New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
RevTech Crate Engine
So you're building up the hottest-looking custom known to man, but you lack horsepower. Literally. One solution is Custom Chrome's RevTech engine. The 88or 100-cubic-inch V-Twin comes assembled and ready to install. Standard equipment includes a 42mm Mikuni carb, free-flowing air filter and RevTech's Thunder Heart solid-state ignition. Get yours with either plain or black finish on the cylinder fins. Price ranges from $5295 to $5595.
Custom Chrome, 16100 Jacqueline Ct., Morgan Hill, CA 95037; 800/359-5700; www.customchrome.com
Shoei Z-II Helmet
Shoei's latest entry into the helmet wars is the Z-II. The new lid sports a revamped shell made with high-strength fibers, as well as intake and exhaust vents that are easily operated by gloved hands. Coup de grace is the spoiler-style rear lip that's said to reduce drag and lift. The design uses Shoei's proven quick-release shield-changing system and removable liner. Available in solid colors and with graphics, the helmet costs from $469 to $641.
Shoei Safety Helmet Corp., 3002 Dow Ave., #128, Tustin, CA 92780; 714/730-0941; www.shoei-helmets.com
Easy Rizer Motorcycle Lift
No home mechanic's garage is complete without a motorcycle lift of some sort. Which begs the question, which lift to get? One solution is the Easy Rizer, imported from England's Quasar Products. Said to safely hold up to 2 tons, the compact, steel lift reportedly supports any type of two-wheeler via interchangeable mounting brackets. And it's height-adjustable, which means no more lying on the ground reaching for hard-to-get-to parts. Pricing starts at $540.
Driven Gear, 2818 S. I-85 Service Rd., #C, Charlotte, NC 28208; 800/627-1700; www.bike-lift.com
ZenRail
One ongoing complaint from sportbike owners is that there’s no convenient way to carry stuff on long-distance trips. Fortunately, ZenRail inventor Don Anglin has figured out a way. ZenRails are stainless-steel tubes measuring 1.5 inches in diameter that fit discreetly under most sportbikes’ tail-sections. Perfect as is for bungee-cord mounts, or you can install the optional cowling that accommodates a large duffel or saddlebags. All without marring the bike’s finish. Price ranges from $210 to $240.
ZenRail, P.O. Box 340515, Sacramento, CA 95834; 800/456-3077; www.zenrail.com
ZLT Name Plates
Off-roaders with a hankering to personalize their gear can do so with the help of ZLT Designs. The graphics company designs cool-looking name-and-number plates that affix to chest protectors. Twoor three-color designs are available, and the clear-plastic plates secure to most chest protectors with minor drilling. Cost ranges from $40 to $50 per plate.
ZLT Designs, 1215 Pomona Rd., #E, Corona, CA 92882; 800/958-7737; www.zltdesigns.com
Fastway Brake Saver Kit
Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know. Fastway's Brake Saver Kit isn't the newest idea on the planet. But it's still a good idea. Designed to prevent rocks and sticks and such from ripping your dirt-bike's brake pedal off, it's basically a cable that attaches to the pedal itself on one end, and to a motor mount on the other. Available with different-length cables, it costs just $11. Simple and cheap, a good combination.
Fastway, 8024 SW 35th Ave., Portland, OR 97219; 503/497-9099; www.mountainspeed.com
J&P Race Poster
Your parlor lacking pizzazz? Your den in need of décor? Then consult the folks at J&P Cycles. The Harley-aftermarket catalog retailers are offering a heavy-canvas reproduction of this promotional poster from the 1926 National Motorcycle Championship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Two sizes of the limited-edition, numbered prints are available: A 40 x 54-inch version costs $350, while a smaller 24 x 36-inch is $200. Only 300 of each were produced.
J&P Cycles, 13225 Circle Dr., Anamosa IA, 52205; 800/397-4844; www.jpcycles.com
