Review
Motorcycle Fork Oil Change
Motorcycle Fork Oil Change I had some problems with my Triumph Thunderbird Sport motorcycle front suspension. These problems are described in “Part I” of this saga: “Motorcycle Front Tire Change – Triumph Thunderbird Sport“. To recap, I noticed that the front end of the motorcycle had a repetitive bouncing motion that I just couldn’t get rid …
Motorcycle LED Dimmer
An LED Dimmer Feasibility Study The concept: find a COTS* motorcycle LED light dimmer that can be spliced into an auxiliary LED light array to vary the light output. We found this “Rotary LED Dimmer”, made by ADVmonster and designed primarily for their auxiliary lights. We then customized the dimmer’s wiring harness and spliced it …
Cardo Scala Rider G9 Review
Cardo Scala Rider G9 Intercom Review The new Cardo Scala Rider G9 has excellent build quality and it’s loaded with features. The intercom is available in a single kit or as the PowerSet two-pack, which comes paired and ready to go from the factory. The sound quality and volume is also excellent and the G9 …
BikeComm Hola Intercom Review
BikeComm Hola Motorcycle Intercom Review The BikeComm Hola series motorcycle intercoms feature small Bluetooth modules with just three user buttons, standardized headset components and simple mounting options. System configuration is simple and the intercoms are easy to use and the Hola intercoms can be quickly mounted on most motorcycle helmet types. A specific focus for …
Suzuki V-Strom 10
Replacing the V-Strom 1000 ABS Headlight Bulb With a Nokya Hyper Yellow H7 Productske helmet safety and high-viz clothing, there’s no real proof that it works. But it just seems to make sense that anything that gives the bike a different appearance might also help it to become more visible. A yellow headlight bulb on …
HID Headlight Conversion
DR650 HID Headlight Conversion The “Bikemaster” brand HID headlight kit is available in several different bulb types. We installed the H4 kit on the Suzuki DR650 (blog) but the steps are the same for every bike. The HID bulb posed no difficulties; it is a direct replacement for the H4. Locating a suitable mounting position for the …
Heavycycles LED Brake Light
Heavycycles LED Brake Light Several years ago, we reviewed a prototype LED replacement brake light, custom made for us by Heavycycles. It was the first of its kind — an LED “system” light that completely replaced the original reflector and bulb. It was an engineering marvel, because Heavycycles used the entire plastic tail light housing, purchased …
Ducati GT 1000 Brake Light Bulb Replacement
Ducati GT 1000 Brake Light Bulb Replacement I like the GT1000’s simple round brake light. It adds to the bike’s retro looks and its balanced proportions bring a touch of class to the rear of the bike. Too bad the entire housing is made from plastic though… I’ll bet that a Ducati designer studied a …
UClear HBC100
UClear HBC100 Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom Review The UClear HBC100 is a new system that successfully utilizes proven technology packaged in a very small form factor for efficiency, portability and versatility. The HBC100 intercom performance borders on spectacular with audio output on par with the best helmet systems we have evaluated to date. The system doesn’t …
BikerCom Bluetooth Intercom System Part 3
Biker Com Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Communications System Common Radio Use With three sets of North American FRS/GMRS radios on hand and a lot of Biker Com connection cables (dual-pin L and K types) on hand I was eager to put the system through its paces. Determining if using a common radio system was going to …
Cardo Scala Rider G4 Intercom
Scala Rider G4 Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom Review Yes, the G4 is loaded with features. It is more advanced than previous Scala Rider systems and is a shining example of where the industry is going. No, the G4 is not the best performing system in my book. That decision is on hold, pending an extended evaluation …
Cardo Scala Rider G4 Intercom
Cardo Scala Rider G4 Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom Review The Cardo Scala Rider G4 (review) was released in early 2010. At that time, the company heralded the arrival of the G4 as the beginning of a new trend in delivering and continuously evolving their leading-edge Bluetooth helmet communications systems. That claim, and promise if you will, is clearly …
Sena SMH10 Rider-to-Passenger Report
The Sena SMH-10: A Rider-to-Passenger Intercom Just to spice things up a bit, I added some photos of the Sena SMH10R, the newest Sena intercom that trades the “Jog Dial” for a new low-profile shape. We’ll have a review coming soon. A Long-Distance Trip I wrote two previous reviews of the Sena SMH10 intercom (“Sena …
Interphone Sport, Tour and Urban Intercoms Preview
2016 Interphone Intercoms Announced December 2015 (Press release edited by webBikeWorld.com) – Interphone announced three completely new intercom communication systems at the recent 2015 EICMA show in Milan. The Interphone Sport, Interphone Tour and Interphone Urban are each designed for specific segments of motorcycling. Interphone told us they contracted with the GFK Institute to conduct a detailed …
Sena SR10
Sena SR10 Review: Part 1 of 6 The much-anticipated Sena SR10 Bluetooth “hub” has arrived! I viewed a prototype of the SR10 at the 2011 Dealer Powersports Expo (report) in Indianapolis back in February of this year. Sena has been working on the SR10 ever since and they sent a pair for this review. We’re …
Mini Foot Pump Tire Air Pump Review
Mini Foot Pump Review Small size means it’s easy to pack when touring. Valve adapter difficult to fit on some wheel designs. Somewhat difficult to maintain balance when pumping. Otherwise useful for adding a few pounds of air to motorcycle tires. Maintaining the correct air pressure in motorcycle tires is critical for safety and performance. …
Iasus Throat Mic
Iasus GP3X2 Throat Mic System Review The Iasus GP3X2 helmet headset system is an extremely viable solution for those who do not need, or want all the latest bells ‘n’ whistles — wired or wireless. Well designed and well made, each component complements the other, forming a very functional system with impressive audio quality. The …
Mini Motorcycle Tire Air Pump
Motorcycle Tire Air Pump This air pump can be used for motorcycle tires — it’s easy to carry and can be powered from a motorcycle battery or other 12-volt battery. I was on the lookout for a cheap, lightweight and effective motorcycle tire air pump. This would be something to carry in a saddlebag or …
Intercom Microphone Cover Prevents Wind Noise
Intercom Microphone Cover Simple wind cover for motorcycle intercom systems helps reduce background wind noise. This is a tip adapted from the aviation industry. With so many variables it’s difficult to come up with a solution to headset wind noise that suits everybody. I’ve borrowed from the aviation industry for my solution. I ride a …
Motorcycle Two-Way Radio
Connecting a Two-Way Radio to a Motorcycle Intercom System A case study in connecting a two-way radio to a motorcycle intercom system. Many motorcycle intercom owners would like to use their system to communicate with their friends, who may be using a different brand. Unfortunately, motorcycle Bluetooth intercom systems are not compatible. For example, there’s …
Stubby Tire Tools
Stubby Tire Tools Review Stubby Tire Tools are easy to use and they provide good leverage to get the job done without damaging your rims. They are a welcome addition to the tire changing equipment in my garage. Early in my career as an Automotive Technician (we were just “mechanics” or “grease monkeys” back then), …
Scooter Tires
Scooter Tire Information The Hard-to-Find 140/70-16 Tire Several types of scooters use a hard-to-find rear tire in size 140/70-16. The Aprilia Scarabeo 500, the Piaggio BV200 and the Kymco 250 use larger rear tire sizes than traditional scooters, and there may be others. Apparently, these tire sizes are hard to find, but should become less …
Dual Sport Motorcycle Tires
A Variety of Tires for Dual Sport Motorcycles I’ll confess: this article doesn’t have much to do with the Dealer Expo. But there are an extraordinary number of motorcycle tires on display for some reason at the show, and this got me thinking… I’ve been keeping an eye out for potential tire replacements for the …
Arboreal Systems Neutrino Review
High-Tech Power Delivery for Today’s Motorcycles The Arboreal Systems Neutrino is the world’s first smartphone controlled power delivery system for motorcycles. It has six configurable circuits that handle up to 60 amps to connect and manage lighting systems, heated clothing circuits, GPS, radio, power outlets and other accessories The Neutrino eliminates or reduces the need …
Re-Spoke Motorcycle Wheels
Adventures in Motorcycle Wheel Re-Spoking With a Suzuki DRZ400S This is not intended as a complete “how to” article on re-spoking a motorcycle wheel. Instead, the intention is to relate the problems I encountered along the way when I recently re-spoked a set of wheels for a Suzuki DRZ400S. Perhaps some webBikeWorld readers will benefit …
Re-Building and Lacing Spoked Wheels
New Wheels, Just Like Magic Rebuilding spoke wheels is one of the rights of passage in the “custovation”* of an old bike. That convoluted three-dimensional puzzle with an alloy hub at the center of a spider web of steel, wrapped in a rubber donut, is not as intimidating as some think. I admit, my first …
MyFi XM Radio Review
MyFi XM Radio Review Seventy feet is 21.3 meters, or 841.5 inches. That’s how much wire is used to connect the various accessories of the Delphi XM MyFi radio kit together. It’s ironic that a device that most people consider to be wireless comes with 70 feet of the stuff. We received one of the …
Motorcycle Radio Antenna Comparison
wBW Special Report: Choosing a Motorcycle Radio Antenna After my recent Jensen JHD-910 radio article was posted on webBikeWorld, an astute reader commented about the importance of the antenna. He and radio pioneer Marconi were absolutely correct, in that any radio depends on how well the antenna works. Because this article could be used for more …
2010 Motorcycle Intercom Comparison
Motorcycle Intercom Comparison Final Report Mea culpa, this Bluetooth Helmet System head to head is long (long) overdue. We are transitioning from the hot sticky days of summer to the cooler but more pleasant and colourful days of fall. This, along with prompts from the Editor, serves to remind me that a slightly reduced riding …
Sena SMH10 User Report
Part 2: 4,000 Miles With the Sena SMH-10 on the Trans-America Trail I loaned Chris another Sena SMH10 intercom pair for his latest adventure, a trip on the Trans-America Trail. This was the latest version of the SMH10, with the most recent firmware update. Chris is an experienced intercom owner and user but has limited …
AKE Powercom Intercom Review
AKE Electronics PowerCom ROGER One Intercom System The AKE Electronics PowerCom ROGER One system works, period. It is a pure communications device for those who want or need to stay in touch. If requirements or budget are modest, this is all one might ever really need. While the wired environment allows for a single radio …
Classic Motorcycling
Classic Motorcycling Classic Motorcycling: A Guide for the 21st Century by: Rex Bunn ISBN: 9780954791285 Soft Cover: 280 pages Dimensions: 17 cm x 23 cm (6.75″ x 9.125″) Publisher: Panther Publishing Ltd., England 2007 List Price: £14.95 or $34.95 USD From: Panther Publishing (UK). Motorsport Publications (US). Here’s another outstanding book from Panther Publishing, one of our favorite purveyors …
John Griffith Vintage Motorcycle Books
Historic Racing Motorcycles Dimensions (in mm): Approx. 125×185 Original Publisher: Temple Press Books, London, 1961-1963 The wBW Rare Motorcycle Book Review Series: Grace and Grit: Motorcycle Dispatches From Early Twentieth Century Women | Triumph Bonneville: Portrait of a Legend | 60 Years of MotoGP | Hold ON! by Stan Dibben | Classic Motorcycling: A Guide for the 21st Century | The Rugged Road …
The BSA Gold Star
The BSA Gold Star Hardcover: 260 pages Dimensions (inches): 8-5/8 x 8-3/8 x 7/8 Publisher: Redline Books, Tyne & Wear, UK 2004 ISBN: 0954435737 [includes/alibris/alibris-wbw-text.htm] We’ve been slightly critical of the fecundity of Mick Walker’s genius for turning out scads of motorcycle books. It just seems that a few too many of the books were …
Moto Guzzi Big Twins
Moto Guzzi Big Twins By: Greg Field Paperback: 128 pages; (2002) Publisher: Motorbooks International ISBN: 0760303630 Dimensions (in inches): 0.36 x 10.64 x 8.31 wBW Moto Guzzi Book Reviews: Moto Guzzi – The Complete History from 1921 | Moto Guzzi: The Racing Story | Moto Guzzi Story | Moto Guzzi Twins Restoration | Moto Guzzi V-Twins: The Complete Story | Moto Guzzi: …
The Illustrated Triumph Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide
The Illustrated Triumph Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide by: Roy Bacon Paperback – 176 pages, 3rd edition, (1997) Niton Publishing, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, England ISBN: 1-85579-033-5 Dimensions (in inches): 0.41 x 9.20 x 7.43 More: Triumph Twins and Triples by Tim Remus | Triumph Racing America | Triumph Buyer’s Guide | wBW Vintage, Classic, Antique Motorcycles Page | Triumph and British Motorcycles Page …
Triumph Motorcycles: Twins and Triples
Triumph Motorcycles Twins and Triples by: Tim Remus Paperback: 96 pages Dimensions (in inches): 0.28 x 9.02 x 8.31 Publisher: Motorbooks International; August 1, 1997 ISBN: 0760303126 This edition is one of a series of books in the “Enthusiast Color Series” of books about classic motorcycles. Triumph Motorcycles: Twins and Triples is an excellent resource …
BMW Boxer From /5 1969 to 1985
BMW Boxer From /5 1969 to 1985 Volume 1 – All Airheads With Twin Shocks by: Andy Schwietzer Hardcover: 170 pages Dimensions (in inches): 8.375 x 11.187 x 0.625 Publisher: Bodensteiner Verlag (First published in German 2006; English 2008) ISBN: 978 3 9806631 5 1 List Price: $ 46.00 – € 34.00 – £ 23.00 Retail: Moto-Bins (UK) …
Bahnstormer
Bahnstormer The Story of BMW Motor Cycles by: L.J.K. Setright Softcover: 190 pages Dimensions (in cm): 14.9×21.0×1.0 Publisher: Transport Bookman Publications Ltd., Middlesex, England, 1977 ISBN: 0851840213 Leonard John Kensell Setright is probably and unfortunately known only by half-a-handful of webBikeWorlders. And that’s too bad. L.J.K. Setright (as most of his articles were signed) first …
