Articles by admin

Shoei VFX-EVO

Editor Score: 92.0%

Aesthetics	9.5/10
Protection	9.0/10
Value	9.0/10
Comfort/Fit	9.5/10
Quality/Design	9.75/10
Weight	9.0/10
Options/Selection	9.0/10
Innovation	8.75/10
Weather Suitability	8.5/10
Desirable/Cool Factor	10.0/10
Overall Score	92/100

Helmets are a lot like shoes, and like a good pair of shoes, the right helmet can be incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of different outfits, or gear sets in this case, for an assortment of various riding disciplines. The Shoei VFX-Evo has been my number one go-to off-road helmet since the day I got it back in January, and I’ve been reaching for it almost exclusively anytime any sort of dirt riding is on the menu.

One can’t help but think of Shoei anytime premium motorcycle helmets are brought up. Since 1959, says Shoei, every Shoei has been handmade in Japan utilizing a sophisticated process that involves over 50 people for each and every helmet. Shoei doesn’t offer multiple versions of the same helmet with different technologies and varying price points. Rather, the company only offers what they consider to be the best for the category, and the VFX-Evo is its premier off-road helmet.

The VFX-Evo’s predecessor, the VFX-W, was incredibly popular amongst many top riders, and it went unchanged for almost ten years because of how ahead of the times it was when initally released. The Evo takes it to another level. Like many other helmet technologies of recent years, the Evo’s top priority is to mitigate rotational acceleration to the head, neck and brain. Shoei calls its technology the Motion Energy Distribution System, or M.E.D.S. for short.

Despite multiple dirt samples, not once have I suffered any sort of injury above the shoulders, though some would probably say I’ve only got one oar in the water to begin with… The VFX-Evo’s Multi-Ply AIM+ shell is hand constructed through a matrix of organic and glass fiber-reinforced layers and resin. The Evo’s outer shell is both lighter and more elastic, yet just as strong and even more resistant to penetration due to the additional use of special 3D fibers.

Shoei’s innovative Dual-Layer, Multi-Density EPS liner is what’s found under the shell, and this system provides enhanced impact absorption by utilizing varying densities of foam in key areas around the rider’s head. This combination of layers is also designed to allow cooling air to travel unrestricted through tunnels created in the EPS, allowing for not only great ventilation and cooling, but a better, more customized fit as well.

So far, I’ve worn the VFX-Evo for motocross, trail riding, supermoto, adventure riding and touring, dual-sport, and even flat track racing. It’s really proven itself to be a jack-of-all-trades, and on top of that, I think it’s one of the better-looking helmets on the market. Comfort wise, the VFX-Evo fits my melon just right like yoga pants on a bikini model, and paired with its 16 intake and exhaust vents and 3D Max-Dry liner, it keeps my head as cool as Steve McQueen.

On the road, the Evo does surprisingly well in keeping your head from blowing around thanks to the visor’s air flowing design, except for when you turn your head sideways at highway speeds, but what do you expect? The visor does a great job channeling cooler air into the helmet, and it’s attached via three plastic screws that are designed to break away when the right amount of force is exerted on them during a crash, to help prevent additional rotational forces to the head, brain and neck from the visor snagging on something in the tumble.

Most helmet reviews won’t tell you how a helmet holds up in a crash because, well, crashing sucks, and even fewer are that dedicated to testing a helmet’s degree of function, but if I had a nickel for every time this helmet has saved my butt, it might be paid off already. Weight-wise it tips the scales at 3.3 lbs, which is heavier than the Alpinestars Supertech M10 at 2.78, but I would never call it heavy. The way in which it encapsulates my head ensuring a proper fit, the VFX-Evo feels like an extension of my body without any bobble head-like symptoms. One final thing that I really like about this helmet is its integrated goggle strap channel. You can rest easy knowing you won’t look like a goon if your goggle strap is either too high or too low.

The Shoei VFX-Evo is DOT and SNELL 2015 rated, comes in three different shell and EPS sizes for a precise fit, and has a five-year limited warranty. It’s available in sizes XS to XXL and MSRP for solid colors starts at $539. The Zinger TC-1 colorway that I’ve got comes in at $719. It might be a little expensive, but the VFX-Evo is a great helmet and you get what you pay for. It’s your head we’re talking about here, after all.

For more info on the Shoei VFX-Evo and how to purchase, head over the Shoei’s website here.

The post MO Tested: Shoei VFX-EVO Helmet Review appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

We live in some pretty crazy times, and sometimes it feels like society would rather watch the world burn rather than to go out of one’s way to help someone else out. Bring up anything remotely political to the wrong person and all of a sudden you could become the devil, or a moron in their eyes just because you have an opinion different from theirs. How about when an older person gets on the train or bus, do younger people still stand up and offer their seat? I hope so, but only if they lift their nose out of their phones for long enough to notice. What about rush hour traffic? The roadways can become battlegrounds as if every last inch of asphalt were sacred or something. God forbid you let someone else merge in front of you because, after all, it’s their fault you’re late, right?

Crazy talk. Fortunately there are good people in this world that are happily willing to go out of their way to help someone else out. Like this motorcyclist for example, who saw a man running down the sidewalk that looked like he was trying to catch a bus. It makes me happy to see this kind of stuff. He didn’t have to stop, he could have easily kept on riding along, but yet he did, and now both of them have a nice story to tell. For this nice deed, the Good Samaritan motorcyclist definitely has some positive karma coming his way.

We do wish he was wearing some better motorcycling gear, but we’ll let that one slide for good behavior.

The post Good Samaritan Motorcyclist Helps Man Catch the Bus appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

For most of us, once we bring a new bike home the first thing we start planning are upgrades. Swapping stock parts or just bolting new ones on, it’s time to start customizing your bike to make it your own.

In the ADV world, some bikes end up like those immaculate Jeeps you see rolling around the city with fresh 35-inch tires, lift kits, and rock crawler bumpers that have never been outside of Orange County. Farkled to the max, yet never being used to their full potential. Though that’s not always the case, it seems the prettier the anodized parts, the less likely they’ll get used. Here are our Top 10 adventure motorcycle farkles whether you’re going to Starbucks or Dakar.

1. Tires

As mentioned in our EZ ADV Upgrades article, tires will make the most drastic change in how your adventure bike handles. If you’re looking to ride your big ol’ adventure ride off-road, knobbier tires are essential to try and maintain traction with all of that weight and horsepower. The market for ADV tires is saturated with offerings running the gamut from 10% off-road/90% on-road and vice versa. Take a look at our Adventure Tire Buyer’s Guide for a few examples from eight great brands.

2. Skid plate

Should you protect the engine of the 550-plus pound motorcycle you intend to take off-road? Hmm. I dunno. It’s true, if you don’t intend to take your bike down much more than a gravel road, you won’t need a skid plate. If you do plan to chase the horizon through whatever the trail throws at you, protecting the underside of your heavy bike is a must. Nothing brings the fun to a halt quicker than a busted engine puking oil all over the trail. Ask me how I know.

Companies like Touratech, Altrider, and Black Dog Cycle Works provide stout offerings for a number of adventure bikes from midsize to full-blown 642-pound BMW R1200GS Adventures. Our recent review of Black Dog Cycle Work’s Ultimate Skid Plate highlights the company’s flagship product.

3. Lights

While OEM headlights have grown increasingly brighter and more useful, in part due to the introduction of LEDs, many still lack the illumination we would prefer. Combining less than stellar lighting and off-road riding is a recipe for disaster. The ever changing terrain on a trail or fire road can require split-second decisions to be made, and when traction is limited, it’s best to be able to see obstacles as far in advance as possible. Baja Designs is one of the premier lighting specialists in off-road racing for both two wheels and four. They make great well-thought-out products that have been tested through the most rigorous racing conditions. Even if you’re not racing or even riding off-road, having better lighting is a welcome comfort when riding through the night.

4. Luggage

In our Motorcycle Saddlebag Buyer’s Guide, we listed 10 great options for motorcycle luggage, which includes five soft options and five hard options for luggage as well as the pros and cons of each. Adding luggage to your motorcycle will change the way you tour, commute, and grocery run. The convenience can’t be overstated. A top case was the first item I purchased after buying my 1190.

5. Crash bars

What is that? You say your inseam isn’t 35 inches? Well, if that’s the case there’s a good chance that adventure bike of yours might end up on its side at some point, whether you ride off-road or not. While some bikes come equipped from the factory with crash protection, it doesn’t always protect all of the expensive plastic parts or engine casings as well as additional protection from the aftermarket might.

6. Engine case protectors

Yet another vital piece of protection. I had to learn the hard way so you all don’t have to. After putting a hole in my own clutch cover and more recently, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports’ stator cover and looking at the thickness ­­– or lack thereof – it’s clear some extra protection is needed. Save yourself the headache of getting stuck trailside and having to get towed back to camp by investing in some extra protection for those engine cases.

7. Ram mount

A convenient quick bolt-on accessory that will have you wondering why you hadn’t slapped one on before. Great for using your smartphone for navigation through uncharted territory.

8. Headlight guard

If you do find yourself riding your adventure bike off-road often with your friends, a headlight guard can come in handy. It’s not always just dust getting kicked up by the rider leading you. One well-placed rock could shatter your headlight when fired out from under the rear tire of a 120-horsepower off-road bike. Headlight guards come in steel and polycarbonate variants. Think of them as safety glasses for your bike. You wouldn’t ride without eye protection, why should your bike?

9. Performance upgrades

For many people, an exhaust is the first thing they swap onto their motorcycles. Typically, folks opt for slip-ons because they’re easier to install and cheaper, but why stop there? As featured in our recent EZ ADV Upgrades series, helping your bike breathe better starts at the intake and Rottweiler Performance makes swapping in a freer flowing system a cinch. Combine that with an exhaust and you can tune a relatively decent amount of power into your bike while smoothing out throttle response. Another performance upgrade often seen in adventure bikes is suspension. Suspension shops can get your setup dialed in for your riding style and size in a way that can transform the handling of your machine.

10. Foot pegs

Traction for you can be just as important as traction for the bike. A set of wide rally-style foot pegs will work wonders on staying in contact with the foot pegs, allowing you to move around and weight them accordingly. They will also help with fatigue if you find yourself standing for extended periods of time. Take a look at our review of the Fastway foot pegs shown above.

These must-have items are a great place to start. Let me know what I’m leaving out in the Comments below!

The post Top 10 Adventure Motorcycle Farkles appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

Well, that’s not a headline you see everyday. Lighting motorcycles on fire isn’t cool, but then again, neither is doing meth – allegedly…

On this episode of Jerry Springer – Motorcycle Edition, an Ohio woman set her husband’s motorcycle on fire after they had been fighting all day in response to learning that he had taken back up his old hobby of smoking meth. Upset after the argument, the woman wanted to destroy something of his, and so she went after his poor motorcycle.

Read the full story here from the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette.

Woman Sets Fire to Husband’s Motorcycle Because of his Alleged Meth Use appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

For those unaware, MotoAmerica took over the AMA Superbike Series in 2015 and is currently the premier motorcycle road racing series here in the United States. Its primary goal was/is to reinvigorate the sport of motorcycle road racing in North America, and to act as a feeder series to showcase riders and ultimately send them up through the ranks to race against the top-level big boys in World Superbike and MotoGP. Since its establishment in 2015, MotoAmerica has grown and evolved, and there are currently five classes: Superbike, Stock 1000, Supersport, Twins and Junior Cup.

This past weekend hosted Round 7 of the 2018 series at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California, and in case you missed the action, or want to rewatch it, we’ve got both Superbike races in their entirety below for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy…

MotoAmerica races are broadcast live on the beIN Sports Network – also MotoGP and World Superbike.

The post Watch Both MotoAmerica Superbike Full Races from Round 7 at Sonoma appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

“From the time that the brigade struck the river at Rappahannock Bridge on the 15th, up to the crossing of the river on the 29th, it seemed as though the elements were combined against our advance; such rains and roads I had never seen.” —General John Buford

---

I was regretting my riding gear selection as we drove south to pick up a new bike. The temperature and humidity was climbing as was the traffic north of Richmond, but the weather had finally cleared for one day at least. Fifteen days of consecutive wet had left us soggy, and in some cases shut down. The traffic we were currently stuck in abruptly stopped, the temps and humidity did not, I called the dealership to let them know we’d be running late, and started running through my mental Rand-McNally plotting alternative ways out of this mess. Gazing over at the I-95 northbound lanes, which were getting increasingly more ensnarled, I knew where I did not want to be.

(Sidenote: The wife and I have a long history of motorcycle-related traffic jams starting back in the late summer of 1985 with a multi-vehicle crash on the Schuylkill Expressway outside of Philly. This parked us for a good portion of the night while they cleared the casualties. We were on the way to a WERA rider school at Pocono Raceway. 2018, and here we are again just north of Richmond. Those are the ones you marry, fellas.)

I was picking up a new Kawasaki 650 Versys LT from a dealership west of Richmond for a price bordering on larceny. I would have pushed the bike home for that out-the-door price. I reminded myself of that, and while having doubts about the wisdom of bringing my vented Vanson jacket – all 800 pounds of leather and armor of it –  I reminded myself that Buford’s Cav rode all over Hell’s half acre down here dressed in wool, and they weren’t getting a rat-killing deal on a new Kawi. Besides, I’ll be moving one way or another I thought, through force of will if nothing else.

Over two weeks of rain and the interminable sprawl north of Richmond on I-95 and Route 1 cared little about force of will. Closer to home we were still cleaning up due to flooding. And Richmond? When did Richmond become so popular? More effective than even Lee’s defenses of his day, the northern Richmond metro area was bristling with shopping malls, outlet centers, and road-choking suburban traffic of the brainless variety designed to bake rider and clutch plates alike.

The salesman informed me that Kawasaki’s recommended break-in procedure mentions something about not exceeding 4,000 rpm in the first something-or-another miles. My break-in procedure is more barbaric, my school of thought espouses varying the rpm a good deal and loading up those rings on and off the gas. Give ’er the berries, or something like that. Nobody’s break-in procedure recommends idling 20 miles through clutch-slipping stop-and-go traffic in sweltering 90-plus degree southern humidity cooking fresh oil to temps normally associated with Earth reentry vehicles. But that was just what the day entailed.

All roads lead to Richmond, as a result, all roads also lead out of Richmond like spokes in a wagon wheel. That combined with the natural inconvenience of things like rivers serve to make speedy ingress and egress problematic depending upon where you intend to go, just ask anybody from George McClellan to present day. My problem was not the deplorable weather nor the confederates, it is the ungodly parking lot the I-95 corridor has become, combined with a collective ignorance that continues to insist that lane splitting is dangerous, or a public hazard, or an affront to God, despite all evidence to the contrary.

Hey? I’m trying to make my first tentative steps into adulthood here, look at this sensible bike, I thought. Where is my sensible world with sensible traffic flow? I was awash in sensible purchases, the Shoei GT-Air on my extra fat head; double visor, vents, cuts the air well. This thing flat out works for a traditional riding position, it was not designed for an afternoon in a full tuck on the banks of Pocono. I rode most of the way home with the shield open and the sun visor down.

You want venting? That’s venting, and in bumper to bumper traffic it was much appreciated. The few times I had clean asphalt it was a simple visor flip down and I was ready to rock. And rock the little Versys could, given a hole it was more than capable of leaving the lumbering herd with a little air under the front wheel hitting second, and the venting was heaven sent.

A Sargent saddle, low type – comfortable – and not in that I can squirm my bird ass around from time to time and tolerate another hour on this seat comfortable. No, the thing is truly supportive in a firm but not hard-as-a-2×4 comfortable sort of way. It is quality built out of good materials, a seat pan I’d swear could be Mil-Spec if the US Army was ever concerned about motorcycle seat pans, and my ass never once made me think about the saddle; that is a good seat, a sensible seat. In 96-degree, stop-and-go, high-humidity traffic it was a delight. I have never gone on passionately about a saddle before but this is the one I’d bring home to meet Mom.

And what of Kawasaki’s hard bags? The hard bags are secure, weatherproof, and handy, how adult is that? If you don’t know me from all outward appearances I am, “The Most Sensible Man in the World!” Hard bags can also keep you humble as I was to find out.

And what do I get for this good faith effort? Insensible traffic laws. No lane splitting in a constipated traffic corridor like the I-95 parking lot, that is the state of ignorance we are subjected to on the East Coast. Say what you want about California, they have one thing absolutely, positively, gloriously right; lane splitting.

Consider the NYC slog, the standard issue DC march of the zombies, you cannot escape the hordes, workdays, weekends, you name it. I am here to tell you having amassed four decades worth of road racing trophies that speed does not kill – or at least it hasn’t killed me – heat stroke will. Why can’t we end this Bataan Death March for the most exposed road users who contribute next to nothing to road wear? Why not legalize lane splitting and limit our exposure to the hoi polloi with their cell phones and other insidious distractions just waiting to rear-end some innocent? But I digress.

Until then I have another plan for this little Versys, it involves lumens and dinero; namely pencil beams that project like landing lights at BWI. If you are going to deny me the day, I’ll own the night – with the wildlife’s permission of course. Nocturnal ass hauling, one of my favorite things. While the world sleeps I can cover ground. One man, 100,000 well aimed lumens, truckers, whitetails, drunks and other ne’er-do-wells punching holes in the night. That is my plan anyway until the glom can be escaped and normal sleep and travel patterns resumed.

I am looking forward to clearing New York City at dawn on the way to my folks’ house way over on the other side of Long Island. It is a beautiful skyline sans 6 million people in their cars. Portland, Maine, in my rearview mirror at dawn sounds about perfect. Those lights and an EZ-Pass could open the old routes I used to travel routinely during daylight hours before the urban populations doubled and the asphalt did not.

I wanted a bike for the real world, not my RC-51, which would have been murder in that Richmond heat and tech line traffic speeds, and not my old air-cooled Yamaha SR500, which would have turned its 20w50 into a nice viscous hot caramel glaze by Ashland. I needed a bike for gridlock, crap roads, worse drivers, and fun should some clean asphalt open up. And that is precisely what I found in the Versys 650 with its safari suspension and dirt track riding ergos.

I can survey acres of idiots from the vantage point of the tall saddle and plan accordingly, and given open field the little Versys can leave like Barry Sanders. And it can do it all comfortably with the luggage, with more than enough space for a wandering ascetic like me. It feels like a supermoto touring bike and the way it makes power lends itself to riding it like one. That makes me smile, and that is what riding is all about.

Ride hard, look where you want to go, improvise, adapt, and overcome… and have fun, lots of fun.

 

The post Head Shake – Retreat from Richmond appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

When you order OEM parts online, you need an exact part, for an exact motorcycle, and you need it exactly yesterday. In this article Partzilla – a major online OEM parts retailer with over three million orders fulfilled – gives you a glimpse behind the scenes to help you understand where OEM parts come from, what causes backorders, how shipping OEM parts “really” works, why your retailer isn’t a big, fat, awful, devious, liar, and what you can do to get your OEM parts shipped to your doorstep as fast as humanly possible.

1. Cut Transit Time by Buying From a Retailer Near You

Before you start shopping, do a little research to see where your online OEM parts retailer is located. For example, if you’re located on the West Coast, buy from someone who has a warehouse on the West Coast rather than waiting for your parts to ship across the country. Partzilla, for example, has two warehouse hubs:  One on the East Coast in Georgia and one on the West Coast in Nevada, so we can get in-stock Partzilla OEM parts shipped to most of the country in 1-3 days.

2. Make Sure You Buy From an Authorized OEM Parts Dealer

There are many online OEM part retailers that are not authorized dealers. Retailers that are not authorized dealers can get you OEM parts, but they have to order out-of-stock parts from someone else; this middleman adds an extra step in the process and can cause additional delays for you. Authorized dealers speed the process up by requesting out-of-stock parts directly from the manufacturer. You’ll also want to be sure you order from an authorized dealer if having parts under manufacturer warranty is important to you. Only authorized dealers can make a warranty claim on a defective part. Partzilla is an authorized dealer for eight manufacturers including Honda, Yamaha, Polaris and Can-Am and has five dealership locations in the United States.

3. Stay Flexible When Estimating the Arrival of your OEM Parts

It is critical when you are buying OEM parts online to set the right expectation for fulfillment time from the get-go. In other words, get Amazon’s magical anything-you-want-in-two-days-no-matter-what fulfillment out of your head. Partzilla OEM parts are available for over 35,000 unique year/make/model vehicle combinations, which means we have millions of unique OEM parts for sale on our website. We are proud to stock over 100,000 unique SKUs at all times (more than anyone else in the industry), and we take care to make sure our in-stock inventory represents approximately 85% of all the parts our global customer base requests. Even with stats like that, each part, down to washers and nuts and gaskets, is so specific to each model, there’s no way any online OEM parts retailer could ever stock every single part available.

So what happens when you order an out of stock part, and how do you know if your part is in stock?

When you select a part that is not in stock, your OEM parts retailer needs to order that part on your behalf from the manufacturer (or from the middleman, if you’re not buying from a resource that is an authorized dealer). Once the manufacturer receives the order, the retailer must wait for Honda (or whomever the manufacturer is) to ship the part to the retailer before the part order can ship to the customer.

Your local dealer has to go through the same process to get the specific OEM part you need and, honestly, so does Amazon– assuming the mega-site even has the specific radiator reserve tank you need listed for sale.

If your part shows a processing time, like “Ships in 1-2 days,” this means the part is not in stock and needs to be ordered from the manufacturer on your behalf.

On the other hand, if your part says “IN STOCK” that means the part is in the retailer’s warehouse and ready to be processed and shipped immediately.

When you see “Ships in X days” here’s what you need to understand:

• If it doesn’t say “In Stock” that part is not in stock and needs to be ordered from the manufacturer.
• The projected shipping date (“1-2 days”) is an estimate assuming the manufacturer has the part requested in stock.
• There is no live system that tells any OEM provider what parts the manufacturer actually has in stock at any given moment. Every online OEM parts retailer is making an assumption about how long it should take when they offer a date range for an out-of-stock part. A dealer can’t confirm what is in stock until the part is ordered through the manufacturer’s order processing system.
• After your retailer orders your part from the manufacturer, the manufacturer provides an estimated ship date for that part. Sometimes the manufacturer will change this estimated arrival date one or more times. Every time the manufacturer pushes the ship date back, a notification is sent to the customer to let him or her know the estimated delivery date for the parts have changed. There is no way to see changes in ETA for out-of-stock parts coming ahead of time.
• A backorder notice happens if the manufacturer finds the requested part is not in stock. The backorder notice will come with a date estimating when the part or parts should be available. Like any parts ETA from a manufacturer, sometimes the manufacturer changes this date. Sometimes the manufacturer doesn’t have a date so there is no ETA for when we will be able to ship the part. Unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done to avoid this.
• Until your retailer gets the parts in hand from the manufacturer, delivery time for out of stock parts will always be an estimate that is subject to change.
• Your local dealer uses the same parts ordering system as your online OEM parts retailer, so ordering from a dealer won’t speed things up. They will find the same parts in stock or backordered.
• If you order some parts that are in stock and some parts that are out of stock, the out of stock parts can hold up your entire order if you don’t call to request split shipping (see tip #3 below).

4. Remember Nothing Ships on Sunday or Labor Day

Don’t forget that transit time begins after the package ships and doesn’t include weekends or national holidays. So if you order four parts that are all in stock on a Thursday before 4:00pm ET and select Standard Shipping, your order will ship same-day and likely land at your doorstep on Tuesday, not Sunday (transit time for Standard Partzilla shipping is 2-3 days for most of the US). If your parts are not in stock, your transit time will begin after we receive the parts from the manufacturer, as outlined above.

5. Consider Split Shipping Your Order

Whether you pay for shipping at checkout, or your order ships for free (Partzilla shipping is free for orders $149-plus), it’s standard practice for OEM part providers to ship your entire order in one shipment. This means, if you order some parts that are in stock and some parts that are out of stock (“Ships in 1-2 days”), the out of stock parts that need to be requested from the manufacturer can hold up your entire order. To get your in-stock parts right away, call customer service and request split shipping for your order. There is an additional fee for split shipping, but it’s cheaper than placing two separate orders and it will ensure you get your in-stock parts right away.

6. Set Realistic Expectations and Save Cash Buying OEM Parts Online

The main takeaway here: if you’re ordering OEM parts online, flexibility is a requirement, especially if some of the parts you need are not in stock. If you’re working on someone else’s motorcycle, explain that some parts needed to be ordered from the manufacturer and you won’t know exactly when the project will be completed until you are able to get those necessary parts in hand. If you’re working on your own bike, don’t get your hopes up for a weekend rebuild if some of the parts you ordered are not in stock. It usually takes 3-7 business days total for an out of stock part to be delivered to your door, not counting weekend days and national holidays (1-3 days for the part to come from the manufacturer plus 2-4 days for transit time), but unavoidable delays with out of stock parts do happen. To keep things as efficient as possible, remember to order from an online authorized dealer close to you, and consider split shipping!

 

 

The post 5 Partzilla Tips for Faster OEM Parts Shipping appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

Adventure riding has no bounds. With a properly outfitted ADV bike, you can ride just about anywhere and everywhere so long as weather conditions and more importantly your riding ability allow for it. Speaking of weather conditions, you can find yourself riding in any number of them, and there are various gear options out there that will not only perform way better than your average dungarees and jacket, but will provide enhanced protection in the event of a mishap, too.

For our recent Adventure Tour, we were faced with heat more than anything else, with temperatures averaging over 100 degrees during the day. The funny thing about weather (unless you find some sort of shelter) is that there’s no escaping it, especially on a motorcycle, which is already hot on its own. So, it’s up to you to determine how you’ll fight the elements to keep comfortable, and it all comes down to what you’re wearing or carrying on your person. Here’s what us MOrons chose to bring on our adventure ride up to the Eastern Sierra.

Brent’s Gear

Alpinestars Supertech M10 Helmet – $579.95 (solids) $649.95 (graphics)

I’m an off-road guy. In the dirt is where I really get my thrills, and it’s also the type of gear I prefer to wear whenever I’m adventure riding, especially when off-roading is on the menu. This reason, paired with 100+ degree weather, is why I chose my Alpinestars Supertech M10 helmet. The M10 is Alpinestars’ first helmet and its primary objective (aside from offering the latest and greatest protection) is to be as light as possible and to provide a ton of ventilation. At 1,260 grams, or about 2.78 lbs, the M10 is my lightest helmet, and with the amount of air the helmet flows, I felt like I was wearing an open-face helmet the whole time.

Read my full review of the M10 helmet here and how to purchase here.

Scott Prospect Goggles – $89.95

Since the Supertech M10 is an off-road (but still DOT and ECE certified) helmet, there is no integrated shield or visor for your eyes like an ADV specific helmet, so goggles are a must. I chose to wear my Scott Prospect goggles well, because I think they look good, (and because I had no other choice), but also because their lenses are easily changeable. During the day I used a nice tinted lens to help block out the sun, and when it got dark I simply swapped the tinted lens out for a clear one – an easy process that takes less than a minute. Or you can carry two pairs of goggles if space isn’t an issue.

For more info on these goggles and how to purchase, head over here.

Thor MX Terrain Jacket, Jersey and Pants – $179.95, $54.95 and $129.95

The beauty of adventure-specific gear is how technical and versatile it can be for endless riding conditions, but with all the various layers and protection, it can also get a little cumbersome, especially when it’s hot out. This is why I chose to wear Thor MX’s new 2019 Terrain line of off-road gear. It’s not ADV-specific, and definitely doesn’t provide the same amount of protection and abrasion resistance as adventure touring gear, but it’s super lightweight, breathes really well and offers great ventilation. It’s definitely tougher and more rugged than typical off-road gear (much more so than MX gear, which we would definitely not recommend wearing on the road), and it has a number of nice, built-in features to make it all-day comfortable.

The Terrain kit comes with a jacket, jersey and pants. The jacket is great because it has sleeves that zip off to wear as a vest, five outer pockets, one inner, and four zippered ventilation vents – two in the front and two in the back. The pants also have two big zippered pockets in front and two zippered vents. They come in both in-the-boot and over-the-boot versions, but I prefer the look and performance more of an in-the-boot pant. The jersey is made with a moisture-wicking polyester fabric with added abrasion-tolerant material on the sleeves and shoulders. It also has vented side panels. Overall, I was super impressed by how the Thor MX Terrain gear performed. Look for a full review later this week.

For more information and how to order, follow this link.

Gaerne SG12 Boots – $529.99 – $549.99

I love these boots and wear them just about anytime dirt is in the equation. They’re my go-to for any type of dual-sport or ADV-type riding. I also wear them sometimes while riding motocross, but have found I prefer my Alpinestars Tech 10s more for that. The Gaerne SG12s are all-day comfortable, have no inner booty like the Tech 10s, and have the easiest latching mechanism I’ve used for quick on and offs. Five stars, highly recommend!

For more info from Gaerne and how to get yourself a pair, click here.

Thor MX Rebound Gloves – $34.95

Again, more of an MX / off-road glove, the Rebound glove is nice and light, and breathes very well. It does, however, have a double wrapped thumb and a perforated Clarino palm with double overlays for abrasion resistance and durability.

More info here.

KLIM Nac Pak Backpack – $99.99

This backpack has been an off-road/dual-sport favorite for riders for years, and I now know why. The Nac Pak has motorcycle-specific built-in features regular backpacks or hydration packs don’t, and they make all the difference. The shoulder straps integrate a sternum connection point that disperse weight better, there are incredibly well thought out and functioning pockets, a removable water-resistant tool pack, hydration pack compatibility, a goggle pocket and chamois, emergency whistle, and a molded/vented back panel. And that’s just to name a few of the bag’s features.

For more info and how to purchase, follow this link here.  

Ryan’s Gear

KLIM F5 Koroyd Helmet – $649.99

KLIM’s new F5 with added Koroyd technology seemed like the perfect off-road helmet for our test. I typically run pretty warm at all times so a well-ventilated helmet is a must, especially when working with (or crashing) a 500+ pound motorcycle off-road. The addition of Koroyd technology in the already solid F5 platform gives the helmet better airflow and allows for better impact absorption. The inclusion of the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) gives another layer of protection from rotational impacts. Boiled down, that makes the F5 Koroyd a lightweight off-road helmet packed with features that ventilates well even at a standstill, and employs multiple different types of tech to keep your head safe. Why wouldn’t I choose the F5 Koroyd?

Learn more here.

100% Acurri Goggles – $45 – $60

After receiving both the Acurri and Racecraft+ goggles from 100% recently for testing, I was looking forward to using one of them during our ADV shootout, and since I had opted to use an off-road helmet during our test, I had no choice. Because we do what we do, looking good or at least matching to an extent is important (I think…) so I chose to use the black and white Acurri rather than the red/white Racecraft+. In retrospect, I believe the Racecraft+ would have been a better option due to the simple fact that they have a removable nose guard. Between the lack of nose protection on my helmet and goggles, I caught a couple of bugs and pebbles in and or around my nose.

Check them out here.

KLIM Badlands Pro Jacket & Pants – $999.99 & $699.99

I think it’s fairly common knowledge in the ADV scene that KLIM makes some of the most bomb-proof and technical on/off-road gear on the market. When the new Badlands Pro was announced at last year’s International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, I immediately began discussing the potential of testing the new kit with the KLIM rep as soon as the presentation wrapped up. A few months later when the jacket and pant were available, KLIM sent it out to me. Two big KLIM boxes arrived on my porch the day before the Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports launch. After using the Badlands Pro in Prescott, Arizona during that event, I was looking forward to putting it through its paces on a longer ride, and the ADV shootout seemed like the best time.

Learn more here.

TCX Comp EVO Boots – $379.99

My old(er) TCX Comp EVOs came into play after taking a hard hit to my heel while wearing the Sidi Crossfire 3s during a trail ride the day before we left for our shootout. The Crossfire 3s have a glaring unprotected area on the heel that left me with a tender, swollen and bruised ankle that I didn’t want to risk injuring further. A real bummer since they are so comfortable right out of the box and work well on the dirtbike. My TCX Comp EVOs however, offer plenty of protection all around, including the heels, and have hundreds if not a thousand off-road miles on them. The prospect of dropping an adventure bike with its bone-crushing weight on my already tender ankle made me reach for the most protective off-road boots I had.

TCX has since developed a new boot called the Comp EVO 2. While they still make the original Comp EVO, I’ve been told the American distributor does not carry them. Check out the Comp EVO 2 here.

REV’IT! Sand 3 Gloves – $109.99

The perfect blend of street protection and dirt dexterity. The Sand 3 is a relatively lightweight leather and textile glove that uses flexible rubber on the knuckle, fingers, and palm for impact protection. It’s one of the most comfortable gloves I own and has definitely been a go-to since the heat of the summer set in.

Peep them shits here.

Kriega R15 Backpack – $119.99

I picked up the Kriega R15 after using the R25 for everything from 400 mile dual-sport rides to carrying books to college. The backpack stood up to abuse over the years including a lowside. When I was looking to pick up a smaller pack for use on dual-sport rides or carrying GoPro mounts on press launches, I immediately started looking at Kriega’s lineup. I liked the durability and simplicity. The chest mounted harness closure is one of my favorite features. Kriega designs their packs to take the weight off of your shoulders and disperse it across the chest. The R15 is designed to carry a water bladder and has a large pocket as well as two smaller zipper pockets. Perfect. A simple pack that will carry more than enough for a multi-day off-road ride and is made out of the same material I’ve already tested over time. A solid choice for sure.

Learn more here.

Troy’s Gear

Scorpion EXO-AT950 Helmet – $289.95

Like most of the MO staff, I’m a sucker for modular helmets for their versatility and practicality. Scorpion’s EXO-AT950 takes the concept of modular to heart. Shaped ostensibly as a pseudo-adventure helmet with its long chin bar and huge eye port, not only does the chin bar flip open (which was a huge plus on this trip as it made sucking down water in my hydration pack super easy), but the beak is also removable. Alternatively, you can also lose the visor and wear goggles instead if your ride is headed off paved roads. It’s also got a flip-down sun visor and sweat-wicking internal pads, too. My only gripe is the sizing runs a little small, so keep that in mind. Adventure-touring bikes can do a little bit of everything – so can the EXO-AT950.

More information here.

Alpinestars Andes VII Jacket ($269.95) and Pants ($229.95)

The most popular of Alpinestars’ Tech-Touring line, the Andes VII collection was my choice for this ride for a simple reason: it is the only current touring gear I have. Oh, and I also dig the Military Green color. That said, the poly-fabric construction of the jacket and pants feels sturdy and robust, and the myriad of deep pockets on the jacket was definitely appreciated. Both top and bottom have direct ventilation channels, but nothing will make you feel cool when it’s triple digits outside. Having sampled Alpinestars’ Drystar waterproof membrane in the past I know it works well, but when it’s 100-plus degrees in SoCal, keeping water away is the last thing on the mind. More of a three-weather touring kit (the removable thermal liners for jacket and pant are both fairly thick), summer riding through the desert like we did isn’t the best use of the combo.

Learn more about the jacket here and the pants here.

Alpinestars Belize Drystar Boot – $249.95

Wanting to find the middle ground between a comfortable touring boot and one that could also handle some simple off-road duty, the Belize Drystar boot was just the boot I was looking for. Its lower cut made it more practical when off the bike, but its myriad of features like the flex blade system, self-aligning buckles, and vulcanized rubber soles make it comfortable on the bike, too. My gripe about the boots is a confusing sizing, which made these boots feel more than a half size too big. Better than too small, I guess.

Check them out here.

Alpinestars GP Air Glove – $129.95

With the weather forecast showing triple digits for much of our ride, the glove choice was simple: something with a short cuff, mesh panels, and protection where it’s needed. The Alpinestars GP Air glove checks off all those boxes. This shorty glove features mesh paneling for great breathability, as well as goat skin leather for instant comfort and abrasion protection. Carbon knuckle armor also keeps the hand safe.

Check out all the deets on here.

Evans’ Gear

Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet – $715.99

I wanted an adventure helmet for our adventure ride, and the Shoei Hornet X2 fit the bill perfectly. The oval shape of the helmet fits my head perfectly, and the venting helps to keep me cool in triple-digit weather. Unlike some helmets, the peak offers plenty of shade for the eyeballs while not interacting with the wind blast at highway speeds. The large eye port enables the use of goggles, though I opted for the flip-down tinted visor instead. We reviewed the Hornet X2 when it came out in 2015, but look for a new review of the helmet soon.

You can buy $715.99 the Shoei Hornet X2 in the Navigate TC-3 color way here.

Spidi 4Season H2Out Suit – $1,049.90

I chose the Spidi Spidi 4Season H2Out suit simply because it is the best touring suit I’ve ever owned. I’ve used it in both my Iron Butt ride and my extended tour on the Honda Gold Wing Tour. The suit’s layered design makes it versatile enough to work in desert heat and winter cold – rain or shine.  Although I didn’t need the waterproof or insulating layers on this ride, they are nice to have available. The venting flows a good amount of air, which was important for the 104° portion of our ride. At the end of the first day’s riding for this shootout, I was so comfortable in the pants that I didn’t take them off to set up camp. You can read my full review of the suit to learn more.

Buy the 4Season H2Out here for $1,049.90.

Harley Motorclothes Men’s Cooling Vest – $60

After a single use of this evaporative cooling vest, I was sold on its cooling ability. Simply soak it in water for a couple of minutes and the super-thirsty HyperKewl (Oh, how I hate the tacky name) fabric expands noticeably. After wringing out the excess water, simply put the vest on and let the evaporation do its job. During our trip to the high desert at 104°, I could stand up into the air flow at 80 mph and feel the temperature on my core drop in a few seconds. Yes, I was still breathing that super-heated air, but my core kept the rest of my body much more comfortable than the rest of my compatriots who didn’t heed my advice to buy one before the trip. I don’t know how well it would work in the more humid environment of the Southeast, but here in the arid Southwestern U.S. this has become an essential piece of my summer riding gear.

Order your $60 Motorclothes Men’s Cooling Vest directly from Harley here.

Troy Lee Designs Apex Gloves – Limited Stock Left

I chose my well-used Troy Lee Apex Gloves because they are a shorty design and breathe really well. You can read my review here.

Troy Lee Designs Apex Gloves are now only available in size small at a discounted $35 price directly from the manufacturer, here.

TCX Baja Gore-Tex Boots – $359.99

Since the vast majority of my riding is street-based, I didn’t own any boots that would likely protect me from the forces of a dirt crash. I ordered a set of TCX’s Baja Gore-Tex boots, which seemed to be the perfect balance between touring comfort and off-road protection. The full-grain leather upper features an adjustable closure to accommodate different calf sizes, and the aluminum buckles are micro adjustable for comfortable but snug fit. The Gore-Tex liner will keep the boot dry in rain, but this ride was more focused on its breathability, which was on par with other boots of similar construction. The boots offered support while standing on the pegs for extended periods yet remained comfortable when walking. Look for a full review soon.

Buy the TCX Baja Gore-Tex Boots here.

Technical Fabric Under Layers

Being able to wick moisture away from parts of the body that don’t get much air flow when wearing riding gear is  important for remaining comfortable. I used a variety of underwear and t-shirts constructed from technical fabric on the adventure tour. Although these were items designed for running, they were quite helpful on the bike, too. Consider technical fabric for under all of your motorcycle gear in hot weather.

Sean’s Gear

AGV AX-8 DS EVO GT Helmet – Originally $419.95 now $199.99

An adventure ride calls for an adventure helmet, and Sean wore his AGV AX-8. The upper visor is easily removable via four screws, which makes long stints of highway travel more comfortable. There’s no need to fight turbulent air. Just pop the visor off and you’ve basically got yourself a street helmet. Once you get back in the dirt, the visor provides added shade for your eyes and protection against roost, branches, etc. Constructed from carbon, Kevlar and fiberglass, the AX-8 is also very lightweight.

Sean’s particular model is no longer in production, but you can find closeouts on Revzilla here for over 50% off. Or head over to AGV for their latest version here.

Fox Legion Jacket and Pants – Originally $199.95 and $229.95 but now $149.96 and $172.46

Sean took the lighter weight, better breathing route and wore the Fox Legion Off-Road gear set. This gear is definitely directed more at dual-sport and dirtbike riding, but given the 100+ degree temperatures, it would do just the trick. The Legion gear uses higher abrasion resistant fabric on the front, shoulders and outside arms to protect from overhanging branches, brush and other obstructions you’re likely to find riding off-road. It also has internal elbow pockets for additional armor. The back portion of the jacket uses stretchy Cordura fabric for comfort and increased range of motion. For cooling, the Legion jacket has six zippered vents, with two on the chest, two on the arms and two on your back.

The Legion off-road pants are similar in construction to the Legion jacket, using higher abrasion resistant fabrics compared to traditional off-road or MX pants. They also feature double-layered knee sections and triple stitching in critical areas. For ventilation, the Legion off-road pants have two large zippers on the front that flow a ton of air, especially when standing up.

Fox is currently phasing out the current Legion off-road line to make room for a new and improved one which should land sometime this fall, so you can get this gear at a nice discount right from Fox by following this link here.

Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots – $599.95

Tech 10s are the benchmark boot in motocross racing, offering the highest levels of protection a rider could ask for. Are they overkill for adventure riding? Some may say yes, and others no, but Sean wore them because riding 500+ pound ADV motorcycles off-road can be difficult (as Ryan not-so-gracefully demonstrated for us). You don’t want all that weight trapping your leg underneath it, but wearing a boot like the Tech 10 can seriously mitigate any potential damage to your legs or feet if something like that does happen.

Alpinestars has a number of different color ways to match any gear setup or bike. For more information and how to order, head  here.

The post Adventure Motorcycle Gear: MO Staff Picks appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

Upcoming Weekly Motorcycle Racing and Events Viewing Guide: August 17 – 24

Here’s our weekly guide to the upcoming motorcycle races and events that are happening within the next week and how to watch. Don’t see a race or event that’s happening in your neck of the woods? Leave a comment to let us know.

August 18	AMA Pro Motocross The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, features the world’s fastest outdoor motocross racers, racing aboard the best bikes each factory offers, on the roughest, toughest tracks in the world. Motocross racing is survival of the fittest as well as the fastest every weekend; it’s where legends like Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath, James Stewart, and Ryan Villopoto were built.Motocross is the original extreme action sport, and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross is the pinnacle of pure motocross. The 12-round series begins at Hangtown in May and ends at Indiana’s Ironman Raceway in August. It includes stops at the premier motocross racing facilities in America, with events in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Washington, New York, Maryland and Indiana. The pro riders meet up on Saturday afternoon, with competition divided into two classes: one for 250cc bikes, and one for 450cc machines.
	Budds Creek – Mechanicsville, MD – Click here to watch
August 18	American Flat Track The American Flat Track Series, formerly known as the AMA Grand National Championship and the AMA Pro Flat Track Series, is an American motorcycle track racing series that originally encompassed five distinct forms of competitions including mile dirt track races, half-mile, short-track, TT steeplechase and road races. The championship was totally revamped and is currently the fastest growing sport on two wheels.
	Peoria TT – Peoria, IL – Click here to watch
August 19	British Superbike The British Superbike Championship (BSB) is the leading road racing superbike championship in the United Kingdom, and is widely acknowledged as one of the premier domestic superbike racing series in the world.The series typically races over twelve rounds from April to October, with the series concluding in a three-round ‘Showdown,’ where the top six riders are awarded points based on their podium finishes from the previous nine rounds and then compete over three rounds and seven races for the title. The Showdown format was introduced in 2010 in order to prevent a rider from making a runaway victory in the championship.
	Cadwell Park – Click here to watch
August 19	FIM World Motocross MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship is the premier championship of motocross racing, organized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), currently divided into two distinct classes: MX1 and MX2. Race duration is 30 minutes plus 2 laps per moto. The series runs 18 events with two motos at each round.
	Frauenfeld, Switzerland – Click here to watch
August 19	NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing championship is the most popular as well as best known series of its kind. The rate at which these motorcycles go down the drag strip is insane.
	Brainerd, MN – Click here to watch
August 19	Tennessee Knockout Extreme Enduro The event features a multi-round “Knockout” format. Each round is different as the riders race against the clock in some rounds and head to head in others and they do so on both short and long courses consisting of extremely difficult terrain. All of the action is designed to be very spectator friendly with easy viewing access to many of the most challenging sections.
	Tennessee – Click here to watch the recap

The post Weekly Motorcycle Racing and Events Viewing Guide: August 17 – 24 appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

Upcoming Motorcycle Events: August 14 – September 11

Here’s our weekly guide to the upcoming motorcycle events and rides that are happening within the next month. Don’t see an event that’s happening in your neck of the woods? Leave a comment to let us know.

August 17-19	2018 Very Boring Rally 4 There will be food, presentations, a collectible T-shirt and rally pin, factory tours and a souvenir booklet. Lots of in-store-only discounts, too. Awards for motorcycle poetry reading, oldest/youngest/farthest-distance rider, sorriest-looking bike, and worst worn-out Aerostich suit. Top door prize a complete gear wardrobe worth over $3,000.
	Aerostich 8 South 18th Ave. Duluth, MN
August 18	Moto Bay Classic The Moto Bay Classic is on Pier 32 in San Francisco, directly off The Embarcadero in the shadow of the legendary Bay Bridge. Saturday brings the full moto carnival with headlining bands Eagles of Death Metal, The Vandals, T.S.O.L. amidst the Super Hooligan National Championship Flat Track races taking 100+ Hooligan riders racing bayside, a Cops vs. Hooligans Gymkhana race, Kids course, Stunt Show, Architects of Inspiration Bike and Art Show, all accompanied by additional local Frisco flavor music, craft beers, scrumptious food and Vendor Village.
	Pier 32 599 The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA
August 18	American Flat Track – Peoria TT American Flat Track at Peoria Race Park.
	Peoria Race Park 605 S Cameron Ln. Peoria, IL
August 18	Lucas Oil Pro Motocross – Budds Creek National Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at Budds Creek Motocross Park.
	Budds Creek Motocross Park 27963 Budds Creek Road Mechanicsville, MD
August 24-26	MotoAmerica – Pittsburgh International Race Complex MotoAmerica racing at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex.
	Pittsburgh International Race Complex 201 Penndale Exd. Wampum, PA
August 25	Lucas Oil Pro Motocross – Ironman National Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at Ironman Raceway.
	Ironman Raceway 1520 County Road 200 South Crawfordsville, IN
September 1	American Flat Track – Springfield ST American Flat Track at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
	Illinois State Fairgrounds 801 E Sangamon Ave. Springfield, IL
September 2	American Flat Track – Springfield Mile II American Flat Track at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
	Peoria Race Park 801 E Sangamon Ave. Springfield, IL
September 7-9	MotoAmerica – New Jersey Motorsports Park MotoAmerica racing at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
	New Jersey Motorsports Park 8000 Dividing Creek Rd. Millville, NJ
September 7-9	Women’s Sportbike Rally – EAST What you can expect: amazing riding! Food, friends, raffle prizes, workshops, a free event shirt and an awesome goody bag.
	Iron Horse Motorcycle Resort 1755 Lower Stecoah Road Stecoah, NC
September 2	American Flat Track – Williams Grove Half-Mile American Flat Track at Williams Grove Speedway
	Williams Grove Speedway 1 Speedway Drive Mechanicsburg, PA

The post Upcoming Motorcycle Events: August 14 – September 11 appeared first on Motorcycle.com.