Tag Archives: Motorcycle Accessories

2024 Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide
Our Summer Buyers Guide highlights 10 motorcycle products that will allow you to get the most out of the summer riding season. Photo by Kevin Wing.

The summer solstice, which is June 20 this year, is the longest day of the year, allowing us to maximize our riding time. With longer days, spring in full swing, and summer just around the corner, we’re in the best part of the riding season. Flowers are in bloom, hillsides are green, and the hottest months are still ahead.

Our Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide has gear you need to keep the wheels turning all summer long, from cleaning products and oil change kits to helmets, tires, accessories, and a special jacket from Vanson Leathers, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary just like Rider.

We appreciate the support these companies provide for Rider, and you can help pay that forward by supporting them. Thank you, and keep the rubber side down!

Click here to subscribe to Rider


Dunlop Mutant Tires

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide Dunlop Mutant

Dunlop’s Mutant combines unique components to create one of the most versatile performance street tires the company has ever produced. Light weight, a high silica ratio, Jointless Belt construction, Apex sidewall technology, Rayon Ply Casing, 4 Seasons Technology, and Dunlop’s exclusive MT Multi-Tread compounding combine to deliver high mileage, nimble handling, a compliant ride, and excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions. The Mutant is available in a range of sizes that fit hundreds of motorcycle models available in the U.S. Visit your dealer for pricing.


Spectro Motorcycle Wash and Shine

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide Spectro Motorcycle Wash and Shine

Get your bike shining like new with Spectro’s Motorcycle Wash and Shine, which are some of the company’s highest rated and best reviewed products. Motorcycle Wash is a spray-on/rinse-off cleaner that tackles the toughest dirt, grease, grime, bug splatter, brake dust, and road film, leaving a streak-free clean. Shine is a long-lasting spray that provides a high-gloss finish on paints, plastics, and chrome. Shine also forms an anti-static protective film with a water-beading effect. Spectro cleaning products are available at your local dealer or powersports retailer.


Monimoto 9 GPS Tracker

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide Monimoto GPS Tracker

This GPS tracker allows you to keep tabs on your motorcycle at all times and will alert your phone if any movement is detected while you’re away from the bike. The device, placed on the bike in a discrete location, connects to the included key fob. The device is deactivated when the key fob is nearby, but when the key fob moves away from the bike, the device automatically arms and will send alerts and its GPS position to your phone if any movement is detected. It’s available for $169 and includes two months of free SIM service. The subscription rate thereafter is $49 per year.


Suzuki ECSTAR Oil Change Kits

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide Ecstar Oil

ECSTAR Oil Change Kits include everything you need to change the oil in your Suzuki motorcycle. The kits are available with full synthetic oil (R9000), semi-synthetic oil (R7000), or mineral oil (R5000) with three or four quarts, and the R5000 DR-Z kit comes with two quarts. ECSTAR oil has been exclusively designed for Suzuki motorcycle engines and tested over thousands of racetrack laps for performance, quality, and durability. The kits include an oil filter, a drain plug gasket, and 10W-40 oil. Prices range from $34.95 for the R5000 DR-Z kit to $74.95 for the R9000 four-quart kit.


HeliBars Performance Handlebar Risers

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide HeliBars Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer Bar Riser

These risers, designed for the 2022-and-newer Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer and Rally Explorer models, move the stock handlebar closer to the rider by 1.25 inches and up by 1 inch, and all original cable and hydraulic lines are retained. The risers are CNC machined from 6061 aluminum. The shot-peened finish provides structural strength and complements the stock handlebar color, and the clear powdercoating adds durability. Raising the handlebar provides better ergonomics and improved long-distance comfort. These risers come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and are available for $159.


Vanson Leathers 50th Anniversary Jacket

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide Vanson Anniversary Edition Jacket

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Vanson Leathers, the Anniversary Jacket is an original Vanson signature design leather race jacket with brass hardware, a special anniversary color scheme, a slim fit, pre-curved sleeves, and an ID key fob embossed with the garment unit number for reference. Vanson Leathers made its first motorcycle jacket in 1974 and has continued making them by hand from its workshop in Fall River, Massachusetts. Vanson jackets are made from high-quality materials and built to last. This special-edition jacket is available in sizes 32-62 for $999.


S100 Total Cycle Cleaner

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide S100 Total Cycle Cleaner

Total Cycle Cleaner from S100 attacks hidden dirt and grime that regular soap and water miss, which can lead to corrosion, rust, and tarnish. Hailed by Rider as a “revolution for the Saturday morning wash,” Total Cycle Cleaner works its way into hidden nooks and crannies to clean out the grime you can’t see, then penetrates and loosens grunge so a sharp stream of water rinses it away. The cleaner comes in a 21-ounce aerosol or a variety of liquid sizes, from the 16.9-fluid-ounce starter bottle up to the 1.3-gallon canister. Available at many motorcycle retailers.


HJC F71 Helmet

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide HJC F71

This sport-touring helmet is lightweight thanks to its Advanced Fiberglass Composite Shell. It includes a Dynamic Multi-Step Sunshield and a wide eye port for a larger field of view, and the 3D contour design ensures a secure fit. The faceshield’s Two-Way Ratchet system provides a smooth closure and better seal. The helmet is also designed to provide a comfortable fit with glasses, and the pull tab on the cheek pads allows for quick and safe removal during an emergency. The helmet also features reflective trim for better visibility. Available in a variety of color options and graphics starting at $349.99.


Bridgestone Battlax Sport Touring T32

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide Dunlop Mutant

Bridgestone’s Battlax Sport Touring T32 and T32GT tires provide excellent performance, confidence, and contact feel in all weather conditions. State-of-the-art Pulse Groove Technology combines pulse-shaped sipes with small center deflectors to equalize water flow and improve water channeling and drainage across the tire. A redesigned tread pattern results in a 13% larger contact patch on the rear tire, increasing grip and feel, and 7% shorter wet stopping distances. The T32 and T32GT are available in most common tire sizes, with the GT option for heavier bikes.


Wild Ass Seat Cushions

Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide Wild Ass

Wild Ass Seat Cushions provide support and relief during long rides and utilize advanced air-cell technology to evenly distribute pressure to reduce discomfort and fatigue. The Classic seat cushion ($249.99) is made with medical-grade neoprene rubber, which reduces pain at pressure points and promotes blood flow. The Air Gel Cushion ($194.99) is made of three layers of polyurethane for durability and includes gel pads inserted inside each individual air cell. The Lite Cushion ($109.99) is made of lightweight polyurethane. Available in either Smart (15.5 x 14 inches) or Saddle (13 x 11.5 inches) sizes.

The post 2024 Summer Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: SW-Motech Motorcycle Crash Bars for Kawasaki KLR650

SW-Motech Kawasaki KLR650 Motorcycle Crash Bars

SW-Motech’s Motorcycle Crash Bars for the 2022-23 Kawasaki KLR650 provides extra protection for the tank, fairing, and other components.

Related: 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure | Road Test Review

The crash bar is made of steel pipe with a 27mm diameter and has a weather- and corrosion-resistant black powdercoating. Designed specifically for the KLR650, it fits seamlessly with the lines of the bike and doesn’t restrict cornering clearance.

The bars come with model-specific mounting systems and screw onto factory mounting points on the frame.

See Rider’s Parts & Accessories reviews here.

SW-Motech Kawasaki KLR650 Motorcycle Crash Bars

Two motorcycle crash bars, instructions, and mounting hardware are included, and the set is available for $280.

The post New Gear: SW-Motech Motorcycle Crash Bars for Kawasaki KLR650 appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Wunderlich Side Wind Deflectors for BMW GS | Gear Review

Wunderlich Wind Side Deflectors for BMW GS
Wunderlich Side Wind Deflectors fit 2017-18 R 1200 GS and 2019-23 R 1250 GS models (but not GS Adventure models) and are available in clear or tinted (shown).

After more than 17 years of riding successive generations of BMW RTs, I recently switched to riding a 2020 R 1250 GS. Even though my new-to-me GS is equipped with an oversized Puig Touring windshield, the amount of turbulence and wind noise at speed is significantly higher than it was on my former RTs. My last was a 2015 R 1200 RT equipped with the superb Werks Quiet Ride windshield, which enveloped the rider in a still pocket of calm air regardless of how fast the bike was moving. In fact, I’ve hosted several conference calls for work while traveling down the highway at extra-legal speeds, and nobody even knew I was in motion.

Related: 2021 BMW R 1250 GS | Road Test Review

Wunderlich Wind Side Deflectors for BMW GS
Wunderlich Side Wind Deflectors installed on my new-to-me 2020 BMW R 1250 GS.

In fairness, I never expected this level of protection from the GS, which is designed for adventure touring, not sport-touring like the RT. But for long highway trips and especially on cold days, I wanted more wind protection than what the stock bike offers. The hunt for solutions led me to Wunderlich Side Wind Deflectors, which fit 2017-18 R 1200 GS and 2019-23 R 1250 GS models, but not GS Adventure models.

Wunderlich Wind Side Deflectors for BMW GS

Wunderlich’s deflectors are made of scratchproof, shatterproof 5mm acrylic plastic, and they’re available in clear or the dark tinted finish shown here. The kit includes two deflectors, a one-page installation sheet, and mounting hardware. Two brackets per side provide anchor points for the winglets, secured in place with standard M5 T25 Torx hardware running through a series of stabilizing collars and sleeves. There’s a bit of play for adjustability and fine tuning, if necessary.

Wunderlich Wind Side Deflectors for BMW GS
Wunderlich Side Wind Deflectors are larger than the ones that come as standard on BMW GS Adventure models.

As expected, it’s easiest if you install everything loosely at first, and then tighten down only once final adjustment is completed. Final installation as shown took less than an hour, working methodically. The Wunderlich winglets themselves, each measuring roughly 13 x 4.25 inches at the edges, are quite a bit larger than the stock deflectors on GS Adventure models, which measure roughly 10.5 x 3.5 inches.

Out on the road, the Wunderlich Side Wind Deflectors had a significant impact on the level of wind blast, overall turbulence, and noise experienced at highway speeds. The stock GS has moderate protection for the rider’s torso, but heavy airflow to the rider’s arms. I found that adjusting the windshield to a forward position (nearly vertical) in conjunction with the installed winglets notably diverted air around both my torso and my arms. This provided significant relief on long days gobbling up miles on the slab, which can get tiresome if the rider is being blown all over the place. For hot weather rides or if otherwise desired, the winglets can be quickly removed via 3x M5 T25 Torx bolts per side, allowing for maximum airflow.

Wunderlich Wind Side Deflectors for BMW GS

Overall, the Wunderlich winglets are a worthy addition for BMW GS riders who partake in long trips at sustained high speeds, cold weather journeys, or otherwise desire a more composed operating environment. They’re priced at $289.95. (They’re also available for 2015-19 BMW S 1000 XR models for $271.95.) – Moshe K. Levy

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

The post Wunderlich Side Wind Deflectors for BMW GS | Gear Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: PowerDeck Motorcycle Loading System from Aumsville

PowerDeck AmeriDeck motorcycle loading system

Capable of hauling motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other vehicles, the PowerDeck motorcycle loading system from Aumsville Equipment Sales pairs with the AmeriDeck lift system to lift machines from the ground to the bed of a truck with the push of a button.

See all of Rider‘s Parts & Accessories Reviews here.

The PowerDeck comes in two versions: long bed (96 inches long) or short bed (78 inches long).

When in the pickup, the deck sits just above the pickup wheel wells, keeping the center of gravity low and providing storage under the deck.

PowerDeck AmeriDeck motorcycle loading system

The PowerDeck can also be used for material transport and other types of hauling. It features 2,500 lb of loading and dump capacity, a 45-degree rear approach angle, up to a 55-degree dump angle, easy-access tie-down points, and structural steel construction. The AmeriDeck and PowerDeck systems fit a wide variety of trucks.

PowerDeck AmeriDeck motorcycle loading system

Visit the Aumsville Equipment Sales website for a quote. 

The post New Gear: PowerDeck Motorcycle Loading System from Aumsville first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: MotoBikeJack Motorcycle Jack

MotoBikeJack motorcycle jack

Ever drop a heavy bike? Picking it back up can be a real pain. And if you’re by yourself and on a soft or uneven surface, it’s even worse. That’s where the MotoBikeJack motorcycle jack comes in.

See all of Rider‘s Parts & Accessories reviews here.

Made of powdercoated American steel, the MotoBikeJack weighs less than 8 lb and breaks down into four pieces so it can be stowed in a 15×5-inch bag. Three shafts fit into the base, and the top shaft has a ratchet with a webbed strap and hook.

The 3,300-lb rated jack can be used to safely and securely lift a 1,000-lb motorcycle from prone to upright in just five minutes.

MotoBikeJack motorcycle jack

The MotoBikeJack retails for $216, plus shipping and handling. For more information, visit the MotoBikeJack website

The post New Gear: MotoBikeJack Motorcycle Jack first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: Baxley SBX09 Fold Up Motorcycle Trailer

Baxley SBX09 Fold Up Single Bike Motorcycle Trailer

The Baxley Trailer Company SBX09 Fold Up Single Bike motorcycle trailer is easy to load and smooth to pull.

See all of Rider‘s Parts & Accessories reviews here.

The SBX09 features sturdy steel construction and a durable black crinkle finish. The trailer comes with chrome wheels, an adjustable height coupler, a full diamond plate floorboard, and stone guard.

The winch tilts and levels the trailer for easy loading – even with heavy motorcycles. The LA Chock keeps the motorcycle upright, so the rider only needs to strap down the rear of the motorcycle to secure it.

Baxley SBX09 Fold Up Single Bike Motorcycle Trailer

Baxley’s patented suspension system operates as an independent suspension on each wheel and provides a very smooth ride with excellent tracking characteristics.

The trailer is available for $5,400 and ships fully assembled and ready for use. For more information, visit the Baxley Trailer Company website.

The post New Gear: Baxley SBX09 Fold Up Motorcycle Trailer first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: East Coast Koverz Standard Smart Commuter Kover

East Coast Koverz Standard Smart Commuter Kover motorcycle cover

The Standard Smart Commuter Kover by East Coast Koverz will keep your motorcycle protected from the elements no matter where you park it.

See all of Rider‘s Parts & Accessories reviews here.

The Standard Smart Commuter Kover is made of oxford nylon and comes with an attached backpack for quick and easy storage. The toggle lock-and-cord system around the bottom of the cover ensures that it remains securely in place and is easy to remove when you’re ready to hit the road.

The cover is available in Black, Electric Blue, Red, Gray, Khaki, and Purple for $189.99, with an optional license plate window for an additional $25.

Find the Standard Smart Commuter Kover at the East Coast Koverz website.

The post New Gear: East Coast Koverz Standard Smart Commuter Kover first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Winter Motorcycle Riding: Finding Big Warmth on a Small Bike

If you refuse to be deterred by the weather when it comes to winter motorcycle riding (but are perhaps stymied by the tech – or lack thereof – on your small bike), check out this Exhaust Note feature from “Moto Mouth” Moshe K. Levy that originally appeared in Rider‘s February issue.


Winter Motorcycle Riding Honda Trail 125
Winter doesn’t stop the author from getting out on his 2021 Honda Trail 125.

Sales of small motorcycles have been booming in the U.S. Their low prices, excellent fuel economy, playful aesthetics, and sheer riding pleasure make minibikes irresistible. My 2021 Honda Trail 125 is so addictive that I find myself hopping aboard its spartan solo saddle not just for local chores but for longer weekend trips as well.

Related: 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS | First Ride Review

However, all that fun eventually collides against the limitations Mother Nature imposes on those of us who suffer cold winters. Normally, on my big bikes, I just plug in my 12-volt electric jacket liner and gloves and keep on going. But on small bikes like the Trail, there simply isn’t enough electrical capacity to run a full suite of heated gear.

Since parking the bike for the season is never a serious consideration for me, I developed a solution that is relatively low cost, readily available, functionally effective, and applicable for virtually any motorcycle with a marginal electrical output.

First, you need some battery-powered heated gear, which is abundant in today’s marketplace. I’ve had excellent luck with Warm & Safe’s Long Sleeve Heat Layer Shirt, which is powered by a 7.4V, 7.8Ah lithium-ion battery. For gloves, I like Klim’s battery-powered Hardanger HTDs, which operate on 7.4V, 2Ah lithium-polymer batteries. Both products feature multiple heat levels that allow the rider to adjust temperature as necessary, and they have held up well over multiple seasons of abuse.

See all of Rider’s new and reviewed gear here.

Indeed, heated gear is the only thing permitting your faithful, winter-hating Mediterranean columnist to survive arctic riding – at least until the batteries deplete! And therein lies the rub: To stay out all day in the cold, we need continuous power. Here’s how to get it.

First, we need spare batteries for all the heated gear we use. Manufacturers generally offer spares, as does Amazon. Always try to get at least as high an Ah (amp-hour) rating as the original battery – preferably higher. The higher the Ah rating, all else equal, the more run time you will get.

Next, we need to keep these spares continuously charging so they can be swapped in when the original batteries run down. We can accomplish this with a basic square-wave DC-AC inverter and a wiring harness to connect the inverter to the bike’s battery.

My typical setup inside my Trail’s top box is shown in the photo below:

Winter Motorcycle Riding

1. Sinloon waterproof cigarette lighter harness, available on Amazon for $9.99, which connects directly to the motorcycle’s battery

2. BMK 200W square-wave DC-AC inverter, available on Amazon for $25.99, which plugs into the Sinloon harness and converts the 12V DC from the bike’s battery to 120V AC

3. AC-DC battery chargers, included with the heated gear and plugged directly into the inverter, which convert the 120V AC output back to 8.4V DC to charge the spares

4. Spare lithium-ion battery for my W&S Heat Layer Shirt

5. Spare lithium-polymer batteries used in my Klim heated gloves

Both the harness and inverter are generic, and it really doesn’t matter which brands you use. (Some riders might already have the wiring harness in place, e.g., for a Battery Tender.)

Everything is secured in my Trail’s top case so things don’t shake around too much. All I need to do is flip the inverter to “on” to continuously charge the spare batteries while riding. Yes, it’s inefficient to convert power from the bike’s 12V DC to 120V AC and then back to heated gear’s 8.4V DC charging voltage, but this setup gets the job done with common, inexpensive components and requires no fancy wiring. 

Total draw on this setup is only about 32 watts, including inverter losses. That’s only about one-third of the draw of my 12V DC Warm & Safe jacket liner, so minibikes and even many older bikes with limited electrical capacity should be able to handle this load with ease. Mission accomplished!

Depending on the ambient temperatures and settings of the heated gear, I typically pull over every one to four hours to swap the dead batteries for freshly charged ones, allowing me to stay out all day in the cold – long after most other riders have parked for the season. For a true addict, there is no other choice!

To see a video about this setup, check out the Moto Mouth Moshe YouTube channel.

The post Winter Motorcycle Riding: Finding Big Warmth on a Small Bike first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: National Cycle RainZip Rain Repellent

National Cycle RainZip rain repellent

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.

See all of Rider’s Parts & Accessories Reviews here

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.

The post New Gear: National Cycle RainZip Rain Repellent first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: Denali Electronics Accessories for Triumph Tiger Sport 660

Denali Electronics Triumph Tiger Sport 660 rear light kit

Denali Electronics has all the tech you need or want for your Triumph Tiger Sport 660.

Related: 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 | Video Review

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.

The post New Gear: Denali Electronics Accessories for Triumph Tiger Sport 660 first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com