Gear Brands
Nolan N104 Review
Nolan N104 Helmet Review The Nolan N-104 is another brand-new flip-up helmet for the 2012 model year. It’s a definite upgrade from the Nolan N-90 (review)and previous N-series flip-up helmets. It’s also a competitor to the new Shoei Neotec (review), yet the two helmets are quite different in many ways. All of the moving parts on the …
Shoei Neotec
Shoei Neotec Helmet Review The Shoei Neotec is new for 2012 and it’s a careful evolution of a long history of Shoei flip-up helmets. The Neotec features include outstanding build quality, superior ventilation and plush comfort and more. It would be difficult to find a fault with the Neotec, although there’s no getting around the …
Sena SMH10 4.0 Firmware Update
Sena SMH10 4.0 Firmware Update NEW! Part 2: Tips, tricks, installation and many rider comments added below. The Sena SMH10 intercom firmware 4.0 update is now available! Also, Sena released an Apple Macintosh compatible version of their updating software, available here for registered SMH10 owners. To obtain the updating software for either a PC or Mac, you must first …
UClear HBC200 Preview
UClear HBC200 “Force” Bluetooth Intercom Preview Background February 23, 2012 – UClear formally announced the new UClear HBC200 “Force” intercom system at the 2012 Dealer Expo. We reviewed the original UClear HBC100 (review) last year on webBikeWorld and were very impressed. The HBC100 is a unique intercom, with a microphone system that uses their military-spec, patented …
UClear WT300
UClear WT300 “Spider” Bluetooth Adapter Preview February 23, 2012 – In addition to the new UClear HBC200 intercom (preview), UClear also announced the new UClear WT300 “Spider” Bluetooth adapter at the 2012 Dealer Expo. (From a UClear press release) – The UClear WT300 “Spider” Bluetooth adapter connects Bluetooth headsets to create wireless, hands-free group communication capabilities. …
UClear HBC200 Preview
UClear HBC200 “Force” Bluetooth Intercom Preview February 23, 2012 – UClear formally announced the new UClear HBC200 “Force” intercom system at the 2012 Dealer Expo. We reviewed the original UClear HBC100 (review) last year on webBikeWorld and were very impressed. The HBC100 is a unique intercom, with a microphone system that uses their military-spec, patented “Adaptive Beam …
Akito “Desert” Pants Review
Akito Desert Pants The Akito Desert pants pair with the Akito Desert jacket (review) and they can be attached with a waist zipper. The pants have the same basic quality of construction and stitching as the jacket, with the same issues. See Part I: Akito Desert Jacket Review Please refer to Part I of this two-part review, which describes the …
HJC RP-Max Helmet
HJC RP-Series Helmets for 2012 February 19, 2012 – Hang on — you’re gonna love this story! I’m not even sure how to describe what has to be the strangest product announcements I’ve witnessed. HJC released a new line of helmets (I think) at the 2012 Dealer Expo, but the launch is very confusing, to …
SCHUBERTH S2 Preview
SCHUBERTH S2 Preview Background February 21, 2012 – The 2012 Dealer Expo is over but I have a few more reports to post. SCHUBERTH formally introduced both the SCHUBERTH S2 and SCHUBERTH SR1 (review) helmets at this year’s event. We reviewed the SCHUBERTH SR1 late last year and it was named the webBikeWorld Motorcycle Helmet of the …
Sena SM10
Sena SM10 Bluetooth Stereo Audio Adapter Preview February 21, 2012 – In addition to the new Sena SMH-5intercom, Sena also introduced the new Sena SM10 Bluetooth Stereo Audio Adapter system at the 2012 Dealer Expo. UPDATE: Sena SM10 Review! The SM10 is a surprise and it responds to the many webBikeWorld Sena owners who have been asking …
SCHUBERTH S2 Preview
February 21, 2012 – The 2012 Dealer Expo is over but I have a few more reports to post. SCHUBERTH formally introduced both the SCHUBERTH S2 and SCHUBERTH SR1 (review) helmets at this year’s event. We reviewed the SCHUBERTH SR1 late last year and it was named the webBikeWorld Motorcycle Helmet of the Year in our annual awards. 2011 …
Sena SMH5
Sena SMH5 Preview Background February 21, 2012 – Sena formally announced the new SMH5 intercom system at the 2012 Dealer Expo. The SMH5 has a slightly smaller form factor than the Sena SMH-10 intercom (review) and although it uses the new Bluetooth 3.0 standard, it is more comparable in features to the original SMH10. …
Arai XD4 Preview
Arai XD4 Helmet Preview Background February 20, 2012 – Arai formally introduced the XD4 helmet at the 2012 Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. I stopped by the Arai booth to ask about their internal shape “evolution” for the Signet-Q (review) we reviewed recently on webBikeWorld.com. More on that subject later, but in the meantime, I took …
Interphone F5 Preview
Interphone F5 Intercom Preview February 19, 2012 – Just a quick note to let you know that Interphone is back in the U.S.A. The Interphone F4 (review) was/is one of my favorite intercom systems, only because it’s simple and easy to use and I’ve used it enough to know how to work it without a …
VQuattro Squadra Gloves Review
VQuattro “Squadra” Heated Motorcycle Gloves Review The VQuattro Squadra gloves are the company’s top-of-the-line offering for 2012. The Squadra gloves incorporate all of the excellent features found in the VQuattro Lazio gloves (review), plus a very unobtrusive battery-operated heating system. The price is actually not out of line with other battery or wired heated motorcycle gloves. But you …
Handy Motorcycle Lift
Handy Motorcycle Lifts and Accessories February 19, 2012 – I’m happy to report that Handy is back! Handy Industries was well known to motorcyclists and motorcycle dealers as the manufacturer of high-quality, heavy-duty, made in American lifts. But the company apparently failed and went under in 2010, much to the surprise of everyone in the …
Shoei Neotec Helmet Safety
Shoei Neotec Helmet EPS February 18, 2012 – I met one of the Shoei helmet designers at the show and he had a cutaway version of the new Shoei Neotec (review) that was recently reviewed on webBikeWorld.com. This cutaway sample is very interesting because it illustrates why we discovered that the upper ventilation is so good on …
2012 Bell Helmets
Bell Helmets for 2012 February 18, 2012 – Bell Helmets is well known to motorcyclists around the world and the company has been on a roll over the last few years. Bell is known for their innovative helmets, of course. But they also have probably the best and most varied collection of graphics and colors …
2012 Teknic Clothing
Teknic Freestyle, Sprint and Supervent Pro February 18, 2012 – A lot of time has passed since we last reviewed any Teknic gear — too much time. There’s no reason for this — it’s just an oversight. The brand sort of disappeared off our radar for some reason, even though the company can always be …
AFX FX-140 Preview
Limited Edition Euro-Style Flip-up February 17, 2012 – We have received more emails from webBikeWorld visitors about this helmet than any other, so the AFX booth was my first stop at the 2012 Dealer Expo. The FX-140 has been selling for some time but for one reason or another, we just never caught up with …
Tourmaster 2012 Clothing
February 17, 2012 – (Note: I’ll have more on the 2012 Tourmaster line coming soon but here’s a quick “teaser” look for now). I’ll admit: I have a soft spot for Tourmaster clothing. This is probably because of a pair of Tourmaster overpants (review) that were my first “serious” motorcycle apparel item. Believe it or not, I …
Shorai BMS01 Charger Review
Shorai BMS01 Battery Charger Review The intent of this review is to take a look at the Shorai LFX charger, which is intended as a custom solution offered by the manufacturer. Whether or not Shorai designs and manufactures the charger or whether it is produced by a subcontractor to a provided design specification (probable) may …
Akito Desert Pants
Akito “Desert” Pants Review The Akito Desert pants pair with the Akito Desert jacket (review) and they can be attached with a waist zipper. The pants have the same basic quality of construction and stitching as the jacket, with the same issues. See Part I: Akito Desert Jacket Review Please refer to Part I of this two-part review, which describes …
Akito Desert Jacket
Akito “Desert” Jacket Review The Akito Desert jacket and pants are priced to sell, no doubt about it. But while it may seem like there’s a lot here for the money, we have some serious reservations about the quality of the stitching, materials and construction. So is it possible to spend less on an entire …
SaFRace Motorcycle Gloves
SaFRace SR-128 Motorcycle Gloves Review The new SāFRāce SR-182 motorcycle gloves have several interesting and unique protective features. They look rugged, they feel tough and they’re actually pretty comfortable. The word “SāFRāce” was designed as a catchy marketing phrase for the glove brand. I had to search through the Unicode character map to find the “ā” HTML code (ā) for …
American Made Boots
Thorogood American Made Boots These Thorogood American Heritage Signature series hiking boots are not motorcycle boots. They are, however, extremely comfortable, with soft “broken-in” leather and a cushy sole. The surprise is that they are also Union-made in the U.S.A. I frequently get emails from webBikeWorld visitors asking if I know of any motorcycle gear that is …
Motonation to Distribute Sidi, AGV Sport and Vemar in Canada
2012 Honda NC700X February 10, 2012 – Motonation, the U.S. distributor for Sidi boots, Vemar helmets and AGV Sport apparel, is now assuming responsibility for distribution in Canada as well. Bill Berroth, President of Motonation said “This is a great step for the Motonation brand and we intend on treating the Canadian market with the same …
Falco Mixto Boots
Falco “Mixto” Motorcycle Boots Review The new Falco Mixto boots combine street and adventure-touring style with a waterproof membrane at an excellent price point. They’re comfortable, roomy, easy to wear and made in Italy. Falco has introduced a huge new lineup of motorcycle boots for the 2012 model year, which I previewed in my report from …
Richa Spirit Jacket
Richa Spirit Police Jacket February 19, 2012 – The Richa Spirit jacket (review) was formally introduced at the 2012 Dealer Expo by Vega Helmets, the importer and distributor, and Richa Clothing. Richa is a European (Belgium) manufacturer who has been making motorcycle gloves and clothing for more than 125 years. That’s a long time in anyone’s book! …
BMW Motorcycle Classics Online Shop
BMW Launches Online Shop for Classic Motorcycle Parts February 7, 2012 – BMW Classic Parts Supply has launched its new online shop. Customers can order spare parts for their BMW classics speedily, easily and from the comfort of their home. For BMW Classic motorcycle owners, the online shop represents “the next phase in the realignment of …
VQuattro Lazio Gloves
VQuattro “Lazio” Motorcycle Gloves Review The VQuattro Lazio gloves are made from high-quality, very soft goat leather. Also included is Primaloft insulation and a waterproof breathable liner insert. The overall styling, construction and fit is second to none, making the Lazio gloves among the nicest and warmest non-heated gloves we’ve ever reviewed. Please read the VQuattro gloves …
VQuattro Venture Gloves
VQuattro “Venture” Motorcycle Gloves Review The VQuattro Venture gloves are a combination textile and goat leather, designed for predominantly wet-weather use. They are non-heated and contain the Primaloft insulation and the waterproof and breathable membrane found in the other VQuattro gloves. The Venture gloves also have an Outlast phase-change liner, which adapts to the rider’s body …
Edgar Heinrich Named New BMW Motorrad Design Studio Director
BMW Motorrad Design Studio January 31, 2012 – Edgar Heinrich was named as the Director of the BMW Motorrad Design Studio, starting July 1, 2012, succeeding David Robb in this position. After completing his university degree in design, Edgar Heinrich started his career as a motorcycle designer with BMW back in 1986. Within the BMW …
Touratech Adjustable Folding Shift Lever
Touratech Adjustable Shift Lever Review I was planning a ride across the Trans-Labrador Highway in Canada in the summer of 2011. While planning for this trip, I was concerned about riding my 2002 BMW R1150GS (review) on the hundreds of miles of gravel roads. I don’t ride off-road very often, so I had a real fear of …
Lazer Monaco
Lazer Monaco Helmet Review (CE Version) The new carbon-fiber version of the Lazer Monaco is claimed to be the world’s lightest flip-up motorcycle helmet and we have no reason to doubt it. In fact, it’s one of the lightest helmets of any type we’ve ever reviewed on webBikeWorld.com. Light weight does make a difference — …
Maxxeon WorkStar 2000 Technician’s Floodlight
Powerful Well-Built Working Light The Maxxeon WorkStar 2000 Technician’s Floodlight is the big brother of the Maxxeon Pocket Floodlight (review) we like so much. The WorkStar 2000 is a “professional” floodlight that delivers a huge perfectly round light bath for illuminating wide areas. It has neodymium magnets and a built-in hook and the head turns 360 degrees …
BMW Motorrad 2011 Motorcycle Sales
BMW Sets Record for 2011 Motorcycle Sales January 18, 2012 – BMW Motorrad sold a record 104,286 units in 2011, the most in its nearly 90-year history. This was an increase of 6.4% from 2010, when 98,047 units were sold. This puts the 2011 sales result well above the previous all-time high which dates back to …
Richa Spirit Jacket
Richa Spirit C_Change Jacket Review Richa is popular brand of motorcycle clothing in Europe and Richa clothing is now available in the U.S.A., imported and distributed by the Vega Helmet Corporation. The Richa Spirit C-Change jacket and pants are the company’s flagship outfit and the first of the Richa products delivered to the U.S. The jacket and …
Kaizen: The Influence of the Japanese Motorcycle
Antique Motorcycle Foundation Japanese Motorcycle Exhibit January 15, 2012 – The Antique Motorcycle Foundation will open an exhibit entitled “Kaizen: The Influence of the Japanese Motorcycle” at the Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburgh, New York in 2012. It will be the first exhibit dedicated solely to Japanese motorcycle history to be assembled at a major American motorcycle …
Richa Spirit Pants
Richa Spirit C_Change Pants Review The Richa Spirit pants are a natural for pairing with the Spirit jacket. The pants also include the special Schoeller “c_change” climate adaptive membrane bonded to the Dynatec shell. The Spirit pants are fully waterproof at the outer boundary layer and they do not require an inner waterproof liner. The …
