Midland BT-2 Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Review Bluetooth Primer Without exhausting any related standards or wiki sites, a few simple facts on Bluetooth are offered up. For communication and connection purposes a typical Bluetooth network or connection set is made up of eight devices: the master device and up to seven other active devices. This ad-hoc …

Scottoiler Automatic Chain Oiler A well designed, well tested and well proven product, Scottoiler systems have been extending the life of motorcycle chains for over twenty years. Complete with everything needed, less tools and the requisite skills, the Scottoiler kit is quite straightforward and if the whole installation is understood, simple to execute. Depending on …

Albrecht BPA 100 Bluetooth Adapter Review Bluetooth adapter connects to non-Bluetooth devices and allows wireless connectivity with a Bluetooth motorcycle intercom. The Albrecht BPA 100 Bluetooth adapter was purchased as an accessory for the Midland BT2 intercom set previously reviewed. Albrecht and Midland are companies owned by CE International (see summary table below). A Bluetooth …

The Talon T-3300 Motorcycle Alarm Besides possible discounts on motorcycle insurance, installing and using a motorcycle alarm is just plain smart. The Talon T-3300 system is a very good alarm system. It’s easy to install and it has loads of features, but it is still extremely straightforward to configure and use on a daily basis. …

Midland BT-2 Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Review The Midland BT-2 is a stylishly designed helmet-mounted intercom with lots of features, along with lots of unrealized potential. All the features that were evaluated work as advertised, but audio quality and rider to rider intercom limitations detract from what could be an industry-leading system. The ability to directly …

Aprilia Mana 850 Review The Mana is a mid-displacement sports motorcycle with engine mapping modes and a unique Gear System that allows automatic or semi-automatic control of the drive system for sports performance. To some motorcycle purists, scooters either large or small, and by extension  two-wheelers that utilize similar technology will never be acceptable. For …

Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 4V Ride Report The Stelvio 1200 4V is here and it remains true to the Moto Guzzi heritage of building exciting motorcycles. Whether it will become a modern classic remains to be seen; what can be confirmed from this ride review is that overall, it will not disappoint.  Those wanting to …

2008 Aprilia Shiver SL 750 Ride Report The Aprilia SL 750 Shiver can be edgy and anxious, strong, or relaxing – the character changes are provided by its three engine mappings. It is an excellent middleweight choice – light, responsive and day-long comfortable. Despite some component cost-cutting, it rides and runs like the thorough-bred machine …

Temco ShellShocker Motorcycle Microphone and Speaker System A unique system that showcases sound engineering and simple design aesthetics. Very easy to install and use, the system uses the motorcycle helmet shell to conduct sound to the rider and a standard microphone for the rider to use to talk. Provides good sound and excellent audio when …

BluVirtu BAT-01 and Bluetooth BSH-01 Communication System The BAT-01 is a battery powered Bluetooth hub or control module that allows up to four peripheral devices to be connected to provide audio input and output capabilities via a common audio channel. Outgoing communications are controlled by a PTT switch. Audio output is provided via Bluetooth to …

Biker Com Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Communications System I get to try a fair number of wired, wireless and hybrid motorcycle communications systems, most of which have some Bluetooth components in a direct or supporting role. I also seem to discover something new or ‘different’ with every system: sometimes intended, sometimes not. It is these differences, …

Arai XD3 Helmet Review The Arai XD3 helmet is a positive step in the evolution of this hybrid helmet. Although most of the changes have seemingly been oriented towards style, they have brought about tangible benefits to the user. Not a perfect helmet in terms of air flow management and internal noise control, but still …

Cyclone 866F Motorcycle Alarm A simple but very effective motorcycle alarm system. The installed system and the optional pager works extremely well and the default settings will be just fine for many users. Specific requirements can be addressed by changing set-up values. This product is highly recommended and is excellent value for the money. Motorcycle …

AKE Electronics PowerCom ROGER One Intercom System Part 3: Addendum, Tech Info and the AKE Accessories In This Series: Part 1: AKE PowerCom ROGER One Motorcycle Communications and Intercom Part 2:  ROGER One and Bluetooth  Part 3: Addendum, Accessories and Technical Information  Part 4: Motorcycle Communications Using the AKE PowerCom INNOVA System Additional accessories supplied …

AKE Electronics PowerCom ROGER One Intercom System Isn’t Technology Great? This section continues the ROGER One evaluation, but with some very tangible differences. With a companion PowerCom Bluetooth Headset on hand, along with other optional goodies, and driven by curiosity, this foray into wireless and mixed environments was inevitable. In This Series: Part 1: AKE …

Motorcycle Communications Using the AKE Electronics PowerCom INNOVA System The system effortlessly hosts multiple wired and wireless devices, providing enough configuration options to please virtually any user. Specific features such as i-VOX and the optional Interface Device serve to differentiate the PowerCom systems, the INNOVA specifically, from most of the other offerings on the market. …

Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Teamset Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom Well designed, fully featured Bluetooth version 2.0 communications device. With a quality mono two-speaker headset, its trim and lightweight design, multiple functions and ease of use, this is a big advancement in concept, execution and potential. Pairing integrity, a function that is key to overall system performance, …

An Integrated Soft Luggage System The FAMSA 260 is a well integrated system of tank pad, tank-bag and two side tank-pannier assemblies. The tank panniers mount and are removed quickly without disturbing the main tank bag fitting. The FAMSA motorcycle-specific systems (260 series) fit perfectly. And the overall design reflects an understanding of user needs. …

Zeus ZS 2100B Review Intended to go after the top-end cross-over style of helmet, Zeus has taken a current model and with one minor addition, created a very viable alternative. Overall quality and finish is not up to Arai standards, as an example, but from a function perspective it is very close and even ahead …

The Original GoPro Hero Action Cam Buy it, use it, enjoy it, and if necessary, share it. Be tolerant of its shortfalls and limitations. Be happy, for the price, and for what you get, it cannot be beaten, at least for now. Be prepared, for never-ending comments about its size, look and functionality. While not …

Oxford Hot Grips Are AKA “Heaterz” Well known, well made and well tested, the Oxford HotGrips just plain work. They may not be the most cutting edge heated grip on the market, but they are still one of the best in terms of reliability and performance – they sure do keep the hands warm. Oxford …

Windscreens for the Versys Motorcycling is unique in its ability to bring the rider (and passenger) closer to the elements – a sense of freedom as the rider and machine move as one through the air. Each individual has their own opinion on just how much of that air should be felt while riding. Which …

Olympia 4298 Gore-Tex “2in1” Commander Gloves Somewhat innovative in design but execution is less than perfect. Sizing is restrictive; all that bulk overwhelms the functionality and feeling that a glove, no matter what its intended use, should provide. Obviously weather-proof and warm, the glove is better suited for ATV or snowmobile use, rather than daily use as …

Rukka Sapphire Women’s Motorcycle Jacket   Summary:  Extremely well designed and executed with style for a women’s fit.  Very good attention to detail and absolutely waterproof and highly windproof. Lack of venting is not a shortfall as the outer shell breathes well — the Gore-Tex layer does its job in superb fashion. Appreciating the shortfalls …

Sidi Canyon Gore-Tex Boots   Summary The Sidi Canyon boots are light weight with clean, simple styling. They work well as casual but sturdy footwear and still handle the more demanding job of protecting the feet while riding. These boots are comfortable, warm and stylish, and fully meet the needs of the on/off-road rider, male …

Sidi On-Road Boots Review The Sidi On Road Gore-Tex boots are the number one boot for this rider. They are an impressive example of what sound design, technological innovation and craftsmanship can produce. Absolutely waterproof, breathable, warm, comfortable, and easy to care for day in, day out. With clean, simple lines and their obvious quality …

Olympia 4150 Gore-Tex All-Season Gloves Extremely comfortable, flexible, warm, lightweight and strong. Supple, with the feel of quality leather, soft cushioning insulation for warmth and waterproof even under prolonged wet conditions. Recommended for use over the 4C/39F to 25C/77F range (Spring, Fall and Winter, depending on riding location). These gloves, when used with hand-guards and/or electrical hand-warmers …

The Kawasaki Versys The Kawasaki Versys Story Part 1: Kawasaki Versys Introduction and Review Part 2: Luggage and Accessories Part 3: Windscreen Part 4: Accessories for the Versys Part 5: New Tires for the Versys Part 6: Oxford HotGrips on the Versys Gear: Zeta Handguards and XC Deflector Kit Gear: FAMSA 260 Tank Bag & Pannier Set Versys Specs: Kawasaki Versys Info and Specs …

Reasonably Priced 3/4-Length Jacket It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the more mature Firstgear Kilimanjaro or Denali jackets. But the Firstgear Jaunt jacket is a good choice for many reasons. That includes climates where sudden weather change is the norm, or for three to four season riding. The Firstgear Jaunt jacket is …

Soft luggage with self-supporting main compartment for shape.  Works well on larger sport touring and on/off road motorcycles with excellent ability to serve as main travel bag for other ground or air travel. Depending on mounting technique, can be removed quickly (one to two minutes typically). Water-proof exterior, full rain cover included for extended periods …

An Updated Half-Helmet Intercom The Sena SPH10H-FM is a Bluetooth 3.0 intercom system for half helmets. It consists of two large triangular-shaped padded ear pieces that fit the typical chin strap of a half helmet design. Both ear pieces have speakers while the left side contains the boom mic and the receiver for the intercom …