New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Vanson Mike Hailwood Jackets
Winner of 76 Grands Prix and nine world titles, the late Mike Hailwood is a motorcycle racing legend. Now, Vanson is commemorating the two-wheeled triumphs of “Mike the Bike” with a pair of limited-production leather jackets. Available only through the company website, the $625 garments will be produced in two styles: black with red/white striping on the sleeves reflecting the 1960s Honda years, and red/white/gold for the victorious Isle of Man TT Ducati comeback in 1978. Custom-made and with the buyer’s name embroidered on the lining, the jackets are affixed with era-appropriate sponsor patches and Hailwood’s signature over the left breast. Production is limited to 500 garments each, with a portion of the profits going to the Hailwood estate.
Vanson Leathers, Inc., 951 Broadway, Fall River, MA 02724; 508/678-2000; www.vansonleathers.com
Gaerne Boots
Backroad ace or HOV-lane commuter, Gaerne has you covered. The Shockwave RR is track-ready stuff, with a removable `‘Pro-Fit” ankle support system consisting of a snug neoprene sheath armored with hinged carbon-kevlar plates. In red, blue or black graphics, the RRs go for $289. More practical for the everyday rider is the ST Dry boot (not shown), sold in black only, but with Gaerne’s exclusive “Dry Tech” lining. Treat your feet for $199. Gaerne USA, 27833 Ave. Hopkins #2, Valencia, CA 91355; 800/426-0213; www.gaerneusa.com
CHM Muffler
Fabricated from stainless-steel and anodized aluminum, this bolt-on bike beautifier is claimed to offer an up to 6-horsepower increase on late-model Japanese sportbikes. Replaceable Silent Sport packing makes it easy to keep the $329 slip-on sounding brand-new.
CHM Performance Exhaust, 7829 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael, CA 95608; 916/944-8500
Electricmoto Blade
Electricmoto says its fully suspended, discbraked, knobby-tired Blade makes 18 horsepower. Not impressed? You should be. After all, the 48-volt Briggs & Stratton E-Tek electric motor that powers this “urban freestyle weapon” generates a ton of torque. In fact, initial throttle response is on par with a 500cc two-stroke-minus the ring-ding, that is. Boasting a top speed of 45 mph, the 165-pound silent screamer runs for 15-20 minutes on a single charge. Suggested retail is $5995, which includes a 1.6 kW charger.
Electricmoto, 3165 E. Main St., Ashland, OR 97520; 541/488-8226; www.electricmoto.com
Powroll Thrust Chamber
From beer-can ignitions to stroker kits, Powroll has spent the last 40 years finding new ways to pump up Thumpers. The latest product from the Oregon-based shop is the Thrust Chamber, which is designed to increase muffler volume and therefore boost power. Neat thing is, sound is kept in check—along with the stock spark arrestor. Good for the bike, good for the ears! Available for the Honda CRF150, XR50/70/80/100, plus Yamaha’s TT-R125, the CNC-machined piece installs in minutes and comes in red, gold or silver for $40.
Powroll Inc., P.O. Box 920, Redmond, OR 97756; 541/ 923-1290; www.powroll.com
Maxxis Goldspeed Tires
CW SPOT LIGHT
MAXXIS IS SERIOUS ABOUT SUPERMOTO. THE FIRST TIRE-MAKER to market rubber designed specifically for this type of racing, it even sponsors the Supermotard European Championship. The new Goldspeed series—three 17-inch fronts and three 17-inch rears—attends to all sorts of track conditions. The treaded M6118 front and M6119 rear, for example, are offered in medium, soft and ultrasoft compounds, while the wet-weather-specific M6131 front and M6132 rear come in ultra-soft
only. And the M6109 slicks? Medium and soft. Prices start at $134 for fronts and $181 for rears. Recently, Assistant Editor Mark Cernicky sampled the M6109s on his race-prepped Honda CRF450R at the nearby Lake Perris kart track, where Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Ward and Mike Metzger hone their pavement skills. Despite scorching track temperatures, Cernicky reported that the tires gripped tenaciously and wore evenly. Maxxis International-USA, 545 Old Peachtree Rd., Suwanee, GA 30024; 800/462-9947; www.maxxis.com
