Garmin Debuts Blind Spot Motorcycle Radar

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Garmin Debuts Blind Spot Motorcycle Radar

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Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) its first purpose-built radar system for motorcycles today. Called the zūmo™ R1 Radar, it provides riders with rearview and blind spot monitoring. The device has two side-facing amber lights and an optional rear-facing red light that can help maximize visibility to nearby vehicles Indicator lights on the handlebars make riders aware of approaching vehicles. Suggested retail price is $599.99, and it is immediately available.

“We’re excited to bring innovative radar technology to our motorcycle customers with the zūmo R1 Radar. As all riders know, situational awareness is paramount when sharing the road. Information about the location of approaching vehicles, especially those that may be in your blind spot, can allow you to ride with more confidence and the high-visibility external lights can help other drivers be more aware of you as well,”said Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales.

There are pairing options. The zūmo R1 Radar can be connected to the zūmo Radar mobile app or a zūmo® XT2 motorcycle navigator that is sold separately.

Audio alerts occur when other vehicles are approaching when paired with a rider’s compatible helmet or headset via the zūmo Radar smartphone app. Riders can decide how near or far away they want their indicator lights to notify them of approaching vehicles in their blind spot. [footnote 1]

The zūmo R1 Radar mounts above or below the license plate. It has black powder-coated hardware with an IP67 dust and water rating. Riders can also expect a clean installation on any motorcycle – no batteries or charging required. [2]

Inevitable zumo Footnotes

  1. Adverse weather conditions and wet roads may interfere with operation of the device. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings when using this device, especially in these conditions.
  2. zūmo R1 Radar must be hard-wired into the motorcycle’s electrical system.

About Ken Zino

Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
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