New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Cobra Honda Rebel Accessories
Now in its 26th year of production, the Rebel 250 remains one of Honda’s most important models and has become one of the best-selling motorcycles of all time. No wonder Cobra has created a broad range of mix-and-match, bolt-on accessories for this iconic small-bore cruiser. Seen here: Freeway Bar, spotlight-equipped Lightbar, Sissy Bar and Luggage Rack. Prices range from $20 for a Sealed Beam Light to $285 for the Lightbar.
Cobra Engineering, 23801 E. La Palma Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92887; 714/692-8180; www.cobrausa.com
Cruiser Caddie
Load any motorcycle-as long as it weighs less than 1500 pounds-into a shortor full-sized pickup-truck bed by simply pushing a button? That’s the concept behind the Cruiser Caddie ($1850). This fully automatic loading system is made in the U.S. from tough, lightweight aluminum, and it installs in minutes without modifications to either vehicle. Winch, wheel chock and safety straps are included.
Cruiser Caddie, 71 Robinson St., Tri County Business Campus, Pottstown, PA 19464; 800/788-8284; www.cruisercaddie.com
Indian Motorcycle Apparel
From belts, boots, caps, polos, jackets to jeans and, of course, T-shirts, reborn Indian Motorcycle has fans of the legendary bike-maker covered from head to toe with its new line of apparel. Goes great with a new Chief...
Indian Motorcycle, 116 Battleground Rd., Kings Mountain, NC 28086; 877/380-8686; www. indianmotor cycle.com
Avon Cobra
Remember this acronym: WCTA. Wide Custom Tread Arc is the full name for the profiling Avon uses to give its new cruiser tire, the Cobra, nimbleness at both low and high speeds usually reserved for cutting-edge sportbike rubber. Further, jointless belting locates carcass fibers closely at the center of the tire for stability and wear resistance, and wider apart at the edges for greater compliancy at deep lean angles. The Cobra is available in 19 sizes, all with Avon’s serpent-like Force Following Grooves tread pattern. Prices start at $165 for fronts and $300 for rears.
Avon Tyres, 6911-A 216th St. SW, Lynwood, WA 98036; 800/624-7470; www.avonmotorcycle.com
Motocloth Refresher
Hiding motorcycles can be a dirty job.
Motocloth Refreshers offer a simple way to clean yourself up after a ride. The Refresher is a 10.5 x 9-inch, premoistened, 100-percent cotton towel that has been individually packaged for graband-go convenience. Infused with calming lemon grass oil and a mild antimicrobial, the Refreshers are sold in 10, 25, 50 and 100-piece packs. Prices start at $12.
Motocloth, 20817 N. 21st Ave. #18, Phoenix, AZ 85027; 866/924-4434; www.motocloth.com
Brave Soldier Crash Pak
Even if you haven’t tipped over in years, maybe even decades, you might consider carrying a Brave Soldier Crash Pak ($15). The lightweight, resealable, waterproof mylar bag contains bandages, sponges, antiseptic ointment and all the other supplies you need for on-the-spot treatment of minor abrasions, burns and cuts. A road-rash treatment guide is included.
Brave Soldier, 1717 Stewart St., Santa Monica, CA 90404; 888/711-2728; www.bravesoldier.com
CW SPOT LIGHT
Kushitani K-0563 jacket
One thousand bucks. That’s what Kushitani charges, give or take a few Yen, for the K-0563. That’s a load of green for a plain-black, off-the-rack leather riding jacket, especially in this topsy-turvy economy. Fortunately, the K-0563 is special. Sadly, you have to slip it over your shoulders to fully appreciate just how special; this may be the softest leather we’ve ever felt, like silk from Holsteins. Better yet, this fluoride-treated hide, called Proto-Core, repels water, so the fully CE-armored, perforated and lined garment won’t shrink to half its size following a long ride in an unexpected summer rain shower. Cleaning requires only a swipe with a damp sponge. Further proof that the K0563 isn’t for everyone: The cut is narrow, reminiscent of racing leathers, and only Japanese sizing (M, L and LL) is available. Think of it as lifetime leather.
Kushitani Co., Ltd., 231 Mishima-Cho, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, Japan 430-0853; 011-81-53441-2671; www.kushitani.jp
