CAPTURING THE RIDE: WHAT GOPRO SETTINGS SHOULD I USE?
I get a lot of questions about my GoPro settings for capturing our rides. Here’s the thing, I’m not after a movie blockbuster. I use short clips to document the adventure, a collection of highlights that hopefully spark memories and remembrance of certain moments. I want to relive the fun, not stress over camera specs. So, I prioritize enjoying the ride over fiddling with settings. It’s all about capturing the feeling, not a flawless cinematic experience.
Sure, I don’t go completely settings-free. I’ve found a sweet spot that works great for most rides better than Auto mode. Lighting or movement might change throughout the day, but fiddling with settings constantly kills the fun. So, I set reliable parameters that handle most conditions. Think of it as a “set it and forget it” approach for capturing awesome memories, not necessarily award-winning films.
Getting Started with GoPro on Your Motorcycle
Even if you don’t customize any settings, you really want to have built-in camera stabilization – it’s a must! GoPro’s tech, especially since the Hero7, is incredible. Back in the day, shaky footage was the norm and I’d spend hours wrestling with stabilization software. Thankfully, those days are over.
Starting with Hero9 (what I currently use), the camera is waterproof without the need to put it in a separate housing. This is nice because it is less bulking to carry around when taking the camera off the bike and is quicker and easier to swap out the battery or memory card.
A lesson learned – do not use any of those inexpensive plastic mounts to secure your camera to your motorcycle. The vibration of the motorcycle, riding across rough roads, and constant tightening and loosening of the mount to make adjustments or to add and remove your camera will weaken the integrity of the plastic over time. As such, the mount can break and cause you to lose your camera while riding down the open road. It happens. Toss the plastic mounts and splurge a little more on heavier duty metal/aluminum mounts. They’re not terribly expensive, and certainly less money than having to buy a new camera after it goes flying off into a ditch somewhere.
A frustration with GoPro (and any action camera) is the battery charge doesn’t last that long. You will get around an hour recording time (a little longer if you record in a low resolution) before having to swap out with a freshly charged battery. When on an all-day ride, you really don’t want to carry around a bunch of batteries and have to make stops just to replace the battery. To enjoy a long ride without worrying about the battery life left in your camera, you will need to find a way to connect into an ancillary power source on your motorcycle so you can keep a USB charging cable plugged into the camera.
GoPro Settings for Motorcycle Rides
Let’s cut to the chase! You’re here for the settings, and I’m happy to share what works for me (though keep in mind, your ideal settings may vary!):
Resolution: 1080p. Sticking with 1080p is a solid choice. It delivers crisp Full HD resolution (1920×1080 pixels), which is the standard for most YouTube videos. Unless your viewers are watching on a high-resolution display, going above 1080p won’t offer a noticeable improvement. Plus, 1080p videos have smaller file sizes, allowing you to record longer stretches on a single memory card. And on the editing side, you won’t need a top-of-the-line computer to handle the processing power.
Frames Per Second: 60 fps. For capturing action, 60 fps is a great choice. While standard video uses 24 fps, that can result in blur or choppiness during fast-paced activities like riding. Bumping it up to 60 fps creates smoother footage, perfect for maintaining clarity and offering the flexibility to add slow-motion effects in editing later. The good news is that 60 fps doesn’t significantly inflate file sizes. Only if you plan on heavy slow-motion editing would you need an even higher frame rate, which would come with larger file sizes.
Lens (Field of View): Linear + Horizon Leveling. For a natural look, I choose Linear + Horizon Leveling. This ditches the fisheye effect commonly seen with a wide field of view, giving you a straight horizon and a more realistic perspective, similar to what your eyes see. Horizon Leveling keeps things smooth, even on winding roads. No more seasick-inducing tilting of the horizon – just clean, stable footage.
HyperSmooth: High. HyperSmooth is a game-changer. Before this in-camera stabilization was added, I would have to use separate video editing software to remove the video shakiness caused by the camera bouncing. I use the “High” setting, striking the perfect balance between strong stabilization and minimal field-of-view reduction. While “High” uses slightly more battery than the standard “On” setting, that’s not a concern since my camera stays plugged into a power source on the motorcycle. There’s a “Boost” option for even stronger stabilization, but it comes at the cost of a much narrower view. I prefer to capture the full scene!
HindSight: Off. This feature continuously records a buffer of the past 15 or 30 seconds, even when you’re not actively filming. When you press record, it automatically saves that captured window to your SD card as the camera starts to film. The idea is to hopefully capture a moment that you just missed because you weren’t actively recording. While it avoids constant recording, Hindsight does drain your battery. I don’t use HindSight since I’m continually recording, and have my camera plugged into a power source on the motorcycle.
Zoom: 1.0x. For maximum control, I keep the zoom at 1.0x. This allows me to adjust framing and zoom level later in editing software. However, if you’re not using editing software, consider using a zoom setting of 1.5x or 2.0x. This will bring fellow riders closer in the frame, especially when riding in looser formations or open roads. At 1.0x, riders can appear quite distant in these situations.
Bit Rate: Standard. I keep the Bit Rate set to Standard for a sweet spot between image quality and storage efficiency. While High Bit Rate offers sharper visuals, it creates larger files, significantly reducing recording time on my SD card. Since I record in 1080p, the difference between Standard and High is minimal for most viewers. The benefits of High Bit Rate become more apparent at higher resolutions like 2.7K and above. Considering most people watch videos on standard definition screens, Standard Bit Rate provides excellent quality without sacrificing precious storage space.
Shutter: Auto. Shutter speed controls the time the sensor is exposed to light. Don’t mess with this – just leave it at Auto and let the GoPro do its thing.
EV Comp: -1.0. Exposure Compensation controls the overall brightness of the video. A value of 0 is for perfect lighting. Positive values make the video brighter, while negative values make it darker. Since we’re usually riding in bright sunshine, I use an EV Comp of -1.0 to subdue the harsh light and create a more natural look in the video.
White Balance: 5500K. White Balance controls the overall color temperature of your video, affecting how warm or cool it appears. Higher values create warmer tones (reds and oranges), while lower values create cooler tones (blues). Auto White Balance can struggle with changing lighting conditions, causing unwanted color shifts when riding from sun to shade. For consistent color in outdoor daylight, I set the White Balance to 5500 Kelvin (K), which approximates natural sunlight. While I might adjust brightness and contrast later in editing, this setting provides a good base. If you don’t edit your videos, leaving it on Auto is acceptable, but be aware of potential color variations.
ISO Min, Max: 100, 400. There’s a trade-off between brightness and video quality with ISO. Lower ISOs (like 100, which I use as the minimum) capture cleaner images with less digital noise (graininess) but can appear darker. Higher ISOs brighten the video but can introduce unwanted noise. To maintain a good balance, I set the maximum ISO to 400. This allows the camera to adjust for some variations in light while prioritizing noise reduction for a cleaner look.
Sharpness: Medium. Sharpness controls the overall crispness of the video. The High setting can create an artificial, over-processed look, while the Low setting makes the video appear soft. Since I don’t want the video to look unnatural, I use the Medium setting. This strikes a good balance between clarity and a realistic aesthetic. If you plan to edit your video and add sharpness later, using Low might be an option, but for direct recording, Medium is generally the best choice.
Color: GoPro. Choices are Flat or GoPro color. The color profile setting affects how much color information is captured. Flat offers a more neutral color profile, great for post-production color adjustments. This allows you to fine-tune colors and achieve a specific look. GoPro color prioritizes vibrant, ready-to-share footage straight from the camera. While it may look great for everyday use, it offers less flexibility for adjustments later. I will generally adjust color saturation during editing to either tone down the colors a bit, or up to make them pop a bit more. If you don’t edit or prefer a simpler workflow, GoPro color is a good choice.
So, there you have it–the settings I typically use on my GoPro. Some settings are a trade-off to gain more video recording time on an SD card. I use 256G SD cards which give me 10 hours of recording time (based on the above settings). I used to use 64G or 128G memory cards, but found it too much of a hassle to keep swapping out cards.
GEAR UP FOR GOOD HEALTH: THE UNEXPECTED BENEFITS OF RIDING A MOTORCYCLE
Cruising down the open road on a motorcycle feels like pure freedom, but did you know it can also be good for your health? While safety should always be your top priority, hitting the open road on two wheels can offer a surprising range of advantages for your physical and mental well-being.
Stress Relief on Two Wheels
These days it’s hard not to get overwhelmed once in a while. Between juggling work, family, and other commitments, you can become too stressed out and busy. Leave the frustration behind! Motorcycle riding demands your full attention on the road and surroundings, leaving no room for everyday worries. This focus acts like a moving meditation, clearing your mind and promoting relaxation. Studies have even shown a decrease in stress hormones after a motorcycle ride.
Boost Your Mood with Every Mile
Feeling down? There’s nothing quite like a motorcycle ride to turn that frown upside down. The thrill of the ride, combined with the sunshine and fresh air, triggers the release of endorphins, your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This can leave you feeling happy, energized, and grinning from ear to ear and ready to conquer anything.
A Full-Body Workout in Disguise
Think hitting the gym is the only way to get a workout? Think again! Motorcycle riding engages your core, back, legs, and arms as you maneuver and maintain control. It’s a low-impact workout that strengthens your muscles and improves your overall fitness, all while you enjoy the ride.
Sharpen Your Focus
Ever feel like your brain is mush? Motorcycle riding keeps your mind sharp, and is all about staying alert and aware of your surroundings. This constant focus keeps your reflexes sharp and your mind engaged, improving your cognitive function and reaction time. You gotta stay alert and aware of everything around you, which keeps your reflexes on point and your brain firing on all cylinders.
Becoming One with the Machine
Unlike being in a car, riding a motorcycle creates a unique connection between rider and machine. This heightened sensory experience can be incredibly stimulating. You’re totally connected to the machine, feeling every twist and turn. It’s an awesome sensory experience that keeps you coordinated and using those fine motor skills.
So, the next time you’re looking for a way to boost your mood, relieve stress, and get a little exercise, consider taking your motorcycle for a spin. Just remember to prioritize safety and follow the rules of the road. With your knees in the breeze, and a smile on your face, you might just discover that a motorcycle ride is the perfect prescription for a healthier, happier you.
SIGNS YOU ARE NO LONGER A BEGINNER MOTORCYCLE RIDER
So, you’ve got a few riding seasons under your belt and have logged some decent miles. Going out on the open road isn’t anywhere as terrifying as it once was. Congratulations, you’re well on your way to being a veteran rider! But how do you know you’ve officially graduated to the next level? Here are some telltale signs:
- A smooth operator. Remember those jerky starts and stops that left you looking like a mechanical bull rider? Those days are (hopefully) behind you. Now, clutch control, gear changes, and braking are second nature, allowing you to focus on the ride itself, not the mechanics.
- Clearly see the road ahead…literally. You’ve transcended the tunnel vision of a beginner. Your gaze is constantly scanning the environment around you and well into the distance, anticipating potential hazards, and leaving ample room for obstacle avoidance.
- Befriend the curves. Those once-dreaded corners are now opportunities to showcase your smooth lines and confident body positioning. Leaning in feels natural, and you can handle curves with finesse, not just a white-knuckled grip.
- Go beyond sunny skies. You’re not just a fair-weather rider anymore. You’ve tackled rain, wind, and maybe even some slight snow or hail. You understand how to adjust your riding style for different conditions, keeping safety paramount.
- You’re well prepared when out on the road. You do quick checks on your bike making sure tires are properly inflated, lights work, controls are all functioning, etc. You carry a small tool kit for minor roadside repairs and have motorcycle towing service if needed. There’s a tire patch kit in your arsenal and you know how to use it. You can hit the open road with an aura of confidence.
- Geared up and geared right. Gone are the tank tops, shorts, and questionable footwear. You’ve invested in proper gear that fits well and offers optimal protection, not just because you have to, but because you understand its importance.
- Ride or die, but safely. The thrill of the ride is still there, but it’s tempered with a healthy dose of respect for the power and potential dangers of your machine. You continue to push your skills progressively, but never recklessly.
- The open road beckons. Cruising around the block doesn’t cut it anymore. You crave longer journeys, exploring new routes and destinations. Weekend getaways on your motorcycle become a regular occurrence.
- The student becomes the teacher. You’re happy to share your knowledge with newer riders, offering tips and encouragement, but you also recognize there’s always more to learn yourself.
- The joy of the journey. Riding isn’t just about the destination anymore. It’s the sense of freedom, the connection with the environment, and the pure enjoyment of being on two wheels.
Remember, this is a journey, not a destination. There’s always room for improvement, and even the most experienced riders can learn something new. If you recognize these signs in yourself, you’ve well on your way to being a confident, competent rider. Now, get out there and explore those open roads!
COLORADO’S DEAD RED LAW: WHAT MOTORCYCLISTS NEED TO KNOW
Colorado’s got some beautiful scenery, and what better way to experience it than on a motorcycle? But what happens when you’re cruising along and hit a red light that seems stuck? Thankfully, Colorado has a law in place specifically for this situation: the Dead Red Law.
What is the Dead Red Law?
The Dead Red Law applies to malfunctioning traffic signals. If you’re on a motorcycle and encounter a red light that’s been stuck on red for a long time (or isn’t cycling through normally), the law allows you to treat it like a stop sign.
Here’s the important part: You can’t just blow through the intersection. You still need to come to a complete stop, just like at a stop sign. Then, proceed cautiously after ensuring there’s no oncoming traffic and it’s safe to cross. The intention of the law is to allow a motorcyclist to proceed if the traffic light is clearly malfunctioning or is not sensing the motorcycle. The intent is NOT for a motorcyclist to roll up on a red light, wait a few seconds, then proceed on through the red light.
Why was the Dead Red Law enacted?
Motorcycles are smaller than cars and trucks, and traffic light sensors don’t always pick them up. This can lead to frustrated bikers waiting at unnecessary red lights, especially late at night or in rural areas. The Dead Red Law helps keep motorcycle travel efficient and reduces wait times.
Remember, it’s not a free pass.
Colorado’s Dead Red Law is a helpful tool for motorcyclists, but always prioritize safety. Don’t speed through the intersection and be extra vigilant for any potential hazards like crossing traffic or pedestrians. The Dead Red Law is meant to be used in situations where the light is genuinely malfunctioning, not as an excuse to ignore red lights altogether.
INDIAN LARRY: CHOPPER SHAMAN AND TWO-WHEELED ARTIST
Indian Larry wasn’t your average biker dude. Sure, he could build a mean chopper and ride it with the best of them. But Larry, born Lawrence DeSmedt, was also an artist, a showman, and a true believer in the chopper as a rolling work of art.
Born in 1949, Larry’s passion for motorcycles began young. He grew up in New York, tinkering with hot rods and bikes, idolizing the likes of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth. This love affair with customization led him to the world of choppers, stripped-down motorcycles known for their extended forks and raked-out front ends.
In the 1980s, Larry became a fixture on the New York City motorcycle scene. He rode a chopped Indian motorcycle, earning him the nickname that would stick. But Larry wasn’t just interested in riding; he was interested in creating. He built custom choppers that were as much art objects as they were vehicles. His bikes were adorned with intricate details, pinstripes, and wild paint jobs.
Larry’s reputation grew, and he wasn’t just building bikes for himself anymore. People clamored for his unique touch, and his work was featured in magazines and shows. He even landed a spot on Discovery Channel, further solidifying his place as a motorcycle legend.
But Larry wasn’t all about fame. He was a champion for the chopper community, fighting for the recognition of these customized machines as a legitimate art form. He believed in the freedom and creativity that choppers represented, a sentiment that resonated with many riders.
Tragically, Larry passed away in 2004 from head injuries sustained from a motorcycle stunt. But his legacy lives on. His bikes are still sought-after collector’s items, and his Brooklyn-based shop, Indian Larry Motorcycles, continues to build custom choppers in his spirit.
Indian Larry was more than just a motorcycle builder; he was an artist who pushed the boundaries of what a motorcycle could be. He showed the world that choppers weren’t just about speed and rebellion; they were about self-expression, creativity, and the joy of riding a one-of-a-kind machine.
INDIAN 101 SCOUT: REBORN
Indian Motorcycle’s legacy with the Scout began in 1919 with a motorcycle praised for its perfect balance of power and handling. Nearly a decade later, the Scout 101 (1928-1931) continued this tradition. This lightweight speedster with its innovative chassis design was a favorite among racers, hill climbers, and stunt riders.
The original Scout 101 earned its place in motorcycle history, revered as one of the all-time greats. In 2025, Indian Motorcycle revived the legendary name for their highest-performance Scout yet. The 2025 Indian 101 Scout honors its heritage with premium components inspired by Indian’s racing pedigree.
The 2025 Indian 101 Scout boasts a performance-oriented look and feel. Piggyback shocks enhance comfort and aggressive riding capability, while fully adjustable inverted forks deliver sharper handling and road feedback. Contrasting five-spoke wheels complement the muscular stance, accentuated by the 6-inch risers and Moto handlebars. A custom-stitched gunfighter seat offers a stripped-down aesthetic with comfort for extended rides. The 19-inch front wheel features high-performance Brembo brakes for confident stopping power.
Premium Indian-exclusive paint schemes and custom 101 badging distinguish this flagship Scout as a class leader. The signature color-matched quarter fairing adds a touch of style while providing wind protection for long hauls.
Packing the most powerful engine in the Scout lineup at 111 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque, the 2025 Indian 101 Scout rockets to the top of performance. Special badging and premium details throughout elevate it to an ultra-premium status. A standard full RIDE COMMAND system with ride modes further enhances the riding experience, making the 101 Scout an unforgettable force on the road.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NORTHERN COLORADO IMRG CHAPTER CALENDAR
An online video tutorial created by Jim Banks provides a detailed guide on how to subscribe to the Northern Colorado IMRG Chapter calendar on your mobile device or PC/Mac calendar app. The steps will work for iPhone, Android, PC and Mac and various calendar apps including Google Calendar, Apple iCal and Microsoft Outlook.
By subscribing to the calendar through this method, you’ll always have the latest event information readily available on your mobile device or computer. This eliminates the need to obtain physical copies of the calendar and ensures you stay up-to-date on any changes or additions to the schedule. You can conveniently view upcoming rides and events on your calendar app without having to visit the website every time. This streamlined approach keeps you informed and prepared for participating in the Chapter’s activities.
Here’s a summary of the basic steps:
- Visit the Northern Colorado IMRG Chapter website (nocoimrg.org)
- Navigate to Events / Events Calendar
- Click on “Subscribe to Calendar”
- Choose your preferred calendar application (e.g., Google Calendar)
- Confirm the subscription on your calendar application
- (Optional) You can show/hide or unsubscribe from the subscribed calendar within your calendar application
View the calendar demo and tutorial.
SAFETY TIP: SURFACE APPRAISAL
A Safety Tip From Paul Carroll
If you’ve ridden a motorcycle more than a day, then you know that not all roads are the same. They are made of different materials, the quality of their surfaces varies considerably; they might be pristine and immaculate in one place, only to become pot-holed war zones a few miles further along.
This is especially true right here in Colorado. You may start your ride on city roads that are well maintained and smooth; then cross over to a county road where the surface quality and slope are much different, and areas that are heavily sanded from the winter weather.
The curves in one section of a road can be well lighted, perfectly banked, and of consistent radius while only a mile away a similar curve can be dark, decreasing radius, covered with ‘tar snakes,’ and have rocks or sand in the tire tracks and along the edge.
Interstate highways are consistent within a state, but once you cross state lines, they can be much different. You can see this variation from Colorado to Wyoming.
So, the message here should be obvious: as you ride, whether it be from the urban corridor into the county, mountains, or open interstate, be sure to be ready for changes in road surface and quality. Slow down and experience the workmanship and care of the roads for a few miles before believing that you can take that next blind curve as fast as you are accustomed to riding. Surface Appraisal should be a constant in your riding strategy and technique.
Until next time…Please Ride Safe!