New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Firstgear Tetra twopiece rainsuit
When the weather turns foul, no single piece of riding gear is as valuable as a good rainsuit. Firstgear by Hein Gericke has a new rainsuit called the Tetra that should go a long way toward increasing the pleasure of a rainy-day ride. Made of .20mm nylon that’s PVC coated, this suit features heat-welded seams, a triple-fold velcro storm flap, a tall corduroy collar, an elastic waist belt and three waterproof cargo pockets. Nighttime safety was a consideration in this two-piece suit’s design, too: Reflective graphics and a bright international-orange-and-blue color scheme should keep you from disappearing into the gloom of a stormy night. Firstgear doesn’t set retail prices, but dealers in our area are asking $125. For more information on the Tetra, contact Intersport Fashions West, 333 S. Anita Dr., Suite 1025, Orange, CA 92668; 714/978-7718.
Progressive Suspension spanner wrench
Progressive Suspension’s $20 spanner wrench adjusts to fit any size single shock, thus easing the task of adjusting spring preload, according to the manufacturer. Available at dealers or by contacting Progressive Suspension, 11129 G Avenue, Hesperia, CA 92345; 619/948-4307, this wrench is compact enough to carry in a fanny pack or work pouch.
Hypertek Dominator wheels
Computer-designed for strength and light weight, these trick magnesium wheels weigh as little as 17.5 pounds a pair. Standard models are polished and clear-coated, with colors of your choice as an option. Prices start at $1250 a set. Interested? Contact Hypertek, 1463 Acadia St., Simi Valley, CA 93063; 805/583-2447.
Bates Fastlane gloves
Bate’s new Fastlane deerskin gloves are designed for street riding and roadracing. Deerskin is soft, durable, strong and extremely comfortable to wear, according to the manufacturer. These gloves feature double-layer palms; a long, zippered gauntlet; precurved finger construction; Kevlar inserts; a plastic palm pad; elastic wristbands and velcro wrist closures. Fastlane gloves are available in all normal sizes, and in black, white, white/red and white/blue color schemes for $80 from dealers or directly from Bates Industries Inc., PO. Box 2668, Long Beach, CA 90801; 310/435-6551.
Hallmark Bike Pack System
Adifferent type of motorcycle luggage system, the Hallmark from Advance Cycling Concepts, Inc. (551 Guadalupe Dr., Allen, TX 75002; 214/727-9684) comes with its own mounting rack. Designed to fit 300 models of Japanese and European motorcycles (not currently available for Harley-Davidsons) the Hallmark is available in 35and 63.5-liter sizes. The packs are constructed of nylon-red, blue, navy or black in color-and designed to fit snugly over Hallmark’s custom-designed silveror black-chromed steel carrier racks. This system eliminates load shifting, and numerous individual compartments provide a place for everything, according to the manufacturer. Prices start at $199 directly from the maker.
Carbon Tech silencers
Carbon fiber is the newest wonder material in the motorcycle industry. And there are good reasons for all of the attention. Carbon fiber is strong, lightweight and trick-looking. Carbon Tech offers silencers made of this space-age material combined with machined aluminum end caps and perforated stainless-steel cores. Racing silencers are available to fit a variety of header sizes, and slip-on street silencers are listed for select Yamahas, Suzukis, Hondas and Ducatis. Prices start at $259 from Carbon Tech, 61 Capay Circle, S. San Francisco, CA 94080; 800/776-4089.
