cameras for motorcycles

[OB_Xen Racer]

I saw this thing in Fast Bike (British Bike Mag.) Where these guy made an aluminum plate with a piece of foam rubber to absorb vibration on it, to mount the camcorder to, and then made a template for drilling that matched the fuel cap screw holes on the gas tank. The plate was then drilled to match and was then mounted to the tank via long screws and spacer shims to keep it elevated 5-6" above the tank. The camcorder was then bungeed to the mounting plate.

I have no idea how convenient (gas cap is covered) or secure this thing is, but you could probably make one yourself pretty easily and inexpensively.

The more I think about it, you could use a camcorder tri-pod mounting (the screw plate that mounts to the camcorder and the base plate of the tri-pod)and remove the support legs and then mount that to the tank? In fact, you would also be able to pivot and angle the camcorder for different shots (I dont recommend adjusting while riding though).

Come to think of it, I am going to make one of these things myself. I'll post my results when finished.

Good luck

[This message has been edited by Xen Racer (edited 07 January 2000).]

 

[OB_Dirty Pete]

The trouble with fixing a camera to the bike is that the horizon flips in every corner.

Not only will this make the viewer throw up, but it has nothing to do with the riding experience. The Mach 2 video works because the viewer experiences riding and cornering as the rider does...with a constantly level horizon.

A helmet cam is the only way to go.

 

[OB_Big Ed]

DP,
I disagree with you on this. I love the sensation I get from the tank view. In fact if you want to really see movement try putting the camera on the back seat of the bike. Of course this means you have to stay in front of your friends. Its like riding a rolercoster.

 

[OB_BullDog]

Xen:

Don't destroy a perfectly good tripod for this.. You can buy a C-clamp that has a tripod type head on it. Older bikes like Intercepters used to bolt the C-clamp onto there engine crash bars and get awesome shots! The newer faired bikes make it alot harder to mount stuff.

The tank lid adapter is cool. Remove the camera, open the gas cap and it should hinge back no problem.

This is definitely the year for video! My buddies and I have been doing stupid stuff for years and NO one has any video...

 

[OB_mbuehler]

The quality is a little less, but... Dlink makes a USB camera 640x480 at true color that a picked up a few days ago. I'm just going to throw my laptop into my tank bag and run with it that way. The camera is about the size of a twinkie, and with the base you can mount it wherever you want.

 

[OB_Wronglane]

Devices that mount to the tank somehow are sold in the magazines published overseas.I don't remember which magazine,though. Check out Rider(not the american publication),Fast Bikes and theres one more that dosen't come to mind right mow.

 

[OB_Tom LaBarre]

Gixxer I live in Lake Helen its right next to DeLand, tomarrow Im heading to my dealer in Titisville I'll be at the handyway at the corner of Rt. 46 and 415 in Sanford at 12:00 noon (sorry so short notice) if you can make it we'll ride to Titisville and beyond. If not we will have to hook up another time. I like the helmet camera. helmetcamera.com

 

[Guest]

I use a small steel bracket to mount my video camera to the bike, the bracket then attaches to the bike via some small magnets covered with cloth to stop scratching. If you have access to old computer disc drives salvage the magnets from them, they are unbelieveably strong !

 

[OB_Tom LaBarre]

I recently watched the Mach2 carnage video (many times) and want to find out how and where to find the cameras that they used so that I can do my own video. If any one has any information please post it or email me @ telabarre@yahoo.com Also any one in central Florida wants to go for a ride my blue & silver 2000 busa is broken in with 775miles.

 

[OB_Tom LaBarre]

I guess I should have looked through all the posts before I started this post. But if any one in central florida wants to go for a ride that can still happen.

 

[Gixx1300R]

Where are you in central florida?I'm in Orlando

 

[OB_Big Ed]

I don’t know what cameras thy used on their helmets in the fastbike videos but I can tell how to take film that I think is just as good. If you have a high 8 video camera you can tape it to the tank on your bike. It sounds hokey but I’ve had some real success doing this. A few thing that I have found help. 1. Put a foam rubber mat on the tank, it will protect the tank and absorb much of the vibration. 2. Make shor the zoom is set as wide as possible, reduces shake in the image and you can see the gages at the bottom of the pic. Use lots of duct tape. It works, It doesn’t hurt the paint and its cheep. Keep the wind screen on the bike, I’ve tried it both ways and if you have a clear screen it will stop the wind from shaking the camera. I prefer the view from the tank because you get the full bike lean in the image. If you would like to see some of the film we took at the track go to www.theridingclub.org and see the hot laps from Louden. This is on Real player so the res is very poor but the originals are stunning.

 

[OB_CaveDweller]

I have velcro-elastic straps that I use to strap my little sony digital video camera to my leg. There is no vibration and the low shot gives a good sensation of speed - especially during high lean angles. Passing other bikes looks pretty cool too especially if you do it in the turn (it looks like you are closer) Just have to remember not to drag the knee !

 

[OB_BIG INDIAN]

I have heard of a camera that clips to the helmet and you can put your HI 8 camcorder on your back or tank. Anybody heard of it?
I do like the idea of taping on the
tank. Will have to try it soon.

 

[OB_BIG INDIAN]

Hey guys, check the 24 Hr Busa cam topic below. Bulldog gave info on a helmet cam.
He has the website in his comment.

 

[Guest]

Check out this web site for a helmet cam http://www.helmet-camera.com/ Price is resonable all you need is a 8mm camera with VTR capability..

 

[OB_BlackPanther]

Tom -

Have you registered at WHOA yet?
Worldwide Hayabusa Owners Association

Http://members.home.net/w-h-o-a/

Send a message to w-h-o-a@home.com to register.

~BP

 

[OB_ZixR1]

I have the helmet cam off of www.helmet-camera.com. It does great work for the price. It is full color and stereo sound and very small. I bought 2 mounts with it, one for my helmet and modified the other to fit on my bike. Personally I like the bike mount better. You do need an 8mm camera that has VTR (as someone else also pointd out), but these are not too hard to find...just depends on how much you want to spend. E-mail me for pics of the setup, I'll be happy to send them along, also if anyone is in the Florida, Orlando area let me know if you want to go for a blast, I just moved here a couple months ago and looking for a few people in the area...and twisty roads...if there are any! Thanks!

Jay

 

[OB_ZixR1]

sorry I didn't post my e-mail before...

JCline@net1plus.com

 

[OB_speed]

jay,
I too would be interested in them if possilbe. jumper@fastane.net I think I might just invest in one of these.

THANKS!