New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Falcon ZRF 138 Pro
“Made in China” has recently taken on new meaning, what with the uproar over everything from tainted meat to toys treated with lead-based paint. In what appears to be a positive move, Motoman Distributing has created a six-bike, Chinese-manufactured line of air-cooled, four-stroke minibikes ranging in displacement from 50cc to 140cc. The Falcon ZRF 138 Pro ($1799) is equipped with a manual clutch and a four-speed transmission, and rolls on 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheels. Among the features usually reserved for higher-end machinery: an external oil-cooler, an adjustable inverted fork, a remote-reservoir shock, handlebars sized for adults and hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Motoman Distributing, 8468 Loma Pl., Upland, CA 91786; 909/608-0082; www.falconmoto.com
Fast Company Draggin’ Liners
Your favorite Levi’s may be comfortable, but they don’t offer much protection in the event of a crash-unless you’re wearing Draggin’ Liners ($150) underneath. The snug-fitting, abrasion-resistant, 100-percent kevlar mesh-knit long johns have an elastic waistband, ankle stirrups and come in S-XL sizes. A second layer of kevlar covers the butt and knees. Fast Company, 234 10th Street Place N.W., Hickory, NC 28601; 800/459-2239; www.dragginjeans.com
Triumph Adjustable Rider Backrest
Are you a Rocket III rider? Support for long days in the saddle is available in the form of Triumph’s Adjustable Rider Backrest ($170). Compatible only with the Classic Styled Touring Seat ($360), the backrest is adjustable fore and aft, for height and pad angle, the latter via a patented click wheel. The backrest also folds forward, making mounting and dismounting easier. Triumph Motorcycles Ltd., 385 Walt Sanders Memorial Dr. #100, Newnan, G A 30265; 678/854-2010; www.triumphmotor cycles.com
Table MotoGP Game
Go analog with the Table MotoGP Game ($69). This challenging board game comes with six faithfully replicated racetracks-Assen, Catalunya, Donington Park, Le Mans, Mugello and Twin Ring Motegi-19 game pieces, four decks of game cards, three spectator stands, one pit building, four dice and two race record pads. Fun for all ages with as few as two or as many as 11 players. Aero Design and Mfg. Co., Inc, 8 S. 18th Ave. W, Duluth, MN 55806; 800/222-1994; www.aerostich.com
Bohn Euro-RR back and chest protectors
Bohn’s Euro-RR series back protector ($129) is equally suited for road and track use. A combination of CE-approved hard and ventilated soft protection provides a high degree of shock absorption with a low level of heat buildup, and adjustable shoulder straps impart a secure fit. The protector is available in Small (up to 5-foot-9) and Medium (over 5foot-9) sizes. For additional security, add a matching Euro-RR chest protector ($100) with adjustable torso strap. ActionStations, Inc., 166 Eaton Rd. #A, Chico, CA 95973; 888/922-9269; www.actionstations.com
Vincent History Motorcycle Poster
If you don’t currently have space on one of your walls for a Vincent Motorcycle Poster (27 × 39 inches; $10), then make room. Images of various H.R.D. and Vincent models, the engines that powered them and a brief history of the company are among the many features. Also available: “Happy Birthday,” a centenary celebration of Harley-Davidson. Both posters are printed in full color on glossy 100-pound stock. Add $10 for laminating. Carl Hungness Publishing, P.O. Box 225, Madison, IN 47250; 812/273-2472; www.carlhungness.com
SPOT Satellite Messenger
“Live to tell about it.” That’s the pull-no-punches slogan conveyed by the manufacturer of SPOT (Satellite PersOnal Tracker), the world’s first satellite messenger. The $170 SPOT is a handheld, 7⅜-ounce, AA-lithium-battery-powered, waterproof/shockproof receiver/transmitter that provides a vital line of communication with emergency services, friends and family. With SPOT, you can dispatch 911 or other emergency responders to your exact latitude and longitude anywhere around the world; send friends and family a request for help; check in to let contacts know where you are and that you are okay; and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Maps. SPOT utilizes the GPS network to determine your precise location within 20 feet, then employs the company’s own satellite system to transmit that data and your status. A $100 annual fee is required for activation, with several upgrade levels available. For anyone who escapes into the great outdoors-whether aboard a motorcycle, on foot or any other means of travel-SPOT could ensure that they escape from it. SPOT Inc., 461 S. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035; 408/933-4518; www.findmespot.com
CW SPOT LIGHT
