Tag Archives: Gear/accessories

Pants and gloves rated for safety

Australian motorcycle gear ratings authority MotoCAP has added six pairs of pants and nine pairs of gloves to its online ratings fr safety and comfort.

MotoCAP has now tested a total of 430 jackets, gloves and pants, with a recent adjustment to their testing regime that makes it tougher for manufacturers to score well.

The new ratings for pants can be viewed here. The new ratings for gloves can be viewed here.

The RST GT CE ladies leather pants performed very well, receiving five out of five stars for safety and four out of five for breathability.

RST GT CE ladies leather pants

Recently MotoCAP made changes to their glove-rating system based on new research on impact damage.

Deakin Uni Institute for Frontier Materials Senior Research Fellow and Honda GB400 rider Chris Hurren says the changes are the result of “ongoing tweaking of the system based on new research conducted by Deakin University”.

Chris says these changes mean that accurate ratings are assigned to gear based on the latest research and testing, allowing consumers to make informed decisions on their purchases and increasing their protection on our roads.

“Hand injuries have not previously had the level of scrutiny that the rest of the body has received by researchers worldwide,” Chris says. 

“They are just listed in most research as hand injuries regardless of the injury type.”

The original MotoCAP ratings were developed with the limited information at the time of the risks involved for the hand. 

Dr Liz de Rome and Chris have conducted research into this area to determine the injury risks to hands to fill the previous lack of information and provide the appropriate advice to riders. The glove ratings were revised accordingly. 

“The majority of gloves will have stayed the same or improved in rating however there may be a small number that have reduced in their protection scores,” Chris says.

MotoCAP testing

Dr Chris Hurren explains use of one of the uni’s testing machines ratings
Dr Chris Hurren with one of the uni’s testing machines

All gear tested and rated by MotoCAP is bought covertly.

In 2019, MotoCAP, has won a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) road safety award.

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), the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.

Testing is carried out by the Deakin University Institute for Frontier Materials on behalf of the MotoCAP partners.

All gear rated so far has been obtained through a secretive buying system to guarantee integrity.

In 2019, MotoCAP won a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) road safety award.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Thrilling race video from Summer Night Series

Australia’s first smart-helmet manufacturer, Forcite, has created an exciting cockpit-view race video filmed with their clever helmet.

Filmed in collaboration with Cam Elkins of Stories of Bike, Under Lights features the amateur racing event – The Summer Night Series.

Forcite spokesman Charlie Stack says it is a short story that explores the tight-knit community and culture that has formed around Australia’s newest and most exciting race series. 

It is hosted by St George Motorcycle Club over four rounds under the state of the art Floodlight installation at Sydney Motorsport Park.

“St George Motorcycle Club started the series two seasons ago in an effort to bring something fresh and exciting to an otherwise stagnant Australian amateur motorcycle racing scene,” Charlie says. 

“Driven forward by a raft of dedicated organisers, volunteers, and competitors, the series is quickly becoming a crowd favourite for Sydney based spectators, and the club hopes to grow the event in the upcoming season and beyond.

Also showcased is Forcite-sponsored rider Aidan Hayes with his Forcite helmet providing a unique cockpit view of the close racing.

He battles his way through the field from a pit lane start to end in a photo finish, separated from a fellow rider by mere centimetres.

Forcite has launched a public equity crowdfunding campaign through Equitise to build more varieties of their MK1 helmets and expand into the world market.

The cashed-up company has already attracted funding from Atlas Advisors Australia, bringing their combined post-sales funding to $8 million.

Forcite smart helmet

The MK1 helmet features Forcite’s patented RAYDAR helmet system, combining Formula 1 LED technology, audio interactivity, military-grade camera recording and a fingertip handlebar controller.

Click here for more details.

Forcite’s smart helmet is designed to deliver road alerts and visual and audio turn-by-turn navigation without a phone, enabling riders to see or predict things before they happen to avoid danger.

It also automatically records dashcam footage of multiple lanes without distracting the rider.

All the technology is incorporated into the helmet without the need for an externally mounted device.

Forcite Chief Executive Officer Alfred Boyadgis claims the helmet’s technology which warns of road hazards with flashing lights, can reduce the number of accidents and save lives.

The Sydney based motorcycle technology company aims to provide a safer, more dynamic motorcycling experience with it’s Forcite MK1 smart motorcycle helmet. The world’s first ECE 22.05 approved smart helmet has rapidly sold out every time it has been available.

Now, 1380 riders are using the Forcite MK1 on the road and track with 14,000 more registering their interest to buy.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Touratech announces new all-roads helmet

German adventure motorcycle accessories company Touratech has announced a new adventure helmet which can quickly convert into a road helmet without the need for any tools.

The Touratech Aventuro Rambler is available in Australia now for $1090 in seven sizes from XS to 3XL.

Like its previous helmets, I suspect this is made for the company by fellow countryman Schuberth helmets who make high-quality models that score well on independent safety tests such as the British SHARP helmet safety scheme ratings.

The most interesting and cleverst feature of the ECE 2205 and DOT approved Touratech Aventuro Rambler is its ability to be used on-road and off-road.

It can be transformed from a hybrid adventure helmet with peak and visor into an airy cross helmet with peak and goggles or a streamlined road helmet with little effort, all without the aid of any tools.

The Rambler also has the vital safety feature of red emergency pull tabs that release the cheek pads in the event of a crash so the rider doesn’t sustain neck injury when removing the helmet.Touratech Aventuro Rambler

Aussie riders should find it comfortable in the summer heat thanks to the adjustable four-vent system and replaceable and washable COOLMAX inner padding.

You can wear it with the visor attached or with goggles which are not included. However, there is an integrated goggle strap guide to keep them in place.Touratech Aventuro Rambler

The helmet comes in three outer shell sizes and it’s not super-light.

It weighs 1600g for the XS-S in on-road setting and 1750g in off-road mode.

The middle outer shell (sizes M-L) weighs 1625g on-road and 1775 off-road, while the large outer shell (XL-3XL) is 1650g and a whopping 1800g.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aussies support smart helmet company

Aussie riders are getting behind smart-helmet manufacturer Forcite which is on track to raise $A1m through a public equity crowdfunding campaign through Equitise.

Since it launched in December 2021, $920,000 has been raised with one week to go until it closes.

Together with Series A Preference Shares which raised $4.6m the Sydney-based motorcycle technology start-up is on track to raise about $6m to build more varieties of their MK1 helmets and expand into the world market later this year.

Company spokesman Charlie Stack says they now have sold Forcite MK1 helmets to 1380 riders with 14,000 more registering their interest across Australia, US and Europe.

“The equity crowdfunding campaign speaks to our DNA of community involvement in the company,” says Charlie.

“Since the early days of Forcite, we have involved motorcycle riders in the design process with a test pilot group of 8000 riders giving us feedback and input on our technology.

“We have had many reach out to ask if they could invest, thanks to equity crowdfunding this is now possible and our campaign on Equitise is on track to raise over $1m.

“Being part of the motorcycle community is a pillar to our business, 60% of our staff ride and we’ve always wanted the input from motorcycle enthusiasts.

“On the road, we’re getting a very good response from Aussie riders who are loving the integrated tech, alerts, navigation, app and lightweight design.”

The MK1 helmet features Forcite’s patented RAYDAR helmet system, combining Formula 1 LED technology, audio interactivity, military-grade camera recording and a fingertip handlebar controller.

Click here for more details.

Forcite Mk1 smart helmet
Helmet, handlebar controller and free app

Forcite’s smart helmet is designed to deliver road alerts and visual and audio turn-by-turn navigation without a phone, enabling riders to see or predict things before they happen to avoid danger.

It also automatically records dashcam footage of multiple lanes without distracting the rider.

All the technology is incorporated into the helmet without the need for an externally mounted device.

Forcite Chief Executive Officer Alfred Boyadgis claims the helmet’s technology which warns of road hazards with flashing lights, can reduce the number of accidents and save lives.

Forcite smart helmet delivered in December
Alfred with early-design helmets

“Thanks to input from riders across Australia, Forcite has created a more dynamic, exciting and safe riding experience with our smart helmet technology.” Alfred says.

“Our expert team of designers, developers, and engineers are also motorcycle enthusiasts who use Forcite technology daily so they can constantly test, learn and make iterative improvements after every ride.

“They have their fingers well and truly on the pulse. With this investment from venture capital and equity crowdfunding we’re expanding globally and building our R&D pipeline for the next generation of Forcite motorcycle helmets and in-bike technologies.”

Charlie says their next model, the MK1S, will launch in April.

“We also have a number of partnerships in the works with global motorcycle manufacturers to integrate smart technologies within bikes as smart bikes and E-bikes take off,” he says.

The first owners of the helmet have their own Facebook group and there is a Founders club where the riders give the Forcite design engineers feedback and ideas to improve on the smart helmet.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Do leather jackets sacrifice comfort for safety?

As I sit here literally sweating over this article in 34C heat and humidity, it’s comforting to know that Australian motorcycle gear ratings authority MotoCAP also rates breathability.

The internationally awarded MotoCAP online safety ratings service not only provides riders with information about the safety of jackets, pants and gloves, but also tests jackets and pants for breathability and comfort in hot conditions.

This is an important primary safety factor. You can’t be a safe rider if you are uncomfortable, dehydrated and distracted by the discomfort of heat.

In the latest round of testing, MotoCAP rates six leather and six textile jackets, with four leather jackets scoring a safety rating of four out of five stars. 

While most riders associate textile jackets with keeping cool while looking daggy and leather jackets with looking cool but feeling hot and sweaty, that is not always the case.

The new ratings reveal the RST TracTech EVO 4 Mesh CE jacket ($A299) scored four stars for safety, but was also awarded a four-star breathability rating and a score of 10 out of 10 for water resistance.

RST TracTech EVO 4 Mesh CE jacket

That shows that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for safety.

MotoCAP has now tested a total of 415 jackets, gloves and pants, with a recent adjustment to their testing regime that makes it tougher for manufacturers to score well.

Deakin Uni Institute for Frontier Materials Senior Research Fellow and Honda GB400 rider Chris Hurren says the changes are the result of “ongoing tweaking of the system based on new research conducted by Deakin University”.

Chris says these changes mean that accurate ratings are assigned to gear based on the latest research and testing, allowing consumers to make informed decisions on their purchases and increasing their protection on our roads.

The original MotoCAP ratings were developed with the limited information at the time of the risks involved for the hand. 

MotoCAP testing

Dr Chris Hurren explains use of one of the uni’s testing machines ratings
Dr Chris Hurren with one of the uni’s testing machines

All gear tested and rated by MotoCAP is bought covertly.

In 2019, MotoCAP, has won a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) road safety award.

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), the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.

Testing is carried out by the Deakin University Institute for Frontier Materials on behalf of the MotoCAP partners.

All gear rated so far has been obtained through a secretive buying system to guarantee integrity.

In 2019, MotoCAP won a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) road safety award.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Quad Lock just got better-er!

Aussie-designed Quad Lock to securely hold your hone on your motorcycle has just got even better-er!

It now comes in a Pro model which is made of hardier black anodised CNC machined aluminium.

This should make it even more durable than the already tough glass-filled nylon unit I have been using for several years now.

The Pro handlebar or fork-stem models are not only tougher, but also more handsome with the blue quick-release tab replaced by a black tab.

Quad Lock fork stem m mount

Even the stainless steel mounting screw is now a matching black colour.

We spend a fortune on CNC-machined levers, mirrors and other bike hardware, so why not our phone mounts?

Both mounts feature discreet cable routing for USB charger cables and increased spacer sizes for a wider range of handlebars and fork stem tubes.

You can also fit the vibration dampener which I recommend as motorcycle vibrations can cause the camera in some iPhones to stop focusing and it’s not covered by your phone warranty.

You can also add the wireless charger.

These “Pro” items are more expensive, as you would expect. 

The original handlebar mount was $59.95, but the Pro model is $89.95, while the fork stem mount was $74.95 and Pro is now $99.95.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Barkbusters release new guards

Harley-Davidson’s first adventure bike, the Pan America 1250 Special, is among the growing range of model-specific hand guard kits available from Australian hand guard specialist, Barkbusters.

That’s great, because the standard handguards are fairly flimsy.

It will arrive in Australia at the end of March.

Harley-Davidson Pan America Special
Harley-Davidson Pan America Special

Meanwhile, the new range released now includes guards for the new Ducati Mulistrada V4, V4S and V4S Sport ($A139.95), the new Honda CRF300L ($134.95) and the latest version of the ever-faithful Kawasaki KLR650 ($139.95).

Kawasaki KLR650 Barkbusters

They come with a choice of four tough plastic wind deflectors: sleek Jet, more wind protective VPS, Storm for maximum wind and rain protection and Carbon, made with carbon fibre, of course.

I’ve used Barkbuster guards before and they are simply the toughest around to protect your hands from injury and levers from breakage in crashes or even bumping into trees, etc.

They are made for our harsh conditions with heat-treated light aluminium, with two mounting points and bar-end weights.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Atlas 4.0 claimed to be quieter

British motorcycle helmet manufacturer Ruroc has only been around a few years but is now set to release the fourth generation of its Atlas full-face helmet.

The company claims its ECE 22:05 and DOT FMVSS218 approved, carbon-fibre Atlas 4.0 helmet will be even quieter than the last model.

I reviewed the Atlas 3.0 helmet in October 2021 and found it quite comfortable and full of handy features, but still had issues with noise and the lack of ventilation control.

Company spokesman Ben Conie says they have again listened to rider feedback in updating the helmet.

Changes include “upgrades to the internal acoustics” (whatever that means), shell structure and air flow.

The Atlas 3.0 is my go-to helmet in summer for its ventilation, but in winter it might be too “fresh” as the only vent you can close is the chin vent.Ruroc Atlas 4.0

Now all four vents in the chin, sides and top can be controlled. That might also reduce wind noise as the side vents are close to the ears.Ruroc Atlas 4.0Ruroc Atlas 4.0

They also say the “fully re-engineered internal structure fits seamlessly against the lower helmet trim, reducing turbulent air-flow within liner gaps” to reduce noise.Ruroc Atlas 4.0

The Atlas 4.0 will be launched on February 18 when more details will be available.

So far there is no word about price, but the Atlas 3.0 helmet started at the same price as the Atlas 2.0 at $A630.

However special graphic options can takes the price to $A810 for the Nebula Carbon and Liquid Carbon models.

You can register for details when it launches by clicking here, or stay tuned to MortorbikeWriter.com.

I also hope they retain the superb boxing which features a contoured foam pad to place your helmet on when it is not on your head.

It even includes a groove to hold your spare Pinlock-ready wraparound visor which comes in a range of options including new Chrome and Pink iridescent.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Touratech launches new adventure suspension

The biggest improvement you can make to just about any motorcycle is to update the original suspension.

Most motorcycles are built with bargain suspension as standard. 

Even “exotic” or “luxury” brands tend to come with compromised suspension components and only special models have high-grade forks and shocks.

While many riders tend to replace mufflers and engine management systems to get greater power, the biggest improvement they can make to a bike’s performance is via the suspension.

We all know that better suspension will improve the bikes handling, but what does that actually mean?

Good handling isn’t necessarily stiffer suspension. 

It can result in “plusher” suspension that makes the bike corner better, steer more precisely and ride smoother over bumps.

It means the forks and shocks will respond faster to bumps keeping the wheels in contact with the ground which translates as better acceleration and braking.

This is no more important than on adventure bikes that travel on much more demanding terrain.

Even if you like the standard suspension on your adventure bike — and some of it is quite good — adventure riding on rough roads can take a heavy toll on suspension which could need updating in just a couple of years. 

In 2014, German adventure accessories company Touratech started producing a range of high-end suspension tailored specifically for adventure riders.

Touratech Suspension already has the Travel range for adventure bikes and dual bikes and Black-T series for custom bikes, scramblers and new heritage bikes. 

Now they have introduced a new E1 series of adventure suspension so their brand now covers more than 400 motorcycle models.

Touratech E1 suspension
Touratech E1 suspension

Touratech Suspension’s E1 adventure series includes mono shocks, twin shocks and replacement spring sets for the fork and the original shock absorber. 

The step-less progressively wound springs are claimed to combine sensitive response with high puncture resistance.

And there are replacement spring sets for some models to lower the bike for shorter riders.

The base parts are milled from the solid and a “generously dimensioned” damper rod made of 16mm thick chrome-molybdenum steel. 

The big damper tube ensures optimum heat dissipation so the temperature balance of the damper remains stable, even under heavy use.

Rebound damping of the shock absorbers can be adjusted over 50 clicks and the springs have a progressive rate that offers a plush ride on harsh bumps without bottoming out.

The preload of the spring can be adjusted manually.

The E1 series spring elements are manufactured in Europe and come with a two-year warranty. 

But don’t expect them to come cheap. A rear shock alone can cost up to $A2000.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Updated inView2 helmet light coming

The makers of the inVIEW helmet light hope to raise more than $US1m to develop an update of their innovative product that not only indicates when brakes are applied or a rider slows down on the throttle, but also shows a rider’s intention to turn.

Third Eye Design, founded in 2009, have announced they are producing inView2 and hoping to fund it through their first public stock offering.

Common shares cost $US5.17 each with a minimum investment of $US248.16. Supporters can invest via credit card, ACH, or wire with funds held in escrow until close.

There is no date yet for the new model nor any information about how it will be updated.

The stick-on bluetooth inVIEW light has been available for three years at $US249.95, but the current model has been reduced to $US149.95 ahead of the new model.

It features an accelerometer that activates the brake light even when just slowing down on the throttle which many riders do.

inVIEW helmet Brake light and indicator
inVIEW

We can’t see why they would be illegal here as they do not replace the motorcycle’s brake lights or indicators.

However, Victorian police might take a dim view of this product since they still believe any addition to a helmet is illegal.

Some might think this is a great idea as it lifts these important lights higher where drivers are more likely to see them.

It could also be a good safety feature with its brake light that illuminates when the rider slows down on the throttle, rather than the brakes.

How inVIEW works

Macna Saber gloves

The inVIEW unit has bright LEDs and is powered by two AAA batteries that they claim will last for months.

Riders get a warning when batteries are low or if there is a problem with the system. 

It snaps on via a 3M hook and loop mounting system that Third Eye Design claim is unobtrusive when the unit is not attached and snaps off in the event of a crash.

There is also a small transmitter that can be located close to the rear brake light and indicators.

They say it draws “almost no power and works on all motorcycles, including those with CANBus electrical systems”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com