If you are frustrated with finding somewhere to safely rest your helmet the “Y” shaped Spanish Frog portable helmet support could be the answer.
Inventor Luis de Arquer says the 70 x 80mm Frog comes in two models that you either carry in your pocket or stick to the top of your helmet with a 3M adhesive strip.
Pocket
Sticker
They come in multiple colours, some with motorcycle manufacturer logos, and cost €20 (about $A35) each or half price if you support their Kickstarter campaign.
They claim it will ship to early supporters in January and others in February.
How the Frog works
The Frog supports the helmet in an upside down position without scratching the surface.
As Luis says, you can then put your gloves, phone, glasses and keys inside your helmet for handy storage.
If that’s a concern to you, try the portable pocket device.
The miniature tripod device won a A’Design Award for its usefulness and ease of use.
It is based on the Euclid Tripod Axiom which means only three points are required to define a flat plane.
Luis says it is stable enough to secure your helmet, but we wonder whether it would withstand a rickety cafe table or someone bumping into your bike with the helmet on the seat or tank.
If it does work, it would be a handy little device as it can be difficult finding somewhere safe and convenient to hang your helmet on a motorcycle.
By the way, if you are wondering why a Y-shaped item with three legs is named the Frog, it is apparently named after the Brazilan Brachycephalus tridactylus frog which is the only frog in the world with only three legs.
A tiny little piece of plastic has just made universal-fit MotoSafe earplugs from Dutch company Alpine Hearing Protection even better.
With the new minigrip they are now just that little bit easier to pull out, extending the life of the earplugs.
We have written on many occasions about the importance of earplugs. Basically they make you more relaxed, less weary, more alert and save your hearing, all at the same time.
We’ve tried many different earplugs, including personalised moulded plugs which are very effective, but can leave you feeling disoriented like you are underwater.
MotoSafe plugs are cheaper, more convenient (no need for a fitting because they fit all ears) and more comfortable, even when riding all day with a tight helmet. Since there is no silicone in the material, they also don’t get sweaty or itchy.
Turbulence generated at high speeds can reach 103dB which is why all racers wear foam plugs to block out all sound.
The filter in MotoSafe blocks damaging high-frequency wind noise, but still allows you to hear important sounds such as sirens, horns and screeching tyres.
Meanwhile, it still allows you to hear “pleasant sounds” such as your music, phone conversation, GPS turn prompts and your bike’s exhaust note!
However, we have damaged a couple of sets in the past trying to pull them out.
They come with a small black plastic applicator which you use to push them all the way in until you hear an air seal. (Make sure to wet the plug first!)
To remove them, reverse the applicator and dig underneath the plug to break the seal, then grab the filter and gently pull them out.
The previous plug design had a short filter and you sometimes had to twist them to get them out, breaking the filter in the process!
Old MotoSafe earplugs without the mingrip
Now the minigrip prevents that issue and makes them just that little bit better.
They come in black (Tour) which reduces noise by 27dB or red (Race) which provides 30dB of noise filtering. I use the red ones all the time; even when just heading out to the shops.
Tour plugs
Race plugs
Tinnitus
In Australia, about four million people have hearing loss. In the UK it’s 10 million and in the US, some 48 million have some form of hearing loss.
While hearing loss is a part of the natural ageing process, it is increased by prolonged exposure to excessive noise and riders are more than likely to experience greater hearing losses in their senior years.
I not only have profound hearing loss, but, like about 30% of the population, I also suffer from tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
These conditions have developed from years of motorcycle riding, as well as playing in rock bands, going to concerts and listening to loud music.
The ringing is so bad it sometimes wakes me at night.
It’s not actually motorcycle exhaust or engine noise that cause the biggest problem, but wind noise, according to the American Industrial Paramedic Services.
That’s why riders should have some form of hearing protection whenever they ride, especially on long trips. Any earplug is better than no earplugs.
How long can you ride without risk of hearing damage?
Speed
Average volume of wind noise under a helmet
Maximum time without risk of hearing damage
100km/h
94dB
15 minutes
120km/h
98dB
7 minutes
140km/h
102dB
3 minutes
160km/h
106dB
90 seconds
Helmet protection?
If you don’t think you can get hearing loss or tinnitus from riding because you wear a full-face helmet, you’re wrong.
Dutch magazine Promotor tested the noise levels in 10 different “system” (modular or flip-up) helmets at varying speeds and found some startling results.
The best result was 86dB at 50km/h which proses a risk of permanent hearing damage after just two hours of riding.
At 100km/h, the same helmet registered 100dB which is more noise than a hammer drill at 95dB.
At the other end of the spectrum the worst performing helmet registered 92dB at 50km/h which is comparable to a train speeding past.
At 100km/h it registered 106dB, which is louder than the noise of a chain saw or a disco.
While full-face helmets are quieter, they are not substantially quieter, especially if you ride with the visor open on hot summer days.
Technical details
Alpine MotoSafe earplug filters reduce noise at different levels for different frequencies.
For the technically minded, the Tour plugs reduce bass sounds around 63Hz by 6.6dB and 8000Hz treble sounds by 16.12dB which is wind noise at 50km/h.
The maximum amount of protection is in the harsh and harmful midrange of 2000-4000Hz where the noise suppression is 23.8-18.5dB.
The Race plugs drop bass frequencies 15.7dB, midrange by 26.1 and treble by 19.7dB.
Reduction in noise may vary from ear to ear, depending on fit, with a variation of 2.8 to 4.4dB.
This data was tested according to European standard EN 352-2: 2002.
Inventor Jay Thompson, 54, of Perth, says he came up with the idea of an affordable retrofit linked-brake system after an embarrassing crash.
“Showing off while riding with the young boys about 4-5 years ago, wheel standing of course in Lancelin my KTM 530EXC bit in and not covering the rear foot brake I embarrassingly flipped it, dislocating my shoulder and then spent three months off the bike,” he says.
Jay explains BrakeBuTT
More than a quarter of a century ago, five-time GP champ Mick Doohan used a thumb-operated rear brake after shattering his right leg in a crash.
Today many racers use the device so they can dangle their right leg coming into corners.
BrakeBuTT links brakes
However, Jay’s invention isn’t an extra hand-operated rear brake, but a linked system that works off the existing front brake lever.
Jay says it is the world’s first dual brake assist accessory for motorcycles and costs less than $A600.
His Electronic Braking Intelligence software applies the rear brake bias at a rate controlled by a dial on the unit on the handlebar.
Dial ion bias
He says the brake is progressive and proportionate to the pressure applied to the front brake lever.
The pad on the lever is a force sensitive resistor and can be in varying sizes depending on whether you use one, two or all four fingers for braking. You can also choose to avoid the pad and brake with only the front.
Jay says it suits all road, off-road and track riding conditions.
“This System is cutting-edge new tech innovation,” he says.
“Zero to full rear brake in less than half a second — faster than the average foot response time, even without muddy wet soggy boots.
“Without this system is probably why most riders fall off.
“Coordinating both front and rear automatically prevents rider error and miscalculation.”
Testing
Jay’s BrakeBuTT is being tested on 10 different bikes including four-time Australian champions in three different disciplines.
BrakeBuTT will be available to the public in February/March 2020.
Jay provided a home video for our viewing only and not for the public.
No dive under heavy braking (still from video)
It shows a sport bike stopping using the BrakeBuTT only in just 10m from 64km/h with the bike level and not diving in the front.
Brake pressure is controlled by a unit smaller than a cigarette packet and weighing less than 150g.
It provides more than 1000psi of hydraulic pressure and can be mounted anywhere on the bike.
While drink riding may be rare, it does happen, but not if a Taiwanese smart helmet fitted with a breathalyser becomes available.
The “Bluetooth Alcohol Detection Smart Motorcycle Helmet” was designed by Taipei City University of Science and Technology and has won best invention at the recent Seoul International Invention Fair.
It includes a breathalyser to test the blood alcohol content of the rider’s breath when they put on the helmet.
The helmet is also connected via Bluetooth to the motorcycle and prevents it starting if it detects alcohol on the rider’s breath.
Obviously the bike would be set up to only start in the presence of the helmet, but that doesn’t stop a rider having it as a spare or the pillion wearing it!
Drink driving and riding
This helmet is similar to the Saab-invented Alcohol Interlock which requires a driver to blow into a tube to activate the ignition.
Mind you, that didn’t stop him winning the 2019 Kenneth A Stonex road safety award after advocating wire rope barriers, lower speed limits, mandatory hi-vis rider vests and mandatory electronic rider aids.
Honda smart helmet
It’s not just Taiwanese science students who think this helmet tech is the answer.
The thrill of riding a motorbike is unmatched by any other riding experience. There is something about driving your bike on the asphalt for long stretches with the wind in your hair. There is sort of a freedom in it.
It is as close to flying you can get while being on the ground. The feeling of taking your cruiser motorbike out on the highway for a cross country ride is one of the best things you can do. But for that, you need your bike to be perfectly adept to handle all road conditions. One of the major aspects of this is to have good tires.
Making sure your bike tires have optimum pressure. Along with that check the bike tire size and guarantee other aspects of it so that your bike can perform at its best. You should also try keeping a spare tire and spare tire bike rack for emergencies for those long trips on the highway.
If you need to find discount tires for your motorbike you can simply search the term “motorbike tires near me” to get suggestions. Now I know what you are thinking, that is only half the story, right?
You want to know what are the best motorbike tires. Well, the following passages are made up of the best road bike tires available on the market so check it out:
Dunlop D404
Dunlop is one of the most renowned tire brands in the world. They are known the world over for their world-class tires for trucks, cars, and bikes. And it is no surprise that a Dunlop tire has made it in this list. The tire we are going to look at is the Dunlop 404.
It has become a phenomenon due to its consistent performance and class. Something we expect from a Dunlop tire. These come with intricately designed treads that allow for greater traction across all surfaces. However, its performance is amazing on wet surfaces.
It has amazing versatility that is rarely seen in the tire industry for motorbikes. It comes in a one size fits all format which makes it a viable option for your cruiser bike regardless of its model and manufacturer.
While these tires do offer ample mileage it is a bit less than a few of its major competitors. Even though it was specially designed and marketed as a touring bike tire. Along with this, another let down is the fact that it is priced high but does not offer the mileage is often a deterrent for the average buyer.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso II
Pirelli needs no introductions. It has been a premier tire company for as long as it has been around. And its innovative designs and products have kept it relevant even to this day. Diablo Rosso II is one of those tires.
These were designed as racing tires which is why they provide amazing grip on the track and road. So whenever you drive you will see that aspect showing through on every type of road condition. Because of this grip, the bike feels more balanced and it was designed in a way so that it does not slip when taking tight corners.
This tire has been consistently performing in the market for a number of years and its track record is what made me add to this list of the best motorbike tire list. However, one thing that I don’t like about this is the longevity of the tires but it may be because it receives a higher dose of abuse than regular tires.
Another thing is that the tire just takes a long time to warm up but other than these minor problems overall the tires are amazing.
Continental ContiMotion
One of the most obvious candidates when talking about best motorbike tires is the Continental ContiMotion. There are no tires available in the industry that comes close to its performance in regards to price.
This you can say is the best value for your money motorbike tire you can find. Continental has one of the best traction control systems in the market. This is why it is considered as one of the best motorbike tires for your cruiser.
Their performance is admirable in both dry and wet conditions. And will last you thousands of miles before even showing the slightest sign of wear and tear. However, once they start deteriorating they deteriorate really fast.
Another thing that you may find hard to deal with is when they are new they don’t perform well enough. But once they are used a little bit they will outperform almost all other motorbike tires in its class.
Cruising with The Best Tires
So there you go; these are the 3 best motorbike tires in my opinion for cruisers. I myself am using the Continental ContiMotion and I am loving the performance I get out of it. But there are plenty of other great tires you can look at. There are plenty of online auto parts stores that sell car and motorbike parts who also have motorbike tires.
Try going to your local motorbike tire store to find the one that is the perfect fit for you. Take great care into finding the right tire so that you get the best out of your cruiser the next time you hit the road.
MotoCAP has added eight more jackets and two more pairs of pants to its safety and thermal comfort ratings, bringing the total to 160.
The world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing began in August last year.
It has now rated 160 items of clothing, including 43 pairs of pants, 47 pairs of gloves and 70 jackets.
This release adds a third well-performing women’s jacket to the range of dedicated female gear rated on their website.
The DriRider Paris leather jacket (pictured above) scored three out of five stars for protection, and two out of five stars for thermal comfort, matching the rating of the current highest performing ladies jacket, the Dainese Mike.
Dainese Mike Lady jacket
Ratings system
While some claim the ratings system is flawed, it at least now has a decent amount of clothing rated and provides a guide for buyers.
MotoCAP is a partnership between Transport for NSW, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), VicRoads, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.
Andy says he developed the prototype on a few trips over the end of last summer and the Andy Strapz crew then “tidied it up” to what is now the $68 Panniersky.
Panniersky
The finished product was then tested by “Scrawny Strapz” who did an Ironbutt run from the lowest point in Australia at Lake Eyre to the highest in Charlotte’s Pass.
“His goal was to keep food fresh,” Andy says. “Crisp apples, cheese that didn’t resemble paste and a couple of coldies to celebrate reaching the goal.”
Although it looks like there were ice-cold G&Ts at the end of the day!
“It’s a bit hard to rate a cooler like this,” Andy says.
“Doing quasi-scientific measurements of ambient temperature and comparing temperature changes of the contents and a control … spare me!
“On a recent bench test we found that fridge-cold beers were drinkably cool after four hours. Add ice and it’s all day.
“Keep it out of the sun and away from exhausts, of course.
“It helps to tuck it between camping gear for extra insulation if possible. That’s why we included an inner dry bag. It was such an important addition to the concept.”
The Panniersky is a five-litre bag double-insulated with high-density foam (75PE for those who know that sort of stuff) and efficient Dacron insulation wadding, encased in a zippered, 1000 denier nylon bag.
It is made to fit inside soft saddle bags or hard panniers, or can be strapped on top of the rest of your gear.
Most importantly, it will hold a six pack of cans or bottles.
There is now a wide variety of mounts on offer. Some are not very secure while some others, such as the RAM mounts, may be secure, but they are expensive and large, clunky, ugly units.
However, the Quad Lock, designed by Chris Peters of Melbourne, has emerged as the leader with its small size, secure fit and ability to quickly adjust from landscape to vertical at the press of a button.
Quad Lock
Quad Lock costs about $85 for the handlebar mount and phone case, while the Austrian SP Connect Moto Mount Pro kit costs $99.95 – $129.95 for a bundle, depending on your phone.
SP Connect Moto bundle
While the Quad Lock is largely hard plastic, the SP Gadgets mount is CNC-machined, aircraft-grade alloy. It feels a little heavier and therefore should be more secure.
However, we have never had any problems with the Quad Lock coming loose and falling off, even over off-road courses.
We have also noticed that vibration is similarly minimal on both.
Like the Quad Lock, you can get an extension arm that makes positioning your phone on your handlebars more versatile.
Easy connect
Both mounts can swivel from horizontal to vertical, but the SP Connect requires you to use a tool to turn the locking mechanism in the back of the phone case first.
That means you can’t do it on the fly. You have to remove the phone from the mount, then use the special tool to change it, then relocate the phone.
While some people are happy having the phone either landscape or portrait, I like to be able to swivel from one to the other: horizontal because it offers a nicer, lower profile on the bars and vertical when I am following a map.
Quad Lock
Quad Lock
The only advantage of the SP Connect is that you can also use the special tool as a table rest so you can conduct Face Time calls without having to hold the phone at an angle.
While the Quad Lock videos show people quickly fitting the phone, they can actually be quite fiddly to get on because you have to attach it at exactly a 45-degree angle.
SP Connect connects easily by placing it at a right angle and swivelling it 90 degrees into position.
Both have bundles that come with rubber mounts for all sizes of motorcycle handlebars, bolts and mirrors, as well as on bicycles.
Bundles also come with clear plastic rain covers that are touch sensitive.
Rain cover
However, I’ve never needed to use one even in pouring rain as recent iPhones are basically rain proof. However, I have tested them both for touch sensitivity with the rain cover on and they work fine.
SP Connect wins hands down on looks and they have also just released a chrome-plated version!
It is available for most Apple, Samsung and Huawei devices, but if you have another phone or want to keep your own case, there is a universal option.
So, you want to ride a sport bike. Unlike cruisers, sport bikes are made for rapid acceleration. They’re fun and exciting to drive, but they can also be challenging to ride at first. To make sure you stay safe, comfortable and in control, here’s a list of everything you need to get started, fromsport bike wheel accessories to protective gear.
Wheel Spacers
When it comes to sport bike accessories, wheel spacers are often overlooked. However, they can make changing your wheels a quicker and easier process. Look for push-in interlocking wheel spacers that won’t move around.
Multi Tool Kit
Hauling your entire motorcycle kit is impractical when you’re riding a sport bike. After all, you don’t have a lot of space to store things and you don’t want to add too much weight to your ride. Pocket-sized multi tool kits can help you stay prepared without bulking you up or weighing you down. Look for tool kits that include basic open-ended wrenches, socket driver, spoke wrenches and screwdrivers.
Helmet
When riding a sport bike, it’s imperative to wear a quality helmet. Choose a full-face option that offers maximum protection. You may also want to select a helmet with Bluetooth integration technology. Good sport bike helmets are designed to be aerodynamic, comfortable and secure. This is an area where splurging a little is worth it to ensure your safety and your confidence on your bike.
Leather Suit
Sport bike riders don’t wear leather suits just to look cool. When you’re traveling at high speeds, loose clothing can cause significant drag. A close-fitting suit can help you remain aerodynamic. It also blocks the wind and keeps you comfortable and dry in all types of weather. Leather suits also offer superior skid protection if you happen to lose control of your bike.
Heated Gloves
If you do any fast riding in cold weather, your hands will feel the chill first. Heated gloves can keep your hands warm and dry so you can maintain optimum control of your bike in cold weather.
Boots
A good pair of durable boots is a must-have for any sport bike rider. Look for a pair with straps or buckles instead of laces. You don’t want to risk having your laces come undone and get caught on your bike during your ride. If you plan to do any cold-weather riding, you should purchase a pair of boots with insulation so your toes don’t freeze.
Rim Strips
Although they don’t do much to enhance the safety or performance of your bike, rim strips can make your bike flashier. They are sport bike wheel accessories that have a huge impact on how you look. For the most notable effect, choose rim strips that are brightly colored and complement your bike’s paint job. Rim strips are easy to install and can be removed if you grow tired of them or want to switch colors.
Nothing compares to the speed and freedom a sport bike can offer. With the proper accessories and protective gear, you’ll be ready to confidently ride your sport bike in no time.
(Pando Moto jeans review by contributor James Wawne)
Is it worth the extra expense to get the single-layer Dyneema jeans from Pando Moto over their Cordura jeans with Kevlar patches?
We think so.
Dyneema is a Dutch invention which blends the abrasion-resistant material into a single-layer denim that meets the toughest CE standards for protection without the need for a separate layer.
The fabric is claimed to provide the same protection as leather (about 3.7 seconds of abrasion resistance), and will keep you cooler and more comfortable; but it is typically a bit more expensive.
As a Brit, currently feeling the Aussie summer heat, I believe that the Steel Black jeans are worth the extra money for the ‘cool-comfort-factor’ alone! They really are very comfortable indeed.
Safety
Steel Black has Dyneema throughotu
Karl Desert has Kevlar patches
I felt more comfortable knowing that there are no zones without protection as the Dyneema is woven throughout the jeans fabric.
I could ride with more focus as there was no distraction which can come from uncomfortable gear.
These jeans are also cooler than the pair I previously tested and well suited for warmer climate riding, I am not sure how they would perform on a cold day in London (most days) but it would be possible to wear them over some thermals if that was an issue.
I tested them in 30-35 degrees and they were very comfortable. They are quite light and feel just like a regular pair of jeans even when combined with the CE-approved hip and knee armour*.
*The armour is noticeable for the first 5 minutes or so when you first put them on, but when they are warmed up by you body heat, they become softer and barely noticeable.
The hip inserts don’t have velcro at the top of the pocket to keep them in place like the other jeans – below.
However, when wearing them, the pad is pressed against your body so it doesn’t move out of position. The only a minor issue when you take them off as they can fall out which is annoying.
Another safety feature is the reflective strips on the inside of the pants so they reflect headlights when the cuffs are turned up – as with the other pair tested – a nice innovation.
Handy pants
Apart from the usual jeans pockets, the Steel Black slim jeans have a small gum/key pocket which I found handy.
Another handy item is the round clip ring on the buckle to clip on your keys or hang your sunglasses from when wandering around road side cafes.
Styling
I’m reasonably slim and the jeans fit well, if you are more of a pie eater then they might not fit as size range is limited for the larger waist owner (max 36 inches).
These jeans could pass for smart casual and worn out to dinner without looking out of place.
The jeans are well made, but I did notice some white specs here and there where the Dyneema weave shows through. However, the fabric hasn’t deteriorated so it must just be part of the weave.
Pando Moto Jean Specs Quick list:
Classic slim fit cut
Dark navy color (almost black).
Made of single layer stretch 25% Dyneema® 13 oz (15 times stronger than steel, 1800 protection).
It has high heat conductivity, reflects the heat.
CE officially approved PPE under EN 17092, level AA (speed 70 km/h).
2 position knee armor pockets.
KNOX® Micro Lock CE approved (EN1621-1:2012) knee armor INCLUDED.
Hip armor – optional (not included).
Reflective cuffs for safety ride.
Made in Europe.
About Pando Moto
Pando Moto produce a range of men and women’s jeans (and other clothing) to meet your needs – unless your waist is above 36 inches (which is as large as their range goes).
Their jeans are designed to achieve decent levels of safety, while also being comfortable and stylish.
The company was founded in Lithuania in 2011 and position themselves as a “premium motorcycle clothing brand”.
Their marketing ‘bumph’ says they “use the very latest in textile technologies with urban riding culture along with European standards EN 17092 (PROTECTION ZONING SYSTEM)”.
You can check them out and find more information on their website
