Tag Archives: Gear/accessories

Shinko 705 Adventure Touring Tyres tested

Shinko tyres review by tyre expert Dale Schmidtchen

The standard tyres on our long-term review CFMoto 650 MT have been my only real complaint about the hardy bike which is now coming up to 4000km.

It came fitted with Chinese-made Cheng Shin Tire (CST) Adreno radials which worked well on dry sealed roads, but were inadequate on any other surface.

Shinko tyresShinko tyres CFMoto

I had been looking around and there wasn’t much on the market that actually fitted the bike as a matched pair.

Wheel size was the main problem with a 17-inch front (unusual on an adventrue bike) and the odd 160/60R17 rear combination.

However, Bruce Collins Enterprises came to the rescue with the suggestion of a pair of South Korean Shinko 705 Series Adventure Touring tyres at $114.

Shinko Tyres bought the almost new radial tyre plant from Yokohama Tire Japan in the late 1990s.  They have since become one of the most versatile and innovative tyre manufacturers in today’s market.

So we chose a 120/70R17 front and 170/60R17 rear.

Ivan and Louie at Tyres4Bikes, Brisbane, handled the fitting duties with their usual professional and friendly service.Shinko tyres CFMoto

They settled on 34psi in the front and 38psi in the rear for pressures.

The 705 Series tread pattern gave the bike an instant look of aggression, credibility and capability.

First thing I noticed as I rode home was that the steering was more stable and turns were more deliberate.

Much of this feeling comes from the wider rear, combined with a flatter tread pattern which is common with adventure tyres.

Tyre tread noise is a little louder, but not a major issue. Added vibration from the aggressive tread is not noticeable above 25km/h.

Shinko advise that the tyre is biased towards “80% road” use, and while they perform well there, I also can report excellent off-road manners.

Front and rear braking is now possible on unsealed roads with good feedback and confidence.Shinko tyres CFMoto

On a recent dirt/tar run out to Mount Berryman and Schultz Lookout, I was soon able to power slide out of gravel corners and really start to enjoy this bike in its intended environment.

After a few hundred kilometres, wear hasn’t shown itself to be a problem. We will update later with another review.

Surprisingly, I have noticed a small improvement in fuel economy over the past three tanks of unleaded. That’s unusual as the tyres are noticeably heavier than the road tyres they replaced.

Shinko 705 Series tyres would suit most Adventure riders on mid to large bikes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Macna release 2019 summer jackets

Macna continues to introduce more models to its burgeoning rider clothing range with five new summer jackets for the coming hot-weather riding season.

As with all European manufacturers, all their gear is CE approved for safe motorcycle riding.

Since Link International began importing European riding gear from Macna in 2017, we have reviewed several items and found them all to be technically clever, comfortable and safe.

Check out some of our previous Macna reviews at the end of this article.

Click here for the entire range of Macna gear which includes men’s and women’s jackets, pants and gloves.

Here is a rundown of just their five new summer jackets.

Event summer jacketsMacna release 2019 summer jackets

This is the only new jacket in the summer riding range that includes women’s sizes.

It features large mesh panels and can easily be packed into a top-box or backpack for when it gets hot.

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Safe-Tec CE level 2 breathable shoulder and level 1 elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Straps on waist and cuff and coat hanger loop.
  • Colours: Black & Black/ Fluoro.
  • Men’s sizes XS > 4XL, $199.95.
  • Ladies sizes XS > 2XL, $199.95. (Black only.)

Rewind summer jacketMacna release 2019 summer jackets

This sporty jacket is equipped with large mesh panels.

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Waist and cuff straps, coat hanger loop.
  • Colours: Black/White/Red & Grey/Black/Blue.
  • Men’s sizes S > 3XL, $249.95.

Charger jacket Macna release 2019 summer jackets

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Detachable thermal lining, including Raintex waterproof membrane.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Chest and back air vents. Air vents chest & back.
  • Zipgrip, Straps on waist & cuff, Coat hanger loop & Easy Cuff light.
  • Colours: Black/Yellow/Blue & Black/Grey/Red.
  • Men’s sizes S > 3XL, $329.95.

Hurracage jacketMacna release 2019 summer jackets

Not sure what a “Hurracage” is, but Macna claims this is a hybrid jacket with large areas of mesh material for ventilation and a zip-out Raintex Plus waterproof liner.

Maybe it’s to give you courage in a hurricane!

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Straps on waist & cuff and Coat hanger loop.
  • Colours: Black & Black Fluoro.
  • Men’s sizes S > 4XL, $279.95.

Velocity jacketMacna release 2019 summer jackets

The Velocity has large mesh panels and camo graphics.

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Straps on waist & cuff and Coat hanger loop.
  • Colouras: Olive Green & Black Camo.
  • Men’s sizes S > 3XL, $229.95.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Pando Moto jeans have style and safety

(Pando Moto jeans review by contributor James Wawne)

Trying to find the right pair of jeans to ride in can be quite difficult, especially if you want to achieve decent levels of safety, comfort, and style.

Pando Moto claim to have the answer to this problem. They 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).

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)”.

So we decided to put a pair of their Karl Desert EL jeans through their paces turning them inside out to look over the key features and wearing them in a number of different scenarios to see how they performed.

Pando Moto jeansPando Moto jeans

The Pando Moto jeans arrived nicely packaged along with the included SAS-TEC® knee and optional hip armour inserts.

The first thing I like to do with any jeans review once I have removed the outer packaging, is to turn the trousers inside out to have a look at what you can see.

Laying the garment on the floor I can immediately recognise the construction format as depicted on their website.Pando Moto jeans

The fabric is Cordura® stretch denim (6.6 fiber) with DuPont™ Kevlar® lining and feels good quality, the cut is sharp and finish of the seams and stitch work is excellent.

The protection pads are quickly and easily installed, secured in tailored compartments which have Velcro strips at the top to ensure that they are secured.Pando Moto jeans

With the protection panels in, these are not the lightest of single-layer jeans in market (for my size (33W34L) came in at about 1200 grams) but they were snug fitting and comfortable and didn’t feel overly heavy when on.

These jeans did not have the ‘cool’ feel of the Saint unbreakable we reviewed, but equally, I didn’t overheat on a middling UK summer’s day (25 Centigrade). Further testing in Brisbane summer temperatures will be interesting (check back for future update in November).

A minor gripe is that there are only four pockets – the small cigarette lighter/gum sub pocket is absent which is unfortunate.

The top of the waist is secured with a standard button/fly combo for quick access and even though these are slim fit the flex of the fabric means that the ankles can readily accommodate riding boots.

The turn-up has a reflective band which is a bonus though you might end up being called a hipster … or worse.Pando Moto jeans

One feature that I found particularly functional was the flexible ‘stretch-panels’ built into the knees and the lower back/waist.

You can really see this contracting/expanding as I straighten and bend my like on the fitting frame (Thanks to Pete at Bike Stop for letting me pose on his rig to demonstrate the performance in various riding positions).Pando Moto jeans

This flex prevents constriction and discomfort that can occur with some jeans which lack this design when in more aggressive riding positions.Pando Moto jeans

The fabrics include 12.5oz Cordura® stretch denim and feature a thick mid-layer made of DuPont™ with Kevlar® yarns lining and reinforced Kevlar® stitches.

The jeans are CE officially approved PPE under EN 17092, level AA (speed 70 km/h) and the site includes quite an entertaining demonstration of its abrasion resistance that mirrors one originally done by Australia’s Draggin’ Jeans.

The look of these jeans, paired with a rather ‘directly captioned’ T give an undeniably cool aesthetic, though that comes at a mid(ish) range price of €249 (about $A405, £220, $US275).

And so, to the closing question then: Do these jeans provide a solution to the problem of finding a blend of safety, comfort and style?

The answer to this has to be a resounding: Yes!

They are pretty good on all dimensions of evaluation  – just so long as you are 27-36 inches around your waist! 

Pando Motor Jean Specs Quick list:Pando Moto jeans

  • Made of 12.5oz Cordura® stretch denim.
  • Lining: thick interlock-knit made of DuPont™ Kevlar®.
  • CE officially approved PPE under EN 17092, level AA (speed 70 km/h).
  • Featuring Kevlar® reinforced stitches.
  • Equipped with stretch panels on knees and back.
  • Reflective cuffs for safety ride.
  • Knee armour and inner hip armour slots.
  • SAS-TEC® CE approved (EN1621-1:2012) knee armour. (included)
  • Optional: SAS-TEC Hips – EN1621-2 approved. (not included)
  • Colour: Light blue, hand-made aged style.
  • Made in Europe.

Click here for more information on CE approved clothing.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Roof RO200 Carbon is lightest full-face helmet

French motorcycle helmet company Roof is releasing a new helmet, the RO200 Carbon, which is expected to be the lightest full-face helmet in the world.

At just 1090g, it beats the previous lightest helmet, the Nolan-made X-Lite X-803 Ultra Carbon at 1249g.

The 1090g weight is for their small shell size to fit XS to M sized heads, while their ML to XXL helmets weigh 1150g which is still lighter than the X-Lite.

Roof helmets have been around since 1993 and have ECE22.05 certification, so they are legal here.

They are imported to Australia through Cassons, now owned by Motorcycle Holdings which also owns TeamMoto dealerships.Roof RO200 Carbon is lightest full-face helmet

There is no word yet from Cassons about price and arrival.

In Europe they start at €699 (about $A1130), depending on colour and graphics.

Roof RO200 Carbon is lightest full-face helmet

Features include UV and anti-scratch visor with Pinlock anti-fog insert, removable and adjustable lining, intercom compatible, glasses channels, six air intakes and two extractors, and a double-D ring chin strap clasp. 

Despite its light weight, Roof says the helmet is suitable for race-standard protection with “advanced technologies and innovative solutions” including “Evolutive EPS protection with five densities”.

They claim the face aperture provides 210° of horizontal vision and 100° vertical.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Arai Regent-X easier to pull on/off

The next-generation Arai Regent-X helmet will address the problem of tight-fitting helmets being difficult to pull on and off.

It will be released late this year with the latest version of Arai’s Facial Contour System.

This system includes a 5mm adjustment in the jawline and cheek pads that “articulate up and down” as you pull on and take off the helmet.Arai Regent-X motorcycle helmet

They say this makes it easier to pull on and take off.

When the helmet is on, Arai claim the cheek pads will wrap around your face for a snug fit.

This is important as brain injuries can occur if your helmet does not fit tightly around your head.

Although it has a snug fit, the cheek pads have bigger speaker recesses and they say it is now easier to fit an intercom.

And, as usual, the cheek pads are adjustable and come in multiple sizes to fit your head.

It also comes with their usual multi-density one-piece liner.

However, some people with round heads (like me) can’t wear Arai helmets as they have an oval shell shape.

Arai Regent-X

Arai has also fitted a lighter weight neck roll, although they don’t say how much lighter it makes the helmet.

But Arai does claim it reduces wind noise seeping in from the bottom of the helmet.Arai Regent-X motorcycle helmet

Protection is claimed to be the same as their race helmets even though it uses a new less-expensive resin.

We don’t have confirmation yet of its arrival time or prices in Australia.

Aussie prices for Arai helmets range from about $550  for the Acces-III to $1339.95 for the RX-7V graphic.

It will be available in sizes XS-XXL in solid colours and graphics.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Klim helmet cooler, safer, longer lasting

A new Koroyd helmet liner being used by Klim is claimed to be safer, cooler and last longer than the industry standard polystyrene or polypropylene “EPS” foam.

Koroyd is basically hundreds of tiny tubes of plastic polymer that form a honeycomb around your head, absorbing more impact and allowing cooling air to circulate.

It is also not affected by heat and sweat like EPS which limits helmet life to about five years.Klim Koroyd helmet

And it can be reused after small crashes as the liner material “bounces back”.

The Koroyd liner has been used in bicycle helmets.

Now American company Klim features the material in their F5 adventure helmet. It adds about 40% to the price.

Australia currently only gets the Klim Krios adventure helmet ($A750-$950). There is no word yet on whether the F5 with Koroyd will be coming here, but it is being Euro approved which means it would be legal.

How Koroyd liner works

While EPS is the industry standard in helmet lining, there are other helmet inventions that also claim to be cooler and increase impact absorption.

For example, Italian manufacturer Momo has a fan in the helmet that activates at low speed and American inventor Jason Kirshon has developed his Kirsh helmet with a lightweight silicone liner that helps reduce impact by up to 60% over EPS.

By the Koroyd liner puts these two elements together as well as improving the life of your helmet.

Koroyd tubes are designed to deform on impact to absorb the energy like EPS liners, but at a higher rate of 84% compared with 60%.

Not only does it absorb more impact, but it decreases the risk of a fracture, reacts better to direct or angled impacts and reduces rotational forces.Klim Koroyd helmet

The impact is also absorbed at a smoother rate of deceleration, reducing shock to the brain.

Once a conventional EPS-lined helmet has been in a crash, even at low speed, the helmet is usually a write-off.

However, the material in a Koroyd liner is able to bounce back from minor impacts.

Since it is made up of hollow tubes, it also allows more air to circulate around your head which is claimed to reduce heat by 30%.Klim Koroyd helmet

Klim

The technology seems to have been bought by Ohio company Klim (pronounced “climb”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries which makes Indian motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Varied protection for country and urban riders

Urban and country riders need different levels of abrasion, impact and seam-bursting protection in their riding gear, according to MotoCAP chief scientist Chris Hurren.

He explains the differences in this video from MotoCAP, the world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing which launched on 18 September 2018.

Jackets and pants tested

Almost a year after launching, the Australian testing facility has now rated 146 items.

The latest inclusion is comfort and safety ratings for four jackets and seven pairs of pants.

Alpinestars SP-X perforated leather pants four stars for thermal comfort, the highest rating for leather pants in this category yet.

The pants also obtained three out of five stars in protection.Chris Hurren Varied protection for country and urban riders MotoCAP

The MotoDry Advent Tour textile pants received the maximum score of 10 for water resistance, only the second pair of pants so far to earn the highest score.

The pants only scored half a star for protection, but were awarded three stars for comfort.

The Merlin Hamlin Zip-up Hoodie jacket was awarded the highest rating for thermal comfort in this release, scoring three out of five stars, and one out of five stars for protection.Chris Hurren Varied protection for country and urban riders MotoCAP

MotoCAP ratings explained

The brief MotoCAP video follows recent seminars across the country by MotoCAP researchers from the Deakin University.

If you are interested in having a MotoCAP researcher talk to your riders group, click here to contact them.

Chris says he briefs riders on MotoCAP aims, how a rider can use the service to select the right gear, what is tested and why, plus “some of the science that we do to back up our work”.

Typical rider questions are:

  • Q: Who funds the program?
  • A: MotoCAP is a not-for-profit organisation in partnership with and funded by: from NSW – Transport for NSW, SIRA and the NRMA; from Victoria – VicRoads, TAC and RACV; from South Australia – DPTI, MAC and RAA; from Queensland – TMR and RACQ; from Western Australia – the Western Australian Road Safety Commission; plus the Australian Motorcycle Council and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation.
  • Q: How many garments are tested a year?
  • A: It was launched in September 2018 and has so far tested 146 articles of clothing.
  • Q: Are any companies getting on board with the program?
  • A: Despite invitations, no manufacturer has yet come forward to have their gear tested. Instead, they use a system of secret buying.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Neckmike intercom headset for riders

Neckmike intercom is similar to those tactical headsets you’ve seen the good guys using in Hollywood blockbusters.

It’s the product of a two-person Swedish company that produces headsets for military and first responders.

But co-founder Carl Franzén says they don’t just make them for use in combat or special ops, so they sent me their civilian version suitable for active use such as motorcycling, skiing and cycling.

The Neckmike M4+ bluetooth intercom bundle includes a handlebar controller and costs $US219.99 (about $A320) from Tactical Headsets.

Neckmike from Tactical headsets
Neckmike and handlebar control come in handy zipped container

 

Advantages

Most helmet intercom microphones are useless against wind noise, even when they have those little foam “socks” over them or have active noise cancellation.

As the name suggests, Neckmike uses a neck microphone that straps around your throat with two different collar sizes.

The mic is positioned right up against the skin of your throat so it doesn’t get any wind noise at all.

People I have spoken to on the phone, even when wearing an open-face helmet, say the voice quality is superb.

They couldn’t even tell I was on a motorcycle travelling at highway speeds.

Surprisingly the nec mic isn’t uncomfortable on a trip.

Neckmike from Tactical headsets
Neck mic

Another advantage of this unit is that it uses earbuds rather than speakers.

These silicon earbuds won’t irritate your ears and are passive noise cancellers if you shove them in far enough.

There are three different sizes of earbuds included to match your ear size.

They are comfortable for all-day use sop long and your helmet has ear recesses.

They also reduce damaging wind noise which can lead to rider fatigue, tinnitus and permanent hearing loss.Neckmike Case

Pairing is quick and easy and re-pairing when you power on is foolproof every time.

They don’t advise what bluetooth level it is and I couldn’t connect to other brands of intercom.

You can also download their free Zello app that turns your smartphone into a “push to talk” (PTT) device, using the 3G and 4G network.

So you can simply add other Neckmike users to your app channel and you’re connected at the touch of a button, although it only works if you have phone signal.

Disadvantages

Neckmike from Tactical headsetsOur main concern with the Neckmike is that they take ages to fit each time you put your helmet on or take it off.

There are too many messy wires as well as a velcro strap to hold the neck mic in place. It all gets in the way of the helmet strap.

The waterproof controller has seven buttons — way too many — and they are all so small you can’t discern which is which when trying to find them with gloved fingertips.

And the volume controls are upside down with the down volume button on top and vice versa. Very strange.

However, the handlebar control does make controls easier to access and operate.

We also don’t like the fact that you have to hold the power button for up to six seconds to switch on and off.

Carl says the earbud speakers are made with hi-fi elements from a “renowned Danish company” and we found the audio quality very clear for speech.

However, it is a bit shrill and high-frequency-oriented for playing music.

Uses

Neckmike Case
Bundle comes with M4 intercom and handlebar controls

We acknowledge that some riders are critical about intercom communication and audio entertainment while riding.

However, there are other riders who love music and being able to stay in touch. It’s also a safety device on group rides.

Plus there are professionals who need to be in contact for work while riding such as couriers and moto-journos like me!

For the latter, this Neckmike is ideal as the microphone and earbuds are perfect for making and receiving calls and intercom communication.

If you are a courier or tourer who won’t be taking off your helmet frequently, this unit would be suitable.

They are also ideal for use with open-face helmets thanks to their noise-cancelling microphone and earbuds.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Arai Rapide Neo joins retro trend

Most motorcycle helmet manufacturers have now released retro designs over the past few years and now the Arai Rapide Neo joins the trend.

Arai is better known for its racing helmets, but the sports bike category is on the slide and the retro trend is continuing to rise, so it was only a matter of time before Arai joined in.

There is no word yet on when the 1980s-style Rapide Neo will come to Australia.

It will depend on when it receives Euro approval which is expected soon.

The helmet will be available in M (57-58), L (59-60), XL (61-62) sizes and we estimate it will cost around $800-$900.

What is a retro helmet?

A retro helmet is usually distinguished by its simplistic design, round shell, limited vents and lack of aero scoops and race graphics.

Rapide Neo follows this trend with a dome-shaped Special Fibre Laminate shell available in five solid colours only.Arai Rapide Neo retro helmet

Most of the retro helmets we have tested have been low-tech as befitting the old-school design.

While they may have modern protection and materials such as antibacterial lining to “wick away” the sweat, etc, they do have a few design flaws.

A minimalistic retro helmet usually has visors that don’t seal properly and little ventilation or at least no way to switch the ventilation on and off.

Arai Rapide

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The Arai Rapide Neo may be a little more hi-tech than most other retro helmets.

For a start, it seems to have a better visor seal with a rubber gasket around the face aperture.

There is also a rather sophisticated hinge mechanism and doesn’t have the typical Aria covers side covers which should make it a little quieter.Arai Rapide Neo retro helmet

It also features a neat device to “crack” the visor open for more air.

Otherwise, ventilation is a bit hit and miss.

The big chin vents look like they would provide plenty of air and are adjustable, but the control is inside the chin bar which may be difficult to access.

To keep the dome design clean and simple there are no forehead vents.

Arai Rapide Neo retro helmet
Chin vents, hinge mechanism, visor “crack” tool, rear vent

While there are small vents in the visor, it looks like they will just squirt air straight into your eyes and dry them out. It should also increase noise levels.

The two very discrete slits at the rear three-quarters and rear neck vent are the exhaust outlets.

Being down low instead of at the top of the head, we would expect it would draw air down, rather than over your hair.

However, Arai says it has “Air Flora Ina” ventilation that channels air throughout the liner.

We will advise when they arrive in Australia.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aerodynamic ARK bluetooth intercom for AGV

AGV is the latest helmet manufacturer to partner with leading Bluetooth company Sena to develop a special aerodynamic ARK intercom for their helmets.

So far, the ARK intercom is only compatible with the AX9 Adventure range, K5-S Sports range and Sport Modular Touring.

The AGV ARK intercom costs $399, but you have to also buy a helmet-specific base at $29.95. However, for a limited time, riders can save money by buying the compatible helmets and SRK in “combo deals”. 

Sena’s ARK intercom is a sleeker and more aerodynamic unit than their usual intercoms.

Instead of the handy “jog dial” rotating knob common to most Sena intercoms, it has buttons.

These may not be as easy to use as the jog dial, but there is also a handlebar remote available at $149.

Sena ARK bluetooth intercom for AGV helmets
Handlebar remote

ARK features

Australian distributors Link International say the ARK unit features 30 minutes of “quick charging” which equals four hours of intercom use. 

It is compatible with the Sena SF Utility App which allows users to configure device settings and accessing quick guides and the Sena RideConnected App that allows intercom with a virtually limitless number of riders over an extensive range, so long as they are connected to a mobile network.

Other Sena features are: voice prompts for functions; FM radio; microphone noise control to reduce wind and background noise; music sharing with another intercom; multi-way conference intercom. 

It also has audio overlay which allows phone calls, GPS instructions and intercom conversations to be heard over audio from the radio, music or GPS app instructions in the background with reduced volume.Sena ARK bluetooth intercom for AGV helmets

Specifications 

  • 10 hours of talking time 
  • Three-way conference phone call with intercom participant. 
  • Microphone mute option 
  • Smart Volume 
  • Audio Boost 
  • Voice activated phone answering and intercom start. 
  • HD quality crystal clear and natural sound. 
  • Bluetooth Audio Recording 
  • SENA firmware upgradeable 
  • Water resistant 
  • Bluetooth 4.1 supporting profiles: Headset Profile, Hands-Free Profile (HFP), Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP). 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com