Kilimanjaro Men’s Motorcycle Armored Jacket by Firstgear | Waterproof Black Polyester

Posted by Tim

Kilimanjaro Men's Motorcycle ArmoredMt. Kilimanjaro is an extreme mountain environment in Tanzania. The Firstgear Men's Kilimanjaro Waterproof Jacket is a jacket designed for extreme motorcycling conditions. If you spend much time around touring and adventure motorcyclists, certain jackets tend to come up in conversation. Premium and extremely pricey jackets like those made by Aerostich are always part of the conversation. However, sooner or later some experienced rider will mention the tried and true Kilimanjaro. This is for good reason -- the jacket simply works well.

The Kilimanjaro is constructed of a Hypertex waterproof and breathable outer shell made of high density 600 denier polyester. It also includes a removable inner jacket liner. It does include CE armor in the arms and shoulders, but only a foam back pad. Many riders insert CE approved back armor as well. The jacket's cooling duties go to two 9" chest intake vents, two 8" armpit intake vents, and a 13" rear exhaust vent.

Function definitely trumps style for serious touring riders, but the latest incarnation of the Kilimanjaro line has a nice, clean look. Another aspect vital to adventure and touring riders is storage. The Kilimanjaro has a plethora of waterproof pockets both inside the shell and on the outside. Finally, the jacket has the touring rider's preferred ¾ length design for increased coverage.

There is a reason a jacket becomes popular with serious mileage riders -- that reason is that it does everything well. The Firstgear Kilimanjaro fits the bill.

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AFX Modular Flip Helmet for Racing, Touring | Vented Graphic or Gloss FX-28

Posted by Tim

AFX Modular Flip Motorcycle Helmet I am intrigued by flip-up helmets. I don't feel safe in anything but full face protection, but I'd love to be able to leave a helmet on and still talk to a cashier or another rider. However, there are some concerns -- maybe unfounded -- with the flip-up design. For one, the Snell Foundation will not certify helmets of this type. Because of this, many riders question the safety of a modular helmet. One can take some comfort in the fact that touring and "adventure" riders have used this design for years, and both of these groups are traditionally very safety-conscious.

The AFX FX-28 Flip-Up Modular Helmet is an affordable example of the flip-up segment of the helmet market. The helmet has a relatively understated look to it (which I find refreshing). For cooling, it has a full compliment of intake and exhaust venting. A size XL weighs in at 1716 grams, which is rather heavy for a modern helmet. However, you must take into consideration that a modular design must have more hardware than a conventional full-face helmet.

AFX has the confidence in this helmet to offer a lifetime warranty. It meets both DOT and ECE helmet safety standards. As far as colors go, the FX-28 is available in flat black, pearl white, blue, red, and silver graphics. It is also offered in solid colors -- gloss black, flat black, pearl white, and red. Sizes run from XS to XXL.

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Joe Rocket Armored Mesh Jacket Vented | Men’s Waterproof Liner, Phoenix 5.0

Posted by Tim

Joe Rocket Mesh Motorcycle JacketHaving lived in Arizona for over 4 decades, I know a little something about heat. Having been a motorcyclist for almost as long, I know a little something about hot weather gear. I don't know if Joe Rocket invented the armored mesh jacket, but they are at least indelibly linked. Joe Rocket even named its high-airflow jacket after the capital of my state. The Phoenix 5.0 is the latest incarnation of Rocket's mesh attire.

Okay -- nothing protects like armored leather. However, if that leather is hanging in your closet because it's too hot to wear, then it's only protecting its hanger. That's where armored mesh comes in. The 5.0 is built of a free-flowing heavy mesh for mega-cooling. I have even heard motorcyclists contend that the turbulent air inside a mesh jacket is more cooling than straight airflow with no jacket. For protection, the Phoenix comes with CE-approved armor in the arms and shoulders. The back pad is only dual-density foam, but it's replaceable with CE armor as well.

The jacket is made more versatile by the inclusion of a removable waterproof liner (that can be worn alone). It has the requisite pockets and reflective accents included in its design. It is also quite adjustable both in the body and in the arms.

What you get in the Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 is a bit of solid protection that you will actually wear through the dog days of summer.

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Bridgestone Street Tires Battleax BT-021 | Dual Sport Touring Rear

Posted by Tim

Bridgestone Street Tires BattleaxPure sport riders require a sticky tire and generally have relatively little concern for mileage. Pure touring riders have exactly the opposite mindset. Stuck in the middle is the sport-tourer. Just like the label suggests, the sport-touring motorcyclist desires the best of both worlds.

I have been sport touring for years, and have experienced a love/hate relationship with tires. Often, when I loved a tire's cornering ability, I hated its longevity (or lack thereof). Conversely, when I found a tire that would carry me for several thousand miles, I was less than confident in its cornering ability.

Now the good news. New tire technology is taking us closer and closer to the perfect "do it all" tire. Bridgestone's latest entry in the sport-touring market is the BT-021. It is replacing the company's hugely successful BT-020. After MUCH research, I decided to mount the BT-021s on my own bike. I have been impressed. The cornering is stable and predictable, and the ride is comfortable. The rear tire is constructed of dual compound rubber -- harder in the middle and softer on the sides. That's where the versatility comes in. The front tire is of single compound construction. I have only about 500 miles on my set; but if rider reports hold true, I can expect from 3000-4000 miles of wear. As an aggressive rider, I would be very pleased with that.

I have always liked Bridgestone street tires, and I have a feeling the BT-021s may become my new favorite.

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Motorcycle Carrier Wedge Lok | Bike Rack Hitch Mount Class III

Posted by Tim

Motorcycle Carrier Wedge Lok I have always wondered about these frame-hitch mounted motorcycle carriers. I have used something similar with mountain bikes. However, with bicycles, we are carrying (at most) about 50 pounds total. Cycle Country rates the Wedge-Lok at 400 pounds. That is a lot of weight on the tail end of your vehicle. You must have a Class III hitch, which is the beefy one; but my concern is the potential for rocking and swaying since the main support is only a 2-inch square piece of metal. That's where the "wedge" in Wedge-Lok comes in. The wedge expands inside the receiver of the hitch to prevent excess movement.

The real benefit to this kind of hauling device is that it's not a trailer. This means it does not require a separate license and registration, it's easily stowable, and you don't have to embarrass yourself trying to back it up! And it is much cheaper than any kind of trailer, too.

I would not trust this unit with my Kawasaki ZZR1200, but that's not what it is designed for. I would certainly give it a shot with my dual-sport bike. I believe if it is not pushed too far in the weight department, it could be a great towing option.

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Vance & Hines Chrome Exhaust Pipe Kit, Pro HS | Honda Shadow Sabre

Posted by Tim

Vance & Hines Chrome Exhaust Pipe Kit,I'll admit up-front that I am not a cruiser guy. However, I do understand and appreciate aftermarket exhausts. In fact, I had a Vance and Hines exhaust on a Kawasaki ZX-10 that I used to own. It was a well-made and nice sounding piece.

Most motorcyclists understand that aftermarket exhausts do not always provide a performance boost. In fact, they often create issues that have to be addressed on the intake side, like jetting or computer mapping. Vance and Hines does make a subtle claim of "power" for the Honda Shadow Sabre, but that is not the main focus for most of the cruiser market.

The look and sound of the exhaust is the feature that Vance and Hines is marketing in this system. The system is supposed to be designed to prevent heat discoloration, so that chrome gleam can live on for miles. They also boast a "removable baffle," which is a not-so-subtle invitation to make the system louder than stock.

After all, motorcycling is a visceral experience, and the unique sound a motorcycle makes is a big part of that experience. The system is not cheap, but no full exhaust system is. This may be a nice addition to your Honda Shadow Sabre.

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Arai Full Face Trek XD-3 | Dual Sport Motorcycle Helmet

Posted by Tim

Arai Full Face Trek XD-3 As an avid dual sport rider, I have always felt the choice of helmet for this kind of riding is a bit of a conundrum. Should I wear a full-on dirt helmet and goggles? Sometimes this is the perfect set up -- especially in slower, dustier off-road conditions. But what about on more street-oriented rides, when the goggle and full visor setup is less than ideal? Should I wear my street helmet for aerodynamics and comfort? Well, sometimes, but when I do get off the pavement, the street helmet is less than ideal.

Since dual sport riding is a sweet compromise, shouldn't the helmet be, too? Well, yes it should. That's where the Arai XD-3 Trek helmet comes in. First off, it's an Arai, which inspires the highest level of confidence in its inherent safety. It's built to Arai's uncompromising quality standards.

So where is the compromise? Just look at the picture. At first glance, this is a typical dirt helmet. However, a closer inspection reveals the street-oriented shield hiding under the visor. The shield has a unique pivot that allows it to be opened under that peak without protruding.

If you are into both the street and dirt aspects of dual sport riding, or are a serious adventure tourer, this may be the perfect helmet. Its functionality is a compromise, not its quality.

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ARAI XD 3 XD3 TREK BLACK BLUE WHITE MEDIUM MD HELMET ARAI XD 3 XD3 TREK BLACK BLUE WHITE MEDIUM MD HELMET
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ARAI XD3 XD 3 XD3 Helmet Trek Blue LG LARGE L ARAI XD3 XD 3 XD3 Helmet Trek Blue LG LARGE L
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Arai XD 3 Trek Helmet Blue Size Large Arai XD 3 Trek Helmet Blue Size Large
US $538.00   Paypal
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Scorpion Waterproof Shock Jacket w/ Thermal Liner | Mens Armored Black Leather & Textile

Posted by Tim

Scorpion Motorcycle Jacket, Shock XDR Leather is protective, heavy, and expensive. Cordura textile is versatile, waterproof, and relatively affordable. An increasing number of quality motorcycle jackets are mating these two materials with very positive results. By placing leather in the impact-prone zones of the jacket, like the forearms and shoulders, the jacket retains much of a full-leather jacket's abrasion resistance. Likewise, using a quality textile material in the main body adds versatility and keeps cost down.

The Scorpion Shock XDR Men's Cordura/Leather Motorcycle Jacket is a good example of this jacket technology. This should prove to be a solid three or four season jacket with its venting, water resistance, and versatility. It includes two separate condition-specific liners - one for added heat, and one for waterproofing. It also boasts several useful pockets including two hand-warmer pockets and a gear storage pocket.

As far as styling cues, I feel the jacket is spot-on. The subtle, mostly black motif should appeal to touring riders as well as sport riders desiring an understated look. Scorpion has not overdone the colors or labeling on this one.

In addition to the leather in the contact areas, the jacket includes CE approved armor. It is available in sizes Small through 3XL.

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Fox MX Racing Latinese V3 | Men’s Motocross Carbon Fiber Helmet

Posted by Tim

Fox MX Racing Latinese V3 Let's start with the technical features of the Fox Racing V3 Latinese motocross helmet. Most importantly, it is Snell and DOT certified. The shell is constructed of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass. These are the premium materials for modern helmet construction. Fox Racing knows dirt -- and dirt gets equipment… well… dirty. The liner is fully removable and washable, which is a necessity in a quality dirt helmet. The mouthpiece is removable and cleanable for the same reason.

The helmet also features a super-wide eye port for a full range of peripheral vision. The d-rings are titanium, and the ear cavities accommodate modern communication systems.

Now let's take a look at the "Latinese" graphics. Fox says that the style was inspired by Japanese and Latin American artistic influences. Dragons, roses, wings, and various other images coexist on the helmet. Interesting mix, but it works. I find the helmet to be artistic, rather than randomly gaudy like so many other MX helmet styles.

This helmet is a winner. It is a great symbiosis of advanced technical features and appealing style. At this price, this blend does not come cheap. However, for a quality dirt helmet that actually has artistic graphics, it seems worth it.

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Harley Davidson Mirror Kit, Tail Fin | Art Deco Motorcycle Parts by Wyatt Fuller

Posted by Brad

Harley Davidson Mirror Kit, Tail Fin Bolt-on parts are fun. You pick out an after-market option you like, remove the original or previous after-market choice, and bolt on the new. Quick and easy, and all of a sudden your bike takes on a whole new look. You never knew it could look so good, and for just a few minutes of your time. Highly satisfying.

This fish-fin or Art Deco streamliner-style mirror from Harley-Davidson is one of those fun bolt-on parts. Clean, simple lines give these mirrors that look of movement, while the smooth finish and quality manufacturing lend them a solid, custom feel. The forged and chrome-plated stem and the die-cast body are built to last for many years. The "kit" comes with all the necessary bolts, washers, and spacers, for applications from 1982 to present.

This particular design is from Wyatt Fuller's workshop. Wyatt Fuller was a long-time commercial airline pilot who became known for custom bikes in the early 1990s. Featured in several magazines, his ideas were instantly appealing to many. Harley-Davidson liked Wyatt's innovative designs, too, and purchased his company in 1994. He set up shop and continued to design motorcycle accessories for Harley-Davidson until his (untimely) death in 2006.

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