New Ideas

NEW IDEAS

PERFORMANCE MACHINE ACCESSORIES

Yes, this is the latest Yama-cruiser, but take a gander at this Road Star 1600’s trick new hardware, just released from Performance Machine. Note the three-spoke Trespasser wheels with matching Image Series brake discs and rear pulley. Adding a touch of class are the dual four-piston calipers up front, and the single six-piston setup in the rear. All pieces are CNC-machined from billet aluminum and come polished or chromed. Prices for the individual components range from $650 to $1000. Performance Machine, 6892 Marlin Cir., La Palma, CA 90623; 714/523-3000

BATTERIES PLUS XTREME BATTERY

You have your Xtreme Sports, your Xtreme Games— now, and we're not kidding, there's the Xtreme Battery. Designed to accept a faster rate of charge than traditional motorcycle batteries, it comes in 545and 680-amp versions. It's enclosed in protective metal to guard against vibration, and is said to maintain 50 percent of its charge after proper storage for up to two years. Intended to accommodate most street applications, the Xtreme Battery costs from $99 to $125. Batteries Plus, 625 Walnut Ridge Dr., Hartland, WI 53029; 800/67-START

FOX ROOST 2 DEFLECTOR

When you're in the dirt and the rocks are flying, your upper body should be protected. Which is where Fox's Roost 2 Deflector comes in. Available in clear or colored ventilated plastic, it features lycra-covered inner padding as well as a three-way adjustable waist. The Roost 2 comes in adult's and children's sizes in a variety of color combos. Suggested retail price ranges from $99 to $109. Fox, 15850 Concord Cir., Morgan Hill, CA 95037; 408/776-8633

TOUR MASTER DELUXE TAIL BAG

Billed as the do-it-all, carry-it-all duffel, Tour Master's venerable Deluxe Tail Bag has been revamped. Manufactured from water-resistant, heavy-duty nylon, it has a large double-zippered main compartment, four exterior pockets, a shoulder strap, retractable bungee hooks and three reflective panels. Extra bonus: The $70 bag comes with a fitted rain cover. Helmet House, 26855 Malibu Hills Rd., Calabasas Hills, CA 91301; 818/880-0000

EUROBIKES EUROTAIL

As if Yamaha’s YZF-R1 wasn’t radical enough in stock trim, Eurobikes is making it look even hotter. Enter the Eurotail, a light-weight, fiberglass tailpiece that cleans up the Rl’s backside. Available unpainted for $230 or painted in Yama-hues for $260, it comes with the necessary mounting hardware and additional turnsignals. Beware: The hour-long installation means chopping off the rear fender. But as they say, if you’re gonna make an omelet... Eurobikes, 9341 S. Whitt Dr., Manassas, VA 20111, 703/257-9500

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FUNDAMENTALS

For the more mechanically challenged, comes Harley-Davidson Fundamentals. Featuring a motivational video and an 18-module program (read extensive service manual), it details the technical aspects of both the Evolution and Twin Cam 88 engines Granted, Fundamentals won't turn you into a bonafide Harley mechanic, but it will explain four-stroke theory, some system troubleshooting and routine maintenance. Yours, for $300. Clinton Educational Group, 2844 W. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85027; 888/431-4343

CYCOACTIVE ACCESSORIES

When it comes to making knick-knacks, CycoActive takes the proverbial cake. The company's latest trinkets are the $20 MotoFile and TowDowns (also $20). The former is a compact, waterproof pouch that attaches via velcro to your bike. Perfect for stashing registration, extra cash, etc. The latter are 6-foot-long tie-downs that double as a single towstrap. They pack away into a pocket-sized pack. Convenient and cheap! CycoActive products, 701 34th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122; 206/323-2349

INTERSPORT FASHIONS WEST HONDA RACE JACKET

It's never been easier to "Ride Red," what with the Honda Rider Collection from Intersport Fashions West. Take this Race Jacket, for example. Fashioned from waterproof nylon, the ventilated coat has a zip-out Thermoliner, removable armor in the back, shoulders and elbows, and zippered handwarmer pockets. Also featuring stylish, reflective Scotchlite piping, the jacket costs $285. Intersport Fashions West, 15602 Mosher Ave., Tustin, CA 92780; 714/258-2120