Tag Archives: Gear/accessories

Motorcycle News, News

Aldi helmets ‘age disgracefully’

Leave a comment

Aldi claims the gear they offer in their annual motorcycle gear sale is safe, but one Sydney reader says at least silver Aldi helmets don’t age well.

Ray Schriever bought a stack of helmets from Aldi in 2015 and all the silver paint has now crazed and become sticky, despite limited use.

We contacted Aldi for comment but have not yet received a reply. This article will be updated if/when they reply.

Ray says he bought a few spare helmets in various sizes and kept them in their bags in the garage for visiting friends.

Aldi helmetsAldi helmets Ray Schriever

He bought three silver/grey Aldi helmets – two full-faced and one open-faced — plus two black open-faced Aldi helmets.

“Having recently built a sidecar I thought I might go for a tootle with one of the open-faced helmets,” Ray says.

“To my surprise I had a devil of a time getting it out of the bag.

“The helmet was sticky all over. I took it to the sink and gave it a wash but the sticky mess just congealed or balled up.Aldi helmets Ray Schriever

“I sprayed the helmet with isopropyl alcohol and it stated to remove the sticky coating with a fair bit of elbow grease.

“I soon realised that I was also removing the outer coating of paint on the helmet. That definitely shouldn’t be happening.”

Ray then checked his other helmets and found the same issue with all those with silver paint.Aldi helmets Ray Schriever

“All of my helmets (eight in all) share the same shelf in my garage so it isn’t an environmental issue as other brands and other colours are not affected, including my ancient RJays helmet that sits there unused and uncovered,” Ray says.

“The full-face helmets are untouched but sticky on both the grey section and the patterned sections of the helmet.

“The difference between the layers of paint can be clearly seen on the open-faced grey helmet.

“The top layer dissolves in either isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirits. Both are alcohol bases and shouldn’t affect cured paint.Aldi helmets Ray Schriever

“Pretty disappointing really. Never had anything like this right back to pudding basin days.

“Would have expected these barely used helmets to last instead of self destruct.”

Helmet safety

We do not suggest this paint issue would also affect helmet integrity in the event of a crash.

However, we do note that most helmet manufacturers recommend you replace your helmet after five years of use.

In this case, the helmets have not had regular use.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

When Is The Best Time To Buy Motorcycle Tires?

Leave a comment
Contributed post for our northern hemisphere readers

Just like with lots of other things, people’s buying habits for motorcycle tires go in phases. Or cycles, if you don’t mind a terrible play on words. And, just like with lots of other things, a lot of it comes down to personal preferences and habits.

There are different kinds of riders with different motorcycles, different styles, different expectations. They’ll all have different motivations for buying tires, other than “the old ones were worn out.” So, let’s break it down a little.

  • Retailers run sales periodically. The problem is, “periodically” also means “sporadically,” and there are only a few predictable seasons where you might see a deep discount on motorcycle tires. Spring and Christmas sales come to mind, or of course, the post-holiday sales where retailers need to move that old unsold stock out the door. For instance, February is commonly a time for motorcycle dealers to start pushing bikes, and as you can see from the chart below, there’s a pretty sharp spike in motorcycle tire sales in March likely from this February push. It makes sense since February means that Spring is right around the corner and everyone is ready to get out of the house and get on those bikes.

tireSource: Simpletire.com

  • There’s also the occasional special where manufacturers will discontinue a model of a tire, which is closeout time. The best thing that a rider can do is to just keep checking back for sales, or maybe subscribe for emails or push notifications about upcoming sales and discounts.

Different Riders, Different Bikes, Different Tires

Regardless of what type of motorcycle you’re into or what your demands are, tires are going to be one of the biggest ongoing expenses you’ll have.
Grand touring tires on a car can last 60k miles, but sport touring tires for a motorcycle might last a fraction that long. Rubber formulations have a lot to do with that life expectancy for tires, and they have a pretty profound effect on handling and ride quality as well. And, of course, that soft
rubber compound on a sport-bike tire is going to be stickier for killer handling ability, but it’ll also wear a lot quicker.

  • The right choice of tire makes a big difference in your safety, especially in wet weather. Just like with automotive tires, the depth and design of tread grooves have a lot to do with how well tires channel water from the road and evacuate water from the grooves. That, of course, is to prevent hydroplaning. So, if you’re setting out on a weeklong cruise on your touring bike, those sportbike tires with the minimal tread pattern are probably not the best choice.
  • Lots of guys want to customize their bikes, starting with a wider set of tires or just a wider rear tire. If there’s something like that to be done to a bike, you can bet that someone has done it already and put it on YouTube.
    Just remember, though, that a motorcycle is designed for a certain type and size of tire. A deviation from that can have unexpected results in terms of handling, road manners, and cornering. If you’re contemplating a wider tire or a change from factory spec, be  sure you research it carefully for your year/make/model of bike.

A Few Great Picks For Tirestires

Let’s get a quick rundown of a few top-notch picks for tires, across several different tire types:

  • Bridgestone Battlecross X40: Designed on the rigors of motocross, the Battlecross features chunky, aggressive tread blocks to dig into soft soil, as well as fins to dissipate heat on harder surfaces. This tough tire offers exceptional cornering ability and unparalleled wear characteristics.
  • Continental ContiTour: Excellent design for heavy bikes and touring. The ContiTour features a long-wearing rubber formulation for long service life. The rear tire is designed with no grooves in its center tread band for lower rolling resistance and better directional stability.
  • Bridgestone Battlax BT-016: This ultra-high-performance tire features an innovative tread pattern and durable rubber compound for long life and enhanced performance even in wet weather. It’s hard to beat this one for handling, style, and overall value.

Safety First, Last, and Always

Regardless of what kind of motorcycle you ride and what your demands are, there’s one thing you don’t want to do, that is, over-stretch the life of your tires. Riding on worn motorcycle tires is just plain dangerous, as you compromise traction and risk having a tire failure. Either one of
these can be catastrophic, obviously.

Don’t take that chance. If your tires are in need of replacement, don’t put it off until it’s too late.

Go ahead and pull the trigger on a new set of tires.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Are race replica helmets still a thing?

Leave a comment

With the absence of racing due to the pandemic lockdown and the waning of sportsbike popularity we wonder how many riders are still keen on race replica helmets.

They used to be very popular, but we haven’t seen as many in recent years.

Some riders wear them to announce their allegiance to a particular rider or motorcycle team while others simply want to look like a racer.

Most of these helmets are not made to the exact standard as worn by the racers, but are mass-produced cheap versions.

Some don’t even have the exact graphics and sponsor stickers.

Yet riders will pay more for the privilege of wearing them.

Italian helmet company AGV is known for its range of race replicas, in particular for nine-time world champ Italian Valentino Rossi.

Australian importer Link International has announced a “40 foot container” of AGV helmets has just arrived including two new race replicas.

AGV K3 race replica helmetAGV Valentino Rossi Race Replica K3 helmet

The latest addition to the K3 SV range is a tribute to Rossi.

It features “VR 46” on each side, Rossi’s initials and racing number in the customary fluoro yellow plus a black base and bright blue highlights.

The AGV K3 SV is an affordable version of the Pista GP RR and Corsa R helmets and even includes a similar aerodynamic rear spoiler to reduce wind turbulence at high track speeds.

Actually these spoilers are common on many sports helmets these days and the aero effect really only occurs at seeds above about 20km/h, so they are of no use at all on our roads.

A standard solid-colour K3 costs $349, while a multi-coloured helmet is $369 and the exact same helmet in frame replica graphics is $399.

K1 Mir race replica helmetAGV Joan Mir K1 Race Replica helmet

AGV also has a K1 Mir helmet in race replica helmet in honour of Moto3 2017 world champion Joan Mir (above) of Spain.

We can’t imagine too many Aussie riders inspired to honour the Spaniard.

However, they may be attracted by the helmet’s attractive camo design with its sharp lines and black, white, silver and grey along with bright, bold fluoro yellow highlights.

Also, the sponsor names, race number and other graphics have been deleted, so it doesn’t look like the usual race replica.

However, you will pay extra for it at $349, compared with $279 for solid colours and $299 for multi-colours.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

BMW Motorrad offers five-year helmet warranty

Leave a comment

BMW Motorrad has extended its helmet warranty from two years to five years which is basically the suggested life of a helmet anyway.

Most helmet manufacturers suggest you swap a helmet over at fives years mainly because of the degrading of the interior lining.

Several other helmet manufacturers such as Shark, Shoei and Schuberth offer five-year warranties, while Nolan offers a seven-year warranty.

BMW warrantyBMW Motorrad motorcycle helmet life warranty

The BMW warranty will be backdated to the start of this year. The warranty applies to all helmets bought from a participating BMW Motorrad dealer.

The warranty covers material and manufacturing defects of the product.

However, BMW Motorrad communication systems are excluded from the warranty extension.

This means that the warranty expressly does not apply if a defect or damage is caused by improper handling, an accident or the improper installation of the system and accessories – even by third parties.

Scratches on the visor, sun shield, helmet shell or plastic parts are also not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Most manufacturers have similar warranty exclusions.BMW Motorrad motorcycle helmet life warranty

Helmet life span

The life of a helmet is about five years as the glues, resins and other materials used in construction lose their effectiveness and the lining deteriorates.

Be aware that your helmet may have sat on the shelf for some time before you bought it, so the life of the helmet may be shorter. Ask the dealer to prove date of manufacture.

However, the BMW five-year warranty is from the day of purchase, not manufacture.

Prolong helmet lifeBMW Motorrad motorcycle helmet life warranty

You can prolong your helmet if you store it properly when you’re not using it. Keep it in a cool, dry place and store it inside the helmet bag in which it came.

It’s not the outside that deteriorates, but the inside foam and fabric lining. If you notice the helmet getting loose or some of the lining coming out or it leaves little black flakes in your hair, then it’s time to retire it, whether it has reached the five years or not.

Frequent use, sweating in your helmet, having greasy hair or using a lot of “hair product” can all aid in compacting the foam and making the interior lining degenerate faster than normal use.

You can also prolong the life of your helmet interior by wearing a helmet liner, balaclava or scarf that keeps the sweat off.

Another good reason to replace your helmet every five years is that helmet technology is advancing all the time and a new helmet is going to offer more protection than something five years old.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Warranty issues on motorcycle clothing

Leave a comment

If you’ve ever had motorcycle gear fail through wear and tear or a crash, it could be covered by the Australian Trades Practices Act and/or the manufacturer’s warranty.

But first, click here to see the difference between a product failure and rider error.

Consumer protection

If it’s a genuine product failure, then it is deemed “not fit for purpose” and the Act will offer consumer protection.

The problem is that “fit for purpose” can be difficult to quantify and prove.

However, if the garment makes a specific claim that is not met, then that is a pretty clear case of product failure.

Otherwise, if it fails to meet basic acceptable standards such as the zipper failing, you should be due a repair, refund or replacement.

LDM ExoFlex jacketYKK zips

Most protective motorcycle clothing brands vie for consumer dollars by also offering manufacturer warranties that go above and beyond the basic statutory requirements.

They can vary from one year to as many as seven years.

A one-year warranty may be sufficient to reveal any issues if you are a regular rider.

However, weekend warriors or monthly riders may require a longer warranty period to identify any problems.

Warranty conditions

Riders should also note that a warranty is only as good as the fine print exclusions and conditions.

For example, some warranties may exclude track use and even crashes which is strange since surely the main reason to buy protective motorcycle clothing is to protect you in a crash.

Interestingly, one company also offers a crash guarantee on some of their gear, promising a replacement if the damage cannot be repaired for half the cost of a new item.

However, they do not cover gear that has been cut off by a first responder.

MotoCAP senior researcher Dr Chris Hurren awardChris Hurren and his Honda GB400

Dr Chris Hurren who researches protective materials for a living and worked with Dr Liz de Rome and others to produce the protocol used by MotoCAP for testing says a suitable warranty should cover materials, closures and seams.

“It should cover defects from manufacture and use of faulty components during assembly,” he says.

“A warranty will also allow a manufacturer to see what is giving problems with their garments and allow them to find an alternative as they will see trends in components or seam failures.

“Most warranties will not cover general wear and tear or ageing from extended use but these are sensible as they are out of the control of the manufacturer.”

CE approved

Link International product manager Ron Grant points out that a major benefit of buying European CE-approved riding gear is that once approved, manufacturers are not allowed to change material, stitch lines, manufacturing plant, etc.

If they do, the garment has to be re-submitted for testing at an average cost of about $10,000 per garment.

“This guarantees product consistency,” Ron says.

“Non-CE brands usually place an order for jackets, don’t actually go to the factories for quality control checks, cannot guarantee the material used is the same quality as last production, nor even guarantee who is making the gear as there is potential the factory the product was ordered from may sub-contract production to someone else,” he warns.

Ron says one of the biggest issues facing the industry is not just trying to teach riders what garment is better than the other, but also the necessity to actually wear safety gear.

“Recently I saw a guy on a new sports bike with brand new boots, leather jacket, gloves, top-of-the-range helmet and board shorts,” he says.

“Every day I see guys geared up on their way to work wearing runners or lace up work shoes. Or no jacket. Or shorts. Or normal jeans. The other day I saw a guy fanging over Mt G with a pretty young lady on the back with a string top and skimpy shorts.”

He says the onus is on experienced salesperson to expertly advise customers so they buy the right gear for their use.

“Of course, that is all negated when buying online,” he says.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorcycle riding gear failures

Leave a comment

Your motorcycle jackets, pants, gloves and boots that are supposed to protect you in a crash, can sometimes experience failures of the most basic test of simple wear and tear.

However, it is important to differentiate a product failure from a rider error.

Product failures

We recently bought a pair of motorcycle gloves (pictured above) that split the stitching at the cuff after a few weeks of normal riding.

The gloves had a one-year warranty and the shop contacted the distributor who replaced them.

Motorcycle riding gear failures glovesSame failure

Only a few weeks later the second pair failed in exactly the same way.

Obviously there appears to be an inherent design fault in the gloves.

This is not the only example of motorcycle protective gear failing the basic wear and tear test.

Dr Chris Hurren who researches protective materials for a living and worked with Dr Liz de Rome and others to produce the protocol used by MotoCAP for testing has also experienced basic wear failures.

While trying on a pair of protective denim pants in a store, the top button above the zip pulled apart and fell off.

“This was obviously a problem that the manufacturer knew about as the garment came with a spare metal button however in reality should the product have been in the market place in the first place,” he says.

“This failure before even leaving the store should be a quick indicator of the build product of a garment.”

It’s not Dr Hurren’s only personal encounter with a wear failure.

After spending $700 on a leather jacket, he found the zip failed after two years.

“I have since observed new jackets hanging in store from the same manufacturer with a zip that was corroded and already causing trouble during use,” he says.

“The addition of a low-cost zip to a high-cost jacket significantly reduces its working life.

“Closures like zips, buttons and clips often have higher loading due to body size and may be strained to failure during impact grip with the road in a crash.”

MotoCAP senior researcher Dr Chris HurrenDr Chris Hurren

Rider error

However, some complaints about protective clothing failures can be due to rider error, not product failure.

Waterproof claims are a classic example, says Link International product manager Ron Grant.

“You can have the best jacket in the world, but if you don’t get all the closures correctly positioned, ensure your shirt collar or cuffs aren’t exposed (which creates a wicking point for water entry) you will still get wet,” he says.

“The majority of wet claims I believe are mainly due to incorrect usage or fitment.

“If you wear gloves over your cuff, water penetrates through the jacket stitching in the chest and arms, runs down between the outer shell and the outside of the waterproof liner (so the rider is still dry) and drains straight into the gloves. This is not a glove issue but a rider fitment issue.

“Likewise with waterproof boots. I see riders buy ‘shorty’ waterproof boots and then complain they get wet feet.

Draggin Hydro waterproof jacket and pantsDraggin Hydro waterproof jacket and pants

“If you have a look at their rain pants when their feet are on the pegs, the rain pants may ride up just enough to allow water into the boots.”

Riders also have a duty to maintain and treat their gear appropriately.

For example, zippers can get dry from dust and bugs etc. An occasional rub over with a candle or an appropriate wax on the zipper teeth will help the zipper slide smoothly and last longer.

Likewise, screwing up a zip in waterproof liner and securing it under a couple of Occy straps can damage the waterproof coating allowing water to enter the jacket. 

Warranty

If your riding gear has experienced a genuine product failure, you may be due a replacement or repair under warranty.

Click here to find out more about warranties.

Have you ever had motorcycle gear fail a basic wear test? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Top 5 Motorcycle Computer Games

Leave a comment

(Contributed post on computer games)

If you haven’t been able to go for a ride for some time because of the current lockdown, you may consider motorcycle video games as a substitute.

It might not get you outdoors but they can help you to relax and have fun. The following are five of the top motorcycle-themed computer games you can play when you are confined at home or can’t ride for some reason.

MXGP Pro

MXGP Pro from developer Milestone srl was released in 2018 and offers a realistic and definitely challenging motocross racing experience. The game improved on the physics system of previous MX games in the series to make MXGP Pro as close to the real thing as possible. There is no doubt that the game is hard to play. There are tutorials that will help but it will take a lot of practice to get good. A nice feature of the game is that tracks become more difficult every lap as ruts form. Players will have to make slight adjustments to adapt. MXGP Pro has a nice selection of 17 tracks from around the world. You can choose from 4 game modes; Grand Prix, Time Attack, Career and Championship. Career mode offers over 1000 customizable parts for bikes for performance and appearance. MXGP Pro has a steep learning curve but is a great game for real fans of motocross.

Road Redemption

Road Redemption was released in 2017 by developers EQ-Games and Pixel Dash Studios. Those looking for realistic motorbike simulations in a game will probably be disappointed.  It’s a game that combines motorcycle riding and combat with the emphasis leaning more towards the fighting aspects of the game. In Road Redemption the player leads a motorcycle gang across the country fighting all the way. Players have an assortment of weapons they can use to battle other bikers including pool cues, wrenches, shovels and swords. Various guns and explosives can also be acquired. Road Redemption is relatively easy to play with only a few basic commands. As the game progresses you can earn money by completing various challenges such as winning races or committing robberies and assassinations. This money can be used to upgrade your character, your weapons and of course your bike. Road Redemption isn’t a classic motorbike simulation but can provide a lot of fun. You can find more motorcycle mayhem fun at King Billy pokies in Australia playing some of the best casino slot games such as their Bikers Gang slot.

TT Isle of Mann: Ride on the Edge 2

Isle of Man TT 2 game Mike Hailwood Ducati 900Isle of Man TT 2 game

TT Isle of Mann: Ride on the Edge 2 developed by Kylotonn was released this year and features outstanding graphics that accurately replicate the entire 37.73 mile Snaefell Mountain Course. In career mode players advance through a race calendar until you reach the main race. You receive cash for placing well which can be used to upgrade parts. Most of the tracks are fictionally until you reach the main race. Unlike many games TT Isle of Mann 2 also has outstanding audio with realistic wind noise that alters as you pass different objects. The physics of the game are very realistic and there is very little room for error. To be clear this game is challenging and difficult. There is actually an achievement for falling 50 times and is one of the first you will unlock. TT Isle of Mann: Ride on the Edge 2 definitely keeps players on the edge of their seat and gets the adrenaline pumping. This is a must play game for those who truly enjoy realistic simulations.

Trials Rising

Trials Rising released in 2019 comes from developers RedLynx and Ubisoft Kyiv and is the latest game in the Trials series. It features various obstacle courses at different locations around the world in settings like Hollywood, the Eiffel Tower and Mount Everest. Although the physics of the bikes in Trials Rising is realistic the situations riders find themselves in are not which adds to the fun. There are over 100 different levels in Trials Rising. The game has an excellent tutorial that teaches you the tricks and techniques you will need to advance in the game. As with many motorcycle games players can customise their bikes as well as the riders outfit. Players also have the opportunity to create their own custom obstacle courses and share them with other players. An additional feature included in the game is the Tandem bike which can be played in local mode. Two players control the bike with each having responsibility for a portion of the motorcycles functions. Trials Rising is a lot of fun and will provides hours of entertainment.

Ride 3

Ride 3 was developed by Milestone srl and released in 2018. It is the third title in the Ride series. This iteration of the game has a great selection of bikes players can choose from. There are 230 bikes split between 6 different classes; Maxienduro, Naked, Racing, Supermoto, Supercustom and Sport. Each class has its own handling and performance characteristics so players will have to adjust their riding style when changing classes. There are plenty of customization options including aftermarket parts as well as the ability to upgrade components such as the engine and gearbox. Customisation isn’t limited to bikes as you can change your rider outfits as well. There are 30 different locations in Ride 3 with more than 50 different track variations. The game has 3 different physics modes to adjust parameters such as traction control. Ride 3 has a career mode where players compete over a series of events as well as “quick race” and “time attack” modes. If you make a mistake during a race there is an optional rewind feature that allows you to undo it. Ride 3 offers plenty of variety and will keep you engaged and entertained for quite awhile.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

How to Purchase the Right Tires for Your Motorcycle

Leave a comment

(Contributed post for our European readers)

Purchasing tires for your motorbike on the web from tyreleader.ie can save you lots of money. However, it is important you to find the right tires as they are a vital part of your motorbike. There are numerous types and models of motorcycle tires available. It is up to you to settle on which tire to purchase, as per your motorcycle’s owner’s manual and specifications.

Are You Using the Precise Motorcycle Tires?

Utilizing proper motorcycle tires can turn to be a life-saver! Utilizing an improper tire for the bike can lead to tragedy! It is quite critical for riders to select the right tire for their motorcycles. There several types of tires for diverse motorcycles and varied tires for different road surfaces. Also, when selecting the type of tire, think about the type typical weather you will be riding in.

Motorbike manufacturers have already fixed their motorcycles with suitable tires. It is worthwhile that riders read the maker’s manual not only to select appropriate tires, but also proper maintenance. You should check your tires frequently, especially for correct air pressures, to guarantee their condition.

A motorcycle ridden chiefly on the street must have suitable road tires. Slick tires for racing might look great on your motorbike, but the rubber is softer and will wear down more rapidly, although you will have a better grip on dry and smooth road surfaces. Harder and more robust tires will give you extra mileage. The disadvantage is that you may also get lower grip.

It is important to know that if your tires become damaged, choose a substitute tire of a similar dimension, speed rating, and brand name.

It may be important to retain the same tire brand as was fitted from the factory. But don’t fit a different size on the rim as it will affect the handling, may fail and may void your insurance in a crash.

Keep in mind that rubber losses its pliability with time and consequently loses its grip on the road. Being informed regarding motorbike tires makes you a safer rider.

Choosing the tire design for your motorcycle

If a rider uses their bike for daily commuting, weekend fun rides and camp-out tours, they must look into all-terrain tires.

Various motorcycle tires offer a wide assortment for a multitude of terrain. The tread patterns may depend on what type of terrain you will ride, such as tar, dirt, sand, gravel and/or mud.

In conclusion, since a motorbike’s safety is reliant on the tires, you should choose the right tires, plus maintaining them will get you the most out of them. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Kriega launches Max 28 expandable backpack

Leave a comment

Motorcycle backpacks are becoming more technical, lightweight and packed with features, but they are also becoming expensive such as this Kriega Max 28 expandable backpack.

Before we get into all the features, here’s the thing — it costs $385!

I reckon you could go to an outdoor, camping, hiking, fishing shop and buy a decent, lightweight backpack with many of the same features for a lot less.

Motorcycle-specific backpacks usually cost more, but this costs a lot more than sopme other hi-tech bags such as the Ashvault at $165, Ogio Dakar ($189.95), Kriega R15 ($199), Dainese D-Exchange ($169.95) and Dainese D-Dakar ($199).

So this “ultimate” Kriega backpack better be good.

Kriega Max 28

They say it is “bombproof and waterproof” with enough storage space to carry a laptop or full-face helmet.

The Max 28 has three sections and an expansion zipper that allows it to grow from 22 litre to 28 litres.

The waterproof section features a roll-top closure where you can secure a 14-inch laptop.

A third section up front folds down to expose an organiser pocket for quick access to small, everyday essentials.  Kriega Max28 backpack

The Max 28 expandable backpack features a light version of Kriega’s proprietary Quadloc harness system as found on all its backpacks.

They say it takes the weight off your back and shoulders and redistributes it to your chest and torso.Kriega Max28 backpack

There’s also a removable waist strap for stability and it has a soft back panel for rider comfort.

It is made of 420D Cordura Lite Plus and Hypalon, features YKK heavy-duty zippers and comes with a 10-year warranty.

The bag weighs 1.85kg, has four internal zip pockets and is compatible with a hydration reservoir.

Backpack warningKriega Max28 backpack

Many riders wear backpacks because their bike doesn’t have luggage.

You could use a tank bag, but they can scratch the paintwork.

A tail bag on the back seat may provide you with a backrest, but it makes it difficult to throw your leg over.

It could also fall off or you could accidentally leave it unzipped allowing it to spill its contents in a trail behind you, all without you knowing!

However, riders should be aware that a backpack can not only be tiring but also promote injuries in a crash from the contents or by rotating your body as you slide down the road.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ceramic coating protects your motorbike

Leave a comment

A ceramic coating on your paintwork, pipes, chrome, forks and other hard parts will not only protect them from road grime and UV fading, but also make it easier and quicker to keep your bike clean.

We have heard of products with nanoceramic properties, but applying them is a long, expensive and arduous process.

So we went to the professionals — Preferred Car Care who are exclusive Ceramic Pro installers in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Ceramic Pro is available to professionals in more than 70 countries.

Director Justin Harris says they have worked on many premium motorcycles and cars including Ferraris and Harley-Davidsons.

Permanent bond

He says the Ceramic Pro product “permanently bonds” with the underlying layer whether it’s paint, lacquer, chrome or bare metal.

“It can be applied to anything,” he says. 

“A single coat can be expected to last a minimum of five years on motorcycles. Ceramic Pro can be layered so additional coats extend on its longevity.”

It will also prevent “bluing” in some exhausts depending on the composition of the metal.

We had them apply two coats of Ceramic Pro to our new Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport paintwork, forks, panels, exhaust, rims and frame, costing $650.

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport ceramic cating

First, they wash and detail the bike, checking for scratches, chips, etc to fix before polishing the surfaces.

The first coat of Ceramic Pro is applied by hand, then allowed to cure before the second coat is applied by spray gun with a 0.8mm tip.Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport ceramic coating

Justin promised the coating would not turn the Duc’s satin sheen paintwork glossy and he was right. 

The clear coating is a little difficult to detect due to the seamless application. It simply makes the bike “glow”.

Ceramic advantages

The advantages of Ceramic Pro are not only that it will protect the paintwork from UV and environmental deterioration, but it also makes it easier to maintain its new look.

Justin says Ceramic Pro creates a “non-porous hydrophobic, heat-proof finish that stops the onset of oxidation and keeps surfaces looking new”. 

By “hydrophobic”, he means it repels water, so when it rains or you wash the bike, the water beads off.

That means road grime and dirt particles don’t stick, but flow off with the water, so it stays cleaner for longer.

We’ve all washed and detailed our bikes only to have it rain and totally ruin the result.

But with this coating, most of the grime doesn’t stick and what remains can be wiped off with a soft cloth. 

I rode the bike through a short shower and on wet roads that left a small amount of grime on the surface. It just needed a quick wipe to restore the surface lustre.

You can also just give it a waterless wash with a products like this from Motul.

Motul dry cleaningMotul dry wash cleaners

I also found bugs can simply be wiped off  whereas they usually stick to the paintwork and require water or a special spray to soften them before removal.

If you do wash your bike after having it ceramic coated, Justin suggests using a pH-neutral car or bike detergent. 

It will only need a wet wash when it gets really dry and he says you won’t need to use any wax.

Justin says it lasts for up to five years per coat and you can get a maintenance service for $330 that includes a full detail and spray application top-up coat.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com