Posts
Roof Helmets is not exactly a household name in the motorcycle apparel industry; those who do know them are often impressed with the small French company's ability to innovate and have no small number of compliments about the design aesthetic Roof applies to their helmets. Inside the lids Roof manufacturers, though, are the modern and thoroughly-researched safety features we have all come to expect. Their latest is an idea which was bandied about many years back but never seemed to actually materialize - a motorcycle helmet made from bamboo. The appropriately named Bamboo is made from the fast-growing, super-strong, lightweight wood and even manages to live up to ECE 22.05 certification. It is a 3/4-style lid with the 'Jet' look and even carries some e-cred with it. Take a look, but you cannot yet buy them in North America, unfortunately.
Wooden Motorcycle Helmet? Yes, and a Quite Nice One!
Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show Review & Michelin Power Pure
Here we have a report from the 2010 Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show which took place at and during Daytona Bike Week about two weeks ago. They were much more ambitious this year as they scheduled five shows over the week and added some new categories. Many of the bikes are not to everyone's taste - often overdone and way too much chrome - but the ideas presented were worth attending for everyone. For the details, please take the link...
http://tinyurl.com/yl3bvx8
The new Michelin Power Pure motorcycle tire is being lauded as the lightest motorcycle tire ever produced. Of course, they are the ones making the claim, but they do back it up with evidence. We will also see for certain once they hit the streets - both figuratively and literally. They will use Michelin's Two-Compound Technology (2CT) and their Light Tire Technology (LTT) for better performance all around. Check out the press release for more information...
http://tinyurl.com/ykj8hax
Wednesday Evening Moto News - Dainese Thorax & Suzuki Sportbikes
Dainese has just released another interesting piece of equipment in their 2010 line. Actually, it may have been looked over in their big press event at their San Francisco D-Store - there were so many other colorful bits and bobs, honestly. The Dainese Thorax Pro Ladies Chest Protector is designed to protect a woman's important chest parts (parts everyone wants to protect) in case of crash. This particular model is made mainly for track use - as it may not be comfortable for long street rides - but it is an example of how Dainese is becoming more and more of a safety as well as design oriented motorcycle (and other sports) apparel producer.
http://tinyurl.com/yfbf4rw
It turns out that the rumors are true - Suzuki will not be importing any 2010 sportbikes to the US. Some other models are included in this, but most are street-oriented. Of course we have all heard of the limited editions in other parts of the world - but Suzuki bikes are selling there, so it makes some sense. It is an unfortunate situation brought about by the poor economy. Let's all hope that some deals come around and they sell the remaining the 2009 models. It is sad that we will not get any special editions on our shores...
http://tinyurl.com/y8v7tk9
Tuesday Afternoon Moto News - CSA Performance Wheels, Zeppelin & The Cycle Hitch
CSA Performance has purchased the Dymag wheel business which went under late last year. The new company, which will use the same technology as the previous Dymag wheels, will be known as CSA Performance Wheels. For all the details, take the link.
http://tinyurl.com/yc8crlx
The motorcycle is based on a Harley-Davidson WR engine and is designed as a board-tracker - but, with hub-center steering on the front wheel. It is a project of retired Dutch steelworker Roel van der Heide, who is also the brains behind the Chiqane motorcycles. This new project has been dubbed the Zeppelin Boardtracker. It is a most interesting concept! Take a look...
http://tinyurl.com/y9d8eme
An entrepreneur in Arizona, one Jeff Trenk, has come up with a great solution to towing your motorcycle behind you car. He calls it "The Cycle Hitch" and he has given it a 99-year warranty due to its high-end construction. For a look at how it works, take the link, or go to the Power Sports Dealer Expo in Indianapolis from 12 - 15 February 2010.
http://tinyurl.com/y8vruoo
Sunday Evening Moto News - Supershow Photos
The North American International Motorcycle Supershow was held this weekend in Toronto Canada, but not much news came out from it (yet). So, I came across this post from a gentleman (well, just guessing) who took some photos while he was at the show. Actually, he is running a booth at the show and wanted to post some of the sights. So, take the link and see what he saw. And, if there are more reports, I will post them here.
http://tinyurl.com/ya5pjqo
Bell Helmets Announces 2010 Star Motorcycle Helmet
It is the flagship of the Bell motorcycle helmet line and will be available at dealers very soon. First of all, it meets Snell M2010 standards (as well as DOT) and has some all new design features. They have also added another graphic to the line-up - you should take the link and see it. It looks very good and word is that Bell is making a quality lid in the Star, so try one on and see if you may protect your noggin' with one of these.
http://tinyurl.com/ydqyfga
Yamaha Motors Partners with DC Shoes
You see the stickers everywhere - DC shoes stickers on every squid's helmet as well. Funny how much modern children are slaves to logos and corporate branding - it's really sad, actually. However, Yamaha has teamed up with them to support the DC off-road training facility in SoCal. And, they will do plenty of cross-promotion and co-branding exercises, which will result in the usual items for sale at your local Yamaha dealer.
http://tinyurl.com/ylzvqt4
Nicely Accessorized MV Agusta Brutale 990R
Though I am an MV guy, through and through, I am not sure all of this stuff works for me - don't get me wrong, I love the carbon fiber everywhere, who doesn't? But, the odd carbon muffler tips? Not sure I like those as much as the previous version's stock setup. When you look at this specific 990R in the photos, you can really tell the detail differences between the first and second-generation Brutale. It's still the best looking (stock) naked on the market now.
http://tinyurl.com/ylyvmd9
New Product: Antique Motorcycle Club of America 2010 Calendar
Yes, it is available now! For only US$12 you get 12 months worth of lovely photographs of historic motorcycles from all over the world - such as a 1913 Flying Merkel board-tracker and a 1909 Reliance from New York and a French-built 1897 De Dion Bouton. Take the link and have a look - and, if you need a calendar, place your order soon!
http://tinyurl.com/ycaxtht
Official MotoGP Review 2009 Releases 14 December 2009
Duke video can really turn these season reviews out quickly - they must work on the production all year long. That way it is a simple wrap up after the race weekend finale. This video should be only slightly different than the one which came before - it is always somewhat better than the previous season for the usual reasons. The other DVD to be released a week later, MotoGP 125/250 Review 2009, will cover the 125c.c. and the final 250c.c. championship in 2009. Some interesting viewing as always. So, get your copy when it is available and settle in for some winter watching...
http://tinyurl.com/yhw38bk
http://tinyurl.com/yhw38bk
Get a 10% discount from Duke Video: http://tinyurl.com/y9cft8o
In the US, on 16 December 2009: http://tinyurl.com/ye7dvze
Can't Get Enough of the Carole Nash Motorcycle Show?
Well, if that is the case - or, like me, you could not make it - this video form our friends over at MCN(UK) have created a video guide to the show. It is called (as you would expect) "MCN guide to the motorcycle show" and it is available after the link below. They even talk with some of the silicone filled models who drape themselves over the lusty machines - yes, even my significant other would rather me look at the women, not the bikes!
http://tinyurl.com/ydgqjhx
Confederate Motors Teams with Kushitani to Produce Apparel
Well, the first showing of the new gear will be at the Los Angeles Auto Show which runs from 4 - 13 December 2009. The agreement will bring several new leather designs for the Confederate Motor motorcycle line. Obviously, there is no worry about the gear being made outside of the US - this is mostly due to the very well-known quality of Kushitani leather. Also, the LA show will have on display a P120 Fighter Combat from Confederate.
http://tinyurl.com/yzj5k5o
OSRAM Supplies LED Fog Lamps for BMW Motorrad
They will last a very long time, they use very little power, and they are bright and look very sweet. OSRAM produces fog lights used on late model BMW Motorrad motorcycles and they get praised by owners and operators the world over. They are even compatible with automotive implementations, so they are widely used. If you are looking for a high-quality fog light set or a replacement set for your old motorcycle or auto, check out OSRAM and they will provide the best product for the money.
http://tinyurl.com/yca32d3
Carole Nash International Motorcycle & Scooter Show Preview
In this short piece, we are informed of the events surrounding the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show which runs 27 November to 6 December 2009 at the NEC in Birmingham, U.K. Actually, there will be at least three major no-shows - Harley-Davidson, Honda and Ducati, believe it or not. I know that Ducati will be presenting a huge line-up at EICMA, so maybe these shows are just too close together for them and their budget. But, plenty more will be at the show including the new Norton with their 961 Commando and Cafe Racer Commando. Expect to see plenty of everything else and don't forget that the British Supercross Championship season begins during this show very nearby...
http://tinyurl.com/yhvvf8d
The 67th International Bicycle and Motorcycle Show (EICMA) Opens Tomorrow in Milan
Just about everyone in the industry - the motorcycle industry - knows about the EICMA show in Milan. It is usually the largest motorcycle show in the world and it takes place annually in Italy. There is one more which only runs every other year - and is run by the same company - in Germany, but it is an 'off' year for that show. Despite the lackluster economy, over 500,000 people are expected to visit the show in 2009. We will see almost every motorcycle manufacturer show off their new, classic, historical and prototype motorcycles at this event. If you can make it, don't even hesitate. However, like the rest of us, I will get my news remotely and will post it all here.
http://tinyurl.com/y9wejx9
http://tinyurl.com/yz94jdk
Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows - Save Money on Admission
OK, so this is shameless promotion, but it will be my only income for a while. So, I must do what needs to be done. The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows are about to kick off in a city or town near you. You must know what it is about from the title, but there really is something there for everyone - and you can meet very interesting people as well. There is likely to be one near you...take the link for more details - it is a forum post, so it's not just copy.
http://tinyurl.com/yhz47v6
Shameless Plug: Yes, I am going to hammer this home too - get US$3 off your admission by entering the code "JonCurrent" when purchasing your tickets online. There, I am giving you three dollars to help you get to the show - go on, get there! http://tinyurl.com/y87on4h
Spanish Design Firm Bel & Bel Recycle Vespa Scooters
Motorcycle Industry in U.K. Launches 'Get On' Website
The website is finally live! The motorcycle industry in the United Kingdom has come together to start a program to support new riders and people thinking about becoming motorcyclists. I have mentioned it here before, but the website for the 'Get On' project has been launched and is available for anyone to peruse - even non-residents. Of course, people outside of the U.K. cannot take part in the program, but at least we can look at it and hope that someday something like this is launched in our nation!
http://www.geton.co.uk/
2010 Honda VFR1200 Tourer May Be the Most Advanced Motorcycle Ever
After a careful examination of the patents and design features present on the 2010 Honda VFR1200T (Tourer), it may actually convince you that I am not exaggerating in that title. According to this article, the writer seems to demonstrate that the new Interceptor (nomenclature?) is the safest motorcycle produced thus far. It seems that it will even come equipped with an airbag - I believe I missed that in the other reports on the press launch. Anyway, take a look and I bet you will be impressed.
http://tinyurl.com/yhxhzlq
P.S. This is on Gizmag, so it is loaded with ads and seems to bog down a little...
Shark Helmets UK Unveils 2010 Range of Products
Several racers were on hand at the Shark UK Dorset headquarters to announce the 2010 line of motorcycle helmets. Some very cool new technology will be available on their new line, and the details should not be missed! Please take the link and see what could be your next lid, especially if you like to be seen!
http://tinyurl.com/yftctlt