Review
Clearwater Erica Lights Review
Clearwater “Erica” LED Lights Review The new Clearwater Erica lights are extremely powerful, with an incredible amount of light output. In fact, if you need more light than this, then you better wait for noon on a sunny day. We’d probably label the Erica lights as “For off-road use only”. That’s because even at their …
REV’IT! Oceanus GTX Gloves Review
REV’IT! Oceanus GTX Gloves Review The Rev’it Oceanus GTX gloves are new for the fall and winter of 2013 and 2014. The “GTX” label signifies the Gore-Tex guaranteed waterproof and breathable membrane liner, and the Oceanus GTX gloves definitively passed the webBikeWorld “Bucket Test”. The glove exterior is entirely made from goat leather, which is …
Tucano Urbano Seppia Invernale Gloves Review
Tucano Urbano “Seppia Invernale” Gloves Review The Tucano Urbano Seppia Invernale gloves are comfortable, warm and good-looking.They’re kind of a “stealth” winter motorcycle glove because it’s not easy to tell that there’s a big, hard main knuckle protector under the corduroy-look exterior. The finger knuckles have small hard protectors also. The gloves are completely waterproof, having …
Racer Advance Gloves Review
Racer “Advance” Gore-Tex Gloves Review Like other winter gloves being reviewed in this series, the Racer Advance Gore-Tex “2-in-1” gloves are very comfortable when properly sized. They’re also very warm and quite unassuming in appearance, less the numerous branding markings. Setting them apart from many gloves though is the clearly labeled and highly valued Gore-Tex …
Racer Race Carbon Gloves Review
Racer “Race Carbon” Gloves Review The Racer Race Carbon gloves sacrifice some insulation and the Gore-Tex liner to both the Racer Advance gloves (review) and Racer Elevate gloves (review). Nevertheless, the Racer Race Carbon gloves have become my favourite. They are lightweight but solid, flexible but supporting, pliable but protective and they sure do provide lots of grip, wet …
Racer Elevate Gloves Review
Racer “Elevate” Gore-Tex Gloves Review The Racer Elevate gloves aren’t much like the other two Racer models evaluated — the Racer Advance gloves (review) and the Racer Race Carbon gloves (review). That is somewhat of a disappointment, although in retrospect, first impressions did count. We also had our doubts about how they would fare once exposed to the wBW “Bucket …
UClear Pro Microphones and Universal Earbuds Review
UClear “Pro” Microphones and Universal Earbuds UClear has introduced the UClear Pro headset and Universal Earbud kits for the HBC100 Plus and HBC200 intercoms. These are designed for use with half-helmets, 3/4 helmets and/or flip-up, modular or full face helmets. They include the patented UClear boomless “Microphone Array Technology”. And the systems add a whole …
HJC CL-17 Review
HJC CL-17 Helmet Review The HJC CL-17 is the latest iteration of the company’s “CL” line of motorcycle helmets, which are probably the world’s most popular helmet type. The CL-17 improves on almost every feature of the already-excellent HJC CL-16 (review), including a new shell and redesigned ventilation system. The internal shape best fits “Neutral” to …
Caberg Tourmax Review
Caberg Tourmax Helmet Review The Caberg Tourmax is the “World’s first enduro flip-up helmet”. The helmet is also homologated to both the P and J ECE standard, which means it is legal for use when riding a motorcycle as either a full-face (visor locked) or as a “Jet” style helmet (visor locked in the upright …
REV’IT! 2013 Spring and Summer Clothing Preview
2013 REV’IT! Spring and Summer Clothing Summary REV’IT! has several new and interesting products for 2013. This includes a modular system for owners to add options like a reflective vest, cooling vest or a new back protector system to REV’IT! jackets. REV’IT! has also introduced a brand-new type of motorcycle glove main knuckle protector …
Rotopax Fuel Pack Review
Rotopax Fuel Pack for the Suzuki DR-Z400S During the planning stages for our assault of the western half of the Trans-America Trail, Glen and I knew that we would be crossing some desolate areas void of fuel stations. This is similar to our Trans-Labrador Highway ride (report) in 2011, when we also needed to carry additional fuel. …
Bags-Connection EVO Rear Bag Review
SW-Motech Bags-Connection EVO Rear Bag Why do the manufacturers release new motorcycles in the Fall? Last year, it was the BMW C 650 GT scooter (blog). They had all year to release but dealers didn’t see it until mid-October. This year, it’s the Suzuki GW250 (review). Released under the radar at the 2013 AIMExpo show (report) in October, it …
2013 REV’IT! Spring and Summer Clothing
REV’IT! 2013 Spring and Summer Clothing Preview REV’IT! has several new and interesting products for 2013. This includes a modular system for owners to add options like a reflective vest, cooling vest or a new back protector system to REV’IT! jackets. REV’IT! has also introduced a brand-new type of motorcycle glove main knuckle protector that …
REV’IT! Poseidon GTX Jacket Review
REV’IT! Poseidon Gore-Tex Jacket The REV’IT! Poseidon GTX jacket and pants are the company’s top-of-the-line product for the winter of 2013-2014. The Poseidon GTX combines the best features of theREV’IT! Everest GTX jacket (review) and the popularREV’IT! Defender GTX (review). The Everest GTX has been discontinued, but the Defender GTX outfit will remain in the REV’IT! lineup. The …
Tourmaster Response 2.0 WP Road Boots
Tourmaster Response 2.0 WP Road Boots A comfortable and reasonably protective boot that is a real sleeper when it comes to bang for the buck. But, are they really waterproof? When it comes to riding gear, my boots get the most use. I often commute to work on my bike and when I get there, …
REV’IT! Poseidon GTX Pants Review
Poseidon Gore-Tex Pants to Match the Jacket The new REV’IT! Poseidon GTX pants match thePoseidon GTX jacket (review). The pants feature the same Gore-Tex Pro waterproof construction that is “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry”. The updated REV’IT! VCS Aquadefence vents are also featured on the pants. That includes the FidLock magnetic snap system, which makes …
Rokker Jeans Review
Rokker “Original Rokker” Jeans Review The Rokker Original (actually, it’s Original Rokker) jeans are very comfortable and they’re also probably the best fitting motorcycle protective jeans I’ve tried to date. You’d never know there’s a full-length Schoeller Dynatec (.pdf info sheet) lining underneath because the outer stitching is nearly identical to street jeans. The Dynatec lining is …
LED Turn Signal LED Lights
Radiantz Flexible LED Turn Signal Accessory Lights Roll your own custom LED lights. These lights will wrap around forks or they can be arranged on saddlebags, turn signal stalks, anywhere! They’re the best thing since … LEDs! How would you like to improve the visibility of your motorcycle AND have a ton of fun doing …
Michelin Anakee III Tire Review
Michelin Anakee III Tires Summary When I first purchased my (used) 2002 BMW R 1150 GS (review), my intentions were to explore more unpaved roads. It wasn’t long before I discovered that riding off-road requires an additional set of skills, especially when riding a bike as large and heavy as my GS. You can learn …
Fulmer RX4 Review
Fulmer RX4 Helmet Review The Fulmer RX4 is the latest version of the company’s “RX” off-road helmet series. The RX4 has a more modern off-road helmet shape and style than previous Fulmer RX helmets and it’s available in a range of bright colours and graphics. The overall build quality and construction is excellent and the …
Kabuto FF-5V Review
Kabuto FF-5V Helmet Review The Kabuto FF-5V is the latest iteration of the OGK top-of-the-line race helmet. Don’t let the phrase “race helmet” scare you though, because the FF-5V is also an excellent choice as an all-around street/sport helmet. It meets the DOT standard and all sizes are Snell M2010 certified. The FF-5V has outstanding …
Volt Titan Heated Gloves Review
Volt “Titan” Battery Heated Gloves Review The Volt Titan 7 Men’s 7v Leather Heated Gloves are comfortable, waterproof and warm. They’re not specifically designed as motorcycle gloves, but other than the absence of hard protectors, you’d never know it. The gloves are slightly bulky, but that is the case with most winter motorcycle gloves. Each Titan glove uses …
Mobile Warming LTD Max Heated Gloves Review
Mobile Warming LTD Max Battery Heated Gloves The Mobile Warming LTD Max heated gloves are comfortable and have a thinner profile than the Volt Titan gloves reviewed in Part 1 of this series. The thinner profile provided by the Exkin Air insulation has a downside, however. The Mobile Warming gloves registered the same 150° F as the …
BMW Motorrad Scottoiler Kit
BMW Motorrad Scottoiler Kit For BMW F800R, F650GS and F800GS This Quick Look is actually a revisit of sorts with a proven and valued accessory — the originalScottoiler vSystem (review), including the Scottoiler VSystem “California Spec” (review) version. The BMW Motorrad Chain Lubrication System is an authorized version, specifically designed for the newer BMW motorcycles and available through …
REV’IT! Sand II Jacket Review
The Mid-Range Adventure-Touring Jacket The REV’IT! Sand II jacket is an update to the originalREV’IT! Sand jacket (review). And the original Sand jacket was their best-selling jacket ever, according to REV’IT! The REV’IT! Sand II jacket and pants are the current highest level of REV’IT! clothing that does not include Gore-Tex. Several features of the Sand II jacket …
Pilot Trans-Urban Jacket Review
Pilot “Trans.Urban” Jacket The Pilot Trans-Urban jacket is comfortable and it feels rugged and reliable. The jacket shell is a combination of 600 denier “Pilotex” textile with 1680 denier overlays on the shoulders and elbows. It is also water-resistant; water did not leak through in our testing. The shell also feature an attached Reissa breathable waterproof liner …
REV’IT! Sand 2 Pants Review
All-Weather Mid-Range Pants The REV’IT! Sand 2 pants are a mild upgrade to the original REV’IT! Sand pants (review). Actually, either pair would be a good match for both the original REV’IT! Sand jacket (review) and the updated REV’IT! Sand 2 jacket (review). Either way, the Sand 2 pants are much like the originals; these are nicely styled and …
Tucano Urbano Aviatore Gloves Review
Tucano Urbano “Aviatore” Gloves Review The Tucano Urbano Aviatore gloves feature modern technology and protection with vintage looks. The good looks are matched by equally fine performance, even in rain and cold. The Aviatore gloves are 100% genuine leather and include a synthetic fur lining for that “genuine” WWI SPAD S.VII fighter pilot look. Modern …
Sena Nexx X-COM and SX-COM Bluetooth Intercom
Sena and Nexx Partner on X-COM and SX-COM Bluetooth Intercom (Nov. 5, 2013) – Sena Technologies, Inc., a Bluetooth innovator in the motorcycle and outdoor activities market, today announced their recent partnership with Nexx Helmets to create the all-new X-COM and SX-COM Bluetooth communication devices. Both of the all-new units have been designed to be …
Sena H-Talk HJC Bluetooth Intercom
Sena and HJC Announce the H-Talk Bluetooth Intercom November 4, 2013 – Sena Technologies, Inc. today announced their recent partnership with HJC Helmets to create the all-new H-Talk Bluetooth intercom system. Sena also announced today the Sena Universal Intercom (report) and the X-COM and SX-COM intercoms for Nexx helmets (report). H-Talk is a communication system that will be integrated …
Michelin T63 Tire Review
Michelin T63 80/20 Dual-Sport Tires I found the Michelin T63 tires to be reliable both off-road and on the pavement. They have excellent tire wear for a knobby off/on road type tire. The T63’s handled whatever surface we encountered on the western half of the Trans-America Trail with aplomb. They provided good grip on the …
REV’IT! Sand Pro vs. Striker Gloves Review
REV’IT! Sand Pro vs. Striker Gloves Comparison Review The REV’IT! Sand Pro and Striker gloves are similar in both design and intended use. They are two of five total off-road oriented short textile gloves offered by the Netherlands-based company for 2013. The Sand Pro and Striker make for a good comparison because each has a …
HJC CL-Max II Review
HJC CL-Max II Helmet Review The HJC CL-Max II is a basic, no-frills, flip-up motorcycle helmet. It’s comfortable (for “Round” shaped heads) and the price is right; it can be found for $115.00 in solid colors. One of the big selling points for the CL-Max II is that it is available in a huge number …
Caberg Tourmax Helmet Preview
Caberg Tourmax: World’s First Dual-Sport Flip-up Helmet! October 25, 2013 – Caberg Helmets is celebrating its 40th anniversary in typical Caberg style with another motorcycle helmet first. The Caberg Tourmax is the world’s first dual-sport flip-up motorcycle helmet! UPDATE (November 7, 2013) – The Caberg Tourmax prototype has arrived! Full review coming soon. Here are some …
Shoei RF-1200 Review
Shoei RF-1200 Helmet The Shoei RF-1200 is the latest iteration of the very popular and venerable RF-series. It’s an all-around sport, sport-touring and streetbike helmet that comes in lots of different colors and graphics and it spans 4 shell sizes in an XS to XXL head size range. The DOT version of the RF-1200 is …
2014 SCHUBERTH Helmets
New SCHUBERTH Helmet Colors for 2014 October 20, 2013 – Final report from the AIMExpo show. SCHUBERTH has spiced up their color palette for 2014 with many new colors. The SCHUBERTH C3 Pro (preview), the SCHUBERTH SR1 (review) and the SCHUBERTH S2 (review) all get the treatment. I took a closer look at the SCHUBERTH C3 Pro at the SCHUBERTH …
Impulse LED Jackets
Impulse LED Brake Light/Turn Signal Jacket October 17, 2013 – Here’s a quick video only of the Impulse LED jacket. This is a new company that coincidentally is located not far from the AIMExpo show in Orlando. So they decided to come over and show their new jackets, which are in the final prototype stages. …
Bell Bullitt
October 17, 2013 – There’s retro and then there’s retro. The new Bell Bullitt is both. Not sure who’s going to buy one of these to actually ride with… Maybe somebody making a 1960’s movie who needs a prop? It’s apparently meant to be a Bell 60th anniversary special. Here’s the info from the (edited) …
