New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
DAINESE ANCHORAGE JACKET
The old adage, “You get what you pay for,” is particularly true when applied to motorcycle gear. Take, for instance, the Dainese Anchorage jacket from Lockhart Phillips (151 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, CA 92673; 800/221-7291). Priced at $625, the water-resistant Gore-Tex jacket is designed for onand off-road use. It has a removable liner, an adjustable collar and waist belt, cargo pockets, and protective padding in the shoulders, elbows and back. The jacket comes in black, red or blue in chest sizes 44-60, and is available from motorcycle dealers.
SIGNAL DYNAMICS BACKOFF
Because flashing red lights should attract the attention of even the most distracted driver, Signal Dynamics developed BackOFF. Designed to work in conjunction with your motorcycle’s brake light, the $35 unit emits three short pulses followed by one long pulse each time the brakes are applied. Moreover, the signal repeats itself as long as the brakes are in use. For details, contact your local motorcycle dealer or Signal Dynamics, P.O. Box 350441, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33335; 800/785-1814.
CSR WHEEL-BALANCING ROD
When it comes to tire fitment, rider safety often hangs in the balance. Unfortunately, finding the right tools for the job can be a challenge in itself. Until now, that is, thanks to the Wheel-Balancing Rod from California Sportbike Racing (1604 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; 714/642-0104). Featuring adjustable, self-centering cones designed to fit most motorcycles, the $79 all-metal rod can be used with a stand or alone, and it accommodates both standard and metric wheel bearings.
JFF VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE POSTCARDS
When you care enough to send the very best, chances are Hallmark won’t have a card with cool vintage bikes on the cover. Luckily, such postcards are available from JFF Enterprises (P.O. Box 637, Burnet, TX 78611; 800/583-2206). Imported from Germany, the postcards are available in 10and 15-card sets. The former depicts old German motorcycle advertisements, while the latter is a collection of vintage BMWs. Prices range from $10 to $15.
STIFFIE SEAT COVERS
Available in colors like Sugar Daddy Gold and Toxic Glow Green, Stiffie Old School Seat Covers give modern MXers a decidedly 1970s appearance. Cut from .30mm-thick vinyl, the covers sport a funky metallic finish, manufacturer logos and VW Bug seat-style material at high-wear areas. Honest. Carrying a suggested retail price of $60 from motorcycle dealers, the seats also come in Slick Back Black, Candy Sugar Blue and Rocket Burst Red. To order one for your bike, contact White Bros., 24845 Corbit PL, Yorba Linda, CA 92687; 714/692-3404.
ELWOOD CAMP SAC
Do your motorcycle travels take you far from cities and the convenience of hotels? If so, the Camp Sac from Elwood Specialty Products (2180 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216; 800/445-8946) may provide an alternative night’s rest. For $500, you get a tent, two air mattresses, two sleeping bags and two pillows, all of which compress into a waterproof nylon pack. Measuring 12 x 20 inches, the Camp Sac attaches to most sissybars and luggage racks.
DG HARD-KROME CRUISER PIPES
Japanese cruisers are growing in popularity, and DG Performance Specialties is making exhaust systems for them-specifically Honda's American Classic Edition and Kawasaki's Vulcan 1500 Classic. Said to improve exhaust flow and overall performance, DG's Hard-Krome Cruiser Pipes are available in slip-on form or as a complete system. Prices range from $200$300 from motorcycle dealers or DG, 1230 La Loma Cir., Anaheim, CA 92806; 714/630-5474.
KISAN TECHNOLOGIES TIREALERT
TireAlert from Kisan Technologies (150 S. Wolfe Rd., Sunnyvale, CA 94086; 408/746-0500) gives new meaning to the phrase, “There’s safety in numbers.” Designed to monitor tire pressure, TireAlert features a cockpit-mounted digital display that flashes if tire pressure drops. Pressure transducers, signal sensors and a palm-size computer module are supplied. Intended for cast wheels, the kit costs $299 from motorcycle dealers or direct from Kisan Technologies.
STREAMLINER VEST BY VANSON
Insulated with Dupont ComforMax, Vanson's Streamliner Vest is designed to snap into most Vanson leather jackets. Water-resistant, the machine-washable nylon vest has five pockets, a double storm flap and adjustable side laces. Sold through motorcycle dealers, the Streamliner comes in chest sizes 34-54 and costs $150. For more information, contact Vanson Leathers, 213 Turnpike St., Stoughton, MA 02072; 617/344-5444.
