New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Saddlemen Sport Bike Seats and Luggage
Ready to hit the road this summer on your sportbike? Saddlemen has all-day comfort and storage convenience in mind with its Sport Bike Seats and Luggage. New Gel Channel seats are easy to install and come in three styles: Sport (blackon-black, synthetic-suede cover; $259.95), Tech (flexible fabric top, plus memory foam; $239.95) or flagship Track (bike-specific colors, contoured shape; $259.95). A matching pillion cover is included. Add a Magnetic Tank Bag ($139.95) for short, around-town hops. Longer, overnight hauls call for either the semi-rigid Sport Panniers in either Large ($139.95) or XL ($159.95) or a feature-filled Top Pack ($99.95). Saddlemen, 17801 S. Susana Rd., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221; 800/397-7709; www.saddlemen.com
Park Tool PH-T1 Torx Wrench Set
Got the right tool for the job? Park Tool's PH-T1 Torx Wrench Set ($55) has star-shaped ends for sure engagement and feature Park's proprietary "P" handles. Each wrench is made in the U.S. from industrial steel and through-hardened for long life. Eight-piece set includes T6, T8, T10, T15, T20, T25, T30 and T40 sizes. Park Tool Company, 6 Long Lake Rd., St. Paul, MN 55115; 888/568-4959; www.parktool.com/motorcycle
PIAA H7 Intense White Halogen Headlight Bulb
Bright, white light without a hint of blue is the claim behind PIAA's new H7 White Halogen Headlight Bulb ($45.50). A larger glass tube with a white top coat is said to increase output and allow the bulb to burn at a cooler temperature to balance performance with long life. PIAA Corp., USA, 3004 NE 181st Ave., Portland, OR 97230; 503/489-6666; www.piaa.com
Antique Wash Draggin' Jeans
Create a stylish barrier against road rash with Draggin' Jeans' new antique wash. The faded, worn look is achieved chemically so as not to compromise the protective qualities of the 14.5-ounce denim. As with all Draggin' Jeans, 13.5-ounce Kevlar lines the seat and knees. Pair them with CE-approved SaS-Tec hip ($23.95) and knee ($23.95) armor for greater impact protection. Choose either men's Classic Style ($119.95; waist sizes 30-42) or women's Modern Fit ($119.95; sizes 2-18). Fast Company, 234 10th St. Pl. NW, Hickory, NC 28601; 800/459-2239; www.dragginjeans.com
GIVI Airflow Windshield System
Not the same height as your riding buddies? Stands to reason your windscreen should be different, too. GIVI's two-piece polycarbonate Airflow Windshield System ($239-269) offers 7 inches of adjustment via glove-friendly latches. Claims include a "turbulence-free zone" that cuts wind noise, reduces helmet buffeting and enhances overall protection. Current applications: BMW R1200GS, Honda Silver Wing 400/600, Piaggio MP3 250/400, Suzuki Burgman 400 and DL650/1000, plus Yamaha Majesty 400 and T-Max 500. GIVI USA, Inc., 9309 Forsyth Park Dr., Charlotte, NC 28273; 877/679-4484; www.giviusa.com
Moose Racing Clutch Kits
Moose Racing is your one-stop-shopping place for all late-model GasGas, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha off-road clutch needs ($99.95-$224.95). Sold ready to install, complete kits include friction plates, heavier-than-stock steel plates for improved traction, heat-treated and shotpeened springs and a "high-density, hydro-fused" clutch cover gasket. Moose Racing; www.mooseracing.com
Bell Custom 500
If urban crowding and impending global apocalypse have you feeling a little hot and claustrophobic lately, there's still no better way to combat the forces of darkness than a quick blat around town for a face full of fresh air. Bell's excellent new Custom 500 series helmet harkens back to happier times, 1954 to be precise, when Bell Helmets founder Roy Richter produced his first fiberglass lid. Available in sizes XS-XXL, the new Custom 500 doesn't just look retro, it is retro, with a custom fiberglass shell, special EPS liner with quilted interior and various cool graphic treatments including our choice—the Speed Soul—complete with rear-facing koi, snaps for a peak or shield, real leather trim and chinstrap padding, etc. Very comfy, lightweight (1.94 pounds), low-profile and DOT-approved, and not at all overpriced at $119.99-139.99. Bell Sports, Inc., 5550 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066; 800/456-2355; www.bellpowersports.com
