New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Yoshimura R-77 Exhaust System<
Why weight? Lop off more than a dozen pounds from and enhance the appearance and performance of your BMW S1000RR with a full titanium R-77 exhaust system ($2300) from Yoshimura R&D of America. This racylooking 4-into-2-into-1 design combines a lightweight Ti header and mid-pipe (with built-in O2 sensor bung) with a glossy-finish, single-outlet carbon-fiber muffler. A 5-plus-hp increase and a small bump in torque are claimed. Too much coin? Opt instead for the slip-on version of the R-77 ($699) with its Ti muffler sleeve and carbon end cap. Other BMW bits: case savers, bar ends, inspection and oil-filler plugs, a fendereliminator kit (pictured), rear axle-adjuster blocks, steering-stem nuts, chassis protectors, race-stand stoppers and more. Yoshimura R&D of America, 5420 Daniels St., Chino, CA 91710; 9091628-4722; www.yoshimura-rd.com
Michael Toschi Moto Jacket<
You won’t likely come across a finer example of a traditional leather jacket than Michael Toschi’s Moto ($2400). Okay, like the ex-racer’s other Italian-made goods, this is a premium-priced garment. But what you get for your hard-earned green is air-mesh-lined, aniline-dyed calfskin with a feel that is a world apart from that of conventional riding jackets. Should you smack the deck, removable CEapproved padding at the shoulders and elbows, plus foam chest and back panels, will help break your fall. Toschi’s signature yellow stitching completes the look. Michael Toschi International;877/6867244; www.toschi.com
Bell Transitions SOLFX Faceshield
Bell Helmets has partnered with Transitions Optical, a leader in photochromic lenses, to produce the Bell Transitions SOLFX faceshield ($119.95). Based on conditions, this Starand Vortex-compatible shield quickly and seamlessly switches from clear at night to dark in bright sunlight, all the while blocking 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Bell Nutra-Fog II coating resists fogging and scratching. Bell Helmets, 5550 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066; 800/456-2355; www.bellpowersports.com
Alpinestars Durban Jacket and Pants
Ride anywhere onor off-road comfortably protected is the concept behind Alpinestars’ new Durban jacket ($699.95; Euro sizes 48-60) and matching pants ($499.95; Euro sizes 48-60). This fully armored textile combo features a removable Paclite Gore-Tex membrane with a microfleece insert to keep the wearer warm and dry in all conditions. Other innovations: a Bionic Neck Support connection system and a pocket that holds a 2-liter drinking bladder. Alpinestars USA, Inc., 2780 W. 237th St., Torrance, CA 90505; 310/891-0222; www.alpinestars.com
M2R Rev X-2.5 Helmet
A “Multiple Inclusion Technology” shell, in which excess resin is extruded during the manufacturing process, leaving only that which is necessary to protect the wearer, is the basis for M2R’s new DOTand Snell-approved Rev X-2.5 off-road helmet ($199.95-$219.95; XS-XXL sizes). Further, the pattern in which the carbon, Kevlar and fiberglass is laid is said to improve impact absorption and resist penetration. A fully removable, washable liner and adjustable vents are standard. M2R USA, 22 Via Balcon, San Clemente, CA 92673; 949/429-5880; www.made2race.com
Powerlet Equipped System
Arise, workers and peasants; your days of crimping wires and Liquid Solder are over. Powerlet really is your one-stop shop when it comes to wiring up accessories to your bike in a sanitary fashion, and it’s a pretty safe bet Powerlet covers just about any accessory you’d care to name. Mount one Powerlet outlet ($124.95) on your bike, and there’s a cord to power practically anything from it. iPhone? Of course. Electric clothing? Natch. GPS? Check. And you can plug your battery charger right into the same outlet. Choose SAE cigarette or Powerlet plugs, or an adapter to plug one into the other. Then there’s a full line of electric clothing, right down to your socks. Coliant Corp., 5520 Chicago Rd., Warren, Ml 48092; 877/752-7835; www.powerletproducts.com
SkyRoll MC
How to improve upon a great idea? Modify it for use on a motorcycle, of course! Originally developed as an alternative to bulky garment bags, the SkyRoll MC ($199) is a two-part travel system: a 47 x 22-inch garment bag wrapped around a 22 x 8.5-inch hollow cylinder. Suits, shirts, jeans and other large cloth ing items go in the zippered main compartment, with smaller items slipping into mesh pockets on the inside of the bag. Zippered “doors” at both ends of the cylinder allow access to shoes and toiletries. Attaching the SkyRoll MC to a motorcycle is easy using the built-in adjustable sissy-bar and tie-down straps. An elasticized rain cover keeps the contents of the 1680-denier ballistic-nylon design dry in foul weather. SkyRoll; 703/849-1492; www.skyroll,com
