Motorcycle Gear
Flossie, the Castrol robotic motorcycle rider...
The uber-techs at Castrol have been hard at work perfecting a bad-ass robotic test "rider". Well, it doesn't really ride, but it can sit atop the motorcycle and do all the throttle, clutch, and shift actions that a human rider does.
Among the many stated benefits:
- Flossie can be fitted onto any bike or scooter for testing on a chassis dynamometer.
- Flossie can act like a new rider, learning how to operate all the controls, gaining proficiency over time.
- Flossie will perform the same gear change or the same acceleration time after time.
- Flossie doesn't get tired or saddle sore
- Flossie doesn’t mind the excruciating noise of the bike in the chamber as its engine screams away
- Flossie doesn't worry about riding in extremes of temperature
- And, most importantly, Flossie is a safe rider
(Source: Castrol)
Of course, I think this is complete bull. Castrol engineers built Flossie because it was just a wickedly-cool looking 'bot!
Here's a short YouTube video showing Flossie in action and one of the techs giving background details...
Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack Product Review
What do you do when you love to ride and shoot photos once you've graduated from a point-and-shoot camera? How do you bring along your digital SLR camera, spare batteries and memory cards, accessories, zoom/telephoto and other lenses, cleaning materials, and other goodies?
Sure, you can stuff everything into your garden-variety backpack, tank bag, or hard or soft luggage (if you have any), but your precious gear probably won't have much protection against dust, dirt, and damage. Improvised storage usually lacks convenience, and you may find yourself digging through your backpack for just the right item.
I've been packing a Canon digital SLR, lenses and accessories for several years now, and I have been seeking safe and convenient storage for combined motorcycle rides and photo shoots. A non-motorcyclist photographer friend gave me a quick demo of one of his Lowepro backpacks, and I soon began looking for a smaller Lowepro pack for motorcycle rides and other uses—when I found the Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack at a local store, it seemed perfect for most of my day trips along with non-motorcycle photographic use.
There's plenty of room for a digital SLR and accessories, and one or more medium-body telephoto/zoom lenses, such as a Canon EF 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens . There are plenty of handy pockets and other storage for memory cards, batteries and lens cleaning supplies.
Click here to continue...Related Products | |
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Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras ASIN or ISBN-10: B00006I53X | |
Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM APO RF Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras ASIN or ISBN-10: B0009F3MPQ | |
Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack (Black) ASIN or ISBN-10: B000B9O83A |
Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack Standard Access ('Slingshot' Mode)
Here's a shot showing the Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack in the recommended configuration, when used in 'slingshot' mode, with access flap open.
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Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack Standard Access
Here's a shot showing the Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack in a standard configuration.
Photo courtesy of and copyright by Lowepro USA. All rights reserved.
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Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack Front Flap Strap and Clasp (I)
Here's a photo of the Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack close-up showing the front flap retention strap and clasp.
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Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack, Canon EOS Rebel, and Sigma 50-500mm Telephoto Zoom Lens
Here's a photo of the Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack loaded with a Canon Digital Rebel SLR camera with EF 18-55mm lens, Sigma 50-500mm telephoto zoom lens, and other equipment.
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