New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
MotoReplicas Yamaha YZR-M1
Now for just $90, even an Average Joe can own Valentino Rossi's MotoGP-winning Yamaha YZR-M1-in 50th-anniversary red, white and black livery, no less. World-renowned master die-cast reproducer MiniChamps has created a factory-authorized 1/12 -scale replica of the four-cylinder roadracer. It comes complete with a removable fairing, detailed chassis and engine components, functioning suspension and a paddock stand. Rytek Motorsports Group, 21 S. California St. #315, Ventura, CA 93001; 805/653-0106; www.motoreplicas.com
Oakley Time tank
What time is it? Time for a new watch, perhaps? Oakley's latest timepiece, the Time Tank, is a brushed-titanium chronograph that blends the precision of 13-jewel Swiss quartz movement with radical design. Available with a black or a white face, the analog display features three sub-dials measuring cumulative, intermediate and split times, all down to 1/10 of a second. Choose from a genuine leather strap ($995, black or brown) or a titanium bracelet with micro-adjustment links ($1195). Oakley, Inc., One Icon, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610; 949/951-0991; www.oakley.com
CTEK Battery Chargers
Bike won't start? If the problem is a dead battery, CTEK offers three charging solutions: the 800 (1.2-32Ah; $50), the 3300 (1.2-l20Ah; $70) and the 7000 (1.2-225Ah; $140). All are fully automatic, compatible with any 12-volt lead-acid battery, short-circuit-proof and protected against sparking and reverse polarity. CTEK Power, Inc., 2374 Edison Blvd., Twinsburg, OH 44087; 330/963-0981; www.ctek.com
Nemo Hypno EX Tent
Set up your tent in a mere 30 seconds? That's reality with the $455 Nemo Hypno EX, a 3.6-pound, two-person design that uses the company's patented AirSupported Technology. Unlike traditional tents, which rely on collapsible aluminum poles for structure, the Hypno uses an integrated hand pump or, better yet, an optional Nemoid foot pump to inflate tear-resistant "airbeams." An extra bladder, stakes, repair kit, seam grip and a waterproof stuff sack are included. Nemo Equipment, Inc., 100 Factory St., Nashua, NH 03060; 800/997-9301; www.nemoequipment.com
GMan Industries GTank
Would you rather ride or hop from gas station to gas station? Suzuki LCI500 and C90 owners can keep on rollin thanks.to the auxiliary 2.5-gallon GTank. Retailing for either $395 or $489, depending on the application, the epoxycoated aluminum tank mounts permanently and invisibly under the bike, with no modifications to the stock gas tank aside from revisions to the fuel and vent lines. Aftermarket exhaust pipes, however, are required. GMan Industries, Ltd., P0. Box 2175, Renton, WA 98056; 425/228-1484; www.gmanindustries.com
California Knives Roll-Lock Auto
A quality knife is a serious tool that can provide decades of dedicated service. The New Roll-Lock California Auto ($109) is manufactured from high-tech materials and boasts quality, made-in-USA craftsmanship. An integrated roll wheel opens the 3 1/2 -inch precision-machined blade and also locks it in the open and/or closed position. A pocket clip is standard, and production is limited to just 500 examples. California Knives, 809 S. Santa Fe Ave., visalla, CA 93292; 559/733-8751; www.californiaknives.com
Nuun Active Hydration Tablets
Bonk from an electrolyte imbalance? Not if you filled your drink reservoir with water and Nuun active-hydration tablets. Unlike with messy powders. side-of-thetrail use couldn't be easier. Simply drop one self-dissolving, quarter-sized tablet into 16 ounces of water, wait 2 minutes and voila-optimal hydration. The non-staining, caffeineand sugar-free concoction contains a combination of sodium, potassium, magnesium. calcium, vitamin C and riboflavin, among other nutrients. Taste is subjective, of course, but to our palate, the three flavors-Lemon+Lime, Tri-Berry and Citrus Fruit-are slightly tart but didn't upset our stomachs. Priced at $6.50, a compact, 12-tablet tube fits in a jacket pocket or a fanny pack. Nuun and Co., P0. Box 31080, Seattle, WA 98103; 2061219-9237; www.nuun.com
Arlen Ness Billet Spokes
Forget what you know about custom wheels. Arlen Ness' Billet Spokes consist of machined-aluminum rims, center hubs and spokes, but that's where similarities to conventional hoops end. There are 14 spokes-available anodized or chromed-per wheel in straight or crossed styles, held securely in place with special 3/8inch dowel-type bushings to isolate the mounting hardware from acceleration and braking loads. Current sizes include: 21 x 3.5 ($1999), 18 x 3.5 ($1999) and 18 x 10.5 ($2599). Coming soon: 23 x 3.5-inch front and 20 x 10.5-inch rear sizes. Arlen Ness Motorcycles, 6050 Dublin Rd., Dublin, CA 94568; 925/479-6350; www.arlenness.com
