Garmin zūmo 660 Review – Part 3
Garmin zūmo 660 – Part 3 Part 3: Where To? Selecting this icon brings a number of follow-on choices: Address, Go Home, Points of Interest, Recently Found, Favourites, Junction, Extras, Cities, Custom Routes, Browse Map and, Coordinates. To select an address, select a City in the appropriate state or country, using the icon on the …
BMW F800GS Review Part 2
Life With the BMW F 800 GS No Excuse Needed Despite my raving over my F800GS in Part One, nothing is ever really perfect, right? With this mental deception plan put into place last fall, about an hour after picking up the small GS, it was time to start looking at how it could be …
Suzuki B-King
wBW Special Report: Suzuki B-King First Impressions The B-King is really, really here; after six years of waiting, the faithful have been rewarded. First impressions are all positive and while not having had a chance to actually ride one yet, we predict it will be an extremely livable “first cousin” and (probably) a rowdy alter ego to …
Clearwater CANopener Review
Part 1: Clearwater Lights CANopener and the BMW CAN Bus The Clearwater Lights CANopener system is an innovative auxiliary lighting management system like nothing else available. The CANopener is compatible with the BMW R1200GSW, GSAW and RTW (W for water cooled) and the K1600GT+ models. The system provides owners with an integrated programmable system for Clearwater …
HEX ezCAN Review
A CAN Bus Accessory Connection Manager The HEX ezCAN acts as an interface to easily connect accessories to a motorcycle with a CAN bus system. Accessories such as lights, horns, brake lights and other devices are connected to the four “channels” or output circuits in the ezCAN. The user can then program the output of …
BikeComm Hola Intercom Review
BikeComm Hola Motorcycle Intercom Review The BikeComm Hola series motorcycle intercoms feature small Bluetooth modules with just three user buttons, standardized headset components and simple mounting options. System configuration is simple and the intercoms are easy to use and the Hola intercoms can be quickly mounted on most motorcycle helmet types. A specific focus for …
UClear HBC100
UClear HBC100 Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom Review The UClear HBC100 is a new system that successfully utilizes proven technology packaged in a very small form factor for efficiency, portability and versatility. The HBC100 intercom performance borders on spectacular with audio output on par with the best helmet systems we have evaluated to date. The system doesn’t …
BikerCom Bluetooth Intercom System Part 3
Biker Com Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom Communications System Common Radio Use With three sets of North American FRS/GMRS radios on hand and a lot of Biker Com connection cables (dual-pin L and K types) on hand I was eager to put the system through its paces. Determining if using a common radio system was going to …
Cardo Scala Rider G4 Intercom
Cardo Scala Rider G4 Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom Review The Cardo Scala Rider G4 (review) was released in early 2010. At that time, the company heralded the arrival of the G4 as the beginning of a new trend in delivering and continuously evolving their leading-edge Bluetooth helmet communications systems. That claim, and promise if you will, is clearly …
Iasus Throat Mic
Iasus GP3X2 Throat Mic System Review The Iasus GP3X2 helmet headset system is an extremely viable solution for those who do not need, or want all the latest bells ‘n’ whistles — wired or wireless. Well designed and well made, each component complements the other, forming a very functional system with impressive audio quality. The …
Arboreal Systems Neutrino Review
High-Tech Power Delivery for Today’s Motorcycles The Arboreal Systems Neutrino is the world’s first smartphone controlled power delivery system for motorcycles. It has six configurable circuits that handle up to 60 amps to connect and manage lighting systems, heated clothing circuits, GPS, radio, power outlets and other accessories The Neutrino eliminates or reduces the need …
2010 Motorcycle Intercom Comparison
Motorcycle Intercom Comparison Final Report Mea culpa, this Bluetooth Helmet System head to head is long (long) overdue. We are transitioning from the hot sticky days of summer to the cooler but more pleasant and colourful days of fall. This, along with prompts from the Editor, serves to remind me that a slightly reduced riding …
AKE Powercom Intercom Review
AKE Electronics PowerCom ROGER One Intercom System The AKE Electronics PowerCom ROGER One system works, period. It is a pure communications device for those who want or need to stay in touch. If requirements or budget are modest, this is all one might ever really need. While the wired environment allows for a single radio …
Pirelli MT60 Tire Review
Tires for the Versys In the continuing quest to expand our riding horizons with the VERSYS-tility machine, our focus turned to finding a set of tires that might cope with a wider variety of roads and conditions. The Pirelli MT90 Scorpion Sync tires that were installed on the Ebony Versys have continued to work extremely …
Blutek Bluetooth Helmet Review Part 2
Part 2: Blutek Bluetooth Helmet Review A “well done” and big “thumbs up” to Blutek for Generation II of the Blutek Helmet and Bluetooth System. But, don’t rest your laurels Blutek – a little more attention to graphics work and finishing is warranted. And allowing both users to initiate an intercom session (and Class 1 …
Klim Induction Jacket Review
Klim In For Summer And It’s The Most Functional Lightweight Mesh Jacket We Have Ever Reviewed. The Klim Induction jacket was introduced in 2014 and has been recently updated. The design and execution of this latest version may just make it the most functional lightweight mesh jacket that we have ever reviewed. Its high-visibility colouration …
SCS S-1 Intercom Review
An Intercom Bargain? The SCS ETC S-1 Helmet Bluetooth Intercom is a Bluetooth v4.1 based system. It features fast device pairing, excellent audio switching and very good audio fidelity. It also has an external auxiliary input that supports any non-Bluetooth device using a 3.5 mm interface. Audio from the wired interface is not interrupted by …
Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots Review
Gore-Tex Dual-Sport Boots in Version 2 are still top of the Sidi Adventure-Touring boot lineup The Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex boots are at the top of the Sidi Adventure-Touring boot lineup. And the Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex variant are arguably the best yet. The original Adventure Gore-Tex Boots (review) were so good that we just couldn’t pass up an …
Smart Turn System Review
A Smart Turn Signal Cancelling System for Motorcycles Summary Turn signal use is a critical requirement at any time, and once turned on, they need to be turned off in a timely manner. Failure to do so can cause confusion for both oncoming and following traffic, leading to serious consequences. And this is where …
REV’IT! Discovery OutDry Boots Review
REV’IT! Discovery OutDry Boots Are Built To Last, High Quality Boots With the Cool Boa Lacing System The REV’IT! Discovery OutDry boots are the 2017 update of the REV’IT! Apache boots we reviewed in 2008. The Discovery boots are also available in a shorter version, the REV’IT! Pioneer OutDry boots. The Discovery OutDry boots are good-looking adventure boots reflecting …
Smart Turn System Review
A Smart Turn Signal Cancelling System for Motorcycles Turn signal use is a critical requirement at any time, and once turned on, they need to be turned off in a timely manner. Failure to do so can cause confusion for both oncoming and following traffic, leading to serious consequences. And this is where the Smart …
Ohmics MotoBrakeBT Bluetooth Brake Light Review
The Ohmics MotoBrakeBT Bluetooth Programmable Deceleration and Brake Light The MotoBrakeBT is a “Deceleration Sensing MotoBrakeBT Light With Bluetooth Connectivity”. It’s an evolution of the original Ohmics MotoBrake we reviewed in 2015. While not the only auxiliary deceleration-sensing (dynamic) brake light system on the market at that time, the MotoBrake arguably had the best combination of features, …
TecMate OptiMate O-105 USB Review
The TecMate O-105 OptiMate Weatherproof Charger With 3300mA Dual-Port USB Output for DIN Motorcycle Outlets The TecMate OptiMate O-105 Dual USB Port Charger is likely to become an indispensable piece of kit for motorcyclists. It plugs into a Euro-style DIN power outlet (ISO 4165) on your bike. These are the smaller or narrower style outlets …
Touratech Waterproof Moto Tank Bag Review
Wet Is Bad; Dry Is Good The Touratech Waterproof Moto Tank Bag system is also made by Ortlieb in Germany for Touratech. It is a direct-fit solution for wide range of motorcycles, but a workaround or compromise for others. With a universal-approach tank harness, the 18L Moto Tank Bag has a removable clear map case …
Weiser LED Turn Signal Review
The Weiser Ultrabrights Extreme LED Turn Signals The Weiser Ultrabrights Extreme LED “arrow head” inserts are a simple and very effective means to upgrade and significantly enhance turn signal light output. The Weiser LED kits are available for many different motorcycle makes and models. Those include Aprilia, Buell, Ducati, KTM, MV Augusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, …
SHAD Top Master Mounting Kit
Installing the BMW Luggage Rack and the SHAD “Top Master” Top Case Mounting Kit on a BMW S1000XR The BMW S1000XR is now gone, but there are still some stories to be told. One important subject is the BMW Luggage Carrier (Grid). It didn’t get installed at the factory on this early production S1000XR due …
Bot-Wing Airfoil Review
The BMW GS Turbulence Buster The Bot-Wing airfoil helps to smooth frontal air flow and redirects much of the “dirty” air away for a quieter, smoother and more enjoyable ride. The Bot-Wing is a logical, simple and effective add-on to newer BMW R 1200 GS and GS Adventure motorcycles. Coming from the mind of a …
Touratech Waterproof Moto Saddle Bags Review
Touratech Waterproof “Moto” Saddle Bags by Ortlieb The Touratech Moto Waterproof Saddle Bags are made by Ortlieb for Touratech. As I noted in the first part of this series — theTouratech Adventure Dry Bag review — not all “waterproof” motorcycle luggage really is. And some aren’t very good no matter the list price or features touted. …
Touratech Adventure Dry Bag Review
Touratech and Ortlieb Partner for Waterproof Motorcycle Luggage There is no shortage of waterproof dry bags for motorcyclists. But not all of them are truly waterproof and some aren’t very good, no matter the list price. Fortunately, the Touratech Waterproof Adventure Dry Bag is both waterproof and good. Actually, “great” is the better word to …
R&G Racing Aero Frame Sliders Review
R&G Racing “Aero” Frame Sliders, aka “Bobbins” The R&G Racing “Aero” frame sliders are also called “bobbins” in the UK. They have a “teardrop” shape that’s supposed to be aerodynamic. Or at least look it. R&G Racing has Aero frame slider kits for just about every motorcycle made, from Aprilia to Zero. This set is …
BMW S1000XR Engine Guards Review
Fitting the BMW Engine Guards to the S1000XR The BMW Engine Guards are a good accessory for the S1000XR. The bike is getting mixed road use and I can use all the extra protection possible. That includes the multiple R&G protective accessory kits that been installed so far and more in process. Like the S1000XR …
UClear Pulse Speaker Review
HD Speakers for Intercoms and Audio Devices The UClear Pulse Pro Headset and Pulse Pro Drop-In Speaker kits deliver superb audio. The HD (High Definition) sound extends from deep bass tones that can be felt in the helmet all the way to unwavering high tones. Whether you want an upgrade to the standard UClear headsets …
Sidi Deep Rain Boots Review
Adventure Touring in Deep Rain The new waterproof Sidi Deep Rain Boots are designed to be a lower-priced alternative for adventure-touring or dual-sport use. The “leather” is the all-synthetic type, or at least 99% synthetic in the construction of the Deep Rain boots. The Deep Rain boots are part of the Sidi Touring line; one …
R&G Racing Boot Guards Review
R&G Racing Boot Guard Kit The R&G Racing boot guards are simple stick-on protectors for the motorcycle frame. They are precision cut and made for many different motorcycles The frame plugs cover the various holes on the motorcycle’s frame to keep out dirt and grime. R&G Racing makes boot guards for many different motorcycle makes …
R&G Fork Sliders Review
R&G Fork Sliders for Protection As I discovered in installing the R&G radiator guard (review), the Fork Protector Kit is well made, all-inclusive and très simple to install. They look really nice as well. Something as simple, and inexpensive as fork protectors can go a long way in minimizing or preventing damage to the bottom and sides of …
R&G Bar End Sliders Review
R&G Bar End Sliders Fitting bar end weights or bar end sliders sliders is usually pretty straightforward when hand guards aren’t involved. But when they are, it can be difficult to find a simple kit that doesn’t conflict with one of the components. Fortunately, we have the R&G Bar End Slider Kit. It’s simple, easy …
R&G Swingarm Sliders Review
R&G Swingarm Slider Protection The R&G Swingarm Protector Kit (Part #SB0057BK ) fits the BMW S1000RR, HP4 and S1000XR. It also fits the Suzuki GSXR 1000 (2005+), GSXR 750 and GSXR 600 (2006+) or motorcycles that have 16 mm and 23.5 mm mounting diameters. The R&G Swingarm Protector Kit is another example where function and …
Cox Racing Group Radiator Oil Cooler Guards Review
Radiator and Oil Cooler Guards Comparison Radiator and oil cooler guards are, for many motorcycles, the best and typically the most cost-effective way to protect your investment…other than keeping it parked, that is. The Cox Racing Group radiator and oil cooler guards kit is just one example of how easy it can be to protect …
R&G Radiator Oil Cooler Guards Review
Radiator and Oil Cooler Guards Comparison Do we have a fixation on radiator and oil cooler guards? Not really, although their value on modern motorcycles cannot be understated. And as such, being able to evaluate a variety is never a bad thing. The R&G Racing radiator guard is another quality piece, made from pressed aluminum …
INNOVV K1 Review
A Front and Rear Video Recording System The INNOVV K1 front and rear onboard video recording camera system is an outstanding example of the technologies and capabilities available to motorcyclists today. It is a complete front- and rear-facing video camera and recording system (aka “dash cam”), featuring well-made components. The K1 on-board camera recording system …
