It's So...Big!
For those requiring extra-large rubber, Metzeler's massive 240(!)/40VR-18 low-profile rear radial ($268.95) should fit nicely. Designed for an eight-to-nine-inch custom-cruiser rim, this V-rated mutha comes in the company's ME880 high-mileage flavor, and-says Metzeler-isn't just for show, but designed for real-world riding. Hey, we're big enough to handle it. You? See your Metzeler dealer or contact Metzeler directly at (610) 524-2190 or www.metzeler.com.
Vanson Goodies
A textile jacket from Vanson Leathers? Go on, twist our arm...Vanson's Overland jacket ($375) uses 1000-denier Cordura nylon, has plenty of pockets and a leather chest-vent system that zips closed in cool weather. While we're at it, we'll take a pair of Vanson's latest Talon gloves ($129) for the natural deerskin with cowhide reinforcements, Kevlar padding and solid-brass palm studs. Dial up Vanson at (508) 678-2000 or www.vansonleathers.com.
Budget Tool Kits
You wanna be prepared, but you can't justify $75 (or more) for a quality, portable toolkit. Enter CruzTools' new EconoKits: $33.95 gets you a pouch full of lifetime-warrantied tools, including an eight-inch adjustable wrench, six-in-one reversible screwdriver, tire-pressure gauge, hex keys, cable ties and an ampule of WD-40; a $49.95 kit includes all that plus locking pliers, more wrenches, electrical tape, etc. Worth every penny. Reach 'em at (888) 909-8665 or www. cruztools.com.
A Better Bieffe
Since downtown L.A. offers only a couple of stretches where we can really appreciate the Bieffe GPR's new aerodynamic shell, we'll use this space to point out the GPR's removable/washable interior, the quality clearcoated racer-rep graphics, the Snell certification, the adjustable venting and the somewhat reasonable ($299.95 for solids, $349.95 for graphics) pricing. Fair enough? See your favorite dealer or dial up Van Leeuwen Enterprises at (800) 461-1226.
TourMaster Cortech Riding Suit
Tough and machine-washable, TourMaster's all-weather Cortech Sport Jacket and Pant combo is made from 1000-denier Cordura in abrasion-sensitive areas (shoulders, sleeve panels, seat and hip areas) with a 500-denier Cordura weave everywhere else. Features we like? Removable back, elbow, shoulder, hip and knee pads, Scotchlite reflective panels, quality YKK zippers and pant legs that open waist-high are all nice. And although the Cortech duo doesn't zip together, fit is good enough to seal out the wind and keep us comfy in 50-degree temps (thanks also to the jacket's removable Thinsulate 150 liner). Complaints? We found that neither jacket nor pant lived up to its waterproof billing in heavy downpours. We also found overly narrow front pocket openings and jacket vents that don't stay open wide enough for proper circulation. The suit's outstanding build quality, however, may offset these annoyances for potential buyers.
Price
Jacket: $241.99; Pants: $199.99
Rating:
Verdict: Great value and superb construction, but jacket has ineffective venting and tiny pocket openings. Not as waterproof as claimed.
Helmet House
26855 Malibu Hills Rd.
Calabasas Hills, CA 91301
(800) 421-7247
www.tourmaster.com
Roadhouse Billet Bits
Sister pub Motorcycle Cruiser has already raved about Roadhouse Brand's vintage-look Japanese cruiser exhaust system, and we're mighty impressed with RB's line of CNC-machined-billet accessories. Bits shown here (including a Kawi Vulcan master-cylinder cover, Yamaha bar clamp, universal-fit mirrors and license-plate bracket) run from $40-$115. Reach Roadhouse at (888) 700-5979 or www. roadhousebrand.com. We'd send 'em back, but Cook loves playing with small shiny objects....
The Kitchen Sink, Too
Is it big? It's the biggest, Daddy-o: Rev Pack's mighty Excursion pack ($189.95) is 26 inches across, 12 inches thick and 16 inches high; roomy "legs" hang down in place of saddlebags. Urethane-coated Cordura means it's water-resistant (a raincover is included); external pockets and attachable day pack mean the ultimate in stuffing capability. Took most of this month's Gearbox swag to fill it.... Dial up (800) 766-2461 or www.revpack.com to get yours.
Duck Restorer
Most likely, the cheapest part of restoring or modifying your Italian Stallion. Ian Falloon has penned this 224-page, Authentic Restoration Guide ($29.95) to belted, two-valve Ducatis (i.e., 750 F1, Paso, 750/900SS, Monster, et al.) and included model specifications, tuner/restorer contact information and more than 300 illos to help you get the best out of that dusty desmo in the garage. Good luck. From Classic Motorbooks: (800) 826-6600 or www.motorbooks.com.
By Greg Mcquide
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