Sportvue MC2 testing.

[StealthR1]

As many of you might know, I've had the opportunity to beta-test the new Sportvue MC2 from Motion Research via RadarBusters.com. I've used it enough now to give everyone some initial impressions and will follow up as time goes on.

First off, a little bit about what it is and what it does. It is a heads up display that offers speed, rpm, gear position, and radar warning indications.

I had seen the previous model (MC1) talked about on various motorcycle forums and was intrigued by the technology. I did have a few reservations about it. The first thing that came to mind was that in photos it looked a bit large to me. Secondly, I was concerned that it would add wind noise to my helmet....something I did not want. More on that later.

I was pleasantly surprised when I was given the choice of color with my MC2. I chose the faux carbon-fiber, because what poser would be without that? :wink: The carbon-fiber look was a big improvement in aesthetics, imho. It actually made the unit look smaller and nicer than I had envisioned it would be.

The installation was pretty straight forward and simple. Those that are a little nervous about taking on a modification like this should fear not. It can easily be done in 2 - 3 hours taking your time.

After we installed it, I rode my bike home that night. I was eager to try it out. The first thing I noticed was that I kept trying to focus on the display rather than looking out in front. It is focused several meters out, so it takes a little bit of riding to get used to having it there.
Once you get the "hang" of it, it is great to have that information a glance away. It took about an hour of riding before my brain trained itself and now it is second nature. It's simply amazing to have that information right where it really should be. Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised that it did not seem to make any difference in helmet aerodynamics or wind noise.

One of the great things about the MC2 is that the speed display is much more accurate than the typical sportbike speedometer. You can program your exact tire diameter into the computer for a very accurate speed reading.

The RPM display doesn't do much for me. I just don't use or need it much.

The gear position indicator is a feature that I initially couldn't care less about. I've always thought that most of us riders just "know" what gear we are in at all times. This seemed like a useless feature. I was wrong! I really like having a GPI, and I'd bet that many riders who think like I did would be amazed at how nice that one feature is.

The last feature that I need to comment on is the Radar warning display. It's wonderful if it's working 100% but I've had some minor issues with that on my end. Most of it has been the sound settings on my Escort 8500 X50. The MC2 uses the headphone jack of the RD to get it's signal from. If you don't have the volume and auto-mute settings correct, you won't get a radar warning 100% of the time. I'll be sorting that issue out in the coming days with Sportvue's engineering team and posting a follow-up.

My overall impression is this: I truly believe it should be on every motorcyclist's wish list. It really is that impressive. It's the way information should be displayed. My batteries died the other day on a ride (they last quite long) and the first thing I did was to find the nearest convenience store to buy a new set.

I've tried to give both the positives and negatives in the previous review and will post follow-ups as I continue to use the MC2.

If you've read this far........thanks

[halostang]

Sounds interesting. Are you still using the H.A.R.D. system or do you have enough confidence in the MC2. Sounds like the HUD would keep me from looking down at the readouts so I would pay more attention to the road.

Keep testing and I'll be looking for the follow-ups.

[StealthR1]

Are you still using the H.A.R.D. system

Yes I am. I'm currently using both systems at the same time.

[gargoyle]

:?: The problem I see from the photo is how do you open your visor :?: I wear a Schuberth C1. Would it work with this type of helmet?

[StealthR1]

:?: The problem I see from the photo is how do you open your visor :?: I wear a Schuberth C1. Would it work with this type of helmet?

The mount is connected to the visor. So when you push the visor up, the Sportvue travels with it.

You'll have to contact Sportvue to see if it would fit the Schuberth.

Here's a photo with the visor up on my Arai.

[ayjayef]

Thanks for the detailed review

I too was wondering about the Sportvue when you opened the Visor, it seems that their own blurb doesnt mention it clearly enough.

So now you have had a few months to play with it what are you opinions? Did you sort the quirks out with the HUD and the Escort?


Andy.

PS: You are a much better looking Frank than I imagined while reading the first part of the review

[AirMoore]

PS: You are a much better looking Frank than I imagined while reading the first part of the review

Oh man...

[StealthR1]

So now you have had a few months to play with it what are you opinions? Did you sort the quirks out with the HUD and the Escort?

The quirks were sorted out very quickly by Sportvue. They sent me the proper cable and it worked exactly as it should. I like it a bunch. I still prefer to use my HARD system for radar notification only because it's more noticeable when it goes off. The speed and gear position in the HUD is very nice to have.

PS: You are a much better looking Frank than I imagined while reading the first part of the review

She's a pretty one, eh? An ugly guy like myself enjoyed the eye candy.


Both of the girls that were there were very attractive, and nice

[AirMoore]

Hey: StealthR1 I have a quick question for you...

How often do you guys use tinted and mirrored shields?
I can see you dont have one on (in the pics anyways)the helmet with the Sportvue... would you trust the Sportvue on a tinted&mirrored shield (which as you know on bright days help to maintain optimum vision levels and reduce unwanted glare)...So with that being said I always use them for my day riding when it is(going to be) sunny out.
I do always change back to clear-shields during the night again to gain optimum site levels.

Would you think this would damage (or work with) the very sensative mirror film when mounting the unit for my day driving?

And yes she is a very good looking lady. 8)

Hoo-Ray for EyeCandy!!!

[StealthR1]

How often do you guys use tinted and mirrored shields?
I can see you dont have one on (in the pics anyways)the helmet with the Sportvue...

Actually that is a smoked shield. I use the light smoke so I can still see at night and not have to change to a clear shield. I probably should change to a completely clear shield at night, but the light smoke really is ok at night while offering protection during the day. One thing I should add is that I wear sunglasses also while riding during daylight.

When you install the mount, it is permanent. You must sand the shield to help provide optimum adhesion from the 3m tape. The nice thing would be have mounts on both your clear and smoked/mirrored shields so you could switch back and forth with the Sportview.

Here is a another photo of the same shield showing that it's tinted.