I want to order a Go-Pro and im looking for advice.

rafartist · 03-25-2012, 07:57 PM

I dont the need the newest and baddest one out there, just something we can record our backroad adventures on. I have seen remote turn ons on ebay which i would run down to my handlebars to turn it off when the action gets boring and do not want to waste the time on the card. Which ones are you guys using and where are you finding them the cheapest?

ZachD · 03-25-2012, 08:29 PM

A friend of mine bought a Contour Roam HD camera recently & it's pretty impressive. It's also only $199. I don't know if it has a remote turn-on, but the start/stop switch is huge & located on the side or top n(depending on mounting orientation) of the housing. It's not as waterproof as the GoPro, unless you buy a special waterproof case - this is about the only drawback. Otherwise, it's a really nice little camera & the video quality is quite good. I have some videos from the Contour that I will try to upload to Youtube...

Check out the Contour Roam HD, if you haven't already.

ReconViper1 · 03-25-2012, 08:30 PM

I bought a Go Pro Hero HD Naked because there is no information out there at all to explain the options and I was looking at the price. Apparently the Go Pro "Motor Sports" (I'm guessing at the name) is the same cam but a package with different mounts and a different name.

You will probably need to buy the "seat post/handlebar" mount.

Go Pro has a "MAP" policy. That's "Minimum Advertised Price" and it means that all dealers have to sell for the advertised price. Some places will add an SD card or some other item to make the deal. You may find them cheaper on eBay but caveat emptor.

The basic camera is very "basic". You have to guess where the camera is pointing. I added the LCD Backpack and that provides the camera's view on the LCD screen but that's another $80 that shouldn't have to be spent.

If you have a Cycle Gear store close by, Cycle Gear has cameras and optional extras in stock at their local stores and at MAP prices.

I can't see any real value in a "remote on/off" switch when the camera is beside my hand. I usually back off the throttle, pull in the clutch and squeeze the actuating button down to light it up. Then, a brief push of the "start" button and we're filming.

HD Hero is a neat toy and can do a lot to record your rides but read and UNDERSTAND the instructions and you will get a lot more more out of it.

Blues 48 · 03-25-2012, 09:11 PM

I use the suction mount on mine, just stick it on the gas tank and aim it by hand...has worked everytime for me.

loosenut · 03-25-2012, 09:18 PM

I highly reccomend a RAM mount. I had 2 of the stick-on mounts come off and lost 2 cameras, but GoPro replaced the 2nd camera free of charge. I use a RAM ball that replaced one of the handlebar clamp bolts.

terdog · 03-25-2012, 10:37 PM

I have had the stick on mounts stay on too good. Had them on my helmet while riding offroad. While goin down a rabbit hole trail, the camera would catch the mount and actually yank me off the bike.

I moved the stick mount to the top of my chest protector, that seems to be working good.

Costco was selling the "motorsports" version for $140.

Wlfman · 03-26-2012, 04:43 AM

Keep an eye on Overstock.com They have a really great deal on them every so often, well below the MAP price mentioned above.

I ordered mine thru them with no problems. Their Customer Service is good too. Less than a week after ordering mine and receiving it they lowered the price. I called them up and they credited my card for the difference

Duken4evr · 03-26-2012, 06:16 AM

This is the current good deal on the Contour. I have the lower 1080 HD model. The Roam has a better lens.

The video, as you know from my prior post, is sharp enough that you can read the instruments from a simple screen capture

http://www.amazon.com/Contour-1600-C...2767120&sr=8-2

rafartist · 03-26-2012, 12:48 PM

That contour is alot smaller by appearance but how does it mount? And with my tank Line-xd, nothings sticking to that. I have a flat GPS mount on my handlebars that i can use but I think i wanna do a helmet mount so you can see exactly what im seeing as i move around on the bike. Sometimes alot of vibrations come thru when they are mounted to the vehicle.

neutron · 03-26-2012, 02:34 PM

I have a Contour Roam and I am very impressed with it. I have it mounted on the side of my helmet. it is waterproof even submerged in a bucket of water. I got mine for 180 bucks.
It comes with two mounts, one which can rotate and lock into position

2wheelmax · 03-26-2012, 02:37 PM

I found my GoPro in the ladies toilet.

rafartist · 03-26-2012, 03:34 PM

How long did you stand there and debate about just sticking your hand in there and getting it ? And even though you were in the stall did you look around to make sure nobody watched you grab it? LMAO I hope you washed your hands and the camera before you stuck either up to your face!

rafartist · 03-26-2012, 03:35 PM

And is that the pic that came in the picture frame you bought or is that you ;)

Duken4evr · 03-26-2012, 04:48 PM

I like mounting the camera to the side of the helmet, just below eye view. This gives a good rider's perspective and the rider acts as an "image stabilization system"

Surprising how well it works. The image is not a total shaky cam deal, even at 142 mph (my current top speed with camera running) and of course on the dirt bike.

The lens on the Contour can be rotated to level the horizon to compensate for a sloping mounting surface and the mount itself is adjustable. It all works quite well.

eflyguy · 03-26-2012, 04:50 PM

I like the contour for helmet-mount and gopro for bike-mount (I have both..)
..a

rafartist · 03-26-2012, 06:10 PM

With the Contour, how do you know you have the camera "leveled" because it didnt look like there was a place to view what you were currently filming. With my old helmet cam i recorded an hour of some bad ass creek jumps and a really tight really sketchy loop we used to run back in the Pine Barrens of Jersey to train for Hare Scrambles taking turns who was in the lead and who was following through the trees (I had camera the whole time). We could't wait to get home and see it! Came in muddy as shit to my buddies house (2.5 hour ride home), yanked our shoes off and gathered around the computer to watch almost an hour of my front fender and the 15 or so feet in front of it. Needless to say THAT SUCKED. We thought we had something for the Crusty Demons of Dirt guys. And i had mounted the cam and walked around the house for a couple of bits and checked out footage to make sure i had it aimed right on the visor of my dirtbike helmet. Well when you ride you hold your head in a totally different way apparently.

eflyguy · 03-26-2012, 07:42 PM

Contour has two laser dots that you can use to aim the camera, but they only show up indoors. I mounted the camera to my goggle strap and checked the aim just looking around the room with my helmet on. Out on the trails, it was always perfect. Aim high, looking down on video makes it unwatchable..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_xuM1y-9D0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk9SJlbdVN4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSsBjxvgWO8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNil8GFNhkE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzUKTeGSueI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiHk10r_fDI
..a

rafartist · 03-27-2012, 06:29 AM

And thats exactly what i did to. Made it unwatchable.

terdog · 03-27-2012, 06:36 AM

Thats where the GOPRO is great. The wide angle lens minimizes that effect.

wjfawb0 · 03-27-2012, 07:29 AM

I have an older GoPro my wife gave me a few years ago for Christmas. I made quite a few videos with it at first, but I rarely use it now. I attached the camera to the top of my helmet using the provided 3M adhesive backed mounts. Here are some of my low def videos:

Motorcycle helmet mount:
http://www.fawbush.org/images/2009_8..._leg_falls.wmv

On rope around neck kayaking:
http://www.fawbush.org/images/2009_7...land_river.wmv

On helmet kayaking:
http://www.fawbush.org/images/2009_8..._2_elkhorn.wmv

03-25-2012, 07:57 PM	#1
rafartist Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,898	I want to order a Go-Pro and im looking for advice. I dont the need the newest and baddest one out there, just something we can record our backroad adventures on. I have seen remote turn ons on ebay which i would run down to my handlebars to turn it off when the action gets boring and do not want to waste the time on the card. Which ones are you guys using and where are you finding them the cheapest? __________________ 07 lineX'd,Dan Moto modded pipe,no flies,chopped box,Tag metals copper bars with SV mounts,HEL lines,punched cat,delrin sliders,15t,no o2,no exup,swingarm mounted tag,hidden key switch,smoke taillight,integrated mirrors,bark busters,Hayabusa headlamp,custom made guage bracket,wrapped headers,pc111 with stage 3 smoothed map,06 R1 forks brakes and shock,08 r1 dog bone to raise the rear,fce,copper shorty levers,soon to be bare bars except for clutch lever and brake setup

03-25-2012, 09:11 PM	#4
Blues 48 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 281	I use the suction mount on mine, just stick it on the gas tank and aim it by hand...has worked everytime for me. __________________ "Life is tough!, But` it´s tougher when you´re stupid!" John Wayne" Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys." - P.J. O"Rourke 05-FZ1 (silver) 83-CB1100F 03-CBR 954RR

03-25-2012, 09:18 PM	#5
loosenut Now where did that come from? Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Milpitas, CA Posts: 2,533	I highly reccomend a RAM mount. I had 2 of the stick-on mounts come off and lost 2 cameras, but GoPro replaced the 2nd camera free of charge. I use a RAM ball that replaced one of the handlebar clamp bolts. __________________ Loosenut A.K.A. Mike YouTube channel - Mike Loosenut 2007 Yamaha FZ1 - Raven. Modded out 2005 GasGas EC300 (with plate), 2004 GasGas Pampera 280 (hers) And the 1975 CB500T Cafe project bike

03-26-2012, 04:43 AM	#7
Wlfman Just another Slow Poke Join Date: May 2005 Location: Souf Kakalacky Posts: 8,977	Keep an eye on Overstock.com They have a really great deal on them every so often, well below the MAP price mentioned above. I ordered mine thru them with no problems. Their Customer Service is good too. Less than a week after ordering mine and receiving it they lowered the price. I called them up and they credited my card for the difference __________________ Dovie'andi se tovya sagain "Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the people who are doing it." "Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and JUST BE HAPPY."

03-26-2012, 06:16 AM	#8
Duken4evr Map Maven Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,689	This is the current good deal on the Contour. I have the lower 1080 HD model. The Roam has a better lens. The video, as you know from my prior post, is sharp enough that you can read the instruments from a simple screen capture http://www.amazon.com/Contour-1600-C...2767120&sr=8-2 __________________ Akra full exhaust, Lars mod, PX Filter, No 'flies, FCE, PCIII (Perfection Averaged map), BS fuel line mod, IM, $.02 AIS, Penske, 5wt/10wt fork oil mod, 16T, Speedohealer V4, SWT crash bars/Satan pegs. Get your FI maps right here http://www.mediafire.com/?p5al8vbb1p56q0i I would feel awkward on a Harley. The honky-tonk parking lot butt sniffing checking out each other's chrome encrusted doodads social scene they engender is not what riding motorcycles is about.

03-25-2012, 08:29 PM	#2
ZachD My life is my message!! Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SoCal, for now.. Posts: 1,776	A friend of mine bought a Contour Roam HD camera recently & it's pretty impressive. It's also only $199. I don't know if it has a remote turn-on, but the start/stop switch is huge & located on the side or top n(depending on mounting orientation) of the housing. It's not as waterproof as the GoPro, unless you buy a special waterproof case - this is about the only drawback. Otherwise, it's a really nice little camera & the video quality is quite good. I have some videos from the Contour that I will try to upload to Youtube... Check out the Contour Roam HD, if you haven't already.

03-25-2012, 08:30 PM	#3
ReconViper1 Backroad Bandit Join Date: May 2011 Location: Pipe Creek, Texas Posts: 506	I bought a Go Pro Hero HD Naked because there is no information out there at all to explain the options and I was looking at the price. Apparently the Go Pro "Motor Sports" (I'm guessing at the name) is the same cam but a package with different mounts and a different name. You will probably need to buy the "seat post/handlebar" mount. Go Pro has a "MAP" policy. That's "Minimum Advertised Price" and it means that all dealers have to sell for the advertised price. Some places will add an SD card or some other item to make the deal. You may find them cheaper on eBay but caveat emptor. The basic camera is very "basic". You have to guess where the camera is pointing. I added the LCD Backpack and that provides the camera's view on the LCD screen but that's another $80 that shouldn't have to be spent. If you have a Cycle Gear store close by, Cycle Gear has cameras and optional extras in stock at their local stores and at MAP prices. I can't see any real value in a "remote on/off" switch when the camera is beside my hand. I usually back off the throttle, pull in the clutch and squeeze the actuating button down to light it up. Then, a brief push of the "start" button and we're filming. HD Hero is a neat toy and can do a lot to record your rides but read and UNDERSTAND the instructions and you will get a lot more more out of it.

03-25-2012, 10:37 PM	#6
terdog Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Pollock Pines, CA Posts: 1,050	I have had the stick on mounts stay on too good. Had them on my helmet while riding offroad. While goin down a rabbit hole trail, the camera would catch the mount and actually yank me off the bike. I moved the stick mount to the top of my chest protector, that seems to be working good. Costco was selling the "motorsports" version for $140.

03-26-2012, 12:48 PM	#9
rafartist Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,898	That contour is alot smaller by appearance but how does it mount? And with my tank Line-xd, nothings sticking to that. I have a flat GPS mount on my handlebars that i can use but I think i wanna do a helmet mount so you can see exactly what im seeing as i move around on the bike. Sometimes alot of vibrations come thru when they are mounted to the vehicle. __________________ 07 lineX'd,Dan Moto modded pipe,no flies,chopped box,Tag metals copper bars with SV mounts,HEL lines,punched cat,delrin sliders,15t,no o2,no exup,swingarm mounted tag,hidden key switch,smoke taillight,integrated mirrors,bark busters,Hayabusa headlamp,custom made guage bracket,wrapped headers,pc111 with stage 3 smoothed map,06 R1 forks brakes and shock,08 r1 dog bone to raise the rear,fce,copper shorty levers,soon to be bare bars except for clutch lever and brake setup

03-26-2012, 02:34 PM	#10
neutron Parrothead Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Rumford, RI Posts: 71	I have a Contour Roam and I am very impressed with it. I have it mounted on the side of my helmet. it is waterproof even submerged in a bucket of water. I got mine for 180 bucks. It comes with two mounts, one which can rotate and lock into position __________________ "Changes in Lattitudes, Changes in Attitudes" 2009 FZ1: 2 Bros M2 slip on, Juice Box Pro, K&N filter, Removed AIS, Lars Air box mod, Ivan's FCE and flies, Galfer SS lines, EBC HH pads.

03-26-2012, 02:37 PM	#11
2wheelmax Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Port St. Lucie, FL Posts: 327	I found my GoPro in the ladies toilet.

03-26-2012, 03:34 PM	#12
rafartist Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,898	How long did you stand there and debate about just sticking your hand in there and getting it ? And even though you were in the stall did you look around to make sure nobody watched you grab it? LMAO I hope you washed your hands and the camera before you stuck either up to your face! __________________ 07 lineX'd,Dan Moto modded pipe,no flies,chopped box,Tag metals copper bars with SV mounts,HEL lines,punched cat,delrin sliders,15t,no o2,no exup,swingarm mounted tag,hidden key switch,smoke taillight,integrated mirrors,bark busters,Hayabusa headlamp,custom made guage bracket,wrapped headers,pc111 with stage 3 smoothed map,06 R1 forks brakes and shock,08 r1 dog bone to raise the rear,fce,copper shorty levers,soon to be bare bars except for clutch lever and brake setup

03-26-2012, 03:35 PM	#13
rafartist Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,898	And is that the pic that came in the picture frame you bought or is that you ;) __________________ 07 lineX'd,Dan Moto modded pipe,no flies,chopped box,Tag metals copper bars with SV mounts,HEL lines,punched cat,delrin sliders,15t,no o2,no exup,swingarm mounted tag,hidden key switch,smoke taillight,integrated mirrors,bark busters,Hayabusa headlamp,custom made guage bracket,wrapped headers,pc111 with stage 3 smoothed map,06 R1 forks brakes and shock,08 r1 dog bone to raise the rear,fce,copper shorty levers,soon to be bare bars except for clutch lever and brake setup

03-26-2012, 04:48 PM	#14
Duken4evr Map Maven Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,689	I like mounting the camera to the side of the helmet, just below eye view. This gives a good rider's perspective and the rider acts as an "image stabilization system" Surprising how well it works. The image is not a total shaky cam deal, even at 142 mph (my current top speed with camera running) and of course on the dirt bike. The lens on the Contour can be rotated to level the horizon to compensate for a sloping mounting surface and the mount itself is adjustable. It all works quite well. __________________ Akra full exhaust, Lars mod, PX Filter, No 'flies, FCE, PCIII (Perfection Averaged map), BS fuel line mod, IM, $.02 AIS, Penske, 5wt/10wt fork oil mod, 16T, Speedohealer V4, SWT crash bars/Satan pegs. Get your FI maps right here http://www.mediafire.com/?p5al8vbb1p56q0i I would feel awkward on a Harley. The honky-tonk parking lot butt sniffing checking out each other's chrome encrusted doodads social scene they engender is not what riding motorcycles is about.

03-26-2012, 04:50 PM	#15
eflyguy FZ1² Join Date: May 2010 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 14,456	I like the contour for helmet-mount and gopro for bike-mount (I have both..) ..a __________________ '01 FZ1 set up for distance '07 FZ1 set up for fun (both in the faster blue) Which would you prefer?

03-26-2012, 06:10 PM	#16
rafartist Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,898	With the Contour, how do you know you have the camera "leveled" because it didnt look like there was a place to view what you were currently filming. With my old helmet cam i recorded an hour of some bad ass creek jumps and a really tight really sketchy loop we used to run back in the Pine Barrens of Jersey to train for Hare Scrambles taking turns who was in the lead and who was following through the trees (I had camera the whole time). We could't wait to get home and see it! Came in muddy as shit to my buddies house (2.5 hour ride home), yanked our shoes off and gathered around the computer to watch almost an hour of my front fender and the 15 or so feet in front of it. Needless to say THAT SUCKED. We thought we had something for the Crusty Demons of Dirt guys. And i had mounted the cam and walked around the house for a couple of bits and checked out footage to make sure i had it aimed right on the visor of my dirtbike helmet. Well when you ride you hold your head in a totally different way apparently. __________________ 07 lineX'd,Dan Moto modded pipe,no flies,chopped box,Tag metals copper bars with SV mounts,HEL lines,punched cat,delrin sliders,15t,no o2,no exup,swingarm mounted tag,hidden key switch,smoke taillight,integrated mirrors,bark busters,Hayabusa headlamp,custom made guage bracket,wrapped headers,pc111 with stage 3 smoothed map,06 R1 forks brakes and shock,08 r1 dog bone to raise the rear,fce,copper shorty levers,soon to be bare bars except for clutch lever and brake setup

03-26-2012, 07:42 PM	#17
eflyguy FZ1² Join Date: May 2010 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 14,456	Contour has two laser dots that you can use to aim the camera, but they only show up indoors. I mounted the camera to my goggle strap and checked the aim just looking around the room with my helmet on. Out on the trails, it was always perfect. Aim high, looking down on video makes it unwatchable.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_xuM1y-9D0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk9SJlbdVN4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSsBjxvgWO8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNil8GFNhkE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzUKTeGSueI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiHk10r_fDI ..a __________________ '01 FZ1 set up for distance '07 FZ1 set up for fun (both in the faster blue) Which would you prefer?

03-27-2012, 06:29 AM	#18
rafartist Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,898	And thats exactly what i did to. Made it unwatchable. __________________ 07 lineX'd,Dan Moto modded pipe,no flies,chopped box,Tag metals copper bars with SV mounts,HEL lines,punched cat,delrin sliders,15t,no o2,no exup,swingarm mounted tag,hidden key switch,smoke taillight,integrated mirrors,bark busters,Hayabusa headlamp,custom made guage bracket,wrapped headers,pc111 with stage 3 smoothed map,06 R1 forks brakes and shock,08 r1 dog bone to raise the rear,fce,copper shorty levers,soon to be bare bars except for clutch lever and brake setup

03-27-2012, 06:36 AM	#19
terdog Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Pollock Pines, CA Posts: 1,050	Thats where the GOPRO is great. The wide angle lens minimizes that effect.

03-27-2012, 07:29 AM	#20
wjfawb0 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: KY USA Posts: 314	I have an older GoPro my wife gave me a few years ago for Christmas. I made quite a few videos with it at first, but I rarely use it now. I attached the camera to the top of my helmet using the provided 3M adhesive backed mounts. Here are some of my low def videos: Motorcycle helmet mount: http://www.fawbush.org/images/2009_8..._leg_falls.wmv On rope around neck kayaking: http://www.fawbush.org/images/2009_7...land_river.wmv On helmet kayaking: http://www.fawbush.org/images/2009_8..._2_elkhorn.wmv __________________ 09 FZ1 Courtesy of Ivan: flies, PC III, PC IM, full yosh R77, AIS block offs, BMC filter, airbox mod

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