k 1200 s

Connected Home, Motorcycles

How To: Using Android Auto v2.0 on a Motorcycle Updated

At the 2016 I/O conference, Google announced that Android Auto would expand from a headend unit-centric solution to a mobile phone-centric solution. This will let drivers whose cars do not support Android Auto to have a similar experience directly on their mobile phone. For motorcyclists, there’s a similar benefit because Android Auto now can be used on the motorcycle. Continue reading How To: Using Android Auto v2.0 on a Motorcycle Updated

Mike Connelly
Connected Home, Motorcycles

How To: Using a Smartphone for a Better Navigation System for Motorcycles

First, let’s acknowledge up front that all motorcycle-specific GPS units are both obsolete technologically and horribly overpriced. For years, I had a Garmin Zumo 650. The screen was dull and slow to respond to touch. The processor was very slow to process that input or to recalculate routes. The Bluetooth audio pairing was always flaky, particularly for phone integration. The software was antiquated even compared to cheap Garmin car units. Online trip planning integration tools were primitive. Exporting routes from Google Maps required a hack to GPX waypoints that never routed the same way in the Garmin. The included audio app is near useless. Continue reading How To: Using a Smartphone for a Better Navigation System for Motorcycles

Mike Connelly
Motorcycles

How To: LED Lighting on the BMW K1300S Motorcycle

On my old K1200S, I upgraded the halogen lights to HID lights by DDM Tuning. These were relatively expensive at the time and required that we create a custom bracket to hold the three ballasts. The light output on the DDM HIDs was impressive though the lamps threw the occasional LAMPF error, particularly when I used the high beams. (This was due to the difference between the resistance of the halogen v the HID lamps). Given the advancement in LED technology in the past eight years, I wanted to install LED and not HID lighting on my K1300S. The advantages of the LED lights include: longer life, lower cost, lower energy consumption, immediate full light output, and smaller ballasts. Continue reading How To: LED Lighting on the BMW K1300S Motorcycle

Mike Connelly
Motorcycles

How To: Modifying the BMW K1300S Motorcycle for a Tall Rider

The BMW K1300S, like the K1200S before it, is a big bike. The seat is a bit higher off the ground than other sports bikes. By sports bike standards, it is a heavy bike overall, at 569 lb. So, it naturally attracts taller riders. However, the ergonomics aren’t best suited for a tall rider. The handlebars require the rider to lean forward, potentially creating back and neck cramps. The default position of the foot pegs may be uncomfortable for longer legged riders. Fortunately, these can all be addressed with some minor modifications to the handlebars, foot pegs, gear shift lever, and brake lever. Continue reading How To: Modifying the BMW K1300S Motorcycle for a Tall Rider

Mike Connelly
Motorcycles

My Motorcycle Riding Gear

One of the first things that Jerry taught me about motorcycle riding is to always wear protective gear. It doesn’t matter how hot the weather is. Always wear not only a helmet but also a high visibility jacket, pants, boots and gloves. After riding for almost seven years, I still follow his advice. It is better to sweat while riding than potentially deal with avoidable medical bills later. Continue reading My Motorcycle Riding Gear

Mike Connelly
Motorcycles

My First Motorcycle: 2008 BMW K1200S

In my late thirties, I caught the motorcycling bug while exploring back roads in Pennsylvania’s horse country and neighboring farms. I dreamed of a helmet full of adventure, along with the smell of fresh-cut grass and horse manure in the summer and wood fires and woods in the fall. I noted the camaraderie among bikers, who would wave at each other as they passed on the road. Continue reading My First Motorcycle: 2008 BMW K1200S

Mike Connelly