Tag Archives: Gear/accessories

What Do You Store In Your Pockets?

“Travel light” is the motto of most motorcyclists.

However, if you don’t have any luggage – not even a tank bag, tail bag or backpack – you can still store some essentials in your jacket and pants pockets.

Most motorcycle jackets have a host of inside and outside pockets.

Some adventure motorcycle jackets even have a large pouch in the back which are handy fr carrying a wet liner and/or another pair of gloves.

Without making your jacket or pants too heavy, you can carry several essentials with you.

Phone

The most important these days is your phone.

Above all, it is a safety device. Make sure the locations services are switched on and that you have shared your position with your partner if you are riding solo.

Your phone is also now a camera, torch, GPS, a handy guide for your travels and can even store your credit cards so there is no need even to take your wallet.

To make your phone even more accessible, you may want to include a mount on your handlebars such as the Quad Lock. The new version will also keep it charged.

Other essentials

I also carry include a tyre pressure gauge, lip balm, sunscreen, Windex, sunglasses rag, multi-tool, earplugs case, headache tablets and my garage remote.

It sounds like a lot, but you can get small and light versions.

Some may be horrified by the above photo which shows the pen-like tyre pressure gauge.

You probably shouldn’t carry a pen or anything similarly shaped as some claim it can stab you if you have a fall.

I’ve never hard of it actually happening and I find the simple pen-like gauge more reliable than digital tyre pressure gauges.

I carry a gauge because service station gauges are notoriously inaccurate and unreliable.

Ducati debut Scrambler 1100 Pros

Lip bam and/or a sunburn stick will help prevent your nose, lips and cheeks getting sunburnt.

Find a small spray container and fill it with glasses cleaner or Windex to both clean your glasses and your visor. Also, carry a small sunglasses rag that came in your glasses case.

Over the years, my only regret about riding is that I didn’t wear earplugs until too late.

I now have advanced tinnitus (ringing in the ears) from the 90dB+ wind noise.

So I always wear earplugs and I carry the earplug case they came in so they stay clean when you take them out.

Headache tablets are a must. Riding with a headache is a safety issue as it can lead to fatigue and making the wrong decisions.

If you have a remote control for your garage, remember to keep it in a resealable plastic bag so it doesn’t get wet and fail!

* What do you carry in your pockets? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

BMW Introduces Worry-Free Chain

Keeping your motorcycle chain clean, lubricated and tensioned is a messy business, but now BMW has developed a special chain that never needs lubricating nor re-tensioning.

BMW has long been known for its maintenance-free shafts, but now they have extended that ability with their M Endurance chain in 525 pitch.

BMW Group Australia Nick Raman Product Communications Manager says the M Endurance chain is standard on the S 1000 RR Race and S 1000 RR M Sport from September 2020 production.

“It is also standard on the S 1000 XR Sport and available optionally on the S 1000 XR Tour from August 2020 production,” he says.

“The ex-factory price for the chain on the S 1000 XR Tour is $160, though we don’t have any information at this point on whether it will be available on other models.”

That’s not too bad considering chains cst between about $50 and $200 for a gold link model and these should last longer.

BMW Motorrad’s global release says “further models are being prepared for this feature”, so we expect the F and G models will get something similar.

However, it may also be suitable for non-BMW bikes.

Company spokesman Gerhard Lindner says: “I think you can put it on every bike with a 525er chain.”

BMW Motorrad No Maintenance Chain

So how does it work?

The M Endurance chain has a resident permanent lubricant filling between the rollers and pins, enclosed by X-rings, so they don’t require lubrication, nor re-tensioning.

Father's Day

BMW uses a new tetrahedrally amorphous carbon (ta-C) coating material for the rollers. It is also known as industrial diamond.

This coating is harder and more resistant than Diamond Like Carbon. The only thing tougher is pure diamond.

BMW says the ta-C industrial diamond coating “does not wear off” and “drastically” reduces the friction coefficient.

“Thanks to excellent dry lubrication properties and the elimination of wear, the tetrahedral amorphous carbon coated rollers of the M Endurance chain offer maintenance comfort equivalent to that of a shaft drive motorcycle,” BMW claims.

“This includes all the cleaning work that is unavoidable with a conventional chain due to splashed lubricant. Accordingly, the M Endurance chain also offers maximum environmental friendliness.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Macna Launch Summer Riding Pants

European riding gear manufacturer Macna have released Bora Pants designed to complement their new Aerocon Adventure Jacket for the coming Aussie summer.

Like the jacket, the pants meet stringent new European CE safety standard EN17092 protection standards.

They are made of 600D Ripstop Polyester Nylon and Polyester Mesh which makes them light, yet tough.

Macna Summer Riding Pants

For summer riding comfort, they feature air vents through the legs and thighs, plus heat shields on the lower legs to protect against hot engines and header pipes.

Safety features include RISC Level 1 ventilated CE knee armour and CE hip protector prepared pockets for hip armour which is not included.

Other features are anti-slip material on the backside, adjustable waist, plus pockets in the thigh and lower leg.

Triumph Bonneville 900 Street Twin

Macna Summer Riding Pants

They come in men’s sizes S/ 30” to 3XL/ 40” in black at $A249.95.

Since Australian distributors 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.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Kirsh Helmets Are “Slimmer & Safer”

American start-up Kirsh Helmets has started producing helmets that have a slimmer shell without compromising safety.

Instead of thick EPS foam, inventor Jason Kirshon uses a thinner layer of silicone and silicone fluid.

Kirsh Helmets

He says the fluid displacement liner is designed to move impact energy from all directions and will be the safest in the world.

The advantage of their technology is that the helmets are slimmer, which means less aerodynamic drag for reduced wind noise, “helmet lift” and neck ache, as well as a more fashionable look.

They also claim the smaller profile will reduce the helmet radius which should be critical in reducing rotational torque in a crash and reduce the likelihood of neck injuries.

Harley rider Jason announced his invention in 2017 and they are now in production in the USA and taking advanced orders for their half helmet, a style which constitutes about 40% of the American market.

Kirsh Helmets

First deliveries to customers are expected later this year.

While the company has only produced a half helmet with American DOT certification, they plan to also produce open-face, full-face and modular helmets.

Co-founder of the New York company, Donald Devito, says they have seven patents pending and are seeking European patents so they can develop the other helmet styles as half helmets are not permitted under European rules.

“We’ve received a lot of interest in the USA and from all over the globe and have been the official helmet of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for the last three years,” he says.

“We’re doing a pretty good job for a young company.”

Kirsh Helmets has also employed 35-year Harley-Davidson Motor Company veteran Steve Piehl to consult on the motorcycle industry.

“I have ridden all over the world and have worn every type of helmet,” Steve says.

Kirsh Helmets

“When I put on a Kirsh half helmet, it fits tighter and doesn’t lift on the highway. When you turn your head you also don’t get that pull.

Ride Your Bike Week

“And because it’s a smaller-size helmet, it doesn’t give you that mushroom look.

“This is as close to a no-helmet experience as you can get and still have that protection.”

He says they use smaller shell sizes in all helmets because they don’t need up to 2cm of EPS foam lining to protect your head.

“Our data says we are doing really well in head protection,” he says.

“I feel more comfortable in a Kirsh than any other helmet.”

Kirsh Helmets
Jason Kirshon (left) and Donald Devito, Founders of Kirsh Helmets

Steve says pricing will be comparable to other helmets in the mid-to-high end.

They are also looking at eventually adding smart helmet technology such as head-up display, cameras, intercom and more.

The helmet technology will also be used for other sporting helmets such as cycling and football.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Dunlop increase tyre touring range

Dunlop has introduced the Roadsmart IV which they claim has about a quarter more mileage than their popular Roadsmart III sport-touring tyres.

They tested the tyres on a 2018 BMW K1600 GTL at their company proving grounds in Huntsville, Alabama, and on a 2018 Honda CB1300 SB in Japan on public roads and highways.

Their tests showed a 23% mileage improvement in front tyre mileage and 26% on the rear.

They also claim nimbleness and steering response improved about 5% in the dry and a 10% improvement in the wet.

While mileage is important to touring riders, so is safety and Dunlop claims the new model maintains its grip performance throughout its lifespan.

That means it has the same amount of grip when the tyre is due for changing as it did when it was freshly fitted.

They say Roadsmart IV, or RSIV, now comes with new tread patterns, construction, compounds, and profiles that also increase ride comfort and grip.

Like many modern tyres, it has multiple sections within the tyre wth different compounds so that it yields long wear in the hard centre, but has more grip as you lean into corners with a softer compound on the edges.

They also feature new sidewall construction to improve wet and dry handling and comfort.

An interesting new technological feature is “camber thrust tuning” which means it is designed to perform well under the extra strains of leaning in a corner.

Dunlop says their technology allows the RSIV to better balance front and rear tire patterns, construction and profile for nimble and neutral handling.

The tyres are available in a range of sizes that suit most medium to large sports tourers.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Is carbon fibre suitable for bikes?

BMW Motorrad is leading the charge for more carbon fibre on motorcycles with a patent for a carbon fibre swingarm and carbon fibre wheels, fairing and fenders for its S 1000 RR sports bike.

The latter are among their new M performance parts catalogue, but it shows their commitment to lightweight motorcycles.

BMW M Performance Carbon Fiber

But in this drive for lighter weight for both better performance and economy, are they sacrificing structural integrity and safety?

Carbon fibre is a material consisting of thin, strong crystalline filaments of carbon, used as a strengthening material, especially in resins and ceramics.

It has been around for many years with early development in cars by Toyota and BMW.

Performance motorcycles have long offered various carbon fibre accessories, but nothing really structural.

Today’s carbon fibre is a lot better produced and BMW has shown that it can even be used in the frame.

Many riders are still sceptical that it can withstand the unique physical punishment in a motorcycle.

BMW M Performance Carbon Fiber

Race engineer for Porsche and Supercars, Jeromy Moore, says that compared with ABS plastics, carbon is more brittle, but is lighter and stronger in that it takes a higher load until it fails.

“It can be used in combination with Kevlar which of course is used in bullet proof vests as it’s strong and impact resistant,” he says.

“There are also flexible resin systems out there now that allow movement under low loads and the parts return to original position.”

That seems to be what BMW Motorrad is doing with its swingarm which uses flex rather than a pivot.

BMW M Performance Carbon Fiber

Jeromy says Kevlar is not as stiff as carbon but still has higher stiffness-to-weight ratio than plastic.

As for how it stands up in a crash, Jeromy says it depends on the crash.

“Plastic will just deform and you may be able to repair it,” he says.

“A composite that has been deformed past its yield is throw away.

“It is more expensive and I think unless you are looking for the last tenths of a second around a track by shaving a few kilograms, on a road bike it’s just an expensive nicety.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

VIOFO add motorcycle camera

UK car dashboard camera company VIOFO have launched the MT1 Motorcycle dash cam with a dual lens and a host of hi-tech features.

Many riders now have dash cams constantly recording their ride for both recreational purposes and evidence in the event of a crash.

Now, they are becoming more and more technical.

The VIOFO dash cam includes Sony Starvis sensors, dual-lens 1080p, remote control, Wi-Fi, GPS logger, G-sensor, super capacitor, loop recording, IP66 waterproof rating and more.

Viofo MT1

All this for £229.95 from Amazon UK and Amazon for $US299.90.

Unlike a car dash cam, this unit has to be rugged, dustproof and waterproof for a motorcycle.

VIOFO MT1 is also a dual-channel camera so you can video what’s in front and what’s behind you. And after all, many motorcycle accidents consist of rear-enders from drivers not paying attention.

It records at full HD 1080P video resolution with the Sony Starvis image sensors.

Both lenses have a 170° wide angle which makes it possible to cover multiple lanes and capture more details.

VIOFO also claims their dash cam has “outstanding night vision footage” even in low light.

Viofo MT1

Early motorcycle dash cams simply recorded everything until they ran out of storage space.

The MT1 uses loop recording where the oldest footage is overwritten by the newest when the memory card fills up.

It will not overwrite any accident-related files thanks to the built-in G-sensor that locks and protects footage automatically when the dash cam detects a sudden shake or collision.

There is an option to begin manual recording in an emergency using the remote control which can be mounted in an easily accessible position to save full evidence.

Viofo MT1

The remote control also lets riders control the Wi-Fi connection and includes a microphone to record important audio.

The MT1 comes with a 32GB microSD memory card, but memory can be expanded up to 256GB if required.

Riders should be aware that the information stored on this unit could incriminate them if they misbehave as it has a GPS Logger that records speed, route data and time.

The device uses a super high-quality capacitor to ensure a more stable power and longer lifetime in temperatures from -10°C to 65°C.

The included power cable has ACC function to detect when the ignition is turned on and off automatically.

It also features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity which together with the VIOFO app, allows users to instantly view real-time recordings, manage files and change settings using their phone.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Macna Aerocon in time for summer

Just in time for the warmer summer months comes the Macna Aerocon adventure-style jacket.

Since Australian distributors 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.

Macna Aerocon

This stylish jacket should be no exception.

Aerocon comes in men’s sizes S to 3XL in black at $A329.95 or “Night-Eye Fluoro” at $349.95.

Macna Aerocon

“Nighteye” technology means it looks like a normal fabric in daylight, but reflects headlights for visibility at night.

Macna Aerocon

Aerocon has an outer shell made from tough 600D Ripstop Polyester Nylon and Polyester Mesh which makes this jacket light and comfortable, yet tough.

It provides air ventilation through the chest, sides arms and back areas for riding in the Aussie summer heat.

Macna Aerocon

Despite its light weight, the Aerocon has many safety features including RISC Level 1 ventilated CE shoulder and elbow armour with a CE back protector prepared pocket, pre-fitted with a 12mm EVA foam back pad.

The package is completed with a strong jacket hanger loop at the rear, expandable pockets, hand warmer pockets, internal waterproof pocket, arm adjustment tabs, elastic drawstring at the waist and a zip to connect the jacket to your riding pants.

This jacket has been manufactured to meet or exceed the stringent new European CE safety standard EN17092 – not just the armour but the entire jacket.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Cameleon chain oiler updated

The Canadian-made automatic Cameleon Chain Oiler has been updated to a PLUS version.

Oiling your chain is messy, it’s a nuisance having to carry chain lube with you and it’s something easily forgotten after a long ride when your chain is hot and best suited to oiling.

But the electric-powered Chameleon Chain Oiler Plus (about $A280) takes away the mess and automatically keeps your chain clean and lubricated so you don’t have to think about it.

We tested the Cameleon Chain Oiler One (about $A200) and found it a great way to do long tours without having to worry about frequent chain maintenance.

One of the problems with the previous Chameleon Chain Oiler One was the oil didn’t have the same viscosity in changing temperatures.

The PLUS version constantly corrects the flow to keep your chain at optimum lubrication no matter how hot or cold it gets.

Chameleon Automatic Chain Oiler

The result is the cleanest oiler on the market.

The oiler also now has a separate setting for rain.

Now all models also have a fast connector.

These systems will save you money by lengthening the life of your chain by up to four times and avoiding leaving you stranded with a seized link or broken chain.

The oiler basically consists of a reservoir containing enough oil to last for 6000km, an electronic pumping system and a tube to gravity feed oil on to your chain.

It takes less than an hour to install and the only visible part is the clear tube running down on to the chain guard. The rest fits neatly underneath your seat.

The only maintenance is to fill up the reservoir tube with Cameleon Chain Oil every time you do an engine oil change.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Pando Moto update Steel Black jeans

Lithuanian motorcycle clothing company Pando Moto have updated their Steel Black 02 single-layer riding jeans for men and women which are claimed to be tougher and blacker.

We reviewed the Steel Black 9 jeans last year, but the new 02 version has updated the Dyneema technology to make them tougher.

Dyneema is a Dutch invention which blends the abrasion-resistant material into a single-layer denim that meets CE standards for protection without the need for a separate layer.

Updates also give the pants an even darker sheen inside and out.

They say their 13oz single-layer stretch denim has 25% Dyneema and is CE approved personal protection equipment under EN 17092, level AA (speed 70km/h) safety.

Steel BlackPando Moto Steel Black riding jeans

They are also more expensive than the Steel Black 9 ($A470) at $590 and come in a small array of sizes from 29” waist to 34.Pando Moto Steel Black riding jeans

Using the same updates, and Moto has released a version for women called Kissaki DYN 01 with the same slim-fit design and same price. They also come in five sizes from 27W to 34.Pando Moto Steel Black riding jeans

Both come with SAS-TEC Triple flex armour knee and hip armour.

Safety

The benefits of single-layer protective jeans is that they are lighter while still having abrasion protection.

That makes them better for urban riding and more comfortable when you get off the bike to visit your favourite restaurant.

However, single-layer protective material does sacrifice some protection as explained in our article quoting Dr Chris Hurren, a research scientist at Deakin University in Geelong where he and his laboratory work on protective motorcycle clothing.

It is worth noting that in another article, Chris points out that urban and country riders need different levels of abrasion, impact and seam-bursting protection in their riding gear.

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.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com