If cold weather doesn’t stop you from hitting the road or trail, you might like the new AT-21S adventure helmet from Gmax. This ECE/DOT-approved lid fastens with a quick-release buckle that’s easy to use with gloves on and includes a clear dual-layer shield, drop-down sun shield, removable/washable liner, breath box and chin curtain to keep out the cold air. The AT-21S is available in sizes XS-2XL in solid colors starting at $174.95, and in graphics starting at $284.95.
SW-Motech Legend luggage shown on a Harley-Davidson.
SW-Motech has released a new side bag designed for select Harley-Davidson Softail models, the Legend Gear LH. This eye-catching bag mounts quickly and securely on the fender (mount sold separately), and features a combination of textile and faux leather with diamond stitching pattern. It includes a carrying handle, a M.O.L.L.E. system for attaching additional bags and a locking lid, and is priced at $457.95 for the right, $490.95 for the left. See website for fitment details.
Tired of that hiss of escaping air each time you check your tire pressure, knowing you could be losing up to 2 lbs. each time? Eliminate the problem with the Slime Elite Digital Tire Gauge with Pressure Airlock Technology ($15.99). It locks in the air so there’s zero loss and an accurate reading every time. The gauge also features a big, bright LCD screen and an ergonomic design with built-in light, making the important task of checking tire pressure as easy as possible.
The new Motordrome jacket from Highway 21 borrows its name from the first motorcycle boardtrack race complex, built in Los Angeles in 1910. Made of premium leather, the Motordrome features dual chest vents, a generous conceal carry pocket and handwarmer pockets, YKK zippers throughout, a removable thermal liner and pockets for optional shoulder, elbow and back armor. The stylish Motordrome is available in black in men’s sizes S-4XL for $279.95.
Arai’s all-new Regent-X helmet is designed to isolate you from distractions by providing as much comfort and protection as possible. It features a new articulating cheek pad system and redesigned chinbar that make the helmet easier to put on/remove, and a new shell that’s reinforced at the forehead without adding thickness or weight. The Snell M2020-certified Regent-X has an Intermediate Oval shape and will be available in December starting at $559.95.
Specifically the vest incorporates six sensors that measure acceleration and the rider’s position in space. The electronics monitor this data, and if the parameters exceed a threshold, the airbag can be inflated in 40 milliseconds in an effort to protect the rider’s frame (shoulders, chest, ribs, and entire back) before initial impact with the ground or obstacle. The Italian-American company claims the airbag is capable of reducing impact force by 93 percent compared to a passive chest/back protector.
Three years ago I wrote a review of “The Adventures of Mimi and Moto,” a children’s book that follows “blue-eyed Mimi, a female monkey, and green-eyed Moto, her male companion, as they ride dirt bikes, sportbikes, choppers, a sidecar and what looks like a Gold Wing.” At the time, my then six-month-old niece Nina was too young to understand the words, but she enjoyed having the book read to her by her parents before bed. Nina loves story time so much that she demands it before naps or nightly bedtime.
Nina is now three-and-a-half, and although she hasn’t started riding a little dirt bike yet (fingers crossed!), she’s become proficient at riding a Strider balance bike. She’s also quite precocious and has an amazing command of language for a girl her age.
When the authors of “Mimi and Moto,” the wife-and-husband team of Nancy Gerloff and Mark Augustyn, sent me their latest book, “Mimi and Moto Ride the Alphabet,” that same day I stopped by Nina’s house on my way home from the Rider office. She had been wearing a Wonder Woman outfit all day and was thrilled to get a new book.
Nina is intrigued by knobby tires.
I figured her mother or father would read the book before she went to bed that night, but Nina pestered her mother to read it to her NOW. My sister-in-law Kelly was in the middle of feeding a bottle to Nina’s seven-month-old brother, Felix, so I sat down on the couch, still wearing my bright-orange Aerostich suit, propped Nina in my lap and read her the book with the most animated voice I could muster.
Reading a book to a chatty three-year-old, I’ve learned, is very interactive. Comments are made, questions are asked, dots are connected, pages are turned back and forth — it’s a fascinating process to observe for a linear, literal, by-the-book adult like me.
Uncle Greg tells Nina about wheelies. E is for “enduro riders exploring the woods who make up no excuses.”
Each page of “Mimi and Moto Ride the Alphabet” is dedicated to a different letter of the alphabet, with playful, colorful illustrations by Aveliya Savina and Marat Kurokhtin. Stories are told and lessons are taught, with words that begin with the featured letter shown in bold. For example, for the letter D:
Dear little rider, our day continues with the dandy letter D. Dirt bikes, dual-sports and dads rock, do you agree? Dirty helmets and gloves most definitely protect. Daddies teaching their daughters and sons to ride safe deserve much respect.
Pages for letters C and D from “Mimi and Moto Ride the Alphabet.”
I’ll admit, at times my tongue got twisted due to all of the alliteration on every page, but Nina was patient with me. We had engaging discussions about goggles versus face shields, the purpose of knobby tires and the relative merits of different flavors of ice cream (the letter I). And Nina enjoyed playing the guessing game of identifying the animal shown on each page (but not mentioned in the text) whose name begins with the featured letter—a frog on the F page, a unicorn on the U page and so on.
Nina identifies the unicorn on the letter U page.
As much as Nina enjoyed the book, Uncle Greg got a kick out of identifying different motorcycles shown throughout, like a Triumph Thruxton (C is for café racer), BMW GS adventure bikes (N is for “navigating their Iceland adventure”), a Yamaha MT-07, a Ducati Hypermotard and a KTM 1090 Adventure R (“I remember going on that press launch!”).
“Very cool vintage motorcycles depend on the letter V.” Mimi, the blue-eyed female monkey that is the co-star of the book, works on an old bike. (Illustration by Aveliya Savina and Marat Kurokhtin)
We applaud Nancy and Mark for promoting a positive image of motorcycles among children. They were recently recognized for their efforts by winning the Motorcycle Industry Council’s 2019 Gas Tank Competition. As Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young sang, teach your children well — and hook them young on two wheels!
Hard cover copies of “Mimi and Moto Ride the Alphabet” and “The Adventures of Mimi and Moto” retail for $14.99 plus shipping and are available at mimiandmoto.com or Amazon.
The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a bike fit for Wonder Woman.
Checking your tire pressure is a simple and necessary maintenance task.Milan Degraeve
Checking tire pressure and properly inflating a motorcycle tire is one of the easiest forms of maintenance. Plug the gauge chuck on the valve stem and confirm the pressure matches the specification called for in the owner’s manual. Inflate the tire air as needed. Since manuals often recommend checking tire pressure before every ride, a good tire pressure gauge is important to keep close. Brands like Vondior, Rhino, Summit Tools, and many others supply analog tire pressure gauges that help get this simple but necessary task done. Their heavy-duty designs, easy-to-read displays, and pressure-release features make them staples for the garage.
Vondior Tire Pressure Gauge
A rubber shield protects the Vondior tire pressure gauge.Amazon
The analog tire pressure gauge from Vondior displays tire pressure accurately (+/- 1 percent) up to 60 psi. A release valve makes relieving some overinflated tire pressure easy while the 2-inch display is still in view. Further, the hand and numbers glow in the dark so if you are burning the midnight maintenance oil, then the reading will be seen regardless of the amount of garage lighting. The swiveling valve connector is also a convenient feature since it allows you to read the display from multiple angles.
Rhino USA Heavy-Duty Tire Pressure Gauge
Features include a braided air hose and brass hardware, pressure lock/reset button, grip cover, and 2-inch glow-in-the-dark dial.Amazon
In case you have a long or tight reach to the valve stem, the Rhino USA tire pressure gauge has a braided air hose instead of the attached-chuck design of the other tools in this list. The 45-degree chuck with 360 degrees of swivel action further allow this gauge to adapt to whichever angle is needed for the job. It measures up to 75 psi with the glow-in-the-dark 2-inch display.
Summit Tools Tire Pressure Gauge
The Summit Tools gauge is made of a brass body with rubber armor for drop and impact resistance.Amazon
This 60 psi gauge from Summit Tools is another attached-chuck design option for your garage. Although this device’s readings are accurate up to +/- 2 percent, which is less than the Vondior, it can be read easily with the glow-in-the-dark dial and 360-degree swivel capability. If overinflation occurs, the air bleeder button allows you to reduce pressure.
Get ready for the holidays with this assorted collection of gifts for the motorcycle riding friend or family member.Harley-Davidson
’Tis the season of giving and who doesn’t want to be prepared for the holidays? This time we’re giving you a helping hand by rounding up some of the best motorcycle gifts that you could give the special motorcyclist in your life. From gadgets designed to simplify life to must-have riding essentials that make time on a motorcycle more enjoyable, we highlight the best of the best accessories for the modern motorcycle rider.
Ladies Saki Café Leather Jacket
Looking for a gift idea with a bit of attitude? Then check out the AGVSPORT Ladies Saki leather jacket, designed with the perfect combination of performance and style. This jacket blends a performance riding fit with premium hand-finished cowhide leather, fine detailing, and Smoothways CE Level 2 soft armor, making it comfortable on or off the road. To help you finish your holiday shopping right, use the discount code BMG2019 for 25% off and free shipping at checkout. MSRP: $399.99AGVSPORT
Howard Leight By Honeywell Laser Lite High-Visibility Disposable Foam Earplugs
Motorcyclists are exposed to high levels of noise. In an effort to keep your ears in healthy condition a good set of earplugs are a must-have. Of all the types we’ve tried over the years, these disposable foam earplugs from Howard Leight are our favorite. The two-tone magenta colorway make them easy to spot and the contoured-T shape makes them easy to insert and remove from the ear canal. Other earplugs may offer a higher NRR (Noise Reduction Rating), but the 32-decibel-rated Laser Lite plugs let the right amount of noise in allowing for a cleaner, crisper hearing experience whether riding with or without a Bluetooth-enabled headset both on the street or racetrack.Honeywell
Motorcyclists are exposed to high levels of noise. In an effort to keep your ears in healthy condition a good set of earplugs are a must-have. Of all the types we’ve tried over the years, these disposable foam earplugs from Howard Leight are our favorite. The two-tone magenta colorway make them easy to spot and the contoured-T shape makes them easy to insert and remove from the ear canal. Other earplugs may offer a higher NRR (Noise Reduction Rating), but the 32-decibel-rated Laser Lite plugs let the right amount of noise in allowing for a cleaner, crisper hearing experience whether riding with or without a Bluetooth-enabled headset both on the street or racetrack.
Original Bike Spirits Spray Cleaner and Polish 5-Ounce Aerosol AJ2719-06
There are few things we dislike more than a dirty motorcycle. Make sure your pride and joy remains clean and shiny with this can of spray polish. The formula was first introduced by a variety of Japanese OE brands years ago but fast-forward to today, and this spray polish is exclusive to Original Bike Spirits. The polish cleans virtually anything from plastic to painted surfaces and even glass. It also works as a lubricant in a pinch to free stuck parts. The smaller 5-ounce travel size makes it easy to toss in a bag.Original Bike Spirits
Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ Front And Rear Tires
Sport motorcycles perform best with fresh rubber. And Dunlop offers the right shoe for the job with its Sportmax Q3+ tires. The Q3+ tires are designed as a do-it-all tire solution for sport riders who ride in any road condition, both on the street and racetrack. These Sportmax hoops stand out with fast warm-up time, sharp but not overly so contour, and high level of adhesion against asphalt. The icing on the cake is their impressive levels of durability and competitive price tag.Dunlop
Sena 20S EVO Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset
Riding motorcycles is a great way to disconnect from the world. But what about the times when you want to stay in touch? Sena makes it easy with its easy-to-use 20S EVO Bluetooth headset communication system. Smaller than a pack of cigarettes, the device easily attaches to the chin bar of most motorcycle helmets. Route and secure the hard-wired speakers, attach the microphone, and pair the device with your smartphone and you’ll be riding connected with the ability to navigate, listen to audio, or chat on the phone. You can also use Sena’s integrated group intercom function to speak to other Sena-equipped riders who are riding with you.Sena
Shoei RF-1200 Motorcycle Helmet
When it comes to bang for the buck, few helmet manufacturers offer a better value than Shoei and its functional RF-1200 helmet. Introduced a few years ago, the RF-1200 is a do-it-all full-face helmet that works well in all conditions, and on all types of motorcycles, from a Harley-Davidson bagger to Ducati’s Panigale V4 S sportbike. The RF is outfitted with a rich feature set including a plush, modular interior, with adequate open/close ventilation, and Pinlock and Transitions (auto-tint) visor options. Plus it includes a variety of colors, with ultra-premium paint, and a five-year warranty.Shoei
Maxima SC1 Silicone Detailer
One way to keep a motorcycle clean is to not get it dirty in the first place. Enter Maxima’s great-smelling SC1 silicone detailer. This spray-on coating enhances and protects plastic and vinyl surfaces making it ideal for off-road motorcycles. We apply it underneath the fenders of our dirt bike before we ride, which helps keep dirt from adhering to the motorcycle. This not only makes the bike easier to ride, especially in mucky conditions (keeps the machine light), but also eases cleaning chores post-ride. Make sure to buy a couple cans of it because you’ll be using it a lot.Maxima
One way to keep a motorcycle clean is to not get it dirty in the first place. Enter Maxima’s great-smelling SC1 silicone detailer. This spray-on coating enhances and protects plastic and vinyl surfaces making it ideal for off-road motorcycles. We apply it underneath the fenders of our dirt bike before we ride, which helps keep dirt from adhering to the motorcycle. This not only makes the bike easier to ride, especially in mucky conditions (keeps the machine light), but also eases cleaning chores post-ride. Make sure to buy a couple cans of it because you’ll be using it a lot.
Longacre 50417 (0-60 PSI) Tire Pressure Gauge
Every motorcycle rider should have a good, high-quality tire pressure gauge. And this analog-style gauge from Longacre is a good option, especially considering its reasonable asking price. Motorcycle tires are often inflated under 60 psi, so the dial range is perfect for powersport use and a flexible hose with angled chuck makes it easy to reach tight places between the rear sprocket and the rim. Another plus, the gauge face is glow-in-the-dark, so it can be more easily read in low light.Longacre
Read and dream about great rides and exciting new gear for the holidays in the 2019 Holiday Buyers Guide and Fall/Winter Riding Special, brought to you by the publishers of Rider magazine and Thunder Press.
