Posts Tagged ‘sport bike’

Motorcycle Product Review: Newfacelook Kevlar Riding Pants

Posted: August 15, 2015 in motorcycle touring, Product Reviews
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Ijustwant2ride.com

Kevlar Motorcycle Riding Pants

I was in the market for a new pair of riding pants. I have one pair of Bilt “Iron Worker’s” Kevlar riding pants but camo is not something you can wear everywhere. I know that Kevlar/Aramid pants range from $300 and down, I was looking for something in the under $100 range.

Scanning Amazon I ran across Newfacelook and their line of jeans and cargo pants. The price was right and the reviews were more favorable than not so I decided to give them a chance. I did notice that a lot of the reviews stated that the pants ran small so I ordered a size up. Boy those reviews were right, they run very small. I normally were 36 and I ordered 38s, my best guess is that these are closer to 32s… no way I was getting them on. I had no issues returning the pants.

Even though they did not fit, they did look well made. I took a close look at the seams and how the Kevlar was attached to the pants, based on my impression of the build quality I decided to give them another chance. This time I ordered size 40 (wow) and they fit like a normal size 36, imagine that.

I wore the pants on a bunch of local day rides and then during our 1700 mile motorcycle vacation. I like them, they have held up well in the heat and the rain. They are comfortable and I do not even notice the armor.

I have not had a chance to try out the Kevlar and armor, thank God, but both seem to be of quality, not that I am an expert on either. I “FEEL” that I would have some protection if/when I go down.

Now of course they are not perfect. A couple of the downsides, besides the sizing, they wrinkle to easy and the Velcro for the armor pouches gives me the impression that it might not hold up for the long run, I will have to wait to see on that.

Without testing the protection I have to give the pants 4 out of 5 stars. For the price I really like them enough that I will likely buy another pair.

4 out 5 stars

Well, what do you know… I have a “Most Popular” on ALLTOP

Posted: August 4, 2015 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news
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alltop

ALLTOP is a news/blog aggregation type of site.  Today, on the ALLTOP MOTORCYCLE page, one of my “5 Things” posts has made it to the “Most Popular Stories” section. COOL

Motorcycle Recalls: A BUNCH in the last month or so…

Posted: August 2, 2015 in Motorcycle, motorcycle safety
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Pills

Not sure if there is a season for recalls but an awful lot of motorcycles have been affected in the last 40 days (give or take).  Here are the ones that I am aware of, check the link at the bottom to find our if your bike has an open recall (any recall not just these).

185,000 – Harley-Davidson is recalling more than 185,000 motorcycles in the U.S. because the saddle bags can come loose and fall off, increasing the risk of a crash. Models affected are: certain 2014 and 2015 Road King, Street Glide, Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Ultra Limited, Police Road King, Police Electra Glide and CVO Ultra Limited bikes. Also affected are 2014 CVO Road King and the 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low, Ultra Limited Low, Road Glide, CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide Ultra motorcycles.

45,000 – Honda recalls more than 45,000 motorcycles A product flaw that could result in engine stalling and increased crash risks led Honda to recall certain motorcycle models dating back to 2013. The model affected are: 2013 through 2015 are ST1300PA, CB500, CBR500, CRF250L, CBR650, CTX700, NSS300, VT750, VT1300, 2015 CB300F, CBR300 and CBR600. The recall also affects NC700 models from the years 2014 through 2016.

12,700 – Yamaha recalls 12,721 Motorcycles the insulation on the stator coil, a component of the alternator, may become damaged and short circuit to due insufficient heat resistance. Models affected are: 2008-2011 WR250X motorcycles manufactured June 1, 2008, to June 1, 2011 and 2008-2015 WR250R motorcycles manufactured June 1, 2008, to June 1, 2015.

308 – Suzuki recalls 308  Accessory Backrest Mounting Hardware kits, part numbers 990A0-75148 and 990A0-75148-BLK, manufactured March 1, 2012, to April 21, 2015. The supplied bolts are to long and my rub the tire.

248 – KTM recalls Super Duke R motorcycle for an issue related to a fuel tank leak.  Models affected 2014 and later 1290 Super Duke R motorcycle

 

That is a lot of bikes that need to be checked… my Ultra Limited is one of them.

If you have one of these model motorcycles (in the US) please check one of the US Governments websites that actually works SAFERCAR.GOV to see if you are affected.

 

How is this LOGO for a Motorcycle Blog?

Posted: July 31, 2015 in Motorcycle
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ijustwant2ride

 

So what do you think?  Do you like it?

Motorcycle Product Review: Viking Bags Sport Tail Bag

Posted: July 12, 2015 in Motorcycle, motorcycle touring, Product Reviews
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First I have to say that I am a bit late on this motorcycle product review. I have had the bag for a few months but I wanted to wait until we could really put the Viking Bag Sport Tail Bag through a real test. (Also available at Motorcycle House)

If you follow this blog you know we just finished a 1700 mile tour from our home in northern Virginia to Myrtle Beach, SC then to the North Carolina and Tennessee mountains before heading home. This bag (their model AXE-23) was strapped to the top of our tour-pak for every mile of the trip.

We gave this bag a real work out. We experienced conditions of 100+F degree heat, multiple rain and thunderstorms, twisty mountain roads and this bag hung right in there.

OK, so what do I think about the bag. While the video will give you better details here are some of the major + and – of the bag.

+ It fits the Harley Davidson Air Wing Tour-Pak Chrome Luggage Rack really nicely.

+ The bungee cord tie downs really gave the bag a snug fit to the luggage rack. I NEVER had concerns of it coming loose.

+ The hooks for the bungee cords are coated, which provides added protection against scrapes and scuffs to chrome or paint.

+ It holds a LOT more than it would appear to hold. The design of the expansion sides gives the bag an extra 6 inches of space. Look at the video and you will see why their design is better than any other expansion side that I have seen.

+ The rain cover works well and did not come off in 70+ MPH wind.

+ The no-mar, anti-skid bottom did not scuff the chrome and helped hold it in place.

– The clips to add soft saddle bags. I would have liked to have had a female connector to use them as a secondary tie down or the ability to remove them completely.

– The side pocket zippers had tuck in spots to prevent wind “tinkle” but none of the others had that option.

– The bungee cords had little caps to protect the ends of the hooks and thus your paint and chrome, it think that was a great touch for protecting our bikes. But, two of the four tips came off during the ride.

During our ride I was considering giving the bag a 4 star rating. But, after we got home and I had time to reflect on the bag AND get my wife’s input I have no problem at all giving the Sport Tail Bag (AXE-23) a 5 out 5 rating.

That extra star came about when I realized that I was thinking of giving the bag away before the ride began and after it was over we decided that we are going to keep it for our future rides!

5 star

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbAkzD7e8xY&feature=youtu.be

You can checkout some of their other products (like sissy bar bags) here.

Hancock Visitor Center: C and O Canal Motorcycle Ride

Posted: June 11, 2015 in C&O Canal, motorcycle touring
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Location – Hancock Visitor Center

Mile Marker –123

Historical Comments – The Hancock Visitors Center is located in the Bowles House.  Construction of the home began in the mid 1700s and thus pre-dates construction of the canal. The house sits near Lock 52 and after this part of the canal was opened the residents would sell/trade with the canal boats as they transited through the lock.  Passing through several hands over the next century it remained private property until the 1980s.

Hancock is one of the oldest settlements in western Maryland.  George Washington stayed here several times while he was surveying the area as a young man.  During the Civil War Hancock was held for ransom by the Confederate Army, but no one paid ransom.

Ride to Site – The Hancock Visitors Center is not easy to find and is poorly signed. If you are approaching from the east you are riding on I70, the visitor’s center is almost immediately on the left side of road (Main Street/MD 144) as you reach the bottom of the exit.  It is hidden between guardrails and trees as you ride down the interstate exit. I rode past the entrance, the fact it was there never registered.

Coming from the west you might see the sign for the visitor’s center if it is not hidden by tree branches.  It is located between the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) building and the ramp to I70.

Amenities – Visitors Center, public restrooms, parking, all normal amenities in the town of Hancock.

Road Conditions (from main road) – rough pavement with loose gravel.  The entrance/exit is on a somewhat sharp incline please pay attention to your line of travel for the gravel that has been kicked onto the pavement.

Railway Situation – none

Parking Lot Conditions –Pea gravel and dirt with a bit of pavement.

Main Attraction – The first floor of the Bowles house has been converted in to the visitor’s center.  There are several artifacts of the construction period of the canal as well as photographs of the area during the period the canal was open.  Lock #52 is also on the grounds of the visitor’s center and is in good shape.

My Thoughts – This visitor center does not have amount of information on the canal as does the nearby Williamsport visitor’s center.  It is difficult to find and is only open Memorial Day thorough Labor Day.

Map

Ijustwant2ride.com

Difficult to find!

 

 

Motorcycle Show: Finish the Race Car and Bike Show

Posted: April 14, 2015 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle
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This past weekend I rode my “Army Motorcycle” to the “Finish the Race Ministries” car and bike show. The show was held in the parking lot of the Calvary Temple Church in Sterling, Virginia. The day was wonderful for a car and motorcycle show! Warm and sunny with a bit of a breeze. But as I used the remains of last year’s sun block I did get a mild sunburn hanging out in the parking lot.

There was over 100 cars and at least 35 bikes entered in the show. The cars ranged from the hopped up, rusty patina shop trucks to Bentley’s. There were a lot of Corvettes ranging from the 1950s to the new Stingray’s. And there was everything in between including a Studebaker pickup, something I have never seen before.

In the bike category there was also a large gamut of entries. Sport bikes, a couple of vintage bikes, third generation Indians, choppers and of course Harley Davidson’s. All the bikes in the show were nice and well keep motorcycles. The winners were selected by judges and attendees of the show and I was fortunate to win the People’s Choice award for the show!

Motorcycle Radio: DawgHouse Podcast #304

Posted: April 8, 2015 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle radio, motorcycle safety
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The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio…The #1 Motorcycle Show in the US

DawgHouse Motorcycle News Podcast #304 is up and ready for you to check it out.

This week we discuss:

EJ Coles 220 Bike Auction

The most expensive bike ever sold at auction (want to guess where?)

COP in an bar fight over MC Colors

Motorcycle Slang

Motorcycling Myths

ohhh Ken and Phil insult me (Their turn will come!)

Check out the DawgHouse FaceBook Page

April is CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE HELMET MONTH.

Posted: March 31, 2015 in Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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motorcycle-helmet-after-accident

So what does that mean to you and me, the average motorcycle rider?

While your helmet might look clean and shiny it does not mean that it not ready for replacement. Worse yet, a single drop to the ground might be enough to cause you to consider replacement, according to the manufactures.

Here are some industry guidelines regarding your helmet:

  • Helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every 3 to 5 years, depending on use, to ensure optimal protection.
  • Over time, UV rays, internal adhesive and component aging can deteriorate a helmet’s protective qualities by degrading the interior protection layer.
  • Exposure to gasoline, insect repellent, cleaning fluids, exhaust fumes and excessive heat can degrade helmet materials.
  • If a helmet has been dropped or suffered an impact, it should be replaced immediately.
  • A helmet is designed for only one impact, even a small one. An impact may fracture its outer shell as well as compress the inner liner, neither of which may be visible.

Now it is your head so you need to make the decision, but you should at least check out your lid to make sure there are no major issues.

You can also go to HelmetCheck.Org to get some additional information.

WTF… FAKED OUT… own a motorcycle and go on a Homeland Security list!

Posted: March 25, 2015 in Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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Portable-Harley-Davidson-Jail-Cell

**** Updated******** TURNS OUT THIS WAS A FAKE STORY.  May have been an April’s Fool joke that triggered early, but they got me.  My knowledge of IT and the underlying mistrust of the “system” sucked me right in to the believing the fake story.  It would way to easy to make this happen in the era of Big Data. *************

 

Today I found out I am on an FBI and Homeland Security list!!!!!!!

According to the FBI I am “67% more likely to be involved in illegal or criminal activity”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now mind that I have NEVER committed a crime, have held multiple security clearance and just an all-around good guy.

I am on a list because I OWN a motorcycle, no other reason! If you OWN a motorcycle you are on the FBI list as well. Harley, Honda, off-road, café racer, it does not matter, if it is registered with your state you are on the FBI/Homeland Security List!

Oh and think the list only pertains to the government use? Agent Cornia stated “it can show up to potential employers on select background checks.”

I think I remember a time when our political leaders said state data of this nature would never be used outside of the purpose it was created for….how do you know when a politician is lying? Their lips move!

PLEASE READ the article from American Iron Magazine for more complete information. If you are as disturbed by this as much as I am contact your members of congress, they don’t care about you but you might as well get on their list as well.

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