KBC Rush Helmet
The midpriced helmet wars are heating up: Korea-based KBC has brought out its newest top-end/midpriced Rush ($189.95 in solids; $199.95 for some fairly attractive graphics), a fiberglass/carbon-fiber composite Snell 95 helmet with a plush, comfy liner, toolless face-shield removal system and proper venting. At your Tucker Rocky authorized dealer, or ring (817) 258-9000 for more info.
Shady Stuff
In an attempt to impress the ladies, Boehm and Burns have pierced their ears and taken to wearing these bitchin' new shades around the office. (So far, no response.) Smith's Mainline Slider shades (left, $99) feature way-easy interchangeable lenses for varied light conditions; Spy's cyberpunk Hybrid glasses ($80-$90) have little ventilation scoops by the temples. At your favorite mall or reach Smith at (800) 635-4401; Spy at (760) 734-6779.
Waxing Eloquent
Too roguish for traditional waxed-cotton? Aerostich's new Falstaff ($397) is a heavy, 100 percent English waxed-cotton jacket that's based on the hugely functional Darien pattern; that is, plenty of venting and pockets, acres of Scotchlite reflection, modern TF2 armor and peerless build quality. Sewn-in cotton lining means comfort; waxed cotton means waterproofness and durability. From the bards of Riderwearhouse (800) 222-1994 or www.aerostich.com.
Your Stinking Head...
...will be a thing of the past, once you start spraying Motorex's Helmet Care Spray Foam inside your grime-stained lid. Motorex claims its foam removes dirt and sweat from your helmet liner, leaving behind nothing but a "fresh pleasant scent." Good for cleaning the outside of your helmet, too. $5.99 for a 200ml spray can from your local cycle dealer or Euroline, Inc. at (914) 228-0145.
Diadora Booties
Tasty, tasty. Italian boot guys, Diadora, have impregnated their top-of-the-line Evolution race boots ($249.95) with 2.5mm thick bull's hide, carbon-fiber armor and protective gel padding on the inside. Flexy Kevlar gussets and air cushioning mean good control and feedback; Airtech liner means comfort. In U.S. sizes 5-12. For the name of a Diadora dealer, call Gearbox Int'l at (800) 799-9444 or www.gearboxinternational.com.
Ache Be Gone
In other words, aftermarket handlebars for your Ducati 748/916/996 that adjust one and a half inches higher than stock. Sport-touring, Reginald? Beautifully machined from 6061-T6 aircraft billet-aluminum, these are claimed to be a direct stock replacement, require no special tools to install, and maintain the original clip-ons' angle and width. Sign us up. $329 from Vreeke Industries at (805) 529-1408.
Quick Stand
Really want a centerstand for your GSX-R? SJL Products' 6.5-ounce, aircraft-aluminum Quick Stand uses your kickstand to help raise your bike's rear wheel off the ground-all the better to lube/adjust a chain or plug a punctured tire. Made only to fit swingarm-spool-equipped bikes, the three-piece Quick Stand snaps securely together and is as easy to use as strapping down the front brake lever, attaching the stand under the spool and lifting the bike toward the kickstand on the opposite side. A quick kick wedges the Quick Stand between bike and ground, and voil, your rear wheel is now free to spin. You'll want to be careful, though, especially since a misplaced kick will mean your bike won't be totally secure. The bottom line? We'd still recommend a good track stand for home usage, but for sport-touring out on the road, the Quick Stand might fast become an old friend.
Price: $49.95, includes carrying case and a Velcro brake-lock strap; swingarm spools for various bikes: $15.95Rating: HHHHHVerdict: Sportbike owners rejoice: Here's a smart idea that-with practice-works well. We can't promise that your bike won't fall over. Not recommended for rear-wheel removal.
SJL Products
P.O. Box 189
Jefferson, MA 01522
(508) 829-3339
http://quickstand.home.netcom.com/new.htm
Italian Slave
Local boys Pro Italia have designed this billet Big Bore Clutch Slave Cylinder ($229) for your 1992-and-up six-speed Ducati. Created to address a stock cylinder's stiff pull and short seal life, Pro Italia's replacement has an increased piston size and redesigned sealing system. If you can bleed your hydraulic system, you can fit this yourself. Reach Pro Italia at (818) 249-5707 or www.pro italia.com.