New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Oxford Sports Luggage
New from England (where they know about riding in the rain!) is Oxford Luggage’s weatherproof Hump Back series. Outfitted with a map holder, rain cover and detachable front pocket that doubles as a fannypack, the magnetic tankbag ($125) is expandable to 26 liters, sufficient to swallow a full-face helmet. The Tailpack ($105) also boasts 26 liters of storage, plus a unique seat-belt system that enables the user to securely lock bag to bike. Bigger yet are the matching 45-liter saddlebags ($150), which have heat-resistant base guards and antifriction backing. All are manufactured from 1500-denier polyester, available in black, blue, red and silver, and come with a limited lifetime guarantee. Lockhart Phillips USA, 151 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, CA 92672; 800/221-7291; www.lockhartphillipsusa.com
Mechanix Wear 0.5 Original
Just a few short years ago, Mechanix Wear sold but a single model of multi-purpose gloves. Now the benchmark in racing circles, the company produces no fewer than 18 designs, each task-specific. Offered in XSXXL sizes, the 0.5 Original seen here has a super-slim second-skin palm and reworked finger design for jobs that require increased precision and sensitivity. Yours for $29. Mechanix Wear, 24950 Anza Dr., Valencia, CA 91355; 800/222-4296, www.mechanix.com
Dura Fitted Garage
Just say no to cluttered garages! The Dura Fitted Garage is a fully integrated system of metal cabinets, toolboxes, shelving, wall panels and accessory bins. Designed for both commercial and residential use, all components utilize heavyduty roller bearings and most are delivered fully assembled. The $800 Base Cabinet/Combination, located on the right side of the complete unit shown here, features one locking door and three lined drawers. Dura USA L.L.C., 11436 Cronridge Dr. #K & L, Owings Mills, MD 21117; 877/387-2872; www.thefittedgarage.com
CW SPOT LIGHT
Sidi Vortex
Sidi’s latest off-road entry, the Vortex, is made entirely from Lorica. The result? A broken-in, well-worn feel right from the get-go. Though 3/4-inch taller than the Italian boot-maker’s popular Force TA, the $245 Vortex makes use of the TA’s buckles, shin plate and sole, then adds a model-specific gaiter, internal padding and glovefriendly velcro closure. Order ’em in black, blue, red or white in sizes 7-14. Motonation, 14168 Poway Rd. #205; Poway, CA 92064; 877/789-4940; www.motonation.com
Vesrah Pads
Brake pads are brake pads, right? Not so fast, Bubba. Three years in the works, Vesrah’s RJL sintered-metal pads were developed with four goals in mind: withstand high heat to eliminate fading and backing-plate warping; require little or no bed-in; maximize compatibility with stainless-steel rotors; and increase durability while using the highest-possible coefficient of friction. In other words, they’re great for roadracing, track days and high-performance street riding. Per caliper pricing is $50. Vesrah Co., Inc., 221 N. LaSalle #1108, Chicago, IL 60601; 847/364-1441; www.vesrah.com
Smooth Industries Kidswear
Nighttime is the right time to outfit your offspring in 100 percent polyester replica riderwear pajamas from Smooth Industries. Choose from one-piece infant ($30) or two-piece child sizing ($35) in eight styles: motocrossers Mike Brown, Grant Langston, Mike LaRocco, Jeremy McGrath, Travis Pastrana and Stephane Roncada, plus roadracers Ben Bostrom and Colin Edwards. Signature Series backpacks ($40) and blankets ($40) are also available. Smooth Industries, 9555 Owensmouth Ave. #14, Chatsworth, CA 91311; 818/727-7502; www.smoothindustries.com
Cycle Mirror Cam
DO AWAY WITH unsightly rearview mirrors and improve your latemodel Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha sportbike’s aero-
dynamics at the same time with the Cycle Mirror Cam. Designed to offer a broad view of all that’s behind you, the $685 Mirror Cam consists of a license-plate-mounted camera and 4inch, high-resolution color monitor that sits atop your bike’s dash. Installation takes about an hour. For optimum viewing, fit a smoked windscreen.
Ranquel Engineering, Inc., 3701 Alcantara Ave., Miami, FL 33178; 786/229-9084; www.cyclemirrorcam.com
