Each year Indianapolis plays host to the largest trade show in the powersports industry, and Motorcyclist was there to scout out the best of what's new. Here's a sampling of our staff's favorites.
Moto Brackets
Aside from pricey OE and race-specific components, there isn't much available in the way of fairing brackets. If your bike has been mashed, save some coin by ordering replacements from Moto Brackets. Made to the same exacting specifications as OE bits, Moto Brackets cost about 30 percent less and are available for most popular sportbikes.
www.motobrackets.com
Fieldsheer Congo Air jacket
Just in time for summer, Fieldsheer has released the Congo Air Jacket, constructed from ultra-breathable fine-weave Polytitanium mesh. Equipped with CE-approved armor and 1680 Denier reinforcement at the elbows and shoulders, the $169.95 Air offers substantial protection while keeping you cool. Available in black, red, blue, white and gun-metal silver to match your ride.
http://www.fieldsheer.com
Gemini Tint-On-Demand Visor Insert
Never get caught without your sunglasses again! Originally developed for U.S. Air Force pilots, the liquid-crystal technology in the Gemini TOD visor insert allows it to adapt to lighting conditions at the touch of a button. The $200 insert dims from 70 percent to 20 percent light transmission in just 1/10th of a second, and is available in a variety of colors.
www.alphamicron.com
Alpinestars Ventilator Glove
Sweaty paws are miserable, but there's no way you'd ride without gloves. Alpinestars' $54.95 Ventilator gloves will keep you safe and cool during those hot summer rides. Full-grain leather and EVA padding at the knuckles offer good protection, while an Air-Flo mesh and perforated leather back maximize circulation to maintain cool, sweat-free hands. Rock them in black, red, white or blue.
www.alpinestars.com
Sonic Scrubber Motorcycle Detailer
Chuck that toothbrush and check out the Sonic Scrubber. A waterproof power head drives a variety of specialized brush tips, microfiber cushions and polishing pads at 2000 scrubs per minute for easy grime removal and detailing. The $19.99 Sonic Scrubber kit is ideal for cleaning tough-to-scour bits such as your brake calipers and cylinder cooling fins.
www.sonicscrubber.com
Knox Cross Shirt
Knox is the number-one choice in body armor, which is why dozens of apparel manufacturers choose the UK-based company's components for their jackets and suits. With Knox's $259.95 Cross shirt, you can wear top-level CE-approved armor covertly under your street clothes. Complete the coverage with Knox's Multi Sport shorts and Cross Lite knee guards.
www.sportbiketrackgear.com
Brembo M4 Nickel-Plated Calipers
We can't figure out how this could possibly improve performance, but it sure looks trick! Brembo's renowned M4 four-piston Monobloc calipers are now available in a flashy nickel-plated version that retails for $1750 per set. Available in sizes to fit most modern sportbikes with radial mounts, the kits come complete with sintered pads and all necessary hardware.
www.brembo-usa.com
W8Less Brake Rotors
These brake rotors are a miracle of modern science. Forged from a special Metal Matrix Composite (MMC), they are said to be 60 percent lighter than OE rotors and have twice the tensile strength, plus better heat dissipation and wear characteristics. Made in the USA, W8Less rotors are only $600 per set and are available for most Harleys and various metric cruisers in solid and full-floating designs, with polished or anodized carriers.
www.w8lesstechnologies.com
Light Mine
About the size of a golf ball, the Light-Mine is a powerful spotlight that can be used almost anywhere you need illumination, like behind the rear cylinder of your V-twin. Its 12 magnets let you affix the light to any steel surface and aim its powerful LED directly where you need it, and it also works great as a fastener-retrieval tool. Add one to your tool box for just $7.99.
www.riskracing.com
Nexx X30 Viper Helmet
Nexx helmets are like nothing you've ever seen-well, maybe in a science fiction movie. Made in Portugal, these lids are the latest in European style and are outrageously comfortable. The new X30 Viper features a pilot-style sun visor in a flip-up modular design, yet maintains a solid chip bar for uncompromised safety. Available in the States by the time you read this, the X30 series retails for $349.
www.nexx-usa.com
Flash2Pass Garage Door Opener
For those lucky enough to have a garage, accessing it after a long day's ride has never been easier. Hooked to your headlight switch, the Flash2Pass system enables you to open your garage door with a double-flash of the high beams. The $79.95 kit comes with everything you need: transmitter (just 2x2 inches), receiver and simple installation instructions. Never fumble with a garage door opener again!
www.flash2passtechnologies.com