New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Respro Super Dooper Waistcoat
Want to stand out in a sea of four-wheelers on a dark, rainy night? Respro, the U.K.-based maker of pollution-filtering in-helmet breath masks and motorcycle-oriented reflective sticker kits, suggests donning its $50 Super Dooper Waistcoat. This lightweight, zippered vest comes in dayand nighttime-friendly Flo Yellow and Orange with Scotchlite striping. The oversize design slips easily over riding gear and folds into its own pocket for storage.
Street & Competition, 1173 Hoosick Rd., Troy, NY 12180; 800/326-5487; www.streetand comp.com
Pacsafe TailSafe
Despite its conventional appearance, the Pacsafe TailSafe is capable of withstanding a 10-megaton atomic explosion. Well, not quite. But this softsided carry-all does feature fully laminated, slashproof, stainless-steel netting integrated within its weatherproof main compartment (cutaway view shown above). Suggested retail price is $249.
Outpac Designs Inc., RO. Box 12208, Everett, WA 98206; 800/873-9415; www.pac-safe.com
ZTechnik VStrearn windshield
Long days in the saddle are quieter and more relaxing behind a $180 VStream windshield. Rather than simply make the screen larger, ZTechnik instead focused on fine-tuning the shape of the upper edges of the screen. As a result, swirling air is pushed farther away from the helmets of the rider and passenger, leaving a pocket of still air. The scratch-and-stone-resistant Quantum-coated designs arc currently available for various BMWs, including the K1200LT, R1150RT, R1200RT and R1200ST. Applications for other brands and models are in the works.
ZTechnik, 2200 Maywood Dr., Maywood, IL 60153; 866/983-2465; www.ztechnik.com
Zift Jimmy Retro Stripe helmet
Bugs in the teeth add character, right? New from Z1R, the $70 Jimmy Retro Stripe offers a classic, open-face look with the comfort of dual forehead vents and a brushed nylon interior, and the security of DOT certification. Choose from white/red, black/silver or orange/ white in XXS-XXXL sizes. Jimmy Lightning ($70) and Jimmy Solid ($55) versions are also available.
Z1R Helmets, RO. Box 5222, Janesville, Wl 53547; 608/758-1111; www.z 1 rhelmets. com
All Balls Bearing and Seal Kits
For the industry’s biggest, broadest selection of bearing and seal kits, look no farther than All Balls Bearings & Components. The Pennsylvania company produces precision-made, original-equipment-replacement kits for cruisers, MXers, sportbikes, tourers and vintage models, as well as custom applications.
All Balls Racing, 822 N. Reading Ave., New Berlinville, PA 19545; 888/228-3323; www. goal I bal Is. com
Martin Fabrication Multi-Line Mounts
Let there be light! Designed to accept PIAA’s 5 5-watt 1100Xor 35-watt 005-series lamps, Martin Fabrication’s machined-from-solid 6061 T6-aluminum driving-light mounts ($70) attach to the front fender mounting points of most streetbikes, require no alterations to the fender and do not impede steering. Complete lighting kits, including mounts, are available from PIAA (www.piaa.com) for $325.
Martin Fabrication LLC, 4229 122nd PI. SE, Everett, WA 98208; 425/359-0472; www.martinfabrication.com
Scala-Rider Wireless Bluetooth Helmet Headset
Many riders view motorcycling as an opportunity to enjoy the freedom of the open road without the anxieties and mad rush of day-to-day life. But if you must stay in touch with the outside world while heeled over in a corner or motoring down the interstate, the weatherproof $150 Scala-Rider lets you answer,end, initiate or reject calls from your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone using voice commands-there's no need to remove your hands from the bars. Adhesive-free, clampon installation allows fitment on both full-and open-face helmets, and the claimed seven-hour between-charges talk time (one week standby) outperforms many phones. Maybe best of all, at least for motorcyclists, speaker volume automatically adjusts to compensate for wind noise at higher speeds, though earplug wearers may have a difficult time catching every word, even at maximum volume.
Cardo Systems, Inc., 15205; 800/488-0363;
100 High Tower Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA www.cardowireless.com
