New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Shuco Models
It has been a wild ride for German model-maker Schuco. Founded in 1921 by Heinrich Schreyer, the company has been bought, sold, reorganized, even bank-rupted. Upside is, the beautifully detailed products that originally garnered worldwide attention from children and collectors alike are once again available state-side. Seen here: 1/10th-scale BMW R80 G/S ($97), Zundapp KS 601 with side-car ($34)and Honda CB750 ($20). The latter two are from Schuco’s Piccolo series, which debuted in 1957.
Silvergate Distributors, Inc., 9755 Birch Canyon P1. #200, San Diego, CA 92126; 858/444-8210; www.shucodiecastcars.com
SetWear Smart Back Belt
Is low-back discomfort preventing you from riding your motorcycle? SetWear suggests the Smart Back Belt ($50; sizes S-XL). This contoured, CoolMax-backed design features a patented, locking speed dial, which allows the wearer to easily and quickly increase or decrease lumbar support using only the thumb and forefinger from his or her clutch hand.
SetWear Products, Inc., 8030 Remmet Ave. #1, Canoga Park, CA 91304; 818/340-0540; www.setwear.com
VholdR ContourHD 1080P
With the ContourHD 1080P ($330), seeing truiy is believing. No different dimensionally than VholdR's original wireless, laser-aligned, point-and-shoot camera, this latest model features five video settings, including 1920 x 1080 resolution at 30 frames per second, and 1280 x 720 at 60 fps. A 2GB memory card is included; memory is expandable to 16GB. Easy Edit software makes uploading your experiences to the VholdR website a snap.
VholdR, 1313 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109; 866/397-6920; www.vholdr.com
Sidi Adventure Rain
Off to tackle uncharted territory? Perhaps you should consider the Adventurer Rain ($375; sizes 7-13), new from Sidi. As its name suggests, this slim, non-bootie design is ready for just about anything you can throw its direction. Features include long-lasting Lorica construction, Single Flex System upper, cam-lock buckles and a breathable, water-resistant membrane to keep feet cool and dry.
Motonation, 1100 N. Magnolia Ave. #A, El Cajon, CA 92020; 619/401-4108; www.motonation.com
Shoei RF-1100 and X-Twelve
Shoei is on the gas, introducing not one but two new full-face street helmets for 2010. Billed as “the best sport-touring helmet money can buy,” the all-new RF-1100 ($400-500; XXS-XXXL), with its taller and wider eyeport, fully removable interior and AIM+ shell construction, carries on where the previous RF-1000 left off. The X-Twelve ($650-770; XS-XXL) builds upon the top-shelf legacy established by the X-Eleven. Shoei’s Emergency Quick Release System is incorporated, as well as the new CW-1 faceshield, Max-Dry interior and high-speed-lift-reducing Aero 2 Edge spoiler. Both helmets are DOTand Snell M2010-approved and come with a five-year warranty.
Shoei Helmets, 3002 Dow Ave. #128, Tustin, CA 92780; 714/730-0941; www.shoei-helmets.com
Aerostich Lightweight Portable Bag
If you’ve ever tried to balance a bag of groceries on the gas tank of your moving motorcycle, you’ll appreciate the Aerostich Lightweight Portable Bag ($25). This durable, reusable nylon bag boasts all the features a motorcyclist could want from an in-a-pinch tote: It is spacious, water-resistant, has two reinforced handles, a drawstring cinch closure and doubles as a backpack. When not in use, it can be folded up and stored in a jacket pocket or under the seat of your motorcycle.
RiderWearHouse, Eight S. 18th Ave. W., Duluth, MN 55806; 800/222-1994; www.aerostich.com
Harley-Davidson XR1200 Luggage Rack and Tail Bag
Not a lot of storage space on the new XR1200-actually, none at all. This is why owners of this Sportster-based model may find useful the Luggage Rack ($120) and Tail Bag ($170) from Harley’s accessories division. The former is manufactured of steel and reinforced plastic, with molded tie-down notches that accept cargo net or bungee-cord hooks. The latter, a rigidly molded nylon bag with a large center compartment and two small side pockets, is specifically shaped to fit over the pillion portion of the seat and doubles as a backpack.
Harley-Davidson Motor Co., 3700 W. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee, Wl 53208; 800/443-2153; www.harley-davidson.com
Biltwell Solo Seat
One of the cappers for any period-correct bob-job or even a latter-day rockabilly rigid frame is a sprung saddle. Gold standard is an old Bates, but these are getting harder to find and invariably need a complete restoration before they’re ready to mount. Biltwell has a shortcut in its Solo Seat, inspired by the original but brand-new and tush-ready right out of the box. Choose from black or white vinyl upholstery in tuck-and-roll or diamond-pleat styles, priced at a reasonable $129. Or order just the powdercoated steel seat pan and molded polyurethane padding for $77 and cover with the material of your choice. Complete the look with Biltwell’s hinged seat-mount bracket, including weld-on frame bung. Shown is the latest investment-cast version in polished stainless-steel ($89), but 4130 chrome-moly brackets in black ($47) and chrome ($55) are also available. Check out the website for other Biltwell products, including handlebars, foot controls, DIY exhaust kits and handlebar risers.
Biltwell, Inc., 27570 Commerce Center Dr. #129, Temecula, CA 92590; 951/699-1500; www.biltwellinc.com
