Whitewall tires like those offered by companies like Shinko were not the first thing that came to mind when I considered new tires for my 2011 Harley-Davidson Blackline. Normally I look for a black set that balances the line between cheap and reliable, but the whitewalls pulled me in like a tractor beam, so I thought I would give them a shot.
Most of the riding I do is cruising around rural roads in western Minnesota, and these new tires required a test that only our fair state could offer. Cold winters and hot summers are tough on our roads, creating plenty of bumps and potholes for riders to evade.
When the Shinko White Wall SR777 tires arrived, since it was my first time with whitewalls, it came as a shock to find that the white was actually a vibrant blue. Turns out the “blue” was a thin layer of soapy material that protects the whitewalls during shipping. My set was installed by Motoprimo Motorsports, and they cleaned the tires before installation.
Shinko White Wall SR777 Tires on a 2011 Harley-Davidson Blackline
The install was just in time for a three-day, 1,000-mile ride up through the center of Minnesota, from Minneapolis to International Falls. Conditions included rain and mist, temperatures of 50-85 degrees, and even a few gravel farm roads. The tires delivered a comfortable ride and provided much-needed confidence that I didn’t know I was missing. Cornering felt smooth – as did swerving, especially when evading road obstructions and the occasional deer. The tires dealt with the distressed roads well, dampening the worst of the bumps and buckled asphalt. Wet roads did not have a negative effect on grip, though I didn’t feel the need to push that threshold too much.
When new, the white on the tires is bright, and it stayed that way for the duration of my trip, which was surprising considering the dust and debris that accumulated on them. Though the tires require a little more maintenance to keep clean, it is well worth it if you want your bike to stand out amongst the common rabble.
Shinko tires are designed in Japan, manufactured in South Korea, and distributed by Western Power Sports. Shinko constructs a range of street, off-road, dual-sport, and scooter tires. SR777 cruiser tires are available in White Wall and Black Wall versions in a wide range of sizes starting at $96.95 for front tires and $156.95 for rears.
They feature an aramid belt, and a Heavy Duty version with a reinforced carcass is also available. For riders who want a stylish, sturdy, and comfortable tire, they’re a good choice.
Included in the kit are four quarts of Amsoil 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil, one Amsoil Motorcycle Oil Filter, and one drain plug O-ring. The kit is available for 1999-2016 Harley-Davidsons with a chrome oil filter for $92.40 or a black filter for $87.70. For 2016-present models, the kit is available with a chrome filter for $109 or a black filter for $104.75. Visit the Amsoil V-Twin Oil Change Kit webpage for a complete list of kits and fitments.
There are shoulder, elbow, and back pockets for optional armor, and the Variable Flow ventilation system keeps riders cool in warm weather. The removable Sherpa vest liner adds comfort, and the four-point custom adjustment system allows for the ideal fit.
The Wicked jacket also features heavy-duty metal YKK zippers throughout, four outside pockets, four internal pockets, and two belt loops for jacket-to-pant attachment.
The Joe Rocket Ladies Wicked Jacket is available for $349.99 in Black, sizes XS-2XL.
The Continental RoadAttack series are sport-touring tires that strike a balance between performance and longevity. They’re ideal for sport-tourers, standards, street-biased adventure bikes, and moderately powered sportbikes.
With each generation from Continental, the carcass, compound, profile, and tread design have evolved. When the first RoadAttack debuted in 2005, it introduced Continental’s ZeroDegree belt, a continuous steel wire that runs radially around the tire carcass in the same direction as travel, which enhances stability.
In 2010, the RoadAttack 2 introduced TractionSkin, Continental’s proprietary “pre-scrubbed” tread surface that doesn’t require slippery mold-release agents and all but eliminates a break-in period for the tires. The RoadAttack 2 also featured MultiGrip, whereby a single compound is heat-cured in a progressive fashion to provide better wear in the center of the tire and more flex and better grip on the shoulders. MultiGrip provides a smooth transition between zones rather than the abrupt transition that can occur with multi-compound tires.
Photos by Killboy
In 2013, the RoadAttack 2 Evo featured RainGrip, a high-silica compound designed to deliver optimal performance in wet conditions. Four years later, the new RoadAttack 3 came with EasyHandling, a specialized alignment between the contours of the front and rear tires said to result in neutral handling behavior, especially in hairpins and during slow cornering.
All these technologies go into the new RoadAttack 4, with the addition of Continental’s latest trick: GripLimitFeedback. The unique combination of the tire’s carcass construction and tread compound provides improved feedback to the rider when the tire approaches its traction limit.
The RoadAttack 4 features a new compound and an updated tread pattern that, according to Continental, boosts wet weather performance, offers faster warm-up times in cold and wet conditions, and provides dry grip on par with many sport tires.
A new silica-rich compound improves wet grip without sacrificing mileage, a new blend of resins makes the tire more sticky even when cold, and the entire rubber stew has been optimized for use with modern ABS and traction control systems. Continental describes the RoadAttack 4 as a “hyper-touring” tire intended for today’s 150-plus hp sport-tourers, adventure tourers, and sportbikes.
Where the Rubber Met the Road
To test some of those claims, Continental invited us to the BMW Performance Center in Greer, South Carolina, which is across the street from the factory where all BMW X-Series SUVs are built. The Performance Center offers automotive and motorcycle training, and the grounds include a closed-course circuit, a large skidpad, and various off-road obstacles and trails.
A wide range of BMW motorcycles were fitted with RoadAttack 4 tires. I saddled up on an F 900 R, which has an 853cc parallel-Twin that, based on our last test in 2020, makes 88 hp and 58 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel.
BMW’s instructors started us off with some basic exercises, such as a slow ride using just the clutch to control speed, as well as fast and slow cone weaves. We moved on to swerving and braking exercises at speed, and I quickly gained an appreciation for the RoadAttack 4s’ grip and handling.
When we were instructed to accelerate from a dead stop to 30 mph, pass between two cones, and then close the throttle and apply maximum braking, the F 900 R came to a quick halt. When our target speed was increased to 50 mph, I neglected to stand on the rear pedal when I grabbed a handful of front brake lever. The F 900 R has ABS, but I was in Dynamic mode, which reduces intervention at the front wheel. The front tire provided reassuring grip as the back wheel raised up into a graceful, unintentional stoppie, the likes of which I’ll probably never replicate.
In the afternoon, we embarked on a spirited ride on cold, damp backroads, and we ended the day with a game of cat and mouse on the track, where we pushed the tires to their limits. Regardless of conditions, the RoadAttack 4s warmed up fast, provided confident handling on a variety of road surfaces, and clung tenaciously to the tarmac.
On Day 2, I selected an R 1250 RT for a longer test ride on some of the most serpentine roads in the southern Appalachians. At 615 lb, the RT outweighs the F 900 R by 144 lb, and its larger engine makes an additional 37 hp. The performance of the RoadAttack 4s was even more impressive on a larger bike that placed greater demands on the tires. We didn’t get a chance to test the RoadAttack 4s on wet roads, so we’ll order a set soon and report back.
Continental RoadAttack 4 tires are available in a variety of sizes, with 17-inch and 19-inch fronts, 17-inch rears, and a GT version for heavyweight bikes.
To keep your view clear in rainy weather, National Cycle developed RainZip, a specially formulated rain repellent treatment for National Cycle’s Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate windshields and other polycarbonate windshields and helmet faceshields.
When rain accumulates in your line of sight, RainZip makes it bead up quickly and blow away, even at speeds as slow as 35 mph.
RainZip comes in a 3-ounce container, enough for two large windshield applications, each lasting three to four months. It also comes with special application cloths. MSRP is $30.95.
Denali Electronics’ new line features 12 products specifically designed for the middleweight sport-tourer, many of which allow riders to add additional Denali products to their bike.
The light and horn mounts allow driving lights and a horn to be fitted in the optimal positions on your Triumph. The Plug & Play rear light kit (pictured at the top of this article) comes with turnsignal pods, a plug-n-play rear turnsignal, and a brake light wiring adapter to add visibility to the rear of the bike.
After purchasing Yokohama Tires in 1998, the Shinko Group built up an impressive tire portfolio for the motorcycle and scooter aftermarket. The Korean company now offers 64 distinct street, off-road, and track products in such disparate segments as dragracing and trials, touring and motocross, cruisers and enduro, sport- and adventure-touring, and more.
Shinko’s 003 Stealth Radial tires are go-fast street radials intended for contemporary sportbikes. They’re narrowly focused, with two 17-inch front sizes (120/70 and 120/60) available in either standard street and ultra-soft track compounds. The rear choices are a bit broader, with eight different sizes – six 17-inch sizes (three available in ultra-soft), 180/55ZR18, and 120/80-12 for minibikes. We fitted a pair of standard-compound Stealth Radials to a Yamaha FZ-09, a 120/70-ZR17 F003RR up front ($137.95 list price) and a 180/55-ZR17 R003RR in back ($201.95).
Inflated to Yamaha’s recommended pressures (36 psi front/42 psi rear cold, far above racetrack settings), the feel of the tires was immediately appealing, providing light, natural steering dynamics at all speeds (they’re rated to 168 mph). Initial turn-in response was quick, and the transition to full-lean linear was predictable and reassuring. The Stealths worked well together and complemented the FZ-09 chassis, just one of many similar models for which they were designed. At the pressures noted above, the ride quality was somewhat firm, suggesting a stiff sidewall befitting the needs and intent of a no-nonsense performance tire.
Shinko 003 Stealth Radial on the author’s Yamaha FZ-09
Shinko 003 Stealth Radial on the author’s Yamaha FZ-09
On the subject of tire construction, the Stealths have nylon sidewall belts front and rear. Tread construction includes two nylon and two aramid belts up front and one nylon and three aramid belts in back to handle both weight and power. For our particular application, the tires’ load capacity is 520 lb front and 805 lb rear, giving a total allowable bike/rider/cargo weight of 1,325 lb – more than enough for even an FZ in serious sport-tour mode.
We threw miles at the Stealths in the city, on the freeway, and up and down snaky mountain roads. In aggregate, the tires encountered most everything that sport riders normally would – with the exception of rain (thanks for nothing, Mr. Drought). However, for this eventuality, the Stealths’ particular “slick/dimple” tread design incorporates multiple columns of short, mostly closed-ended drainage grooves. Positioned from the tire centers all the way to the edges, these small sipes provide maximum rubber footprint while still remaining DOT compliant – an ideal formula for high-performance road or track duty.
Overall, Shinko 003 Stealth Radials provide good sport performance at a reasonable price.
Made of genuine premium leather, the Gasser features a nine-point ventilation system with perforated side expansion panels, along with a weatherproof Hydraguard removable liner, so it’s suitable for all weather conditions.
Removable CE Level 1 shoulder/elbow armor and reflective panels provide additional safety.
Back view of Highway 21 Gasser jacket in Black
Highway 21 Gasser jacket in Vintage Brown
The Gasser also features a concealed carry pocket, an internal pocket, an accordion stretch panel, snap waist adjusters, and a YKK two-way main zipper.
The Highway 21 Gasser jacket is available in Black and Vintage Brown for $349.95.
2022 Honda CB500X decked out in National Cycle Extreme Adventure Gear
Adventure bike owners love to add “farkles” from companies such as National Cycle to their bikes. A farkle, as many of you know, is an accessory, often a fancy one, that a motorcycle owner is likely to brag about. Some say the word is a mashup of “function” and “sparkle,” but we’ve also heard it’s an acronym for Fancy Accessory, Really Kool, Likely Expensive. (When I Googled “farkle,” the top result was from Dictionary.com: a combination of fart and chuckle, an involuntary fart caused by laughter. Gotta love the internet.)
Best known for its windscreens and windshields, National Cycle also makes accessories for select motorcycle models. As part of its Extreme Adventure Gear (XAG) line, it makes accessories for the ADV-styled Honda CB500X, and we installed some XAG accessories on our 2022 test bike.
One of the most popular upgrades for adventure bikes is supplemental protection against rocks, road debris, and tip-overs. We started off with National Cycle’s XAG Polycarbonate Headlight Guard (P/N N5400, $84.95), which is made of tough 3.0mm polycarbonate reinforced with the company’s proprietary Quantum hardcoat – said to provide 10 times the strength and 30 times the scratch resistance as acrylic, a claim National Cycle backs up with a three-year warranty against breakage.
National Cycle XAG Polycarbonate Headlight Guard
The guard is thermoformed for an exact fit over the 2019-2022 CB500X headlight, and its crystal-clear optics do not distort or reduce illumination. Installation is simple: Just clean the headlight, remove the adhesive backing on the marine-grade Velcro tabs, and press the guard onto the headlight lens.
Next, to add crash protection as well as a place to mount auxiliary lighting, we installed the XAG Adventure Side Guards (P/N P4200, $429.95), which are also available for the Yamaha Ténéré 700. Made of black powdercoated steel, they complement the CB500X’s styling, especially the Pearl Organic Green/Black color scheme on our 2022 model. The guards are also treated inside and out with an electrophoretic coating to eliminate rust and corrosion.
National Cycle XAG Adventure Side Guards
The installation instructions provide a list of basic tools needed as well as a QR code that links to a helpful video. Installation is straightforward and took about 30 minutes, with the only challenge being a little extra effort needed to line the guards up with the engine mount holes.
The left and right guards attach to the engine in two places, and they bolt together in the middle just below the headlight. Once installed, they provide solid, sturdy protection. A flat metal tab with an open bolt hole that’s welded to the lower part of each guard provides a good attachment point for auxiliary lights.
As Reg Kittrelle says in his Triumph Tiger 900 GT Low review in the upcoming February issue, an ADV is a “motorcycle that can comfortably take me to distant places carrying lots of stuff.” The Honda CB500X is comfortable, but in stock form, it doesn’t provide many options for carrying gear, so we installed the XAG Luggage Rack (P/N P9304, $184.95). Like the side guards, the luggage rack is made of black powdercoated steel.
National Cycle XAG Luggage Rack
Also like the guards, installation of the rack requires only basic hand tools, takes about 30 minutes, and is clearly demonstrated in the instructions and video. On a stock CB500X, installation requires removal/reinstallation of the passenger grab handles since the mounting brackets share the same bolt holes. On our test bike, the grab handles had already been removed when Honda’s accessory saddlebag mounts were installed. And be advised: National Cycle’s luggage rack is not compatible with Honda’s accessory saddlebags.
The rack is a solid, stylish, practical add-on. It measures 8.625 inches front to back and has a tapered width that narrows from 6.75 inches at the front to 5 inches at the rear. The rack’s slotted surface and two holes on either side provide anchor points for straps or bungee cords. It sits a bit higher than the passenger portion of the seat, but together they provide a platform up to 23 inches in length for carrying a drybag, duffel, or tailbag.
Although we didn’t request one for our test bike, National Cycle also makes the XAG Lowering Kit and Kickstand (P/N P4900, $119.95) for the CB500X. It includes a shorter sidestand and two aluminum suspension link arms that lower the seat height by about 1.5 inches (from 32.8 to 31.3 inches). Only basic tools are required, installation takes 30-45 minutes, and you’ll need a wheel chock and a hydraulic jack or lift. As with the other accessories, in addition to the step-by-step instructions with photos, there’s a helpful video.
National Cycle XAG Lowering Kit and Kickstand
We put as many miles as possible on our test bikes, so we’re always interested in accessories that improve comfort. We’ve tested National Cycle’s VStream windscreens on many different motorcycles over the years, and we’ve consistently been impressed with their ability to improve wind protection while also reducing turbulence and buffeting. With their patented “V” shape, VStream windscreens are made of 3.0mm Quantum-hardcoated polycarbonate – the same durable material used for the headlight guard (and with the same warranty against breakage).
The VStream windscreen comes in three sizes for the CB500X, as seen below.
The Low windscreen is 16.75 inches tall, just slightly taller than stock, and it’s available in dark or light tint for $121.95. We opted for the Mid windscreen ($133.95), which is 19.25 inches tall (more than 2.5 inches taller than stock), much wider than stock near the top, and available only in light tint. The Tall windscreen ($139.95) is 21.75 inches tall (more than 5 inches taller than stock), even wider near the top, and available only in clear.
National Cycle VStream Windscreen Mid size
Compared to stock, the Mid-size VStream pushes air higher up and around the rider. Airflow hits at helmet height, but there’s no buffeting. There’s also excellent visibility over the top of the windscreen, providing an unobstructed view of the road ahead.
Unlike most farkles, National Cycle’s XAG accessories are practical and reasonably priced. If you’ve got a Honda CB500X, check ’em out by clicking on the linked product names above.
You may be a majestic unicorn. But without the right helmet cover, how will people know? (Moto Loot/)
They say it’s the thought that counts with gifts. Therein lies the problem. Thinking wastes valuable time during the busy holidays. But once you dispense with careful thought and empathy, you’ll speed through your holiday shopping in nothing flat. Best to save money and time for people who really matter. Motorcyclist already come up with a great list of gifts for that someone special. Here’s a list of last-minute gifts for people at the bottom of your list.
Tired of just revving your engine to get attention? Try these stylish helmet mohawks. (Moto Loot/)
Helmet Mohawk
Sure, you pay taxes, wear polo shirts, and make vehicle payments like an adult. But isn’t there a little Toecutter inside you dying to express himself? Nothing says “I cheat death and spread casual mayhem” like a helmet mohawk. Fellow riders and motorists alike will think twice before taking issue with your lane changes and stoplight burnouts. Popular brands include PC Racing and Iron Horse, but it’s a crowded marketplace.
Perfect For: BMW riders, vintage motorcycle enthusiasts, riders over 60
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Gixxer? Give the gift of awesomeness wherever and whenever you ride. (PC Racing/)
Helmet Cover
A delightful variation on the helmet mohawk is the popular helmet cover. Designed to make your helmet look like Santa, a reindeer, or Pokémon things, they’re the easiest way to express your inner identity with fake fur and unseeing eyes. Especially popular in the Midwest on winter rides, they have the comic effect of making your face look like a ravenous mouth or an angry void. The best known helmet covers seem to be from Moto Loot, but do your own research.
The Lego Technic Ducati Panigale V4R: No valve adjustment or break-in period required. (lego.com/)
Lego Technic Ducati Motorcycle
Know someone who works on motorcycles? Inspire them with a gift they probably won’t screw up with this cool Lego Ducati Panigale V4. Imagine the fun of playing with a miniature version of a motorcycle you’ll never be able to afford or ride. Both front and rear suspension work, though the preload is garbage. Does not include Ducati dealer tech figure. Also comes in a BMW M 1000 RR model as well as a generic “motorcycle” chopper model.
Way better than using your teeth: the motorcycle bottle opener. (amazon.com/)
Motorcycle Bottle Opener
Non-motorcycle people never know what to get us. So they buy us ordinary household objects, but with motorcycles on them. These people are smart. Instead of wasting time learning about bikes, they see a bottle opener shaped like a motorcycle and say, “Good enough.” Real time-saver. It’s probably the reason they have disposable income and free time. The one shown here is from amazon.com, but consider buying one from a small business. Not like Jeff Bezos needs your measly $5.99.
Perfect For: Motorcyclists, people who drink beverages
Some modifications may be necessary: the universal-fit brown seat. (walmart.com/)
Brown Seat Cover
Why are all motorcycle seats black? Boring. Brown seats harken back to a time when bikes were built by hand, completely unreliable, and powered by kerosene. Bring back the good ol’ days with a classic brown seat cover. For added thoughtfulness, get one with minimal padding in order to make long trips impossible. Bonus points if you get a brown seat cover that’s “universal fit.” This fine example came from Walmart, your home for all your motorcycling needs.
Perfect For: BMW R nineT owners, Instagram influencers, motorcyclists with mustaches
The motorcycle equivalent of thoughts and prayers: assortment of guardian bells. (victoryonly.com/)
Guardian Bell
Nothing says “motorcycle safety” like a miniature pewter bell attached to your bike with zip-ties. If you’re not into things like learning, awareness, or cautious behavior, there’s always superstition. Guardian bells, or gremlin bells, allegedly date back to World War II pilots or English riders in the 1920s, depending on the source. Either way, they were spectacularly ineffective at warding off danger and mechanical problems. But hey. Not like they cause problems or anything. These lovely examples courtesy of victoryonly.com.
Perfect For: Trackday riders, BMW GS lovers
That which burns, never returns. Flame decals keep things hot. (Etsy/EastCoastVinylWerkz/)
Flame Decals
Let’s face it. You could be a lot faster. Fortunately, there’s a safe solution to your speed problem: flame decals. Instantly add dynamism and danger (and speed, obv) with easy-to-apply decals on your motorcycle. Supposedly, the first flame-themed paint job was Kelly Petillo’s Indianapolis 500–winning Offenhauser in 1935. Anyway, one thing hasn’t changed since. Flames improve anything they’re affixed to. We believe this to be a classic design variation known as “Ohio Flames” from Etsy seller EastCoastVinylWerkz.
X marks the spot. The spot where your slow cafe racer is parked, that is. Leather headlight “X” with adhesive backing. (caferacerwebshop.com/)
Headlight Tape
Let fellow motorcyclists know dangerous cafe racing may break out at any moment with real headlight tape on your bike. Originally meant to protect fellow cafe racers from broken glass in case of accident, they’ve become a style statement in their own right. Tell the world you’re up on the cutting edge of motorcycle culture, but 60 years ago. A cynic might think it’s just regular tape, but they come in real leather. Which then attaches to your headlight with tape. Whatever. This headlight “X” comes via caferacerwebshop.com, but everyone who sells these uses the same picture.
