| Author | Message | ||
     Joshuasanders |
Howdy . . . I am looking to be inspired by where fellow Blasters have been placing their little transponder thing-a-ma-jingies. Along these same lines, any products that anyone is aware of for mounting these blasted neceesities (at least necessary for the Turnpike and Parkway riders here in NJ). I would appreciate any suggestions (photos would be awesome!!). Since I use the bike and EZ Pass all the time, I am looking for a quasi-permanent solution (so I do not have to worry about somebody taking the thing off the bike). Maybe someone could design something that could then be marketed. I did a quick Google search and this seems to be a universal problem and none of the devices marketed appear to secure the transponder from theft (the one that looked interesting mounted the thingy with velcro . . .). Maybe a billet device that the transponder BOLTS into and then the whole framework bolts onto the front forks . . . I hereby relinquish any and all patent applications . . . someone please just build something . . .  . . . build it and I will BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks, JDS | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Well, I do know they sell universal mounts for GPS, cell phone, etc., they'd probably work (White Horse Press usually carries a selection) but what about your pocket? It should work there. In CA if your license plate is registered and it goes through without a 'hit' they know you should have had a transponder. If they do you ticket you its usually a simple phone call to get it added to your bill as a regular toll charge. The only problem is if you go through without it ('cuz your plates registered) and get pulled over, you then have no way to prove you have a transponder and will get a ticket and may have to go to court to get it dismissed (if possible). I dont think its wise to leave it in view when unattended anyway. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
PS BMW riders seem to have cornered the market on this kind of stuff! | ||
| Joshuasanders |
From the Internet: E-Z rider has a question that's difficult to answer http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3Z jczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyNjcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY0NDM 5MDAmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk5 Where do you attach an E-ZPass transponder when your motorcyle lacks a windshield? Although E-ZPass billing mistakes sometimes approach biblical proportions, it was still surprising to learn that those who administer the rapid-toll-payment system lack any Solomon-like solutions for cyclists who prefer the wind in their faces. "Operators at the E-ZPass service center are happy to tell you to mount the tag on the windshield," said Tortosa, "But when I tell them I don't have a windshield, there is dead air on the phone." Obviously, Tortosa was dealing with minions. That's why people contact Road Warrior. They know that we, like the sages and scribes, have direct access to gods whose work is so big and loud that their names must be capitalized - like DOT, DMV, NJ Transit, and E-ZPass. "We tell people to keep it in their breast pocket," said Greg Megow, electronic toll collection operations manager for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, lead agency for the state's E-ZPass system. "The radio frequency signal should read the card through a jacket." Well, it doesn't, says Tortosa, "especially in winter when I'm wearing long johns, two shirts, a jacket, and heavy gloves." An elevator operator at Middlesex County Community College, the 56-year-old is hardly a cycle novice. He's ridden bikes for three decades and taught motorcyle safety at the college. "Everybody's juryrigging E-ZPass holders to their bikes or bodies," he said. "I want somebody to say what's safe and acceptable." Tortosa said three calls and trips to the E-ZPass service center in Newark yielded four different suggestions - the aforementioned breast-pocket solution, the waving-the-transponder-while-passing-through-the-t ollbooth protocol, and the often derided gas-tank- or license-plate-mount techniques. Cyclists deplore "waving." "A motorcyclist needs to use two hands to downshift to a low gear at tollbooths," said Tortosa. "The right hand is for the throttle, the left for the clutch." Curiously - and rightly - the pamphlet that came with Tortosa's E-ZPass transponder warned against waving because the electronic reader might not pick up the transponder. Waving could also create a safety hazard. "By all means, waving is a bad idea," said Megow. "Drivers shouldn't take their hands off the handlebars. Safety is primary." As for mounting E-ZPass tags on a motorcycle license plate, this suggestion obviously was made by someone with limited observation skills. In nearly every case, licenses are mounted on a cycle's rear, where an accurate electronic reading would be difficult. A gas tank, too, usually does not face the reader. Road Warrior found additional options, none of which is ideal. Handlebars and fenders tend to be too curved and slippery to hold a transponder adequately. Dangling them from a necklace or lanyard seems to invite danger. Pasting them to helmets or slipping them inside pockets stitched to the outside of sleeves invites ridicule from the fashion police. "Most people who spend $16,000 to $20,000 for a bike want something that looks halfway decent," Tortosa said huffily. Megow sympathizes with that. "We recognize that the transponder is not the most decorative thing," he said. One e-mailer, who identified himself only as Wolf, bragged about his own indelicate solution. Wolf says he grips the transponder in his teeth as he passes through the tollbooth. This technique probably is practical for cyclists named for toothy predators, but it may not work well for people with names like Worm or Snail, or those with extensive metal bridge work that might interfere with the E-ZPass signal. When contacted, officials of several New Jersey motorcycle clubs could not think of a solution. Neither could Bart Natoli, sales manager of Amol Motorcycles Inc., of Dumont, which sells all kinds of cycle products. "Maybe there's something on the Internet," said Natoli. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Wow! I didnt know it was such a hotly debated issue. NJ must be using a pretty weak frequency not to be able to penetrate the layers of a leather jacket. My friend (a BMW rider) has all kinds of locking and trick mounts on his bike for all kinds of things. The mounts are available, but anything that locks is unlikely to leave it open to receive signals from the apparently weak EZ Pass tolls. To me it seems much adieu about nothing. Maybe I just dont care enough about a trick way of mounting it. (no offense-I just didnt realize it was such a hot topic or an issue). FWIW we also use a transponder at the racetrack and its mounted under the seat without a problem. May be different, may be not.  | ||
| Berkshire |
The info about the tags is very particular about how they're supposed to be installed, but it seems to me that all that concern is unnecessary. The tags should work regardless of how or where they're mounted, as long as they're not blocked by metal. You could use zip ties to attach it to something behind the flyscreen, and paint it black so it doesn't look like anything special. ...or drill a couple holes in the flyscreen and attach it right at the top on the back side, and black out the back side of the flyscreen. ...or drill the front fender and zip tie the tag right on top between the forks, then paint to match the fender. I keep mine in my tank bag. The new tags are thin stickers with metal film inside, like the anti-theft stickers that stores put on merchandise. These should also be non-directional, since shoplifters are unlikely to hide things in the front of a hat. Last time I checked, they weren't issuing this type for bikes. | ||
| Berkshire |
Why is that guy going on about his long-johns? and what does the thickness of his GLOVES have to do with it? If the tag is in your JACKET pocket, then it doesn't matter how many layers you're wearing underneath. you could also put the tag in a long tube sock, and tie the sock around your arm - or sew it together like an arm band. or sew the tag into a scarf. If your jacket has "armor" in the shoulders, slip the tag into the armor pocket, between the armor and the outer layer. As a bonus, the tag functions as additional armor if you go down. "...slipping them inside pockets stitched to the outside of sleeves invites ridicule from the fashion police." uh... how about F*** the fashion police? "Most people who spend $16,000 to $20,000 for a bike want something that looks halfway decent," Tortosa said huffily." hmmm... I think I'm starting to get the picture now. An old-school front-mounted leather tool bag would work. | ||
| Joey |
When I had my EZPass, I used their little velcro-like attaching sticky things and stuck it to the inside of my fly screen. The detectors almost never saw me. When I got my bill, there were only occasional charges. When I got the Buell windshield and stuck it in about the same place, it worked normally. | ||
| Zap |
I have had one on my bike for about 3 years now. I just used the velcro that came with the transponder and put it under that little screen above the headlight. I have never had any trouble getting the PA Turnpike to register the transponder and it really isn't very visible unless you know it is there (and I don't go showing it off so I have never had it stolen or played with). | ||
| Court |
Mine is attached with Velcro and a liberal dose of black duct tape to the inside of my flyscreeen. Never had a problem. | ||
| Reuel |
Mine almost never worked inside the flyscreen. Once I got a windshield and moved it away from the metal a little, it worked normally. | ||
| Packnrat |
what is needed is to get it were motor cycles do not need to pay the toll tax. yea right get the government to repeal a tax. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Well, I've been told by motorcycle tollroad users and Fastrak employees that motorcycles ride for free (I dont remember specifics) but you still must have a transponder in your possession! Given what it takes to get a transponder, its not free. And I've only taken it a few times so I dont know if they charge you, then credit back your account. And on a somewhat related note: whether your transponder works or fails, if the CHP cant see it (or its not in the approved location, visible or not) its a $300+ fine. (the laws a fun read lol!) Knowing all this NOW, I understand the angst expressed by some of the posters. | ||
| Bumblebee |
I put the Fastrak under the seat. Seems to work... |
