NEW IDEAS
Storz Performance
Harley-Davidson XR1200 Parts
You don't need a doctorate in dirt-track to appreciate the myriad hop-up parts from Storz Performance for the 2008-10 Harley-Davidson XR1200. In fact, this may be Storz's most pavement-friendly Sportster conversion yet, what with available 17-inch wire-spoke wheels ($1805), 320mm floating front brake discs ($817) and solo-seat tailsection ($405). Go whole hog with a Storz/Ceriani inverted fork, YSS piggyback-reservoir shocks, dirt-track-style exhaust, billet footpeg/shifter kit and chain-drive conversion.
Storz Performance, 239 S. Olive St., Ventura, CA 93001; 805/641-9540; www.storzperformance.com
Shad Cases
Spain’s Shad makes side and top cases (SH46 shown here; $270-$322), soft luggage, brake-light-compatible racks, sissybars, supports and even backrests in a wide range of sizes and styles for late-model motorcycles and scooters. Buying a new motorcycle or just looking to change up its appearance? Simply swap out one lid for another using Shad’s Change Color System ($40-$59).
Shad USA, 19096 NE 4th Ct., Miami, FL 33179; 888/974-2387; www.shadusa.com
California Cycleworks
Ducati Monster Track Tank
Got fuel? Cycleworks’ Ducati Monster Track Tank ($469) increases “usable” capacity to 3.9 gallons—good for a claimed 150 miles between fill-ups. Available in a red, black, white or natural finish, the NHTSA-and DOT-approved polyethylene fuel cell fits the 2005-10 Monster 620, 695, S2R 800 and 1000; older models require an adapter plate ($99).
California Cycleworks, Inc., 663 33rd St. #D, San Diego, CA 92102; 619/501-2466; www.ca-cycleworks.com
Progressive Suspension
Monotube Fork Kit
Upgrade the ride comfort, stability and resistance to front-end dive while braking on your 1997-2010 Harley-Davidson FL with a Progressive Suspension Mono-tube Fork Kit. These gas-charged dampers replace the factory-issue “open-bath” setup. The kit is available in either stock or 1- or 2-inch lower-than-stock ride heights. Prices start at $339.
Progressive Suspension, 6900 Marlin Cir., La Palma, CA 90623; 877/690-7411; www.progressivesuspension.com
Pit Viper Motorcycle Dolly
May I have this dance? The Pit Viper Motorcycle Dolly ($96) takes the work out of wheeling even the biggest of bikes—up to 1250 pounds—around the tight confines of a garage, pit box or shop. Wedges attached to the gated ends of the powdercoated steel ramp ease loading and unloading. Nice touches: an adjustable kickstand platform and locking dual caster wheels.
Discount Ramps.com, 760 S. Indiana Ave., West Bend, Wl 53095; 888/651-3431; www.discountramps.com
AGV Kevlar Cargo Pants
On-bike comfort, protection and practicality meet in the AGV Kevlar Cargo Pants ($99; waist sizes 32-38). Offered in khaki (Excursion) or camouflage (Assault), these relaxed-fit, machine-wash/ dry, six-pocket cotton-twill trousers feature abrasion-resistant DuPont Kevlar in the hips and sides of the legs, knees and upper shins, as well as throughout the seat and upper hamstrings. Also available: Midnight and Shadow Kevlar Jeans ($99).
Motonation, 10225 Prospect Ave., Santee, CA 92071; 619/401-4106; www.motonation.com
A&A Performance Supercharger Kits
Five years ago, Kawasaki’s ZX-10R was a top performer, its big-bore inline-Four pumping out 150-plus horsepower and more than 75 foot-pounds of torque. But the Open-class sportbike game has changed; what was then a beast now may feel a little long in the tooth. Why not go big with a bolt-on A&A Performance Supercharger Kit? Claims for this compact, efficient and quiet Rotrexbased system include a whopping 50 percent bump in horsepower to nearly 225 at the rear wheel—using stock engine internals and running pump gas. Kits are also available for the 1998-2009 Honda VFR800. Coming soon: 2005-08 Suzuki GSX-R1000. Best of all, the kits fit neatly behind factory bodywork and require no major modifications to your OEM equipment. Prices start at $3825.
A&A Performance LLC, 1840 County Line Rd. #204, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006; 215/364-8200; www.aaperf.com