Search
How to Make Carbon Fiber Parts
Make Your Own Carbon Fiber Motorcycle Parts Carbon fiber moldings look great on a bike. They’re light, strong, generally unaffected by fuels and oils. I could go on and on. They can cost a fair bit, especially so if you buy “one-off” moldings from a commercial manufacturer. I took up bikes again after a 40 …
Torque Wrench
A good torque wrench is an essential tool for even the most basic motorcycle maintenance and repair. It’s important to ensure that all of the fasteners on a motorcycle are tightened to specifications for reasons of safety and to maintain its original design integrity. The the lightweight alloys used in motorcycles make it very easy to …
Motorcycle Ear Plugs Reviewed
Ear Plug Comparison and Review Ear Plugs for Motorcycling For some reason, it’s not “cool” to be seen wearing ear plugs while riding a motorcycle. I know I probably sound like dear old Mom, but let me tell you something — it’s not cool at all to lose your hearing, and it’s really, really easy …
Roadgear Compact Sport Tank Bag and Sport Tail Bag Review
Roadgear Luggage Review The Roadgear tank bag, tail bag set is soft motorcycle luggage that works well for sportbikes. The smaller capacity tank bag and tail bag are very easy to mount and remove from the motorcycle. Simple design means that they’re easier to use. But, they are not waterproof. Roadgear provides a 10-year warranty. …
Roadgear XCaliber Jacket Review
Soft, Comfy, Warm and Protective The Roadgear XCaliber jacket is very comfortable, including the collar lining. It has the new Schoeller Keprotec retro-reflective reinforcement material. It also includes plenty of features and pockets. CE-approved protectors are included. It also has a warm lining that seems to breathe better than other jackets. It’s also available in …
Aerostich Darien Jacket Review
The Beemer Rider’s Uniform The Aerostich Darien is a nicely made jacket. It can be hot in the summer. The armor feels loose inside; the jacket does not have cinch straps on the arms. The collar pulls at my skin and the jacket isn’t as waterproof as I thought it would be. It’s also relatively expensive. Stop by …
2005 BMW K1200LT Recalls
2005 BMW K1200LT Recalls NOTE: These recalls are presented as a public safety resource. For more information, visit your local BMW Motorcycle dealer or visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Make : BMW Model : K1200LT Year : 2005 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V438000 Recall Date : SEP 03, 2004 Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE – …
Two Wheels Through Terror
Two Wheels Through Terror By: Glen Heggstad Hardcover: 275 pages Publisher: Whitehorse Press, September 2004 ISBN: 1884313493 I guess I’m a wimp when it comes to motorcycle adventures. I prepare for a 200 mile day trip like I’ll be trekking to the ends of the Earth. And I wouldn’t think of taking off without a …
Nolan X-lite – Xlite X-901
X-Lite X-901 Helmet Review The X-901 is a relatively quiet helmet. It has nice graphics; the face shield has a small setting for defogging; it is DOT safety standard. Fits “long oval” shaped heads best. The top venting needs further evaluation when weather changes. There is no mechanism to secure the extra length of chinstrap. …
Progressive Suspension
Progressive Suspension 420 Series Summary Very nicely made shock absorber; looks like custom made. Chromoly steel; rebuildable. Nitrogen gas charged. Comes with cool-looking progressive rate springs in black or red. Internal bladder eliminates need for external reservoir. Five position damping adjustment. Threaded collar adjusts preload but collar is a bit stiff and doesn’t turn …
BMW Boxer Cup
UPDATE: BMW Announces End of Boxer Cup! Say it isn’t so…! More: 2003 BMW Boxer Cup race series to be re-broadcast on Speed Channel in the U.S.A. | wBW BMW Motorcycle Page August 17, 2004 – BMW Motorcycles announced today that 2004 will be the last season “for the time being” for the successful Brand Cup with the BMW …
Silencio Ear Plugs
Silencio Ear Plugs Review The Silencio Soft Foam brand is firmer than other earplugs and hard to fit in the ear canal due to its hexagonal shape. The Silencio Red-E-Fit is soft, comfortable and performs well but is relatively expensive. The Silencio Silent Partner is reusable (made from silicone) but hard to insert and doesn’t …
Piaggio Buys Aprilia & Moto Guzzi
Aprilia World Service Inc. Confirms Agreement With Piaggio Group 8/13/04 Woodstock, GA – Aprilia World Service USA Inc. announced today the industrial and strategic agreement between Piaggio and Aprilia. In the agreement, Piaggio will obtain a 100% stake in the Aprilia group. “We are extremely pleased by this progress and are anxious to embrace the …
Progressive Suspension
Progressive Suspension 420 Series Very nicely made shock absorber; looks like custom made. Chromoly steel; rebuildable. Nitrogen gas charged. Comes with cool-looking progressive rate springs in black or red. Internal bladder eliminates need for external reservoir. Five position damping adjustment. Threaded collar adjusts preload but collar is a bit stiff and doesn’t turn easily. Provides …
Hearos Ear Plugs Review
Hearos Super and Extreme Disposable Ear Plugs We’ve said it many times. And we’ll say it again. The noise generated when riding a motorcycle is hazardous to your health. It doesn’t matter whether you’re wearing a full-face or half helmet, riding behind a fairing or as a passenger. The noise can and does cause hearing …
REV’IT! R-Tech Jacket Review
The REV’IT! R-Tech Winter Jacket The REV’IT! R-Tech jacket has some unique features. It employs a selection of high-quality materials that make it stand out from the crowd. It’s obvious that the jacket was designed by someone who knows about riding in cold, damp climates. I know what I’ll be wearing this winter! A lot of thought must …
Roadgear Tire Pressure Gauge Review
Roadgear “Hi-Tec” Digital Tire Pressure Gauge The last thing you should be wondering about when you’re leaned over in a fast corner is whether or not the tires are inflated properly. It happens to me on occasion — out of nowhere, all of a sudden I catch myself wondering why the tires aren’t simply sliding …
Motorcycle Fuel Injection Handbook
Motorcycle Fuel Injection Handbook Paperback: 159 pages Dimensions (in inches): 0.38 x 10.60 x 8.22 Publisher: MBI Publishing (July 1, 2004) ISBN: 076031635X I absolutely love books like the Motorcycle Fuel Injection Handbook! My wife thinks I’m nuts, because this is my favorite type of book to bring on holiday at the beach. A leisurely …
ECE 22.05 Motorcycle Helmet Standard
The ECE 22.05 Helmet Safety Standard Is there really such a thing as the “ECE 22.05” motorcycle helmet safety standard? Several hours of searching on various EU websites for that term comes up empty. As it turns out, the standard is really known as “Regulation No. 22” and that search term yields a quick result! …
Motorcycle Headlight Protection Film
Protect That Motorcycle Headlight! 3M’s Scotchcal paint protection film is described in the two wBW articles listed in the right column. Scotchcal is a clear adhesive-backed urethane covering that is applied over clean and smooth surfaces to protect the paint or finish from scratches, nicks and dings. It helps protect motorcycle paint and finishes from scratches, rubs, …
Oxtar TCS Sport Boots Review
All-Time Favorite Motorcycle Boots! Summary Comfortable boots featuring Oxtar’s patented Torsion Control System, which limits movement and protects the ankle from bending too far in case of a crash. External vents to cool the rider’s feet. Lorica uppers, replaceable sliders and several protective external wear areas. Sole is oil and fuel resistant. Excellent build …
Roadgear “Hi-Tec” Digital Tire Pressure Gauge Review
Roadgear “Pencil” Style Digital Tire Pressure Gauge Lightweight; accurate; lifetime battery; 5-year warranty; comes with belt carrying case. The original Roadgear “Hi-Tec” tire pressure gauge was (and still is) a popular “must have” item for motorcyclists. Roadgear has probably sold a zillion of them to motorcyclists around the world. Its light weight and unique shape …
BMW R1200GS Brake Recall
BMW R1200GS Brake Recall Make : BMW Model: R1200 GS Year: 2005 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 04V297000 Recall Date : JUN 03, 2004 Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK Potential Number Of Units Affected : 99 Summary: On certain motorcycles, the integral anti-lock brake system (IABS) sensor sealing O-ring connection at the rear axle housing may …
Motorcycle Paint Protection Film
We’re big fans of 3M Scotchcal paint protection film, which is very useful in motorcycle applications. We’ve covered this subject previously in thereview/technical article on the SheerMask paint protection system. SheerMask is available pre-cut for a few different motorcycle models, and to be honest, if you can find a pre-cut paint protection kit for your …
Ride Hard Ride Smart
Ride Hard Ride Smart Ride Hard Ride Smart Paperback: 143 pages Dimensions (in inches): 0.44 x 10.66 x 8.28 Publisher: MBI Publishing; (April 2004) ISBN: 0760317607 Ride Hard Ride Smart reads something like a Proficient Motorcycling knock-off. But like all of the books of this genre, there are some useful nuggets that aren’t covered in …
OGK FF-4 Aeroblade Helmet
OGK FF-4 Aeroblade Helmet Remember the old ´70’s automobile commercials that extolled the “road hugging weight” of the latest behemoth? I used to get a chuckle out of those ads. Let’s face it — if greater mass meant better “road hugging” ability, then Michael Schumacher would be driving a Kenworth! The same can be said …
Firstgear Burnout Gloves Review
FirstGear Burnout Motorcycle Gloves FirstGear has gone through an interesting evolution over the last several years. The brand was once well known among BMW motorcycle owners as a manufacturer of high-quality motorcycle clothing. A FirstGear jacket had as much cachet as an Aerostich or Motoport does now. I’m not privy to the whole story, but …
Shoei X-11 Helmet Review
Shoei’s Top-of-the-Line Racing Helmet Does motorcycling benefit from science, or is it the other way around? It seems pretty easy lately for manufacturers to apply 21st Century technology whenever they want to add the next generation of super-deluxe high-tech features and create the latest high-tech gear for our benefit. The evolution of motorcycles, engines, tires, …
The British Motorcycle Directory
The British Motorcycle Directory By: Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth ISBN: 9781861266743 Hardcover: 288 pages Dimensions: 28 cm x 22 cm Publisher: Crowood Press, England (Printed and Bound) 850 B&W Photographs May 2004 List Price: £35.00 or $59.95 US I guess I’m the resident British Bike nut, although just about all of us here at webBikeWorld …
Moto-Air Motorcycle Airbag Jacket Review
The Moto-Air Motorcycle Airbag Jacket Potential for motorcycle riders not quite realized. Back in the old days, automobiles didn’t have seat belts or padded dashboards, much less “passive restraint systems” like airbags. Airbags were something you read about in a Popular Mechanics magazine “Cars of the Future” article. Why would anyone possibly need or want …
Diamond Plate Classic Leather Motorcycle Jacket Review
The Patchwork Leather Jacket Remember the Mods and the Rockers? No, not a rock group, but the young British rebel gangs of the 1960’s. For some reason, as soon as I saw this jacket I thought it would be just what a modern-day Rocker would wear. For those of you not old enough to remember Gene Vincent, here’s an …
Caberg Justissimo Motorcycle Helmet
Caberg Justissimo Review The Justissimo is a well-made flip-up helmet with some interesting features and nice attention to detail. Includes internal retractable tinted visor. It is also relatively quiet and it has good ventilation. The internal length from the back of helmet to chin bar is relatively short. What to call this type of helmet? …
Shoei RF-1000 Review
Shoei’s Best-Selling Helmet of All Time? One of the benefits of conducting helmet reviews is the ability to compare many different brands and models against each other. Trying on a variety of helmets is crucial to finding the perfect fit. But it’s not easy to accomplish if the only source of helmet samples is the …
Alpinestars GP Tech Gloves
Alpinestars GP Tech Gloves Review The Alpinestars GP Tech gloves are a high-tech, high-quality pair of gloves at a price. If you’re looking for a moderately priced pair of gloves, stop reading. At $235.00 list, these top-of-the-line Alpinestars GP Tech gloves are anything but cheap. They’re in the same category as the Held Galaxy and Krypton gloves or …
Cat Crap Anti-Fog Review
Cat Crap: What’s In A Name? Cat Crap is a wax-like anti-fog treatment for the inside of goggles or visors. It can be applied with a fingertip. Rub a tiny bit on to the inside of a helmet visor and buff it out, just like applying an automotive polish. Cat Crap seems to work well …
Vendramini Marathon Motorcycle Boots Review
Vendramini Marathon Motorcycle Boots Review Summary 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 …
Quikstrip Quick Grip Wire Stripper Review
Strip ‘Em Good With the Quikstrip Quick Grip Confused? This used to be called the Quik Strip tool. But the original company apparently went belly-up, so now it’s the Quick Grip wire stripper by a company called Quickstrip. This is one of those 3 a.m. TV show ads that actually works pretty well on smaller …
Ducati Designs Ducati ST Headlight
Ducati Designs Sport Touring Headlight Upgrade Motorcycle lighting is one of the hottest topics on webBikeWorld. That means increasing light output, improving visibility, LED brake lights, turn signal brightness, wheel lights and other lighting novelties. You name it — if it has to do with lights and brightness, then motorcycle owners are interested. I’d like …
