New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
AIR-TECH FIBERGLASS
Air-Tech is at it again, ’glassing up alternative bodywork for Suzuki’s TL1000S sportTwin. Sure, the front fender, upper fairing and gas tank resemble their stock counterparts, but the chin fairing...the one-piece tailsection...c'est magnifique. Available separately or as a complete package for $1541, the gel-coated pieces come ready for whatever outrageous paint scheme you can imagine.
Air-Tech Streamlining, 2530 Fortune Wav, Vista, CA 92083; 760/598-3366
MOTORCYCLE VISA CARDS
The next time you charge it, why not bring your motorcycle into the picture-literally? Harley-Davidson, Custom Chrome and American Honda are all offering personalized Visa cards. Simply submit a photo of your bike for placement on the card. Harley card owners are eligible to win motorcycles and accessories, and Honda provides a discounted percentage rate for Honda Riders Club of America members. Go into debt with style!
Visa, P.O. Box 8999, San Francisco, CA 94128; 415/432-3200
MOTO TASSINARI V-FORCE DELTA REED VALVE
Billed as the “latest technology in reed-valve development,” Moto Tassinari’s V-Force Delta Reed Valve is designed to improve acceleration and increase horsepower. This is achieved via a three-port rubber-covered composite cage and carbon-fiber petals. Available for most late-model two-stroke dirtbikes, the reed valve costs $148.
Moto Tassinari, 10 Technology Dr, #1A, W. Lebanon, NH 03784; 603/298-6646
ACTIONSTATIONS KNOX BACK PROTECTOR
Back injury is nothing to be trifled with. That said, U.S.-based ActionStations is importing the Knox back protector from the U.K. Fashioned from foam rubber, the 21-inch-long shield has a 5.5-inch-wide flexible carbon/kevlar insert covering the spine. It also has adjustable shoulder straps, a ventilated lycra liner and an elasticized velcro belt. The roadracing-style protector shown here costs $145, and a shorter $129 touring version is available.
ActionStations, 389-B Connors Ct., Chico, CA 95962; 916/898-9269
FIRSTGEAR TRAVEL BAK SYSTEM
Behold the latest from FirstGear: soft luggage that’s wearable. No kidding, the Travel Bak System comprises three pieces, each incorporating adjustable strapping for conversion to a backpack. Included are the $30 Fanny Bak, an expandable nylon fanny pack; the $76 Scout Tail Bak, a polyurethane-coated nylon seat pack with dual-entry main compartment and zippered side pockets; and the $100 Tank Bak, an 800-denier nylon magnetic tankbag, complete with removable top case, map window and carrying handle.
Intersport Fashions West, 15602 Mosher Ave., Tustin, CA 92780; 714/258-2120
KRYPTONITE KRYPTODISC
It’s an unfortunate fact of life that most motorcycle locks are, well, ugly. Not so the KryptoDisc from Kryptonite. In fact, the company’s newest security measure features a sleek-looking stapler-style design. Manufactured from drop-forged steel, the chromeplated lock weighs a little more than a pound, and its angled pin slips easily through brake rotor holes. A snap-down locking mechanism allows one-handed application. Slip one onto your motorcycle for just $45.
Kryptonite, 320 Turnpike St., Canton, MA 02021; 617/828-6655
HARLEY EXPLORER JACKET
No longer is leather the only option for Harley-Davidson owners. Case in point: the Motor Company’s Explorer Jacket. Constructed from heavy-duty oxford-nylon, the insulated coat hangs below the hip and features large wind flaps. An adjustable, elasticized belt cinches the waist, five pockets provide storage space and zippered closures keep sleeves tight. The black jacket features orange stitching, natch, and comes in sizes XS-XL ($180) and XXL-XXXL ($190).
Harley-Davidson, 3700 W. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee, WI53201; 800/LUV2RIDE
DUNLOP TIRES
With the new Sportmax D207 and CruiseMax tires, Dunlop has all its bases covered. Developed alongside the D207GP Supersport roadracing tire, the street-compound D207 boasts improved grip and stability over the previous D204 Sportmax II. Prices start at $137. If your battles take place on the boulevard, the CruiseMax has a new Z-groove tread pattern for improved wet-weather braking and handling. It’s available in three sidewall styles, including whitewalls. Suggested retail is $104 to $160.
Dunlop, P.O. Box 1109, Buffalo, NY 14240; 716/639-5200
