New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Akropovic Evolution Exhaust
A11-around performance or superior low-end torque, the choice is yours with Akropovic's new Evolution exhaust systems for popular four-stroke off-road and motocross bikes. Both designs use titanium headers and mufflers, the latter meeting the 98-decibel noise limit imposed by the FIM and featuring removable end-cap spark arrestors. Prices start at $681.
Lockhart Phillips USA, 151 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, CA 92672; 800/221-7291; www.lockhartphillipsusa.com
Shoei X-11 Lawson and Rainey Helmets
During the 1980s and '90s, American roadracers won a whopping 10 500cc World Championships, with Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey scoring seven of those titles. Shoei is commemorating the Californians' achievements with two new, limited-edition Legends models-the $693 Lawson TC-1 and Rainey TC-1. Updated graphics based on those of the previous replica designs adorn the racingdeveloped X-11 in sizes S-XXL.
Shoei Safety Helmet Corp., 3002 Dow Ave. #128, Tustin, CA 92780; 714/730-0941; www.shoei-helmets.com
Tailgate Latch Bars
Can't cram two dirtbikes side by side in the bed of your pickup, then close the tailgate? You need a set of Tailgate Latch Bars. These model-specific, anodized-alloy plates hold the gate at a 30-degree angle, creating sufficient clearance for the bikes, yet gas cans, toolboxes, gearbags and other cargo are less likely to slide out of the bed. No tools or gate adjustments are necessary for installation. Suggested retail is $50 per set.
Vehicle Systems, 2076 Braemar Rd., Oakland, CA 94602; 510/482-7563; www.vehicle-systems.com
Formotion Bag-It!
Stashing small personal itemssunglasses, house keys, cell phone, maps, etc.-on motorcycles that are not equipped with fairing cubbies or saddlebags can be a problem. What to do? Buy a BagIt!, of course. Manufactured from chrome-plated stamped-steel, the Bag-It! fits standard 7 x 4-inch license-plate brackets and holds any Harley-Davidson windshield bag or any bag with a 1-inch-wide mounting bracket. Suggested retail price is $50, or $95 with a hand-crafted Leatherworks bag.
Formotion Products, Inc., 30 Liberty Ship Way #3110; Sausalito, CA 94965; 415/331-0400; www.formotionproducts.com
Ramp Master Motorcycle Ramp
Ever high-centered your motorcycle while loading it into your truck? That wouldn't be a problem if you had a Model LRF38122 ramp from Ramp Master. Measuring 10 feet, 2 inches long and 38 inches wide, the ramp arches 3.5 inches to prevent your low-slung cruiser or dragbike from scraping bottom, yet its three-piece, barrel-hinge design means it folds into a space just 14 inches across. And thanks to its 2700-pound load capacity and standard safety straps, you can ride your bike up into your truck instead of pushing it. Cost is $500.
Ramp Master, 70 S. Winooski Ave. #192, Burlington, VT 05401; 800/231-8999; www.ramp-master.com
Diamond Powersports Lowering Links
Lower the seat on your 2005-06 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and your dragstrip ET with these engraved and polished lowering links from Diamond Powersports. Machined from 7005 T-6 aluminum, the $65 links reduce seat height by 2 to 4 inches.
Diamond Powersports, 5150 N.W. 109 Ave. #4, Sunrise, FL 33351; 800/466-8606; www.diamondpowersports.com
ColorRite Paint
Whether your plans call for a simple touch-up job or a complete, factory-spec restoration, ColorRite has everything you need to paint your mid-1980s to 2006 American, European or Japanese motorcycle. Tested to meet or exceed original-equipment durability and quality standards, ColorRite products are ideal for any skill level, from shade-tree mechanic to professional painter. Touch-up pens cost $16, an 11-ounce aerosol goes for $33
ColorRite Distributing, Inc., 1817 E. Ave. Q #C24, Palmdale, CA 93550; 800/736-7980; www.colorrite.com
Roadgear Multi-Season Adaptive-Tec Jacket
Utopia for motorcyclists would be climate-controlled: not too hot, not too cold. Unfortunately, that's not reality, because you can't be in command of-or really, even predict-the weather. With the Roadgear Multi-Season Adaptive-Tec jacket, however, you can outwit it. Offered in S-XXL sizes in both vest ($100) and fully sleeved ($170) styles, this thin, lightweight underlayer features Outlast, a revolutionary material that was developed for use in space to protect against extreme temperature fluctuations. It's excellent under a jacket or riding suit, or, off the bike, on its own.
Roadgear, 206 W. Elgin Dr~, Pueblo West, CO 81007; 800/854-4327; www.roadgear.com
