Plug-and-Play Garmin Zūmo R1 Radar Announced
The Garmin Zūmo R1 adds blind-spot detection and a real-time radar display to almost any motorcycle
Garmin has launched the Zūmo R1 Radar system, which adds a host of safety features which are normally found only on the most premium sports touring and adventure motorcycles.
With the current crop of bikes that include radar detection systems costing upwards of £15,000, Garmin is tapping into a perceived desire to save some cash, by offering riders the chance to add radar-powered blindspot detection to pretty much any motorcycle.
The system can either be linked to a compatible smartphone or to the £529.99 Garmin Zūmo XT2 motorcycle sat nav. Once installed on the bike, the rider will be provided with a real-time depiction of the road around them, showing them the location of vehicles that would otherwise be hidden in the rider’s blind spot. The system comprises the rear sensor, which includes extra position lights to help increase the visibility of the rider, and handlebar-mounted warning lights.
Both sets of lights will illuminate to notify of a vehicle encroaching on the rider’s position, although the rear-mounted external lights can be switched off if desired. Audio alerts can also be configured, meaning that when the rider is using a compatible Bluetooth headset, audible warnings will be heard meaning the rider can keep their eyes on the road.
One of the interesting features of the system is how simple it looks, and going by the image you can see above, there should be a minimal amount of wiring required. In addition to the simplicity of the system, the specifications of it seem to be quite good. The detection distance of the radar is claimed to be up to 60 metres, and the radar unit has a detection angle of a claimed 170 degrees.
The standalone Garmin Zūmo R1 radar system has an RRP of £519.99 and the lead time before delivery is said to be between five to eight weeks. The system can also be bundled up with the new £529.99 Garmin Zūmo XT2 motorcycle sat nav, although the price of the bundle isn’t known at the time of writing.
More information on the Zūmo R1 Radar can be found on the official website.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
