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Review


Rukka “AirVision” Pants Review The Rukka AirVision pants are, of course, the perfect match the Rukka Airway jacket, reviewed in Part 1. The pants could be worn with other Rukka jackets or with jackets from other manufacturers, although that doesn’t seem likely. The AirVision pants have the same Cordura AFT mesh fabric as the Airway jacket …

Sliders 4.0 Jeans Durable motorcycle jeans with some nice extra features but be careful choosing a size. Motorcyclists have been wearing jeans long before any denim blues were designed specifically for riding. The thought was that denim was tough and comfortable and in many job situations this held true. However, it didn’t take long for …

Sliders Cargo Pants Purpose-built motorcycling pants thinly disguised as regular cargo pants. I have reviewed several different motorcycle pants and jeans through the years. But some of them are not specifically designed as motorcycle riding apparel. For example, see my Cortech and Carhartt jeans review. Or my Duluth Firehose Logging Pants review. Those are both pretty popular …

Are Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercoms Compatible? We have not been able to pair two different brands of motorcycle Bluetooth intercoms. Although it’s impossible to definitively state that this is true for every Bluetooth intercom system, there is no indication that two different brands will pair, despite the rumours you may have heard. This is unfortunate, and …

Italian Scooter Print Drop-Seat Fleece “Onesie” Riding Suit Review Maxi-scooters are so comfortable that riding one can feel almost like being in bed, so why not dress appropriately? This one-piece suit from Footie Factory is soft, comfortable, and features a striking and elegant pattern of little scooters — perfect! Design and Construction First impressions were …

Vega Announces the “Phantom” Convertible Helmet March 29, 2013 – Vega announced the Phantom convertible helmet today. The Phantom is the latest addition to the company’s Stealth line of premium helmets, offering “exceptional European styling, superior fit, plush fabrics and edgy graphics” at relatively low cost. The Stealth Phantom seamlessly transforms from an open-face style to …

LS2 FF394 “Epic” Snell Certified Flip-up Helmet Review The new LS2 FF394 is claimed to be the world’s first Snell 2010 (M2010) certified flip-up motorcycle helmet available for sale. There’s nothing obviously different about this flip-up that makes it apparent that it’s Snell certified. In fact, it’s rather ordinary in appearance. Apparently, LS2 took a …

Xena XX10 Motorcycle Disc Lock Alarm The Xena XX10 is the latest evolution of a successful series of motorcycle disk lock alarms. The XX-series has been updated with several features. Like the other Xena disk lock alarms, the lock is independent of the alarm, so a dead battery has no effect on the locking attribute. …

Sidi “Nitro” Boots Review The Sidi Nitro boots are comfortable and good-looking. The boots are constructed from Sidi’s “TechnoMicro” synthetic leather, a lightweight substitute just like the real thing. The latest Sidi Techno 3 closure system is the big bonus here; it works smoothly and effectively to form-fit the boots to individual comfort. The system …

AGV “Horizon” Helmet Review The AGV Horizon is a new helmet in the AGV lineup for 2013. It combines the high-end features of the AGV GP Tech and Grid with a reasonable mid-range price and an internal sun visor. The overall quality is outstanding and the Horizon includes a new type of liner and fabric …

Italian Custom Motorcycles By: Uli Cloesen Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-845843-94-6 Publisher: Veloce Publishing Publication Date: March 2013 128 Pages. 260 Photos. 250 mm x 250 mm List Price: $39.95; £25.00 Italian customs I can understand. After all, Ducati owners have been doing it all along; Ducatis are basically made for customizing. But Italian choppers? I hadn’t …

BMW Scooter Top Case Review The BMW scooter top box (aka top case) is expensive, but it’s naturally a perfect match for the new C-series scooters. The top case is made by SHAD for BMW and the molded plastic is thick and strong. In typical BMW fashion, buying the basic black top case is just the …

SHAD SC20 Scooter Tunnel Bag The SHAD SC20 is a basic but rugged scooter tunnel bag with a unique attachment system. It has a single large pocket that can hold a smaller helmet, plus two narrow side pockets that are easy to access. This is a generic soft bag, without stiffeners. It attaches with provided …

AFX FX-120 “Air Pump” Helmet Review The new AFX FX-120 must be the world’s least expensive motorcycle helmet that includes an inflatable bladder system. The system includes inflatable cheek pads and the liner around the top of the head also inflates with an air pump in the rear of the helmet. A special EPS liner …

Firstgear Back in the Boot Business for 2013 March 8, 2013 –  Firstgear motorcycle apparel has been around in one form or another for more than 20 years. Owned by motorcycle products distributor Tucker Rocky, Firstgear is recognized by American motorcyclists as a purveyor of high-quality, innovative products. Motorcycle jackets, pants and gloves are the primary …

Sliders “Cold Pro” Waterproof Gloves Review The Sliders Cold Pro waterproof gloves are very warm and comfortable and a very good value for money. Only one small design decision keeps them from being an excellent value. It’s cold outside here in the Mid-South of the United States right now; in fact, it’s lightly snowing as I type …

Three Bluetooth Adapter Transmitters Reviewed How do you connect that MP3 player, radio or other device to your motorcycle intercom system? A Bluetooth adapter/transmitter is the way to go. An indispensible device for today’s connected motorcyclist but, for some reason, still not widely known, understood or utilized. All three of these handy-dandy little gems do …

Nolan Ncom Multi2 and B1 “Basic” Intercoms Announced March 7, 2013 –  Nolan announced today the Multi2 and B1 motorcycle helmet intercoms. Here is an edited version of the Nolan press release: In 2006, Nolan took the riding industry and the electronics world by surprise by being the first company to introduce a Bluetooth system to …

Shoei GT Air Helmet Review Shoei has been releasing helmets at a fairly rapid clip lately and the new GT Air is brand new for 2013. The GT Air is very comfortable (as long as it fits your head shape). It’s also one of the quietest full-face helmets we’ve reviewed in a variety of conditions …

ROOF Desmo Helmet The new Roof Desmo flip-up helmet is an update on the classic Roof Boxer and it incorporates many improvements. The Desmo is a solid-feeling helmet with a completely redesigned rotating flip-up visor and new face shield system. The liner features updated padding and soft-feel fabric and what feels like a new internal …

SCHUBERTH SR1 U.S.A. DOT Version The SR1 was the webBikeWorld 2011 Motorcycle Helmet of the Year and we were anxiously awaiting the DOT version to arrive. The good news is that the DOT version is identical to the ECE version of the SCHUBERTH SR1 (review) in every way but one. The DOT helmet did gain a bit of weight, …

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 …

Kaoko Throttle Control Review The Kaoko Throttle Control is a friction device to hold throttle position on a motorcycle. This can help alleviate cramps and pain on long-distance “superslab” rides. It replaces the standard handlebar end weight or end cap. The Kaoko Throttle Control installs easily and the manufacturer has versions for many different motorcycles. …

Brembo Announces 7 New Motorcycle Brake Products and Receives TÜV/ABE Certification Feb. 13, 2009 – Brembo continued its practice of introducing innovative high-performance motorcycle products for the North American market at Dealer Expo in Indianapolis this weekend. The new product offerings include the 15RCS master cylinder, a nickel-finish brake caliper, a Supermotard brake disc and …

BMW Functional Socks Review Available in cotton or wool-based technical blends, BMW Functional Socks are comfortable, functional and durable, with a great return on investment. Socks are an essential layer but they don’t typically get the same consideration as outer components of the ATGATT (all the gear, all the time) approach. As motorcyclists we spend …

BMW Café Racers By: Uli Cloesen Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-845845-29-2 Publisher: Veloce Publishing Publication Date: February 2013 128 Pages. 205 Photos. 250 mm x 250 mm List Price: $39.95; £25.00 BMW Café Racers continues what is now a four-part series of “square” (25 cm x 25 cm) books authored by Uli Cloesen for Veloce Publishing. The first …

AGV Sport Element Vintage Leather Jacket Review The AGV Sport Element Vintage Leather Jacket is a modern take on the classic motorcycle jacket. It features modern touches like double-row stitching, removable CE-rated elbow and shoulder armor and an array of vents and pockets. The fit is nicely tailored and accurately sized. The lining is also very …

Gaerne GX-1, SG10 and SG12 Motocross/Off-Road Boots Review There is no denying the purpose of these three pairs of Gaerne boots. Some serious motocross and off-road performance is at hand with the multi-purpose Gaerne GX-1 or the more focused SG10 and the flagship SG12 boots. Gaerne understands the requirements needed by both serious motocross to …

Michelin Anakee III Tires Announced February 8, 2013 – Michelin has announced a new Anakee III adventure-touring tire, replacing the popular Anakee II tires that have been fitted to many BMW GS and other adventure-touring bikes. The Anakee III will become standard fitment for 2013 BMW R 1200 GS motorcycles. Here’s an edited version of the …

Arai Announces the Defiant Helmet (Rapide-IR) February 8, 2013 – The new Arai Defiant helmet was announced today. The helmet appears to be a U.S. DOT/Snell version of the Japan-market Arai Rapide-IR. Information on the new Defiant is slow in forthcoming, but the helmet is based on the Arai RX-Q (review), a “Round Oval” helmet …

Nexx X30V Ventilation And Air Flow The Nexx X30V is an updated version of the Nexx X30 (review) helmet reviewed on webBikeWorld in 2011. The X30V is an unusual design; it’s a cross between a flip-up and full-face helmet. The front visor rotates like a flip-up. But a narrow chin bar is integrated with the shell, which …

SCHUBERTH Announces the C3 Pro Helmet January 26, 2013 – SCHUBERTH announces the C3 Pro and C3 Pro Women, said to be “The First High Speed Flip-Up Helmet with Internal Antenna”. We’ll have a C3 Pro with the SCHUBERTH SRCS (SCHUBERTH Rider Communications System) Bluetooth intercom system soon for a review (here’s the SCHUBERTH C3 review), in …

Acebikes Steadystand “Cross” Dirt Bike Wheel Chock Review Yet another precision-made, high quality motorcycle stand from Acebikes. The new Acebikes Steadystand Cross is designed for motocross, off-road and adventure touring bikes. It holds and secures the front wheel in place and it’s designed for trailer mounting. It will fit wheels from 18″ to 21″ in …

Suzuki DR650 Rear Brake Master Cylinder Guard Review A cage-like guard that protects the rear master cylinder (in theory). Do you need it? Probably not…and I’m not convinced that the bike is better off with it. But hey — it sure looks cool! Here’s another one of these “How can I burn up some more …

Wiha Torx Bits and Drivers The Wiha Tools Torx bits are nicely made and available in all the sizes you’ll need for motorcycle use. Wiha also makes Torx “L” shaped wrenches, individual Torx drivers with handles and more. The Wiha 3/8″ drive Torx socket set is very well made and the 1/4″ bits are replaceable. …

BMW C 650 GT Center Tunnel Bag The BMW scooter tunnel bag is a flawed design that is disappointing in several ways. I’m going to tell this story mostly in photographs (and a video), which I hope will explain why I can’t recommend the BMW scooter tunnel bag. It’s not often that we find a …

SHAD SH37 & SH48 Tp Case Review The SHAD SH37 is a generously-sized top case that can be fitted to a variety of motorcycles and scooters. It’s good-looking and has a variety of accessories available, including snap-on color-matched top panels. The new SHAD SH48 is an even larger, yet still light weight top case for …

Glare Blast “Quick ‘n’ Fast” Quick Detailer Spray Polish Glare Blast is a new type of quick detailing spray polish, but with a technological twist. It has what Glare calls “Camo-Adaptive Technology”. This feature allows the product to be used on both matte and gloss surfaces without changing the reflectivity or sheen of the finish. …

Bell Announces the “Rogue” Helmet January 8, 2013 – Bell released a final photo of the Bell Rogue helmet today. They call this a “Category-Defying Helmet Bridges Gap Between Open-Face and Full-Face, with Innovative Detachable Muzzle-System for Coverage Against the Elements” The Rogue is “designed to provide facial coverage from the elements that previously had not …

Rukka “Lobstah” Gloves The Rukka Lobster gloves are exceptionally comfortable and very warm. The “Lobster” name comes from the three-finger design, a welcome change from “normal” winter motorcycle gloves. Many webBikeWorld readers have been looking for this style, so the Rukka Lobster gloves should be very popular. The gloves also have a Gore-Tex membrane, which makes them waterproof …