BMW is adding GoPro camera control to their car infotainment systems from July and it could be a technology that filters down to its motorcycle division, especially bikes like the K1600.
A lot of technologies such as ABS, traction control, electronic suspension and tyre pressure monitors have already transferred from four to two wheels and BMW may also introduce its new laser headlights to motorcycles to double illumination length.
But all these technologies are about hi-tech performance and safety. This latest joint project with GoPro is about fun and entertainment which fits perfectly with motorcycles!
It all works via the GoPro app which you can get on iTunes. The app, which is designed for iPhone 4 and later, links via wifi with the GoPro camera which you can place anywhere on the vehicle. Information from the camera, such as battery life and storage space are displayed on the infotainment system.
The driver can turn the camera on and off, start and stop recording, switch between video and photo modes, and select from six drive-specific camera modes: leisure driving facing out, night driving, sport driving facing out, drive camera facing in, winding road time lapse and straight road time lapse.
Motorcycle riders would be justifiably horrified by yet another driver distraction, however, at least it doesn’t display a camera screen view on the car’s infotainment screen until the car is stopped.
BMW plans to introduce it to all models with BMW Apps or Mini Connected technology and there is every possibility it could eventually be included on their touring bikes. It would probably be easy control via the handlebar-mounted Multi-Controller on their touring bikes such and even the new R 1200 GS adventure bike. It may actually be safer than taking your hand off the handlebar to fiddle with a GoPro attached to your helmet.