Gifts For Motorcyclists

Yup, the holidays are approaching. Tough time to be giving, so we are passing on a few ways to stretch your dollar with some cool gifts that are in stock now.

Any street rider would love to get an Alpinestars Balaklava for Christmas. Cheap and comforting. They are sold out every where, but we kept a stash of them just for the holidays. In stock.

Our Alpinestars T-Shirt 3 Packs are a dollar-stretching wonder and we also have some hat packs available too.

Right now, the Leatt-Brace is on sale at 10% off.

I heard on the news just yesterday, that statistically men stop buying new underwear when times are tough. Help a dude out with some fresh undies from Alpinestars, the fastest underwear on the planet.

Our TwoWheelSteals site has some deals on Scorpion EXO-400 helmets. A little over $100 gets a loved one a new lid.

Personally, I think one of the nicest gifts a motorcyclist can get is body armor. Motostrano stocks many brands of body armor, including our favorites, TPRO Forcefield and Alpinestars.

Lastly, if you want to go all out, for the special Rossi fan in your life, the AGV GP Tech Rossi Dream helmet is available once again, in very limited quantities. It's also on sale.

Last, but not least, new gloves are always a great gift. Motostrano has a full stock of the Alpinestars GP Plus Gloves in stock.

Motostrano.com - main web store for all the new cool stuff.

Twowheelsteals.com has updated with amazing deals up to 80% off parts and accessories.

Steve Drew Finishes First in Supermoto Unlimited Championship

Rockstar Energy/Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. Team Rider Steve Drew Finishes First in Supermoto Unlimited Championship Points

Sonoma, CA– Rockstar Energy/Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co team rider Steve Drew came in first in overall points for the Supermoto Unlimited group for the 2008 Supermoto Series. The final race, held at Infineon Raceway, gave him the one point he needed to take the championship.

“The whole season led up to this final race and we are so excited for Steve. He rode well all season with a total of 3 wins. This season could not have turned out any better.” said team manager Kenny Watson.

The other Rockstar Energy/H&H Tattoo Supermoto riders also fared well with Travis Marks placing 6th in the race and 5th overall and Doni Wanat placing 7th in the race and 6th overall in the series.

The team would like to thank sponsors: Rockstar Energy Drink, Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co., LeoVince, JST Racing, Motostrano, Honda, Carter Powersports, Sunline, Fox Racing, DVS, All Sport Dynamics, K&N Filters, Pro Honda, Mac Tools, Rooke Customs, SDG, One Industries, Merge Racing, Weekend Warrior, Pro Wheel, OGIO, MXIDsystems.com, ACERBIS, Dunlop, Hinson, QTM, Works Connection

Akrapovic Exhaust, 10 Reasons Why

10 Reasons Why Akrapovic Motorcycle Exhaust

The only way to win is to be the fastest, to be unstoppable, and to be unbeatable in every way. This is the motto of the Akrapovic Company since the very beginning.

1. Only the best materials are used

Three basic materials are used for creating exhaust systems: high grade titanium, stainless steel, and pre impregnated ultra light carbon fiber with high tensile strength and temperature resistance. The titanium compound is a unique formula manufactured under an exclusive contract by a Japanese supplier. It is therefore much stronger and durable than regular titanium on the free market. The titanium used by Akrapovič is stronger and 40% lighter than stainless steel.

2. Use of high technology in a state-of-the-art factory

Hydroforming is a process of forming header tubes using machines that mould metal with pressurized water (from 1,000 to 4,000 bars). The material also does not lose its strength in the process. This is necessary because exhaust fumes flow optimally through the tube only when its form is ideal.

3. In-house development and manufacturing – designed and created in the factory

Because we want to stay flexible and independent of outside suppliers and maintain 100% control over quality, we design and manufacture exhaust systems entirety in house. This also allows us to create exhaust tubes to our own specifications, resulting in maximum performance.

4. In-house development

The R&D department is the heart of the company. The skilled and highly motivated team uses state-of-the-art equipment, including three dynamometers, a 3D scanner and a 3D printer that allows the rapid creation of full-size prototypes from ABS plastic.

5. Involvement in motorcycle racing

Akrapovic works with numerous factory teams and is present in nearly all racing categories. The company boasts a total of 32 World Championship titles!

6. A wealth of experience

Igor Akrapovic’s daring vision of industry supremacy was based on his ingenuity to ad cutting edge technical skills and a desire for perfection to the experience gained on the racetrack as a competitor. The excellence of the brand was also corroborated by the fact that in the late 1990s all Japanese teams in the World Superbike Championship used exhaust systems that bore the Akrapovic logo. The turn of the millennium was also a milestone for the company as it gained visibility and became a reference name for quality exhaust systems. The company also made inroads into other segments of the four stroke internal combustion world, last but not least in high performance automotive industry.

7. Innovation in design

Patented hexagonal shaped mufflers caused a storm in exhaust systems in aftermarket industry. The shape transformed the concept of exhaust systems, as it replaced the standard oval-shaped muffler into a designer product that added an aesthetic value to the motorcycle. According to trends, each motorcycle will in the future carry its own exhaust system design.

8. Meeting the most stringent environmental demands

The Akrapovic exhaust systems for road use meet the most stringent norms for exhaust gas emissions and noise. But we did not stop there! Our new manufacturing facility houses a state-of-the-art laboratory, allowing us to meet the conditions for type approval and certificates.

9. Attention to detail

We use hydroformed conical header tubes for optimal exhaust gas flow. Because inner sleeves, flanges, and header tubes are independent, using floating couplings connected with just a couple of springs, the assembly is quick, while reduced vibrations also puts less stress on the material. Systems that use interference crossover tubes or additional chambers have additional reinforcement in order to reduce the possibility of cracking. Using CNC machined sleeve joints, attached together with silicon shielded springs, the highest possible level of compactness of the entire system and constant contact between the tubes is achieved. The interior of the muffler is made using a sandwich construction of stainless steel mesh and stainless steel wool to ensure longevity of the muffler packing interior that guarantees maximum engine performance. Another special feature of Akrapovic workmanship is TIG welding, which is the only way to guarantee the stiffness, durability, and smoothness of the welds.

10. Technology in combination with passion

Akrapovic employees work with a passion. They are levelheaded, have the know-how and are in constant search for technological perfection, which results in victory. But even they cannot win without cutting edge equipment, which is why the exhaust systems developed and manufactured by Akrapovic have been the staple of champions in recent years. And what is available to world champions is now available to all riders.

Available at Motostrano.com.

Scorpion EXO-700 Solid Neon for better visibility

Lake Forest, CA (November 2008) - Highly visible but not highly priced. Developed in real world conditions with features that will enhance any rider's experience, the Scorpion Neon EXO-700 helmet has established an all-new level of performance for an under-$210 hand-laid, fiberglass Kevlar composite helmet. The Neon colored EXO-700 helmet is offered in sizes extra-small through double extra-large. Combine the Neon helmet with the Scorpion Commander Jacket in Neon to obtain the ultimate in visibility.
The neon color increases rider conspicuity for increased visibility and safety while riding. The EXO-700's remarkable fit and comfort have become a new standard in motorcycle full-faced helmets. From its EverClear® no-fog face shield to its rider tested aerodynamics and breathable, removable and washable KwikWick® liner, the features and construction of the EXO-700 rival much more expensive helmets on the market.
J.D. Power and Associates ranked Scorpion EXO in the top two and three places for the Customer Satisfaction category, out of 40 helmet brands in the United States over the last two years. Scorpion helmets were also $25 below the average price index out of those 40 brands. The Scorpion Neon will be delivering to Scorpion dealers nationwide and Canada soon, stop by to place your pre-order now.

Features of the Scorpion EXO-700 Neon:

* Fiberglass and Kevlar Matrix Shell: Quiet, aero-tuned design for wind-tunnel tested comfort.
* EPS-lined chin bar for additional protection.
* SpeedShift® quick-change shield system: Easy, secure tool-less face shield changes in ten seconds or less.
* EverClear® no-fog face shield: Optically-correct shield with state-of-the-art, thermally bonded, hydrophobic, fog-free technology and anti-scratch hardened coating.
* KwikWick® moisture-wicking helmet liner and cheek pads: Breathable, easily removable and washable.
* Ventilation system: Adjustable, indexed front and rear vents with aero-tuned rear spoiler reduce lift, create vacuum and maximize airflow through helmet.
* Custom liner and cheek pad kits: Available in hot colors and wild patterns.
* Meets both Snell and DOT safety standards.

Available at Motostrano.com

2009 Acerbis Streetfighter Supermoto Parts

2009 products are beginning to trickle down to our parts desk as we speak and it looks like it will be a good year for the alien bike. You might guess, we get a little giddy when cool new parts come out that are better than the old stuff. Acerbis- one of our favorite companies in the aftermarket parts arena, has given us preview and pre-order permissions on some killer items for the naked street bike beast and burly motard.

First up, one of the most out-of-this-world headlight kits we've seen in a while, for less than $150. The Acerbis Vision Headlight looks like the head of an alien made from non-earthly metals. It looks like it should shoot blue metal-piercing lazer beams from each bulb. It comes in six colors and will look mean on any motard. Use it as a tail light too and scare your fellow commuters coming and going.

Next, Acerbis has produced a handguard set-up for street bikes, sport bikes and road going motards. They look slick. Minimalist design. They even feature an optional LED light kit that can be hooked up to turn signals. The Acerbis Dual Road handguards, a morphing of off-road ideas for road duty. They look cool and will be particularly useful to hooligan lane-splitters, bashing through car side view mirrors in a traffic jam near you. Now, now, share the road.

And again for the motardist, Acerbis has come out with a race handguard system that seems to follow the path of Cycra's triple clamp mount set-up. The Acerbis RAM Handguards. Aluminum reinforcements, slim plastic shields and a triple clamp mount option.

We'll keep you posted as more cool new parts come across our desk for 2009. Of course, we've also been busy dumping more and more clearance and close-out stuff in our two wheel parts clearance extravaganza web site, TwoWheelSteals.com.

Supermoto National November 14, 15, 16

Everyone is invited!

In fact if you want to see this sport continue to grow, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! Please tell everyone you know, this is the final two rounds of the 2008 AMA National Supermoto Championship. That's right, DOUBLE HEADER, right in our back yard. All the big names and factory teams. PLUS - Amateur racing on Friday, getting to ride on the same track.

I'm reaching gout to each of you to help us make this event what it needs to be. A large turn out is what the sport needs right now, if this event goes well, it WILL happen again!

Ticket prices have been reduced to make it easy and affordable, get them online or at the gate for the same price $10. for Friday $10. for Saturday and $15. for Sunday or $30. for all three days. On site camping is also available thru Infineon Raceway or at the main gate. Amateur promoter pracitce on Thursday, After Party Friday night and the best Supermoto riders in the world racing for Championships Saturday and Sunday.

Come cheer for your favorite Supermoto USA Pro as they do battle at their home track with the Nations top athletes.

Amateurs are encouraged to pre-enter as the post entry price will be more $

NO license is required to race on Friday and Thursday Practice is OPEN to all.

Enter on line @ xtrm.com

tickets @ infineonraceway.com

Supermoto Racer Magazine Changes Name and Makes A Video

Supermoto Racer Magazine, which recently changed its name to, Super Motorcycle Rider & SuperMoto Racer, recently also published a supermoto racing video online. Check it out here:

BP Racing Supermoto

BP RACING YAMAHA'S TYLER O’HARA AND CASEY YARROW WIN SUPERMOTO USA SERIES CHAMPIONSHIPS

BP Racing Yamaha’s Tyler O’Hara won the Supermoto USA Open Expert Championship at the final round held at the San Joaquin Fairgrounds in Stockton California last weekend. He accomplished this by winning five out of eight rounds during the year and by playing it safe in last weekend’s final. His competitors forced him into this line of thinking during Saturday's Open Pro races.

Although Tyler ’s BP Racing Yamaha YZ450F had him on the pole for the Saturday Pro race via his fastest time in practice, his run for the cash was held back in the first turn in both motos. Casey Yarrow riding a BP Racing Yamaha YZ450F was able to fight his way to the front and bring home the money with a second place in the last moto netting him second overall.

Casey won Sunday’s Expert heat giving him the pole, Tyler finished fourth giving him the outside first row. Tyler wanted this starting position; after what had happened to him the day before. With BP Racing’s YZ450 riders controlling the first turn everyone made it through unscathed. Tyler ’s "safe" sixth place finish secured the championship for him. Casey’s "safe" fourth place finish secured his second place finish in the championships.

Earlier in the day,Casey won the 450 Class Series Championship; with a second place finish riding his BP Racing Yamaha YZ450F. Teammate Tyler finished behind him in third.

In the 250 main it was all Casey; riding his BP Racing Yamaha YZ250F to a huge lead; riding wheelies down the front straightaway for his final laps and winning the race by a full straightaway.

See BP Racing Yamaha’s Casey Yarrow and Tyler O’Hara go up against the best at the XTRM AMA PRO SUPERMOTO FINALS NOVEMBER 15-16 AT INFINEON RACEWAY, SONOMA CALIFORNIA

BP Racing would like to thank their sponsors; Yamaha, Super Moto Engineering, Graves Motorsports, Mach 1 Motorsports, Dunlop, Super Plush Suspension, CytoSport, QTM, Dirt Digits, Cometic Gasket, Wiseco Pistons, SuperMotoPhoto.com, Motostrano, Millenium Technologies, East Coast Wheels, and ERC.

New Supermoto Kit From Motostrano

Motostrano has created a new supermoto kit for budget Supermoto riders. The "Bare Bones Supermoto Kit" is for street and occasional track day supermoto riders. The kit uses the Warp9 Supermoto wheels and accompanying brake and sprocket parts along with some AVON distanzia tires and a supermoto fender. For the rider on a budget.

Other kits utilize the popular Excel/Talon Supermoto wheels, or the performance oriented Marchesini Supermoto Wheels.

Motostrano now offers 9 kinds of complete supermoto conversion kits for all types of rider abilities and focuses. Kits are offered for virtually every common supermoto bike for racing and street.

Supermoto conversion kits allow riders to easily convert their moto-crosser into a full blown asphault going Supermoto bike with wheels, street tires, brakes, plastic parts and more. Each Motostrano kit is custom tailored for specific rider needs and a direct bolt on for all bike applications.

View Motostrano's complete Supermoto Conversion Kit line-up.

Suomy Helmets in the USA

I have spoken to a handful of customers lately who call and ask about Suomy helmets and what is going on with them in the USA. Contrary to popular rumor, Suomy helmets continue to be distributed widely in the United States. A few months ago Suomy changed how and who handles the importation of their helmet line in the United States, no longer working with an entity called "Suomy USA", the original importer of the Suomy line-up. Whenever there's a change of guard between manufacturers and distributors of a product, it tends to cause confusion for the consumer, as in this instance.

Suomy helmets are imported strongly in the USA direct from Italy. They are distributed by two main US distributors, one of them being the largest distributor of motorcycle parts in the world, Parts Unlimited. In other words, Suomy is in good company in the USA. Part Unlimited is the same company distributing Alpinestars, AGV, ICON and others.

Suomy Helmets, Suomy spare shields and all Suomy Helmet replacement parts are available at Motostrano.com to the retail consumer.

SIDI Streetburner Boots at Motostrano.com

Short boots, perhaps like short skirts, have never been so popular. Virtually all moto boot makers have a vibrant line of short boots available to the street bike rider, commuter and around-towner. Alpinestars, ICON, Gaerne, Joe Rocket, Shift, all have a lot of short riding boots to choose from.

Among the boots we like most there is the SIDI Streetburner boot. A short boot with an obvious racing pedigree. Like many of the more sport oriented shorter boots, the Streetburner looks like a standard tall booth that's been chopped down.

Sidi says: "SIDI Streetburner Boots! Sidi, continuously researching new technological solutions to enhance rider safety, is proud to present the Streetburner boot. With Sidi's great style, feel, support and quality there are no finer performance off road boots in the world."

The Streetburner looks like a low Vertigo. It has many of the adjustment and replacement features of the Vertigos with a low cut design. There's the external ankle brace system and the "Tecno-II" buckle system for adjustability.
The Burner also has bolt on replaceable, adjustable and aerodynamic nylon scuff pads on the toe as well as a removable arch support.

The Streetburner is intended for street duty. It's a good commuting boot for the sport bike rider, a boot you can take on a leisure/sport weekend ride. Like all shorter boots, the burner has less true ankle support and no shin support.

Worthy competitors to the Steetburner worth looking at are the Alpinestars SMX-2 Boots and the Gaerne Jet Boot.

The SIDI Street Burner, is available at Motostrano.com.

Motostrano Offers International Express Mail Shipping

Motostrano now offers Standard International Express Mail service for our outside the use-based customers looking for a more affordable shipping service for parts, accessories and clothing purchased at Motostrano.com. The new feature allows international customers to save on shipping and brokerage fees using the new International Express Mail service worldwide. Savings average 50% over our standard UPS ship rates.

Atkins 4th in Mettet Belgium, Stars Final

Atkins 4th in Mettet Belgium, Stars Final

This prestigious event was adorned with over 30,000 die hard race fans over the course of 3 days; many of whom traveled from all corners of Europe to witness the worlds best motorcyclists battle it out on the famed Supermoto course. 370 riders from around Europe gathered here hoping for the chance to race with the worlds most esteemed athletes of their genre, and a grueling back to back series of eliminations decided the few who would be placed on the starting grid.

There were 2 categories formed to make up the 2 finals. The Stars Category was made up of riders from all backgrounds, such as: Stefan Everts, Mickael Pichon, Frederick Bolley, Josh Coppins, Joel Smets, Jeff Ward etc. While the Supermoto category contained Supermoto specialist athletes.

Qualifying:

Stars Category: Atkins 7th
Supermoto Category: Carlson: 4th

Stars Final Top 10:

1st - Mickael Pichon
2nd- Frederic Bolley
3rd - Stefan Everts
4th - Darryl Atkins
5th - Micky Dymond
6th - Sven Breugelmans
7th - Josh Coppins
8th - Didier Jadoul
9th - Joel Smets
10th - Cedric Melotte

Darryl got off to a 6th place start, and fought his way up to 4th with 10 laps to go. Atkins put in one of his most impressive races to date, and battled relentlessly with 8 time MX World Champion (and local star) Stefan Everts. Atkins and Everts went back and forth into 3rd position which created an enormous uprising of the predominantly Belgian spectator base. Out of control fans often times had to be pulled off the track by security to avoid any disturbance to the combative duo.

The final dirt section gave Everts the last advantage, awarding him 3rd with Atkins inches behind in 4th. The race long struggle had clearly been the highlight of the day judging by the crowds out of control enthusiasm.

“It was an amazing feeling for me to run so closely with this level of racers. I definitely had the speed over Everts on the road, as I passed him several times, but he immediately got me back in the dirt. After giving it such a great shot, it was frustrating to miss the podium by just a few inches. However, the purpose of me accepting to do this event was to gain the speed, strength and fitness needed for me to get the job done at the final round of the AMA Championship. That goal was achieved, and I am 100% ready for the final round.” Noted Atkins after the race.

Semi Final – Supermoto Category:

Carlson: 7th Semi 2

Benny was gridded on the front row due to his excellent qualifying time. Unfortunately he got a poor start, and came across in 7th for the 1st lap. After fighting his way into 5th, Carlson lost the front end and went down during an attempt to make the pass into 4th position. Quickly, he remounted and finished 7th, which was good enough to put him into the final.

Superbiker final

Carlson 35th

Benny gridded up on the 7th row which didn't allow him to get a great start. After fighting his way up the field to 16th, he was forced to coast over the line due to a technical problem.

“It was a shame I dropped it in the semi, as it didn't allow me a good start position for the final. With that aside, it was a great experience being here and I’m very thankful for having this opportunity. This experience is helping me mentally for the US events, and I really look forward to racing the final AMA round in a few weeks.”

A special Thank you to Freddy Tacheny, the promoter for the Superbiker event - also, Oliver from Quick Motor Specialties in Gent, Belgium for his support with the bike. As always, we would like to thank the team sponsors:

Aprilia USA, Rip It Energy Fuel, Parts Unlimited, Bel-Ray oils, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, Global Freight Solutions, AF1 Racing, Supermoto Engineering, Race Tech, FA-BA Wheels, Ice Parts, Stilmoto, Extreme fork bottoms, Sunoco Racing Fuels, Beringer brakes, Scott goggles, Thor, Alpinestars, Renthal, Asterisk, Works Connection, Twin Air, Supersprox, Suzuka Tire Warmers, Regina chain, Ogio bags, Mechanix wear, ZLT, Pit Bull, G2, CR&A, Acerbis, TecBolts, Stomp Grip, Ap Designs, Power Commander / Dyno Jet, Cycle Cynch.

2008 XTRM AMA Supermoto Championship Series Finale Location & Date Announced

2008 XTRM AMA Supermoto Championship Series Finale Location & Date Announced

Oct. 17,2008 5:00 PM

XTRM Supermoto National Championship Series finale, presented by Parts Unlimited, will be held the weekend of November 14 and 15 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. This double-header finale will be a pure slugfest, sure to provide a spectacular finish to the series.

This closely fought yearlong battle for three AMA Supermoto Championships will come to a stunning, street fight like conclusion. The eventual champions will be awarded among the top Pro contestants in a total of SIX point paying finals over the weekend. With the Premier 450 class, the big bore Open class and 250cc Lites titles all up for grabs.

This is one of the best opportunities for race fans to witness the best bar banging action ever seen in a take it all season ending battle of the titans.

These plates must be used for the AMA Supermoto Championship Series. You can order these backgrounds directly from ZLT Racing. If you prefer to use your own graphics company, you can download a PDF version [336 KB], or Illustrator version [2 MB] to supply to them. The files contain art for front and both side plates.

There can be no additional logos on this plate.

Black plates are for Lites, White plates are for Premier, Blue plates are for Unlimited

Supermoto XTRM

New Street-Sport Conversion Kit from Motostrano

Motostrano has pieced together a special kit intended for off-road and dual-sport bike conversions from off-road to road-going street legal bikes. The new SM Factory Street-Sport Conversion Kit contains many of the required parts some states require for legalizing an off-road motorcycle for road duty. Laws and requirements vary from State to State, so check your local motor vehicle offices for your specific State's rules.

The nice part about our kit is that it uses some high end headlight and tail light parts from Acerbis, a leading maker of aftermarket plastics and headlights, making the kit both functional and aesthetically appealing. Priced at $459, the kit includes

* Acerbis Dimension Universal Headlight, DOT Approved
* Acerbis LED Universal Brake Tail Light, DOT Approved
* 4 Universal DOT Turn Signals, DOT Approved
* Universal Control switch with Signals, Headlight, Horn, On/Off
* Universal Wiring Harness
* Front and rear brake light switches
* Universal Horn mechanism
* Pair of Acerbis off-road mirrors.
* Reflective Strip Kit (RED)
* Relay Flasher

Available at Motostrano.com

Suomy Helmets at La Ducati Day

Motostrano participated in the La Ducati Day festivities in La Honda, California. La Honda, home to some of the best pavement for sportbikes in the world, former home to Keasy and his Merry Pranksters.

Each year, La Ducati Day takes place as a fall event. It's my favorite motorcycling event, have to say.

Motostrano appeard at La Ducati Day this year representing the full line of Suomy helmets in partnership with Suomy themselves. Two 10x10 booths pumped the Suomy's out into the atmosphere for all to see. Vandals, Spec1Rs, Extremes. Helmets for the 2008 and 2009 catalogs.

"Great response. Great interest in this high end helmet," said Motostrano's Joe Witherspoon.

Acerbis Plastic

MX plastic, Supermoto plastics. Acerbis (pronounced acherbis) dominates the scene. Acerbis produces a complete range of plastics for virtually all makes and models of off-road machine from the big four and most of the european brands.

Fenders, Shrouds, number plates. Chain sliders, handguards, headlights.

There are four or five plastics companies: Acerbis, UFO, Cycra, Polisport, Meier. Acerbis dominates, coming out with the most variety, latest models first. Quality plastic that lasts.

Acerbis makes two kinds of Supermoto fenders, some Supermoto handguards and a full range of special parts.

The sportbike guys should be so lucky to have the ability to redo their body work for $150 bones.

Motostrano Girl

Supermoto Final Postponed

Due to a last minute loss of venue, this weekend's Supermoto National Championship to be held in Austin this weekend Oct 11-12, has reluctantly been canceled. XTRM and the AMA apologize for this inconvenience and want you to know that we are committed to this series. Please know that all efforts are being made to relocate this event finale. More information regarding this event will be distributed as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience. Updates.

Scorpion Octane Helmets on Sale at Motostrano.com

The benevolent Scorpion Octane helmet, we've just heard, has been put on sale. Save some bucks on this feature-full helmet. Protect your head. Enjoy the creature comforts of a helmet with removable liners, fogfree shield and an easy on/off one at that! Biatchin' design AND you can wear your Scorpion Octane helmet, along with your Alpinestars Octane Jacket, Boots and Gloves and become completely OCTANED. The Octane is a mid hundredish helmet and on sale just in time for the Great Recession of 2008!

New Search Functions Launched at Motostrano.com

Press Release

Redwood City, CA.

Motostrano.com launched a number of new search enhancements today, making it the first time an enhancement was done to the company's feature since 2005 when it experimented with Google Search.

Customers of fine motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel can now search and sort by Price, Name, Brand, Make, Category all at the same time. Users can also select from Grid or List view and sort by Relevancy, Price or name.

The new search features cost the company some extra dough to release, but even in these dire economic times, where every one is all serious and down hoping for CHANGE and not more of the same, Motostrano decided to surge ahead with a new technology, allowing past, present and future Motostrano customers easier access to the products they need to be a good motorcyclist.

"You can't blink," said Motostrano.com CEO and serial entrepreneur Joe Witherspoon. "Customers were getting lost and not finding stuff with our old search box and when an opportunity arises to make improvements to your web site, even if those opportunities seem unproven, you have to look those opportunities in the face and go with them and that's what we did here by enhancing our search."

For a technology partner, Motostrano chose Celebros, a software company... or rather Celebros chose Motostrano and didn't let up until Witherspoon almost blinked and signed the deal.

The Supermoto Itch

As you might guess, speaking with "the public" day in and day out, that cranky, paranoid, talkative and sometimes enlightening gang, you end up talking with a colorful bunch by the end of the day. Yesterday, was no exception. I picked up the phone and the conversation went something like this:

Me: deep in thought about what a dumb shit Sarah Palin sounded like in that Couric interview, then the phone rings "...Strano, Can I help you?"
Patron: "Yea, is this Motostrano?"
Me: "Indeed it is is Sir, to whom am I speaking with and how can I help">
Patron: "Oh man. Motostrano. Listen up. My buddies said I needed to call you see."
Me: "Great, what's on your mind?"
Patron: "Check it out, see. Yesterday, me and my homies were down at our local track you know. Me and my buddies, we all ride big bikes you know, R1, Gixxer, RC51. Anyway, me and my boys we're having fun down at the track you know and all of the sudden we see this guy, this little kid, this...you know, and he shows up with this little 250 little dirt bike, you know. And we're lookin at him like "what's up little man?", you know. Anyway, my homies and me... we're all in our leathers and got our liter bikes and we go out for a few laps, you know and we think we're not going to see much of little supermoto man, you know. but, sure enough, little motard midget guy shows up and starts playing with us you know and before you know it, little motard man is passin us. but this guy just ain't passin us. he's PASSIN all of us. He's PASSIN us in the turns, he's PASSIN us in the straight aways, he's PASSIN us in the esses. We all basically got our asses handed to us that day by a little 250 supermoto and we was all pissed off.

So, I get online and i start digging in you know. I'm at Supermotojunkie and I'm checking shit out, you know. They all said to call you up and find out. Anyways, sure enough. I bring my bike today down to my local dealer. It's for sale man. That thing is for sale and I'm gettin a supermoto. Thing is I ain't no dirt guy, i'm a street guy, road race guy. I like the twisties, I live for the turns, you know. I need power, speed. What do I get dude? What should I do? My dealer where I'm selling my bike says I should check out the Suzuki. That guy's not my usual guy you know, he left the dealership you know, so my boy ain't there and he's telling me about this DRZ and it's looking to me like it's a little soft, you know?"

I, of course, steer the guy in the right direction and hope to hear about the street legal CRF450 that he stumbles on some day. The conversation left me in stitches, even though I've heard it a few times before. This one had grace, elegance. A great call for sure.

Scorpion EXO-400 Dogfight Helmet Goes on Close-Out

Just got the word today that the venerable Scorpion Dogfight Helmet has had it's price tag lobbed off a few inches. Motostrano has this great helmet on sale right now for a little over 100 bones.

Besides the militaristic imagery and bullet holes, the features of the 400 include:

The EX-400 Helmet from Scorpion features an advanced Polycarbonate Composite Engineered Shell: Quiet, aero-tuned design for wind-tunnel tested comfort. EPS-lined chin bar for additional protection.
SpeedShift quick-change shield system (patent pending): Easy, secure tool-less faceshield changes in ten seconds or less.
EverClear no-fog faceshield: Optically-correct shield with state-of-the art fog-free technology and anti-scratch hardened coating.
KwikWick moisture-wicking helmet liner and cheek pads: Breathable, easily removable and washable.
Ventilation system: Adjustable, indexed front and rear vents with aero-tuned rear spoiler reduce lift, create vacuum and maximize airflow through helmet.
Breath-deflector: Enhanced fog-free performance.
Custom liner and cheek pad kits: Available in hot colors and wild patterns.
Snell/DOT Certified. Size 3X DOT Certified Only

Available at Motostrano.com

We Won! From Dave Arnold

Dave is our racer up in Canada. For those of you who don't know about Canada, it's the other country that shares an international border with Alaska, just like Palin describes.

Subject: We Won!

Good Morning Friends,

I have some good news to share; we are once again the holders of the #1 Plate in Canadian Supermoto.

Heading into the weekend it worked out (through an abbreviated schedule, rain outs and prior race results) the championship was down to two guys with a mathematical chance; current champ KTM's Maxime Sylvestre and myself. Winner of the day takes home the plate.

The qualifier was a battle between all four past and present National Champions and no one was more than two bikes apart for the whole deal. Maxime came from fifth riding like a madman and systematically picked off each one of us. However a lap after getting the lead he lost the front end in a high-speed sweeper and went off the track in a heap. Doug Beattie won, and I grabbed second.

In the final I yanked a killer holeshot and stretched out a four-bike length lead, which I held until just past the halfway mark. Then I started to make small mistakes, which allowed the battle raging behind me to catch up. With three laps to go 2004 Champ Doug Beattie slipped by when I spun on the face of a jump and I hugged his tire until the checkers. I knew there was at least one rider between Maxime and myself so the championship was secure and there was no way I was going to risk a crash trying to be a hero.

That was the easy part of the email to write, this is more of a challenge, in a good way.

Racing is business and you’re not going to hit it off with everyone, not everybody operates with the same ethics and not everyone is interested in being your friend. To some you’re just another resume, only as good as your last race, which is just part of the game. On the bright side, over the years it became very obvious there were a few who genuinely cared, who always had a kind word of support ready and who were always in my corner interested in what I had going on.

If you are one of the eight names who received this email this championship is for you!

Many times this summer I battled myself trying to decide what to do based on a myriad of factors. How many races could I afford to do? Would my beat up Jeff Ward 2005 TLD Honda do the job one more time? When is my injury number going to come up again? Etc.

In the end, when the season got shortened to a point where I could see finishing it with (more or less) the resources I had, I made up my mind I was going out on top, going there to win it for the people who always believed in me, and to prove to the people who have talked a lot of shit about me…they were full of it.

I don’t know what the future holds for SM in Canada and in turn for me. This may be the last National Championship Series held for a while. History may have it that I came in as the first champion and went out as the last, time will tell.

Either way it’s been a great ride and I wanted to let each of you know, aside from the products, it was your personal touch, kind words, boot in the ass, get well card, smiles and warmth that made all the difference. It motivated me every year to keep going because I knew I had my crew I could count on, you eight really stood out and the times we shared are something I’ll never forget.

Thank you so much!

Dave Arnold
Team Machine Racing Troy Lee Designs

2008 Canadian Supermoto National Champion
2008 Canadian Supermoto Vet +35 National Champion

TwoWheelSteals.com Has The Goods, Cheap

Launched just a few months ago by the wizards at Motostrano.com, TwoWheelSteals.com sells great motorcycle products at enormously discounted prices. In other words, the site sells lots of stuff, cheap. Twowheelsteals is a “deal a day site” times 100. Limited list of products. All in stock. All products sold at the site are discounted lots, like 20 to 80% off. All products are in stock, ready to ship. No waiting, no haggling, no “report a lower price”. Prices are rock bottom.

Motorcycle enthusiasts, some with tattoos, some with long manes of hair and a select few with neatly sculpted facial hair, will find great products at TwoWheelSteals on a daily basis when they fire up their web-enabled phones and high speed access computers and click over to the web site over there. Products are updated daily.

A sampling of recent deals: A $1400 supermoto brake kit by Magura sold for $500. A $300 Ducati rotor recently sold for just $100. A $48 Thor MX woman’s casual hoody sold for $16. Great products, even better prices.

Sign up for the Email Blasts. Check the site daily. Great deals are to be had, really.

AGV Stealth Helmet

For those busy work days when you have to look a little bad-ass and low key, when you have to do the whole "I'm the guy in the Matrix movie" get-up, it's gotta be a matt black helmet with a dark shield. The AGV Stealth helmet is about the best helmet you can get for the dollar right now, particularly at the price Motostrano is letting them go for. TECHNICAL FEATURES Shell ACF2 Kevlar construction. 2 Shell sizes Ventilation System Dynamic system with air intakes and rear extractors Liners Fully removable and washable. Cool Max with hygienic treatment fabrics. Comfortable "Easy Fit" Shield Clear, anti-scratch polycarbonate Race visor Retention System Double D Ring Shield Mechanism XQRS (Extra Quick Release System): shield replacement without tools in few seconds Certification DOT/BSI 6658 TYPE A

Motostrano Clearance Sale

Our FALL Clearance Sale has kicked off with amazing deals posted on our
three web sites, motostrano.com, motostrano.net and twowheelsteals.com

And you're free to call us and to check on our 'secret pricing' for deals
we just can't advertise.

Check out our goods. Prices are blow-out rock bottom and very cheap.

Prices are subject to change. Limited availability. Act now!

Supermoto coming to Laguna Seca

The SupermotoUSA series is joining the Corona AMA Superbike Finale weekend Sept. 27-28 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Advertisement

Originally developed during the late 70's for ABC's Wide World of Sports, Supermoto was a way to familiarize Americans with motorcycle racing.

Supermoto is a fusion of dirt track racing, motocross and road racing.

The SupermotoUSA racecourse will be a mix of asphalt and dirt, incorporating both left and right hand turns and jumps. The rules are kept simple, as are the classes.

The weekend includes the 2nd Annual Supermoto USA women's only races, featuring the Fast Girls Invitational.

Race tickets are available for the Corona AMA Superbike Finale Race by calling (800) 327-7322; www.laguna-seca.com.

Source: The Californian

Alpinestars F1 Shoes - Fast Walking Shoes

Alpinestars has released a killer set of walking shoes that are sure to be a hit in all the swanky fast-boy hangouts around the globe. The new Alpinestars F1 Shoes are a light pair of laced thin sole walking shoes. A lot like a driving shoe. Synthetic layer. Even available in a brave chrome gold color. These shoes will be all the craze in Japan, that, I'll guarantee you.

This makes 3 in a line of casual shoes from the leader in motorsports footwear.

New Boot From Sidi: SIDI Vortice

SIDI has released news about their latest and greatest full race boot available in the Fall of 2008.
The latest in technology combined with the great skill and workmanship of Sidi’s Italian based factory technicians’ blend in a whirl of fresh solutions to satisfy a rider’s desire for safety and comfort. The Sidi Vortice is an excellent synthesis of the years of experience of Sidi and its designers who conceived its features keeping in mind that the Vortice is the main and essential point of juncture between the bike and the rider.
All parts of the boot can be replaced.


CE certified the Vortice will be available in the USA in December ’08. The Vortice is priced at $475 and is available in a non-vented version in black, white, red or blue or a fully vented version in black or white. Metric sizes from 39 to 48 (6 to 13 USA) are available.

Features:

The Vortice is constructed of Lorica and is lined with Teflon vented mesh. The lining in the toe area is in Cambrelle, a soft yet strong lining. Only Sidi goes to trouble and expense of creating a multiple liner boot system in its racing boots. Lorica® is a composite micro fiber material created from strands that are so fine, each one is less than one thousandth the thickness of silk. When injected with special resins, these fibers act like natural leather skin, but with the addition of better strength, softer texture, lighter weight and better moisture protection. Lorica is also highly resistant to abrasion – yet it still breathes – with more than three million pores per square centimeter. Easy to maintain, Lorica doesn’t stain and can’t be scratched and offers reduced weight, more flexibility and more feel than leather racing boots. Teflon: is a special treatment to protect textiles. This fabric protection process prevents water or sweat from being absorbed. The boot dries quickly and does not form mould.

Sidi has added a small elastic panel to aid in a smooth zipper operation as it allows a bit of movement via the elastic as the zipper passes over the rider’s ankle ball.

The rear upper part of the boot is made up of the following mechanisms: TECNO CALF TENSIONER, TECNO SHIN TENSIONER and ANKLE SUPPORT SYSTEM. This group of features ensures a precise fit and maximum protection.

The TECNO SHIN TENSIONER mechanism helps the TECNO CALF TENSIONER close the leg upper on the front part of the boot. The two lateral nylon braces join the ankle joint with two screws that are protected by nylon caps. This system is reinforced with fiberglass, supports the ankle and is easy to replace. This system allows excellent flex movement front-to-back while being firm side-to-side.

AIR VENTILATION SYSTEM, A third brace is positioned on the outer-lower part of the boot and features an air intake that can be operated by an aerodynamic shaped button.

TECNO INSTEP TENSIONER, The Vortice features an additional fastening system on the front part of the foot, on the instep. It consists of a wrap-around fascia which can be precision adjusted by the TECNO INSTEP TENSIONER mechanism that was proved critical in rider safety by the previous model, the Sidi Vertigo Corsa.

SHOCK ABSORBING HEEL CUP, A polyurethane shell holds a shock absorbing insert, visible from the outside through 4 small slits that mark out the look of the heel. The shell is mobile as it’s fixed to the boot by 2 screws that allow 3 mm of impact movement.

SHIN PLATE, The shin plate is made in nylon and it is inserted on a polyurethane frontal support. Both parts are replaceable.

VORTICE SLIDER, The toe slider is made in nylon reinforced with fiberglass. It is fitted with a new air intake and an innovative alloy insert. All pieces are replaceable.

RACING SRS SOLE, The all new sole is constructed of a polyurethane and rubber blend. It features a removable insert in front of the arch area where much wear and tear normally occurs due to sharp metal brake pedals and shift levers. Another patented-exclusive Sidi feature!

GEAR CHANGE PAD. The gear change pad is molded of DuPont Techno-polymers, which ensure that the plastics qualities will not change in high or low temperatures.

The composite inner sole of the Vortice resists side-to-side compression offering greater protection compared to the leather inner soles that many of Sidi’s competitors use. The insole features a removable arch support and will never lose its dynamic characteristics, even after months of intense use; it’s water resistant and is designed to withstand high footpeg pressures.

Motostrano nominated for BayList Best

Motostrano was recently nominated for the "BayList Best" at SFGate.com, the leading news site for the San Francisco Bay Area. The BayList is the place to find the best photos, reviews and contests related to local businesses in The Bay Area.The Baylist highlights great business in the Bay Area. If you'd like to vote for Motostrano visit the Baylist now!

Matt Barber Supermoto Race Update: race update 8/30-31

This was my first weekend as an amateur and I won the first race of my weekend on Saturday in the lite-weight sportsmen division. I was very surprised. The best I had hoped for was a top five, so to get the win was very exciting. Sunday proved to be a much faster and more competitive race day with the strongest competition coming from my pit partner and neighbor who is consistently a front runner. I finished the day with a hard fought 3rd in the super-singles class and a 4th in the motard race. Thanks to all my sponsors. Cyclewise for the help with the power plant. AXO for all the cool gear and banners that make my pit area and me look like a pro rider. DVC graphics for the cool new number plates. Amsoil lubricants, RK chain, and Excel rims for making it go to the front. N-SAYN motorsports and Motostrano for all the advise and help a first year racer could ask for. Thanks everyone and look for one more update at the season finally on the 27-28 of September.

Alpinestars SP-1 Jacket

Alpinestars laid down the law a few days ago by releasing a few killer products that you can now start to salivate over. The new Alpinestars SP-1 Jacket will likely eliminate the guess work about what jacket to buy in the near future. Plain, simple, dedicated and just straightforward. No baggage, it doesn't shout much, or boo at your friends. It doesn't have that air of desperation like other jackets have. No skulls, no patches, no weird looks. Playing it safe, without being more of the same. 3 colors and 8 sizes per color to select from. It's easy. A jacket we can all be proud of, in just about any environment, whether it be on the international stage, a local town meeting, on your favorite back road or tight twisty. You might say it is a jacket with a lot of hope in it. Readily available, shipping now.

ICON Squad 2 Backpack $125.00

One of the cooler items to pop out of the new ICON Motorsports catalog for 2008. The ICON Squad 2 Mil Spec Backpack is an extension of the already enormously successful Mil Spec vest from ICON. The Squad 2 Backpack is a mil spec vest and a super backpack combined as one. Meets all military requirements for high visibility motorcycle PPE. Actually the Squad 2 Milspec backpack not only meets the military's requirements but exceeds them by adding unique upper arm straps for increased visibility. You can wear this bag instead of a vest! Features heavy duty nylon rib stop chassis. Unique comfort fit closure. Helmet storage compartment. Laptop compartment. Integrated shield storage pocket. Jacket carrying system.

Available at Motostrano.com $125.00

ICON TiMAX Original Gloves, $175.00

It's back. It's mean. It's the glove that has inspired many a chop to the chin. The original ICON Timax Gloves.
Like the stampeding hoofs of a thousand horses, the chain rained down. Relentless, methodical. The hand, clad in black layered leather and riveted titanium plates, worked it's brutal magic. At once ethereally united with the chain, yet somehow distant. Clearly it had purpose, blow after well placed blow would attest to that, yet it lacked any sense of conscious or remorse. This was not personal, not like it had been before, this had become routine-a task to be accomplished, a check box on a to-do list. Clearly this hand, this glove, had done this before, and clearly it would do it again. A different time, a different place, same result. The TiMax Original Glove by Icon-A Legacy of Brutality.

* Durable leather construction
* Genuine floating titanium knuckle armor
* Riveted palm has nomex heat-resistant backing
* Expansion panels in critical areas
* Pre-curved palm and finger design
* Imported

Available at Motostrano.com

Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support

Motorcyclists will very soon have 3 very different neck brace type products to choose from. Currently the Leatt-Brace is the only full blown neck brace on the market. EVS Sport recently released their budget oriented neck brace, the EVS RC-Evolution Neck Brace. For the money, it certainly is better than your typical $20 neck roll. Alpinestars too is getting ready to release their entry into the kneck protection market with the Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support.

Alpinestars SP-1 Suit, $899.00

The Alpinestars SP-1 Suit is new for 2008 and shipping now. Now, not a glove, but a good looking, simple leather suit that comes in 4 different colors, has sizes ranging from European 46 up to 64 for the big guys.
Plain and simple suit design with the all-powerful ALPS logo front and center. A basic suit suitable for all track and street sport riding. 1.2 to 1.4 leather. This is a PERFORATED suit too! All for just $899.95.

Available at Motostrano.com

Alpinestars Body Armor

Alpinestars has been producing various types of under garment body armor for a number of years. Over the course of probably 10 years or so, the Alpinestars protection product fold has grown each year to where Alpinestars currently offers the most diverse and rounded offering of race and street body armor available to motorcyclists. I repeat, there is no other maker of body armor currently offering the variety of highly protective race or street body armor products as Alpinestars.

Alpinestars focus has always been on racing oriented products. This means that street riders, whether you be an every day rider or casual weekend rider, track day customer or racer will benefit from years of testing, as well as "trickle down" technology. Alpinestars armor is designed for high speed impact and long intervals of abrasion.

For back protection, Alpinestars currently has 3 race grade spine protectors available to consumers. The Alpinestars Race Back Protector is a slim fitting protector designed to snap into most Alpinestars Suits and some jackets. The back protector used is a CE approved unit made up of a Level 2 memory foam.

The Bionic Back Protector utilizes the same spine protection piece as the Race protector and features shoulder straps and a larger kidney belt.

Recently, Alpinestars released the Bionic Race Shield which essentially does 'all of the above' along with some added chest protection.

Tpro Forcefield Body Armor Reviews

Collection of Reviews provided for the TPRO Forcefield Body Armor line of body protection.

BUY TPRO BODY ARMOR HERE

I just wanted to provide some positive feedback after testing your T-Pro back protector out for real on Sunday whilst racing at Snetterton.

I had a relatively low speed highside in the wet which threw me head first over the front of the bike, causing me to somersault and land flat on my back, taking the full impact through my Crowtree leathers and your T-Pro back protector, which I have owned for about a year now and never go out on track without, even when I am rushing to get out for a race.

Although the crash speed was relatively low (I estimate about 25-30 mph), I know from experience that doesn’t matter with highsides as I previously broke my collarbone and ribs, collapsed a lung and moved my heart sideways from a 50mph highside.

In this crash, I took the full impact on my back, having done a full somersault (according to the marshals, who gave me 9 out of 10) and missed my helmet hitting the ground. The impact knocked the wind right out of me, but despite not having a great back to start with, I didn’t suffer any injuries at all, maybe just a bit of minor internal soft tissue bruising or soreness due to the sudden stop.

I then went out on track later the same morning and set a new lap record for our class (700cc Streetstock with NG Road Racing club).

It was also good to know that when having my made to measure leathers made up at Crowtree in Lincolnshire, we were discussing body armour and when I told them I had a T-Pro back protector, they quite honestly said I didn’t need any more back protection in my suit as that was the best I could buy anyway.

I would also add that with 1 years use (in often sweaty conditions) it is holding up very well and is very comfortable to wear.

Thanks for the offer of a cap, you’ve already done enough by saving me a painful injury, but I’ll wear it around the paddock in appreciation.

One of our users Mr. Olof Ekman made the following comments regarding one of our TPro backs:-

"Your product has also served one of my friends well. Maria a female friend of mine, she is currently training for her motorcycle license. As she has not yet gotten her own gear, she has been borrowing my back. This weekend she had an off during a high speed braking test, resulting in a rather dramatic high-side, which landed her on her head and back. We took her to hospital and did a thorough medical check, with all kinds of X-rays and tests. She was fine. The doctor, examined the back protector and was quite clear in his opinion, that it saved her back. Helmet and jacket were ruined, and had to be replaced, but the back protector is fine and Maria will continue to use it.

Maria wishes, through me, to forward her appreciation and thanks to you, for saving her back. If you could pass this on to the rest of your team I would be grateful." Our Forcefield Back Protector was the focus of an article in Supermoto / Trail Bike Magazine earlier this year (Issue 7 P80). The article text is quoted as follows:-

"When it comes to body armour, few companies can claim to know more than TPro. There's a wealth of armour out there which comes in all shapes and sizes, but the thing that impresses us the most about the TPro gear is that as a company they're continually seeking to improve their products. Whether it be the shape, the fit or the protective qualities of the products they supply, the TPro method of protection seems to work and we reckon two products in the T Pro range would suit super-moto use as well.

1. First up, the Forcefield back protector; for starters it's very comfortable and fits snugly without restriction. But it's much cleverer than that - the outer skin is made from Armourflex, which is a triangular shock-absorbing material while perforated layers of Nitrex foam form a differing density base. Air circulates through the perforations when in use 'pumping' the foam up slightly, aiding energy absorption in an impact. 2. Secondly, the Forcefield Undergarment is available as separate shirt and pants and features more registered trade marks in its construction than anything we've ever seen, using Cordura, Tactel, Coolmax and Lycra. It's designed to be tough yet comfy, dealing with sweat and keeping the body cool, even under the most 'anxious' of conditions, ahem. And, of course, there are pockets for T Pro body armour in the shoulders, elbows, chest, back, knees, shins and hip. The Forcefield backprotector comes in sizes S, M and L, the shirt XS to L and the pants S to L. Verdict: Not over pricey and money well spent."

The Forcefield Undergarment has been tested by experienced riders such as Ivan Mauger (9 times World Champion in Speedway and Long Track) he commented as follows:-

"I’ve been busy getting ready for the World Long Track Championship final Grand Prix that I am promoting in New Zealand on 1st November. I have used the undergarments quite a few times in testing bikes and also I had match races with Phil Crump at the Australian Long Track GP on 18th January and the New Zealand Long Track GP on 25th January. So I have now also tested them under racing conditions. I must say that particularly with Kevlars this kind of protection is a must and the Forcefield undergarment was comfortable, I didn’t realize that I had it on, very light and everything that I want from in the way of protection and ease of use. I would definitely give the Forcefield undergarment my full recommendation."

(motostrano.com stocks the complete line of TPRO BODY armor)

Mick Grant TT champion achieving 7 Isle of Man wins and a further 9 rostrum places finishes :-

Mick Grant has been using the Forcefield Shorts and comments as follows:- "Many thanks for the TPro Shorts. As you know I had a bad fall from my trials bike and made a mess of the muscle in my thigh. If only I had the shorts on before the accident the only injury would have been my pride! I wouldn't dream of riding my trials bike now without the shorts, as far as I'm concerned they are as important a part of my kit as my crash hat. The protective padding is very comfortable as it moulds perfectly to my legs, so well in fact that I'm not aware of them. The breathability makes them comfortable in hot or cold conditions alike. This product is a winner, again many thanks Mick Grant." Jerry D. Finley

Received the Forcefield Back Protector.. Thanks much!!

Thought you guys might want to read my head-to head comparison of a recent back-protector shoot out I made with your Forcefield protector as one of the challengers... It's posted on our website and will be mentioned along with your company's URL in our May newsletter...

Bottom line.. the Forcefield came out on top!!.. Hope it brings you some biz.

Check it out at http://piratesk12site.net/backprotector.htm

Again.. thanks for the fine service.

Regards

Jerry D. Finley ("Danger" is my middle name) Captain / Pirates' Lair Motorcycle Accessories www.PiratesLair.net

Forcefield Back

The Forcefield back has just been strenuously tested for Ride Magazine by one of its riders along with all the other top leading makes of back protector, to give the public the best advice on what to buy. They were graded as to the following:-

Protection - impact tests showed how much force each back protector would absorb.

Testers verdict - covering comfort, fit, design and price.

The results gave the Forcefield back the edge over 14 of its competitors. It was awarded the "Ride Recommended" tag of approval with a final score of 18 out of 20. The road tester was said to have loved it and was quoted as saying "It was comfortable, but reassuringly solid. The Forcefield is made from foam with a flexible rubber-type material to the back. A wide waistband and adjustable shoulder straps mean getting the protector on and off and fitting leathers over the top is a doddle. Good impact testing score throughout."

Dave "Crasher" Cornish Trailbike and Enduro Magazine test rider

I first started using TPro body armour during 1995 and it has quite literally saved my neck on several occasions. The most recent was whilst competing in the Cambrian Rally in Wales. I was aboard the new XR650R when it all went a bit pear shaped.

Flat out in top gear the XR was flying down the fast gravel roads on SS1. Over a blind crest the track suddenly took a sharp right. At this speed my only option was to slow as much as possible and wait for the inevitable big get-off.

I estimate that I was doing around 60mph when I careered of the track and down the boulder-infested hillside. I was thrown over the bars and landed heavily on my back a good 50 feet away from the bike.

Thanks to the spine protection on my TPro armour, I managed to limp away to fight another day.

Unlike most off road armour the flexible construction of TPro moulds to the shape of your body and is much less bulky than the hard plastic roost-guards offered by other manufacturers. This together with a full-length spine protector gives me all the confidence I need whilst crashing TBM test bikes to destruction!

Now with the introduction of the new vented range of protection my only previous criticism of TPro armour being a bit on the hot side has been cured.

My TPro body armour is the first thing that I pack into my gear bag. Quite simply I won't ride without it.

COLIN EDWARDS HAS A 100MPH HIGH SIDE AT ATLANTA AND ...WALKS AWAY

"I thought I was dead" stated Colin during a telephone interview. The 19 year old Vance & Hines factory Rider said that was the only thought going through his mind as he was catapulted into the air at over 100mph after colliding with a slower rider.

Colin a former AMA National Road Racing champ, was dicing for 3rd place during the AMA Superbike Final when the incident occurred. We were in the process of passing lapped traffic in turn two, a 100mph corner. The rider I was passing made a critical mistake. He changed his line! He thought I was passing on his left, and moved to his right... Right in front of me!!!

I grabbed a handful of brake, but the speed differential was too great. The force of the impact stood my bike on the front wheel before I was launched into the air.

When I came down to earth, I initially impacted on my stomach/ chest area. The excessive speeds making me tumble whenever I struck the ground. While I tumbled my bike hit me two or three times. Where I'm not exactly sure. (An observer reported that Colin's crash the bike landed on him a few times as he tumbled back first into a steel Armco barrier). I finally came to rest and got up. I realized that not only did I not have any broken bones, but I also had been conscious the entire time.

"The piece of TPro body armour that helped me most was the chest protector. With it inside the leathers everything feels tight, nothing feeling loose. It's just a safer feeling altogether".

The severe forces generated during the crash were enough to dislodge the inner lining from Colin's Helmet. The tumbling and resulting impacts trashed Colin's leathers and boots. His gloves, which did the job, were replaced. Colin's TPro Body Armour as designed survived the incident and were reused in a set of new leathers.

ICON Field Armor Vest

ICON Field Armor has been in production for a number of years now. In that time, we've sold hundreds, if not thousands of units of the ICON Field Armor Vest, the ICON Leg Armor and ICON Elbow Guards. Built entirely for street duty, for a certain crowd of riders, ICON Field Armor simply works and nothing else can really take its place.

The ICON Field Armor Vest is one a flagship item in the line that hasn't been updated really since it came out. For racers and track day addicts, the ICON vest may seem a little dainty for a product that claims to protect. And it IS. And that's really the point of the thing. The Field Armor Vest isn't trying to win any awards for most protective spine protector. I think, and many would agree, that it really is an alternative to something like a leather motorcycle vest. The Field Vest is a leather motorcycle vest made of synthetic materials and has some padding thrown in for good measure.

ICON Mechanica Helmet

In our opinion, the coolest helmet to pop out of 2008 from any helmet maker so far has been the ICON Mechanica Helmet. An ICON Domain 2 helmet, this helmet is visually the most striking helmet we've seen in a long time. The stock photos of the helmet really don't do it justice. Seeing it in person, wearing it, is really a treat. The thing just stands out over other helmets. Visually on the rider, as well, the Mecanica is a treat. I saw one on the road a few days ago noted the contrast of scaly chrome on a black jacket looked pretty killer. The helmet retails for $410.00.

Based on the ICON Domain 2 helmet ICON Released last fall. This new graphic is called the Mechanica. The coolest new helmet graphic you'll see from any helmet company you'll see all year! ICON's lightest most technologically advanced helmet to date. The Mechanica graphic was conceived by Icon as an upgrade to the past "girl" graphics that have been such great sellers for Icon. The Damnation, Dixie Chick & Dragon Lady limited editions and the recent, very controversial Eternal Saint and Sinner models. The Mechanica graphic features an erotic, robotic woman on both sides with her metallic face on the back. Incredibly bad ass. And that better color to put her image on top of than a silver chrome shell? And top it all off with the helmet interior is printed like a circuit board. Everyone wants a helmet that looks great so, what better way to make a helmet look better than putting a chrome shield on a chrome helmet? Icon, at their charitable best, have included a free chrome reflective shield in the box with every Mechanica helmet.
The second coming of the Domain helmet features everything the original Domain has to offer--a light weight composite shell, multiple ram air ducts, fully removable comfort interior, and a fog free quick change shield--but goes one step further by including our new Proshield sytem. With a shield lock and sideplates, the Proshield is ready to keep you locked down and looking good.

* Fiberglass/Dyneema/Carbon fiber/Aramid composite shell
* DOT and SNELL M2005 approved (North America) ECE 22-05 approved (Europe)
* Prolock secure shield locking system (Domain 2)
* Dorsal vent for additional ram-air induction
* Large rear exhaust ports route hot air out of helmet
* Removable molded breath deflector reduces shield fogging
* Removable chin curtain seals out unwanted turbulence
* Unique bottom mounted chin air intake system
* Quick-change fog-free proshield with sideplates (Domain 2)
* Quick-change fog-free eye shield (Domain)

2008 ICON Motorcycle Clothing Update

ICON Clothing has released their 2008 product catalog. We got a sneak peak of the stuff about a week ago, when ICON management picked us up by Limo, put us on a plane and flew our staff to South Korea, where much of the product is manufactured. After a very late night of karaoke, kimchee and OB beer at the hotel, we got down to business the next day to check out the product at a remote warehouse in the Korean countryside.

We do dug it then in Asia and we dig it now back in the States. The design chemists and social psychology artists at ICON know how to mix the perfect blend of violence, military themes, hard core sex and speed into a lifestyle clothing package that seems just right for our times. At least, it should remind us that we're not just a bunch of stuttering conservatives. Very American. Very Street. If only we Americans could live up to the imagery we create, instead of leaving it only to fantasy and movies.

From Page 2 of the 2008 ICON Fall Catalog: "Darkness has descend upon upon the urban sprawl. Cryptic text messages confirm the location- industrial, nondescript, and pork free. Lit by the surreal arc of H7 bulbs, they engage in choreographed mechanical violence. Balance points and body english are the native language of these lands. Here the laws of polite society are ignored, replaced only by the painful laws of physics. The curtain opens to a choking cloud of rubber infused smoke. Gyroscoping wheels arc ballistic trajectories across the tarmac slab. Tortured rotors endure the hydraulic embrace of rapidly withering brake pads. Ruptured fork seals and nitrogen charged reservoirs vent furiously, consuming the punishing blows. And then, as quickly as it began, the performance is over. Barking shorty pipes fall silent. Cast alloy blocks tick a rhythmic cooling chant. Plastic fan blades whirl frantically in an effort to soothe the worked hyper-beast. All that remains are the discarded rubber autographs of the night's underground heros."