New Ideas

NEW IDEAS

ACERBIS DUAL HALOGEN HEADLIGHT

With apologies to the late Jim Morrison, Acerbis wants to light your fire with its Dual Halogen Headlight. Intended for most current dirtbikes, the rally-style setup utilizes two 12-volt, 35-watt halogen bulbs mounted in a plastic shell. The smaller “pencil” beam focuses on a narrow, 10-degree arc, while the “flood” illuminates a broader, 38-degree span. The DHH comes in various colors, and costs $79.

Acerbis USA, 13200 Gregg St., Poway, CA 92064; 800/205-8874

E-LINE CARBON-KEVLAR PIPE PROTECTOR

While carbon-fiber is a regular sight on sportbikes, it’s only recently gained popularity among off-road riders. Taking advantage of this trend, E-Line has introduced its Carbon-Kevlar Pipe Protector. A combination of hand-laid kevlar and carbon-fiber, the molded cover eliminates power-robbing exhaust pipe dents and dings. It’s available for most late-model two-stroke dirtbikes. Suggested retail is $78.

E-Line, 54 Spectacle Pond Terrace, East Wareham, MA 02538; 508/295-0812

VANSON CORDURA AVENGER

The Cordura Avenger-a new ’90s superhero? Not quite. After all, nobody wears a mask anymore. This Avenger is a mid-weight, ventilated riding jacket from Vanson Leathers. Fashioned from cordura and cowhide, it has a mesh liner, two inner pockets, a waist zipper for attaching leather pants and reflective 3M piping across the front and back. Armor is optional. No, the $375 Avenger isn’t faster than a speeding bullet, but it is available in men’s and women’s sizes in red, black or blue.

Vanson Leathers, 213 Turnpike St., Stoughton, MA 02072; 617/3445444

WINTUNE DESIGNER SERIES HELMETS

Wintune’s ventilated Designer Series halfhelmets are manufactured using the company’s patented color-embedding process, which sandwiches silk-screened, scratchproof graphics between a polymer layer and the fiberglass shell. Removable snap-on visor and padded leather neck-warmer are included. The $156 helmet is available in 48 color combinations, in sizes XXS-XXL.

Wintune Helmets, 4600 Pell Dr., Sacramento, CA 95838; 800/234-8588

AXO MECHANIX GLOVES

While basic black is no fashion faux pas, it can be a bit boring. So it’s no wonder that AXO’s Mechanix Gloves, previously available in black only, now also come in blue, purple, red and yellow. But new colors aren’t all these gloves have going for them: Note the elasticized wristbands with velcro closures, anatomical thumb design, heat-resistant palms and fingers, and padded mesh tops. At $30 per pair in sizes XS-XXL, these gloves will get the job done in style.

AXO, 24950 Anza Dr., Valencia, CA 91355; 800/222-4296

AEROMACH ROYAL STAR CARBURETOR COVER

Nothing spiffs up a cruiser like chrome, and coating your Yamaha Royal Star with the shiny stuff is now a cinch, thanks to Aeromach. Like the carb covers ($108), the company's other bolt-on accessories are machined from 6061-To aluminum, and then chromed. The lineup includes covers for the waterpump, brake calipers, master cylinder, horn and more.

Aeromach, 11423-B Woodside Ave., Santee, CA 92071; 800/990-9392

RESPECT LAPPACK

Respect’s cordura-nylon LapPack converts from backpack to briefcase in seconds. Billed as a “portable workstation,” it has two large storage compartments: One holds a laptop computer, cellular telephone, pager and AC cord; the other accommodates manila folders, 3.5-inch floppy disks, pens and assorted office supplies. The water-resistant pack costs $98 and is available in red/silver, matte black/silver, black dimple vinyl and black patent vinyl.

Respect, 300 Brannan St., Unit 603, San Francisco, CA 94107; 415/512-8995

Chippewa Boot Co., P.O. Box 548, Fort Worth, TX 76101; 800/362-3049

CHIPPEWA RALLY BOOTS

Chippewa has been building biker boots for more than half a century. The company’s latest offering, the 12-inch-high Rally Boot, boasts full-grain leather construction, a reinforced kickpad, velcro closures and cushioned insole. Available in three widths in sizes 6-13, the boot carries a suggested retail of $135.

BMW JUNIOR BIKE

Stop the presses! BMW is offering cutting-edge tricycle technology with its “twin-leg, 10-toes, muscle-driven motorcycle.” Created in the image of BMW’s dual-purpose R1100GS, the 10-pound Junior Bike has an 11.8-inch seat height, nifty graphics and fits most late-model toddlers. It’s made mostly of plastic, though the wheels incorporate a hard rubber running ring for traction. At $139, it’s the least expensive BMW yet.

BMW, PO. Box 1227, Westwood, NJ 07675; 201/307-4000