New Ideas

NEW IDEAS

Napoleon Tank Pads

Some sportbike seating positions force riders to rub up against fuel tanks, putting scratches in the paint. If you want to protect your bike’s paint from surface blemishes, you might want to check out Napoleon’s foam-and-rubber Tank Pads. Three sizes are available, with the smallest, the Pad 1, available in red, blue, white or black, and the two next-larger sizes coming in black only. The largest of the three measures 5 inches tall and is 3 inches wide at the bottom. Prices range from $ 12.95 for the smallest to $ 15.33 for the largest. For more information, contact your local dealer, or FTM and Associates, 1240 Rancho Encinitas Drive, Encinitas, CA, 92024; 619/756-9461.

Vance & Hines ZX-7 Supersport Exhaust

Kwasaki’s ZX-7 exploded on the scene last year in a blaze of green-and-white glory. Stock, the bike already is a powerhouse, but can benefit from a better-breathing exhaust system. The $339 Vance & Hines pipe for the ZX-7 is claimed to bolt right on, and when used with a Dynojet carburetor re-jetting kit (recommended by Vance & Hines to get the full potential from the pipe) is claimed to produce 10 more horsepower than the stock pipe. Contact Vance and Hines Racing, 14010 Marquardt Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670; 213/921 -7461.

Leisure Components carb-sync gauge

A trip to the dentist can be more enjoyable than trying to adjust the carburetors on a multi-carb motorcycle. A carburetor synchronizer is a necessity for the job, and Leisure Components (16730 Gridley Road, Cerritos, CA 90701 ; 2 13/924-5763) has two moderately priced synchronizers intended for the home mechanic. The lowest-priced model, at $49.95, is designed for Twins, while the four-cylinder unit goes for $114.95.

Lockhart docks

You’ll know it’s time to go riding when the clock hanging on your wall delivers the hint as strongly as do these from Lockhart. Battery powered and made from acrylic that’s been screened in two colors, the clocks, which are about 6 inches by 10 inches in size, carry a suggested list price of $ 19.95 each. Available from any Lockhart dealer, or from Lockhart Sportbike Accessories, 991 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92672; 714/498-9090.

Corbin Katana 750 seat

Suzuki’s Katana 750 is one of the best all-around motorcycles on the market today, but it’s far from perfect. To move it closer to that blissful state, Corbin offers its Canyon Dual Sport seat that features a removable passenger backrest. The mixture of basket-weave and regular cover materials in two color schemes matches the Katana's colors and adds a personal touch for $ 196. The backrest is a $99 option. For more information, contact Corbin Saddles, 1 1445 Commercial Pkwy., Castroville, CA 95012-0880; 800/ 538-7035 (in California, 800/662-6296).

Storz steering damper

If your Yamaha FZR has a case of the shakes, don’t call AA. Maybe all it needs is a Storz steering damper. Storz now has applications for the FZR 400, 600, 750 and 1000. The damper, made by Ceriani, is rebuildable and has 14 damping settings, and Storz claims lock-to-lock steering movement is retained. Kits also are available for Suzuki GSX-Rs and Harley-Davidson Sportsters. Suggested list price is $ 189. If you have any questions, ask for Steve Storz at Storz Performance, 1445 Donlon St., #18, Ventura, CA 93003; 805/654-8816.