Abyss
Anhedonia
So I have been hearing an obscene amount of "I wish I had a GoPro when X" kinda talk going on in BARF. For example:
The point of this thread is to emphasize the safety aspect of owning a GoPro/Contour camera. Many riders believe it's a needless accessory that exists purely for vanity; that's only one aspect of its functionality, though.
I ride with my GoPro every single time. You might call that paranoia, but I know that just like how some of you would rather take a gun and not need it than not take it and need it, I would prefer to use it at all times because Murphy's Law dictates the time when I need it most will be the one time I don't have it.
Why should I get a camera?
* Improved Relationship with Cagers
Anecdotally, I have noticed that since I started riding with the GoPro, drivers have gone from indifferent and occasionally hostile to actually polite in most situations. The difference in cager behavior is both noticeable and effective. The threat of creating video evidence of bad behavior is enough to make the bad apples shape up and the rest of the cagers go out of their way to be helpful. Incidentally, if I ride with the camera tucked behind the windscreen, the same bad attitudes come right back.
* The Burden of Proof Is on You
The truth is that, unfortunately, the motorcycle rider is given the burden of proof, especially if it's a young rider on a fast bike. I understand that in police work assumptions are typically made; this will hardly ever work out in your favor. Not to disparage the police, I am grateful that the cops who ride/moto cops on BARF are able to bring their motorcycle knowledge to their work, however the majority will look at you sideways at the very least. "He was going so fast and I didn't see him" is the last thing you want coming out of the mouth of the guy who turned left right in front of you because in a lots of cases that's all that needs to be said to put your head on the chopping block. If you ride with a camera, it's a simple matter of showing off the evidence and you're home free. Dropping $200 on a Hero 2 is better than dropping $2,000 on a lawyer to defend yourself.
* It Will Save You Money
The initial investment might seem like a waste of money, but it can save you money on insurance, tickets, and legal fees. Having a silent observer with you at all times can come in handy in many occasions. I spend $200 on my HD Hero 2 and I have saved probably 3x that in tickets. People make mistakes, and when you are facing a $400 ticket you want to have the events as they happened to corroborate your claims. Dealing with your insurance will be as easy as showing them the video (assuming you didn't trash your bike while being an asshat). Plus, if some guy steps out in front of you at night wearing all black clothing on a 45-mph expressway and you hit him and he's injured, you sure as hell want a video to get you off the hook instead of preparing to get financially reamed by paying for adequate counsel.
* A Good Investment
Since the release of the Hero 3 a brand new HD Hero 2 is $249, with used ones probably approaching half of that. I'm not familiar with the prices of Contour cameras though. I have been running my HD Hero 2 every day since last July when I purchased it and it runs just the same now as when I got it. In short: they last forever and are not too expensive to begin with, that's a good investment.
* Girls Like Them More Than Your Bike
On a lighter note, I have girls talk to me all the time about my GoPro. Even when I am standing next to my bike, most people in general are more interested in asking me about the camera. If you are a smooth and sexy guy/gal, getting laid because you have a GoPro is a very real possibility.
In summation: You are prepared for the unexpected. You have the truth on your side. You have maximized your sex appeal. You are a smart and protected rider.
Legitimate Reasons for Not Getting a Camera:
I'm expecting a little negative feedback on this thread (because this is BARF, where people argue even though they agree
) but I hope maybe some of you will consider getting a camera in the future. At the very least it will make for more awesome youtube videos. 
The point of this thread is to emphasize the safety aspect of owning a GoPro/Contour camera. Many riders believe it's a needless accessory that exists purely for vanity; that's only one aspect of its functionality, though.
I ride with my GoPro every single time. You might call that paranoia, but I know that just like how some of you would rather take a gun and not need it than not take it and need it, I would prefer to use it at all times because Murphy's Law dictates the time when I need it most will be the one time I don't have it.
Why should I get a camera?
* Improved Relationship with Cagers
Anecdotally, I have noticed that since I started riding with the GoPro, drivers have gone from indifferent and occasionally hostile to actually polite in most situations. The difference in cager behavior is both noticeable and effective. The threat of creating video evidence of bad behavior is enough to make the bad apples shape up and the rest of the cagers go out of their way to be helpful. Incidentally, if I ride with the camera tucked behind the windscreen, the same bad attitudes come right back.
* The Burden of Proof Is on You
The truth is that, unfortunately, the motorcycle rider is given the burden of proof, especially if it's a young rider on a fast bike. I understand that in police work assumptions are typically made; this will hardly ever work out in your favor. Not to disparage the police, I am grateful that the cops who ride/moto cops on BARF are able to bring their motorcycle knowledge to their work, however the majority will look at you sideways at the very least. "He was going so fast and I didn't see him" is the last thing you want coming out of the mouth of the guy who turned left right in front of you because in a lots of cases that's all that needs to be said to put your head on the chopping block. If you ride with a camera, it's a simple matter of showing off the evidence and you're home free. Dropping $200 on a Hero 2 is better than dropping $2,000 on a lawyer to defend yourself.
* It Will Save You Money
The initial investment might seem like a waste of money, but it can save you money on insurance, tickets, and legal fees. Having a silent observer with you at all times can come in handy in many occasions. I spend $200 on my HD Hero 2 and I have saved probably 3x that in tickets. People make mistakes, and when you are facing a $400 ticket you want to have the events as they happened to corroborate your claims. Dealing with your insurance will be as easy as showing them the video (assuming you didn't trash your bike while being an asshat). Plus, if some guy steps out in front of you at night wearing all black clothing on a 45-mph expressway and you hit him and he's injured, you sure as hell want a video to get you off the hook instead of preparing to get financially reamed by paying for adequate counsel.
* A Good Investment
Since the release of the Hero 3 a brand new HD Hero 2 is $249, with used ones probably approaching half of that. I'm not familiar with the prices of Contour cameras though. I have been running my HD Hero 2 every day since last July when I purchased it and it runs just the same now as when I got it. In short: they last forever and are not too expensive to begin with, that's a good investment.
* Girls Like Them More Than Your Bike
On a lighter note, I have girls talk to me all the time about my GoPro. Even when I am standing next to my bike, most people in general are more interested in asking me about the camera. If you are a smooth and sexy guy/gal, getting laid because you have a GoPro is a very real possibility.
In summation: You are prepared for the unexpected. You have the truth on your side. You have maximized your sex appeal. You are a smart and protected rider.
Legitimate Reasons for Not Getting a Camera:
- You ride dirty almost all the time
- Um... just that.
I'm expecting a little negative feedback on this thread (because this is BARF, where people argue even though they agree
) but I hope maybe some of you will consider getting a camera in the future. At the very least it will make for more awesome youtube videos. 
