While the documentation for my GIPro model provided examples of how to mount the device on various bikes, none of them appealed to me —they all seemed like clumsy solutions!— Determined to find a better approach, I set out to design my own mount, aiming for both aesthetics and functionality. Crucially, I wanted to avoid the need to glue anything onto expensive parts, such as the dashboard.
After some experimentation, I found that the best location for it was a flat surface just above the dashboard. However, a new challenge arose: the wire from the device emerged directly from the bottom with no connectors! To address this, I incorporated a channel into the mount to neatly guide the wire through. Additionally, since the device features a touch sensor at the top, I designed the mount with an opening to ensure easy access to it. To enhance visibility in direct sunlight, I added small shades.
For those who prefer customization, I'm also offering a lite version of the mount. With this version, you can modify the external perimeters to achieve a perfect fit for your chosen location.
Typically, parts like these require UV-resistant filament, capable of withstanding high temperatures —direct sunlight can be unforgiving!— While materials like ASA are recommended, I opted for 100% infill black PLA when I printed mine four years ago —Because I was not brave enough to test any other material!— Surprisingly, it has held up well, but it's worth noting that my bike sleeps in a garage.
GIPro Gear Indicator from HealTech Electronics remains a popular gadget among bikers, despite the increasing prevalence of built-in solutions in modern bikes. However, just a few years ago, such technology was not as readily available.
Unlike cars, where the shifting knob remains in a particular position, motorcycles lack feedback about the current gear engaged. This absence requires riders to mentally track their gear changes, which can become exhausting over time.
This tiny device allows you to bring the future to our granny bikes! They still deserve some love ;)
While it's true that bikers have managed for a century without electronic aids, the convenience of even the slightest computational relief for our brains is undeniable. Knowing the current gear engaged proves invaluable in a variety of situations, making gadgets like the GIPro Gear Indicator a welcomed addition to any rider's gear.
This was one of the first designs I created from scratch a few years ago. And when I say "from scratch," I mean I didn't even know which software to use back then! Armed with inexpensive calipers and an abundance of patience, I managed to measure the entire device to create a perfectly fitting mount. At the time, this whole world of 3D printing was also entirely new to me!
Once the part finished printing, the ability to hold it in my hands within a matter of hours, all within the confines of my room, felt like magic! What the he#@?! This used to be a stream of 0's and 1's in my humble computer, and now it's a functional part!
That's why I have a special affection for this design. For me, it was the first step in realizing how this technology would impact not only my life but mankind as a whole!
The second step in this enlightenment process was when a friend, upon seeing the assembly on my bike, didn't ask for the part itself, but for the file. He owned a 3D printer back then too, and he was able to reproduce the exact same part for his bike... Isn't this akin to teleporting parts? It blew my mind! It's moments like these that fuel my passion for engineering! :D
I hope you enjoyed my story, and furthermore, inspires you! Cheers!
The author marked this model as their own original creation.