The Motocam

The MotoCam

CW EVALUATION

Rear-vision system

WHEN IT COMES TO STREET RIDING safety, seeing is everything. Designed to improve situation awareness, the MotoCam employs video technology to compensate for the rearview blind spot inherent with motorcycle mirrors.

Installing the three-piece system onto our Yamaha FZ6 testbike took less than 30 minutes. The kit’s Ushaped universal mounting bracket firmly attached the 4-inch video display to the bike’s tubular handlebar. The wiring harness securely plugs into the rear of the display and offers ample cable length to route beneath the gas tank back to the cam’s cigarette-packsized voltage regulator, which fit nicely under the FZ’s seat. We used another U-bracket and swivel arm to mount the bullet-style infrared camera to the bike’s tubular subframe behind the right-side passenger footrest. Both swiveling extension arms allow finetuning of screen position and camera angle to suit rider preference, while also providing easy removal for antitheft purposes.

With the unit’s power lead connected to the bike’s battery, a flip of an on/off toggle switch located on the rear of the monitor’s chrome-finished case got us ready for lights, camera and action in urban tra fie. The MotoCam provides hands-free-operation with no picture controls to mess with, and the color image automatically changes to B/W in low-light environments. The display projects a mirror image of what’s behind you so that objects are on the side you expect to find them. The camera’s wide-angle optics do a good job of covering three lanes of traffic, although objects appear slightly more distant than they do in the bike’s mirrors. A more centralized mounting location (using the suctioncup mount or cutting the rear fender) would have provided a clearer view. In any case, while the MotoCam delivers on its promise of blind-spot reduction, a glance over the shoulder before changing lanes is still a good idea to be certain all’s clear.

The system is touted as a 24/7 tool with night-vision capability. We experienced the best picture quality during twilight hours or under overcast skies. The display appears dim and difficult to see when viewed in direct sunlight, while night operation’s shortcoming is that headlights form glaring blobs on the screen.

While modern technology has its place, there’s just no replacement for the ol Mk II eyeball and a limber neck. Perhaps the MotoCam’s most redeeming quality could be its ability to connect a camcorder with the optional recording cable ($35), allowing riders to video their buddies in tow. H

DETAILS

CyberSpeed Technologies 14337 20th Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98125 877/668-6226 www.themotocam.com Price.. .$650

ips Picture quality unaffected by vibration Save $50 with black or brushed aluminum display option Suction-cup or steering-stem attachments also available

owns Sensitive to light conditions Connection for recording not included Pricey