reviews
Zero to Sixty: A Dakar Adventure
Zero to Sixty: A Dakar Adventure By: David Mills Paperback or eBook, 183 pages Publisher (Self Published): Trailblazer Guides February 2014 Dimensions (inches): 6 x 9 inches ISBN: 9781483408446 Cost: $14.99+$3.99 S/H paper; $8.99 eBook I was aware of the Dakar Rally, or what was originally known as the “Paris to Dakar” Rally, but I really …
AGV Numo Evo Helmet Review
AGV Numo Evo Flip-up Motorcycle Helmet Review The new AGV Numo Evo flip-up helmet is now the top of the GT range in the AGV helmet lineup. A new AGV Skyline (review pending) is now in the second spot in the GT lineup, moving the AGV Horizon (review) into third position. The AGV Miglia II (review) continues to anchor …
Wheeldock Wheel Chock Review
Wheeldock Front Wheel Chock Need a front wheel chock but not looking forward to muscling your big touring rig in and out of it? With its flat-loading, strut-based, system, the unique construction of the Wheeldock may be a better solution for heavy bikes than your average motorcycle front wheel chock. The Wheeldock is an extremely …
Solar Joos Battery Charger Review
Solar Joos “Orange” Solar Battery Charger Review The Solar Joos Orange is a portable solar battery charger. It’s designed to charge cell phones, tablets, GPS units, MP3 players, digital cameras and more. It’s a very rugged unit with a polycarbonate and metal body and encapsulated or “potted” solar cells. The charger has one rather strangely …
Tucano Urbano Dora Jacket Review
Tucano Urbano “Dora” Women’s Motorcycle Jacket Tucano Urbano must be almost unique in that they make just as many jackets for women as for men. Sometimes they’re even complementary versions of the same design. Example: the Tucano Urbano “Mod” and “Modette” parkas of their wonderfully named “Mork” and “Mindy” quilted jackets. When selecting items for …
Midland XTC400VP Review
Midland XTC400VP Action Camera Review The new Midland XTC400VP is basically a higher-spec version of the Midland XTC300 (review) we reviewed one year ago. The XTC400 adds WiFi connectivity; a mounting system with standardized mounting rails on either side of the camera; a rotating lens and several user-controlled recording options. The kit also comes with a (rather …
RS Taichi RSS006 Drymaster Riding Shoes Review
RS Taichi RSS006 Drymaster Boa Motorcycle Riding Shoes The RS Taichi RSS006 Drymaster Boa Riding Shoes are a good mixture of form and function. The shoes — or boots — have some style without being over-the-top and the protective features are good for a motorcycle boot or shoe of this style. The Boa lacing system …
SHAD Zulupack SW05 Review
The SHAD Zulupack SW05 Waterproof Pack The SHAD Zulupack SW05 is a small waterproof bag that can be used to carry a camera, wallet and more. The SW05 is the smallest of the many new Zulupack waterproof bags now being offered by SHAD. The bags feature vinyl-coated fabric and sealed seams and the roll-down top …
Giant Loop Possibles Pouch Review
The Giant Loop Possibles Pouch The Giant Loop Possibles Pouch is a small heavy-duty bag that can carry a variety of gear. It uses a “MOLLE-like” system of straps on the outside that can be used to attach the bag to various points on a motorcycle or scooter. MOLLE is an acronym for “Modular Lightweight …
Shark Raw Helmet Review
Shark Raw Soyouz Helmet Review The Shark Raw helmet (2013 Preview) is certainly a looker. But like most things radical, the chances are that you’ll fall into one camp or the other — you’ll either love it or hate it. There probably isn’t a better-looking helmet on the planet for sinister bad*ss cruising, but unfortunately, …
Vendramini Marathon Motorcycle Boots Review
The Vendramini Marahton boots are made in Italy from real leather. These are very comfortable boots! The boots have a wide range of adjustments and include inner and outer ankle protection and shin protection. Vendramini claims that the Marathon boots are waterproof. But we haven’t used these boots in the rain so we can’t verify …
Cardo SHO-1 Intercom Review
Cardo SHO-1 Shoei Intercom Review The Cardo SHO-1 is a new Cardo motorcycle helmet intercom system designed specifically for Shoei helmets. The SHO-1 was introduced at the 2013 EICMA show and the details were first announced in this Cardo SHO-1 preview, which was exclusive to webBikeWorld. The SHO-1 system is functionally similar in many ways to …
Sena Universal Intercom
Sena Announces Universal Intercom With Cross-Brand Compatibility Will Be Available Via Firmware Update to Sena Intercom Owners! (Nov. 4, 2013) – Sena Technologies, Inc., a Bluetooth innovator in the motorcycle and outdoor activities market, has released a Universal Intercom feature for their full product line. The Universal Intercom is a unique technology to the industry, …
Sena SMH10 Version 5.0 Firmware Update
Sena SMH10 Version 5.0 “Universal Intercom” Firmware Update Preview Sena Technologies, Inc. announced today the version 5.0 firmware update for the SMH10 intercoms (review). The Sena “Universal Intercom” version 5.0 firmware upgrade (report) was first described on webBikeWorld in November of 2013 during the 2013 AIMExpo (report)in Orlando Florida. This is one of the most important motorcycle intercom news …
Kabuto Aeroblade III Review
Kabuto Aeroblade III Helmet Review The OGK Kabuto Aeroblade III is the newest version of the popular Aeroblade series. It’s basically a street/sport version of the Kabuto FF-5V (review) that was reviewed recently on webBikeWorld.com. The Aeroblade III uses the same type of composite shell and the internal shape and fit is roughly the same as the …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
