Garmin Radar???

Just seen an advert for the latest gizmo from our friends at Garmin…

Yes, the zūmo™ R1 Radar

Motorcycle Radar!!!

Take a look, although it only works with a smartphone or the Zumo XT2, and costs £520… but they will add a Zumo XT2 if you haven’t got one and total price then is £1,579.97 including tax.

Just looks very 70’s computer game design to me, and not entirely sure it is worth the money over well adjusted mirrors.

But then I’m tight with my hard earned money...

 

@Ian Champ At that price so am i.

 

That sounds an awful load of cash for this. As you say what's wrong with well adjusted mirrors?

This is very new tech and as time goes on no doubt the price will come down and reliability probably improve. It is becoming more frequently fitted to high end, and high price, bikes but I think, as I have managed to survive motorcycling for 60 years without it I will not be purchasing!!

 

For me this is just a not needed high-tech stuff for tech-nerds.

 

Er..? Forgive my ignorance but what does it do exactly?

 

This tech is already used in cycling. Bicycle computers or “head units” have the capability to do more things like control your lights, and indicate turn by turn directions. This garmin radar senses cars up to 150 m behind a cyclist and indicates to the cyclist via head unit if there are vehicles approaching and how many.

there is an audible beep and “dots”indicating vehicles. Once clear the dash goes “green”. Red means cars are approaching at high speeds. Again it is a tool, but regularly looking at mirrors also does the trick.

 

With this type of tech I sometimes wonder whether the rider might become too reliant on the machine, instead of their own senses and experience, and put them selves at risk when the computer eventually fails (and at some point it will).
For example, it wouldn't surprise me if there are car drivers who would struggle to reverse park if their car sensors failed to beep.

 

I agree. I do have to say, this technology has been tested by cyclists. Lots of testimonials on YouTube as to the accuracy of this tech. I’ve also used it on my cycling rides, but as cyclists we tend to ride on the bike lanes. Motorcyclists are on the path of traffic so there is a HUGE risk with relying on this tech.