Departments

New Ideas

October 1 2007
Departments
New Ideas
October 1 2007

NEW IDEAS

TaylorMade Racing Underbelly Exhaust Kit

The only thing hotter than MotoGP is this GP-style muffler for the 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000. Said to weigh a whopping 20 pounds less than the stock setup, the three-piece TaylorMade Racing Underbelly Exhaust Kit ($795) replaces the factory-issue under-engine pre-muffler and dual side-mounted canisters with a fully baffled, ceramic-coated titanium silencer. Carbon-fiber trim pieces blend in with the OEM fairing lowers for a clean, aerodynamic appearance. Expect an increase of 6.5 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 3 hp on top, along with a significant bump in sound, from 96 decibels to 105. TaylorMade Racing Inc., 7712 Gloria Ave. #3, Van Nuys, CA 91406; 818/781-8123; www.racetaylormade.com

Givi V35 Monokey Side Cases

Underseat exhausts may look cool, but they can be a nightmare when it comes to fitting luggage. Givi has a solution. Compatible with the new PLX-series mounting system ($180), the neatly integrated, narrow-pro-file V35 Monokey Side Cases provide 35 liters of storage capacity, and lock, unlock and detach with a single key. They are available for various late-model European and Japanese motorcycles. Suggested retail for Matte Black is $519; Gloss Silver, Satin Silver and Gloss Black are priced slightly higher. Givi USA, Inc., 9309 Forsyth Park Dr., Charlotte, NC 28273; 877/679-4484; www.giviusa.com

Joe Rocket RKT101 Helmet

With the addition of its new DOTand Snell-approved full-face helmet, Joe Rocket now has you covered from head to toe. Available in XS-XXL sizes in three striking graphics—Rocket Science, Solid Edge or Good and Evil—the RKT101 ($270) features a composite-fiberglass shell, a removable, washable interior, intake and exhaust vents, and an optically correct, Pinlock-ready faceshield with tool-less changeability. Joe Rocket, 925 Turnbull Dr., Idaho Falls, ID 83401; 800/635-6103; www.joerocket.com

Eagle One Nano-Wash & Wax

Life is too short to spend hours washing and waxing your motorcycle. Good thing Eagle One Nano-Wash & Wax ($6.99) combines those two tasks. In addition to cleaning and protecting in a single step, the concentrated formula is engineered to dry to a spot-free shine and keep dirt from being re-deposited back onto your bike as you wash. Eagle One, P.O. Box 14000, Lexington, KY 40512; 877/532-4536; www.eagleone.com

ChatterBox GMRS X1 Bluetooth

Don't be afraid to saddle up out of concern that you might miss an important phone call. If you pair your Bluetooth-compatible mobile device with the Chatterbox GMRS X1 Bluetooth ($400), you can answer calls while in transit. The helmet-mounted communicator boasts improved speakers, a 5-mile between-rider range, an illuminated display, 22 channels with 38 talk groups and can simultaneously access an auxiliary music player. ChatterBox, 16918 Edwards Rd., Cerritos, CA 90703; 888/452-2269; www.chatterboxusa.com

X Brand GOX Goggle

Choosing an off-road goggle isn't easy, but X Brand is making the decision-making process a little easier. The GOX ($45) comes with clear and mirrored shatter-resistant, anti-scratch, anti-fog lenses. The frame is made of a lightweight urethane blend that has a firm yet pliable feel for comfort and protection. Four-layer 17mm-thick face foam backed with a moisture-wicking fleece lining keeps sweat out of your eyes. The X Brand, 7812 Gloria Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406; 818/592-6434; www.thexbrand.com

Beringer Aerotec Six-Piston Calipers

French brake-maker Beringer has developed a six-piston caliper for the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R1. Machined from aircraft-grade billet aluminum, the 775-gram Aerotec ($560 per caliper) is a direct replacement for the stock six-piston brake and features a patented retaining system that allows the proprietary pads to float freely within the caliper, reducing disc drag. Racing versions equipped with titanium pistons and hardware are also available, as are complementary radial master cylinders. Beringer Brakes USA, 4050 Spencer St. #1, Torrance, CA 90503; 310/370-9856; www.beringerbrakes.com

Hangin' Leather

Leathers and other heavy riding apparel deserve better than a simple wooden wall peg. Hangin' Leathers handlebar-look-alike hanger ($30) is just the ticket. Manufactured of heavy-duty steel, the patentpending design is offered unpainted or powdercoated black, orange, red or silver. Two sizes provide the perfect fit for any jacket or riding suit, and 5-inch molded-rubber shoulder grips keep gear where it belongs: on the hanger and off the floor of your garage. Hangin' Leather, PO. Box 8121, Fountain Valley, CA 92728; 714/612-4770;k www.hangin leather.com

Trixter X-Bike 600

what do the greatest motocrosser of all time and the current MotoGP World Champion have in common? Ricky Carmichael and Nicky Hayden both employ elite trainer Aldon Baker, who swears by the Trixter X-Bike 600 ($1195) for indoor training. This not-so-stationary bicycle features a rocking handlebar mechanism that allows the rider to work the entire body, as opposed to only the legs. Additional features include a freewheeling drivetrain, 32-levels of resistance, and micro-adjustable handlebar and seat heights. Pedals have toe-clips on one side and SPD-style clipless interfaces on the other. Ride along to one of five 30-minute DVD ($20) workouts and you'll find that the X-Bike is the closest thing to getting an outdoor cycling workout indoors. Trixter North America, 570 El Camino Real #150-462, Redwood City, CA 94063; 650/364-7525; www.x-biking.com

Dirtbag Motorcycle Cover

Preserve your off-road motorcycle during transport or post-ride from the ravages of Mother Nature by covering it with a Dirtbag ($200). Water-and windproof, the cordura-nylon design is secured with adjustable locking buckles and webbed mountaineering-grade straps. Dirtbag Designs, LLC, 401 Cabinet St., Milford, MI 48381; 248/491-7458; www.dirtbagdesigns.com

Risk Racing Holeshot Race Gate

In motocross, reaching the first turn before the rest of the other crazies is half the battle. So perfecting your starting technique is the key to success. That's why any up-and-coming racer looking to better his results could benefit from the Risk Racing Holeshot Race Gate ($279). A wireless handlebar-mounted remote activates a computerized timing sequence that randomly drops the gate within a 1to 5-second period. Risk Racing, LLC, 268 Stillwater Rd., Troutman, NC 28166; 704/264-6630; www.risk-racing.com

ESquad Jeans

Want lower-torso crash protection without compromising comfort and style? ESquad claims its patented Armalith denim is as tough as leather. Produced from a fiber not originally intended for textile use, reworked, treated and combined with cotton, then woven using a special process, the final product has the traditional appearance, suppleness and breathability ofjeans. Choose from two styles in men's and women's sizes. Prices start at $450. ESquad SA, IL4robase, Le Causse-Espace d'Entreprises, Technopole, Castres-Mazamet, 81100 Castres, France; 011-33-563-735-151; www.esquad-jeans.com