New Triumph Cruiser Footrest Kits from Norman Hyde

Norman Hyde - specialist producer of accessories for new Hinckley Triumphs, as well as spares and accessories for classic Triumph twins and triples - has developed two essential add-ons to improve both the comfort and performance of the America and Speedmaster cruisers.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Cruiser Footrest Kit features beautifully finished, triple-chromed mounting plates, complete with cut-out Triumph 'T' emblems, to complement the styling of both machines. The plates not only look great, but also offer protection for both engine cases and the brake master cylinder from scuffs, scratches and knocks.
Positioning of the foot pegs is perfect for day-long cruising, and each have thick, durable rubber covers to improve comfort further still. The gear lever is rubber covered at the end too. Fitting the footrest kit also gives owners to option bring the footrests back by four inches, a design feature introduced in response to requests from dealers and riders alike. Easily mounted and adding minimal weight, the Cruiser Footrest Kit is available for £241.50 including VAT.
Owners looking for extra performance on the America and Speedmaster will benefit from the 902cc Big Bore Kit that Hyde has developed in conjunction with Wiseco. Once fitted it delivers a huge 40 per cent hike in power and boosts torque a massive 50 per cent on the 790cc models (it will also fit the 865cc engine). Prices start at £642.85 incl. VAT and Hyde offers a fitting service if required.
For further info on these and Norman Hyde's extensive range of spares and accessories call 01926 497375 or visit http://www.normanhyde.co.uk/

Weise AirPro summer gloves

New from Weise clothing for this summer, AirPro gloves are the cooler option for hot days. Whether scooting along city streets or cruising along the highways, AirPro gloves are designed to be comfortable to wear in the heat whilst providing the reassurance of a well-constructed leather glove.
Manufactured from full grain leather, AirPro gloves have perforated venting over the back of the hand to allow in a cooling breeze while moving and also enabling the skin to breathe more freely when stationery. Because they are unlined, heat build-up is reduced.
Weise® reinforced the AirPro gloves with a padded, double leather panel over the palm and extra panels across the bridge of the thumb and index finger, where the handlebar is gripped.
Held firmly in place by an adjustable Velcro® strap, the cuff length AirPro gloves are easy to put on and remove, even in hot, sticky conditions.
Weise® AirPro gloves are produced in black with contrasting stitching priced at £29.99 inc. VAT, in sizes XS – XXL.
Contact 0117 971 9200 or visit www.weise-clothing.co.uk

Win the battle of the bulge with Venhill braided brake lines

Guy Martin stepped onto the podium no less than three times at this year’s Isle of Man TT races. Riding the 600 and 1000cc Hydrex Hondas at average speeds of nearly 130mph on the 37 ¾ mile road circuit, Guy needed a braking system that would perform consistently under the highest pressure, which is why the team chose Venhill braided brake lines. Modern bikes are equipped with very advanced braking systems – the Honda CBR600RR has dual 310 mm front radial disc brakes with four-piston callipers as original equipment. However, the majority use rubber hoses as part of the standard set-up and once they have a few miles and years on the clock those rubber hoses start to ‘give’. They are still perfectly sound but the rubber has aged and allows some of the rider input to be wasted in subtly expanding the hose as the lever is squeezed. Replacing the standard kit with braided brake lines is a tried and trusted solution to the problem.
Due to their construction, braided lines completely eliminate swelling under heavy braking, even when the brake fluid reaches the extremely high temperatures experienced during racing (over 220 miles at an average speed approaching 130mph at the Isle of Man TT). The hose itself is made up of a flexible Teflon core tube wrapped in a stainless steel over-braid, which in turn (to prevent abrading paint work) is covered in a plastic sheath.
When choosing replacement braided hoses some owners take the opportunity to upgrade their machine to a race line set-up. For machines with twin front discs this means a separate line running from the master cylinder on the handlebars to the calliper on either side. Race teams use this configuration as it provides more consistent pressure to each disc.
Braided brake lines tend to appear very similar, but quality of components and construction can vary wildly. There are two quality marks worth looking for when in doubt, the American DOT and German TÜV standards. In order to display the TÜV badge of quality, braided lines must withstand pressure testing at 10,000 psi, (brakes operate at around 25-30psi) and a 1,445 Newtons (325 lbs) tensile pull test.
Venhill have been making control cables and hoses for over 35 years and are the only manufacturer to produce their brake lines to meet both DOT and TÜV as standard. They also supply their ready-made Powerhose Plus kits to fit most popular bikes; both ends of the hose have captive socket nuts that are free to swivel and allow perfect stress-free alignment with the steel banjo fittings supplied in the kit.
Because the whole replacement kit is model specific, some banjo fittings have angled necks and some have straight ones, helping the owner/mechanic to match the original set up. Stainless steel fittings can be specified if required.
It’s not only on the roads that Venhill braided brake lines make a difference. On track Hydrex Honda’s Stuart Easton is currently running in third in the ViSK British Superbike Championship, the highest placed Honda rider, chasing the Airwaves Yamahas of Leon Camier and James Ellison.
Braided brake lines are not expensive – prices start at £43.48 inc. VAT – and Venhill even offer a range of sleeve colours – clear, blue, orange, red, yellow, white, light green and ‘original’ black.
For more information call 01306 885111 or visit http://www.venhill.co.uk/

Gone in 60 seconds with Tyre Down

Tyre Down™ is an ingenious tie down system from Down Under for securing off road bikes quickly and easily using only the rear wheel.
Not only is Tyre Down™ quick, it is also kinder to the motorcycle, because it secures the machine by the rear wheel only. Since there is no compression of the suspension and no pressure is put on seals, the machine can be left in position for extended periods if needed. Plus, as no other straps are required to secure the machine, there is no risk of damage to handlebars or framework or of scratching valuable plastic panels.
Like all great ideas, Tyre Down™ is a simple product, consisting of two heavy-duty metal plates, each with a friction pad to grip the rear tyre surface firmly. These are attached to Ancra webbed straps (rated to hold 400kg) on either side. The straps are then attached to mounting points with large vinyl coated hooks at the end and are secured by heavy-duty ratchets. The whole operation takes less than a minute and is rock solid. See the demonstration video at http://www.v2mal.com/tyredown/product/57.
Tyre Down™ is compatible with most popular off-road bikes and may be used with any trailer, van or pickup truck with suitable tie-down points. It retails at £45.
For more information call 08700 677 617 or visit http://www.v2mal.com/

BOS four-into-one system for GSX-R1000K9

Performance exhaust specialist, BOS, has created a four-into-one racing system for the Suzuki GSX-R1000K9. Developed in conjunction with the company’s racing programme and fine-tuned on their own in-house testing facilities, the system delivers a power increase of up to 8.8bhp compared to the standard GSX-R exhaust and offers a much deeper and fuller sound throughout the rev range.
Handcrafted in Holland from the finest materials available, the BOS system offers a substantial weight saving over the standard fitment pipe – 2.8kg, compared to 10.4kg – and, thanks to a compact design, gives maximum cornering clearance.
Unlike other systems, the BOS four-into-one is mounted with a special aluminium bracket instead of the more conventional strap method. A much cleaner and stronger way to mount the pipe, it keeps the can 100 per cent scratch free, as there is nothing wrapped around the silencer.
BOS exhausts come with all the necessary fittings and do not require any alterations or cutting of the original system and feature a removable ‘dB eater’ for a ‘full sport’ sound.
The BOS GSX-R1000K9 four-into-one system is available in either Shot-blasted Steel at £369 or carbon fibre at £439.
For further information call 0117 9719200 or visit http://www.bos-exhausts.com/
Editor’s notes: The BOS GSX-R1000K9 four-into-one system is not legal for road use in the UK . It does, however, carry an EC mark.

Helmet part exchange deal at Infinity Motorcycles

Most manufacturers recommend replacing motorcycle helmets every two to four years, but many riders postpone this, often because they are reluctant to spend money renewing something that appears to be serviceable. However, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, helmets need to be replaced every few years, even if apparently undamaged, as their protective qualities may deteriorate with time and wear.
So Infinity Motorcycles have introduced a novel scheme to encourage motorcyclists to upgrade their old helmets, by offering up to £100 off the new price of a helmet bought in any of their showrooms or from their mail order department.
Infinity stock a wide selection of helmets from leading brands, including Arai, HJC, Nolan, Schuberth, Shoei and X-Lite. Customers can part exchange their current helmet, no matter how old and tatty, and get money off any new helmet selling for over £200. Part exchange values start at £50 against helmets over £200 (e.g. HJC HQ-1 Carbon), rising to £60 for those over £300 (e.g. Schuberth R1) and £80 off helmets selling for more than £400 (e.g. Shoei X-Spirit). Maximum discount is £100 off helmets retailing for over £500 (e.g. the Arai RX-7) – equivalent to 25% discount. With eight stores across the UK Infinity is one of the UK’s biggest chains and its buying power enables the company to pass on substantial savings to customers.
Contact Infinity Motorcycles on 01904 675600 or at http://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/

Get a flying start with the Piaggio Copter Helmet

When he wasn’t designing, constructing and flying the first modern helicopter, Italian engineer Corradino D'Ascanio took time out to help Piaggio conceive the Vespa scooter. Created in honour of D'Ascanio's aeronautical and automotive achievements, the Copter helmet is designed to give the look and feel of those worn by helicopter crews, whilst offering safety and style for urban scooter pilots.

Updated for 2009, the Copter features four new colours to match the company’s current range of scooters perfectly - Nero Matt, Grigio Matt, Blu Midnight and Aubergine. The ECE 2205 approved, thermoplastic shell is partly covered and trimmed with textured ‘eco leather’. Produced in five sizes (XS-XL) the outer shell comes in two sizes for a closer fit, one for XS-M and the other for L-XL and the compact demi-jet design means it will fit inside most underseat storage compartments.
Inside is a hypoallergenic Dupont Terinda lining in funky new colour schemes, now with removable cheek pads for maximum comfort when buzzing round town. The visor has been redesigned to provide more wind protection and is now secured by stylish flat aluminium screws.
The Copter helmet retails at £119.99, available from authorised Piaggio/Vespa stockists. Owners may customize their helmet with an optional smoked or yellow visor for an extra £44.99.
For further information on Piaggio Original Accessories call 0117 972 5552 or visit www.uk.piaggio.com

New look for 10th anniversary Dirt Bike Show

A whole new look focused on some of the top teams in the world and British motocross championships will form an exciting new centrepiece to celebrate the 10th running of Europe’s biggest off-road bike show.
The 2009 Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh Park on November 5-8 will showcase a mini race paddock where the biggest names in off-road will throw open their vast race vehicles and where fans will get up close and personal with the exotic team bikes from all the major manufacturers.
And for the first time in the UK, every major 2010 production dirt bike – motocross, enduro and trials - from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, KTM, Husaberg, Sherco, Gas-Gas, CCM and many more - will be all together under one roof along with all the latest clothing, accessories and parts that any off-roader could want.
“It’s hard to believe we’re now in our 10th year so we wanted to make this year’s show a real celebration,” said show co-ordinator Joanne.
“We’ll be announcing lots of special deals and competitions as we get nearer to the show which I think will be better than ever before!”
As well as all the new bikes and kit under one roof, the Dirt Bike Show pioneered providing great fun and entertainment with stunt shows, presentations, discussion forums and prizegivings, and 2009 promises to be even better.
“We’ll have some great things to see and do. Some brilliant shows that are great fun for all the family – not just the die-hard racer,” she says.
Already virtually a sell-out to trade exhibitors, the Dirt Bike Show will again be in four huge halls where club riders and fans will get to meet their dirt bike heroes.
“The show is a real destination event for every off-roader,” says Joanne.
The 2009 Dirt Bike Show, Stoneleigh Park, November 5-8.
For more information visit http://www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk/

New colour option added to Vivacity ‘compact mini-GT’ scooter range

Now available in Azur Blue, Peugeot offers urban riders another stylish, convenient and cost effective option for the journey to and from work from the Vivacity range.
The new Azur Blue version compliments the existing options of Glossy Black, Ice White and Rouge Red, but no matter which colour a rider chooses, the Vivacity adds a host of practical features to help with the daily commute.
Its 50cc, air-cooled, two-stroke, single cylinder engine, 12-inch wheels and low centre of gravity make riding though congested city streets a breeze. Compact dimensions, a low seat height (786mm at its highest point) and 90kg dry weight means that manoeuvring into tight parking spaces is easy. Plus, the 8.5 litre fuel tank – 40% larger than the previous model – combined with the fuel-efficient Euro compliant motor, offers a class-leading 250km range to cut down on fuel stops.
In addition the Vivacity has 35 litres of storage available, both under the seat and in a hidden compartment in the nose section, large enough to hold an open face helmet. There is also a leg shield mounted bag hook for any extra luggage required and a 12v output under the seat for mobile phone/mp3 player /sat nav charging.
All this, plus a 24 month/unlimited mileage warranty and a retail price of just *£1499, means that the only difficult decision is which colour to choose.
For further information call 01202 823344 or visit http://www.peugeotmoto.co.uk/

Code alert at UK Superbike School

California Superbike School founder and “Twist of the Wrist” author Keith Code will be in the UK and attending the School sessions at Silverstone on 20th-21st July 2009.
Described by America's Rider magazine as "arguably the best known and most successful on-track motorcycle instructor in the world" Keith Code founded the original California Superbike School in 1980. Since then his California Superbike Schools have operated at over 90 tracks worldwide, training 150,000 riders, including numerous championship winning racers such as Wayne Rainey.
For the first time since the UK arm of the Superbike school opened in 1996, it will run at the Southern circuit at the world famous Silverstone race track, an additional attraction alongside Keith Code’s presence on both days.
At just under 2 miles long the Southern Circuit encompasses Becketts,Stowe and Club corners and the Hangar Straight, providing a rare treat for both students and coaches alike. It is the first time that the Southern Circuit has been used for a motorcycle track event. To see a video clip of the South Circuit click the following link www.superbikeschool.co.uk/video/silverstone_southern_circuit.wmv
For more information call 08700 671061 or visit http://www.superbikeschool.co.uk/

New Power Commander for EFI Bonnevilles from Norman Hyde

Following the introduction of fuel injection on the Triumph Bonneville, tuning specialist Norman Hyde teamed up with Dynojet UK to develop a version of their popular Power Commander specifically for the newer Triumph twins.
The Power Commander is a fuel injection and adjustment unit that plugs "inline" with the bike’s ECU – the electronic control unit that manages the quantity of fuel injected into the cylinders. Fitting a Power Commander allows owners to change the fuel map to optimise drive-ability and performance, without making any permanent changes to the original ECU.
Hyde can supply the Power Commander pre-programmed to suit both standard Bonnevilles/variants and those modified with his accessories (e.g. classic or peashooter style silencers). All units are supplied complete with software and a USB cable to connect the Power Commander to a computer. Connecting the Power Commander to a PC enables the owner to change between different maps or make adjustments to a map file.
Using original equipment style connectors, the Power Commander is quick and simple to install, without any splicing or cutting of the harness. Removal is equally straightforward and returns the bike to its previous stock condition. Designed to fit the EFI model Bonneville, T100, Thruxton, Scrambler, Speedmaster and America, the Power Commander sells for £304.75 including VAT.
Telephone 01926 497375 or visit www.normanhyde.co.uk for details

Trax alloy cases for Yamaha XT660Z Tenere

German engineering specialists SW-Motech have introduced a light and tough luggage package for Yamaha’s Dakar-inspired XT660Z Tenere, featuring quick release side carriers, alloy rack and Trax aluminium side and top cases.
Manufactured from corrosion-resistant AlMg3 grade alloy sheet, Trax cases are 1.5mm thick with fibre-reinforced hinges for durability in tough conditions. The lids have a waterproof sealing profile and are fitted with tie-down points for extra carrying capacity. Side cases are produced in 37L and 45L sizes, weighing a modest 3.9kg and 4.5kg respectively. Prices start at £208.70 for the natural finish 37L model (£226.10 in black). SW-Motech also offer a matching 38L Top Case, which sells for the same price as the 37L side case.
These cases can be attached to the bike with SW-Motech’s new EVO carriers, which offer a lighter, narrower alternative to traditional hard luggage racks and have a strong stable construction with welded profile tubing. Their patented Quick-Lock system means that not only the cases but also the carriers may be removed in seconds, restoring the bike to its naked glory. Prices start at £183.56 per pair and the matching ALU-RACK top rack, which is made of lightweight, high strength aluminium and is individually designed to perfectly fit the lines of each motorcycle model at £67.60.
Contact Motohaus Powersports tel. 01256 704909 - http://www.motohaus.com/

New Secure Marking from Acumen Electronics

Acumen has added a secure marking system to its range of electronic alarms and immoblisers. Secure marking adds an extra layer of protection to electronic motorcycle security, creating a silent deterrent to thieves by increasing the difficulty and risk for criminals attempting to hide or change a vehicle’s identity. Secure marking also makes it much easier for anyone – police, dealers or the general public – to establish a vehicle’s true identity. It is proven to aid in the recovery of stolen vehicles and to assist in the prosecution of the people who stole them.
Acumen has teamed up with the UK’s leading supplier of auto marking systems to use their Thatcham* assured products, adapted for motorcycle use. Designed for DIY-application, the kit comes with everything that an owner requires to mark their motorcycle or scooter; ultra-destruct labels (that cannot be removed) for marking frame and bodywork, self etching UV labels, vinyl stencils and ultra-violet marking fluid and applicator. The self-destruct labels are a visual deterrent to potential thieves while the ‘invisible’ etching is indelible and can be revealed with any ultra-violet light. This makes it easy to check a vehicle’s status/ownership using a 24-hour phone line, which is open to the public.
Priced at £59.99 inc. VAT the Acumen SMS kit is manufactured to TQA standards, Thatcham’s robust accreditation programme for aftermarket security devices.
Contact – Tel. 0870 240 3257 - Web http://www.acumen-electronics.co.uk/
*Thatcham ('The Motor Industry Repair Research Centre') writes the specification for security products, both electronic and mechanical, and is funded by the Insurance Industry. Thatcham Approval number TQA047.

Weise® Manx waterproof gloves

The new Manx waterproof gloves from Weise® are designed to offer high specification to motorcyclists who ride throughout the seasons.
Manufactured from full grain leather with nylon on the back of the thumbs and fingers, the Manx gloves are comfortable and flexible for day long wear. Weise® has added KEPROTEC® panels to reinforce impact zones on the palm and little finger. KEPROTEC® is a high tech fabric that is extremely abrasion and tear resistant, offering obvious benefits for motorcycle clothing. Leather covered reinforcements over the knuckles add to the feeling of security.
There is plenty of protection from the elements, including a HIPORA® waterproof and breathable inner lining and THINSULATE® thermal inner lining, with the added benefit of Chamude overlay panels on the palm to provide extra grip when things get slippery in the wet. Inside the tri-fleece lining is soft and inviting.
Genuine 3M™ reflective piping on the middle fingers boosts visibility in dark conditions and the Manx gloves are held firmly in place with adjustable Velcro® retained straps at the wrist and cuff.
Weise® Manx gloves are produced in a choice of black/red, black/blue and black/black. They retail for £49.99 inc. VAT, in sizes Small – XXXL.
Contact 0117 971 9200 or visit http://www.weise-clothing.co.uk/