I had a chance to take a ride on the new 2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200 Sportster, so I jumped at the opportunity to ride this modern take on an American classic.

It's been a while since I've ridden a Sportster—I've been riding mostly sportbikes and sport-tourers lately, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by the power, handling, appearance and overall quality of the XR1200.

Appearance

Whether you like the looks or not, the 2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200 Sportster is an amazing attention-getter. All along our ride people stopped to ask about the bike and other motorcyclists did quick U-turns to check out the bike and ask questions while we were shooting photos.

Fair warning: this bike isn't subtle, so you aren't very stealthy while tooling around town. You might want to keep that in mind before you do anything 'unexpected' with the XR1200. Click here to continue...

The 2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide incorporates technological improvements while retaining the classic look Harley riders want.

The 2009 Harley-Davidson Touring lineup is new from the ground up. The Dunlop D407 Multi-tread tires are a perfect match for the new black 28 spoke cast aluminum wheels. The new frame and swingarm provide a solid base for the new components and provide greater carrying capacity. Click here to continue...

I rode several of the 2009 Harley-Davidson touring models up the California coast recently, and I was able to experience their improved capabilities. I'll be writing about each model separately in upcoming articles.

The 2009 touring models are all new from the ground up. Key changes for 2009 include new modular frame, swingarm, engine mounting system, and wheels and tires. With a 'ready to ride' weight of over 800 pounds Harley-Davidson's touring models are massive bikes designed for all day comfort while crossing vast stretches of highway.

Many manufacturers chase the style of the day, but the new 2009 touring models incorporate major improvements while retaining the character and styling that defines Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Click here to continue...

I've been looking forward to trying out the Flip Video Mino HD Camcorder for a while. I've seen the non-HD versions of the Mino Flip camera used to capture racetrack action with reasonable results, so I thought that the HD version would be an awesome addition to our photographic equipment kit.

About the Mino Flip HD Camcorder

The camera features digital zoom and an integrated microphone, and can record up to one hour of HD video in the internal 4GB memory. It's small enough to mount just about anywhere. This is one sexy HD video camera, no doubt about it. Click here to continue...

Part of our Flip Mino HD on-motorcycle camera review

This video was take with a Flip Video Mino HD Camcorder mounted to our Honda CBR1100XX test mule.

Fulmer Helmets

We met Scott Holbrooks, Vice President of Fulmer Helmets, at the 2008 Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in San Mateo, California. We talked about the need for quality, stylish helmets for budget-minded riders, and Scott gave us the run-down on the Fulmer product line. Fulmer offers a full line of helmets in a variety of styles and graphics. There are many Snell-certified models to choose from, and all carry DOT certification.

The Fulmer AF-S1

The S1 full-face helmet is Snell M2005 certified. The MSRP is USD $89.95, putting it well within the reach of budget-minded riders.

Basic Features

• Snell and DOT approved
• EPS padded chin bar
• QR1 quick release shield system
• Ultra plush removable washable interior
• Padded D-Ring retention system
• Adjustable chin vent
• Adjustable “Slider” top intake vents
• Adjustable rear vent/diffuser
• Breath spoiler
• UV clear coating, protecting paint and graphics
• Includes Fulmer helmet sack

Initial check-out

First impressions: The overall construction quality is good. I found some minor detailing issues with the inner breath spoiler—the corner of the breath spoiler popped out of its mounting when reaching in to the face opening to lift the helmet. I couldn't figure out how to re-secure the breath spoiler properly, although I was able to push the tab back in to the original location, it seemed like it would come out very easily, so I'm not sure if this is a defect specific to my helmet or if this was a common problem with this model.

The S1 seems to be fairly light. I'm sure there are lighter helmets to be had, but I was surprised at how light it was. I'm used to low-cost helmets being a bit heavier than this. I credit this to improvements in available materials over the last decade. Helmet weights are dropping.

Inspecting the interior of the helmet, I see a Snell M2005 certification decal. The padding and liner quality is good, and I found no visible stitching problems, blemishes or other flaws.

The helmet includes a nicely made drawstring bag bearing the Fulmer logo, for protection while you aren't wearing the helmet. This is a nice touch, as a helmet bag helps protect the visor and the helmet's finish. Click here to continue...

Riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable activity, and the pleasure can be enhanced when the motorcycle's controls are adjusted to fit the rider. While most modern motorcycles come equipped with adjustable levers, the range of adjustment may not match the rider's preferences. In addition, the stock levers may not offer the visual appeal that a custom adjustable lever set can.

The benefits of installing quality aftermarket adjustable levers go beyond mere appearance. When brake lever position is set correctly it will allow the rider to modulate brake and throttle input smoothly and accurately. Clutch operation will be much smoother with a properly positioned lever. Click here to continue...

Here's something you don't see every day: a do-it-yourself hydrogen-powered motorcycle.

Alex Bell and Andres Pacheco (who are engineering majors at Swarthmore College) spent two years and approx. $10,000 developing the motorcycle for a class project. Click here to continue...

Bob Huddleson's Howling Helmets were on display at the 2008 Street Vibrations event in Reno. Howling Helmets, in case you haven't seen them, are a unique blend of protective headgear and taxidermic artistry.

I can't imagine anything more attention-getting than a motorcycle helmet adorned with animal fur and real horns. Just the thing for a ride to your local PETA rally! Click here to continue...

Two wheels. 200MPH. Every man for himself.

The independent video Faster is now available for download on iTunes.

Narrated by Ewan McGregor

"Filmed around the world during the 2001 and 2002 seasons, FASTER asks this question: How do you go faster than the rest, how do you win at this glamorous, dangerous game? The movie could be subtitled: How do you beat Valentino Rossi? The 24 year old Italian, world champion in 2001 and 2002, currently dominates MotoGP. He is the biggest star the sport has ever seen and the charismatic centre of the film." Click here to continue...