Real motorbike handlebar and foot control for PC games

[doubledragoncc]

Hi to all, not sure where I should put this topic so thought I might start here. I am just in the process of finishing the prototype of my PC motorbike control system. I have never been good with a gamepad so I thought its time I did something about it. Having riden for over 30 years, yep Im an old fart, I know how it should feel to play a bike racing simulation and have played since I had a commadore 64!!!

Ok so to the system.

I use real bike components for the handlebar unit, bars, throttle, brake and clutch levers and grips. The rest is entirely designed and built by me. The system is recognized by all windows OS systems. The controls comprise of:

Twist Throttle (analog)

Front brake lever (analog)

Clutch lever (analog)

Rear brake foot lever (analog)

Gearshift foot lever (digital)

Steering (analog)

At present there are 16 handlebar swith button, 8 central and 4 by each handlebar grip. I am changing the outer buttons for a mini joystick by each grip. This will give another 3 analog axis for rider control an view, plus two switches.

The unit you see here is for the superbike/streetbike classes, which swings on one axis above the bars and yes its correct for gaming not a real bike. This unit can be mounted one of 2 ways, as you see, for SB/Street and flipped 90 degrees and mounted between the bars for MotoX riders. I will be making a siton version too, once sales pick up or someone really wants one. I custom build to each customers requirement, grips, levers etc so price will vary.

Here are a few pics at 90% finished.








Here is a link to a few old test videos. New ones on the way.

YouTube - diablosukltd's Channel


My system works 100% on the following games but you have to use files that come with them.

GP500 standard and modded versions

GPBikes which is awesome with this setup

MX Simulator

Test Drive Unlimited

I am working on MotoGP and SBK compatability, but Milestone and Blackbean have made it hard as their coding is for gamepads

I have been using it in GTA4 too but not fully happy with it yet

Dirt2 is being worked on as are any other bike games I can work on.

[The_AirHawk]

Nice. One quick question: Does it respond to "leaning" inputs and countersteering properly?

[Kenneth_Moore]

Originally Posted by The_AirHawk

Nice. One quick question: Does it respond to "leaning" inputs and countersteering properly?

You beat me to it. I don't think it's the controller's problem though; I believe the guys who write the games don't ride and wouldn't know countersteering from countertops.

MAYBE his controller could overcome that problem, but I think it would have to be configured for every game individually.

[The_AirHawk]

Originally Posted by Kenneth_Moore

You beat me to it. I don't think it's the controller's problem though; I believe the guys who write the games don't ride and wouldn't know countersteering from countertops.

MAYBE his controller could overcome that problem, but I think it would have to be configured for every game individually.

Yeah, but a simple "reverse axis" software patch could take care of the "problem", I bet.

[doubledragoncc]

OK, guys, you are right about counter steering, I have riden for over 30 years, 7 of which I was a medical courier in the UK. I KNOW how it is on a real bike, on a real road, with the forces of nature going on. Well now lets sit in a room, in a chair, on a stool or even the sit on version of my controls. whats happening, your looking at a screen, thats sitting still, the bikes on the screen are moving, but you are NOT!!!. OK first point. Second point, yes most NEW bike sims are with counter steering, BUT, now try sitting still and using that, BAM!!! your steereing the wrong way, Why? BECAUSE.......... its a game, no forces of nature happening to you so you cant use them!!! Third point, do you want to spend thousands on controls, fine, then I can do that too, but NOBODY has made anything close to this system for reality, and thats a fact, not even the Honda system, which is more for scooters can give the control and feeling this system does. You have to look outside of the box guys, be realistic. If you can make a better system then please try, but until you think about the reality of how you play a bike sim, you will make that mistake that everybody does. You CANNOT have a counter steering controller until you A: pay a lot more money and dedicate a whole room to the rig. B: The software companies stop programming for gamepads only!!!.

I have tested this system with friends that race bikes professionally and they can not believe how real it feels. I am unemployed and doing my best, but I cant pull a rabbit out of a hat. I hope to have some new videos soon that will show you it a lot better than me trying to explain why its built this way. I hope you look back in and see the updates soon.

Keep it the sunny side up guys.

Allan

[The_AirHawk]

Dude, Chill. Nobody is slaggin'-off on your effort here. I asked a question that turned-into a short discussion about countersteering and video games. That's it.

Sometimes, a Cigar is just a Cigar.

[doubledragoncc]

Hi Airhawk, hey sorry if it came across strong, im not so good at explaining this in writing, just trying to let people know how hard it is to get this as good as it gets for now. I just got the new mini joysticks that will replace the switches by the grips and give full analog rider control. I custom build bikes for a living but its quiet right now so doing what I can. Sorry if anyone felt I was being funny, Im Scottish LOL

[The_AirHawk]

Originally Posted by doubledragoncc

Hi Airhawk, hey sorry if it came across strong, im not so good at explaining this in writing, just trying to let people know how hard it is to get this as good as it gets for now. I just got the new mini joysticks that will replace the switches by the grips and give full analog rider control. I custom build bikes for a living but its quiet right now so doing what I can. Sorry if anyone felt I was being funny, Im Scottish LOL

No prob. I just wanted you to get it that we weren't disparaging your effort, that's all.

Now, not that we won't do so to another project at some FUTURE place and time.........

[doubledragoncc]

LOL I know what ya mean dude.