Spot Motorcycles » Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com Motorcycle Accessories and Apparel Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:41:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Puma Mens Motorcycle Race Boots, 1000 V2 | Flexible Automatic Armor in Black, Red, Yellow http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/puma-mens-motorcycle-race-boots-1000-v2-flexible-automatic-armor-in-black-red-yellow/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/puma-mens-motorcycle-race-boots-1000-v2-flexible-automatic-armor-in-black-red-yellow/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:41:19 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5880 Puma Mens Motorcycle Race Boots, 1000Puma motorcycle footwear is growing in popularity in the moto-world as aggressively as its namesake hunts its prey. The company has taken its understanding of the foot and translated that knowledge into the demanding realm of protective motorcycling wear.

The Puma 1000 v2 Boots are a serious race-oriented boot. The technology is impressive. The aspect I like the most is what Puma calls the "Ghost Doctor" protection system that kicks in at medically defined "angles of no return". Simply put, the boot flexes and moves freely and naturally until that point at which an injury will take place. At that point, it limits movement. There is also a compact cushioning system that reduces impact in a crash.

Fit and security are also enhanced with a multi-directional fit system that cradles the foot. It has foam inserts at critical comfort areas. The fit is tight but comfortable. Most riders report that the boot fits small, so this should be considered when ordering.

Is this a walk-around touring boot? No. It is a comfortable, serious sport boot… there is a difference. However, after break-in, the Puma 1000 v2 Boots should be passably comfortable for general use. The boots come in three color combinations: black/black, black/red, and black/yellow. The boot is Euro sized from 38-46.

Find this Puma 1000 V2 Boot:

Find this boot on eBay:

No items matching your keywords were found.

]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/puma-mens-motorcycle-race-boots-1000-v2-flexible-automatic-armor-in-black-red-yellow/feed/ 0 Dunlop Dual Sport D606 Tires, Front & Rear | Off Road Motorcycle & Dirt Bike Tire http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dunlop-dual-sport-d606-tires-front-rear-off-road-motorcycle-dirt-bike-tire/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dunlop-dual-sport-d606-tires-front-rear-off-road-motorcycle-dirt-bike-tire/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:41:44 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5873 Dunlop Dual Sport D606 Tires, Front &Dual sport riders probably encompass the widest range of interests in the motorcycling world. You have dual sport riders who spend all of their time on the road, and you have dual sport riders who only use the road to get to the trail. Riders who fall into the latter category will be interested in the Dunlop D606 Tires.

Percentages are big in the dual sport world. There are riders who are 50/50% -- balanced on and off-road. I consider myself a 90/10% -- the 90% is off-road. The D606s are designed for the dirt with capability and DOT certification for the street. These Dunlops are real knobby with only the slightest concessions for tarmac duty. I have sampled the D606s, and for my style of dual sport riding, these tires hit the spot. Most serious, dirt-oriented riders agree with me.

Here is my suggestion - if you are dual sport rider, take a serious self-assessment of the percentage of time you spend in the dusty stuff, and buy tires based on what you calculate. In reality, most riders are too street-oriented to buy these tires. They wallow and wear rapidly when used mostly on the road. However, they are the bee's knees in the dirt.

If you are looking for a more street-oriented dual sport tire, take a look at the IRC GP110 tires.

Find this Dunlop D606 Tire:

Find this tire on eBay:

]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dunlop-dual-sport-d606-tires-front-rear-off-road-motorcycle-dirt-bike-tire/feed/ 0 MSR Tire Inflation Tool Kit, CO2 Cartridge | L Valve Adapter, No Hose Required http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/msr-tire-inflation-tool-kit-co2-cartridge-l-valve-adapter-no-hose-required/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/msr-tire-inflation-tool-kit-co2-cartridge-l-valve-adapter-no-hose-required/#comments Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:52:33 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5866 MSR Tire Inflation Tool Kit, CO2A couple of years back, a few friends and I were riding through the mountains above Taos, New Mexico. In the process of exploring, we took a "detour" through some tiny mountain towns. Suddenly, a friend got a flat on his Honda SuperHawk. There we were in the middle of nowhere (albeit a beautiful corner of nowhere), with darkness nearing. To make a long story short, he pulled out a plug kit and inflation CO2 cartridges. The repair was successful, and we safely made it to Taos before dark.

The MSR Tire Inflation Kit is a good option for the inflation of repaired tires. It includes a unique and ingenious L-shaped valve connection which requires no hoses. This adapter will work well in the tight spaces inherent in motorcycle rims. It also includes three CO2 cartridges and a carrying case.

You will notice I did not mention the repair kit included in this kit. That's because there isn't one. May kits include patches or plugs. However, I believe MSR feels that the repair kit will be specific to the bike on which the product will be used. Dirt riders will bring a patch kit or spare tube, while street riders will bring a radial tire plug kit.

The MSR kit is a good, compact tool. Just remember that it does not include the repair portion.

Find this MSR Tire Inflation Kit:

Find this tire inflation kit on eBay:

]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/msr-tire-inflation-tool-kit-co2-cartridge-l-valve-adapter-no-hose-required/feed/ 0 Joe Rocket Motorcycle Speedmaster Gloves 8.0 | Armored Black Leather & Carbon Fiber, Also In Red or Blue http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/joe-rocket-motorcycle-speedmaster-gloves-8-0-armored-black-leather-carbon-fiber-also-in-red-or-blue/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/joe-rocket-motorcycle-speedmaster-gloves-8-0-armored-black-leather-carbon-fiber-also-in-red-or-blue/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:45:06 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5839 Joe Rocket Motorcycle SpeedmasterJoe Rocket Speedmaster gloves have been around for quite a while. I see a lot to like about the latest incarnation, the Speedmaster 8.0. I guess 8.0 means that this is the 8th version -- I'm quick that way.

Anyway, here's what the glove has to offer. It has the standard drum-dyed leather construction as its base. What this glove has that some of the older Speedmasters didn't is a full compliment of armored inserts. It has injection-molded, vented knuckles. It also has molded reinforcements at the cuff (in carbon fiber) and at the fingers. Finally, it has armored plastic reinforcement in the palms. This is the only place that I have a potential gripe. The palms on these gloves may tend to get bulky. This is a conundrum on good motorcycling gloves. The palms must be protected, but often that protection can impede "feel".

I like the double cuff closure on the Speedmaster. This is a nice system. The Speedmaster gloves are available in sizes small through 2XL. Three color combinations are offered in black, blue, and red.

This is a good-looking, well-constructed sport glove from the Rocket people.

Find this Joe Rocket Speedmaster 8.0 Glove:

Find this glove on eBay:

]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/joe-rocket-motorcycle-speedmaster-gloves-8-0-armored-black-leather-carbon-fiber-also-in-red-or-blue/feed/ 0 Sidi Vertigo Mens Race Boots, Narrow Black or White | Armored Adjustable Lorica, Worn Outside or Under Pants http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/sidi-vertigo-mens-race-boots-narrow-black-or-white-armored-adjustable-lorica-worn-outside-or-under-pants/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/sidi-vertigo-mens-race-boots-narrow-black-or-white-armored-adjustable-lorica-worn-outside-or-under-pants/#comments Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:13:58 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5834 Sidi Vertigo Mens Race Boots, NarrowI have been looking for a pair boots to fit my narrowish foot. I tried the Alpinestars Web Gortex boots, but the width was just too much for me, even with inserts. After sampling many boots, the Sidi Vertigo Boots may just be the ticket.

The Vertigo is constructed of Lorica, a composite microfiber material that is tough and breathes well. Armor abounds on this boot. Externally, there are scuff guards on the outer front of the toe cup, at the ankles, the shin, the heel, and at the calf. Internally, the toe and heel are reinforced as well. One very unique design is the adjustable calf that ratchets to accommodate different rider sizes. It also adapts to be worn inside our outside the pant leg. I really like this feature.

The boot has adjustable vents on the outside of the instep area. There is also a Teflon-treated internal fabric in order to allow moisture to "breathe" out to the Lorica. This is a cool and comfortable boot.

As far as fit goes, these Sidis seem to run fairly true to size with a tendency slightly to the small side. As I mentioned before, they run quite narrow, so my wide-footed friends need not apply. Also, they are a race-oriented boot, so they are stiff; they are really not a "walk around all day" boot.

These boots are a good option for the serious sport rider. They may just be my next pair of boots.

Find these Sidi Vertigo Boots:

Find this boot on eBay:

]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/sidi-vertigo-mens-race-boots-narrow-black-or-white-armored-adjustable-lorica-worn-outside-or-under-pants/feed/ 0 Speed & Strength Motorcycle Zip Off Jacket, Orange | Hell N Back Armored w/ Waterproof Mesh Liner http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/speed-strength-motorcycle-zip-off-jacket-orange-hell-n-back-armored-w-waterproof-mesh-liner/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/speed-strength-motorcycle-zip-off-jacket-orange-hell-n-back-armored-w-waterproof-mesh-liner/#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:32:39 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5827 Speed & Strength Motorcycle Zip OffWhat we have here is an incredible jacket with a Shakespearean fatal flaw.

The Speed and Strength Hell 'n Back Jacket has a list of features and functions I have never seen in any other jacket. It has a body constructed of water-resistant AR-600 textile. That body has what S & S calls "Synergy System" zip-off panels. In short, you can zip off the lower 2/3 of the arms and leave just mesh and armor. This is a fantastic feature for converting the jacket for summer. Along those same lines, the jacket has a multitude of zippered vents. What if the weather is cold and wet? The Hell 'n Back has a full-sleeve waterproof liner.

Protection comes in the form of CE armor in the shoulder and sleeves and external hard armor at the shoulders. The jacket is extremely adjustable in the sleeves and body. Finally, the jacket includes a well-designed hydration system similar to the Klim Adventure Rally Jacket.

It is starting to sound like this is the ultimate do-it-all jacket for the street, dual-sport, and adventure rider, right? The problem is that there are multiple reports of failed zippers on the Hell 'n Back. I don't know if it is a result of using a water-resistant zipper design or just that S & S used cheap zippers.

Is the zipper issue enough for me not to recommend this jacket? No. It just has too many great features for that. I just wish S & S had figured out the zipper flaw before releasing the jacket. It is a supremely innovative jacket.

Find this Speed & Strength Jacket:

Find this jacket on eBay:

]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/speed-strength-motorcycle-zip-off-jacket-orange-hell-n-back-armored-w-waterproof-mesh-liner/feed/ 0 Kreem Exhaust Pipe Blueing Protectant, Blue Shield | Motorcycle Maintenance, Heat Reduction Formula http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/kreem-exhaust-pipe-blueing-protectant-blue-shield-motorcycle-maintenance-heat-reduction-formula/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/kreem-exhaust-pipe-blueing-protectant-blue-shield-motorcycle-maintenance-heat-reduction-formula/#comments Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:14:03 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5870 Kreem Exhaust Pipe Blueing Protectant,We have reviewed numerous aftermarket exhaust systems here on SpotMotorcycles. No matter what motorcycle style an exhaust will be fitted to, there are two common considerations. One is that they are expensive; the other is that left untreated, they will discolor over time.

Kreem Blue Shield is a product that will, if applied correctly, prevent pipe bluing by reducing internal heat. The product's application is fairly complicated because it is applied internally. I'm not here to give you product instructions. The company provides a detailed application procedure. However, you should be aware that the process involves sealing one side of the pipe with duct tape and pouring the product into the pipe twice. There is also a substantial curing time. The product is only for the header pipes, not the muffler, so if the muffler is a non-removable part of the total exhaust system, supreme care must be taken.

Users report that the product is very effective in fulfilling its intended purpose. It must be noted that Kreem Blue Shield is only for use in brand new pipes. It will be a waste of time to try to coat any pipe that has been run for any amount of time.

If you want your new pipe to stay silver and shiny, Kreem Blue Shield is a good starting point.

Find Kreem Blue Shield:

Find this Kreem Blue Shield on eBay:

]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/kreem-exhaust-pipe-blueing-protectant-blue-shield-motorcycle-maintenance-heat-reduction-formula/feed/ 0 GoPro Hero Camera Mount Kit for Handlebar, Wide Angle | Fits Mountain Dirt Bike & Motorsport Vehicles http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/gopro-hero-camera-mount-kit-for-handlebar-wide-angle-fits-mountain-dirt-bike-motorsport-vehicles/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/gopro-hero-camera-mount-kit-for-handlebar-wide-angle-fits-mountain-dirt-bike-motorsport-vehicles/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:43:36 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5863 GoPro Hero Camera Mount Kit forI've reviewed the GoPro Motorsports camera for this site. In short, I love the product. It comes with a variety of mounting options out of the box -- some of which are more secure than others.

Dirt bike mounting poses its own unique issues due to vibration, banging, tree branches, and the like. The GoPro Hero Motosport Handlebar Mount Kit may just be the ticket in these situations. It is a fast and secure mount for anything tubular from ¾" to 1.4". That is a fairly wide range of possibilities. Aside from the most logical home on the motorcycle's handlebar, the mount can hold to blinker stocks and tubular frames. It can also be mounted all over the place on your mountain bike.

Like the majority of the other GoPro mounts, the range of angles and positions is extremely wide. Thus, interesting camera positions and angles are possible.

The only nit to pick with the GoPro Hero Motosport Handlebar Mount Kit is that the mounting adjuster knob is a bit large and can impede mounting in some tight locations.

Overall, the mount is secure, adjustable, and easy to use. If you have a GoPro camera and a dirt bike or mountain bike, you now have a great mounting option.

Find this GoPro Hero Camera Mount :

Find this handlebar mount on eBay:

]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/gopro-hero-camera-mount-kit-for-handlebar-wide-angle-fits-mountain-dirt-bike-motorsport-vehicles/feed/ 0 Pulse Tech Pro12 Battery Maintainer | Multiple Battery Tender for Standard, AGHM, Gel http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/pulse-tech-pro12-battery-maintainer-multiple-battery-tender-for-standard-aghm-gel/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/pulse-tech-pro12-battery-maintainer-multiple-battery-tender-for-standard-aghm-gel/#comments Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:27:07 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5836 Pulse Tech Pro12 Battery Maintainer If you have a small fleet of motorcycles and power toys, the Pulse Tech Battery Maintainer Pro12 could be a real find. We have looked at several battery "tenders" on SpotMotorcycles. However, this is the first one that I have seen that services multiple batteries.

The Pulse Tech Battery Maintainer Pro12 can keeps up to 12 batteries at peak power performance -- indefinitely. That's pretty impressive. It feeds a trickle charge to each connected battery. It is safe for all common motorcycle batteries: standard, AGHM and Gel types.

As batteries sit, they can suffer from sulfation buildup (lead-sulfate deposits on the battery plates). This buildup is the primary cause of battery problems and, ultimately, their failure.

The Pulse Tech Battery Maintainer Pro12 is not cheap; however, affordability is a relative thing. When you consider the cost of several individual chargers or the replacement of neglected batteries, the Pro12 starts looking like a deal.

This product would be serious overkill for the owner of a single motorcycle. However, if your stable is full, give this octopus of a charger a look. The unit has a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.

Find this Pro12 Battery Maintainer:

Find this battery maintainer on eBay:

No items matching your keywords were found.

]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/pulse-tech-pro12-battery-maintainer-multiple-battery-tender-for-standard-aghm-gel/feed/ 0 Dainese Knee & Shin Guard Armor V, Black | Worn Under Motorcycle Pants or Jeans http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dainese-knee-shin-guard-armor-v-black-worn-under-motorcycle-pants-or-jeans/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dainese-knee-shin-guard-armor-v-black-worn-under-motorcycle-pants-or-jeans/#comments Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:43:14 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5829 Dainese Knee & Shin Guard Armor V A lot of times we don't want to wear tight race replica leather motorcycle pants, despite the fact that they offer the top level of protection. There are nice riding jeans out there. However, I personally question the safety of the armor in loose-fitting riding jeans. If the armor doesn't stay in place, it can't protect.

The Dainese Knee V Guard knee and shin armor may be a nice option for protection under your everyday jeans. The guards have the European safety certification 1621-1. They do have vent holes to flow some air, but they can still tend to get hot. However, hot and protected is better than the alternative.

The V Guards have a substantially lower profile than other knee and shin guards I've seen, so they are less restrictive and less noticeable under jeans than other types.

The only thing to watch with the Dainese Knee V Guards is fit. If you have very thick calves, the straps may be too short. Those skinny Europeans don't always remember that we Americans are a big breed.

If you are looking for lower body protection that is versatile and unobtrusive, these Dainese guard are worth a look.

Find this Dainese Knee Guard :

Find this knee guard on eBay:

]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dainese-knee-shin-guard-armor-v-black-worn-under-motorcycle-pants-or-jeans/feed/ 0