Tag Archives: Gear/accessories

Corbin seat for Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

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

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

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

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

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

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

Corbin seatCorbin seat for Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

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

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

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

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

S&S parts

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

Part

Price (USD)

Price (INR – For Representation only)

Dynojet Power Commander V with Calibration

USD399.99

INR27,760

High-Flow Air Intake Eliminator Plate Kit

USD23.95

INR1,662

High-Flow Replacement Air Filter

USD59.95

INR4,161

High-Compression 11:1 Piston Kit

USD492.95

INR34,211

Stainless Muffler Set

USD641.95

INR44,552

Race only Stainless Muffler Set

USD474.95

INR32,962

Handlebar Adjuster Kit (INT 650)

USD69.95

INR4,855

Performance Clutch Kit

USD399.95

INR27,757

High-Performance Camshaft Kit with Shims

USD186.95

INR12,975

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP airbag vest for everyday riders

Last year MotoGP made airbag race suits mandatory and now Dainese has produced an airbag vest for everyday riders that goes under a normal jacket.

Versatile vest

Many riders have different jackets for summer and winter.

It would be expensive to buy an airbag jacket for each season, so this idea of an airbag vest underneath seems handy for those who want extra protection.Dainese airbag vest

However, we wonder just how baggy your jacket would need to be to accommodate the vest.

Not only do you have to fit the vest under you jacket, but also allow enough room for if/when it inflates!

The extra layer could defeat the purpose of a ventilated summer jacket, but it is ventilated.

We wonder how it might limit movement, but Dainese says it is light and flexible.

It’s not cheap at $US699 and replacement components after it has deployed will add to the cost.

Although what price do you put on safety?Dainese airbag vest

Dainese says the airbag vest is seven times more protective than the usual back protector.

The vest is also waterproof and abrasion resistant.

How it worksDainese airbag vest

The vest uses seven sensors including GPS, accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect a crash such as low and high-sides, collisions and even being hit from behind when stopped at the lights.

All that tech depletes the batteries which need t be recharged after 26 hours of use.

After it’s exploded, you then have to take it back to the shop to get a new airbag system. Apparently fitting is a quick operation.

It arrives soon in six sizes for men and women.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Are you a pants tucker or loose legger?

Do you wear your pants tucked into your motorcycle boots or are you a loose legger with your pants over the top of your boots?

Look around at other riders and you will see examples of both.

But why is there a difference and does it matter?

We’ve asked around various riders and found there is a variety of reasons given for both versions.

The case for pants tuckersAxo Freedom Adventure boots

Obviously, if you have skinny jeans or narrow race leathers they have to go inside the boots.

There are also some practical reasons for this.

The main reason we have been told is that your pant legs flap around annoyingly if they are over the boots.

One rider told me he has worn his pants tucked since he snagged his trousers years ago in a hi-low range lever on an old trail bike and fell over.

Riders have also told us that it seals in the warmth in winter

There also seems to be a fashion trend among boy racers and, at the other extreme, some Ulysses members, to wear their pants inside the boots.

Then there is the cafe racer “rocker” fashion trend to wear your jeans tucked into white socks with the tops rolled down over the tops of the boots.

Do you wear your pants tucked into your motorcycle boots or are you a loose legger with your over the top of your boots?
Rocker style

Some say it’s less messy and point to riders with their pants caught half mast on the top of their boots.

The case for loose leggers

Do you wear your pants tucked into your motorcycle boots or are you a loose legger with your over the top of your boots?
Rossi circa 2005

There was a trend back in the early 2000s for MotoGP racers to wear their leathers over the top of the boots.

The reasoning was aerodynamics and not getting your outside boot buckles caught on anything! They seem to have all gone back to leathers inside the boots.

Adventure riders tend to wear their pants over the tops of their buckled boots for the same reason of not getting them caught on anything such as bushes.

Charley Boorman at Goodwood
Charley Boorman is a loose legger

Mostly riders wear their pants over the top because it is too uncomfortable to jam their trousers inside their boots.

It also has the practical side of keeping the rain from dribbling down into your boots.

And in summer, it allows air down into your boots so your feet don’t sweat.

  • Are you a tucker or a loose leg rider? What are your reasons? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Domio Bluetooth helmet sound adds mic

The Domio Sport Bluetooth helmet system provides music without internal speakers and messy wires, but has now added a microphone system that has no internal or boom mic.

The Canadian company launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign to raise the funds to start production of their Domio Pro unit with the mic.

UPDATE AND WARNING: We have contacted the company on several occasions to ask when these will be delivered and have not received a response. Customers say they have not yet received theirs, so please DO NOT pay them until they confirm delivery. Their Facebook page says they are shipping in a week. We will advise if customers start receiving units.

Domio Sport and Pro use micro-vibration technology to deliver sound into your helmet.

The Sport model is similar to Headwave Tag which uses “surface transduction” to transmit vibrations through the helmet. However, we tested the Headwave unit and found it awful. Click here to read our review.

Headwave Tag turns your helmet into a speaker domio
Headwave tag

At $US129 ($A175), the Domio Sport is much cheaper than the Headwave Tag ($A449), but neither has a microphone — until now.

How Domio Pro works

Domio Pro includes a wireless, noise canceling “air mic” that, like the sound unit, sticks on the outside of the helmet.

It uses “beamforming” technology which is a process that allows you to focus a WiFi signal.

Domio Pro Bluetooth helmet sound system
Air mic

In this case it also cancels out wind noise and sound vibrations coming from the helmet shell and only accepts sound from a small area right in front of your mouth.

It’s not a Bluetooth intercom unit, so if you want to talk with another rider or your pillion, you will have to call them on your phone.

You can pre-order Domio Pro now for a 35% discount on the retail price of $US199 (about $A270).

Domio Pro Bluetooth helmet sound system
Domio Pro with speaker on top and mic at the side

Given our dismal experience with Headwave Tag, we can’t recommend this unit until we have tested one.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoBrite sign for roadside breakdowns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visible MotoBrite signMotobrite hazard sign

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

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

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

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

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

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Macna Neutron heated gloves are wireless

Unlike many other sets of electric heated motorcycle gloves, Macna Neutron wireless heated gloves don’t have to be plugged into a bulky power supply.

The waterproof gloves come with a discrete, wireless, rechargeable lithium battery in the cuff that lasts for four hours.

Keeping your hands warm and dry is not just a matter of comfort, but also safety. If you have cold hands, you can’t control the throttle and levers as well. The pain from the cold can also divert your attention from the road ahead.

Wireless connection

Macna Neutron gloves are not cheap at $399.95, but they would be far more convenient to use than others that need to be plugged in.

These heated gloves have a three-setting regulator on the top side of the cuff.

Even when the heater is switched off, the Bemberg thermal lining should keep your hands warm while their Outdry system should keep them dry.

The Outdry water-impregnable membrane is laminated directly to the inside surface of the outer shell of the glove.Macna Neutron wireless heated gloves

They say it is 100% waterproof because the membrane prevents the gloves from becoming waterlogged.

I’ve ridden with other waterproof gloves that don’t let your hands get wet, but the outer glove still absorbs water which makes your hands cold.

It also means you don’t have to hang your gloves over a heater overnight to dry them out for the next day’s ride.

Glove constructionMacna Neutron wireless heated gloves

Macna Neutron gloves are made from tough but flexible goat leather with a nylon upper cuff.

They come with R.I.S.C. carbon knuckle protection, EVA padded palms and TPR padded fingers.

They have a 30-degree closure strap and buckle with wrist and cuff straps, a visor wipe on the left index finger, an ergo-thumb design and “touch tip” in the fingers for operating smart screens without having to remove your gloves. 

We’ve tried this touchscreen feature on other Macna gloves and it works ok, but not all the time.

Macna Neutron is available in black only from selected motorcycle retail outlets in sizes S to 4XL.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

First all-weather motorcycle glove

Just days after we lamented there was no such thing as an all-weather waterproof glove, along comes the Sibirsky Adventure Glove from Siima.

As this video shows, you can convert the gauntlet glove into a short summer glove in seconds and then quickly pull a fully waterproof cover over them.

The goat skin gloves are not cheap at €179.99 (about 294) but they may the only pair of gloves you will ever need. They also only come in sizes large to 3XL.

Siima founder Giorgos Evripidou says the gloves are Euro approved, designed in Cyprus and made in Indonesia.

He says that since I had written about the lack of such an all-round, all-weather glove, he would send me a pair to review, so stay tuned.

All-weather travel gloveSiima Sibirsky Adventure Glove for all weather conditions

The Sibirsky Adventure Glove is designed for riders who spend long days in the saddle, travel a long distance and in all types of weather.

They feature a four-way air mesh in between fingers to allow a steady air flow for the hot summer months, while the inner shell is Thermolite for warmth.

It will be interesting to see how these seemingly conflicting vents and liner work in different temperatures.

You could always pull on the thin but fully waterproof overglove to add some warmth.

We are also interested to see if the overglove makes them cumbersome and isolates the feeling of your fingers from the throttle and levers.

Siima says the gloves have 11 “protection points” of armour or extra leather thickness on the palm, knuckle, fingers and wrist.

Some other great features are a wiper blade on the left index finger, a pull string on the overgloves to seal against the rain and a grip patch on the palm for better throttle grip.

They also feature touchscreen-sensitive index and middle fingers. We’ve tried these before on other gloves and found some work better than others, so we shall see.

Sibirsky Adventure Glove tech specsSiima Sibirsky Adventure Glove for all weather conditions

  • TPR flexible ventilated knuckle protector,
  • TPR finger knuckles,
  • Superfabric palm slider,
  • Carbon PU upper wrist protector,
  • Superfabric back thumb reinforcement,
  • Drum-dyed goatskin (outer shell),
  • Thermolite insulation for all-season temperature regulation (inner shell),
  • 180gr bemberg +5mm sponge (inner shell),
  • Reflective stripes for night visibility (gloves & rain overgloves),
  • Inside lining: tri-fleece liner,
  • Elastic mesh on the wrist (short cuff),
  • YYK durable zipper to transform into short cuff,
  • Shield wiper (left index finger),
  • Pull string “auto-cuff (rain overgloves),
  • Grip patch at palm,
  • Wrist velcro closure,
  • 4way air mesh ventilation,
  • 100% waterproof rain overgloves,
  • Touch screen friendly index & middle fingers,
  • Stretch panels on thumb and fingers,
  • Double stitched,
  • Reflective stickers.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

X2 motorcycle phone mount has power

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Why does riding gear fail abrasion tests?

Motorcycle jackets and pants tested in the MotoCAP safety and comfort ratings have failed in the abrasion tests, but could easily be made safer, says a technical expert.

Back in 2015, Deakin University fibre science and technology senior researcher Chris Hurren warned that eight out of 10 of the most commonly worn motorcycle suits in Australia had failed their abrasion tests.

These tests were the precursor for the development of MotoCAP, the world’s first safety ratings for motorcycle protective gear which launched in September 2018.

Over the past few years, motorcycle clothing does not appear to have improved.

In recent MotoCAP ratings, leather and textile pants and jackets have failed dismally in abrasion tests.

Textile abrasion fail

Chris says textile pants and jackets are typically made of 600 denier woven nylon or polyester fabrics.

“These have relatively low abrasion resistance when tested on the Cambridge impact abrasion tester,” he says.

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched target abrasion tests
MotoCAP testing equipment at the Deakin Uni Geelong campus

“Where these fabrics are used as the shell fabric in important protection areas such as the elbow and shoulder of a jacket they generally do not provide the levels of protection desired in a protective motorcycle garment.

“These jackets could be improved in their protective performance by manufacturers by adding further protective layers or by use of a heavy shell fabric in these critical protection areas. 

“These garments are still capable of providing better protection to a rider than if they were to ride in normal clothing especially when they are worn with their shoulder and elbow impact protectors in place. This is the class of garment that will benefit the most from improvement in protection levels into the future.”

Leather abrasion tests 

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched The world’s first motorcycle clothing safety ratings program, MotoCAP, has given only half a star to two stars to eight more pair of textile pants. abrasion tests
A dummy dressed in riding gear is tested for abrasion resistance

More interestingly, leather appears to be not much better than textile gear.

“A number of the leather garments reported in (the latest tests) were made from thinner, supple leather,” Chris says.

“While this is more comfortable for the wearer, these leathers typically do not provide the same level of abrasion protection of a thicker leather.

“Where a thinner leather is used there needs to be additional protection put into the critical abrasion risk areas.

“The high level of impact protection seen in some of these garments was quite encouraging.”

Motorbike Writer publishes every new release of gear tested by MotoCAP, so stay tuned for more updates.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Anderson Stands struggling with demand

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson Stands struggling

Struggling to keep up

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson StandsAnderson Stands struggling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to see their product list and prices.

And please be patient!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com