New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
RAM SINGLE-SIDED SWINGARM
Aftermarket single-sided swingarms are all the rage in Europe. Now, California-based Erion Racing is in on the action, distributing Italian-made RAM magnesium single-sided swingarms for 1992-97 Honda CBR900RRs. Cost for the bolt-on kit-including a five-spoke magnesium wheel, forged axle, aluminum cush-drive flange and brake-caliper mount, 43-tooth rear sprocket, stainless-steel brake line and twin-piston Brembo brake caliper-is $4995. A companion 17-inch front wheel retails for $849.
Erion Racing, 1200 N. Barsten Way, Anaheim, CA 92806; 714/630-8850
GARMIN GPS II
YOU needn't be a Paris-Dakar stage winner to benefit from a Global Positioning System, which is why Garmin developed its GPS II. Designed to velero-mount to most MXstyle handlebars, the palm-sized computer weighs just 9 ounces and is powered by four AA batteries. Using the latest satellite technology, the $309 unit plots courses, retraces trails, stores favorite routes and estimates arrival times. Garmin guarantees accuracy within 100 feet-as long as you input the correct coordinates, that is.
Garmin, 1200 E. 151st St., Olathe, KS 66062; 913/397-8200
CASTROL MOTORCYCLE LUBRICANTS
Castrol ’s latest engine oils are designed for two-stroke, four-stroke and “V-Twin” applications. Sold in mineral, syntheticblend and full-synthetic forms, the lubricants come in a broad range of viscosities. Pricing starts at $3.50 per quart.
Castrol North America, 1500 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470; 201/633-2200
BMW ACTIVE-LINE BACKPACK
Okay, we admit it: Ninety bucks is a lot to pay for a backpack. But BMW’s Active-Line bag is worth it. Fashioned from polyester and nylon, it has a spacious main compartment secured by a drawstring and quick-release buckle, two smaller zippered pockets and a built-in rain cover. Adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a waist belt anchor the medium-size bag to the wearer, and reflective strips aid nighttime visibility. Color schemes are black/blue or black/gray.
BMW, P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, NJ 07675; 201/307-4000
CYCRA ROLL CART
Has wrenching on your bike become a little tough on the tush? Have no fear, Cycra’s Roll Cart is here! Constructed from molded plastic, the 14-inch-tall cart is topped with a vinyl-covered dual-density foam seat and rolls smoothly on rubber wheels, one at each corner. Built-in side scoops accommodate tools, as does the removable underseat plastic tray. Price is $89. Your posterior will thank you.
Cycra Racing Systems, 6159 Radekin Rd., Columbus, OH 43232; 800/770-2259
SPY GOGGLES
“Put ’em on...you’ll ride like Jeremy.” At least, that’s what Spy’s catalog says. Regardless of their alleged ability to transform mere mortals into nac-nacing supercross stars, Spy’s $30 off-road goggles feature UV-protective Lexan lenses, an adjustable strap and a choice of black, blue, white or yellow frames. One size fits all, and tear-off systems are available. Amber, Smoke and Silver Flash lenses are sold separately.
Spy, 1766 La Costa Meadows Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069; 800/779-3937
ROADGEAR SPORT TOURING TOOL POUCH
Comedian Tim Allen claims that choosing tools is as important as choosing a wife. Ergo, picking the proper tool pack is equally imperative. This is where Roadgear’s Sport Touring Tool Pouch comes in. Constructed from 1000-denier cordura nylon, the roll-up pouch has 11 tool pockets, plus space for a can of tire sealant and several smaller items. Two quick-release fasteners hold everything in place. Suggested retail is $22.
Roadgear, 206 W. Elgin Dr., Pueblo West, CO 91007; 719/547-4572
FOX EXOFLEX KNEE BRACE
Less expensive than a custom off-road knee brace, Fox’s Exoflex is designed to prevent hyperextension and reduce lateral twisting. Priced at $120, the vented neoprene-and-lycra sleeve comes with aircraft-quality aluminum hinges that duplicate the knee’s natural motion. Both extension and flexion are adjustable in three 10degree increments. A removable plastic patella cup is standard, and velcro straps fine-tune fit. Sizes range from S-XXL.
Fox Racing, 15850 Concord Cir., Morgan Hill, CA 95037; 800/626-4884
