Equip a motorcycle with a dashcam (drive recorder).

Equip a motorcycle with a dashcam (drive recorder).

I believe that a motorcycle dashcam and insurance with a legal assistance rider are essential when riding a motorcycle. As mentioned in past blog posts, even for older motorcycles that fall into the vintage category, modern equipment is necessary. We are living in the modern age now. The CBX1000 is over 40 years old since its release, and traffic conditions and culture are no longer the same as they were back then.

A dedicated motorcycle dashcam offers much higher convenience. In some cases, Chinese-made products in this field may even have better quality than Japanese-made ones. I use the product below, which I purchased from Amazon. It's a Blueskysea product. I’m not sure which country it’s from, but it’s likely from Taiwan or China.

↓ Here is the product ↓
https://jp.blueskysea-inc.com/dv988-p00102p1.html

The price is around 17,000 yen. I didn't experience any particular issues with it. The app is also well-developed. The power supply can be drawn from a USB source. After some time, if the product's version gets updated, I would love to purchase the newer model, as it has many wonderful features.

I’ll mention a few points I don’t particularly like:

・Removing the SD card is inconvenient.
・I’d appreciate better responsiveness for the on/off switch.

My CBX1000 isn't a motorcycle with a strong battery. I make sure to keep it off until after the engine starts. I added a separate on/off switch for this.
It seems the version hasn’t been updated yet. I’d be thrilled if a new product with higher resolution and other improvements were released. It would also be great if the controller part became smaller or the communication function with smartphones was enhanced.

Currently, the device ranks high in terms of communication stability when compared to other Wi-Fi communication devices. The manufacturer also provides quick responses to issues and inquiries.
I’m a big fan of this product.

Blueskyasea-motorcycle dashcamの取付

Here are some points to note and the difficulty level for installation.

Points to Note:
・The GPS sensor works even if it's placed under the seat.
・In my opinion, the camera's vibrations are not noticeable to a problematic level.
・If the power supply is stable, it's fine to install using a USB power source.
・It's best to avoid cutting the wiring.

Difficulty Level:
The installation difficulty is low. The real challenge is how beautifully you can install the dashcam on the motorcycle.
Here are some key points to focus on:

・How to make visible parts look neat.
・If you're hiding the wires, how well you can conceal them.
・Ensure that the camera is firmly secured.
Generally, you just need to connect the cables to install it:

・Red → Power, which can either be connected to a USB or an accessory power source. I connected it to the accessory power and installed a separate switch. It might be better to use a USB power source that you can plug and unplug.

・Light Blue → GPS. It works perfectly even if installed under the seat.

・Yellow → Switch for still image capture.

・Black → There are two black cables, which are for connecting the camera. Any camera with a 5-pin cable should work.

I installed the main unit in a position where it can be used as a rearview monitor. Personally, I installed it on top of the engine, but you can also tuck it under the seat. Installing the unit in a visible spot makes it easier to check the connection and recording status.

I uploaded sample videos to YouTube.

I’ll upload videos from the front and rear cameras taken at Okayama International Circuit, as well as videos from riding on public roads.

In terms of audio quality, the wind noise is quite intense, so please be mindful of the volume.
These videos are just to give you a general idea of how the footage turns out.

Equip a motorcycle with a dashcam (drive recorder).【summary】

I’ll say this twice because it’s important: When riding on public roads, I strongly recommend having both a dashcam and optional insurance with a legal assistance rider.

The Blueskysea DV988 offers excellent cost performance. Its features are outstanding, and of course, it’s waterproof. When I decided to install it, the reputation of Japanese-made motorcycle dashcams wasn’t great. In fact, it was hard to tell whether motorcycle accessory stores even stocked such products. It’s been about two years since I installed it.

Many riders prefer Japanese-made products. Regardless of the manufacturer’s country, please ensure you use a motorcycle dashcam when riding on public roads. Rechargeable models may look sleek, but they come with risks like forgetting to turn them on or running out of battery. So, be mindful of these potential issues.

The Blueskysea DV988 does have a few drawbacks, but its positives far outweigh the negatives. It works well as a motorcycle dashcam and is also useful for saving videos of track sessions or road trips.

I strongly encourage everyone to consider equipping their motorcycle with a dashcam.

See you again!