New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
M2R GP-1 Helmet
New for 2006, the GP-1 is the latest full-face helmet from M2R. DOT-approved and Snell-certified, the tricomposite (carbon-fiber, Kevlar and fiberglass) shell is outfitted with Flotec adjustable front and top ventilation ports, has a plush interior with removable padding for a precise fit, and features a flat faceshield. Solid ($280), graphics ($300) and racer-replica ($350) are available in XS-XL sizes.
M2R Helmets, 4670 Pony Express Tr., Camino, CA 95709; 530/644-7200; www.made2race.com
Heli Modified Heli Bars
Attention Honda CBR1000RR owners: Heli Bars move the handgrips 1.75 inches up and 1 inch back, increase overall width to 27 inches and decrease downward angle from 12 to 6 degrees. Choose from black or silver finish, both priced at $289. Longer-than-stock, steel-braided Galfer USA brake lines are included.
Heli Modified Corp., 4 Cornish Business Park, Cornish, ME 04020; 800/859-4642; www.helibars.com
Alpinestars Spinner Jacket
Keeping it hip has always been a key element of Alpinestars success in the protective-gear market. To that end, the new Spinner jacket features a fuller cut and straight-contour sleeves for a more casual urban/street look, while retaining, the 1.2-1.4mm leather and removable CE-certified elbow/shoulder armor of the racier stuff. Featuring zippered vents and perforations for further "coolness," as well as a removable, pleated liner for added warmth, the $320 jacket is both comtortabie and versatile. Two exterior hand-warmer pockets are complemented by a large interior breast pocket. Sleeves with full-cut, non-adjustable zippered/ snap-closures mean gloves with wide gauntlets (or no gauntlets) work best. Available in men's sizes S-XXXXL, basic black is accented with your choice of red, orange, gray or blue trim-only the hippest hues, of course.
Alpinestars USA, Inc., 2780 W. 237th St., Torrance, CA 90505; 310/891-0222; www.alpinestars.com
Bridgestone Exedra Cruiser Radials
Big-bore, high-performance cruisers such as the Harley-Davidson V-Rod, Honda VTX1800C, Kawasaki Mean Streak and Yamaha Road Star Warrior, need grip, too. And that's what you'll get-plus durability, high-speed stability and improved shock absorption-from Bridgestone's Z-rated Exedra G851 front and G850 rear radial tires. A wide range of sizes are available, with prices starting at $150 for fronts and $195 for rears.
Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, 535 Marriot, Dr., Nashville, TN 37214; 615/937-3334; www.motorcycle-karttires.com
Puig Racing Windscreen
Three reasons to buy a Puig Racing windscreen for your 2005 Honda CBR600RR: 1) extra coverage without altering the bike's aggressive lines; 2) high-impact acrylic design is said to mount perfectly; and 3) two-color shading hides cabling and other unsightly items located behind the speedometer housing. Select from clear, carbon look, dark or light smoke, or various colors. Prices start at $77.
Motoplastic, S.A., Mo!! de Ia Sal, 1, 08400 Granollers, Barcelona, Spain, +34 93 844 3045; www.puigusa.com
Shoei Buff
Shoei Helmets and Buff Headwear have collaborated to produce-what else?-tbe $19 Shoei Buff. Imprinted with the Japanese helmet-maker's name and logo, the stretchy, seamless microfiber garment can be worn in dozens of ways to stave off cold, dust, rain and wind.
Helmet House, Inc., 26855 Malibu Hills Rd., Calabasas Hills, CA 91301; 800/421-7247; www.helmethouse.com
Park Tool RT-2 Race Remover
The Park Tool RT-2 Race Remover quickly and easily extracts bearing races from steering heads and some wheels and swingarms. Simply pull the tool through the steering tube until the flared ends snap in behind the race. A hammer strike on the tool head removes the race/cup. Suggested retail price is $30. For race installation, order the $165 HHP-2M Steering Race Press.
Park Tool USA, 6 Long Lake Rd., St. Paul, MN 55115; 888/568-4959; www.parktool.com
Buell Detachable Saddlebags
Where to stow your stuff on a Buell Firebolt or Lightning? Developed for use on 2003 and later XB9 and 12 models, the $160 Detachable Saddlebags feature streamlined, molded-polyester construction that allows the bags to maintain their shape even when empty. Support and reflectorrelocation brackets are included.
Buell Motorcycle Co., 2799 Buell Dr., East Troy, WI 53120; 262/642-2020; www.buell.com
