Riders of all skill levels and disciplines have any number of reasons to record their two-wheeled experiences. Dual sport riders need GPS, enduro riders want to track their best shortcuts and motocross and road racers need to tally lap times. The Ripxx can do all of that, plus more, making it a valuable asset for riding whether you use it for racing, training or recreating. Ripxx was originally designed as a tool for skiers and snowboarders, with the first software offering preloaded 3-D maps of select ski resorts to provide realistic replay functions. But its usefulness has transcended into the world of motorcycle riding as a personal measurement device (PMD).

The Ripxx ($329) is about the size of a cell phone and uses a GPS tracking chip, a trio of gyroscopes and accelerometers to log information while riding. Collected data is downloaded to a personal computer where off-roaders then utilize the Ripxx Manager, Ripxx Analysis and Ripxx Replay software, all of which is dual-platform to work with PC or Mac. The Manager installs and launches automatically whenever the Ripxx is plugged in. Like the name suggests, it’s where you control your data files by renaming, categorizing, deleting, etc. The Analysis software is a little difficult to figure out at first and definitely takes some time to get all the functions figured out. New versions are improved and have added features, the best of which is compatibility with Google Maps. Now riders can see their route laid out over the terrain. Our local motocross track has changed layouts since the last time Google uploaded an aerial photo, so the lines were a little bit off, but the feature is still really cool. Once you get it down, there’s a ton of stuff to mess around with and is a valuable tool if used properly. Coaches like Gary Semics and Nathan Ramsey have adopted the technology to their curriculum, using the data to show students where they’re fast and which lines work best.

The device attaches to the rider via a soft, Velcro-adjustable band, like an oversized iPod. It’s recommended to wear on the upper arm, but we found that it slips down while riding aggressive terrain. Mild dual sporting is fine, but where the rider takes more of a hammering like motocross or enduro makes it more annoying to deal with. Creative attachments on a chest protector or drink pack work better, and being shockproof and water resistant is a plus for off-roaders. Recording data starts and stops via the power switch on top (which takes monster finger strength), or the center select button on the control face. This can be a hassle if the Ripxx is located on the back of your chest protector, so you have to choose your battle when figuring out where to mount it. Some features like roll rate and roll count don’t really apply to motorcycling. Of the ones that do, jump distance, height and time in air never seemed quite accurate and are the only features we don’t trust.

Uses can be as simple as plotting a dual sport ride with basic map overlays, but the device’s potential extends far beyond a typical GPS signal. The new software’s ability to break down information into laps with designated start/stop points, split timing and even pinpoint minute details of performance at specific locations on the track or course, has really expanded its usefulness into the motorsports world. Mountain biking and BMX are popular crossover sports for motorcyclists, and they make use of a cadence feature that can tell you how many pedal cranks were most effective, etc. The cadence features also apply to running and rowing, so it’s readily apparent that it makes for a great training partner. After months of playing around and learning the software, I’m still figuring out new ways to make it work for me in regards to practice, conditioning and racing.