Tag Archives: Gear

Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier | Gear Review

Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier review

Our default mode here at Rider is to ride motorcycles, but every now and then we have no choice but to haul them. Whether we’re dropping off a motorcycle at Jett Tuning for repairs or dyno testing, or schlepping a dirtbike to a riding area, we need a way to carry it. A pickup truck with a ramp and some tie-downs is the easiest method, but I own a Toyota 4Runner SUV with no bed.

Since my 4Runner has a hitch receiver, I ordered Black Widow’s hitch-mount motorcycle carrier, which is compatible with Class III or IV 2-inch receivers. Black Widow offers a range of carriers — singles and doubles for dirtbikes, ones that fold up out of the way, and both standard and heavy-duty versions. I opted for the Heavy Duty Motorcycle Carrier with Aluminum Track, which has a maximum capacity of 600 pounds and retails for $369.99 with free shipping.

The carrier itself weighs 100 pounds, and since my 4Runner has a maximum tongue weight of 500 pounds, I’m limited to carrying motorcycles that weigh 400 pounds or less. I tested the carrier with a 2021 Honda CRF450RL dual-sport, which has a curb weight of 286 pounds. Depending on your vehicle, you may need heavier springs, airbags, or other suspension modifications to accommodate the full weight of the carrier and your motorcycle. Black Widow says its carriers are not recommended for use with hitch adapters or extensions.

Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier review

The carrier arrived in a long, heavy cardboard box, and it included all of the hardware and instructions for easy assembly. Picking up the 100-pound carrier and sliding it into the hitch receiver requires some care, as does removing it and carrying it into my garage, where it’s stored leaned up against the wall when not in use. To secure the carrier to the vehicle, Black Widow provides an anti-tilt bracket that can be used with either a hitch pin or pinch bolt (both are provided).

Most of the carrier is made of steel, but the track (8 x 78 ¾ inches) is made of aluminum. The motorcycle is loaded by pushing it up a steel ramp (72 x 7 ½ inches) and rolling it along the track until the front wheel is secured in the adjustable wheel chock. Depending on the height of your hitch receiver, the track may be high, so it’s helpful to have a spotter while loading. The carrier has crossbars with eye bolts for securing tie-downs to four corners, and during transport, the ramp secures to the crossbars with a pair of wingnuts.

The nearly 400-pound weight of the carrier and CRF450RL caused the rear of the 4Runner to sag somewhat. The added weight was noticeable, so I drove more cautiously, but the bike and carrier remained secure on steep hills and over uneven terrain.

For more information, visit blackwidowpro.com.

The post Black Widow Motorcycle Carrier | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Wolfman Peak Tail Bag WP | Gear Review

Wolfman Peak Tail Bag WP motorcycle luggage review
The Wolfman Peak Tail Bag WP is a 6.5L waterproof, rack-mounted motorcycle tail bag with an 840D nylon exterior and RF-welded seams. MSRP is $169.99. (Story and photos by Moshe K. Levy, aka Moto Mouth Moshe)

Wolfman’s Peak Tail Bag WP provides a compact but versatile storage space on any motorcycle with a dedicated luggage rack. Its black wedge-shaped exterior is constructed of 840D nylon TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) laminate with radio frequency-welded seams. The “WP” in the name refers to Welded Product, though the Peak is also waterproof. It has a reflective yellow Wolfman logo accent on the narrow side, and a matching yellow bungee on top.

RELATED: Wolfman Dual-Sport Luggage | Gear Review

Beefy YKK water-repellant zippers with oversized plastic pulls allow access to the matching bright yellow interior, which features an integrated zippered mesh pocket on the top lid’s underside. Total capacity is 6.5 liters, which is plenty of room for food, hand tools, and basic rain gear. Overall, the Peak measures 10 inches long by 6 inches high, and its width narrows from 8 inches in front to 5 inches at the rear. Four robust straps allow for mounting to the motorcycle’s rack (it’s not designed to be mounted directly to a rear fender), and the bag features a non-skid base attached by hook-and-loop to the Peak’s bottom, which keeps it from shifting during riding.

Wolfman Peak Tail Bag WP motorcycle luggage review
A bright yellow interior makes it easy to find small items.

Over a 5-month testing regimen, I exposed the Peak to a variety of weather conditions including extended winter rides below freezing and prolonged spring downpours. It proved to be very durable, and especially impervious to mud and road grime, which easily wiped clean off of the exterior’s nylon material with soap and water. The Peak’s water-repellant nylon exterior and welded seams kept the interior bone dry even after hours in torrential rain. Aesthetically, the Peak retains its shape whether full or empty thanks to its plastic-reinforced shell, which is an added bonus.  

Ultimately, Wolfman’s Peak WP Tail Bag impressed with its combination of useful practicality and rugged construction, in a size that’s just right for day trips. Its MSRP is $169.99 and it’s made in the USA.

For more information, visit wolfmanluggage.com.

Check out more product reviews and articles on Moshe K. Levy (aka Moto Mouth Moshe) on his website and YouTube channel.

The post Wolfman Peak Tail Bag WP | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Dunlop D404 Tires | Gear Review

Gear Lab | Dunlop D404 Tires
The Author’s 2006 Triumph T100 Bonneville, fitted with D404’s. Photo by Clement Salvadori

I’ve worn out a lot of tires in the last 66 years of riding, and I have no real memory or record of what I used when and on what bike. I am sure I had a lot of Dunlops, as they have been around a long time. Back in the late 1880s, John Boyd Dunlop made the first practical pneumatic tire for bicycles, which were a lot more comfortable to ride than bikes with solid rubber tires. In 1901, he started the Dunlop Rubber Company, which now belongs to Sumitomo Rubber Industries. 

Dunlop describes these D404s as fitting “standard” motorcycles, and they don’t get much more standard than my 2006 Triumph T100 Bonneville. I call these tires universal-use, reasonably good at everything, from wet pavement to dirt roads. My Bonnie is pretty much an all-around, local-use machine, happy with doing errands or a 200-mile day. Around here we do have all sorts of roads, from smooth asphalt to pothole specials, and lots of good dirt roads, from Gillis Canyon to Cypress Mountain. 

I find the tread to be pleasingly chunky, and Dunlop says the design enhances wet grip and water evacuation. Since we are in a drought here in our part of California, I can’t attest to those functions. The off-set center groove is intended to improve straight-line stability, and I can’t fault that, as on some deserted back roads I just might exceed the speed limit. 

The carcass is a bias-ply design, which means that the fiber belts, or plies, go from side to side at an angle, hence a bias. About half the tire is made of rubber, both natural and synthetic, and the rest is mainly the fabric body plies that go between those wire bead bundles that keep the tire properly attached to the wheel. Dunlop says this compound will give excellent mileage; you are reading this report after a mere 800 miles, and I’ll let you know when I will need a new rear tire. 

Speaking of which, the official Triumph size for my ’06 rear wheel is 130/80-17, with that 80 being the aspect ratio. And just what is the aspect ratio? The height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the width of the tire. The closest the D404 comes is a 130/90-17, which means the tire will be a smidge taller. 

New tires are on, new inner tubes are in. Picked up the bike late in the afternoon, and after a relatively calm 40-mile break-in, went home and had a glass of wine. In the morning, I checked that the tires were at proper pressures, and then went with a friend to do a run over Rossi’s Driveway, as we call the eight miles of Route 229 going from Route 58 to Creston. Guilty fun, with just one car on the road, quickly dispatched. 

MSRP on these tires are $118.81 front, $132.01 rear, but if you shop around, you will pay less. 

For more information: visit dunlopmotorcycletires.com

The post Dunlop D404 Tires | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Best Father’s Day Motorcycle Gifts of 2021

Father’s Day is just around the corner, meaning now is a great time to get your dad a gift that he’ll love. We’ve assembled 10 gift options that will help ease your search, some aimed at fathers who ride and others that are just cool things your dad will dig whether he has a motorcycle or not.

Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker: $129

Give your dad the power to know where his bike is at all times.

Give your dad the power to know where his bike is at all times. (Invoxia/)

This ingenious little device lets the user track its location via smartphone. So your dad can tuck the tracker under the seat of his bike and always know right where his ride is at. There are anti-theft alerts and geofencing options, and the battery promises to hold out up to four months between charges. This useful piece of gadgetry gives your pops an easy, techy way to keep tabs on his stuff and will be a huge boon should anyone ever try to run off with his motorcycle.

Linear Edge Circuit of The Americas Wall Art: $199

This thing would look good just about anywhere.

This thing would look good just about anywhere. (Linear Edge/)

Linear Edge offers a variety of motorsports-themed art, including 2D and 3D sculptures, canvases, and engravings. The company uses racetracks as inspiration for much of its work, and the results are awesome. This 2D Circuit of The Americas sculpture is a great example. You can get it in two sizes, full for $199 or half for $99, and it’s made from Baltic birch and finished with a sleek black laminate. It’s perfect for a garage but might even be elegant enough to find its way into the main house.

Insta360 One X2 Camera: $429.99+

This camera has just about every feature you could imagine.

This camera has just about every feature you could imagine. (Amazon/)

If your dad is into gadgets or cameras, the Insta360 One X2 will bring a huge smile to his face. This innovative camera can shoot 360 degrees or wide angle, with up to 5.7K resolution. Photo and video modes are available with auto, manual, shutter priority, ISO priority, and isolated exposure settings for each mode. It has FlowState stabilization, 360-degree audio recording capability, AI editing, voice control, and is waterproof up to 30 feet (10 meters). There’s even a Motorcycle Kit package available for a slight upcharge ($482.99) which includes an invisible selfie stick, MicroSD card, lens cap, and motorcycle mount bundle.

Norlan Whiskey Glasses: $48

Let dad enjoy the finer things in life with a pair of elegant whiskey glasses.

Let dad enjoy the finer things in life with a pair of elegant whiskey glasses. (Norlan/)

Give your dad a classy way to enjoy the finer things in life when he’s not riding with a pair of Norlan Whiskey Glasses. These lightweight, tumbler-style glasses feature double-walled glass that’s shaped to enhance the aroma of the whiskey. It is also designed to aerate the spirit better than a standard tumbler, helping to enhance the aroma and reduce the need for water. They also look really cool, making the whiskey look like it’s suspended in air and adding a slight gold hue to the otherwise clear rim. I’ve got a pair of these myself and use them any chance I get.

Indian Motorcycle Sculpture With Military Paint Scheme: $89.98

This 1:6 scale replica of the World War II Indian Motorcycle Chief is a great choice for WWII and/or classic bike enthusiasts.

This 1:6 scale replica of the World War II Indian Motorcycle Chief is a great choice for WWII and/or classic bike enthusiasts. (The Hamilton C/)

If your dad is a World War II buff, into classic bikes or has a thing for vintage Indian motorcycles, this limited-edition sculpture from The Hamilton Collection will be a sure hit. It’s handcrafted in resin, with every detail meticulously crafted. It’s hand-painted as well, recreating the authentic look of the WWII Indian Chief. It’s a 1:6 scale, measuring a foot in length, so it’s a decent-sized piece that would look great in an office or garage.

Truform Compression Stockings: $19.90

Compression socks can help alleviate swelling and soreness.

Compression socks can help alleviate swelling and soreness. (Amazon/)

If your father has trouble with circulation in his legs after sitting in the saddle all day, consider getting him a pair of Truform compression socks. These are made in the USA and help relieve swelling and reduce soreness. They improve circulation during prolonged periods of sitting and are also helpful in muscle recovery as well. There are different levels of compression to choose from, so you can get a pair that will perfectly fit his needs.

Kershaw Payout Pocketknife: $99.00

A pocketknife is always a great Father’s Day gift.

A pocketknife is always a great Father’s Day gift. (Kershaw/)

A good pocketknife is essential for any guy, but can come in real handy for riders. The Kershaw Payout comes with a D2 high-carbon steel blade with SpeedSafe assisted opening. There are copper anodized accents and an ergonomically curved steel-and-G10 handle. The wraparound pocket clip makes it convenient to carry too.

Treblab FX100 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: $69.97

Give dad a Bluetooth speaker that can stand up to some punishment.

Give dad a Bluetooth speaker that can stand up to some punishment. (Amazon/)

Set your dad up with a Bluetooth speaker he can put through the wringer. The Treblab FX100 Waterproof Speaker stands up to a lot of abuse thanks to its certified shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof design. The 10W speaker has 360-degree surround sound, plays up to 35 hours on a single charge, and comes with the ability to seamlessly integrate with a host of devices including smartphones, laptops, tablets, MP3 players, and more. There’s even a built-in mic in case he needs to take a call.

Trtl Pillow Plus: $59.99

Your dad will be able to sleep anywhere in comfort with this neck pillow.

Your dad will be able to sleep anywhere in comfort with this neck pillow. (Trtl/)

The Trtl Pillow Plus is a thoughtful gift for any father who travels a lot or is prone to falling asleep in his chair and waking up with a debilitating cramp in his neck. Sure, it looks a little funny but the internal supports provide a restul position for your head and neck and the breathable mesh fabric helps to keep things cool. There’s memory foam padding built in and a carry bag included.

Motorcycle Gear: Prices Vary

The Shoei RF-1400 would make any father who rides smile.

The Shoei RF-1400 would make any father who rides smile. (Amazon/)

New motorcycle gear is always a solid choice for the dad who rides. If you can get a look inside his existing gear to get the sizing right, you can select from all sorts of items like helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, boots, or accessories. Consider getting him something seasonal if he’s already got a favorite kit setup. A lightweight jacket for summer rides or something waterproof and insulated for fall and winter. The possibilities are endless and it’s a great way to show your pops that you care.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Helmet | Gear Review

Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Helmet review

Carbon fiber helmets have been around for a long time, and they offer a great combination of lightness and strength, as well as the high-tech look of the carbon fiber weave. We’ve seen (and tested) more of them in recent years because improvements in manufacturing have made it possible to produce high-quality lids at a lower price. Premium carbon fiber helmets used to cost upwards of $1,000, but now you can buy them for about half as much.

Scorpion’s EXO-R1 Air Carbon helmet is a perfect example. Its resin-infused TCT-U 3K carbon fiber shell composite weave is said to provide aircraft-grade impact dispersion. Compared to the standard EXO-R1 Air we tested last year, the Carbon version is 3.5 ounces lighter (49 ounces for size medium) and has the same aerodynamic shell that’s designed to reduce drag and improve balance. The Carbon feels really light in my hands and all but disappears when it’s on my head.

Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Helmet review

Between the carbon shell and the comfort interior is a multi-layer EPS liner designed to absorb impact energy and it has built-in channels to allow air to flow around the head. Scorpion’s Ram-Air intake system sucks air in, which then moves through the helmet and returns to the atmosphere by way of a four-port exhaust spoiler. With a race helmet level of ventilation the EXO-R1 Air Carbon can be a tad noisy, but that’s what earplugs are for. The clear MaxVision Pinlock-ready face shield has an anti-scratch coating and blocks 95% of UV-A and UV-B radiation. A dark smoke shield, a Pinlock anti-fog insert and a helmet bag come in the box. Shield changes are a breeze, and the shield closes securely with a center lock.

Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Helmet review

In terms of comfort, the intermediate oval Carbon was initially pretty snug, but after a full day’s ride the removable/washable KwikWick III antimicrobial interior molded to my Charlie Brown head. Scorpion’s Airfit inflation adjustment system provides a custom fit for the 3D-contoured Kwikfit cheek pads, which also have an emergency release. Other features include speaker pockets, a breath deflector, a chin curtain and titanium D-rings on the chin strap.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, feature-packed, stylish, and functional full-face helmet, the EXO-R1 Air Carbon is a solid choice. DOT/ECE certified and backed by a 5-year warranty, it’s available in sizes XS-3XL in Gloss Black or Matte Black for $549.95.

For more information: See your dealer or visit scorpionusa.com

The post Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Carbon Helmet | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Organize Your Garage With Levrack Modular Storage

Keeping your garage clean and tidy is always tough—especially for motorcycle riders. Enter Levrack and its modular storage solutions. Built in eastern Nebraska, Levrack offers a variety of easy-to-assemble pallet rack-style shelving that makes for a more organized and functional garage space.

The 873-model comes with four rolling cabinets that can accommodate up to 800 pounds, each. Each shelf can be moved up or down, based on user needs.

The 873-model comes with four rolling cabinets that can accommodate up to 800 pounds, each. Each shelf can be moved up or down, based on user needs. (Levrack/)

Optimize Your Residential Garage Space

We sourced its 873 model ($3,500). Measuring 8.5 feet long by 3 feet deep and 7 feet high, this system fits neatly along the wall of a two-car residential garage. It clears the rails (in terms of height) of a standard two-car garage door. Levrack offers both larger and smaller systems for folks who have more, or less, garage space.

Each of the four shelves feature smooth rollers which make it easy to access.

Each of the four shelves feature smooth rollers which make it easy to access. (Levrack/)

We paired the 873 with its smaller 4-foot workstation ($500). This stretches the combined length to 12.5 feet. Levrack also offers an 8-foot desk for those who desire extra desk area. The workstation converts a garage into a functional work space whether working on a computer or disassembling a small engine.

Levrack storage systems are manufactured in eastern Nebraska. They are sturdy and easy to assemble with the aid of a friend.

Levrack storage systems are manufactured in eastern Nebraska. They are sturdy and easy to assemble with the aid of a friend. (Levrack/)

Easy Assembly without Professional Help

Levrack offers a locking mechanism which prevents unwanted access.

Levrack offers a locking mechanism which prevents unwanted access. (Ray Gauger/)

Shipped via FedEx Freight and arriving in a pair of large wooden crates, the system is surprisingly easy to assemble. Written instructions make the process straightforward. Tip: Enlist the help of a friend, as some of the components are awkward to maneuver alone. Included steel shims ensure that the upright arms are level (some residential garage floors aren’t completely level to help with water drainage in an emergency). With the help of a friend, the system can be set up in less than four hours with nothing more than a basic set of SAE tools.

The Levrack 873 model is based on a pallet rack design and is capable of carrying heavy loads.

The Levrack 873 model is based on a pallet rack design and is capable of carrying heavy loads. (Levrack/)

Heavy-Duty Construction with Huge Load Capacity

Four 4-foot-deep cabinets roll on a set of oversized rollers and can accommodate up to 800 pounds, each. Adjustable-height shelving allows you to tweak storage space based on the size of the items. Since the system is suspended from the top, each shelf moves smoothly, with little effort. It’s a slick setup allowing for plenty of storage space per square foot.

The metal rack top covering also serves as a solid mount for overhead lighting and anything else you desire to hang.

The metal rack top covering also serves as a solid mount for overhead lighting and anything else you desire to hang. (Levrack/)

Metal racks above the unit hold another 8,500 pounds. They also serve as a mounting point for tube-style fluorescent and LED lights so you can more easily see the contents inside. Levrack also offers a variety of accessories, including storage drawers, slatwall, and hanging bins so you can customize storage to your needs.

Traditional teardrop-style eyelets allow for a fully modular storage setup.

Traditional teardrop-style eyelets allow for a fully modular storage setup. (Levrack/)

The arms attach via easy-to-use push-pins that make a sturdy connection.

The arms attach via easy-to-use push-pins that make a sturdy connection. (Levrack/)

Levrack offers a variety of accessories, including handy bicycle hooks that attach to its optional slatwall.

Levrack offers a variety of accessories, including handy bicycle hooks that attach to its optional slatwall. (Levrack/)

A Prettier, More Functional Garage

Each shelf carries its weight atop which makes for a clean look.

Each shelf carries its weight atop which makes for a clean look. (Levrack/)

Optional four and eight-foot work stations turn your Levrack system into a functional workspace.

Optional four and eight-foot work stations turn your Levrack system into a functional workspace. (Levrack/)

Optional slatwall can be affixed to the Levrack system. This allows you to store and organize all sorts of things.

Optional slatwall can be affixed to the Levrack system. This allows you to store and organize all sorts of things. (Levrack/)

Motorcyclists seeking a modular and nonpermanent storage solution for their home garage will be pleased with what Levrack offers. Built in the USA, Levrack boasts a rugged, yet easy-to-install unit which helps make the most out of available garage space.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Vance and Hines Upsweep Slip-On Exhaust | Gear Review

Vance and Hines Upsweep Slip-On Exhaust Honda Rebel 1100 review
We tested the Vance & Hines Upsweep Slip-On Exhaust on the 2021 Honda Rebel 1100.

Motorcycles appeal to the inner child, and I believe nurturing that part of our psyche is best done in the garage, bolting parts onto our bikes, especially when they make cool vroom vroom noises. As much as we enjoyed riding the 2021 Honda Rebel 1100, we knew it could be better. So we called up Vance & Hines and ordered its Upsweep Slip-On exhaust.

Right out of the box, the level of quality on the V&H pipe is evident, from the matte black ceramic finish and classic Eliminator style end-cap to the laser-engraved riveted badging. Although it says “competition only,” that’s just part of V&H branding. The Upsweep Slip-On is street-legal and 50-state compliant.

Vance and Hines Upsweep Slip-On Exhaust Honda Rebel 1100 review
Eliminator-style end-cap

Since this is a cat-back slip-on — that is, only the part of the exhaust that’s aft of the catalytic converter is replaced — installation is straightforward. All you need are a few basic tools: 12mm combination wrench, 10mm and 12mm sockets, a driver, and 4mm and 6mm hex wrenches. Just loosen the clamp, remove the mounting bolt and remove the stock muffler and gasket. Installing the new pipe is basically the same thing in reverse, with the addition of a heat shield.

Whereas the Rebel 1100’s stock muffler dog-legs up to a fat silencer that runs parallel to the ground and obscures much of the rear wheel, as its name implies, the Upsweep Slip-On points upward, with a 4.5-inch rise. The muffler is shorter than stock and has an attractive tapered-cone shape, increasing both style and cornering clearance. And it shaves 5.5 pounds off the bike.

Vance and Hines Upsweep Slip-On Exhaust Honda Rebel 1100 review

In back-to-back testing on Jett Tuning’s dyno, the V&H exhaust yielded an additional 3.2 horsepower and 2.3 lb-ft of torque near redline at 7,500 rpm. Low-rpm is where it matters most on a cruiser, and below 4,000 rpm the V&H exhaust added as much as 2.4 horsepower and 4.3 lb-ft of torque. In the midrange, differences were negligible. Given that this is a straightforward bolt-on exhaust that doesn’t run afoul of the guv’mint, modest gains are acceptable.

Where the V&H slip-on really stands out is the deeper, more resonant sound it produces. The stock exhaust is pretty ho-hum, but the Upsweep Slip-On emits a robust bellow that’s music to my ears and brings the Rebel 1100’s parallel-twin alive. Twist the grip, smile, repeat. The V&H pipe is louder than stock but isn’t obnoxious and meets SAE J2825 sound standards, though wearing earplugs on the freeway is a good idea.

Cool looks, less weight, added performance, and great sound, all for just $499.99.

For more information: See your dealer or visit vanceandhines.com

The post Vance and Hines Upsweep Slip-On Exhaust | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Highway 21 Winchester Jacket | Gear Review

Highway 21 Winchester Jacket Indian super chief limited
The Highway 21 Winchester Jacket, Hook Gloves, Blockhouse Jeans, and Journeyman Boots on the 2022 Indian Super Chief Limited. (Photo by Jordan Pay)

During the 20th century, a succession of field jackets — the M-43, M-51, and M-65, each named for the year it was first issued — were worn by thousands of American soldiers. The functional jackets, typically made of cotton canvas or other durable material and featuring four front cargo pockets, were essential gear on the battlefields of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts.

2022 Indian Super Chief Limited | First Ride Review

Highway 21 Winchester Jacket
Highway 21 Winchester Jacket in Green (front)

The classic, practical field jacket serves as the inspiration for Highway 21’s Winchester jacket, which is made of a rugged polyester and nylon weave with gusseted shoulders. It has four front cargo pockets — two on the chest and two at the waist — with snap closures. Behind the two lower cargo pockets are handwarmer pockets with YKK zipper closures. And inside the left side of the jacket is a concealed carry pocket with a single-snap closure, a heavy-duty lining, and an elastic holster. A placket with four snaps covers the main two-way YKK zipper, and snaps on the collar keep it from flapping in the wind while riding. There are also snap closures and fit adjusters at the cuff and lower hem. The black polyester lining has pockets for CE armor at the shoulders and elbows and a foam back protector. For extra protection, you can upgrade to a CE Level 1 ($24.95) or CE Level 2 ($39.95) back protector.

Highway 21 Winchester Jacket
Highway 21 Winchester Jacket in Green (back)

The Winchester is a lightweight jacket with a utilitarian design that isn’t baggy like many field jackets. Since it doesn’t block wind, it’s best suited for mild to warm temperatures, and fussy vents aren’t necessary. On cold days you’ll need to layer up, and on wet days you’ll need a rain suit. With or without the armor it works well as a casual jacket that can be worn around town.

The Highway 21 Winchester jacket is a no-nonsense, stylish riding jacket that looks good on and off the bike. It retails for a very affordable $149.95, and is available in green (shown) or black in sizes S-4XL.

For more information: See your dealer or visit highway21.com

The post Highway 21 Winchester Jacket | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Nelson-Rigg Sahara Dry Duffle Bag | Gear Review

Nelson-Rigg Sahara Dry Duffle Bag motorcycle review

As Egon Spengler famously warned in Ghostbusters, “Don’t cross the streams … It would be bad … Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light.” No, I wasn’t building a proton pack in my garage, but I did need to ride our KTM 890 Adventure R to the Indian FTR S press launch in Phoenix. There I was on an off-road-ready adventure bike, wearing a helmet without a dirt-bike peak, a cruiser-style leather jacket, riding jeans, and high-top riding shoes.

Every Gore-Tex-clad, Instagram-famous ADV rider who passed me going down the road probably laughed so hard that Starbucks French Roast spewed out of their nose. Clearly I had violated rules of proper sartorial etiquette and must be banished.

Whatever.

Nelson-Rigg Sahara Dry Duffle Bag motorcycle review KTM 890 Adventure R

I needed to get the hell out of the house and put some serious miles on the KTM, and I wasn’t about to wear one set of gear on the bike and carry another for the press launch. I’m not (that) vain. But I did need a place to stash my slinky black cocktail dress, laptop and other necessities for a two-night stay.

Standard equipment on the KTM is a luggage rack with burly passenger hand-holds and tie-down points — the ideal perch for Nelson-Rigg’s Sahara Dry Duffle Bag. Part of the Rigg Gear Adventure line of luggage, the Sahara is made of heavy-duty, waterproof 24-ounce tarpaulin PVC with heat-welded seams. Internal stiffeners help the bag keep its shape regardless of what’s inside, and a roll-top keeps the elements out. The bag has a 39.33-liter capacity and measures 20” L x 10” W x 12” H. A pair of adjustable compression straps further secure the outside of the bag, and it has a removable carry handle and reflective accents.

Four durable webbing straps with loops on each end attach to adjustable buckles (two on the front and two on the back) to secure the bag to the bike. The straps don’t stretch, so they required additional tightening as the bike’s vibration introduced a bit of slack. Being the paranoid sort that I am, no matter what bag I put on the back of a motorcycle, for extra security I always double up with a pair of Rok Straps since their built-in bungees maintain constant tension.

Although I didn’t encounter any rain or ectoplasmic slime on my journey, I dealt with some desert dust storms and nary a particle got into my gear. Overall, this is a solid piece of kit that will be part of my ADV arsenal for years to come. It’s available in Black or Yellow/Black for $114.95.

For more information: See your dealer or visit nelsonrigg.com

The post Nelson-Rigg Sahara Dry Duffle Bag | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Highway 21 Radiant Heated Gloves | Gear Review

Highway 21 Radiant Heated motorcycle gloves review price

This is the first time I’ve purchased heated gear and only my third time ever using a heated accessory on a motorcycle. That has more to do with the fact that I live in Florida than with me being immune to cold. Here in the Sunshine State we’ve had an unseasonably cold winter, and living so far south, my blood is thin.

Being a compulsive “farkler,” my inclination would be to add heated grips. But I own more than one motorcycle, so that gets complicated and expensive, especially when I won’t use them much. Heated gloves offer more versatility, but which kind: wired or battery-powered? My bikes have pigtails for maintenance chargers, but wired gloves still require being wired to the motorcycle, and they need to be connected to a heated jacket and a controller. Battery-powered gloves are the easiest and cheapest solution, but they don’t provide as much heat for as long as wired gloves, and having a battery embedded in each gauntlet makes them bulky. Life is about trade-offs.

I ordered a pair of Highway 21 Radiant Heated Gloves, which use 7-volt rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to power the heating elements. I opted for size large based on the sizing chart, but they didn’t fit right so I exchanged them for mediums. As winter gloves, the Radiants are thick and bulky due to a layer of 100G Thinsulate thermal lining and a Hipora waterproof membrane. The fingers are pre-curved and I was able to operate the bike’s controls, but not with the same dexterity as with summer gloves.

The gloves’ outer is made of leather, with a double layer at the heel of the palm, a hard knuckle protector, a stretch panel at the wrist and a hook-and-loop closure on the gauntlet. I’d like to see a more robust slider on the palm and the bulky gauntlet is difficult to get over the cuff of my jacket, but I appreciate the compatibility with a smartphone touchscreen. Highway 21 says the Radiants are breathable, but due to their thickness I didn’t really notice much.

Two large buttons on the gauntlet control the three levels of heat, identified with an LED indicator. Felt heat did the job, but it can depend on size so make sure they fit properly. Battery life was 4 hours on low, 3 hours on medium, and 2.5 hours high heat. Overall, the Radiant gloves offer the warmth and versatility I need for a reasonable price. They’re available in sizes XS-4XL for $209.95.

For more information: See your dealer or visit highway21.com

The post Highway 21 Radiant Heated Gloves | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com