I ride and Operate. In the summer i link the radio too the bikes battery and operate from a bench or anything i can bungey strap a fishing pole too. And this recent picture i now have a little tarp
Back to the OP's post. I have ridden for over 50 years, mostly solo and almost all LD riding. I've ridden in every state in North America and almost all the Canadian Provinces. On my last Wing and a couple of Kawi's before it I did have a 2 meter radios on them: As I'm really into photography, I pack a lot of that gear which doesn't leave too much room, even on a Wing. Now I ride an FJR1300 and I hope to take a small hf cw rig with me next summer on a ride. At 71 now, those 1000+ mile days aren't quite as appealing anymore.
I ride a Honda Silver Wing, mainly for my 40+ mile commute. It has more than enough room for my camping gear, radio gear, and food thanks to the under seat storage, top case, and saddle bags.
Interesting thread. I ride a Ural sidecar rig so there is no problem with carrying stuff or enough power as it has a 45 amp alternator. During the winter, I switch to an automotive group 24 battery for easier starting in cold weather. I've looked into mounting a 2m/70cm HT with a mobile antenna mounted to the sidecar but the question of "why" comes up. There is rarely any traffic on the local repeater. I'm looking for a better reason than "just because".
Yeah, I really have no desire to run in-motion-motorcycle mobile. VHF and UHF would be easy enough to do and safely, but like you I don't see a reason. And unless I'm talking with a riding buddy, which can be done fine at those ranges with the bluetooth helmet devices, I generally want to be alone with my thoughts when riding anyway. But motorcycling TO a portable location has some appeal. So does just finding out what other interests I have in common with some other hams.
Yea, Honda SH300I, good bred and butter bike, running 140 km/h. That is not very fast on our German motorway (Autobahn), because we have no speed limit, but it is enough not to be an obstruction. When driving no radio activities because too dangerous.
Nice hack! I found the 2 meter radio useful when on one of my long rides. I would usually ride from 5am to 2 pm or so. When I bagged it for the day I would get on the local repeater & ask about interesting things to shoot in the area (I'd also ask the B&B or motel I was staying in). Mayville, ND Vegreville, Alberta Oklahoma City Some places that are easily overlooked while riding 'thru'
You don’t have a IRLP Wires-X or other internet linked repeaters? On my local IRLP repeater I often hear folks from AK checking in.
Very nice pics and glad you're able to take in lots of interesting sights in your travels. I can't wait for spring to come as I'm getting cabin fever and want to put some miles on. I will be running my V71a and hoping to pick up some interesting rag chews along the way. Stay safe!!!!
I made a radio holder out of some sort of grounding plate, a square U shaped blinds bracket, and a hose clamp connected to a mirror. I use a UV-B5 on the bike, which the nice thing about that is knobs for both volume and channel. I use it with a helmet speaker heaset and have a ptt on the handle bar. I so far have just used the rubber whip with it which works fine but I might end up putting a diplexer and 2 dipole antennas or half waves at the back of the bike.
