New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Harley-Davidson Latigo saddlebags
Ever noticed? Harley-Davidsons just look right, somehow, when they’re wearing a set of leather, Pony-Express-style saddlebags. But saddlebags all tend to look alike. The people at Harley-Davidson apparently know that, because they’re now offering a variation on the standard saddlebag theme. These new Latigo leather saddlebags are built slant-style, to follow the contour of Harley shocks. They feature a fender yoke quick-disconnect system to make the bags easy to remove from the bike, and an internal steel frame to help the bags retain their shape. Available for 1982-andlater XL, FXR and FXD models, the bags are sold in Harley-Davidson dealerships and carry a suggested retail price of $350.
Progressive Adaptive Shock for BMWs
If you’re looking for a little more latitude of adjustment from your BMW’s shock, you may be a candidate for the Adaptive Single Shock, from Progressive Suspension (11129 G Ave., Hesperia, CA 92345; 619/948-4012). The Adaptive features adjustable spring preload, and adjustable compression and rebound damping. Its construction includes use of a double-wall steel body, a 14mm shaft and a remote oil reservoir. Suggested retail, complete with spring, is $395. Available for 1984-91 K100LT/RT, 1985-91 K75C/T/LR/RT/S, and 1988-89 K100RS models.
National Cycle Airhawk fairing
One of the nice things about the growing crop of standard-style motorcycles is that they’re ripe for customizing. And one of the first accessories many riders reach for is a fairing. For those riders, National Cycle (P.O. Box 158, Maywood, IL 60153-158; 708/343-0400) has created the Airhawk, which uses its angular lines and crisp shape to help isolate a rider from wind blast. With National Cycle’s patented QuickSet four-point mounting hardware, the fairing can be removed in 30 seconds, according to National Cycle. Available in a light gray tint or in a darker blue-gray, the Airhawk costs $125.
APE Yamaha FJ1450 kit
Bored by the performance of your Yamaha FJ1100 or FJ1200? American Performance Engineering (Box 6998, Burbank, CA 91510; 818/842-4952) has something that may interest you. It’s the Gorilla Block cylinder and piston kit, complete with piston rings, wristpins and head gasket. The displacement increase that results from the kit’s installation is said to result in a dramatic lowand midrange torque boost. The Gorilla Block assembly installs just like the stock parts it replaces, but requires engine-case boring, a job that APE can handle for a $45 charge. Cost of the Gorilla Block kit is $849.
Motorace Tire Yoke mounting levers
Without the right tools, tire mounting can be a frustrating experience. Motorace (Box 861, Wilbraham, MA 01095; 800/628-4040) claims it has the right tools. Called Tire Yokes, these mounting levers are 15 inches long and an inch wide. Made of forged steel, these tools incorporate a special bend at the installation end that allows a smooth fit under the tire bead and over the edge of the rim. This feature, according to Motorace, eliminates tool slipping, and tire and tube damage. They’re available at motorcycle dealers for $9.95 each.
Dunlopad sintered brake pads
When it’s time to renew your bike’s stopping power, you might consider disc-brake pads from Dunlopad, one of Europe’s brake technology pioneers. Tony Mills International, Inc. (394 Shetland Dr., Williamsville, NY 14221 ; 716/631 -3328) has been handed the task of widening Dunlopad’s distribution network in the United States. These British-built sinteredmetal brake pads, priced from $27 to $40 per caliper for street and off-road motorcycles, are asbestosand leadfree. They’re outstanding in wet and muddy conditions, too, according to the manufacturer. Brake fade caused by heat transferring from the caliper to the brake fluid is lessened by a heatshielding layer of ceramic on the piston side of each brake pad.
