New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Yoshimura R-77 TMax Exhaust System
Want to spice up your big-bore Yamaha TMax scooter? Yoshimura can help with its new R-77 full exhaust system ($530). Constructed of stainless steel, the header, mid-pipe and silencer mount with provided brackets and are said to improve throttle response and acceleration while reducing weight and adding some sizzle to the exhaust note.
Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc., 5420 Daniels St., Chino, CA 91710; 909/628-4722; www.yoshimura-rd.com
Honey Pot Oil Filter
Inspired by the vintage-look "Honey Pot" oil-filter hous ings that were popular on 1950s and `60s hot-rod cars and trucks, L.A. County Choprods has redesigned the basic concept for use on Harley-Davidson mo - - rcycles. The housings are cast, heat-treated and precision-machined from aluminum and are avail able in three finishes: natu ral cast ($300), polished 350) and black wrinide ! powdercoat with polished highlights ($350). The hous ing accepts H-D oil filters and comes complete with the necessary stainless-steel hardware.
L.A. County Choprods, 18001 S. Figueroa St. #F, Gardena, CA 90248; 310/353-2467; www.lachoprods.com
Motoz Tires
G'day, mate. Motoz tires come from the land down under, use natural rubber and feature unique tread designs based on the company's patented "Terra pactor" (terrain compactor) principle in which the tread works with the terrain by compacting and wedging it out to help increase traction rather than just throwing it behind the bike. Motoz has a range of tires for enduro and motocross applications, priced $27 to $86.
Pacific Powersports, Inc., 38340-F Innovation Ct. #609, Murrieta, CA 92563; 951/698-7878; www.motoz.com.au
Freehands Gloves
Accessing your small-button gadgets or touch-screen GPS can be a royal pain with bulky gloves. Free hands leather gloves (sizes XS to XL; $40) expose your thumbs and forefingers with a quick flick so you don't have to remove either entire glove. Small magnets ensure the tips stay out of harm's way while you fiddle with your personal electronic devices.
Freehands, 425 Post Rd. E. #A, Westport, CT 06880; 888/529-6116; www.freehands.com
Muscle Milk Light
Muscle Milk Light is designed to promote lean muscle growth, fast recovery from exercise and healthy, sustained energy. That's the kind of nutrition motorcyclists need. Packed with 15 grams of protein, the 100-calorie, sugar-free shake cuts back on fat and sodium while continuing to provide optimal nutritional benefits. Shakes are available in a variety of flavors and retail for $8 per 4-pack.
CytoSport, 4795 Industrial Way, Benicia, CA 94510; 888/298-6629; www.cytosport.com
Royal Purple Lubricants
When was the last time you changed your bike's engine oil? Or lubed its chain? Royal Purple Max-Cycle ($16 per quart) exceeds API/JASO new-warranty require ments and is compatible with wet clutch es. Max-Chain ($7 per 4-ounce can) is biodegradable and won't collect dirt or fling off. For bikes with non-unit transmissions, Synchromax ($14 per quart) is said to improve shifting and reduce gear noise, all while operating at reduced temperatures.
Royal Purple Inc., One Royal Purple Ln., Porter, TX 77365; 281/354-8600; www.royalpurple.com
Giant Loop Saddlebag
Expand your horizons by fitting your late-model European or Japanese dirtbike with a Giant Loop Saddlebag ($229). The lightweight, horseshoeshaped, ballistic-nylon carry-all is self-supporting, comes with a polished stainless-steel heat shield and doesn't require subframe modifica tions. We're told it behaves on-bike just as well emp ty as half-filled or bursting at the seams. Available in black only.
Giant Loop LLC, 1012 NW Wall St. #217, Bend, OR 97701; 541/633-0620; www.giantloopmoto.com
Arai Corsair V Helmet
We simply haven't space here to fully describe the many innovations built into the new Corsair V ($732 to $870; sizes XS-XXL). We will, however, tell you what Arai told us: that the Corsair V represents decades of focused devo tion to the evolution of helmet design. Indeed, structurally strengthening Pe ripheral Belting not only reduced the overall weight of what already was an aerodynamic, compact shell, it made possible a 10mm-wider eyeport. That may not sound like much, but in ac tual use on the road or track, it's a big deal. High marks also to new browvent channels. Incoming air is direct ed to the temples and, as a result, the temporal artery, cooling blood flowing to the brain. Also worth noting is the back-of-helmet, five-way-adjustable AirWing: Run it all the way down to cut drag and reduce buffeting during flat-out speed blasts or in the top-most position when sitting more upright. Of arguably greatest importance is the Emergency Cheekpad Release System. A quick tug on the integrated pull-tabs liberates the pads, easing removal of the helmet in the event of a crash.
Aral Helmets Americas, Inc.; www.araiamericas.com
