Motorcycle Equipment News and Reviews
RoadCarvin' Labs discovers, tests and reviews motorcycle equipment from mundane to strange and exotic.
Must-have gear: Bungee cargo net with adjustable ABS plastic hooks
 | CargoLoc 84060 Motorcycle/ATV Cargo Net 15 inch by 15 inch by 6 hooks rating:  ASIN or ISBN-10: B003M694T2 binding: Tools & Home Improvement amazon price: $11.34 USD |
CargoLoc Cargo Net 15 inch by 15 inch by 6 hooks
Most cheap bungee nets have wire hooks with plastic coatings, which can wear through to the metal, or, the metal ends protrude out of the plastic coating, which is a great way to put a deep gouge in your bike's paint.
Click here to continue...Fulmer AF-6B Helmet Product Review
The Fulmer AF-6B full-face helmet with iShade
The AF-6B full-face helmet is DOT approved, and sports an internal smoke-tinted shield (bearing the trademarked 'iShade' name). The 6B's suggested retail price is $149.95.
Fulmer AF-6B full-face helmet in flat black: Photo courtesy of Fulmer Helmets.
Basic Features
- iShade™ retractable internal sun shield
- Optically correct, quick release, clear external shield
- Adjustable forehead ventilation
- Includes Fulmer helmet sack
- Rear exhaust diffusers
- UV protective clear coated paint
- Ultra plush removable/washable interior
- Padded D-Ring retention system
- DOT approved
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Initial check-out
First impressions: The AF-6B finish quality is very good. It feels fairly light weight. The padding and liner quality is good, and I found no visible stitching problems, blemishes or other flaws.
The 6B's styling and trim is reminiscent of characters from Transformers–the vents and trim are silver plastic, and the chinguard trim is in a 'V' shape, and the overall effect is a combination of sharp angles and rounded lines.
The helmet includes a nicely made drawstring bag for protection while you aren't wearing the helmet. This is a nice touch, as a helmet bag helps protect the shield and the helmet's finish.
Click here to continue...Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Multiset Review
Cardo Systems - SCALA RIDER Multiset Q2
Introduction
The Scala Rider Q2 MultiSet is a Bluetooth-compatible communications system offering two-way rider communication, ability to take and make mobile phone calls, GPS integration, and MP3 player connectivity (mobile phone, GPS, and MP3 require user-supplied compatible equipment).
Main Features
- Full-duplex operation–no need to wait for your "buddy" rider to stop talking in order to be heard
- Voice connect capability
- Mobile phone and GPS pairing options
- Input source prioritization
- MP3 player connectivity
- Integrated FM radio with six channel presets (user-settable)
- Optional passenger intercom (requires additional headsets)
- Weather-resistant finish
- Two speakers (monaural)
- Flexible microphone boom
- Automatic Gain Control (AGC) to increase/reduce volume according to ambient noise
- Flexible mounting options
First impressions
The Scala Rider Q2 MultiSet is packaged in a high-quality simulated 'carbon-fibre' finish box. The various components are nestled in two stacked plastic trays, providing protection during shipment and making it easy to find the various components while you install the Scala Rider Q2 on your helmets.
Click here to continue...Taylormade Racing announces 2009/2010 Suzuki GSXR 1000 GP Style Exhaust
Once again, the TaylorMade Racing’s team has created a totally unique clean style for your 2009/2010 Suzuki GSXR 1000. Combining high design with race proven engineering, the new S9 kit will blow you away with both looks and performance. Our underbelly muffler is dedicated to maximizing volume in the space available under the engine. Our exhaust has a fantastic sound that will stir the soul without going overboard.
The TaylorMade Racing 2009/2010 Suzuki GSXR 1000 kit is a slip on that eliminates the stock box and muffler, saving more than 20 pounds! The kit comes with both right and left side carbon fiber trim panels to blend the stock fairing into that aerodynamic MotoGP style. TaylorMade Racing’s carbon trim panels are 100% carbon fiber, with a natural lightweight race finish.
On the dyno combined with a PowerCommander V, the performance is an additional 10hp at the peak and +8hp mid range, that’s a 10% increase in power midrange! The kit comes with detailed installation instructions and all mounting hardware.
Click here to continue...Buying a replacement motorcycle battery? Who made it, and how to make it last longer.
YUASA Motorcycle Battery
Here are a couple of resources that can help you choose a new motorcycle battery.
First, here's a Consumer Reports automotive battery article that says, in part:
Click here to continue...Most auto batteries are made by just three manufacturers, Delphi, Exide, and Johnson Controls Industries. Each makes batteries sold under several different brand names. Delphi makes ACDelco and some EverStart (Wal-Mart) models. Exide makes Champion, Exide, Napa, and some EverStart batteries. Johnson Controls makes Diehard (Sears), Duralast (AutoZone), Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Motorcraft (Ford), and some EverStarts.
Photography Equipment
Roadcarvin examines photography equipment.
Olympus PEN Camera: great for motorcycle trips?
Here's an awesome promo for the Olympus PEN camera
The Olympus PEN camera
| Related Products | |
|---|---|
 | Olympus PEN E-P1 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver Body/Black Lens) ASIN or ISBN-10: B002CGSYKS |
9 New Models for 2010 - 2010 Harley Davidson Models Announced
Here are the highlights from the 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle model line-up announcement on July 25, 2009. The announcement includes 9 new models—here is a list of the 9 new models:
FLHTCUSE CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide
2010 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide
The CVO™ Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® is a limited-production motorcycle for the discerning touring rider that combines custom paint, a potent powertrain and a well-chosen array of top-line accessories.
The CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide is built on the innovative Touring chassis introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a stout swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today's more-powerful engines.
Click here to continue...2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide - First Ride
Photo by Kevin Wing.
The 2009 Harley-Davidson Street Glide, part of the 2009 Harley-Davidson Touring lineup is new from the ground up.
This lean and mean bagger features a lowered rear suspension and a smoked mini-wind screen. There are attractive styling features on the Street Glide, and the Black Pearl bike I rode looked great.
2009 FLHX Street Glide features
- New 2-1-2 exhaust system
- New engine isolation system
- New Isolated Drive System
- New Black Slotted Disc cast aluminum wheels, 17" front and 16" rear
- New Dunlop 407 tires, 130/80-17 front and 180/65-16 rear
- GTX hard saddlebags with color matched latches
- Optional ABS brakes - $795
- 40-watt Harman/Kardon audio system with CD/AM/FM/WB/MP3
Flossie, the Castrol robotic motorcycle rider...
Flossie, the Castrol robotic motorcycle 'rider'...: Photo courtesy of and copyright by Castrol
The uber-techs at Castrol have been hard at work perfecting a bad-ass robotic test "rider". Well, it doesn't really ride, but it can sit atop the motorcycle and do all the throttle, clutch, and shift actions that a human rider does.
Among the many stated benefits:
- Flossie can be fitted onto any bike or scooter for testing on a chassis dynamometer.
- Flossie can act like a new rider, learning how to operate all the controls, gaining proficiency over time.
- Flossie will perform the same gear change or the same acceleration time after time.
- Flossie doesn't get tired or saddle sore
- Flossie doesn’t mind the excruciating noise of the bike in the chamber as its engine screams away
- Flossie doesn't worry about riding in extremes of temperature
- And, most importantly, Flossie is a safe rider
(Source: Castrol)
Of course, I think this is complete bull. Castrol engineers built Flossie because it was just a wickedly-cool looking 'bot!
Here's a short YouTube video showing Flossie in action and one of the techs giving background details...
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