New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Challenger Motorcycle Lift
Sure, a 1750-pound weight rating is overkill for a motorcycle lift. Then again, Challenger didn't cut any corners when it designed the CL1 750A ($1649). This commercial-spec, scissor-style design, base safe approach and to with use dual its ramps and stable foot-pedal simple with platform, a to front/rear air operate. controls, integrated drop Solid is provide quick access to wheels, and multiple safety-lock heights ensure an ergonomically friendly working height. Optional wheel clamps, center jacks and extensions expand the lift's range of service applications.
Challenger Lifts, Inc., 200 Cabel St., Louisville, KY 40206; 800/648-5438; www.challengerlifts.com
Ben Spies: Taking It To The Next Level
Journalist and motorcycle-racing historian Larry Lawrence's compelling tale of champion roadracer Ben Spies' life and racing career thus far is captured in this 160-page, large-format, soft-cover volume, Ben Spies: Taking It To The Next Level ($29.95). Spies' friend and mentor, 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz, wrote the foreword to the book, which begins with Spies' horrific, 186-mph testing crash at Daytona International Speedway in March, 2004, and concludes with the realization of the Texan's lifelong dream: competing in MotoGP.
David Bull Publishing, 4250 E. Camelback Rd. #K150, Phoenix, AZ 85018; 602/852-9500; www.bullpublishing.com
Works Connection Pro Launch Start Device
Ready, set, launch! Your late-model Japanese motocrosser, that is. Works Connection's Pro Launch Start Device ($109.95) keeps the nose of your bike down for the best out-of-the-gate accelera tion. Race-tested by the factory Rockstar Makita Suzuki squad, this lightweight, fork-mounted springless "trigger" is CNC-ma chined from aircraft-grade aluminum, easily engaged by the rider and releases as soon as the front brake is applied. A drilling template and countersinking tool are included.
Works Connection, Inc., 6451 Capitol Ave., Diamond Springs, CA 95619; 530/642-9488; www.worksconnection.com
Eagle One Trim Protector Gel
Eagle One's Trim Protector Gel ($5.49, 18 ounces) isn't just for plastic bumper covers on cars and trucks. Motorcy cles, streetbikes in particular, often come with all sorts of plastic trim pieces whose black coloring, when subjected to harsh ultraviolet rays, can fade. This long-lasting, UV-resistant gel goes on smoothly, spreads evenly and, most importantly, restores that desirable deep, dark factory finish.
Eagle One, P.O. Box 14000, Lexington, KY 40512; 800/8326825; www.eagleone.com
Cobra Engineering Fi2000 PowrPro Tuner
Cobra Engineering claims it has "completely and permanently" changed the world of fuel-injection calibration with its new Fi2000 PowrPro Tuner ($599.95). Every time you open the throttle, this palm-sized, OEM-connector equipped, plug-'n'-ride device reads EFI delivery at a rate of up to 80 times per second and optimizes the air/fuel mixture for load and conditions. End result, says Cobra, is crisp, smooth throttle response and maximum power regardless of the other engine-related modifications you've made to your late-model American or Japanese cruiser. Maybe best of no expensive dyno runs or software downloads are required.
Cobra Engineering, Inc., 23801 E. La Palma Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92801; 714/692-8180; www.cobrausa.com
Alpinestars Cape Town Air and Long Range 2 Drystar Jackets
Introduced this past fall, the Long Range 2 ($499.95; black, S-4XL) and Cape Town Air ($299.95; black or yellow, S-4XL) textile allweather touring jackets use Alpinestars' exclusive Drystar liner L to keep the wearer dry and warm in the harshest riding condi tions. Both coats are manufactured using multi-fabric shell construction-a blend of materials intended to provide the most-favorable combination of durability, protection and weight-and feature removable, CE-certified Bio Armor elbow and shoulder protection. Chest and back compartments include foam padding; CE-certified back and chest guards are offered separately.
Alpinestars, Inc. 2780 W. 237th St., Torrance, CA 90505: 310/891-0222; www.alpinestars.com
Rizoma Parts and Accessories
Rizoma uses words and phrases to identify the products on the pages of its lavishly illustrated catalog that are familiar to most motorcyclists: brake/clutch levers, gas-tank caps, handlebars, rearset control kits, license-plate supports, etc. Actually, "two-wheel jewelry" is a more appropriate description for these beautifully _______ detailed, Italian-made components. All show and no go? Not a chance. Toni Elias' 2010 Moto2 title-winning Gresini Honda was fitted ?OTLIQ with the slim, stylish Proguard brakeand clutch-lever guards ($125 per side, plus $7 adaptor). While most of the parts are designed for sport-oriented models-racer-replicas, naked sportbikes and standards-Rizoma manufactures lj equally attractive and functional pieces 110 for the Harley-Davidson V-Rod and Sport ster, as well as the BMW R1200GS and Yamaha T-Max scooter.
Rizoma USA, Inc., 9230 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212; 877/749-6621; www.rizoma.com
