New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
A-Loop Seat & Tank Kit
So you wanna go moto-in', but your four-stroke 600 is a lunker on tight, twisty tracks? Well, if your Thumper is a late-model Honda XR600 or 650L, you're in luck. For $480, A-Loop's Seat & Tank Kit changes the bike's ergos to make it more MX-friendly. Included are a slimmer-than-stock 2-gallon plastic tank, a seat positioned 3 inches farther forward to get your weight over the front, and CR-esque radiator shrouds for improved engine cooling and that racy MX look. A-Loop Offroad, 3911 Norwood Dr., #G, Littleton, CO 80125; 303/7910035; www.aloop.com
Brave Soldier Crash Paks
No one knows road rash better than bicyclists. Really, how protective can lycra be? Several layers of scar tissue later, some guys got together and formed Brave Soldier, makers of the Crash Paks (they also make great shaving cream, but that’s another story).With everything necessary for treating nasty post-crash abrasions, the $23 sets include: Road Rash Plus ointment, said to fight infection and diminish scarring; First Defense, sprayon for cleaning wounds; and the Pak itself, a compact first-aid kit stocked with everything from bandages to Advil. Brave Soldier, 8330 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 323/6536900; www.bravesoldier.com
Vanson Zephyr Jacket
Gentlemen, Christmas is coming. Soon. So if you're still seeking the perfect gift for your special lady, check out Vanson Leathers' Zephyr Jacket. Designed specifically for women, it's made with top-grain leather and features zip-up hand-warmer pockets, an inside wallet pouch, tapered sleeves and snap-down collar. The shapely garment is available in perforated and standard versions, and the latter has a removable liner. Suggested retail price is $409. Vanson Leathers, 951 Broadway, Fall River, MA 02724; 508/678-2000; www.vansonleathers.com
Hoodlums Body Bag
Billed as “the ultimate bedroll,” the Body Bag could be the answer to the camping motorcyclist’s prayers. Manufactured by Colorado-based Hoodlums Gear, the waterproof, 100-weight cordura duffel doubles as compact luggage and blanket. It’s spacious enough to hold a change of clothes, and unrolls into a 6 x 4-foot polar fleece with waterproof liner. Suggested retail price is $90. Hoodlums Gear, 8403 Grey Fox Dr., Evergreen, CO 80439; 303/679-6380; www.hoodlumsgear.com
Vi-Pro Visor Case
This new convenience comes courtesy of the lads in the U.K. Dubbed the Vi-Pro, this Visor Case is a safe, easy way to tote an extra faceshield. Say you’re headed out early wearing a tinted visor, but plan to return in the evening when you’ll need a clear one. Simply pop the extra into the zippered, nylon pouch. It’s padded on the inside, and has adjustable strappage that secures at the waist via a quick-release fastener. Available in several leather-matching hues, it costs $28. Vi-Pro, 2 The Magpies, Epping Green, Essex, CM 16 6QG, UK; 011-44-2084784699; www.vi-pro.com
Emgee Absorber
A towel is a towel is a towel, right? Not according to the folks at Emgee, longtime makers of automotive-detailing accessories and producers of The Absorber. As its name suggests, the nonabrasive towel is said to soak up 50 percent more water than its terry cloth and chamois counterparts, while simultaneously babying your bike’s finish. Priced at $16, it comes in two sizes, is machine-washable, wrings dry easily and won’t mildew during storage. Plus, The Absorber comes in several festive colors and has its own carrying case. Emgee, 10 Plaza Dr., Westmont, IL 60559, 800/654-3933; www.theabsorber.com
Screamin’ Eagle/Holley Performance Induction System
It seems The Motor Company is getting serious about performance. Last we checked, Screamin’ Eagle had teamed up with Holley Performance, of automotive fame, to build a line of Performance Induction Systems for Evolution and Twin Cam 88 engines. The result is said to be more—lots more—horsepower and torque. The whole shebang includes a two-barrel carb, open-plenum intake manifold, air cleaner and breather manifold package, and mounting hardware. Pricing starts at $590. Harley-Davidson, 3700 W. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53201; 800/588-2743; www.harley-davidson.com
