Tag Archives: Bike accessories

Motorcycle seat slides with the rider

Imagine a seat that slides with the riders when they move sideways out of their seat for corners or forward and back for aerodynamic effect.

Now Finnish engineering company Etteplan has received a patent for a seat that slides sideways and forward and back with the rider.

The seat has been tested by disabled Finnish racer Ulla Kulju who was paralysed at 15 in a snowboarding accident.

sliding seat slides
Ulla

She works as a Senior Design Engineer at Etteplan and is the world’s first paraplegic female motorcycle racer, coming sixth in the disabled world championships 2017.

Perhaps it would be useful for disabled riders, but we’re not so sure it would be useful for other riders.

What would prevent it sliding around and upsetting the rider’s control?

The company says the invention would be useful for all racers and helped Ulla improve her lap times.

Not only has the patent been granted for the seat, but also the manufacturing process as it is 3D printed in one piece.

Printing motorcycle parts on 3D printers looks like being the future of motorcycling for precise and cheap manufacturer.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

What happened to motorcycle centre stands?

What has happened to motorcycle centre stands which are often only available as options (like on the above Kawasaki Z900RS) or provided as standard on just the biggest motorcycles?

When I started riding in the ‘70s, most road bikes had them.

Honda CX500 with standard vinyl seat
1980s Honda CX500 had a centre stand

Even some modern bikes regarded as touring bikes don’t have these utilitarian stands and if you want to buy one, they cost several hundred dollars.

Benefits of centre standsHonda Africa Twin CRF1000L main stand

A centre stand is vital for any chain-driven motorcycle heavier than, say a 400cc bike.

Here are some of the advantages of centre stands:

  • They will allow you to securely park on soft ground;
  • They make it easy to clean and lubricate the chain;
  • They allow you to fit your bike in a narrow space such as in your garage or within parking line markings; and 
  • You can sit or even sleep on your bike when it’s on a centre stand!

The only option is to buy a paddock stand which often also requires the owner to fit pick-ups. But of course you can’t take these with you on tour.Anderson Stands centre

Reasons for omission

There are three main reasons manufacturers don’t provide centre stands as standard equipment on most modern motorcycles.

The first is to make the bike appear cheaper.

It’s a competitive industry and price is a huge bargaining tool.

Most buyers are more interested in the power of the engine, the bright colours and hi-tech features, often forgetting about practical things like a centre stand.

The second reason is that they don’t look sexy!

I can’t recall one motorcycle brochure or promo photo showing a motorcycle on a centre stand even when they have one.

I’ve seen motorcycles on paddock stands, but not a provided centre stand.

MV Agusta Superveloce 800
MV Agusta Superveloce 800 on a paddock stand

The third reason is emissions regulations.

It is becoming more and more difficult for manufacturers to reach the ever-increasing standards of European emissions controls.

So they try to keep the bike’s weight down to improve engine efficiency.

Centre stands are heavy, often weighing several kilograms, so jettisoning this extra weight allows manufacturers to reach emissions targets.

Even many modern side stands are now made of a light alloy rather than a substantial steel or iron for weight-saving reasons.

Consequently, they bend and can develop faults with the engine cut-off switch. You should never stand on the pegs to mount a tall bike while it is on its side stand for this very reason.

Weight-saving and emissions targets are also why fuel tanks are getting smaller on modern bikes … but don’t get me started on that!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Corbin seat for Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Famous seat manufacturer Corbin has introduced a new seat to soften the hard ride of the new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.

If the mark of a successful model is the number of aftermarket accessory companies that provide premium parts, Royal Enfield is on a winner with the new Interceptor and Continental GT 650.

Swedish premium suspension company Ohlins was the first with full suspension upgrades for the twins.

The FSK145 fork springs cost $A399 and the RE911 twin shocks are $A1129 or $A949 for the RE912.

They will be followed by full suspension for the 400cc Himalayan adventurer. Prices are expected to be $A399 for the FSK 144 forks and $A1395 for the RE 907 shocks.

American engine giant S&S Cycle has followed up with 750cc and 865cc big-bore kits, mufflers and various other parts for the twins. (See end of article for a full price list.)S&S Cycles big bore kit for Royal Enfield 650 camshaft-kit-royal-enfield-650

Corbin seatCorbin seat for Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Now Corbin has joined the parts rush with a $US497 Gunfighter & Lady seat.

It is made with Comfort Cell foam and accepts an adjustable removable passenger backrest ($US257).Corbin seat for Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

A simple setscrew on the rear of the backrest sets the angle without removing it from the seat. Support hardware is built inside the seat to keep a clean look without external brackets.

There is also a small, plastic four-litre top box ($US393) available for the backrest to store wets, gloves, water, maps, etc.

S&S parts

Here is the full list of S&S performance parts for the new Royal twins.

Part

Price (USD)

Price (INR – For Representation only)

Dynojet Power Commander V with Calibration

USD399.99

INR27,760

High-Flow Air Intake Eliminator Plate Kit

USD23.95

INR1,662

High-Flow Replacement Air Filter

USD59.95

INR4,161

High-Compression 11:1 Piston Kit

USD492.95

INR34,211

Stainless Muffler Set

USD641.95

INR44,552

Race only Stainless Muffler Set

USD474.95

INR32,962

Handlebar Adjuster Kit (INT 650)

USD69.95

INR4,855

Performance Clutch Kit

USD399.95

INR27,757

High-Performance Camshaft Kit with Shims

USD186.95

INR12,975

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoBrite sign for roadside breakdowns

Welsh invention MotoBrite increases the visibility of motorcycles broken down at the side of the road at night or in fog with its high-density LED hazard warning sign.

The hazard sign is hidden underneath the number plate and can quickly be deployed in an emergency situation.

It would be much more noticeable than motorcycle hazard lights, especially in foggy conditions. That’s probably why Welsh road safety innovation company, Road Safety Designs, thought of it first!

Over the past year, Road Safety Designs has established distribution networks in countries such as Australia, Dubai and Mexico.

It will now use these relationships to take its latest product to the international market.

However, company spokeswoman Claire Saralis says they currently only have the one big size to fit British motorcycle number plates.

“But if demand for different sizes was there, this is certainly something we would consider,” she says.

Obviously an Australian adaptation would have to be much smaller. We can’t see any reason why it would contravene any rules.

Visible MotoBrite signMotobrite hazard sign

MotoBrite is visible up to 300m away in daylight and at night.

Road Safety Designs boss and MotoBrite designer Steve Wornham started the company after he narrowly avoided hitting a stranded motorist changing a tyre on a poorly lit road.

“We have now made it our mission to prevent this, or worse from happening again,” he says. 

“There were a number of factors to consider during the design process, the main one being limitation of storage on a motorcycle.

“Designing something that would be a permanent fixture on the motorcycle seemed to be the best solution, and being battery powered meant that the MotoBrite would not depend on the motorcycle as its power source.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

X2 motorcycle phone mount has power

This universal X2 phone mount comes with power attachment at just $36, including postage.

Many motorcycle and scooter riders now use their phone rather than a GPS to navigate, but most phone mounts won’t power your phone or electronic device.

However, the X2 will keep you powered up all day long.

It will fit just about any phone size and grips with four sprung claw-style holders plus the extra security of a rubber holders top and bottom. The back also has non-slip pads.X2 phone mount

We have tried the unit with iPhone plus sizes and the smaller XS over some bumpy country roads without the phones shaking loose.

It comes with two mounting options to fit just about any motorcycle or scooter. One is a U-clamp to go around the handlebar or wing mirror stem, the other is a bolt-down mount.

The holder has ball-link points to rotate the unit 360 degrees allowing you to position it so it is easy to see, but does not obscure your bike’s instruments.

There are many other similar phone holders on the market, but this is the first we have seen that is also powered.

It comes with 1.3m of cable to attach to your ignition or directly to the battery.X2 phone mount

The built-in USB charging port will allow you to keep your phone or other electronic device charged while you are riding.

This is important as navigation and Bluetooth connection can drain a phone quite quickly.

However, we warn riders not to use the phone screen while riding to check your Facebook status our any other distracting function.

The X2 phone mount comes standard with the clamp mount and bolt mount, two spare claws, anti-slip pads and rubber holders.X2 phone mount

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Anderson Stands struggling with demand

After reopening in 2018, famous Australian motorcycle stand business Anderson Stands has been struggling to keep up with the strong demand from customers.

New owner Michael Jeffery has replied to several of our readers who have expressed concern that they cannot contact the company and feared they had gone out of business again.

“We are still in business and the business of Anderson Stands is growing from its new start up quicker than I have been able to keep up with,” says Michael, a passionate Sydney-based motorcycle racer.

The mechanical engineer, fitter, machinist, welder and fabricator bought Anderson Stands more than a year ago after founder Chris Anderson decided to wind up the business.

Michael says he wanted to keep alive the iconic Australian brand and its quality product line.

“These are a quality made stands and a staple in the Australian marketplace,” he told us.

Anderson Stands struggling

Struggling to keep up

However, it has been hard work and the company is struggling to keep up with the flood of orders.

“The unfortunate result of this is we have not yet been able to get ahead in our manufacturing and the stands are selling quicker than we can produce them,” Michael says.

“The fallout from this is we have been unable to engage with every customer enquiry as we look to find the balance between the manufacturing and our customer service.

“Please let people know that we are working day and night to get ahead and re-establish Anderson Stands back into the motorcycle market place.

“I had intended to re-establish Anderson Stands initially with a low profile so that I could get some products into productions.

“The unfortunate result has been our low profile has only generated more interest towards Anderson Stands and everyone is chasing to have one.”

Anderson StandsAnderson Stands struggling

Bright red powder-coated Anderson Stands have been used by road riders, professional racers and race teams for more than 30 years.

They have an enviable reputation for quality and performance.Anderson Stands struggling

The original stands claim several firsts: adjustable width and interchangeable attachments; Big Wheel design; height adjustment; Castor stands (dubbed the Spacesavers); and a front Under Fork stand.

“They are Australian made with Australian steel and Australian quality and manufactured right here in Sydney,” Michael told us last year when the company relaunched.Anderson Stands struggling

“Chris designed, fabricated and manufactured these stands to be functional and lifelong, with no compromises and we will continue to manufacture Anderson Stands true to these values.

“We are not going to compete against the Chinese market, we do not build Flat-Pack stands.”

All their stands are fully seam-welded and powered-coated.

Click here to see their product list and prices.

And please be patient!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

S&S big-bore kits for Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield is on a winner with its 650cc twins as American engine giant S&S Cycle has now added 750cc and 865cc big-bore kits.

This follows the recent announcement that premium Swedish suspension manufacturer Ohlins has developed suspension grades for the twins and the Himalayan.

S&S also have other performance parts for the new Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.

They include clutch kits ($US399.95), mufflers ($US474.95) and handlebar adjuster kits ($US69.95).

But the biggest news is the 750cc big-bore kit at $US630.95 (about $A900) and 865cc kit ($US634.95).

S&S usually only make big-bore kits and performance gear for Harley-Davidson and Indian V-twins.

This is the first time the Wisconsin company has produced performance parts for any other specific motorcycle.

The company stress that the performance gear is for “closed-course competition use only”.

While they do not yet reveal power and torque output for the kits, they have released the following tech details.

750cc big-bore kit:

Stock

S&S 750 Kit

Bore X Stroke

78 x 67.8mm

83.5 x 67.8mm

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

11.0:1

865cc kit:

Stock

S&S 865 Kit

Bore X Stroke

78 x 67.8mm

90 x 67.8mm

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

11.0:1

The kits feature comprehensive engine upgrades including larger cylinders and pistons in addition to new head gasket.

Royal Enfield’s 648cc parallel twin produces 35kW (47hp) and 52Nm of torque. Output should increase about another 17kW to around 52kW.Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 arriving bore

Here is the full list of S&S performance parts for the new Royal twins.

Part

Price (USD)

Price (INR – For Representation only)

Dynojet Power Commander V with Calibration

USD399.99

INR27,760

High-Flow Air Intake Eliminator Plate Kit

USD23.95

INR1,662

High-Flow Replacement Air Filter

USD59.95

INR4,161

High-Compression 11:1 Piston Kit

USD492.95

INR34,211

Stainless Muffler Set

USD641.95

INR44,552

Race only Stainless Muffler Set

USD474.95

INR32,962

Handlebar Adjuster Kit (INT 650)

USD69.95

INR4,855

Performance Clutch Kit

USD399.95

INR27,757

High-Performance Camshaft Kit with Shims

USD186.95

INR12,975

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Öhlins develops Royal Enfield suspension

Premium Swedish suspension company Öhlins has developed special suspension for Royal Enfield motorcycles for the first time.

The first models to get the Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers and fork springs with adjustable pre-load caps are the new and very popular 650cc twin-cylinder Interceptor and Continental GT.

They will be followed by full suspension for the 400cc Himalayan adventurer.

When I tested the Interceptor and Continental GT, I found the standard American-made Gabriel shocks a little on the soft side for my 80kg frame.

I pumped up the rear preload to the fourth of five settings but it still managed to bottom out over some big bumps, bounced around at the rear and wobbled a little over mid-corner irregularities.

Ohlins developed on harsh roads

“Öhlins takes the bike to another level, especially for those that will ride pillion or push their bike to the limits,” says ASEAN Business Development Executive Dale Schmidtchen in Thailand.

“The suspension was developed this year here where the roads are similar in quality to roads in Australia.

“The rear shock option for the Himalayan will be a great option for resolving two concerns with owners.

“Access to the spring preload is very hard on this model, so Öhlins will offer a shock absorber with remote preload adjustment, which in turn allows the rider to quickly adjust for varying load weights and road conditions.

“With Öhlins suspension, firstly you now have the option to adjust spring and preload for varying rider, pillion and loaded equipment. This is not just a comfort feature, but also safety.

“Dynamic ground clearance will be improved, as well as stability through corners. And last but not least, with most of a bikes braking control being a by-product of the compression stroke of the forks, this will allow for better braking, especially over bumps.

Öhlins has not yet released prices, but say they will be a “surprise”.

They come in either black or yellow with interchangeable springs.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Touratech launch Zega Evo panniers

German motorcycle accessory company Touratech has released high-end aluminium Zega Evo panniers in black or silver with a new mounting system.

Touratech says the mount is more robust than its predecessor system and can be attached and taken off easily thanks to the rounder design of the fasteners.

Simply slide the hooks on to the rack and push the tension lever down until it clicks into place. To remove, pull on the tension lever and lift the pannier from the rack.

Yet they say they are secure and won’t fall off on the roughest track.

Zega Evo sizes

The waterproof Zego Evo come in 31-litre, 38L and 45L capacities and cost $1150.01 each in black and $1069.59 in silver.

Weight is 5.9kg for 31L, 6.4kg for 38L, 6.9L for 45L.

To better organise your luggage, there are fastening hooks on the inside of the lid. The outside of the lid also has high-strength attachment eyes.

Zega Evo comes with a webbing carry handle integrated into the lid recess.

Touratech has been making the Zega family of aluminium panniers for more than 25 years.

Like its predecessors, the new Evo is made of high-strength 1.5-millimetre-thick aluminium.

The new lid catches retain the popular hinge function that allows the lid to be opened from both sides or removed completely.

The lid and base of the pannier are manufactured using a modern deep-drawing process, which eliminates the need for unattractive welding seams.Touratech Zega Evo

Waterproof

The outer shell and base are attached by high-quality, waterproof rivets and the pannier is sealed with silocone.

The lid has a tongue and groove profile with an integrated silicone seal, which guarantees a watertight seal.

The newly developed ventilation system relieves the pressure in or on the pannier if there’s a change in altitude.

This means you can open a pannier at high altitude even though you closed it thousands of metres down in a valley.

Zega Evo has accessory fixing pins to attach the special Evo accessory holders without drilling holes in the case.

Touratech has mounting units to suit most adventure and touring motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle Modifications You Might Want To Get

(Contributed post on bike modifications for our North American readers)

Motorcycles are fun to own, and not just for the pure fun of going for a ride on a sunny day. There’s also the joy you get in personalizing it to make it really feel like its yours, and an expression of who you are. They may be machines, but they also help express your passion in steel and chrome customizations. But there’s more to modifying your motorcycle than just aesthetics, you do so in order to add value and to also protect your investment. But, just as some modifications can improve your motorbike, others affect the performance negatively or even make it unsafe to ride. It’s for this reason that you need to choose your modifications wisely. So, what modifications should you consider installing on your bike?

Frame Sliders

Frame sliders have the same function as bull bars in that they keep the frame of the bike away from the ground in the event of a crash. Frame sliders are inexpensive and they can save you a lot of money and heartache because they prevent, or at least minimize, damage to your motorcycle’s frame. As many motorcycle owners already know, frame repairs can be very costly.

Engine Guards

Much like frame sliders, engine guards are protective additions to your motorcycle. Many motorcycle owners would tell you that the engine is the single most expensive component of your bike. An engine is composed of thousands of tiny parts, to the point that you can wind up better off buying a new bike instead of a new engine if it gets damaged severely enough. And while it’s true that you can indeed craft your own parts by making use of bronze castings, doing so to replace engine components is a task that is far too complicated.

Upgraded Suspension

Ohlins TTX-GP 7 shock

Suspension systems aren’t just meant to ensure a smooth ride, they are also meant to provide as much control as possible to the rider. An upgraded suspension also helps increase the longevity of your motorbike by protecting vital the internal parts from being shaken up due to bumps on the road.

Tires

Much like an upgraded suspension system, tires are going to help you maintain control as you go through sharp curves and corners. The best part is that since your motorcycle already comes with stock tires, you can often sell them to help offset the cost of buying upgraded tires. Aside from the extra traction and control, your bike’s going to look much better with thicker tires. Thickers tires also last longer than stock tires, so you get good value from the extra cost.

Improved Windshields

Windshields on motorcycles are more important than most people give them credit for. They direct airflow around the bike, while a poorly aligned windshield can increase drag. Consider changing your stock windshield into one that’s better angled, and maybe looks sportier too.

So, now that you have the essential modifications, you’re free to add more mods that enhance the look and experience of owning and riding your motorcycle. Just make sure to do your research and choose your modifications carefully, so you don’t wind up ruining the look or feel instead of improving it.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com