New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Bell Ultra helmet
Bell made a name for itself with the slogan, “If you’ve got a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet.” Now Bell is ready to up the ante with its $1000 Ultra helmet. The Ultra features a graphite/Kevlar cloth in its shell for light weight, a pushbutton-operated shield with Bell’s Fog-Pruf coating, air vents, and an interior lined with fire-retardant Durvil. Available in black-and-gold and silver-and-red, the Ultra carries DOT and Snell ’85 certifications, and comes in sizes 6¾ to 7¾. To find out more, contact Bell Helmets Inc., P.O. Box 1020, Norwalk, CA 90650; (213) 9219451.
NRG-Saver tire tool
When you’re changing a tire or tube, sometimes it seems as if the tire irons might as well be switch-blades. But an NRG-Saver can make the task far easier, according to Lazer Helmets, the NRG’s importer, because the Saver uses strategically placed Teflon coatings and high leverage-ratios to break and seat beads without damaging the tire, tube or rim. Suggested retail price is $44.95, plus $5 for shipping, from your dealer, or from Lazer Helmets, 31139 Via Colinas, Suite 302, Westlake Village, CA 91362.
Michelin Bib-Mousse
The name might suggest a French dessert, but Michelin’s Bib-Mousse actually belongs in the desert. Indeed, BMW’s team bikes used the Bib-Mousse combination—a Michelin Desert tire and a solid foam-rubber liner that takes the place of an inner tube—en route to three wins in the Paris-to-Dakar Rally. Available in three sizes, the Bib-Mousse retails for $149.95 (90/ 90-21), $164.95 (140/90-17) and $169.95 (140/90-18). Don’t ask a maitre d’, though; contact International Cycle Racing Tires, 1865 Redondo Ave., Long Beach, CA 90804; (213) 597-0339.
ATK Bike Shoe
Tired of having your bike breakdancing in the back of your van, truck or trailer because a tie-down slipped? Then consider ATK's Bike Shoe, which clamps onto the motorcycle's front wheel and allows the bike's suspension to work over bumps. The Bike Shoe retails for $89, and can be mounted in a ve hicle or on a sheet of plywood. For more information, contact ATK Leitner Corp., 723 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651; (714) 497-7525.
Simons A.P. Fork Caps
Does your dirt bike's fork pump up like a Novice's forearms? If so, let it blow off some pressure with Simons A.P. Fork Caps. According to Simons, a spring-loaded, one-way check-valve in each cap vents air pressure from the fork on full extension, allowing the fork to work consistently throughout a ride. Available for all KYB and Showa forks with 43mm stanchion tubes (except 1986 CR250 and CR500 Hondas), the caps retail for $49.95 a pair. For more information, contact S.W. Simons Inc., 2570 Leghorn St., Mountain View, CA 94043; (415) 962-8899.
Lockhart Supershades
Okay; you've tricked out your bike with almost every aftermarket goodie imaginable, but there's still something missing from the picture. Of course; your helmet's appearance is still stock-heaven forbid. Lock-hart can handle the problem, though, with its 2-mil-thick vinyl Supershades for your faceshield. Available straight-cut or curved to fit most shields, and with a variety of slogans, the 'shades retail for $1.95. To find out more, contact Lockhart, 15717 Texaco St., Paramount, CA 90723; (213) 630-4621.
