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Warm and Safe Dual Remote Control Mounted Heat-Troller Review | Gear

January 17, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

The Warm & Safe Dual Remote Control Mounted Heat-Troller provides riders with the ability to power and control two pieces of heated motorcycle gear separately. Remote versions are available, but this item is permanently mounted to the motorcycle for a cleaner interface and superior ergonomics since the controls are fixed in place.

The overall system consists of the Heat-Troller module, the remote receiver, and two fused wiring harnesses to connect the module and receiver to power. Installation is very straightforward: Simply use one of the fused wiring harnesses to connect the Heat-Troller module to switched power and the other harness to run power from the battery directly to the remote receiver.

On my BMW R 1250 RT test mule, I mounted the Heat-Troller module underneath a fairing panel. This method of connecting the module to the harness (as opposed to hardwiring it in) allows the fairing panel to be easily removed for service when necessary – an added plus! Finally, a pair of sealed temperature control knobs with LEDs (which are hardwired into the Heat-Troller module) are then affixed in a convenient location, such as the blank panels on my RT’s dash area.

Once installed, the only visible parts are the two temp control knobs and their corresponding LEDs, which provide visual indication for On, Off, and Polarity for your heated motorcycle gear. The knobs themselves have a tactile detent for On/Off and 300-degree rotation, so the rider can adjust from 3% to 100% power. The system can handle up to 15 amps at 13 volts, which is more than adequate to handle the typical heated jacket liner and glove combo at full blast. The device works from 7-16 volts and features internal resets for overloads and/or shorts.

On this device, the Heat-Troller module communicates wirelessly with the remote receiver, which is placed inside the jacket liner’s pocket. (The module and receiver arrive already paired up from the factory.) It is the receiver that makes the connection between the motorcycle’s battery and the input connections on the heated motorcycle gear via the power harness. This model has dual outputs, meaning two separate pieces of heated gear can be powered independently. Single output versions are also available.

I tested the Dual Remote Control Mounted Heat-Troller with a variety of heated motorcycle gear in my collection, including Warm & Safe’s Generation 4 heated jacket liner, an older Warm & Safe Generation 3 liner, an original Gerbing’s liner that’s 20-plus years old, a 10-year-old Gerbing’s Microwire liner, and a selection of gloves from Warm & Safe, Gerbing’s, California Heat, and others. It functioned flawlessly with everything I tested, and the compact receiver was easily stored in the left front pockets of all liners tested. There’s no reason why this Heat-Troller shouldn’t also work with almost any other brand of heated gear.

The Warm & Safe Dual Remote Control Mounted Heat-Troller has an MSRP of $169.90 and is covered by a three-year warranty.

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Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket and Pants Review | Gear

January 17, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

After breaking in the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket and Pants at the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition press launch in South Africa, I’ve continued wearing it for the past year in Southern California. This two-piece suit is unique in that the rain liner can be worn over the top of the jacket and pants, preventing the need to strip off riding gear to insert inner rain liners whenever I run into a patch of rain, and I no longer have to pack a separate rain suit in my tailbag.

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket

The Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket has a lightweight 600-denier main shell construction with a reinforced two-layer 450-denier hard outer shell for enhanced durability with 600-denier woven reinforcements in key areas of the jacket, making it flexible in the right areas and strongest where you most need it. 

I am 5-foot-11 and 180 lb, and the size large fits me well. The jacket comes with adjustment points to provide the best fit. Arm and waist straps can be tightened or loosened, and the sliding neck clasp is a great new feature for what I’d have to say is one of the nicest fitting collars out there. The collar can instantly adjust depending on your movement or if you’re wearing a neck gaiter or balaclava, preventing any neck chaffing. The jacket also has stretch inserts around the armpits for enhanced fit and better range of movement. Pre-curved sleeves that follow the shape of the arm deliver superior range of movement whilst in the riding position.

The ventilation on the Bogota Pro Drystar jacket is superb with two large panels on the chest chest, two waterproof zips each side of each vent, and Velcro holding the top firmly in place for when you need to keep warm.

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket Grey/Yellow — Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket in Ice Gray/Dark Gray/Yellow Fluro

The back of the jacket also opens up in the same way and allows the rider to tuck away about 70% of the back of the jacket for maximum air flow. You’ll still get the usual sweaty back as there is a CE Level 2 back protector in there, but air flows through this jacket beautifully. The jacket also comes with Level 2 Nucleon Flex Pro shoulder and elbow armor. There’s also an air vent running from the cuff to above the elbows that can be opened and closed via the waterproof zippers. I’ve ridden across the desert with all vents fully open and there is loads of air flow.

As for storage on the jacket, a large rear pocket will hold the inner liner rolled up and has a Velcro seal. On the front are four accessible pockets. The outer pocket is clasped with press stands, and there are two pockets accessed via zips directly behind them. There are two internal chest pockets, an internal waterproof document pocket, and two more inner pockets on the liner for your most valuable items. 

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Pants

The Bogota Pro Drystar Pant has a ripstop and 450-denier coated hard shell with 600-denier reinforcements for additional durability in key areas. CE Level 2 knee armor and bio flex hip armor are standard.

The internal rain liner again can be worn both in or over the pants themselves. The liner is attached by a simple press stud loop system around the waist and at the ankles. The pants, like the jacket, have been treated with durable water repellent for additional weather protection. They have two hand pockets that zip closed for security and two wide ventilation panels similar to those on the jacket on the thigh area of the pants. Zips on each side and Velcro across the top secure these in place, and when needed, the panels can be rolled down into the pocket to expose most of the thigh. Opening these panels lets in a nice amount of air while standing but weren’t as effective while sitting.

The Bogota Pro Drystar Pants have built in suspenders to help keep them up. However, they are a European fit. I have a 34-inch waist, and I needed an XL adjusted in at the waist since the Large was just too tight. The pants and jacket can be zipped together to ensure you get the best wind and rain protection. There is plenty of space for your boots with some calf adjustment and the zipper gussets, and a Velcro cuff at the base of the leg allow for ADV or MX style boots.  

Overall, the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket and Pants is a comfortable set of three-season gear that’s not at all heavy and offers plenty of movement and protection. You could almost get away with the jacket as a four-season jacket but not the pants. Pricing is $419.95 for the jacket and $299.95 for the pants. The jacket is available in four color options (Ice Gray/Dark Gray/Yellow Fluro, Ventiver Military Olive, Dark Blue/Black/Bright Red, and Black/Black), and the pants are available in two color options (Black/Black and Ice Gray/Dark Gray/Yellow Fluro). 

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Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet Review | Gear

January 13, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to test many helmets over the years, but the Forcite MK1S smart helmet stands out. After using it for a month, I’m thrilled to share my review. 

Forcite Helmet Systems, founded by Alfred Boyadgis, is an Australia-based technology company that has developed the world’s first certified smart motorcycle helmet. The company’s flagship product – the Forcite MK1S smart helmet – enhances the riding experience by integrating sensor technology and Forcite Command software. The helmet features a 4K camera, AI-powered voice control, augmented-reality navigation, and high-quality audio capabilities.

Comfort and Design | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet

I found the Forcite MK1S offers a good level of comfort, thanks to its very light design (3.3-3.7 lb, depending on size), well-padded 3D-foam interior, and six vents for managing airflow. The helmet fits snugly without feeling too tight or restrictive, which is crucial for long rides. There are some positioning issues with the cheek pads that could be more refined in their shape and support while riding. The MK1S runs slightly small, so you might want to consider going up a size when purchasing.

Forecite MK1S Modular Motorcycle Helmet Review

The helmet exhibits good craftsmanship. The shell is made of T-400 carbon fiber that balances durability and weight, and its aerodynamic shape also reduces wind resistance. However, interior noise is louder than what one would expect from a premium helmet. The MK1S is available in glossy or matte scratch-resistant finishes, which helps it maintain its aesthetic appeal even after extensive use.

The faceshield has a quick-release design, locks closed for high-speed use, and is prepared for the Pinlock MaxVision 120 anti-fog insert.

Features and Control Systems | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet

This helmet is packed with features, and the controls are intuitive and accessible, even with gloves on. However, the AI-powered voice command feature could use some improvement as I occasionally struggled to understand commands in noisy environments. Understand that for this feature to work, the Forcite smartphone app and Bluetooth controller pod (included with a mounting kit) must be used. The app is easy to load up and navigate, but it is not as sophisticated as some other navigation systems.   

Using the Bluetooth controller has been an interesting experience. It’s easy to use even with gloves on, but I don’t like having to look down at the pod to change volume, advance a song, or accept an incoming call.

Battery Life and Charging | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet

The helmet’s battery life is decent, lasting around 4-5 hours on a single charge with moderate use. Charging is via a USB-C port, and it takes around 3-4 hours for a full charge. One thing I noticed is that the charging cord for the helmet is the only one that works properly. I tried a few other cords I had laying around, and they were inconsistent with charging time, if they worked at all.

Video Quality | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet

As far as the 4K video camera goes, I wouldn’t rely on it to be a YouTube Vlogger. The camera is good, but my GoPro and Insta360 are much better. Image stabilization is a little shaky, but it does a good job of providing an account of your riding and the surrounding area, so in the sense of having a safety device along with you for your ride, it’s a good solution, since all the equipment you need is build right into the helmet.  

Audio Quality | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet

The built-in speakers offer excellent audio quality, whether for calls, music, or GPS directions. Even at high speeds, the sound remains clear and distortion-free. I installed Forcite’s speaker relocation kit to the helmet, which made a big difference. 

Navigation Consistency and Alerts | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet

The augmented-reality navigation is one of the helmet’s standout features, projecting directional cues just below the visor’s bottom edge for turning, which is a game-changer for route planning, traffic disruptions like construction, and even police presence. The system provided accurate directions, but in some of the areas I rode in, it will announce “rerouting” an annoying number of times. Additionally, the alerts for hazard warnings were sometimes delayed, which can be a potential safety concern.  

Final Impression | Forcite MK1S Smart Helmet

For the most part, the Forcite MK1S is a great looking, lightweight helmet with built-in audio and visual capabilities. Yet it still feels like a working prototype – successful yet still in need of refinement to meet expectations for a premium helmet.  

If I could do it over again, would I still buy this helmet or wait for the next generation? That’s easy: Yes! I’m a tech fan and an early adopter. For the very same reason I still have an old Skully helmet in my garage, I would buy upgrades and new models of Forcite helmets. For now, I’ll enjoy using it and joining discussion on their website and social media pages, trying to help bring this helmet to the point of realizing the brand’s goal of reshaping the future of motorcycling. Isn’t that what our community is about anyway?

The Forcite M1KS retails for $1,099, and it is available on the Forcite website.

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Kemimoto Heated Motorcycle Gear | Review

January 12, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

I’m lucky enough to live in a part of Tennessee that only gets snowfall once or twice a year and where the roads are ridable practically all year round. However, the temperatures still drop below freezing, making for chilly winter rides. To continue riding throughout the winter, I ordered up a full suite of heated gear from Kemimoto, a company that makes accessories, parts, and gear for motorcycles, UTVs, snowmobiles, marine sports, and other outdoor activities.

Kemimoto Heated Motorcycle Gear Review Jacket/Pants Plug In — An included cable attached to the motorcycle’s battery connects the heated jacket liner and pants liner to power.

I ordered a vest, jacket liner, pants liner, gloves, and socks, all with heating capability. The gloves and socks come with rechargeable batteries, while the jacket and pants liners connect to the motorcycle’s battery with the included cable. The vest does not come with a battery included and doesn’t connect to the motorcycle’s battery, so I used a rechargeable battery with USB ports that I already had.

Kemimoto Heated Motorcycle Gear Review Vest — The heated vest doesn’t include a battery, so you’ll need your own battery that will accept the vest’s USB cable located in the left pocket.

Kemimoto Heated Motorcycle Gear Review Gloves — The white circle on the back of the gloves is a button. Hold for three seconds to turn power on or off, and press once to cycle through the three heat settings.

Hooking up the included cable to my motorcycle’s battery for the jacket and pants liners was easy. The cable comes with four fuses to work with different battery power ratings, as well as an adapter to split power between the jacket and pants. Most often, wearing the vest with a rechargeable battery under my riding jacket was enough to keep me warm, but it’s nice to have the heated jacket liner if it gets really cold. However, since the jacket is a bit big on me, it’s cumbersome to stuff under my protective riding jacket. The vest is also big for me but not as difficult to slide a jacket over. I recommend looking at the sizing guidelines on Kemimoto’s website and perhaps buying a size smaller than usual.

It takes some time to plug everything in and turn on each piece of heated gear to my desired temperature (each piece has three heat levels). Having heated gear is a game-changer and transforms my rides from barely tolerable to perfectly cozy. The jacket liner, vest, and pants liner also allow independent adjustment of different heating zones. The socks also come with a handy keychain remote fob that allows me to adjust the heat level without having to dig through my gear to get to the socks.

Kemimoto Heated Motorcycle Gear Review Socks — The batteries for Kemimoto’s heated socks slide into pockets and can be turned on or off from a remote key fob.

From full charge on the highest heat setting, the rechargeable batteries in the socks and gloves lasted about 3-4 hours, so if you plan to ride for longer than that before charging, backup batteries are a must. With the heat level on the lowest setting, the batteries lasted about 6.5 hours. The battery life for the heated vest will depend on the capacity of the battery you use. The jacket and pants liners get warm almost immediately, and the rest of the gear only takes about five minutes to fully heat up.

Kemimoto Heated Motorcycle Gear Review Jacket Heat Lights — The jacket liner has three heat zones that can be adjusted independently. The vest and pants liner also allow independent adjustment of different zones.

My only gripe with this heated motorcycle gear is that the colors indicating the heat level on each garment are not consistent. Each one uses a red light to indicate that the heat is at the highest level. For the two lower levels, the color of light is either blue, green, or white. On the gloves, jacket liner, and pants liner, blue is medium, and green is low. The socks are the opposite, with green being medium and blue being low. And on the vest, white is medium, and blue is low. The inconsistent light color does not affect the gear’s performance, but it does create some confusion when trying to determine what level of heat the gear is set to.

Kemimoto Heated Motorcycle Gear Review Jacket — The power buttons have lights to indicate the heat level each part of the gear is set to, but the colors are inconsistent across the range of gear. For the jacket liner, gradient red/white means that the jacket is preheating. Red means full heat, blue means medium heat, and green is low heat.

This heated motorcycle gear has allowed me to have a comfortable riding experience during times when I either wouldn’t have ridden at all or would’ve been very cold. Now I can ride year-round while my friends and neighbors grumble about having to park their bikes for the winter.

The Kemimoto heated jacket liner is available for $129.99, the pants liner is $109.99, the vest is $69.99, the gloves are $119.99, and the socks are $49.99. Kemimoto also offers other heated gear suitable for motorcyclists, including a new voice-controlled heated vest. All of this gear is available for purchase on the Kemimoto website.

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BMW Handlebar Risers from Wunderlich for the R 1200/1250 RT | Gear Review

January 11, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Wunderlich BMW handlebar risers — The BMW handlebar risers from Wunderlich raise the handlebar height 1.57 inches.

BMW R 1200/1250 RT sport-tourers, for all their stellar attributes, arrive from the factory with a cramped cockpit, even for height-challenged riders like me. Wunderlich’s BMW Handlebar Risers for water-cooled 2014-current RTs allow the rider to raise the baseline handlebar positioning by 1.57 inches, offering superior ergonomics to riders who prefer higher bars.

The kit arrives with everything required for installation, including the puller tool required to remove the handlebar from its stock position. First, gather your T8, T15, T30, T40, and T50 Torx bits, as well as a small flathead screwdriver, a 13mm wrench or socket, and a torque wrench. A 17-step installation procedure is included with the kit, but Wunderlich’s 20-minute video on the product website is much more useful for the DIYer.

To begin, remove the bar-end weights with the T45 Torx, and then remove the four T30 Torx holding the clutch and brake master cylinders on the handlebars. From there, a series of small Torx screws and tabs which hold the switch control housings in place are removed, the cable connectors are disconnected, and the housings are taken off the handlebar. The handlebar is now exposed and ready for removal via T50 Torx and the included puller tool, which requires the 13mm socket or wrench.

The Wunderlich BMW handlebar risers are then installed in the bar’s former position, and the handlebar is reinstalled onto the risers. To fit inside the risers, the paint needs to be sanded off the 0.5-inch leading edge of the handlebar. I used a bench grinder with a wire wheel attachment, which worked perfectly in under five minutes. Finally, the master cylinders and the switch housings are reassembled back onto the handlebar in reverse order.

Out on the road, it’s apparent that these German-made risers, which are machined out of solid aluminum and anodized to match the OEM finish, are of high quality. The risers themselves rotate on the handlebar, allowing an added measure of fine tuning. The addition of these risers, especially in conjunction with footpeg lowering kits (such as one from Suburban Machinery), allow the rider to really stretch out and sit inside the cockpit rather than on the motorcycle. Taller riders especially will be much more comfortable with this setup as opposed to stock. MSRP for the Wunderlich #31040201 Handlebar Risers is $374.95.

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Joe Rocket Turbulent Motorcycle Jacket | Gear Review

January 8, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Joe Rocket Turbulent motorcycle jacket 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S — Our associate editor sports the Joe Rocket Turbulent motorcycle jacket at the launch for the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S.

As motorcycle gear technology evolves and improves, a lot of riding gear has become hyper-specific for a certain type of riding or certain weather conditions. We can’t all have a different motorcycle jacket for every day of the month, and the Joe Rocket Turbulent Jacket provides good adjustability, fit, and protection for most everyday riding.

The Turbulent has a water-resistant Rock Tex outer shell, which feels tough and rugged. I’ve been wearing this jacket for a few months now, and the outer shell still holds its shape. Included is CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows, plus removable spine armor. The shoulder and elbow armor is easy to access from exterior zippered pockets, meaning you don’t have to burrow up inside of the sleeves if you want to remove the armor to wash the jacket.

The Turbulent’s full-sleeved insulated liner provides good warmth for cooler rides, is less bulky than layering a sweatshirt under my riding jacket, and is easily removable via interior zippers and snaps inside the sleeves. For those days when it’s cool in the morning but warm by the afternoon, I’ll start out with the liner and later remove it and stow it in the jacket’s large lower-back pocket.

When the temperatures continue to rise, the Variable Flow ventilation system allows for nice airflow. There are zippered vents on the sleeves and on both sides of the back that can be opened to let streams of cooling air flow through the jacket.

The Turbulent jacket comes in men’s and women’s versions, and there are some differences in the fit and adjustment between the two. I’ve been wearing the women’s version, and I enjoy its adjustment capability. The Full Flex back expansion panels make the jacket easy to put on or take off. There are also adjustment points at the hips and forearms that allow me to loosen or tighten the jacket as needed.

In addition to the large storage pocket on the back, there are two handwarmer pockets with the zippers tucked from view, an internal chest pocket, and a pocket inside the insulated liner. The Turbulent also comes with an 8-inch zipper for attachment to pants, reflective piping in the front and rear, and a reflective Joe Rocket logo on the shoulder.

I’ve found this jacket to be a great everyday jacket that suits a wide range of needs. The water-resistant outer shell prevents light rain from getting through, the adjustment options allow for a custom fit, and the liner lets me adjust the jacket for temperature changes throughout my ride.

The women’s Turbulent comes in black, blue, gray, hi-viz, and pink in sizes XS-2XL starting at $169.99, while the men’s version comes in black, red, blue, gray, hi-viz, or orange in sizes S-3XL starting at $179.99. The men’s jacket also comes in black up to 5XL and M-3XL Tall.

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Yamaha Ténéré 700 Saddle from Seat Concepts | Gear Review

January 4, 2024 mcnews Leave a comment

Yamaha Ténéré 700 Saddle Seat Concepts — Yamaha Ténéré 700 saddle from Seat Concepts

When it comes to stock motorcycles, the two items that owners are most likely to change – especially those who like to pile on the miles – are the windscreen and the seat. Folks typically want windscreens that offer more protection and seats that offer more comfort. The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is no exception.

We recently published our review of the Yamaha T7, an off-road-focused adventure bike with a long, narrow dirtbike-style seat. The stock seat has two parts: a long rider portion that slopes down from the tank to a low point and then up toward the separate passenger seat. The rider and passenger seats form a uniform surface, but it’s sloped rather than flat and is narrow and firm.

2024 Yamaha Tenere 700 Kevin Wing Photo — The Yamaha Ténéré 700 stock seat (photo by Kevin Wing)

The rider portion height is 34.4 inches. Yamaha makes an accessory low seat ($129.99) that reduces seat height by 0.8 inch, but the lower height is achieved by eliminating much of what is already minimal padding. Yamaha’s accessory rally seat ($219.99) is 1.6 inches taller than stock, and it has a flatter surface and thicker padding. However, both of Yamaha’s accessory seats are just as narrow as the stock seat.

Seeking more comfort, we turned to Seat Concepts, a company based in Idaho that makes replacement seats for adventure and dual-sport bikes. I’ve had a Seat Concepts saddle on my KTM 690 Enduro R for the past five years, and thanks to its extra width under my bum and more supportive foam, I can do 300-mile days without ever thinking about the seat.

For the Yamaha Ténéré 700, Seat Concepts offers 12 different saddles, including Comfort, Comfort Sport Touring, Rally, and Rally Hard Adventure models, most in Standard, Low, and Tall heights with prices ranging from $264.99 to $389.99. Like the saddle on my KTM, the Comfort models are narrow in front where the rider stands over the seat during stops but wider in the back where they sit during normal seated riding.

We opted for the Tall Comfort One-Piece model ($369.99), which is 11 inches wide (1 inch wider than stock) and 35.7 inches tall (1.25 inches taller than stock). There are three cover options, all with faux carbon-fiber sides: Sand Paper Grip Top (our choice), Semi-Grip Top, or Diamante Vinyl Top.

After using the key release to unlock and remove the stock seat, the Seat Concepts saddle clicked perfectly into place, and it has a high-quality look and feel. Even with the grippy top, moving fore and aft is easy to do when wearing riding gear or jeans. The wider seating area spreads the rider’s weight over a larger area, providing a much more comfortable place to sit, yet it isn’t so wide that it interferes with moving back and forth during stand-up riding. The foam is firm yet supportive and holds up well even after long hours in the saddle.

The Seat Concepts saddle is a great addition to the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and will serve as a comfortable perch during our long-term test.

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Shad TR40 Terra Adventure Saddlebags | Gear Review

December 27, 2023 mcnews Leave a comment

When planning our trip to South Dakota to ride the Black Hills BDR-X, we knew we needed good adventure luggage and opted for Shad TR40 Terra Adventure Saddlebags, which are soft bags with a rigid mounting system.

Each TR40 Terra saddlebag has an outer bag made of abrasion-resistant material with reinforced stitching and an inner dry bag, both with roll closures to keep out dust and water. Each side has 32 liters of capacity, holds up to 22 lb, and measures 15.75 x 9.8 x 14.9 inches. One side has an outer fuel/water bottle holder, and the other has a small roll-top accessory bag.

On the back of each saddlebag is a hard plastic mounting plate that is compatible with Shad’s 4P System Mount, which is sold separately and available for a wide range of ADV motorcycles. For Reid’s CFMOTO Ibex 800 T, the 4P mount is $309.99. The only mount Shad offers for Daniel’s Royal Enfield Himalayan is the 3P ($172.99), which has an inverted L-shaped hanger rather than the full loop hanger of the 4P, so the connection with the TR40 backing plate was more flexible, and the bags bounced around a bit more.

Overall, we’ve logged about 3,000 miles on the Ibex 800 T and 1,500 miles on the Himalayan with the TR40 Terra bags, including tough adventure miles on the Black Hills BDR-X. We like the size, shape, and style of the TR40 Terra setup, which keeps gear low and forward on the bike. The 4P mount is sturdy and survived multiple tip-overs. With six Duraflex cam buckles and eight reinforced straps per bag, our gear stayed put and didn’t rattle or slide around. The bag-within-a-bag design and roll-top closures kept water out, even when we used a high-pressure sprayer to clean mud off the bikes after the BDR-X. However, because both bags are black, stuff can get lost in the dark bottom. Also, when the inner dry bag was packed full, it would not slide into or out of the outer bag.

The Double Locking System locks the bag to the 4P mount and locks the outer straps in place to prevent unwanted access. We appreciated being able to lock the bags to the bike, but having to use a key to lock and unlock the outer straps every time we wanted to open the bags was a hassle. Since convenience was more important than security for us, we bypassed the strap lock by trimming the locking tab for the C-ring. We also modified the top straps to allow more adjustability. The locking mechanism that attaches the bags to the 4P mount got jammed up a couple of times from mud and rocks, so keeping them clean and lubricated is important for regular removal and mounting of the saddlebags.

Priced at $578.99 plus the cost of the 4P System Mount (from $222.99 to $343.99), the Shad TR40 Terra Adventure saddlebags are a good value for durable, secure, waterproof luggage.

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Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure Jacket and Pants | Gear Review

December 20, 2023 mcnews Leave a comment

Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket pants — Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket (Sand) pants (Black)

Since the first issue of Rider’s 50th anniversary year, which includes this Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket and pants review in Gear Lab, is making its way to reader mailboxes, I decided to look up the issue in which we published our first Tourmaster product review. In the January 1993 issue – 31 years ago! – former editorial director Bill Stermer reviewed a pair of Tourmaster Grand Tour Elite Gloves.

Tourmaster is one of the in-house apparel brands sold by Helmet House, a distributor founded in 1969 by Bob Miller and Phil Bellomy, who started out selling helmets on weekends at swap meets in Southern California. As our long-time readers know from our many Tourmaster reviews over the years, the brand has a full line of jackets, pants, boots, gloves, heated gear, raingear, luggage, and motorcycle covers designed for touring riders.

Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket Sand — Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket in Sand

The Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket and pants combo is part of the apparel brand’s Horizon Line aimed at ADV riders, but it’s suitable for anyone looking for a versatile set of three-season gear at a reasonable price – MSRP is $239.95 for the jacket and $189.99 for the pants. The outer shell of both garments is made of abrasion-resistant 600-denier polyester and high-flow mesh with 1000-denier honeycomb nylon ripstop reinforcements in high-impact areas. Additional protection comes from removable CE Level 2 armor at the shoulders, elbows, and knees and EVA foam padding at the back and hips, while stretch panels in key locations enhance freedom of movement.

To keep out wind and rain, both garments have lightweight, removable, breathable Reissa liners, and the jacket also has a removable thermal vest liner. Fit adjusters and reflective accents abound, and an 8-inch zipper at the lower back connects the jacket to the pants. ADV and touring riders love pockets, and the Ridgecrest set doesn’t disappoint. On the jacket, there are six on the front, two inside, and two on the back, one of which is a huge cargo pocket that’s a great place to store liners when not in use. The pants have four pockets, and the two jacket liners have a total of three pockets.

Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure pants Sand Grey — Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure pants in Sand/Grey

Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure pants black — Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure pants in Black

The Tourmaster Ridgecrest performed well during the two-day press launch for the new BMW R 1300 GS. On cold mornings and high-elevation mountain rides, the liners blocked the wind and kept me warm. During the exertion of off-road riding, the mesh gear allowed plenty of airflow to shed excess body heat. The jacket and pants were comfortable (the stretch panels were much appreciated) and fit was quite good, though the jacket sleeves were a tad short for my long monkey arms. Check the sizing chart to ensure you order the correct size – the best fit for me was a large jacket and medium pants.

Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket hi-viz — Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket in Hi-Viz

Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket black — Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket in Black

The Tourmaster Ridgecrest Mesh Adventure jacket is available in Black, Hi-Viz, Navy, or Sand, and the pants are available in Black or Sand/Grey. Both items come in a wide variety of sizes, including Short, Tall, and Plus options.

See all of Rider‘s Apparel Reviews here.

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Motorcycle News, News

National Cycle SwitchBlade 2-Up Quick Release Motorcycle Windshield | Gear Review

December 14, 2023 mcnews Leave a comment

When I’m on my cruiser, I like the feel of air passing over me while riding backroads, but in the colder months – or when I’m on the interstate, which has a speed limit of 80 mph where I live – a windshield offers a pleasant reprieve that lets me enjoy other aspects of riding. My wife appreciates it too.

The factory windshield on my 2004 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail was starting to yellow and haze, which can be a serious problem when riding toward the setting sun. It also had some pitting, not to mention a few unsightly scratches from an incident I’m too embarrassed to relate. The scratches weren’t directly in my line of vision, but they were still right up front, detracting from an otherwise nearly flawless 20-year-old bike. So I was excited when I discovered National Cycle made a replacement.

But let’s be clear (pun entirely intended), the SwitchBlade 2-Up Quick Release Windshield is more than just a replacement; it’s a step up. National Cycle has had various SwitchBlades in its lineup – including the shorter Chopped windshield – for about as long as my bike has been around. The 2-Up matches the dimensions of my stock windshield and, as the name implies, provides good wind protection for both rider and passenger.

The 2-Up is constructed of 4mm polycarbonate with National Cycle’s exclusive Quantum hardcoating for scratch resistance. In a Taber abrasion test, the Quantum hardcoating measured 10 times more abrasion resistant than FMR hardcoated polycarbonate and 33 times more than acrylic. National Cycle also claims Quantum offers 2.5 times more UV protection than FMR.

The difference in visibility between my old windshield and the SwitchBlade 2-Up (MSRP $409.95 with a three-year warranty against breakage) was immediately apparent and pleasing. Installation of the hardware ($110.95, sold separately and model-specific) was quick and easy, but I recommend saving your old hardware. The windshield installation directions specify that a “slight flexing” of the shield might be required to get the lower notches on the lower spools, but I couldn’t bend the shield enough before getting blocked by the stock light bar, so I had to use a couple of my old washers for the lower spools. Even then, I had to loosen the top lights on the bar to squeeze the shield over the main nacelle and between the light bar and the fork.

After making these accommodations, the windshield now pops on and off without any problems. I love the completely unencumbered view from behind the handlebar of a cruiser, but the SwitchBlade 2-Up Quick Release Windshield allows me to choose the wind protection when I want it, combined with a crystal-clear view that should last for another 20 years.

See all of Rider‘s Parts & Accessories reviews here.

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The post National Cycle SwitchBlade 2-Up Quick Release Motorcycle Windshield | Gear Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

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