Damon Motorcycles, here’s a quick recap:
Damon Motorcycles is a Canadian EV start-up that was founded in 2017. Over the years, the firm has been able to secure serious funding and recruit some top-tier talent. Not only that, but Damon Motorcycles also acquired the IP of the now-defunct Mission Motor, making it a serious electric motorcycle brand that you need to pay attention to.
In 2019, they pulled the covers off of their Hypersport model. It promised a top speed of 200 mph, 200 horsepower, a maximum range of 200 miles, fast charging times, and a base price of only $24,995 USD.
In terms of base specification, it’s already hard to find any downsides. The charging times are more acceptable, with 45 minutes to reach 80% with a Combined Charging System, 2.5 hours to hit 90% at Level 2, and 15 hours to 90% with Level 1 charging. It’s not even heavy, which is often a problem with EVs, weighing in at around 440 lbs. It even has top-shelf components, such as Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes on the premium “Premier” model.
But all of those features aren’t even the main selling point of Damon’s premium motorcycles.
It’s the on-board tech.
Credit: Damon Motorcycles
Damon’s advanced CoPilot system is an amalgamation of sophisticated riding aids and modern electronics. We’re not talking ABS and traction control either—we’re talking about futuristic safety elements. CoPilot relies on sensors, radars, cameras, and modern technology to track moving objects and give riders a 360-degree view of everything that’s going on around them. If it senses danger, it will alert the rider.
Each motorcycle also features an innovative Shift system. This is an electronic ergonomics package that allows riders to electronically control their riding position. Handlebars, pegs, seat height, and screen height can all be adjusted electronically, allowing for a custom ride experience.
It’s the safety element that Damon’s bosses are really interested in. According to an interview with the company’s boss Jay Giraud, a heavy focus on safety was necessary to secure investors, and it’s a strategy that has paid off. Not only has he secured funding, but he’s also attracted the right target market.
“Half the people ordering are under the age of 40,” explained Giraud. “It really speaks to product-market fit.”
At the moment, it’s too early to tell how well Damon Motorcycles will perform on the market. However, the brand has highlighted exactly how much electric motorcycle you can get for a reasonable price. The competition will have to work hard to innovate and keep up with Damon in the years to come. Will Damon be able to dominate the electric motorcycle market? Again, it’s too early to tell—but whatever happens, they’ll have given their competitors something to think about.
Harley-Davidson
Credit: Motorbikewriter
And now we leap from one exciting and forward-thinking company to another that prides itself on heritage and nostalgia. It’s Harley-Davidson, of course. You’re probably wondering how a brand like Harley-Davidson could shake up the industry, and under normal circumstances, we’d also be scratching our heads. But something has happened to HDs high-command that gives us reason to believe that big things are in the works.
In March 2020, Jochen Zeitz took over the role of CEO at HD. He’s been on the board since 2007 and headed Harley’s Sustainability Committee since 2011. If you’re not familiar with Jochen Zeitz, he’s a very successful businessman with plenty of career highlights. In 1993, at age 30, he became the CEO of PUMA. At this time, the brand was in decline and faced serious financial difficulties. Thanks to a bold restructuring plan with a long-term vision, Zeitz was able to save the brand and increase its share price by 4000%.
With Zeitz at the helm, it’s clear that Harley-Davidson may be expecting something of a revolution. Currently, the brand has surprised critics by releasing or previewing a number of exciting new models: the LiveWire, the Pan America, and the Bronx.
Credit: Harley-Davidson
The first is an innovative electric motorcycle, the second is an impressive adventure-touring motorcycle, and the third is an aggressive streetfighter. While opinions have been split, there’s no doubt that Harley-Davidson is actively testing the waters and feeling out other areas of the market. With an aging ridership and without younger riders replacing the outgoing generation of Harley-riders, the brand has found itself at something of a crossroads.
Even so, it seems that Zeitz’s business plan won’t be resting its hopes on new models. According to the man himself, his bold “Rewire” strategy will focus on smoothing out the company’s operations and making everything “lean and efficient” using “broad cost and cash savings measures.”
By streamlining operations it’s hoped that Harley will be able to continue developing desirable motorcycles and remain classed as a premium brand. It’s a bold strategy, especially as many brands have diversified to include smaller, budget-conscious models. For Harley, it seems like staying in the premium bracket is a high-priority.,
“We’ve always said that market share right now doesn’t really matter simply because we have to focus not on volume but on desirability,” Zeitz explained.
Whatever happens, it’s clear that Harley-Davidson is going to make some pretty big waves over the next few years.
Forcite MK1 Smart Helmet
Credit: WebBikeWorld
Not all industry brands that are shaking up the industry are motorcycle manufacturers. Motorcycle gear is just as important to a rider as their motorcycle, and in recent years motorcycle helmet technology has really advanced. The promise of the Skully AR-1 may have dissolved into nothing, but there’s more to the modern helmet scene than one brand. In Ireland, there’s a firm called Koroyd with a fantastic invention that could replace traditional MIPS liners. But we’re not here to talk about that.
Forcite is an Australian helmet manufacturer with big plans. Their pioneering helmet, the MK1, has already sold out—and it hasn’t gone into full production yet. It claims to be the world’s first real smart helmet, one that would blow the Skully AR-1 out of the water, using modern construction materials and serious technology.
In short, the MK1 is a carbon fiber helmet with an innovative bamboo-fabric liner, a UV400 rated sun visor, with anti-fog coating, and plenty of ventilation. Currently, it has European ECE certification and Australian certification for road and track use, with US certification on the way. As an analog helmet, it’s already impressive. But it’s the level of built-in technology that truly elevates it above the competition.
The lid features an integrated 166-degree wide-angle camera that records 1080p/60 FPS, which can store up to 5 hours of riding footage, with regular autosave intervals. It also boasts built-in WiFi for easy file uploads, and for practical communication reasons.
Bluetooth is also included, with removable speakers and a pair of noise-canceling microphones for seamless audio capture, and for bike-to-bike communication, courtesy of the helmet’s built-in communication system. The communication system works using the internet though, and not Bluetooth.
If that wasn’t enough, the Forcite MK1 also includes built-in GPS and a number of other sensors that delivers information to navigation and geo-tagging system. There’s no heads-up display, but it alerts the rider and gives information via the audio system and LED lighting within the helmet.
Credit: WebBikeWorld
So what does all of this mean?
It means that the likes of SENA and Jarvish have got a serious competitor. And as the industry leans towards smarter helmets, with built-in communication devices and Bluetooth-to-smartphone communication equipped as standard, every helmet manufacturer will have to start innovating and deploying their own solutions. So far, SENA has managed to dominate the communications market, and helmet manufacturers have been happy to provide device-sized recesses in their lids to accommodate third-party gear. But those days may be coming to an end.
As riders demand more technology in their helmets, the market may shift toward all-inclusive smart helmets like the Forcite MK1, rather than helmets built to accommodate third-party gadgets.
The motorcycle industry is continually evolving, and now with the advent of autonomous driving, AI technologies, the abundance of IoT (internet of things) technology, super light, and super strong construction materials, and more, the industry’s next evolutionary leap is expected to be quite a big one. Whether these brands will be riding the crest of that evolutionary wave remains to be seen—but they’re worth keeping an eye on, just in case.
MV Agusta has announced a distinguished partnership with Roni who is one of Switzerland’s most exclusive watchmakers. Roni is based in the home of luxury situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, St. Moritz, Switzerland.
This partnership is to celebrate the 75th anniversary of MV Agusta and to celebrate the milestone, RO-NI will be producing just 75 of these prestigious watches. This exclusive automatic watch named RO-NI RMV will be produced on payment. The RMV will be retailing at a sum of roughly $68,000 (€56,000). A small price to pay considering it will be only 1 of 75 on the planet.
The RMV will use materials often found in the “Motorcycle Art” crafted by MV Agusta. The automatic watch will consist of best grade titanium, 7075 aluminum alloy, steel, carbon fiber, leather, Alcantara, sapphire, and per RO-NI’s website “the search for the typical colors of the MV AGUSTA brand condensed into a perfect technical artistic balance.”.
This collector’s piece will also include “75” engraved throughout the watch in addition to “MV” on the face. All of the inner workings of the timepiece will be on display via it’s skeletal construction. These handmade timepieces will be accompanied by an official certificate from RO-NI.
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