New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
W8Less Brake Rotors
Have you ever picked up a stock front or rear brake disc from a late-model Harley-Davidson? It's heavy! A DOT-approved W8Less full-floating metal-matrix-composite rotor ($320) scales-in at just 1.9 pounds—60 percent less than the cast-iron discs currently used by The Motor Company. Claimed benefits include improved acceleration and handling, cooler running, less noise, reduced dusting and greater durability. Proprietary pads ($55) are required.
$320
W8Less Brakes, 4707 S. Junett St. #B, Tacoma, WA 98409; 888/500-5567; www.w8lessbrakes.com
Shift Fuel Riding Shoes
$100
Comfort, protection, support and style in a riding shoe? The Shift Fuel ($100; sizes 8-13) features synthetic and split-grain leather upper, plastic ankle protection and a molded outsole. A rubber guard protects against shifter rash, and a hook-and-loop-backed strap keeps laces out of harm's way.
Shift, 18400 Sutter Blvd., Morgan Hill, CA 95037; 888/744-3848; www.shiftracing.com
Pit Bull Restraint System
$280
Securing your late-model European or Japanese sportbike for transport in a trailer or van has never been easier. The Pit Bull Trailer Restraint System ($280) is a no-straps-needed, two-piece design. Simply capture the axle with the model-specific pins, roll the bike over the bolted-to-the-floor base plate and gravity latches lock the restraint in place. Floor-mounting hardware and security pins are included.
Pit Bull Products, Inc., 614 Pearl Ave., Huntsville, AL 35801; 877/533-1977; www.pit-bull.com
Kaenon Hard Kore
Good vision is a must for anyone who rides a motorcycle. Whether you're concerned about being blinded by the sun or hit with debris kicked up by cars or trucks, the prescription-ready Kaenon Hard Kore ($209) with its polarized, impact-resistant, proprietary SR-91 lens material has you covered. Style isn't sacrificed, either. They're so cool-looking no one will realize you're actually wearing safety equipment.
$209
Kaenon Polarized, 1607 Babcock St., Newport Beach, CA 92663; 866/5236661; www.kaenon.com
Formotion Power Pod 2.0
Take the Formotion Power Pod, double its outlets and you have the Power Pod 2.0 ($120). Adding a two-pronged SAE plug to the existing 12-volt cigarette-style socket means you can power electric clothing or a battery trickle charger along with your cell phone, MP3 player or GPS without the need for further wiring to the battery. A universal mounting bracket is included. A handlebar mount ($20) is optional.
Formotion, 30 Liberty Ship Way #3110; Sausalito, CA 94965; 415/331-0400; www.formotionproducts.com
Fuel Plus Trip Computer
Gas gauges have a well-deserved reputation for inaccuracy, but there is a solution: Developed for fuel-injected motorcycles, such as Harley-Davidson FLs, the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and BMW K-and R-series models, the Fuel Plus Trip Computer ($487) uses a backlit liquid-crystal display to relay exactly how many miles worth of fuel remain in your bike's gas tank. It also notes trip distance, time and average speed, fuel economy, engine temperature and monitors the electrical system.
Electronic Resources, 505 Skylark Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73127; 405/440-1795; www.fuelplus.com
Metro Blaster SideKick
Drying your freshly washed motorcycle just got easier. The hand held Blaster SideKick ($100) features a 120-volt, 1.3-horsepower motor that delivers 18,000 cubic feet per minute of dry, filtered, warm (25-30 degrees above ambient temperature) air. At 9.5 inches tall and weighing just 3 pounds, it's small enough to fit in most saddlebags or top cases for use on the road.
Metropolitan Vacuum Cleaner Co., Inc., One Ramapo Ave., Suffern, NY 10901; 800/822-1602; www.motorcycledryer.com
