Top 10 Android Apps for Bikers
After our exploration of iPhone apps for motorcyclists, we decided to check out some of the many apps available on the Android platform. After all, being a biker is not about fitting in, and who wants the same phone as EVERYONE else!Although I've called it a top 10, the apps are not listed in any particular order, and it is important to note that, since I have written this from a UK perspective, in some cases, equivalent apps may be more suitable if you live somewhere else. If no price is mentioned then the app is free, and in some cases there are free versions of the paid-for app mentioned, albeit missing a useful feature or two.
In case you have not seen them before, the funny black and white blocks are QR codes aka 2D-Barcodes. If your phone has barcode reading software, you can scan these and you will be taken directly to the download. If you are reading this on your phone, the links for each app will likewise take you to the marketplace download. OK, let's crack on.
Pay at the Pump
Find petrol stations with pay at pump facility, so you can save time and not have to strip off your gear - plus avoid being mistaken for an armed robber when you forget to take off your lid on the way into the kiosk. This is aimed at the UK market, and won't work too well elsewhere, but there are other apps available that cover other countries.
Fuel Prices UK
Everyone needs fuel, and no-one likes to pay more than they have to. This app will help you save money on every petrol stop. It is powered by Experian, which collects data from all the fuel card transactions fleet drivers use, so the data should be pretty accurate. The data comes on an annual subscription, with £4.99 and £9.99 variants, the dearer app gives more details on exact prices. Assuming a 2p per litre saving on each fuel stops low mileage scooterists might struggle to break even, but if you ride a bigger bike, and especially if you run another vehicle too, this app should more than pay for itself. Incidentally, this is blatantly the same app (same developers) as the identically priced AA Fuel Prices iPhone App, but without the annoying AA branding.
Trip Journal
The ultimate road trip app. Winner of the travel category in the 2nd Android Developer Competition. Use Trip Journal to record and document your travel experiences and share them with friends and family. You can track your route, record waypoints and photos and geotag everything with Google Maps and KMZ Export. The full version is well worth the €1.99, as it adds Facebook, Flickr and Picasa support as well as a useful backup facility.
CarDar Lite
This app helps you remember where you parked, and as well as cars, you can obviously use it to find your bike. Parked up at Box Hill on Easter Monday, and can't remember exactly where you left your 'Blade? Looking around you can see about 20! This app will guide you right to yours using your phone's GPS. If you are in a Multi-Storey, you can set the Level, Section and Colour too. Finding your car is simple, with a choice of map or radar view. The paid version at $0.99 removes ads and adds a parking meter feature, so you know when your time is nearly up.
BreadCrumbz
This app is an awesome way to share your own routes with mates. If you have a favourite ride out between two points, it may (unsurprisingly) not be the route Google Maps chooses. And giving directions doesn't always work out the way you think. But this app goes beyond this, as you can integrate photos of custom waymarkers, (e.g. turn left at this pretty white cottage) and tag points of interest.
SpotMessage
Geotag a meeting point and send it to your mate. Then you can go and get a cuppa while you wait for him to turn up. When he arrives, you get a message telling you he's there.
Motorcycle theory test preparation
This app will be a great help to new bikers who are preparing for the theory test. Saying that, those of us with more experience could do worse than to brush up on our Highway Code knowledge. $4.99 (but don't worry it is for the UK test). There is a car version too.
Speedometer
Ultimate gps speedometer. speed, max speed, ave speed, pace, altitude gain and loss, odometer, map, replay, charts. A pro version adds live tracking...
Augmented Views 2.0
There are plenty of traffic applications out there, and the RAC, Transport Direct, and some independent folks have decent apps, and you really should have one of them on your phone. But this app shows the future of real time traffic info. This free app takes your regular traffic info and supplements it with some unbelievable extras - live feeds from nearby traffic cameras, traffic and travel related tweets from users near you and speed trap warnings. It speaks to you as well, so you can use it on the move. For when you are not on the road, there is also an augmented reality view that orients you relative to local cameras and alerts. Some features are only available in certain areas, so you'll need to check out what's available for you. Incredible stuff, and the UK is fairly well covered, especially around London and Glasgow, along with various North American cities. In its current form, I would use it in combination with a more regular traffic app. The live pictures could really help you decide if it is worth carrying on and filtering, or if you would be better off making a detour.
Motocross Challenge
Finally, time for some relaxing fun. An entertaining game with a motocross theme. Costs $1.99 and has a pleasingly retro feel to it.
I hope you have the opportunity to try some of these apps for yourself. On Android phones, if you delete a paid-for app within the first 24 hours you get a full refund, so there is nothing to lose by trying them out.
If you have an Android phone, and you have found another app that is useful for bikers, please let me and everyone else know via the comments.
Labels: android, android apps, apps, biker, iphone, mobile phone, motorbike test, motorcycle
link | posted by Dave Wilson at Wednesday, February 17, 20101 comments links to this post
Bikesure @ Motorcycle Expo
If you are in the motorcycle trade you are probably already aware of the Motorcycle Expo being held at the NEC from this Sunday 24th to Tuesday 26th of January.
We will be there, of course, on stand 407, so please come and see us. The Bikesure Babes will be in attendance to hand out their new calendars, and, if you visit our stand, you can enter our competition to win VIP tickets to this year's MotoGP at Silverstone.
You can also sign up to our dealer network if you haven't already - and if you have been working with us already we'd love to catch up with you.
Labels: babes, bike dealers, expo, motorcycle
link | posted by Dave Wilson at Friday, January 22, 20100 comments links to this post
10 must have iPhone motorcycle apps
Dynolicious app - $12.99
Review | Official site
Dynolicious is the first automotive performance meter available for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Dynolicious uses the hardware built-in to your iPhone to measure the performance characteristics of your vehicle. No external wires or equipment are necessary, simply slip the iPhone into a cradle or cupholder and go!
Featured Highlights:
- 0-60 Acceleration
- 1/4 Mile Trap Speed and Time
- Estimated Horsepower
- G-forces in 360°
MOTO KIT & app for iPhone - 39€Review | Official site
The MOTO KIT for iPhone consists of a forearm or handlebar-mounted waterproof iPhone case, an in-helmet hands-free kit and an optional external battery.
Which leads on to the...
iBike Rider - £ 26.71
Review | Official site Are you are biker? Do you have an iPhone? Tired of missing calls? You want your iPhone to be a GPS or radar warning? It is finally possible! iBike Rider meets all your needs! You've acquired the best smartphone ever made! Enjoy it!
2XL Supercross game - $7.99
Review | Download
From the review: "I could watch the intro over and over, the graphics are unreal and the game play is stellar. It’s fast as hell on an iPhone 3GS and the controls are the best. Turning the iPhone is so natural you feel like you are really riding the bike. This is not only the best motorcycle racing game on the iPhone, it’s the best motorcycle racing game on any platform and that includes the PS3 and XBOX 360."
Moto Chaser game - $1.99Review | Official site
The hottest racing action for your iPhone and iPod touch! Grab your bike and hit the road with Wingnuts Moto Chaser! Developed exclusively for the iPhone and iPod touch, Moto Chaser provides a unique racing experience.
Trapster app - the application is freeReview | official site
From the review: "Did you miss the days when folks would high-beam you with their headlights to warn you of parked police cars ahead? Those hiding police will get you if you’re not careful these days. Now you can have a modernized high-tech high beam solution in Trapster. Consistent use and reliance on the goodwill of others will steer you clear of speed traps."
FGPnow app (For Canada) - free
Review | official site
FGPnow! is a free mobile application that shows Canadians tomorrow's gas price around 5pm every day. Version 1.0 will provide gas prices for Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Future versions will include prices for additional major cities.
MX Mayhem game - $0.99
Review | Download
From the review: "Moto X Mayhem is a neat dirt biking game. It may be one among many in the App Store, but it does its own little thing pretty well."
MotoGP live timing app - $2.99Review | official site
MotoGP season 2009 at your finger tips. The official MotoGP iPhone application is your window to LIVE TIMING race information:
Race lap, rider position, lap time, gap time, top speed. Get updates lap by lap from the comfort of your home, on the go or at the circuit! The MotoGP iPhone application also provides access to race results, championship results, latest news, rider profiles and a huge photo gallery. The photo gallery is updated for each race and features official photos of circuits, riders, racing action and "paddock girls".
AccuFuel app - $0.99Review | official site
AccuFuel™ Fuel Efficiency Tracker makes monitoring your vehicle's fuel efficiency simple and fun. Is your SUV guzzling gasoline? Is your hybrid saving you money? With AccuFuel, you'll instantly see how your driving habits affect your fuel efficiency.
WeatherBug app - free or £0.59 for elite
Review | official site
WeatherBug is the only source for truly live, local weather, providing users access to the largest network of professional weather stations in the US and thousands of locations around the world. Choose WeatherBug or WeatherBug Elite and put live, local weather in the palm of your hand. link | posted by Chris at Wednesday, October 14, 2009
2 comments links to this post
Peterborough BMF Show
Well, it's that time of year again and the Peterborough BMF show has been and gone! Forgive me if I just wasn't as observant as I thought but did anybody see any of the 'big' names there? In may I didn't see the Honda or Suzuki stand, in fact none of the bike stands that were previously there, yes, the Goldwing Club and the Classic bikes were there, but where were all the lovely bikes that folk get to admire and sit on to size them up incase of purchase?
This is the first year I haven't camped for the weekend and have noticed how much it's changed. Also, last weekend - where was Hein Gericke? All the 'big name' producers were missing? Yes, you could bag a bargain, but very few 'big name' bargains!
Bring back the old BMF shows, that's what I say!!
This is the first year I haven't camped for the weekend and have noticed how much it's changed. Also, last weekend - where was Hein Gericke? All the 'big name' producers were missing? Yes, you could bag a bargain, but very few 'big name' bargains!
Bring back the old BMF shows, that's what I say!!
Labels: bike show, honda, suzuki
link | posted by Carol at Wednesday, September 23, 20090 comments links to this post
Harley-Davidson websites we like
Silverstone Harley-Davidson
Silverstone Harley-Davidson stocks new and used motorcycles in Towcester, England. The Harley-Davidson dealership hosts a rage of new and used bikes, parts and accessories, motorclothes and merchandise. Towcester also has a Servicing department for all motorcycle service requirements.Email: enquiries@silverstonehd.com
Tel: 01327 353444
HD Motorcycles For Sale.com
List your Harley Davidson used motorcycle for sale until sold with up to six photo's including featured ad for $ 19.95Email: info@hdmotorcyclesforsale.com
Dukes Harley-Davidson
Duke’s Harley-Davidson® was established in 2005 and is the spin off from a previous long established dealership in Chatham.Email: wayne@dukeshd.com
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Parts
There are many Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealerships but none are like NewRoc Harley-Davidson and Buell. From helping to raise money for Bikers for Best Friends Animal Rescue, to sponsoring and hosting events for Habitat for Humanity, Cystic Fibrosis, The Westchester Arts Council, and other local charities, NewRoc has made a name in the biker and philanthropic community.Email: info@nrhd.com
Grizzly's Custom bikes
We are an Independent Harley Davidson and Custom Bike Specialist and can offer you a rapid supply of the parts you need, from our Shop Counter, Workshop or Mail Order.Contact: 01303 240440
Email: sales@grizzlyscustombikes.co.uk
Here you'll be able to find out about new and used sales of Harley-Davidson™, Ducati & Buell motorcycles together with parts, servicing, clothing, helmets, motorcycle rental and so much more.
Please call us on any of the following numbers
Riders of Bridgwater - 01278 457652
Riders of Bristol - 0117 958 8777
Riders of Cardiff - 02920 233559
Email us on
enquiries@ridersmotorcycles.com
0 comments links to this post
A positive step for bikers...
I like to read good news concerning bikers rather than the usual negatives which you often find in the tabloids ie, no bikes allowed in bus lanes, bikers getting hassle from the police in wales etc., etc., however, how fantastic would it be if what I read recently took off all over the country, even the world? I am talking about the biker friendly crash barriers that have been put up in County Durham, they work by absorbing the energy of a crashing bike and prevents rider hitting support pillars! If lives are saved then surely they should be put up everywhere? Who is the big wig that dictates where, when or even IF they are used? In my job I have noticed an increase of not only the younger generation, but also the middle aged taking up biking and would hate the thought of people being put off by stories of horrible accidents, especially ones that could so easily be prevented. It's about time we as bikers were taken seriously.
link | posted by Carol at Thursday, September 03, 20091 comments links to this post
Scooter sites we like
Electric motorcycles by environmentfriendlystore.com
We provide the highest quality, most reliable and cost effective electric vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and motor bikes on the market!Electric Scooters Store
TheScooterFamily offers electric Scooters, Electric Bicycles and Mopeds all at discount prices. We sell Electric, Efficient, and Pollution Free vehicles.Phone: 908-500-5931
Email: ContactUs[@]thescooterfamily.com
Motorcycle Speakers
motorcycle speaker superstore offering top quality motorcycle speakers, 100 to 150 watt amplifiers, and motorcycle helmet speakers to fit EVERY motorcycle.Call: (520) 399-6976
Email: sales[@]motorcyclespeakers.net
Motorbike & Scooter Warehouse
Our offering is simple - Good quality machines at affordable prices with back up from our workshop and spare parts warehouse.From retro-styled scooters to modern day commuter motorcycles, from well established generic models to cutting edge designs, from rugged off road motorbikes to elegant, sophisticated cruisers we have established a range of scooters and motorcycles that we are proud of.
Phone: 0208 385 0566
Email: sales[@]motorbike-warehouse.co.uk
Sussex Scooter Warehouse
Low cost scooters Brand new scooters at warehouse prices
Tel: 01903 507222
Email: info[@]thescooterwarehouse.co.uk
Zhejiang Goldenkey Electric Vehicle
Electric motorcycles, scooters, bicycles and tricycles from Zhejiang Goldenkey.
Tel: 0086-135-67547203
Email: Info[@]e-mopeds.com
Newcastle Rider Training
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Other motorbike related sites
Biker Cafe
The UK's friendly motorcycle portal - for bikers that don't take themselves too seriously!
Auto Links Automotive Directory
Financial Directory
Financial Investments Directory
http://www.financedirectory-freelisting.com
http://www.businessfinance-directory.com
http://www.onlinebizdirectory.com
www.klottra.com
www.linksubmitdir.com
www.motorcycledirectory.co.uk/ link | posted by Chris at Wednesday, August 19, 2009
0 comments links to this post
Here come the 'leccy customs...
It was only a matter of time, following the performance of the electric TT bikes before people started trying to make them desirable, and, naturally enough the first custom electric bike hails from the spiritual home of tree-hugging hippies everywhere, California.
What might be more surprising is that it the legendary Orange County Choppers who are behind this step into the brave new world of emission free biking (well if you discount the tailpipe emissions of the rider). The commission came from electronics giant Siemens, who will take the bike on a tour of the US before selling it at auction.
I'm not sure how many bikers would appreciate a noiseless ride, but the top speed is certainly not to be sniffed at, at around 100mph.
Apparently the bike will also feature on an episode of American Chopper, so those of you with a Sky box will get a chance to see how they made it some time next year, maybe.
Meantime, here's a look at some of the Teutels best work.
Labels: American Chopper, electric motorcycle, Orange County Choppers, Siemens
link | posted by Dave Wilson at Friday, August 14, 20090 comments links to this post
Quad Bike Sites We Like
Quad Bike Tours Scotland
Quad Bike tours, guided off road quad biking trips near Fort William, Highlands of Scotland. Exciting adventure activities where a wide variety of terrain is on offer so trips are tailored to individual and group requirements.Tel: 0845 094 5513
Email: info@quadbiketours.co.uk
Quad Bike & Activity Centre near Cardiff
Quad Biking and Outdoor Activity Centre near Cardiff, South Wales. Activities include Quad Biking, Clay Shooting, Archery, Gorge Scrambling, Teambuilding and more ... Tel: (029) 20 831658
Email: hopkinsmith@btconnect.com
Petrol Scooter Quad Bikes
We sell Scooters, Road legal quad bikes as well as a great range of Quad, Mini Moto, Scooters,
Baotian, motocross and pit bike parts at low prices.
Tel: 02476 398085
Email: sales@petrolscooter.co.uk
Quad Bike Dealer in Derbyshire
If you need a quad bike then Derbyshire Quads is the company for you! They supply,service and repair a huge array of quad bikes and are authorised dealers for Polaris and Quadzilla.
Tel: 01335 360485
Email: info@derbyshirequads.co.uk
Agricultural Quad Bikes
Quadbikes UK specialises in Japanese Quads for agricultural or leisure.
These are perfect for use as a Utility ATV or Quadbike for your farm.
Contact: Click here for contact page
Quad biking in Devon at Quad World
If you're looking for some all terrain quad biking fun in Devon then Quad World is for you. This award winning quad biking company has been established for over 20 years.
Tel: 01392 881313
Email: deborahlawson@btinternet.com
Quad Biking Birmingham Midlands
Garlands Leisure offers quad bike trekking and quad bike racing from their multi activity site in the Midlands, 30 minutes from Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry and Leicester.
Tel: 01827 722 123
Email: info@garlandleisure.co.uk
Wales Activity Breaks
Fantastic activity breaks in Wales with Archery,Quads & clays.Perfect for stag/hen parties. Vouchers available on their site!
Tel: (029) 20 831658
Email: info@walesactivitybreaks.co.uk
ATV Quad Shop
Quad dealer for the London area. Supplying a large range of power quad bikes.
Tel: 01227 771 831
Email: admin@jetworks.co.uk
Funky Bikes for Mini Bikes and Pit Bikes
Funky Bikes sells Pit Bikes, Dirt Bikes and Quad Bikes all in interest of having some serious fun! With nationwide delivery check these guys out.
Tel: 02476 679 997
Email: sales@funkybikes.co.uk
Top Bike Blogs, Forums and Directories
eastofenglandbikers.com - East of England Bikers. Includes chat, forums and shop.
Classic Bike Forum - We are a leading global resource in the classic motorbikes arena. link | posted by Chris at Thursday, July 30, 2009
0 comments links to this post
Holy Bike Leathers, Batman!
But, riding to the rescue on his unbelievable BatPod motorbike came Christian Bale, in The Dark Knight - a movie notable for a lengthy chase involving lots of motorcycle riding goons.
In Christopher Nolan's re-imagining of the Batman franchise, the costumes are brought right up to date, and capitalising on this to the max are UD Replicas, with a range of biker gear based on the movie. You can get Bruce Wayne's biker jacket, or sport the leather numbers worn by the Joker's henchmen.
But the best is yet to come, with the imminent release of the Batman replica motorcycle suit, comprising gloves, jacket, trousers and boots. Comprising Kevlar body armour and moulded leather attached to a hard-wearing Cordura base, with Spandex confined to a supporting role, so that you can actually move your limbs.
All in all, if you want to scare old ladies and wow children, this is the outfit to be seen in on you bike, although admittedly perhaps not if you ride a Vespa! But if you've spent you hard earned money on a nice set of leathers, make sure they are protected with a decent helmet and leathers policy - and I mean decent, many inferior products on the market will not cover the amount that this suit will retail for. You can buy the suit soon at http://www.udreplicas.com/.
Labels: Adam West, Batcycle, Batman, Bruce Wayne, cheaper motorcycle insurance, Christian Bale, Christopher Nolan, Dark Knight, leathers
link | posted by Dave Wilson at Monday, July 20, 20091 comments links to this post