New Ideas
NEW IDEAS
Two Brothers Racing M-2 Dual V.A.L.E Slip-On Mufflers
Why change the mufflers on your brand-new Suzuki B-King? Four reasons: reduced weight, increased performance, a custom look and enhanced sound. Depending on your choice of aluminum, carbon-fiber or titanium, TBR’s latest-generation slip-ons weigh as much as 19 pounds less than the stock setup and feature the patented Variable Axis Locking Exhaust inlet design for a leak-free fit without springs or welds. Prices start at $800. Two Brothers Racing, 401 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705; 800/211-2767; www.twobros.com
Gauge Shade
Make reading your speedometer or tachometer in bright sunlight easier with the Gauge Shade ($15). Made of UVand chemical-resistant plastic, the Gauge Shade snaps onto 2.25or 3.5-inch-diameter gauge bezels-no additional hardware, drilling or gauge removal required. Choose from 20or 30-degree shade angles in black, white or chrome. Gauge Shade, 419 Bolduc Rd., Middlesex, VT 05602; 802/229-6848; www.gaugeshade.com
Twenty20 VholdR
Kiss your clunky old camcorder goodbye. Twenty20’s VholdR ($350) takes the headache out of recording, editing and sharing on-bike video. The compact, cable-free “shoot-and-store” design uses sophisticated compression software to allow instant playback and sharing of television-quality MPEG-4 files. A multi-adjustable helmet mount is provided. Goggle and handlebar mounts are optional. Twenty20 Corp., 22314 70th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043; 866/397-6920; www.vholdr.com
Renthal TwinRing Chainwheel
Lightweight aluminum drive sprockets don’t offer the durability of heavy-duty steel. That’s why Renthal created the TwinRing Chain-wheel ($130) that mates a 7075 T-6 aluminum center section with a high-strength, nickel-coated steel outer ring. The Chainwheel is available for popular late-model dirtbikes with #520 drive chains. Sizes range from 47 to 53 teeth. Renthal Ltd., 27636 Avenue Scott #A, Valencia, CA 91355; 877/736-8425; www.renthal.com
Ogio Tanker Tankbag
The Tanker ($120) is the newest addition to Ogio’s extensive line of onand off-bike luggage. The large main compartment and multiple exterior pockets-which include specific cell-phone, sunglasses and fleece-lined audio storage-provide tons of cargo space. Magnetic flaps and adjustable straps keep the bag secure until you reach your destination and employ the fold-away carrying strap. Ogio International, 14926 Pony Express Rd., Bluffdale, UT 84065; 800/922-1944; www.ogio.com
Kimber Guardian Angel
Looking for extra security while on the road? Kimber’s palm-size Guardian Angel ($42) is a non-lethal, self-defense tool that shoots highly inflammatory oleoresin capsicum, better known as pepper spray, up to 13 feet. It’s simple, effective protection against anyone who might want to harm you-or your motorcycle. Kimber Mfg., Inc., 1 Lawton St., Yonkers, NY 10705; 800/880-2418; www.life-act.com
CW SPOT LIGHT
V-Strom Tall Windshield
Apparently happy with building the practically perfect allrounder in the V-Strom 650, Suzuki gave the windshield guys the day off. Our last testbike was afflicted with so much annoying turbulence that we ripped the screen off altogether just to get some blessed relief. Suzuki’s Accessory Department has a more aesthetically pleasing solution in its replacement tall windshield ($80). It is a full 3 inches taller, 2½ inches wider and differently shaped than the stock piece. This larger windscreen really does the aero trick. All is not 100-percent ideal: By design, the Suzuki’s fairing is so far away from the rider that some “spillover" is inevitable, but now our ’Strom is inching that much closer to perfection. Also available for the V-Strom 1000. American Suzuki Motor Corp., 3251 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, CA 92821; 800/828-7433; www.suzukicycles.com
Park Tool I-Beam Folding Tools
Small enough to fit in a jacket or pants pocket, the IB-1 ($13) and IB-2 ($15) folding tools are perfect for making quick adjustments or minor repairs on the side of the road or trail. Weighing just 4 ounces, each is equipped with a selection of hex wrenches and a straight-blade screwdriver; the IB-2 also has a T25 Torx wrench. Park Tool USA, 6 Long Lake Rd., St. Paul, MN 55115; 651/777-6868; www.parktool.com
Orikaso Fold-Flat Tableware
Thinking of taking your motorcycle on a backcountry tour? You won’t want to leave home without Orikaso’s Fold-Flat Dinner Set ($29). The set includes two bowls, two multi-use dishes and two cups, all made from lightweight, durable polypropylene. The entire package folds flat and is less than half an inch thick when not in use. Axis Outdoor, P.O. Box 1572, Everett, WA 98206; 800/335-0260; www.axisoutdoor.com
Pro Honda HP4S Synthetic Oil
If you ride a 2006 or newer Honda motorcycle or scooter, here’s your engine oil. The company’s first full synthetic, 10w-30 HP4S ($10) is said to reduce friction, quicken low-temperature flow and offer improved oxidation resistance for better high-heat running. Bonus: HP4S can be used in both the engines and the transmissions of Unicam CRFs. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., 1919 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501; 866/784-1870; www.powersports. honda.com
Easy Wheeler
The Easy Wheeler ($300) lets you clean your rims, tighten your spokes or lube your chain without lifting either wheel of your motorcycle off the ground. Centered on the contoured solid-aluminum rollers, the wheel is easily rotated using the supplied hex-drive extension and a half-inch ratchet or hand drill. Midwest Innovative Products Inc., P.O. Box 126, Waterloo, IL 62298; 618/281-3604; www.easywheeler.com
