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Can-Am Ryker Rally Accessories Review

October 28, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

To prepare for a four-day trip with my dad to the Tail of the Dragon and surrounding areas on my Can-Am Ryker Rally, I ordered some accessories from Can-Am’s catalog, including protective pieces and luggage. I hoped these accessories would allow me to pack everything I’d need and provide peace of mind if I found some rougher roads to explore.

First, I replaced the Rally’s stock front vehicle protection with Can-Am’s Radiator Protector ($154.99). Since the Ryker Rally is mostly suited for mild gravel roads and not blazing new trails, I have never needed the large guard that the stock vehicle comes with. However, I have had an issue with rocks bouncing up into the gap between the front vehicle protection and the radiator – a problem I hoped this piece would solve.

Installing the new Radiator Protector was fairly straightforward, but the instructions include some steps that are not necessary for a vehicle that was already equipped with front vehicle protection. I was able to omit some of these steps, like drilling holes in the front fascia. There are also plastic tabs around an area that are meant to hold a square nut, and these tabs make it tricky to grip the nut to tighten it but don’t provide enough support to hold the nut in place. Aside from tearing up these tabs, the install was simple.

I also installed Can-Am’s Grille Protector Inserts ($69.99), which snap into place on either side of the grille where there is nothing to block debris. With these two pieces of protection in place, I feel much more confident in tackling the gravel and dirt roads that are so much fun on the Ryker, and these protective pieces have held up to everything I threw at them during our trip and beyond.

Related: 2023 Can-Am Ryker Rally Review

For extra storage, I fitted the Ryker with Can-Am’s Linq 40L Roll-Top Bag ($229.99), the Ryker Tank Bag ($129.99), and the Shad Saddlebag Liner ($60.99). Since the roll-top bag is part of Can-Am’s Linq system (designed to work across many Can-Am product lines), installation was easy. It requires the Max Mount behind the pilot’s seat, which comes standard on the Ryker Rally and is available as an accessory on other models, as well as the Ryker Linq Plate ($259.99), an additional accessory that opens the door for many compatible Linq accessories. The waterproof roll-top bag snaps onto the Linq Plate with one hidden latch, which can be swapped for a locking latch for extra security.

The Tank Bag was another easy install. Two screws near the fuel cap and three straps secure the base of the bag to the Ryker. The bag itself attaches magnetically to the base, with two buckles adding extra security and allowing you to quickly move the bag out of the way of the fuel cap for gas stops. The Tank Bag includes a clear pouch on top for a phone and a port to run a charging cord. The last of my accessories for this trip was the Shad Saddlebag Liner, which fits perfectly into my Shad Hard Saddlebag.

During our trip to the Tail of the Dragon, I particularly enjoyed the plentiful storage of the roll-top bag. The yellow interior makes seeing items easier, and the carrying handle was convenient while unloading the Ryker at hotels. The saddlebag liner was similarly useful. Without the liner, I’ve had to under-fill and squish down my items to get them to fit without spilling out when the bag is opened. But with the liner, I can fill the bag to capacity and easily carry it off the bike with the cross-body strap.

The tankbag was useful for storing small items like my wallet and phone. However, I ran into an issue on one of the hotter days of the trip. With the sun beaming down on the clear plastic cover, my phone underneath became overheated and shut off. On hot days, my phone benefits from the airflow when placed on a handlebar phone mount.

See all of Rider‘s Luggage reviews here

Although the tankbag’s phone pocket was not ideal for hot days, it was very useful when we ran into rainfall on our last day and kept my phone sheltered from rain under the plastic cover. The roll-top bag’s waterproof claims were also proven correct, and all my belongings were completely dry after riding in the rain for several hours.

See all of Rider‘s Parts & Accessories Reviews here

With these Can-Am accessories, I was able to put my worries aside and enjoy a beautiful week of riding with my dad, and I’m more confident in planning longer trips for the future.

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Yuasa Battery Celebrates 45th Anniversary

October 23, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Yuasa Battery celebrates its 45th year in the North American market this year, but the story of this major powersports battery manufacturer starts more than a century ago. Today, Yuasa supplies about 80% of batteries for the major OEMs.

In 1918, Mr. Shichizaemon Yuasa founded a company in Japan to make storage batteries for industrial applications. In the 1920s, Yuasa began expanding into the motorcycle industry. By the 1950s, the company was establishing manufacturing plants outside of Japan, well on its way to becoming the leading powersports battery manufacturer it is today.

Yuasa entered the North American market in 1979, introducing its first conventional battery that same year followed by the Yumicron battery in 1982. In 1983, it launched the world’s first maintenance-free AGM battery.

The company launched the YTZ Series of more powerful and compact AGM batteries in 1999, and by 2008, it introduced the GYZ Series to address the increasing needs of aftermarket accessories and OEM electronics.

Now, Yuasa produces AGM powersports batteries in its Laureldale, Pennsylvania, location, and its parent company, GS Yuasa, produces batteries for a range of applications, including forklifts, security cameras, space satellites, and more.

As the major battery provider in the motorcycle industry, Yuasa also sponsors powersport riders, events, and races. Yuasa appears at rallies like Sturgis Buffalo Chip and Americade to offer free battery replacements and hands-on support.

See all of Rider‘s motorcycle gear reviews here.

For metric motorcycles, the Yuasa YTZ Series of AGM VRLA batteries offer vibration-resistance, long battery life, and corrosion resistance, making them the ideal choice for sportbikes. The GYZ Series of heavy-duty AGM batteries are built to satisfy the requirements of power-hungry touring bikes and make great replacement batteries for American V-Twin motorcycles. Yuasa also offers the Yumicron Series of conventional batteries.

Congratulations to Yuasa Battery on its 45th anniversary in North America. To learn more or to shop motorcycle batteries, visit the Yuasa website.

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Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Leather Airbag Vest Review

October 7, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest — The Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Leather Airbag Vest offers a stylish and low-profile way to keep yourself protected while enjoying the ride.

No rider who has crashed on the street ever wished they weren’t wearing protective gear. Beyond an armored riding jacket or suit, a higher level of protection is available from airbags worn over your torso that reduce the force of impacts.

Early airbag technology employed a tether system that required riders to detach or deactivate them when willingly dismounting a motorcycle. The latest systems are autonomous, using gyroscopic sensors that automatically inflate the airbag when a crash is sensed.

Alpinestars is the leader in airbag technology, first supplying it to MotoGP racers in 2009. While roadracers have been benefiting from airbag protection, few street riders want to crawl inside a neck-to-ankle leather suit for their trip to Starbucks or work. The Tech-Air 3 vest provides airbag protection for street riders and can be worn over or under a jacket.

The Tech-Air 3 ($599.95) was introduced in 2023. New to the lineup are the Tech-Air 3 Leather ($749.95) tested here and the Tech-Air 3 Canvas ($649.95), which are aimed at V-Twin riders but are suitable for all street riders. The Leather/Canvas vests have different features from the original version, like an internal flap holder to allow the chest airbag to be tucked out of sight when walking around, a hidden LED panel on the chest, dual zippered pockets, and a zippered back slot that enables adding patches.

Once slipped on, the 4-lb vest is barely noticeable, and stretch panels allow for a good range of motion. The inflation canister resides in the lower left corner of the vest and can be felt if riding on a seat with a hump behind it. A perforated back panel and internal air channels promote ventilation.

The Tech-Air 3 boasts a simple and intuitive design. There are no complex installation procedures – simply slip it on, attach the magnetic closure on the chest air bladder to activate, and zip it up. The battery is claimed to provide 40 hours of use.

Read all of Rider’s apparel reviews here.

The vest features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair it with the Alpinestars app on your smartphone. The app provides information on battery level, system status, and service history, and it allows downloading updates to ensure the vest is running the latest software.

A key element of the Tech-Air 3 Leather is that it doesn’t stand out as safety apparel. It’s nicely styled and has a clean appearance, so I prefer to wear it over my riding jackets. Keep in mind that wearing it under a jacket takes up space, so you’ll need a little wiggle room inside your jacket to allow for inflation.

Luckily, I’ve yet to get into a situation that would warrant an airbag deployment, but with three gyroscopes and three accelerometers keeping tabs, plus Alpinestars’ extensive experience with this technology, I’m confident the bags would inflate when needed – apparently in only 50 milliseconds. If the airbag deploys, you’ll need to send it to Alpinestars to get the air canister replaced for a $100 fee.

Midway into a crash won’t be a good time to wonder if you should be wearing a Tech-Air 3.

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Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket Review

October 7, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket BMW R 18 Roctane — Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad

There are numerous styles of motorcycle jacket that provide high-quality form and function, but when I’m on my Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail, I usually lean toward something leather and with a little style. When it came time to review the Highway 21 Motordrome leather motorcycle jacket, I tried to think of something that needs to be improved on, but after wearing it for over a year, I’ve only come up satisfied.

Highway 21 Motordrome Motorcycle Jacket — The Highway 21 Motordrome motorcycle jacket features a retro racer style and options for adjusting temperature comfort.

The Motordrome is a premium leather jacket that Highway 21 says has a heavy stylistic nod to boardtrack racing, hence the name. It features a snap club collar, diamond-stitched accents, and an off-white strip across the chest and forearms. If that’s not your style, maybe that’s the one thing not to like about this jacket, but I really like the retro racer look.

From a safety standpoint, the Motordrome has pockets for back and elbow armor compatible with Fly Barricade CE armor (sold separately) and plenty of storage space, including five pockets on the jacket itself (two chest, two handwarmers, and a concealed carry) and an extra Napoleon chest pocket on the removable thermal liner.

The chest pockets double as front ventilation, which is complemented by dual-zippered wrist vents so you can keep the wrist cuffs tight and still get airflow up the sleeves. Air flows out of two sizable zippered exhaust vents on the back.

Between the thermal liner and the ventilation, you have plenty of options to moderate your riding temperature comfort level. Highway 21 says this motorcycle jacket is good for “Cold” and “Mild” but not “Hot.” That seems about right, but I might add another level in between the latter two and say it works for “Warm.”

On the lower end of the spectrum, I’ve regularly worn the jacket with the liner and just a T-shirt in the upper 30s and been comfortable (and I’ve gone down in the 20s with an extra long-sleeve layer). Or I can take out the liner, open all the vents, and throw on a tank top, and I’m comfortable into the 80s.

I have the armor with my jacket, and between the reassurance I get from that and the leather, along with the considerable temperature range, the Motordrome is my go-to motorcycle jacket for most of my cruising months.

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

And it not only looks good on my Harley, it also looks good on the BMW R 18 Roctane (shown in photos) and other cruisers and retro-style bikes I’ve tested.

The Highway 21 Motordrome jacket comes in distressed Antique Black in men’s sizes S-4XL for $289.95.

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Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots Review

October 7, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

I have a few pairs of riding boots that I enjoy for most day-to-day riding, but when I signed up for a class with California Superbike School, I realized none of them were appropriate for a true trackday. I needed something with more protection suited for track-style riding, but I also wanted something comfortable enough to wear on street rides. From the description on the website, it seemed the Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots would fit the ticket.

The Stella SMX-6 V2 motorcycle boots includes many protective features that provide support, utility, and peace of mind. The upper is constructed from advanced microfiber for abrasion resistance. When pulling the boots out of the box, I first noticed their TPU-injected shin guards. Occasionally my foot will slip off one of the pegs and knock my shins into controls, so I was happy to have protection in this key area.

The boots also include shift pads to protect the material from frequent contact with the shifter, and the sliders on the outside toe are replaceable. The toe box provides added protection, as does the hard heel cup. There’s also a TPU lateral ankle brace for structural integrity and to prevent the ankle from moving in ways it’s not supposed to. There’s an additional ankle protector inside as well.

With all these protective pieces, it’s easy to imagine these boots might not provide enough flexibility for comfort. Alpinestars solves that problem with accordion-style flex zones above the heel and across the front. This construction allows the boots to flex enough to offer freedom of movement while the protective parts restrict the rider’s feet and ankles from moving too far or in unnatural directions.

The boots feature a wide and long hook-and-loop fastener with a zipper under the hook-and-loop flap for getting into and out of them. Given how wide the boots open, it’s quick and easy to slide my feet in or out when needed. While wearing them, the hook-and-loop has held up well and never feels as if it’s pulling apart while riding or walking.

The boots also feature a compound rubber sole with an intricate tread pattern that kept my feet from slipping off the pegs while riding and provided enough grip to easily walk around in the paddock.

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

These Stella SMX-6 V2 boots were a great choice for someone like me who wants top-level protection and capability for occasional trackdays while maintaining comfort and flexibility for street rides. After my day at California Superbike School, I was plenty tired and sore, but my feet and ankles were not. As I’d hoped when ordering them, the boots are comfortable enough to make for good street-riding footwear as well.

The Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Boots are available in women’s sizes 36-43. Alpinestars also offers a vented version and men’s SMX-6 V2 boots.

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Rev’It Xena 4 Ladies Two-Piece Motorcycle Suit Review

October 4, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Rev'It Xena 4 Womens Motorcycle Suit — We review the Rev’It Xena 4 Two-Piece Motorcycle Suit during the Level I class of California Superbike School. Photo by EtechPhoto.com.

Before heading to the track for the Level I class of California Superbike School, I began my search for a leather motorcycle suit. The school would have some for rent, but my small size meant it was unlikely the school would have a suit to fit me. Instead, I found Rev’It’s Xena 4 Ladies suits.

Rev'It Xena 4 Womens Motorcycle Suit Jacket

Rev’It’s Xena 4 Ladies line includes a one-piece suit, a one-piece Pro option, a two-piece jacket-and-pants combo, and a two-piece Pro set. Although the one-piece versions were tempting, I wanted to be able to wear the jacket separately on street rides, so I opted for a two-piece. I also chose the standard version rather than the Pro, which includes a back hump and other features, again hoping it would be a more versatile choice for both track and street riding. To complete the ensemble, I also ordered some Xena 4 Ladies gloves.

Rev'It Xena 4 Womens Motorcycle Suit Pants

The Rev’It Xena 4 Ladies suits are the fourth generation of the Xena line, meaning Rev’It has had plenty of time and experience to perfect them. The outer shell of the jacket is made of synthetic leather, cowhide, and neoprene, and it includes a detachable thermal body warmer and a soft collar for comfort. The pants are made of synthetic leather, cowhide, nubuck, and polyester, with a mesh lining. The jacket and pants zip together at the waist.

These two pieces come with CE Level 2 armor for the spine, elbows, shoulders, knees, and hips. For additional safety, both pieces include safety seams in areas of increased impact risk so that the shell holds together even if the outer seam is torn. Ventilation comes in the form of perforations at the upper arms, upper back, upper front, and upper legs.

The gloves are made of 3D air mesh, cowhide, goatskin leather, and neoprene, with a moisture-wicking tri-fleece liner. They include added stretch panels in key areas to allow hands to move freely and reach for levers. They also feature a double-cuff closure and an adjustment strap at the wrist.

During my track day at California Superbike School, I noticed I wasn’t thinking about my gear at all while on track – a sign that everything was working just as it should. The two-piece suit provided enough stretch to allow movement without being baggy or cumbersome, and the perforations provided enough ventilation to keep me comfortable while riding. The gloves’ two-way closures and adjustment straps allowed for easy removal and kept the gloves secure on my hands while riding.

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

For my needs, the Xena 4 Ladies jacket and pants combo with gloves was the right choice. This gear has provided me with a solid set of leathers for track days along with the versatility to use the gear on street rides.

The Rev’It Xena 4 Ladies jacket ($499.99) and pants ($469.99) are available in sizes 34-36, with the pants having lengths in short, standard, or long. The gloves are available in sizes XXS-XL for $199.99.

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LD Comfort Lite Motorcycle Base Layer Review

September 25, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

For most of my motorcycling career, I wore good ol’ cotton underwear and T-shirts on every ride. That is, until I met Mario Winkleman, proprietor of LD Comfort, at the BMW-MOA’s 2016 national rally in Hamburg, New York.

Winkleman explained to me that all these years, I had been suffering needlessly in the heat because of the cotton, and that his base layers would change my entire riding experience. To say I was skeptical would be a gross understatement, but some Iron Butt friends assured me that, indeed, “I didn’t know what I didn’t know.”

LD Comfort’s synthetic base layers are constructed of a proprietary four-way stretch anti-microbial fabric, which is comprised of 63% nylon, 23% polyester, and 12% lycra. This fabric combo draws sweat up and away from the rider’s skin and hugs the body’s contours for added support. But the main benefit of these garments is the cooling feature.

Although it sounds counterintuitive at first, they’re most effective when doused in water and worn underneath a non-mesh jacket with the vents closed. To use them properly, the rider puts on the base layers under the jacket and pours water down the sleeves and into the neck area. Letting a minimal amount of air in with only the sleeve venting allows the water to slowly evaporate, cooling the air surrounding the rider. The company claims up to a 30-degree differential between the air temperature outside and inside the rider’s jacket.

Dubious? Winkleman analogized this operation to a car running air conditioning on a hot summer day. Opening the car’s windows only allows all the cooled air to escape. The same happens here when using a free-flowing mesh jacket or opening all of the vents on a non-mesh jacket. Heavy airflow only ensures that the water will evaporate too quickly, leaving the rider hot again in short order. As insane as it sounds to wear a heavier jacket with vents closed on a 100-degree day, it works! I have been a strong believer in LD Comfort since that initial test in 2016.

Now, the company is introducing a Lite version of their traditional top base layers. The idea behind the Lite line is to offer a slightly lighter garment which is useful in a narrower operating temperature range. The lighter fabric doesn’t hold as much water for the hottest weather, and isn’t as thick for cold weather riding – but as its name implies, it’s thinner and slightly more comfortable to wear long distances.

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

I’ve been testing out the Lite Long Sleeve Mock Turtleneck this summer, and whereas the standard garments are good for any temperature a sane rider would venture out in, the Lite is ideal between 65-90 degrees. Below 65 degrees, the added thickness of the standard line serves as insulation, keeping the rider warmer. Above 90 degrees, the standard line holds a higher quantity of water, allowing the garment to keep the rider cooler for a longer period of time.

Either way, to ride wearing LD Comfort motorcycle base layers is to understand why they’re such a popular commodity with the Iron Butt crowd. This top has an MSRP of $74 and is American-made.

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2024 Fall Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide

September 24, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Fall Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide 2024 — Our Fall Buyers Guide has motorcycle gear to help you enjoy riding in the fall season. Photo by Kenneth W. Dahse.

While falling orange leaves signal the approaching end of summer and shorter days, the fall season also offers fantastic riding. With the summer heat subsiding, a moto camping trip with friends or a crisp weekend ride is just what the doctor ordered.

Our Fall Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide includes products that’ll help you make the most of the fall season, including apparel, tires, gadgets, and more. The companies listed here support Rider and help us keep the lights on, and you can pay that forward by supporting them.

Treat yourself to something new, call up your riding friends, and hit the road. We’ll see you out there!

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Barnett Hydraulic Brake and Clutch Lines

Fall Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide 2024 Barnett Brake and Clutch Lines

Founded in 1948, Barnett Tool and Engineering remains family owned and operated, and its high-quality clutches and control cables are made in the USA. Its hydraulic brake and clutch lines are designed to match Barnett cables and are available in Classic Stainless braid, Platinum Series bright silver, Black with chrome fittings, or Stealth black-on-black. The brake and clutch lines are available in stock or custom lengths to fit American-made Harley-Davidson and Indian models as well as metric models, and ABS lines are also available.

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Brake Free Helmet Light

Fall Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide 2024 Brake Free

The Brake Free helmet light solves a problem common to motorcyclists – a lack of visibility to other motorists. The system is an ultra-light, small, wireless brake light that easily mounts to most helmets. The device’s built-in sensor-based technology detects when you slow down using gyrometers and accelerometers and activates the light. There’s no need to splice wires or download an app to use the device: simply stick on the universal helmet mount, attach the device, and ride. Available in black or white for $169.99.

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Dunlop Roadsmart IV Tires

Fall Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide 2024 Dunlop Roadsmart IV

Compared to the Roadsmart III, Dunlop’s Roadsmart IV sport-touring tires are claimed to improve mileage by 23% for the front and 26% for the rear and provide 15% lighter steering on turn-in. The new compound has Hi Silica X and Fine Carbon technology for grip and stopping performance in wet conditions, and a new sidewall construction improves handling. The rear tire features Multi Tread Technology, which allows the center compound to last longer, while compounds on the shoulders provide better grip. They have a ZR speed rating and start at $227.95.

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EagleRider Rentals and Tours

Fall Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide 2024 EagleRider

EagleRider, the world’s largest motorcycle rental and tour company, offers new Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, BMW, Honda, Indian, and other brands for rent. All motorcycles are maintained to meet strict factory standards for a fun, safe, and affordable riding experience. EagleRider operates from more than 200 worldwide locations, leads over 100 guided and self-guided motorcycle tours (including Route 66 and the Wild West), and offers convenient one-way rentals, luggage storage, free parking, free use of helmets, generous Club EagleRider membership benefits, and more.

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Feuling Parts BA Air Cleaner Kit

Fall Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide 2024 Feuling Parts BA Air Cleaner

This air-cleaner kit for Harley-Davidson Dyna (1999-2017), Softail (2000-2015), and Touring (1999-2007) models lengthens the intake runners and increases air velocity, delivering added volume for balanced dynamic flow. It features a billet-aluminum velocity stack, a reusable air filter, and a one-piece billet cage. The kit’s one-piece design creates a clean look and allows for easy installation. It’s set up with OEM-style cylinder-head breathing, routing into the intake with optimized vent hole locations to meet emissions standards. Available for $659.95. 

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SMK Gullwing Supertour

This modular helmet features P/J homologation for use in both open and closed positions. The Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic shell has an abrasion-resistant finish, the interior comfort liner is anti-static and moisture-wicking, fit is intermediate oval, and crown, chin, and rear vents provide ventilation. The faceshield is double-pane, extra-wide, and Pinlock-ready. It also features a retractable sunshield, wind stops, a breath deflector, and a quick-release chinstrap. Available in sizes S-4XL in the new Supertour graphic design starting at $169.99.

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Monimoto 9 GPS Tracker

This GPS tracker allows you to keep tabs on your motorcycle at all times and will alert your phone if any movement is detected while you’re away from the bike. The device, placed on the bike in a discrete location, connects to the included key fob. The device is deactivated when the key fob is nearby, but when the key fob moves away from the bike, the device automatically arms and will send alerts and its GPS position to your phone if movement is detected. It’s available for $169 and includes two months of SIM service. The subscription rate thereafter is $49 per year.

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River Road Ironclad Leather Jacket

This classic-styled medium-weight leather jacket features a soft poly taffeta liner, articulated curved sleeves, a gusset action back, and two-way CF zippers. The removable full-sleeve liner is quilted and insulated for warmth in colder months, and the snap adjusters at the waist allow for a customized fit. The jacket includes a left chest zippered exterior pocket, a zippered interior pocket, and two zippered handwarmer pockets. Available in black in men’s and women’s sizes. Visit your local Tucker Powersports dealer for pricing.

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Spectro Heavy Duty Golden Synthetic Oil

Spectro’s new Heavy Duty Golden Synthetic SAE 20W50 oil offers performance, protection, and reliability for V-Twins. Top-tier, highly refined hydrocracked group-3 base oils are combined with the most advanced anti-wear additive packs to reduce wear, extend component life, and eliminate valve sticking. This synthetic engine oil reduces friction, offers tremendous lubrication, and provides superior protection in extreme heat conditions, especially for air-cooled Harley-Davidson and Indian engines. It meets all OEM warranty requirements.

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Cardo Packtalk Pro

This communicator not only allows speaking with riders/passengers, taking phone calls, and streaming music, it also includes a new IMU that enables built-in crash detection that can send an emergency notice in the event of a crash. This new comms device uses Gen 2 Dynamic Mesh that can pair several riders on a single Bluetooth channel, its speakers are 45mm JBL, and its Natural Voice software allows voice-activated operation. The Packtalk Pro is fully waterproof at up to three feet of depth, and the rechargeable battery can last up to 13 hours. Available for $459.

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Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour/Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag Review | Gear

September 16, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour and Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag — Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour (left) and Lite (right) Trunk Bags

Like the Shoei Neotec 3 modular helmet, we subjected the Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour Motorcycle Trunk Bag and smaller Traveler Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag to a nine-day, 4,200-mile torture test.

Both bags are part of Nelson-Rigg’s Route 1 line of cruiser luggage. The Traveler Tour Motorcycle Trunk Bag that I tested holds 63 liters (expandable to 73.5 liters), and the Traveler Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag tested by my wingman Eric Birns holds 35 liters.

The main difference between the two bags is size. Both are made of durable UltraMax fabric, which has a lifetime warranty against fading from sun exposure, and their rigid construction maintains shape even when empty. They have lockable zippers, mesh pockets inside the lid and main compartment, carry handles, reflective piping, and adjustable quick-release straps at each corner for securing them to the bike. The larger Tour bag also has three zippered outer pockets and a 360-degree expansion zipper.

The Nelson-Rigg Traveler Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag holds 35 liters.

We loaded the bags with gear and mounted them on two Harley-Davidson touring bikes. Eric mounted the Lite bag on the luggage rack atop our Road Glide’s chopped Tour-Pak. I mounted the Tour bag in two positions on our Street Glide: during two 700-mile days on the interstate, I put it on the passenger seat, which kept the bag out of the wind and provided a backrest; for the rest of the trip, I mounted it on the luggage rack like Eric did, which is its typical mounting location.

Once mounted, the bags provided easy access to essentials like extra layers, rainsuits, and snacks, and the mesh pockets under the lid were ideal for maps, extra gloves, and other smaller items. The bags are lined with light gray fabric that makes it easy to see the contents. The Tour bag is large enough to hold two full-face helmets, and the Lite will hold one.

See all of Rider‘s luggage reviews here

When we got to our hotel each night, we’d simply undo the four quick-release buckles and carry the bags inside. In the morning, we’d place the bags on the luggage racks, connect the buckles, and then adjust the straps as needed. It was an easy, convenient routine. And regardless of riding conditions – high speeds on the interstate in crosswinds, aggressive cornering with the bikes tossed from side to side, etc. – the bags stayed in place and our gear remained secure.

Both bags come with waterproof covers, which we used during a heavy downpour on our last day. Pro tip: Even though the rain covers have an elastic hem at the bottom, make sure to thread the mounting straps through the holes in each corner of the cover. I put the cover on in a rush and failed to do that, and it nearly blew off on Interstate 15. (If you make that mistake, a replacement rain cover is $19.95.)

These are high-quality, stylish bags that look good on any touring bike, regardless of make or model. The Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour Motorcycle Trunk Bag (NR-300) retails for $259.95, and the Traveler Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag (NR-250) retails for $169.95.

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The post Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour/Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag Review | Gear appeared first on Rider Magazine.

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Joe Rocket Anthem Motorcycle Jeans Review | Gear

August 19, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

I’ve owned a pair of Joe Rocket Anthem motorcycle jeans for about a year now. Of the various types of motorcycle jeans I’ve worn, these are my favorite by far because they check all the right boxes: comfort, protection, and style.

The Anthem jeans are constructed of 12-ounce heavy-duty stretch denim. They have a comfortable fit, and I like that the bottoms flare enough to fit over motorcycle boots without interference, so there’s no tightness or tugging when moving my legs around.

Protection comes from panels of aramid fiber that line the front and back down past knee level, as well as CE Level 2 knee and hip armor with two-stage adjustable height for the knee armor via hook-and-loop closures. The knee armor pockets are one of my favorite features of the Anthems. I don’t mind wearing a pair of jeans a few times before washing them, but when it comes time, I don’t want to fight to get the knee armor out or back in.

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Most motorcycle jeans have knee pocket access inside the pant legs, which typically requires pulling the pants inside out to deal with the armor. The Anthem jeans take the prize, with zipper pockets running down the outside seam that make removal and reinsertion a simple affair, not only for washing but also for taking the armor out when walking around off the bike. For those worried about the armor pockets ruining the jeans aesthetic, they blend right in with the seam, and the zipper is small and subtle enough that you don’t notice it unless you’re looking for it.

The only thing that cramps the style a bit is the Full Flex stretch panel at the back yoke (the area above the back pockets and below the belt line). This does what it’s supposed to do – provide greater flexibility while in the riding position without exposing your butt crack to travelers behind you – but it looks a little funny when you’re off the bike. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: Just don’t be “that guy” who tucks his black T-shirt into his jeans, and the stretch panel will be hidden.

Considering their comfort, protection, style, and convenient knee-armor removal, plus a reasonable price of $149.95, Joe Rocket Anthem jeans are worthy of consideration. They’re available in classic blue denim with both regular (30- to 40-inch waist) and short inseams (30- to 38-inch waist).

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The post Joe Rocket Anthem Motorcycle Jeans Review | Gear appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Nelson-Rigg Traveler Tour/Lite Motorcycle Trunk Bag Review | Gear

Joe Rocket Anthem Motorcycle Jeans Review | Gear

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