calimoto launches Bosch automatic emergency call system for motorcyclists
Automatic accident detection for faster help
In cooperation with the technology and service company Bosch, specifically Bosch.IO as a specialist for AIoT and digital projects, the No. 1 app for motorcycle navigation ensures even more safety on the motorcycle. With Help Connect, calimoto has developed an automatic emergency call system together with Bosch and published it as a new function in the app.
When riding a motorcycle, safety is the top priority! Unfortunately, numerous protectors, a high-quality helmet and a forward-looking driving style do not guarantee an accident-free journey. That's why calimoto has decided to not only be the best companion for tour planning and navigation - but also to provide assistance in the event of an accident!
But how does Help Connect work exactly?
With Help Connect – a development from Bosch – an automatic emergency assistant is now available in the calimoto app. In the event of an accident, the fall is detected by an intelligent crash algorithm and an emergency call is automatically sent to Help Connect via the calimoto app. The algorithm uses the acceleration sensor already present in the smartphone, which means that even older motorcycles without a built-in eCall function can benefit directly from the emergency call system - without any retrofitting!
Requirements for use:
• Operation of the calimoto app • Activation of the service from Bosch • Secure fixation of the smartphone on the handlebars while driving
Immediately after a fall is detected, the accident data and the current location are transmitted to the Help Connect service team via the smartphone's data connection and an attempt is made to establish a telephone connection with the motorcyclist who was involved in the accident.
Bosch employees are available around the clock from eleven European countries and are specially trained for such emergencies. In an emergency, they immediately and automatically alert the local emergency services.
Hans-Joachim Allenfort, co-founder of calimoto, sees real added value in the cooperation with Bosch: “An automatic emergency call can save vital minutes in an emergency and thus make a decisive difference for the rescue services. With this additional feature, our users can enjoy their tours with calimoto even more carefree.”
For Stefan Ferber, Managing Director of Bosch.IO, the cooperation contributes to Bosch's IoT strategy: “Help Connect uses the sensors of networked products, such as the calimoto app on the smartphone. We are expanding this to include an algorithm for accident detection and the Bosch emergency call.
This can save lives and is entirely in line with our Bosch brand promise 'Technology for life'.”
Help Connect is available for iOS and Android. A German SIM card is required for use. The Help Connect service team can be reached in German or English. In addition to Germany, the service can also be used in the following countries: Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy and Spain. This feature can be booked in both the premium and basic versions of calimoto for €4.99/month or as an annual subscription for €39.99 via Bosch.
Further information about Help Connect at https://bosch helpconnect.com/vernetzte-bereich/auf-dem-motorrad/
In short, YES!Harley-Davidson will discontinue HD Connect again as of August 31, 2020.
In 2020, Harley-Davidson's service just started and now suddenly, END, OVER and OVER. Owners of 2020 Touring, Trike and CVO models can still use the service free of charge until the end of August, after which it ends.
THE APP WILL RUN FREE FOR LIVEWIRE CUSTOMERS UNTIL 2023
Only LIVEWIRE owners will have the opportunity to use the service until 2023. Anyone who has subscribed for several years will have their contribution refunded.
THE REASONS FOR THE SHUTDOWN
It is not yet known why Harley-Davidson is so suddenly discontinuing the actually good service. HD Connect has been activated for the large tourer, trike, CVO models and the LIVEWIRE, the 2020 electric motorcycle from Harley-Davidson. It was intended to significantly improve connectivity to the Harley for the rider, at least that was the plan. The alarm system formed a unit with GPS and allowed the bike to be located via cell phone if it was connected to the cell phone. In the event of an attempted theft, a silent alarm would have been triggered and now, in the event of a theft, it remains completely silent, without an alarm horn. This feature is actually particularly interesting for insurers, where some of them give you extra bonus points for additional security measures.
I know that some Harley-Davidson technicians from the USA drove around with us last year for testing purposes. This was intended to find out how bad our cell phone coverage really is, because no one expected it to be so bad. They may have wanted to counteract this through bundling, but we'll find out whether that's one of the problems or whether data protection is ultimately becoming more and more restrictive, or at least that was the last information I had on it.
SECURITY IS WORSE WITHOUT HD CONNECT AND NOW?
Now the question arises, what about the horn from the alarm system, which is no longer there as a result? How do you secure your machine?
HD Connect information system
The idea behind the APP was really not bad. You could create a route on your PC and send it to Boom! via the APP! Sending the Box GTS was completely easy. It's still possible with a USB stick, but it's a lot more complicated and no longer up-to-date.
Communication with the customer stalls
However, what annoys some customers the most is the poor communication. Harley-Davidson might be wise to invest in additional staff for customer support. It could simplify a lot of things and relieve the burden on the employees who ultimately have to sort everything out. Because you can't expect the European customer to call a number in the USA if they have questions specifically about this topic.
Harley-Davidson on austerity measures
Unfortunately, Harley-Davison has just announced that they will be cutting approximately 750 jobs in the near future as part of restructuring measures. It is clear that such reports cause some unrest among employees in the company. Harley-Davidson is repositioning itself and there will probably be a completely new direction. The additional plant in Thailand and the conversion are costing Harley-Davidson a lot of money, plus the disruptions caused by Corona and the import of raw materials from Europe will probably still cost the company punitive tariffs. After the introduction of punitive tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the USA to the EU, they were levied by the EU and, in return, levied by the USA on raw materials from the EU.
The management level has also been cleaned up a bit and Harley-Davidson shares are currently rising again, which are actually good signs.
Why they want to scrap the APP is questionable, my first information about it is that it has something to do with data protection, we'll see, as soon as there's something new about it, you'll find out on the Harley site.
After extensive developments, the world's most successful tour and planning app for motorcyclists is presenting its most extensive update to date: The offline functions have been available in the app for Android and iOS !
It has long been the greatest wish of passionate calimoto users to be able to use the app offline and without network coverage during their motorcycle tour. The background: Until now, navigation and changing the route were not possible in regions without a network.
Tour planner app
The new offline mode can be a big advantage, especially if you want to go on a tour abroad.
That's why the start-up is committed to changing that:
With the latest update, these are no longer problems - the calimoto app has been usable completely offline since May of this year!
This means that the app accompanies the user reliably and with full functionality on extensive motorcycle tours, even in remote regions.
Also included in the offline update are the address search, the POIs - including gas stations, mountain passes or biker meeting places - and the cross-border route calculation. This not only allows the user to reschedule spontaneously, but also to integrate via points or change the routing profile without an internet connection.
Tour tracking
You know beautiful routes, share them with other users of the Calimoto app
navigation
Calimoto is a great tour planner with navigation
In addition to the offline functionality, the latest version also integrates particularly beautiful curve combinations as POIs for tour planning. For calimoto, it is the largest and most comprehensive update that has ever been released for the app.
The offline functions are included in the premium membership and are available for €39.99* per year or €4.99* per week.
May 6, 2020 - Digitalization does not stop at the motorcycle lock - the new brake disc lock GRANIT Detecto 8078 SmartX from ABUS, the expert in mobile security, turns the smartphone into a key, thus combining security and convenience.
Colors ABUS Detecto Granit 8078 SmartX
A brake disc lock that can be conveniently operated without a traditional key, automatically remembers before setting off, records the last location, sounds an alarm if theft is attempted and also offers the highest level of security - until recently, this was one of the unrealizable wishes of motorcyclists. With the combination of proven, mechanical and innovative digital components, ABUS achieves this with the GRANIT TM Detecto 8078 SmartX - a step into the smart future of mobile security technology.
SmartX cylinder is the key – without a key
The key element is the new SmartX cylinder. It is the first electronically controlled, keyless locking cylinder in the ABUS range. The lock is operated easily and conveniently using a smartphone via a Bluetooth connection. The user only needs to connect their lock once using the ABUS app for iOS or Android devices and can then use it via a secure, encrypted connection. And the “hands-free” – that means: as soon as the driver approaches the lock with his smartphone, the connection is activated and he can open or close the GRANIT TM Detecto 8078 SmartX without having to pick up the smartphone. An invaluable advantage, especially with gloves.
High security and easy handling
During development, special attention was paid to comfortable use and handling is correspondingly easy: by lightly pressing the locking bolt, it automatically extends and the lock is ready for use. As soon as the lock with the 13.5 mm thick bolt is attached to the brake disc and the locking bolt is pushed against the brake disc, the cylinder locks the lock and the electronic position sensor “3D Position Detection” is activated. Now any vibration or change in position of the bike triggers a 100 dB alarm. The intelligent technology takes into account the movements that occur due to short, one-off vibrations and prevents early false alarms.
The positive side effect: Any biker who forgets to remove the lock from the brake disc before driving off will be warned in good time by the alarm of negligent damage.
To unlock the lock before driving, all you need to do is approach the lock with your smartphone. Authorization to open takes place via a secure Bluetooth 5.0 connection. Then you just have to briefly press the lock body towards the brake disc with a slight movement and the locking bolt releases the brake disc.
App as a command center
Not only is the Bluetooth signal controlled via the ABUS app. It is the castle's information center. The app shows the current charge level of the battery in real time and, if the status is low, uses the push function to request that the lock be charged in a timely manner. Charging takes place via a standardized USB-C port. The app also saves the location of the motorcycle secured with the GRANIT TM Detecto 8078 SmartX, making orientation easier.
Regardless of the app, the battery and activity status can be read directly on the lock via the multi-color LED.
The GRANIT™ Detecto 8078 SmartX is now available in four colors: blue, yellow, red and gray. The RRP is 249.95 euros.
Harley-Davidson theft – How do I best protect my Harley-Davidson from theft?
You've seen this many times, when one of us's Harley is stolen, we're happy to share it so we can do as much as possible to ensure it's found again. Now I've looked into it a little more to see what can everyone do better to prevent this from happening.
The hassle associated with this is immense, report it to the police, inform the insurance company and wait to see what happens - that's nothing for your nerves, especially during the season.
It's more than just a theft!
Basically, most people are very attached to their Harley-Davidson. It connects you with other like-minded people, for example in clubs or in Facebook groups, you share your hobby with friends and family, the Harley comes with you when you travel , or even just to the nearest ice cream parlor, either way, she's missing when she's no longer there.
Many of them are individually designed so that you can experience particularly beautiful things on smaller tours or even trips.
The Harley-Davidson is generally very stable in value, there is a huge used and accessories market, which also makes it very attractive for thieves. But what can you do about it! Of course, continue to stick together if it's stolen, but we can also start a step further and make it as difficult as possible for the thieves. But you also have to know some things that you might not have expected before.
Where are most Harleys stolen?
I once asked the State Criminal Police Office in Schleswig-Holstein and received non-representative but current statistics, according to which 18 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were stolen in Schleswig-Holstein from 2016 to April 2017.
And now comes the real information: while you're at an event or on a tour break, pulling out all the locks and latches to secure the machine, you come home and think, nothing's going to happen in my garage.
The home environment is where the most theft occurs!
Wrong, of the 18 Harleys, 2 were stolen from public spaces and 16 from garages, carports, underground car parks and private places. I was told the same thing by Harley-Davidson Insurance , they also have this development nationwide.
The combination of the lock and the GPS technology does it!
So, the Harley also needs to be secured at home in the garage with everything possible.
In addition to the classic locks, it is recommended to also look into today's GPS systems. The combination makes it harder for thieves and increases the chance of finding the machine again.
The brake lock and the sturdy chain, or the wire lock with which you can tie it somewhere, have proven to be effective. It has to be inconvenient and time consuming, every minute it takes longer counts for the owner. When it comes to GPS backup, it's not that easy; there are different providers with different options. You can get advice from your authorized Harley-Davidson dealer or you can buy the security system online and still have it installed by the dealer if you want it to be installed in the electrical circuit. You do that once and you have peace and quiet.
Which GPS transmitter should it be?
I wrote to a few providers of GPS systems about this, a first indication of the service is the quick response from the provider and the provider from www.gpsmotorradortung.de very quick in this area. This may also be because the provider charges a monthly fee for the web version of €7.90 or the pro version of €13.90 in addition to the purchase price and an activation fee.
The device offers a special service, especially abroad; the system is not tied to a specific roaming partner, but instead looks for the strongest transmitter to transmit the location data and therefore has no problems with dead spots.
A very extensive configuration from sector monitoring to vibration and acceleration sensors can be set. In the event of theft, service can be contacted for assistance.
The provider ebi-tec, for example, has a different price model; the recommended models start at €459 and also offer extensive protection.
The devices are delivered preconfigured and must be connected to the Harley-Davidson power supply. You can use your own prepaid cards here. ebi-tec information link
GPS car tracker
The GPS tracker from ge-tectronic is actually intended for cars and is priced in the middle. There are no additional costs for service centers, a direct link to Google Maps is available. But you have to read up on the operation, there are also other similar models that have to be installed in such a way that they are protected from moisture as much as possible.
The Tracy-Drive GPS tracker is also a very compact GPS transmitter with an integrated antenna. This device is also available in various combinations, either operated with a prepaid card at no monthly cost.
You just send an SMS with all the necessary information, which can be retrieved from the provider via a mapping page.
Or a more recommended system with GPS positioning, where it is possible to query the entire history and the current position in real time. The monthly costs are approx. €16 as of 05/2017). This device has an internal battery that provides power for approximately 7 hours. Product link
INCUTEX – GPS TRACKER TK5000
Click on the button below to load the content from ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com.
Incutex has the GPS TRACKER TK5000, which is available on Amazon. The customer reviews are consistently good, but it can be seen that commissioning is not possible without reading the operating instructions, which are included in German.
The advantage of the device is that the tracker is waterproof and the price is affordable and can be operated with a prepaid data card.
Maybe the INCUTEX Tracker is a start and it certainly depends on how valuable the Harley is that you want to secure, but you also have to take everything into account. If it fails later because you can't use the device, it will work Nothing, good service is often irreplaceable, if you are technically savvy, things are a little easier.
One thing is also clear: if you park your machine in winter, you have to think about battery conservation. Battery Conservation Information .
The important thing is to make it as difficult as possible for the actors, they generally don't have time! Chains and locks are always a good guide and anyone who has a GPS tracker has a great chance of quickly calling the police to prevent the theft, or that the Harley-Davidson is quickly found again and that the police may even find the perpetrators caught.
JAMMER (Blocker)
Some are now trying to disrupt the signals in the 20 to 30 meter range with a jammer (blocker), but they are also disrupting themselves because they can no longer be warned by their accomplices via cell phone if the police come.
However, you can at least make it difficult for the whiners where the machine is permanently located. To do this, you need a mobile phone repeater (link to Amazon (affiliate), which is installed somewhat hidden near the machine. In the event of an alarm, it transports something Luckily, the signal is still there and cannot be suppressed. In this case, we recommend a tracker that reacts quickly to movement and also tries to send continuously.
Conclusion:
As is often the case, security costs money, but if it just prevents a theft, it's worth it. The range of GPS trackers is huge and here are just a few that responded to inquiries within a few days. Everyone has to discover the best system for themselves, ultimately it's just about raising awareness and drawing attention to the fact that most thefts obviously take place where the beloved Harley-Davidson is at home.
Battery charging and maintenance devices – why, why, why?
Now that the winter season is slowly coming to an end, the question arises as to whether the battery charging and maintenance device has done what it promises or are you faced with a bike that doesn't make a sound.
Unfortunately, I personally had the experience with a device from the mid-range range that all the lamps lit up somehow, but the battery was flat and nothing worked anymore.
Of course you don't want that when things start again in spring. Often, especially with modern Harleys, there are a lot of things that you don't think about at first.
Entering the code, or what the code was like, can then develop into a problem. But by the way, if you have the fob key, you can also assign a new code if the old one has been deleted in your head.
Most people have an anti-theft alarm system installed and it also needs electricity, just like other consumers. Some newer models already have a standard battery charging cable installed, so you can connect a charger there without having to disassemble anything.
The task is clear: to keep the battery alive during the winter phase and to train it through charging and discharging cycles so that it can start again in the spring.
I bought the cheapest device I could find in the fall and connected it to the battery over the winter.
It was an 18 euro investment, the device is really simple, you first have to supply it with power and then connect the + and - poles correctly to the battery.
The cheap thing did a good job for me last winter season, simple and good.
In any case, you should pay attention to whether you have installed a gel battery, which places special demands on a charger. A gel battery requires certain charging pulses and can otherwise become too hot and cause a nasty surprise.
Many people swear by the Optimat devices, which are also available at many Harley-Davidson dealers and are priced between 40 and 100 euros.
An advantage of these devices is that the range of various plug adapters and cables available, if it is also to be used for other vehicles, makes it easier to reconnect if the cables have already been laid in advance.
However, the chargers are not only good for the winter; if you cannot move your Harley for more than three weeks, you should connect them as a precaution to avoid deep discharge. And of course there is also the corresponding device from Harley-Davidson. The advantage here is that you can use the cabling pre-installed by Harley-Davidson in a future-proof manner; in the newer models this only works with the devices from Harley-Davidson.
Everyone may have their own experiences and have found a perfect device for themselves, you are welcome to email .
And to briefly summarize the “why, why, why”: Especially with the newer machines, you need power for the alarm system and the BoomBox during the longer downtime; a deeply discharged battery is usually no longer usable afterwards.
So either disconnect everything and set it up again in the new year, or keep the Harley fit over the long downtime with a battery charger and maintenance device over the winter.
The savior in emergency!
And while we're on the subject of electricity, I saw something cool on my last tour of Russia. One of us had a problem with his bike due to some strange wiring related to the electronic exhaust system, which we had to jump-start.
Then one of us takes out a device from his bag, which at first thought I just wanted to use to charge my cell phone, but I thought wrongly, it has enough amps to start a car, so normally it wouldn't have been a problem, so I gave up again to bring to life. It didn't save the colleague at that moment; we had to solve the problem in the workshop.
And yes, you can also charge your cell phone or laptop with it, this compact miracle device can be easily stowed away and it can be really helpful on any tour.
Hertz Ride specialist for motorcycle rental cooperates with Cardo motorcycle communication systems
In exclusive partnership: Cardo equips Hertz Ride motorcycle rental with communication systems
Hertz Ride, a specialist in motorcycle rentals and tours, is now offering all customers the opportunity to use motorcycle communication systems from market leader Cardo Systems.
Hertz Ride customers who rent motorcycles in Portugal, Spain, France or Italy can now also enjoy the full enjoyment of top-class communication for their tours. The offer will soon be expanded to German-speaking countries. In addition, Hertz Ride and Cardo customers also receive attractive discounts from both partners.
Motorcyclists traveling to neighboring European countries with family or friends no longer have to miss out on their favorite hobby and can rent bikes locally from Hertz Ride.
In addition, thanks to the new partnership between Cardo Systems and Hertz Ride, rider-to-passenger and bike-to-bike communication is also available to round off your touring experience.
Hertz Ride cooperates with Cardo motorcycle communication systems
At the same time, Hertz Ride customers in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy can also rent a Cardo PACKTALK BOLD or PACKTALK SLIM communication system and enrich their motorcycle trip with top-class communication - including group conversations, connection to your own smartphone, navigation system or music.
Thanks to the innovative DMC™ technology (Dynamic Mesh Communication™) available exclusively from Cardo, the new, voice-controlled communication devices connect up to 15 bikers over distances of up to eight kilometers - even when the positions of the individual riders within the motorcycle are constantly changing -Group.
The operation of the PACKTALK devices is amazingly simple and intuitive: the Cardo devices remain ready to receive without having to press any buttons. They accept all voice commands, including those for SIRI and Google, and execute them at lightning speed.
Users simply call “Hey, Cardo” followed by the desired function (e.g. “Music on”, “Volume up”, etc.) and the wish is promptly fulfilled while both hands can remain on the handlebars. Cardo's Voice Command technology is available in eight languages and offers the most intuitive and roadworthy communication and entertainment while riding a motorcycle.
“Partnering with Cardo will provide Hertz Ride customers with the most optimal motorcycle ride experience. Cardo's innovative devices not only offer a remarkably wide range of functional and communication options, but also seamless connection to smartphones and navigation systems. I have no doubt that this attractive offer will be extremely well received by our customers,” said Duarte Guedes, CEO of Hertz Portugal.
Cardo PACKTALK BOLD or PACKTALK SLIM
Cardo communication devices from the PACKTALK series will initially be offered at Hertz Ride rental stations in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. The partnership will be expanded to other countries where Hertz Ride is active.
“Hertz Ride offers motorcyclists the unique opportunity to discover Europe’s beautiful routes and now – with the availability of Cardo communication and entertainment systems – turn it into a real experience,” adds Dr. Abraham Glezerman, founder and CEO of Cardo.
The partnership between Hertz Ride and Cardo Systems offers customers additional attractive benefits. On the one hand, you can test the Cardo communication systems extensively and then receive a discount when you purchase a device. On the other hand, Hertz offers you a discount on its own services when you purchase a Cardo device.