FLIR - the GREATEST farkle of all....

[Diesel]

For the SERIOUS Long Distance Rider - it doesn't get any better than this..... But you pay for it....

Enjoy!  (F.L.I.R. = Forward Looking Infra Red)

Flir PathfindIR - Thermal Imaging Video Camera

Cheers, Diesel

PS Beemer and Kwaka were/are looking at this as an option for some of their Sport Tourer/Touring range of MCs

[terrydj]

Trouble is that you have to be looking at the screen. Now me thinks travelling at 100kph and the range of the thing only being 1000ft, 300mtrs. Me thinks you would have to look at the screen maybe every 10 seconds or so?????
Wouldn't of seen those 2 roos that came out from the bush just in front of the bike, of which the second roo I hit.
In all honesty. me thinks just another gimmick to make people think they won't hit or be hit be something.
Hmmmmm wonder what would happen if you accidently hit a pedestrian and had that fitted to the car or bike.
"What do you mean you never saw em" so what if it was dark?

[Tipsy]

And the price ....................sheeeeesh

Tipsy

[Whizz]

Tipsy, where did you see cost mentioned and what was it?

Terry, I think the concept here is that at night, the only time when FLIR is useful, you can't see 1000ft unaided anyway, the most you can see is the length of your headlight beam. So anything that extends the range at which you can see obstructions/people/roos etc must be an advantage. I have worked on aircraft with both FLIR and Nightvision fitted, and they make it just like daylight, you see EVERYTHING!!!

Now the really useful next step to this would be a heads-up display fitted into the helmet visor so you can see it all the time. Add to that a repeater for the speedo etc and you'd never have to take your eyes off the road, except to ogle the pretty girls on the pavement!

Cheers
Whizz
 

[terrydj]

So correct, but for the thing to be of assistance??? you have to be looking at it and seeing you travel the distamce you are viewing at in less than 10 seconds well for me its useful for those that just want it.
Wouldn't it be sad if you glimpsed at the screen and hit something that just popped out from the side like most near collisions I have had

[Tipsy]

the prices I found doing a search start at around $3k to $4k for hand held ones and go up from there to around $11k & $23k

You could always contact

flir.com.au 


Tipsy

[Diesel]

Head up display query answered here boys - 1400GTR..... Note the helmet.....

Kawasaki 1400GTR with Night Vision System : DigInfo

Shows you how far behind the 8 ball the ST13 really is (having note really been updated since '07) - lucky she's such a beautiful ride!

Also - mounted on your dashboard - you'd be almost looking past it to the road, so when a 'bright white' heat source (like a mammal) appears 1000ft away, it is likely to catch your eye. Look at how clear the vision is in this clip. When he turns the corner, you can clearly see the group of people on the footpath.... a roo out in the dark forest would be even clearer as standing out against the dark colours....

Flir Pathfindir in Brisbane.

[Biggles]

That's so good you could almost ride just watching the screen, like some video game, with you actually in the game.   

[Shiney]

Found the full kit for $3245 USD
@
http://www.shopflir.com/p11468/flir_pathfindir_le_aftermarket_kit.php

[terrydj]

What about not having a screen but just a light that flashes whe somethings detected, that way you don't have to look at the screen
Piss you off around town, so you turn it off but out and about just a light that flashes would suit me most perfect

[Diesel]

What about not having a screen but just a light that flashes whe somethings detected, that way you don't have to look at the screen

Then you need Audi's Night Vision Driver Assist..... you can hear an audible beep when something comes into range...   

Audi A7 Sportback Night Vision Assistant

   

[saaz]

As Terry said, when it is linked to a computer somehow that warns of animals etc within a set field and gives a warning (like a speed camera warning) it would be great. A bit like the Terminator vision processing. One day we will probably be wondering how we did without it - like those xray vision glasses they used to advertise in comics to see through clothes.  I hope the nurses in the nusing home look ok.....

[Diesel]

That's so good you could almost ride just watching the screen, like some video game, with you actually in the game.   

This seems true Biggles. It seems like you could dowse all light sources and ride watching the screen in the pitch black (supposing one could extinguish the ST's light array).
The main reaction other than braking when we see a marsupial on a back road is to try and light it up as much as possible. Unfortunately the opposite gives you a better chance of not hitting it because you dazzle the roo with light and take away its night vision thereby reducing its options for a quick escape. It seems like it would be better to ride in the dark with only a good FLIR system as your eyes, as you can see all manner of beasts even in the paddocks adjacent to the road, and you can also see any potential road crossing attempt by an animal well before you are at its '20'.

[Biggles]

It's also been noted elsewhere that even the centre line and fog line show up clearly because they are a different temperature to the road surface.  So a complete reliance would be achievable.

[Philbo]

What about if there was an inanimate object (eg branch) on the road?  After the rain the roads around Meringandan are getting broken up and rutted.  Lights are needed.  With oncoming traffic, I spend a lot of time on low beam and low speed seems the best option with the dodgy road surfaces,
Phil
 

[Diesel]

Dammit! Great point Phil...   

[cravenhaven]

What about if there was an inanimate object (eg branch) on the road?  After the rain the roads around Meringandan are getting broken up and rutted.  Lights are needed.  With oncoming traffic, I spend a lot of time on low beam and low speed seems the best option with the dodgy road surfaces,
Phil
 

Would they not also have a different heat signature to the "normal" road surface?. Even a pothole on a gravel road would probably "look" different from a heat perspective, particularly if it had water in it.

[Diesel]

Would they not also have a different heat signature to the "normal" road surface?. Even a pothole on a gravel road would probably "look" different from a heat perspective, particularly if it had water in it.

Good point - looking at the footage above, not sure if its heat signature would make it stand out in good time for avoidance though.  Thoughts?

[cravenhaven]

The road markings (seal imperfections) come through quite clearly I think, and is it ever that easy to avoid potholes even during the day (have a look at Alans recent camera footage :)).
Guess you'd have to try it out to know.
Are you buying one Diesel ?

[Gadget]

Ride with TJ at night and you will be amazed how much you can see on the IR screen.

[Diesel]

Are you buying one Diesel ?

If the cost came down as I don't do enough miles at night to justify the purchase currently.