New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Suomy Procross Glitter MX40
Topping any off-roader’s laundry list of new gear would have to be, both literally and figuratively, a helmet. In this case, it’s the Procross Glitter MX40 from Italian company-come-lately Suomy. Now available stateside, this carbon/kevlar/fiberglass lid has a removable liner, wire-mesh mouthpiece, adjustable venting at the forehead and funky metalflake graphics-hence, the name. It comes in XSXL sizes and costs $280. Gearbox, 2236 Mariner Sq., #200, Alameda, CA 94501; 800/799-9444; www.gearboxinternational.com
HRP XT2000 Shin/knee Guards
Nothing like a smashed knee to ruin a perfectly good trail ride. In an attempt to prevent such a rude buzzkill, the good people at HRP have introduced the XT2000 Shin/Knee Guards. Featuring an abbreviated shin design that better accommodates today’s more protective MX boots, the skateboard-inspired, flexible pads are made with impact-absorbing foam and feature Coolmax liners on one side and molded, heavy-duty plastic on the other. Neoprene straps secure at the shins and under the knees. Suggested retail price is $40. HRP Products, PO. Box 190, Somersworth, NH 03878; 603/692-2118; www.hrpsports.com
Acerbis Sphere Boots & Zoom 2 Chest Protector
ICeeping your off-road self safe from flying roost is no easy task. Fortunately, Acerbis’ designers live for facing down challenges. For the upper body is the $119 Zoom 2 Chest Protector. Made from injection-molded plastic, it has a reinforced back, adjustable strappage, removable kidney pads and all sorts of extras for deflecting debris. For down under are the $229 Sphere boots, fashioned from top-grain leather and equipped with breathable calfskin liners, injection-molded plastic at the calves, toe and instep, and more. Acerbis USA, 13200 Gregg St., Poway, CA 92064; 800/205-8874; www.acerbis.com
Fleshgear Stealth Cargo Pants
Oyvay, what will those crusty demons of dirt come up with next? Well, try this on for size. The latest in off-road fashion comes from avant-garde Fleshgear in the form of $125 Stealth Cargo MX Pants, in camouflage no less. Cut from 500-denier Cordura, they’re the ultimate in ventilation with knee-high zippers that convert the multi-pocketed pants into insta-shorts. But the piece de resistance? A zip-out pouch thatPresto! Change-o¡-becomes a drink-holder for your post-ride beverage of choice... Fleshgear, 7711 Woodwind Dr., Huntington Beach, CA 92647; 714/596-7660; www.fleshgear.com
fan Smith Information Reports
Just because you’ve bought a bike that isn’t brand-spanking-new doesn’t mean you don’t want dish on your wheels. Where to look for dated material? Why, Ian Smith Information. The eight-yearold company provides laser-printed reports on all motorcycles sold in the U.S. since the 1960s. The collections include all available magazine articles on specific models, ranging from comparisons, to road tests to modification stories. Cost is $19 per, plus $4 shipping and handling. fan Smith Information, P.O. Box 9440, Denver, CO 80209; 303/777-2385; www.mcreports.com
Corbin Buell Saddle
Veteran seatmaker Mike Corbin is reaching out to the new motorcycle enthusiast by making a version of the venerable Gunfighter saddle for Buell’s entry-level Blast. Newbies near and far will rejoice over the leather-and-vinyl seat’s ergonomic, bucketshape design, its supportive Comfort Cell foam and the racier-than-stock styling cues. Order yours today so you won’t “BeLast” to get one of the $349 seats! Corbin, 2360 Technology Pkwy., Hollister, CA 95023; 800/538-7035; www.corbin.com
Nichols Ducati Flywheels
For more than 20 years, Nichols has built products for the aerospace industry. Now, the company has turned its corporate attention to Ducatis. Newest bit o’ goods are these lighter-than-stock, CNC-machined-from-aluminum flywheels. By removing 4 pounds of rotating mass, they’re said to give your late-model Due snappier throttle response. Available for both carbureted and fuel-injected models, they cost from $130 to $295 depending on application. Nichols Manufacturing, 913 Hanson Ct., Milpitas, CA 95035; 408/945-0911; www.nicholsmfg.com
Jardine Mirrors and Handlebars
Personalizing your cruiser doesn’t always necessitate a complete rebuild. In fact, small bits like Jardine’s Drag Bar and Mirror 51 are just the chic items for giving your ride more personality. CNC-machined from billet-aluminum, both share sleek lines and fit Harley-Davidsons and “metric” cruisers. Suggested retail for the mirrors is $136, while the handlebar rings-in at $284. Different-height risers are available and sold separately. Jardine Performance Products, 1220 W. Railroad St., Corona, CA 92882; 909/3711744; www.jardineproducts.com
