New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
AGV X-VENT GODDARD REPLICA
The latest in a long line of racer replicas is AGV’s X-Vent helmet with splashy graphics from World Super-bike’s Aprilia-mounted Peter Goddard. The carbon-fiber, kevlar and fiberglass lid has an upgraded chin-and-forehead ventilation system, removable Cool-Max liner and anti-fog/anti-scratch visor. Available in XXS-XXL sizes, the Goddard Replica costs $525. In solid colors, the X-Vent is $510. AGV Helmets, P.O. Box 547, Buckeystown, MD 21717; 800/777-7006
KUSHITANI LEATHERS
With Kushitani’s way-cool leathers, you’ll find yourself in full-on tuck before you even get on your bike. Pictured here (in total air-cornering mode) is the $1495 Meteor design, a one-piece, top-grain-leather suit with foam padding at the shoulders, elbows and back, and adjustable armor at the knees (and, no, you can’t order yours with the CW logos). Also shown are the matching $320 PowerMax Boots, which secure with the company’s Fitted System cross-strap, and the $132 GPS leather gloves, with additional leather at the palms and padding at the knuckles. U.S. Kushitani, 3870 Del Amo Blvd., #507, Torrance, CA 90503; 800/741-1725
GRIOT’S GARAGE’S THE FINEST WATER HOSE NOZZLE
Heaven forbid that anal-retentive types should clean their motorcycles with anything less than the ultimate. Hence, what Griot’s Garage is proud to call “The Finest Water Hose Nozzle.” Weighing in at 1 pound, it sprays three streams: a conical pattern, straight and wide-diameter light. The nozzle is made of anodized aluminum and trimmed with soft rubber, and fits household hoses. Because perfection isn’t cheap, it costs $76. Griot’s Garage, 3500-A 20th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98424; 800/345-5789
FISHER-PRICE POWER WHEELS
It’s never too early to put your 3-year-old on a Harley. We’re not kidding. Sounding and looking like a classic two-wheeler, Fisher-Price’s Power Wheels Harley-Davidson runs on a 12-volt battery, and supports riders weighing up to 65 pounds. It features forward and reverse gears, and has a claimed top speed of 5 mph. Saddlebags provide storage, and two disguised outrigger wheels give extra stability. Suggested retail price is $220. Fisher-Price, 636 Girard Ave., E. Aurora, NY 14052; 800/433-5437
FACOM RATCHETING OIL FILTER WRENCH
File this one under the heading, “Really Cool Stuff.” For quickly installing and removing oil filters, Facom’s Ratcheting Oil Filter Wrench allows easy maneuvering in tight spaces. With an ergonomically designed handle and an adjustable stainless-steel strap, it accommodates filters measuring from 2⅝ to 4 3/16 inches in diameter. Suggested retail price is $40. S-K Hand Tool Corp., 3535 W. 46th St., Chicago, IL 60632; 773/523-1300
SMITH WARP GOGGLES
No, Smith’s new goggles aren’t headlining the Gen-X-fraught Warped Tour, but they’re so funky they should be. Designed for better peripheral vision, they have an all-new molded-plastic frame. Its swoopy design incorporates plastic strap attachments that better fit helmet eyeports. While a clear lexan lens is standard, options include gray, orange, yellow or Smith’s Sol-X lens to combat super-high glare. Yours, for $40. Smith Sport Optics, P.O. Box 2999, Ketchum, ID 83340; 208/726-4477
PRO ITALIA CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER
We know that high-effort clutch levers are inherent to Ducatis, and therefore add to their charm, right? Hogwash: Lighten that sucker up! Pro Italia now offers a big-bore slave cylinder that’s said to reduce lever effort considerably. CNC-machined from billet aluminum, the $229 component fits all late-model six-speed Ducatis. Pro Italia Motors, 3319 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale, CA 91208; 818/249-5707
YEAR-2000 MIKUNI CALENDARS
What would the December issue of Cycle World be without the Mikuni calendar girls? We don’t even want to think about that. So without further ado, Mikuni presents for 2000: Fast Dates, featuring World Superbike trophy girls; Ripped Pavement, with action photography from Grand Prix and World Superbike racing; and Garage Girls, which is, well, use your imagination. With full-color shots on heavy stock, the calendars cost $16 each, plus $4 shipping and handling. Mikuni Calendars, 8910 Mikuni Ave., Northridge, CA 91324; 818/885-1242
