D-Store San FranciscoThe Dainese presentation at the 2008 Legend of the Motorcycle show was impressive, so I decided to check out their new D-Store in San Francisco.

The store was easy to get to and there was ample parking available -- a pleasant surprise, and most unexpected in San Francisco. The store front resembles an old garage.

After meeting some of the staff I started checking out the store and product line. The store's layout and organization caught my attention right away -- there were tables with products in cages underneath. This provides shoppers a place to put their gear and lay out the items they like, allowing for more relaxed shopping. Overall, I think the store is nicely arranged, and there is adequate room to maneuver around the racks (unlike many motorcycle stores I've visited).

Oil filters are an important part of the proper operation of an engine - a quality oil filter is critical to engine longevity . While our choices are limited and budgets are tight, it's important to avoid falling for the false economy of a cheap oil filter.

I replaced my motorcycle battery last week. It stopped holding a charge sometime this winter.

The amazing thing about this is that the battery was manufactured in 1997. That's right - ten years ago. It was the OEM YUASA YTX12-BS battery that was in the bike when I bought my Honda CBR1100XX new in 1998.

Complicating the situation: the UNGO motorcycle alarm that I had installed when I bought the motorcycle. During periods where the motorcycle was left unused, it could drain the battery fairly quickly, due to the standby current draw.

Here's my list of Christmas gifts for the biker in your life. Shopping for the motorcycle enthusiast can be challenging - you don't always know what kind of stuff they may need or want - but don't let that stop you!

After all, even in the cycle world, you can give the equivalent of the plaid necktie... or you can check out the gear we've lined up for you in our annual gift-giving guide.

Every sportbike rider needs a front and rear motorcycle stand: one for the front forks, one for the swingarm.

Seriously, these things make maintenance a snap. Oil changes, tire changes, chain cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment become much simpler, if not downright pleasant. Who needs a center stand when you've got one of these babies?

Motorcycle Streetbike Rear Paddock Race Swingarm Stand asin: B000VBOTSM

ASV C/5 Unbreakable Levers: Superb quality and design details to delight the most discriminating sportbike owner.On our recent trip to the 2007 MotoGP at Laguna Seca, we came across some tasty-looking CNC-machined motorcycle clutch and brake levers made by ASV Inventions.

They are available in three colors: Gold, Black & Raw Billet. The finish is shot-peened, and based on the examples we saw, the levers are designed and manufactured to very high standards. The finish and appearance was superb. The levers are completely rebuildable.

Scorpion Exhaust: Clean canisters fit the VFR 800 reasonably well.I shot these photos in downtown Jackson, California a few months back. The VFR 800 was parked near a shop I was visiting, the tasty Scorpion exhaust system caught my eye.

So, I whipped out my camera, and shot a few close-ups just to test the camera and practice close-up photography. I hope you like the results.

Later, I heard the VFR start up, as the owner was preparing to leave - the Scorpions sounded very nice indeed.

Now this is just too cool - Hartley Enterprises mates two Suzuki Haybusa motors, grafting them together to make a jewel-like, lightweight V8 motor.

This tow vehicle is based on the Honda Gold Wing - since it's smaller than a tow truck, it can get thru stopped traffic much faster than a truck.

The superior manoeuvrability of the Retriever is due to a towing device folded on to the back of the motorcycle - making the vehicle only 95 cm wide.

The towing device is not unfolded until you reach the disabled vehicle. This innovative design allows the Retriever to reach cars swiftly and tow them safely.

The Retriever gets your towing company on the road and allows it to grow your business - because you will be faster than your competitors at reaching customers.

(Photo courtesy of fidhawser.com)

This unique camera mount looks like it might be a good, simple solution for some riders. Its an unusual design, mounted to the front of the helmet, and attached to the helmet using a hook-and-loop strap.