New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Yoshimura TRC Slip-On Muffler
Prepping your 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R for the racetrack? Along with requisite safety-wiring and removal of street equipment, you might consider fitting an aftermarket muffler, such as Yoshimura’s TRC slip-on. Offered in carbon-fiber ($549), stainless-steel ($429) or titanium ($499) with a stainless-steel tailpipe and laser-cut heat shield, the kicked-up design is said to improve horsepower and torque across the rev range-no small feat on a 249cc parallel-Twin!
Yoshimura R&D of America, Inc., 5420 Daniels St., Chino, CA 91710; 909/628-4722; www.yoshimura-rd.com
Harley-Daidson Motorclothes Alternator Jacket
Not all street riders need or want the bulk or warmth of leather on every ride. That’s why Harley-Davidson’s Motordothes division created the armor-optional Alternator jacket ($425-445; sizes S-XXXL). Thanks to “switchback technology,” the leather torso portion can be easily and quickly removed, leaving behind only a lighter layer of free-flowing nylon mesh panels.
Harley-Davidson Motor Co., 3700 W. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee, Wl 53201; 414/342-4680; www.harley-davidson.com
HS Performance Parts Lifetime Oil Filter
Keep your American, European or Japanese streetbike running smoothly and improve its appearance with an US Performance Parts Lifetime Oil Filter ($l 19). Behind the finned, 6061-T6 machined-aluminum housing and nickel-plated rareearth magnet is washable, type-304 stainless-steel “micronic” filter cloth, said to flow seven times more oil than conventional paper elements. Blackanodized ($ 124) and chrome (S144) versions are also available.
HS Performance Parts, 15850 W. Colfax Ave., Golden, CO 80401; 720/341-8249; www.hsperfor manceparts.com
Powerlet Powerbar Plus
Here’s a clean, simple and convenient way to power most electronic devices, including a cell phone, a GPS, an MP3 player or a radar detector, on any motorcycle equipped with a tubular handlebar. Basis for the weather-resistant Powerbar Plus ($130) is a black-anodized or chromed billet-aluminum mount ing bracket fitted with an ISO standard socket. A supplied heavy-duty, fuse-equipped wiring harness is rated for 16 amps. Device support is available via either Techmount (shown) or RAM mounts, with prices starting at $60.
Powerlet Products, 5520 Chicago Rd., Warren, Ml 48092; 877/7527835; www.powerlet.net
Dubach Racing Development Mod Box
Fuel-injection that comes standard on the 2008 Suzuki RM-Z450 opened the door for electronic performance enhancements for motocross bikes. Dubach Racing Development’s Mod Box ($299) is an adjustable fuel controller that alters EFI mapping once the RM-Z’s airbox, filter and exhaust have been modified or replaced with aftermarket parts. There are three modes, each designed for different conditions or riding styles.
Dubach Racing Development, 2038 Second St., Norco, CA 92860; 951/808-1114; www.dubachracing.com
Shoei Hornet-DS
Dual-sport is one of motorcycling’s fastestgrowing segments. It’s also one of the most demanding on bikes and gear as riding conditions and speeds can change frequently. Shoei’s first dedicated on/off-road helmet, the new-for-2008 Hornet-DS ($457-483; sizes XXS-XXL), is designed to eliminate the street-going shortcomings associated with traditional offroad offerings, namely visor-related buffeting at highway speeds. In actual use, the helmet, with its slotted, wedgeshaped peak and flip-up, street-style faceshield, slips through the air smoothly. Bonus: Off-road goggles fit nicely behind the removable, variable-position shield, which can be closed completely and locked down even over wide straps. Adjustable vents send cooling air through the helmet’s sculpted interior, slotted at the temples to accommodate eyeglass wearers. A removable chin curtain reduces wind noise.
Shoei Safety Helmet Corp., 3002 Dow Ave. #128, Tustin, CA 92780; 714/730-0941; www.shoei-helmets.com
The Cycle Guys FastPack
Imagine a collapsible tailpack that when not in use serves as a passenger seat. That’s the idea behind the FastPack ($73). Undoing the self-sealing perimeter zipper makes available 8.8 liters of storage, space enough for your lunch, a jacket liner or a few small grocery items. Three sizes fit late-model sportbikes from Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and Triumph.
The Cycle Guys, Inc., P.O. Box 17545, Anaheim, CA 92817; 714/357-1102; www. thecycleguys.com
