Spot Motorcycles » Tim

Scorpion Stinger Leather Motorcycle Jacket in Black, Red, Blue | Armored & Perforated w/ Moisture Wicking Thermal Liner

Tim — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:29:01 +0000

A solid, perforated leather jacket -- that's what the Scorpion Stinger Jacket is. There are many things that I like about this jacket and a couple that I question.

The jacket offers CE-certified armor in the arms and shoulders. However, it includes only a foam back pad. This is increasingly common, even in top-level jackets. I will make my repeated plea here for jacket companies to offer CE back armor standard on all of their jackets. I think protection should trump cost.

Ventilation, as was hinted at before, comes in the form of perforated leather. Also, the arms have textile stretch panels on the inboard side and down the sides of the body. The only downside to the stretch panels is that they can let in too much air in the winter chill. However, this jacket does come with a wicking thermoliner.

The jacket has a trim, race-oriented fit. However, the stretch panels go a long way in increasing the range of fit. The jacket comes in sizes small through 3XL. The sizing is fairly true to size, if a little on the small side. There are also tall options in several of the sizes. The styling is subtle and attractive. There are three color options: all black, black and blue and black and red.

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Scorpion EXO Stinger Black Phantom Leather Jacket XL Tall
US $404.95
Auction Ends: 28d 2h 14m
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Scorpion Stinger Black Sport Motorcycle Jacket L
US $379.95
Auction Ends: 5d 1h 2m
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Scorpion Stinger Leather Motorcycle Jacket
US $299.00 0 Bid
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Alpinestars Scout Boots, Waterproof Black Leather | Dual Sport & Touring, Adjustable Velcro & Buckle Closure

Tim — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:22:56 +0000

Adventure touring boots have to be good at a lot of things. They have to perform protective and functional duties for a multitude of environments. The Alpinestars Scout WP Boots are remarkably up to the task.

The boots' body is constructed of coated leather with a waterproof and breathable inner membrane. A lot of research has gone into mating protection with comfort. There is a unique multiple density construction that allows movement without sacrificing protection. The boot has earned CE certification for its protective properties.

Boot closure comes in the form of Velcro as well as three substantial buckles. The result is an extremely adjustable boot fit. In keeping with its ability to handle some dirt duty, the boot has a lugged sole. Inside that sole is a removable PE padded foot bed.

Long-term user reports are almost universally positive on the Scout WP boots. They are stiff out of the box but break in well. Some riders have reported that the toe box is a bit restrictive, so consider that when you are ordering.

The only real negative that I can find with this boot is that the toe profile is a bit tall. I have found this with some other tour-oriented Alpinestars in the past. This means that fit under the shift lever can be a bit tight. Overall, the Scout WP boots are a good all-around option for the dual sport and adventure touring crowd.

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Alpinestars Scout Waterproof Black Boots New 11 46
US $279.95
Auction Ends: 15d 17h 54m
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ALPINESTARS SCOUT WATERPROOF BOOTS US 11
US $279.95
Auction Ends: 29d 20h 56m
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Alpinestars Scout Waterproof Boot Black US 12
US $279.95
Auction Ends: 28d 19h 34m
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REV’IT! Ultimate Mens Pants, Black Short or Tall | Waterproof Armored Textile w/ Removable Thermal Liner

Tim — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:14:06 +0000

I have gained a healthy respect for REV'IT! protective apparel. I have found their stuff to be well designed and well made. However, the company makes a lofty claim with the name of the REV'IT! Ultimate Pants.

On first inspection, these armored textile pants look solid enough. The shell is a combination of Shoeller Dynatec, Cordura, and Lorica Sueta. This shell is abrasion-resistant, and the pants incorporate protective padding in the knee, shin, and hip areas.

As far as climate control, the REV'IT! Ultimate Pants include a removable thermal liner for the cool months. For warmer weather, there are zippered leg vents. Finally, when the weather gets wet, the pants come with a detachable 3-layer membrane -- and the zippers are waterproof.

To this point, these pants are sounding pretty "ultimate". However, there are a couple of flaws that make the label a bit overly ambitious. First, there are a few reports of zipper failure. Secondly, the knee pockets do not hold the armor as securely as I would like.

So are these pants truly the "ultimate"? No. However, they are a good piece of protective apparel. They come is sizes small through 3XL. They are also offered in both short and tall options.

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Click here to find this pant on Revzilla.com.

Bell MX & Street Vortex Torn Helmet, Snell & DOT | Polycarbonate Silver, Gold, or Red

Tim — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:57:48 +0000

When I started in motorcycles in the 1970s, Bell helmets were the big deal. My first street helmet was a Bell Star. You saw Bells on motocrossers, street racers, and all over the road. Sometime in the '80s and '90s, Bell helmets lost their luster and their edge in the market. Bell has been working hard to rebuild their reputation and their customer base. The U.S.-based company is working to steal back wearers from the Japanese and Italian helmet manufacturers.

The Bell Vortex Torn Helmet is a nice addition to this rebuilding effort. The composite polycarbonate alloy shell was designed in the company's state-of-the-art design facility in California. The helmet is both Snell M2010 (the newest standard) and DOT certified. The ventilation has been designed to flow good air while reducing wind noise. Long-term wearers say that it is a relatively quiet helmet.

The shield change system is of the tool-less design -- a variation of the Shoei idea. The helmet has other nice features like a noise-reducing neck roll and integrated headphone pockets. It also includes an anti-fog and anti-scratch face shield. The helmet comes in three color variations and in sizes XS through 2XL.

It appears Bell helmets are back.

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Bell Vortex Torn Helmet New Silver Size SM
US $119.99
Auction Ends: 18h 18m
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Bell Vortex Torn Motorcycle Helmet Red Large 2017569
US $179.95
Auction Ends: 28d 20h 58m
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Bell Vortex Torn Silver Motorcycle Helmet X Large 2017576
US $179.95
Auction Ends: 28d 20h 56m
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Icon Alliance Cretin Helmet, Green w/ Monster Graphic | Polycarbonate SSR Speed

Tim — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:27:29 +0000

Cretin: (noun) a stupid, obtuse, or mentally defective person.

That may just say enough about the designer of the Icon Alliance SSR Speed Cretin Helmet. This helmet is (in my humble opinion) just plain ugly, gaudy, and obnoxious. I know I'm not the target market… not by about 30 years… so let's just look at the details.

The Speed Cretin helmet is a quality helmet that meets a plethora of safety standards: DOT FMVSS 218 (US), ECE 22-05 (Europe), SAI AS1698 (Australia), and SG (Japan) safety and testing standards. That pretty much covers all corners of the world. The shell is polycarbonate, and Icon says that the helmet underwent serious wind tunnel testing. I guess those demon wings flow through the air better than appearances would indicate.

Wearers report that the helmet fits narrow -- kind of like the Shoei long oval shell. It is a comfortable helmet with a snug, plush interior. The SSR is available in sizes XS through 2XL. Interestingly, the helmet is available in only one color scheme: Horrible Green. OK, I'll back off here.

The Icon Alliance SSR Speed Cretin Helmet is well-made protection for riders who want a LOT of attention. If the style suits you, the helmet will protect you.

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Icon Motorcycle Helmet Alliance Supervents Speed Cretin
US $37.00
Auction Ends: 20h 34m
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Rev’It Retro Motorcycle Jacket, Black or White Leather CR | Striped Armored Augustini & Lorica Cowhide

Tim — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:51:53 +0000

Motorcycling and leather are forever linked. The relationship goes back to the origins of the sport. I guess that's why I like leather jackets with a classic look and feel. The REV'IT! CR Leather Jacket fits this bill. I can't help but think the "CR" stands for café racer -- as in the raucous racers of the 1950s.

For safety and crash protection, the shell is constructed of Augustini full grain cowhide and Lorica. Armor is what the company calls "ProLife" CE armor… a political statement? Anyway, the CE part is what you are looking for. Back protection is foam, and the jacket is safety stitched.

Ventilation is handled by some limited areas of perforation, so this is not a jacket for the hottest of days. For cold weather duty, the jacket comes with a detachable thermal body-warmer. The jacket has subtle slit pockets in the front as well as internal pockets.

As I mentioned before, the jacket has a nice classic look, at least to my eye. There are front, rear, and sleeve stripes. The jacket comes in two motifs -- one with a black scheme, the other in white and cream. Sizes 46 to 58 are offered. The measurements are European, so use the size chart.

The REV'IT! CR Leather Jacket is a nice-looking functional jacket that is reminiscent of the jackets of the 50s.

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Click here to find this jacket on Revzilla.com.

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REVIT Motion Motorcycle Jacket with CE protection
US $110.00
Auction Ends: 1d 17h 5m
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REV IT AIR JACKET SIZE XL
US $189.00
Auction Ends: 3d 15h 40m
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REV IT AIRFORCE ladies textile motorcycle jacket MSRP $29999 size 40 MEDIUM
US $164.00
Auction Ends: 8d 2h 22m
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Continental Force ST Review, Front & Rear | Tire for Dual Sport Touring Motorcycle

Tim — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:10:27 +0000

Because I log thousands of miles a year on a big sport-touring motorcycle, I go through a lot of tires. I have sampled sport touring (ST) tires from Michelin, Metzler, Dunlop, Bridgestone, and Avon. I can say that I found positives in each of these brands, along with some limitations in each. However, the last set I tried were Continental Force ST tires. The price was right, and the tires seemed to offer a desirable combination of grip of longevity.

To be completely honest with you, I would not recommend these tires to any aggressive sport touring rider. As soon as I got the Conti-Force tires on the road, my ZZR1200 had a serious headshake when I removed my hands from the grips. I use a tire technician who I consider very competent, so I took the front wheel back to be re-balanced. The computer spin revealed that it was correctly balanced. To make a long story short, after checking my steering head adjustment, front suspension, and brakes, I finally just had to live with the condition until the next set of tires.

This was not my only complaint with these tires. I found the tires to be unpredictable in their cornering grip. The tires, especially the rear, would break free without any warning.

After two long tours, I removed the Continentals and mounted up my current set: Bridgestone BT-021s. After these were mounted (by the same technician), the bike returned to its consistent, predictable handling -- no more headshake and no more unpredictable cornering.

In short, my suggestion for the sport-touring rider looking for new rubber: steer clear of the Continental Force ST tires. Instead, check out my review of the Bridgestone BT-021 tire. I think you'll thank me.

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Continental Attack Force Road Bike Tires 700c 22 24 mm
US $87.95
Auction Ends: 21d 19h 29m
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2 Continental Attack Force Tires 700x22 24 c Black
US $89.99 0 Bid
Auction Ends: 1h 59m
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Continental Grand Prix Force Tire 700x24 c
US $44.99 0 Bid
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Dainese Air 2 Mens Motorcycle Jacket for Summer | Armored Mesh Textile

Tim — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 22:04:35 +0000

I know this jacket, because I OWN this jacket. In the summer, I see a lot of riders wearing T-shirts where I live. Some think you have to choose either protection or comfort in hot weather. Not true.

Armored mesh jackets are the answer. The Dainese Air-2 Textile Jacket is a high quality summer jacket. What I like about this mesh jacket is that it has huge air-flow without compromising protection. The arms are built with high quality nylon textile (with a mesh strip), and the body is a heavy mesh. The armor is Dainese branded and CE certified. There are both internal and external pockets. Unlike many mesh jackets I have worn, the Air-2 feels like it will offer solid protection in a crash.

Like I said, I own this jacket, and I recommend it. However, there are a few things that some may have a problem with. First, the coarse nature of the mesh reveals exactly what you are wearing below. It also reveals anything that you may have in those pockets. Also, this jacket runs quite small. I usually wear a size 48 in motorcycle jackets. In this jacket, I wear a 50 US (60 Euro), which is the biggest size Dainese offers. Finally, there is no back armor included. Come on Dainese… we pay top dollar for your gear; don't make us buy the back armor!

Overall, this is a great jacket for summer riding. Just be careful on the fit.

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Click here to find this jacket on Revzilla.com.

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Dainese Logo D Air D Tec Racing Motorbike Rossi Pedrosa T Shirt Black M L XL 2XL
US $9.99
Auction Ends: 20d 1h 57m
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DAINESE SHIELD AIR G2 ARMOR BLACK
US $75.05
Auction Ends: 28d 22h 52m
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DAINESE AIR 2 TEX LADY JACKET ANTHRACITE RED TEXTILE WOMENS LADIES MOTORCYCLE
US $229.00
Auction Ends: 26d 1h 42m
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HJC Dirt Bike Helmet, Polycarbonate Shell | Solid Black or White CL-X5N

Tim — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 22:01:20 +0000

Wow! Do they still make these? A traditional, no frills, no nonsense dirt helmet?

The HJC CL-X5N solid helmet is refreshing in its simplicity. This helmet doesn't pretend to be anything but a well-built off-road helmet. Rest assured, in the case of this helmet, simple does not mean low quality. The CL-X5N is both DOT and Snell approved with its advanced polycarbonate composite shell, which was designed with HJCs advanced CAD technology.

The CL-X5N has a removable and washable interior. This is even more important in a dirt helmet than it is in a street helmet. That interior is made of what HJC calls "Bioceramic Nylex". It is a moisture wicking interior that is anti-bacterial. Venting is channeled through the front and pulled from the rear of the helmet.

Even the color options are no-nonsense. You can get this solid HJC helmet in any color you want as long as you want white, matte black, or black.

There is one downside. Even though HJC claims a large eye port, some goggles are a tight fit in this helmet. I suggest that you try on this model with your preferred goggles before purchase. I wear an HJC dirt helmet myself and can attest to the quality reputation HJC is growing in the industry.

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Engine Ice Coolant, Eco Friendly Biodegradable PG | High Performance Antifreeze CycleLogic

Tim — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:06:13 +0000

Traditional ethylene glycol (EG) coolant is nasty stuff. Yes, it serves its purpose well, but it is toxic (even deadly) to humans and animals if ingested and is very environmentally unfriendly.

OK, so what if I told you there is a product that cools much more effectively than EG antifreeze with up to 50 degrees of additional cooling in high performance engines? And what if I upped the ante by telling you that it is biodegradable and substantially less harmful to living things? You are ready to buy, right?

CycleLogic Engine Ice High-Performance Motorcycle Coolant is the product I'm talking about here. This stuff does everything that traditional EG coolant does, only better. The premixed coolant has a boiling point of 256 degrees Fahrenheit and a freezing point of -26 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead of the aforementioned ethylene glycol, Engine Ice uses propylene glycol. The latter (PG) is the base stock that gives the performance and safety benefits. The coolant will work in all liquid-cooled engines and is approved for AMA, CCS, and FUSA road racing applications.

So what is the downside? Cost. Engine Ice will cost you about 10 times more than conventional coolant. So is it worth it? Only you can make that call. However, with a substantial performance and safety upside, maybe you need some Ice in your bike's veins.

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Engine Ice High Performance Coolant EI 1
US $15.95
Auction Ends: 23d 13h 27m
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Engine Ice High Performance Coolant EI 4
US $81.90
Auction Ends: 10d 19h 53m
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CycleLogic Engine Ice High Performance Coolant TYDS008
US $21.55
Auction Ends: 29d 15h 43m
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