AN AMERICAN motorcyclist has got a step ahead of many motorcycle manufacturers' future plans by developing his own a night-vision system.

Darren Haley, 34, has developed the system in conjunction with Flir, a leader in thermal imaging technology.

“I did it because I could and wanted to see what the response would be,” he said.

Haley insists his system, which has a bar-mounted display in front of the rider, enhances the rider's view of the road ahead, rather than distracting them.

“I use it like I would a rear-view or side-view mirror,” Haley said.

An infrared camera is mounted at the side of the bike, feeding information to the GPS screen.

The system is so effective, Haley uses the screen to navigate when oncoming car drivers forget to dip their vehicle's main beam.

“The display allows you to see the lines of the road without having to look at the car and blinding you,” he said.

The system is still in development, although Haley has put 9,000 miles on the prototype.

Haley estimates the system can be produced and sold for around $2000 (£1225).

  A bit steep but a good idea. Maybe in time it will decrease in price.   Thanks for posting it Jackie.                                                                                                                                                                             

wow we could all see like Arnie astalavista baby                                                                                                                                                                              

Don't want to sound picky Bj I don't think flir is a company. FLIR is an acronym for Forward Looking Infra Red. It's been around a long time in the military and police in many applications.                                                                                                                                                                             

oh blues you                                                                                                                                                                              

pssst blues - check out flir.com (the website for FLIR Systems Inc.)                                                                                                                                                                             

I thought i'd get in before wills and catoraptor saw it.     I like to be helpfull. read annoying.                                                                                                                                                                             

Hmm... only difference is that Wills and Cataraptor would probably have been correct...                                                                                                                                                                              

Thats wot ya get not checking your facts.   It is an acronym as well. Not suprising that a firm that uses the technology took their name from it.   eer, Gotta go now motogp is on.                                                                                                                                                                              

heheh... wanna know who wins?                                                                                                                                                                              

fingers in ears. NA NA NA                                                                                                                                                                             

AND THE WINNER IS...                                                                                                                                                                             

If you snooze you lose and i missed it ..damn..who won? also 2nd and 3rd please? will it be repeated again today.                                                                                                                                                                             

You've already missed the repeats on BBC2 but it should be on the multiscreen using your redbutton (not the one that turns the tv off!) or on BBC iPlayer...   Won't say the results just in case people are still coming in from their rides... ;)                                                                                                                                                                             

Thanx TC                                                                                                                                                                             

Hey i'd wear it                                                                                                                                                                               

Pretty old hat idea, Mercedes fitted it to the S class years ago and it was quite good but very distracting. A lot of stuff I test has proper military grade night vision and its a proper sod to drive by as your spacial awareness goes out the window.   I would have thought someone would have invented an ultra violet system by now for bikes. Far more effective and you keep your eyes on the road.