Accessory Reviews
Removing the Air Injection Pulse Air System on 1980-1995 BMW Motorcycles
Here’s how to remove the air injection system on a BMW Airhead. From Clymer’s BMW R Series: 1970-1994: “The air injection system injects fresh air into the exhaust port in each cylinder head adjacent to the exhaust valve. This oxygen-rich fresh air helps burn the hydrocarbons that still remain in the exhaust gases. The fresh air …
el Cheapo Motorcycle Helmet Sun Shade
“El Cheapo” Motorcycle Helmet Sun Shade Review Every once and a while, I stop by Manny, Moe and Jack’s (AKA Pep Boys) to see what’s up. They carry a lot of automotive products that are also useful for motorcycles. For example, the Fiamm “Highway Blaster” horns (review) that they sell are fantastic, and will wake up the dreamiest …
Wee Willy Helmet Visor Cleaning System
Wee Willy Review Motorcyclists come in every shape and size. And like fingerprints, no two bikes are ever the same; every owner wants to be just a bit different than the next. But, there is one single universal issue that all motorcyclists have in common — bugs! Even if you’re sitting behind a barn door …
Posi-Taps and Posi-Locks for Connecting Multiple Wires
Posi-Tap “Mega” Connectors for Multiple Wires The Posi-Tap and Posi-Lock “Mega” connectors are useful when you need to connect multiple wires. Sometimes it’s more efficient to use a larger-sized Posi-Tap or Posi-Lock rather than multiple connections. For example, when connecting pairs of auxiliary lights or to tap multiple wires into a single ground or power …
GearWrench Ratcheting Combination Wrench
GearWrench Ratcheting Combination Wrench Summary I had been eyeballing a set of Craftsman ratcheting box-end wrenches for quite a while, thinking they would come in awful handy when working on the confines of a motorcycle. They were on my list, but Santa had other ideas. So when a flyer came in the mail claiming that …
Energizer Contractor Industrial Flashlight
Energizer Contractor Industrial Flashlight My wife is curious: what is it about men and flashlights? It must be one of those male survival protect-the-cave things. Hey, you can’t have too many flashlights, right? I mean after all, you never know what emergency will happen next… And the 21st century is turning out to be a flashlight …
Head-Mounted Flashlight – Headlamp
Head-Mounted Flashlight – Headlamp I’m getting old — there’s just no way around it. Funny thing is, I get older by the day! Here’s a dirty little secret that you discover when you reach, oh, around age 45: all of a sudden one day you’ll wonder why you can only read the newspaper at arm’s length — …
Kawasaki Versys Luggage and Accessories
Outfitting the 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 …
Kawasaki Versys Accessories
Part 4: Evolution of a Relationship 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 …
MotoPumps Air Shot Review
A Compact Motorcycle Tire Inflator The MotoPumps Air Shot is a very compact tire inflator. It provides pressures up to 100 psi and it’s small enough to fit under the seat of many motorcycles. The kit has everything needed to inflate a tire at the roadside. Multiple power cables, a zero-loss air hose and even …
Bestem Carbon Fiber Fender Review
The Bestem Carbon Fiber Front Fender for a BMW Recently, a confused driver in front of me at a stop sign suddenly decided to try a high-speed reverse fake-out. The result was that he quickly ran right into the front of my 2007 BMW F 800 S (Blog). It trapped my front tire and fender under …
Bot-Wing Airfoil Review
The BMW GS Turbulence Buster The Bot-Wing airfoil helps to smooth frontal air flow and redirects much of the “dirty” air away for a quieter, smoother and more enjoyable ride. The Bot-Wing is a logical, simple and effective add-on to newer BMW R 1200 GS and GS Adventure motorcycles. Coming from the mind of a …
Acebikes U-Turn Motor Mover Review
A Folding Motorcycle Dolly for the Garage The Acebikes U-Turn Motor Mover is a unique take on the folding motorcycle dolly or rolling stand. It allows you to move the motorcycle 360 degrees for easy parking in the garage or shop floor. You’ve probably seen similar devices, but the U-Turn Motor Mover has a few …
R&G Racing Boot Guards Review
R&G Racing Boot Guard Kit The R&G Racing boot guards are simple stick-on protectors for the motorcycle frame. They are precision cut and made for many different motorcycles The frame plugs cover the various holes on the motorcycle’s frame to keep out dirt and grime. R&G Racing makes boot guards for many different motorcycle makes …
Cox Racing Group Radiator Oil Cooler Guards Review
Radiator and Oil Cooler Guards Comparison Radiator and oil cooler guards are, for many motorcycles, the best and typically the most cost-effective way to protect your investment…other than keeping it parked, that is. The Cox Racing Group radiator and oil cooler guards kit is just one example of how easy it can be to protect …
R&G Radiator Oil Cooler Guards Review
Radiator and Oil Cooler Guards Comparison Do we have a fixation on radiator and oil cooler guards? Not really, although their value on modern motorcycles cannot be understated. And as such, being able to evaluate a variety is never a bad thing. The R&G Racing radiator guard is another quality piece, made from pressed aluminum …
Motorcycle Mirror Extenders or Wideners
Another Take on Mirror Extenders Tired of looking at your arms in the rear-view mirrors? A set of mirror extenders might help. There are many different types, one of which may fit your motorcycle. On the BMW F 800 S, the stock mirrors look nice but they’re virtually useless. The SW-Motech mirror extender blocks described …
Two Brothers P1 Power Tip Review
Does the Power Tip P1 Reduce Sound Output of a Two Brothers Exhaust? The P1 Power Tip is claimed to reduce sound levels by 3 to 4 dB when mounted to the stock M2 exhaust. We weren’t able to substantiate that claim. We reviewed a Two Brothers M2 Carbon Fiber exhaust recently and concluded that …
Two Brothers P1X Review
The Two Brothers P1X Tames the Beast The P1X Power Tip does what is claimed. It reduced the sound level by nearly 10 dB from the stock Two Brothers M2 carbon fiber exhaust. This didn’t start out to be a three-part review but one never knows what the future will bring. We received so many …
Two Brothers M-2 Carbon Fiber Exhaust Review
A Rugged/Sweet Sound Just Shy of Obnoxious I’ll confess: like many other motorcyclists, I like the sound of a hearty exhaust note. But also like many others, I don’t want to overdo it. I was warned that the Two Brothers M-2 carbon fiber can would be too loud but it’s actually not, at least on …
SW-Motech Skid Plate Engine Guard Review
SW-Motech Skid Plate Engine Guard for the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS The SW-Motech skid plate engine guard (aka bash plate) for the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS is very well made, as is typical for SW-Motech accessories. It comes with a full array of high-spec hardware that makes the stock Suzuki stuff look pretty wimpy. Be sure …
HEX ezCAN Review Part 2
Configuring and Using the HEX ezCAN Installing the HEX ezCAN Software This is Part 2 of our extended HEX ezCAN review. The HEX ezCAN software is available in Windows and Mac versions. Once the software has been downloaded and installed, the HEX ezCAN owner has the means to configure the four ezCAN outputs and manage …
Deutsch Connectors for Motorcycles
Deutsch Connector Review You’ve probably seen them as an OE (original equipment) installation on your motorcycle. But individual motorcyclists can also use these weatherproof and sturdy connectors. Here’s an introduction to Deutsch connectors and a quick how-to on rolling your own. Look closely at the wiring on your motorcycle and chances are you will find …
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 …
Cargol Turn & Go Review
Gryyp “Cargol Turn & Go” Review The Cargol Turn & Go, aka the Gryyp Tire Tool, is an easy-to-use carry-along device that can plug a tire in a limited range of situations. It’s more useful for car or trike tires than for motorcycle tires, but it’s cheap enough and easy enough to carry on a …
EZE Bleeder Motorcycle Brake Bleeder
EZE Bleeder Brake Bleeder Review Summary The EZE Bleeder lives up to its name. It’s an easy way to bleed motorcycle brakes or a hydraulic clutch with a minimum of fuss. Reference: Bleeding Motorcycle Brakes With the Actron Vacuum Pump Review Introduction Flushing the old and dirty brake fluid from your motorcycle’s brake system may …
Booster Plug
Booster Plug Review A simple and effective leveraging of technology to mitigate many of the performance issues users cope with from modern lean-burn fuel-injected engines. A true plug-and-play device, the Booster Plug does not have or need an interface or dynamic controls. Read the installation sheet, plug it in and go riding. Like so many …
Scottoiler FS-365 Corrosion Protection Spray
Scottoiler FS-365 Corrosion Protector Summary I can only echo what so many others have already said about the Scottoiler FS365 corrosion protector — it is a great product. I should have tried it a long time ago. Get some, use it year-round, appreciate it. It will serve you and your two-wheelers well. Introduction I …
Alpinestars Reflex Knee Guards
Alpinestars Reflex Knee Guards Review Summary An excellent companion for riding jeans and similar pants are let down by a few design and quality flaws. Introduction Let’s face it, as much as we should wear all the gear all the time, motorcycle pants are often too hot during the summer or too “un-cool ” …
Hornig BMW Mudguard Hugger
Hornig Mudguard Summary This extremely attractive and very functional rear mudguard is another great offering from Horning. Hornig is a company that seems to have an endless offering of farkles and bling for virtually any BMW ever made. Although they do make and market stuff for other motorcycles as well. The Hornig mudguard, or …
Fat Duc O2 Manipulator
Fat Duc O2 Oxygen Sensor Manipulator A few weeks ago I received a breviloquent email from “Jason” at Fat Duc: “Just wanted to make you aware of a new product that we’re seeing great results in curing many of the low RPM problems plaguing late model Ducatis. The Fat Duc O2 Manipulator is a simple, …
Roadgear Coconut Socks Review
Roadgear Coconut Socks Review Nice socks for wearing under motorcycle boots. But I’m not sure if they perform any better than cotton socks. Also, the fabric pilled after just one or two wearings. We’ve seen many interesting products come and go over the years, but coconut socks have to be about as far out there …
SanDisk Extreme Ducati USB Flash Drive
SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition 4GB USB Flash Drive I’ll confess to a USB flash drive obsession. They’ve become somewhat of a fetish for me, defined by Webster’s as “an object of extreme or irrational reverence or devotion”. Kinda weird, no? Of all the things… But, at least it’s a harmless obsession — to everyone other …
Wiha Screwdrivers Review
Wiha Micro-Finish Screwdriver Review Summary The Wiha Micro-Finish screwdrivers are very well made. They have a high quality, excellent feel and good gripping surface. They’re so nice, it’s rather a shame to get them dirty and greasy. But they work better than any other screwdrivers I’ve tried, so don’t be afraid to use them! …
Wiha Screwdrivers
Wiha “Magic Ring” Hex Driver Set Summary The Wiha Magic Ring is a special tip that holds socket head cap screws. This set is Wiha Part Number 36795. It includes 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm and 6 mm sizes. Each tool has the special Wiha cushion grip and “Magic Ring” patented end. The …
