Bikers get sat-nav systems

Satellite navigation manufacturer TomTom has released it's first ever system designed for use with motorbikes.

The system, dubbed RIDER, clips onto the handlebars of the motorbike and has a touch screen designed to be used while wearing gloves. It also comes with a Bluetooth headset with noise cancellation that can be worn inside the helmet for spoken directions.

"TomTom RIDER is the first ever navigation solution specifically designed for motorbikers," said Harold Goddijn, TomTom’s chief executive officer.

"This new RIDER gives bike riders more of what they love when navigating on their bikes - high quality, easy to use and safe navigation, in addition to impeccable vocal instruction, smart services and extras to ensure they have a great bike experience."

The system is waterproof and when the bike is in motion the screen menus shrink to maximise the amount of directional information for riders while minimising distractions.

"Our advice is satnavs can be a useful tool in journey planning," said a spokeswoman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

"But they shouldn’t be overly distracting. Our research indicates motorcyclists need to be aware of what's around them and they certainly shouldn’t try to use it while riding."