New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
AGV XR-2 helmet
What do you, Mr. Joe Average, have in common with five-time World Champion Valentino Rossi? The XR-2, that’s what. The brand-new design was developed using AGV’s “Core System Technology” and boasts X-Vent airflow intakes and extractors, a removable, washable Cool-Max liner, and an anti-fog/scratch shield. Choose from five schemes: Rossi, MotoGP (shown), Rossi 500 and World Champion for $500, and the Limited Edition for $50 more.
AGV Lazer USA, LLC, 3201 E. Mulberry St. #D, Fort Collins, CO 80524; 800/950-9006; www.agv-helmets.com
Öhlins suspension
Ride like a Pro-or try to, at least-with new off-road suspension components from Ohlins. Available for late-model Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha motocrossers, the 48mm fork ($2083) features external highand low-speed compression damping adjustments, and comes with .41 and .45 kg/m springs. The oil-reservoir-equipped shock ($686, KTM PDS $836) also features a full complement of damping adjustments, as well as spring preload, but is sold sans spring.
Ohlins USA, Inc., 703 Old Spartanburg Rd. #C, Hendersonville, NC 28792; 828/692-4525; www.ohlinsusa.com
Bolt Motorcycle Hardware
Goin’ riding? Don’t forget your Track Pack. The 54-piece kit contains 8.8-grade steel duplicates of the hardware dirt riders replace most often. Throw one in your toolbox for $16.
Bolt Motorcycle Hardware, P.O. Box 1542, Atascadero, CA 93423; 805/466-6686; www.boltmotorcyclehardware.com
Matrix Billet Twin Cam Top End Kit
Show and go? That’s the concept behind the Matrix Billet Twin Cam top-end kit. Designed for late-model 95- and 103-cubic-inch Harley-Davidson V-Twins, the carburetorand fuel-injection-compatible kit consists of 6061-T651 aircraft-grade-aluminum high-flow heads (with stainless-steel valves), cylinders and pistons. Bolt ’em on for $3295.
Matrix Frames USA, 560 Industrial Way #C, Fallbrook, CA 92028; 760/728-4096; www.matrixframesusa.com
Kushitani K1 and RT jackets
Is $700 too much to pay for a jacket? Not if the garments in question-Kushitani’s K1 and RT-are produced from smooth, supple Japanese Holstein leather, and feature patented, roadracing-derived Punch Mesh across the chest plus body-molding K-foam protection in high-impact zones. For cooler conditions, the K1 can accommodate an optional Gore-Tex Windstopper vest. Both jackets are available in black only, in sizes S-XXL.
U.S. Kushitani, Inc., 4059 Lincoln Blvd., Marina Del Rey, CA 90292; 310/823-9111; www.kushitani.com
BMW SlideCarver
Push-and-go pit scooters are all the rage these days, but none look-or perform-anything like the BMW SlideCarver. Sister product to the award-winning StreetCarver skateboard introduced a few years ago, the 26.5-pound folding flyer features nifty hydraulically actuated rear disc brakes, grippy low-profile slicks and an innovative 5-series automobile-derived steering mechanism for quick turn-in and superior stability. Although there’s no suspension to speak of, the wood-and-fiberglass deck does offer some give. Recommended for ages 12 and up, the SlideCarver retails for $695.
BMW North America, 300 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Woodcliff, NJ 07677; 201/307-3785; www.bmw.com
