Tablet-based cockpit?

[maggot]

The OP has autocom that can be powered on the bike for infinite use, and no charging required. The bluetooth dongle also gets power from the bike. My gps and phone get power from the dash or powered tank bag.

So my devices are pretty much always at 100% till I get to the campground.

 

[Mogan]

Okay, fellow farklers. It's time for a project update. Parts have been coming in and I've been working on this for the last couple of days. A bit broader context... My cockpit upgrades are part of an overall bike refit that began two years ago. At that time I installed an all new Ohlins suspension, had valves adjusted and did comprehensive maintenance on all mechanical and engine systems.

Phase 2 is well underway and thus far includes:

--New Michelin Pilot Road 3's

--Removal of scorpion alarm that stopped working some time ago

--replacement of audiovox CC servo (not easy)

--disconnection of autocom system and removal of device wiring

--installation of new hood for ANT backup camera

--removal of Garmin 550 and mount

--install of dual Sena 20s comms

--install of new Garmin 590LM with Touratech mount

I've started to play with the new comms, GPS and how it all integrates with my iPhone. The functionality of the new Garmin is a significant upgrade. Being able to control the iPhone media player from the GPS is huge. The weather service is terrific. Pandora is nice. Still learning the full scope of the improvements.

The Sena seems great. No trouble with the helmet installation. Routine use is more labor intensive than the autocom which was always on and perfectly integrated all of the attached systems without intervention once it was installed. But so far it seems great. No trouble with volume. Wiring free use will be GREAT.

That's it for now...

Mogan

 

[mer43]

Great thread. Doing something similar, due to a free low-end tablet, a sena, and an android device, on my new-to-me FJR. It's a Dell-7, Sena10, and a Galaxy 5 phone in an otter box. I'm going to modify the otterbox clip to a ram-mount. Ordered a Ram mount for the Dell. I think I'm doing it just because... not nearly as serious as the great setups I see on here. I haven't settled on a radar detector, but am eyeballing that Escort Max2

 

[Bill Lumberg]

My helbridge doesn't leave much room for a tankbag. What's the next best mount point and product to mount up an iphone/mini or blackberry? I already use a centrally located ram ball mount front and center for my gps/garage remote/MPLS, so that real estate is taken.

 

[Mogan]

You can put Ram style ball mounts on either handlebar control pod. They come in a number of configurations (single or dual balls, etc.)

 

[erixun]

You can put Ram style ball mounts on either handlebar control pod. They come in a number of configurations (single or dual balls, etc.)

This is what I have done, and actually will be posting a brand new 'tab tite' ram mount that I purchased, but will not work as planned for my specific configuration in the classifieds in a day or two when I get time to take some pictures. I originally liked the tab tite concept as it has 'cups' that hold the tablet with a case in the mount, but due to a convex nature of my case (weird) and the placement of my power cable, I chose to go the route of the universal 'X' type holder. I have been using this for my smart phone for a while and it has worked well. I would think that the ram-mount tab tite holder would work just as good, and the tablet can be easily removed if needed. Just an option to consider.

 

[Bill Lumberg]

I'm particularly interested in additional mount locations on the handlebars, whether they attach to the bar or to the top of a reservoir, and applicable part numbers. I've got a GPS front and center, and intent to add an iphone and eventually a tpms monitor on the left and right bars respectively.

 

[Bounce]

Sounds like the perfect application for a shelf.

 

[NMRoadRunner]

I ride a motorcycle to get away from technology not the other way around. I know two riders (BMW's) that have hit a guardrail while "playing" with the electronics and not paying attention to the road they are riding. If I can't find it without electronics, I don't need to go there.

And why would you want to talk on the phone while enjoying a nice ride anyway.

 

[mer43]

I could see what you mean by going overboard with the whole thing, but having a tablet based gps, and some tunes on low in my helmet sure is nice.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Why use tablet (cell phone) based GPS and music when you can get the same thing from a MC specific GPS for about the same price with reliable GPS that will work even when a cellphone or tablet won't?

With a $25 32gig memory card in my Zumo 660, I have more music than I can listen to on a 10 day trip. I have Reliable GPS, and I have phone. I can EASILY see who's calling and ignore any call I want. It's almost beautiful.

If I really want to change my music up, I can switch my primary source to my phone and run Pandora, Milk, Slacker, IHeart Radio or whatever. Run my phone GPS for voice directions and back that up with my actual satellite based Zumo that works everywhere.

Some stuff does not need to be over-thunk I think!

 

[mer43]

Got my tablet for free.

Any other reasons folks shouldn't try something new?

Spent some USEFUL money on my FJR today. New rear spring. Makes it all better!

 

[NMRoadRunner]

Well now...I guess I'm not totally anti-electronics, I do listen to music, but the pillion (wife) can't talk to me! At least not while I'm riding.

 

[Mogan]

I'm loving the comments on this thread. Thanks everyone.

I should note that the genesis of this thread was for me to refit my '05 and explore the feasibility of using a tablet to simplify my cockpit set. Where I landed after doing more homework is a slightly different place...

Up upgraded my GPS to a Garmin 590 rather than go to a tablet GPS. The function of the 590 is fantastic and it's purpose built. The 590 in combination with a SENA 20s seems to be the ticket. The Sena enabled significant decluttering and with the improved bluetooth function of other devices is a real advantage.

The "glass cockpit" is not here yet, but I may be an early adopter when it does arrive. In the meantime, Garmin and Sena will continue to have my business.

I also liked the commentary about overemphasizing technology while riding. I'm guilty as charged. Absolutely. But most of the gadgetry is what comes in handy on long distance riding, not weekend trips in the mountains. And I 100% agree phones are not welcome on a motorized vehicle. The biggest reduction in moto safety I've noticed in the last 20 years is attributable to distracted drivers (autos). And, I'm sure I'm no better when distracted on 2 wheels than when I'm distracted in 4. I don't ride in town much anymore for this reason alone. More than 1/2 of the drivers don't see me anymore. Their head is in their phone conversation or text message -- situational awareness nearly nil.

Regarding refit progress, I finished re-installing everything on Friday, but have yet to road test anything. The systems seem to work and the Cruise Servo repair at least doesn't interfere with normal throttle operation. I had much difficulty attaching the servo cable as the bead chain broke while I was attempting to pry open the connector. Ugh. But I think we're good now. The last (?) splurge for the refit was ordered yesterday... a new helmet. I have quite a collection (mostly Arai at this point), but they are aging. I tried on several new models and settled on an Arai RX-Q. It seems well-suited to long-distance riding. Despite the popularity of the modular rigs, I'm not really comfortable with them, fearing the chin assembly won't survive in the more violent impact scenarios.

When time permits I'll try to post some pics and will report how testing is going when I'm back on the road.

Mog

Some warmer temps would also be nice.

 

[Twigg]

I'm loving the comments on this thread. Thanks everyone.
SNIP

When time permits I'll try to post some pics and will report how testing is going when I'm back on the road.

Mog

Some warmer temps would also be nice.

Pics are always good

A couple of comments ...

The set-up you have settled on sounds like you have now adopted a very similar arrangement to that used by many LD Riders. We mostly get there because with the current technology it is a set-up that works best for most people. In addition to what you have, folk add a second GPS and often a Radar Detector (I don't have one). They also add additional lighting so there might be a few switches to accommodate. Broadly though, you have it.

Detractors, and those who have negative things to say about the use of various items don't have to use them. In a thread where the OP asked for advice on various features, those comments don't add much to the debate. If, for example I was asking about a specific car tire then comments about it's performance are helpful, and telling me I will die in flames isn't

As for helmets ... The Arai RX-Q is a wonderful helmet. There is a reason folk like modulars though, and as many of them pass the CE certification they have gained wide acceptance. It is true that some might not pass the Snell tests, but that test is controversial and my guess is that most are simply not tested that way. You have to wear what you feel confident about, but if you dismiss modulars simply on safety grounds you might be missing out on some real benefits. It's a personal choice.

Enjoy your riding, this has been a good thread.

 

[Niehart]

I'm loving the comments on this thread. Thanks everyone.
SNIP

When time permits I'll try to post some pics and will report how testing is going when I'm back on the road.

Mog

Some warmer temps would also be nice.

Enjoy your riding, this has been a good thread.

+1

 

[maggot]

Why use tablet (cell phone) based GPS and music when you can get the same thing from a MC specific GPS for about the same price with reliable GPS that will work even when a cellphone or tablet won't?
Some stuff does not need to be over-thunk I think!

My bike came with a Zumo 550. I used it around town a couple times then sold it. For what I got for it, I bought a cheap car nuvi gps, a Samsung galaxy S3, and a Galaxy 10" tablet.

The gps is in an aqua box on the right resevoir, the phone is ram mounted on the left reservoir, and blue toothed to intercom. The tablet is in the tank bag.

I don't miss the Zumo....

 

[Mogan]

Comments are right on the money. Thank you.

But. Hahaha, I have many more farkles than the ones listed in this thread. I was just focusing on my refit project.

Also on the goodies list are:
Phids lighting with custom switchgear
Upgraded stator
Multiple powerlets for gerbings gear
Heated handgrips and gerbings controllers panel mounted in fairing
Voltmeter in rear
Mirror
Ant backup camera
Russel day long seat
Audiovox cruise
Escort radar
Custom bar ends
Custom highway pegs
Led aux brake light
Large power bus
Backrest
Smart tire pressure monitor
Fuel piping for Tanji fuel cell
Ohlins suspension

I think that's most of it... What I do look forward to in my next steed is to have much is this stuff "built in" and OEM. Some of these upgrades were a lot of work...

Mogan

 

[Warpdrv]

hahahah He doubled down on all the farkles....

 

[Uncle Hud]

As I said earlier, I've been waiting for Mogan to do all the work for me. His opinion -- tablet / glass cockpit is not here yet -- settles it for me until Santa's next visit. I'll look into a moto-GPS and bluetooth everything together.

Thanks, bro!