New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
PowerStands
Be kind to your back! Raise and lower the front and rear ends of most late-model motorcycles with ease using the chrome triple-tree/fork-lift Mark ($175) and rear spooled/non-spooled Max ($139) PowerStands. Both boast heavy-duty mild-steel construction, large quad wheels and a nifty removable toolbox.
PowerStands, 466 WArrow Hwy. #E, San Dimas, CA 91773; 866/791-6270; wwwpowerstands.com
MSF Reflective Vest
Worried about your on-bike well-being? Better don a Motorcycle Safety Foundation reflective vest, then. Layered over existing riding apparel, the $19 mesh zip-up’s white or high-visibility fluorescent lime-yellow striping makes a real impact in heavy traffic, especially during low-light commuter hours.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation, 2 Jenner St. #150, Irvine, CA 92618; 949/727-3227 Ext. 3023; www.msf-usa.org
Renthal Handlebars
Which Renthal handlebar-Off-Road, TwinWall or Fatbar-is right for you? The aluminum-alloy Off-Road ($85) comes in a dizzying array of bends and colors, while the double-tube TwinWall ($140) is guaranteed against fatigue-related failure-just ask AMA 125cc National Motocross champ Bubba Stewart. As its name implies, the patented Fatbar ($70) features 5mm wall thickness at both bends for greater strength. Also available: handgrips, drivechain and sprockets.
Renthal America, 24950 Anza Dr., Valencia, CA 91355; 877/736-8425; www.renthalamerica.com
Sportech Chrome Series Windscreens
Nothing left on your late-model Japanese sportbike to chrome or pohsh? What about the windscreen" Sportech'S$80 Chrome Series screens are molded from 125-inch acrylic for "an original-equipment replacement fit." Avulabic in a variety of colors, the finish is applied to the backside of the screen and then sealed to eliminate scratching and peeling.
Sportech, 15703 Jan'is St. NW, Elk River, MN 55330; 763f712~3965; www.sportechinc.com
Honda SR2 Helmet
Based on Shoei's popular Z-two, the SR2 uses the same Advanced Integrat ed Matrix plus Multi-Fiber shell construction, quick-release CX-l faceshield, integrated ventilation and removable 3-D Full Support Liner. Difference is, the graphics are rela-tively subdued, yet still complement late-model Honda streetbikes. Available in S-XXL sizes, the DOTand Snell-approved SR2 retails for $500.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., 1919 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501; 310/532-9811; www.honda.com
Tour Master Cortech GX Sport
CW SPOT LIGHT
SO, YOU SAY YOU’RE A SPORTBIKE PILOT SEARCHING FOR AN INEXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVE to a two-piece leather suit. Not finding exactly what you had in mind, are you? The trouble with most textile riding garments is they’re tailored more toward touring or dual-sporting than sport riding.
The new Tour Master Cortech GX Sport jacket and pants aim to change that.
The most obvious difference compared to more pedestrian offerings is that the pants tuck inside your boots, just like roadracing leathers. Can’t have your trick, titanium-toed Oxtars all covered up now, can you?
The outfit starts off with the $300 jacket, available in five color combina^ tions in men’s sizes XS-XXXL and women’s sizes XS-L. Made from a combination of 800-, 900and 1680-denier waterproof nylon, it's lined with a soft nylon/polyester mesh for comfort. Triple-density, pre-curved, remov* able internal pads provide impact protection at the elbows, shoulders and i back, while permanent external pads at the collarbone and upper back soften | : helmet-to-body blows. Zippered vents at the chest, sleeve and back provide cooling on hot days, while a zip-out Thinsulate liner warms you on cooler days.
An elastic flex-panel waist, adjustable waist belts and velcro forearm straps make for a snug fit. A large YKK zipper connects the jacket to the similarly constructed $220 pants, which are available in the same sizes and come in a complementary black with gray and silver stripes. c
Tour Master, 26855 Malibu Hills Rd., Calabasas Hills, CA 91301; 800/455-2552; www.tourmaster.com
