My son-in-law Alex is an iOS developer for Komoot.  Above shows a test I did on the way to work this morning using the app. Click on "Open in Komoot" to see the full display.  I've also used Komoot for hiking and bicycling, it's chief intended uses, but there's no reason it can't be used for motorcycling (or driving) as well. Give it a try; it's a great way to plan, record, or share your travels. Komoot is available for both Apple and Android phones, and the maps can be downloaded for off-line use, which is a big plus.

Labels: Commuting, Nav/Map, Product Reviews, Vendors

MotoJug is a universal on-board hydration system kit designed by ADVrider.com forum member "lacofdfireman" a/k/a Dave and his wife from Utah. You can order the bag and straps only for $50 (shipping included) or get the whole she-bang like I did for $75, which includes the tubing, tubing retractor and bite valve, everything you need except the water cooler, which would cost more to ship than for you to buy.  Click here for the full product description, photographs and ordering information.  Below I've copied and pasted a short review I recently posted in the ADV thread. Highly recommended!

"Lovin' my MotoJug so far. Had it out for a long shake-down ride over the weekend. Not only did it remain 100% secure despite my best cornering and braking efforts to induce movement, but the handling wasn't at all affected, which I was a little worried about ahead of time, particularly as I have a mid-sized bike. Mine is on the left as my exhaust would interfere on the right. I have the tubing retractor clipped to my tankbag so it takes a few extra seconds to deal with the tube when mounting/dismounting the bike, but it's well worth it in the heat. (When temps don't warrant carrying this much H2O, I may use the cooler as a waterproof storage device.) The bag, loops and straps offer many mounting possibilities, and everything is constructed very well. The price was worth it to me to have someone source and build the kit. I went with Dave's recommended $8 cooler but I had to get someone else to buy it for me so I could keep my claim of never having purchased anything at WalMart intact...well, sort of."

 

"Iron Butt types: order two, but substitute a small funnel for the bite valve on one side, so you'd have both intake and output."

Labels: Farkles, Ironbutt/LD, Mods, Product Reviews, Safety, Sport-Touring, Tips, Touring, Vendors

This seems so wrong on so many levels, not the least of which are physics and common sense, but hey, may great ideas were spurned in their day.  I wouldn't sleep in it, but perhaps it would come in handy as a sail in the event of an empty fuel tank.  For more info, check out http://www.mobed.eu/.

No joke; they're actually trying to sell this product.

Labels: ADVtouring, Farkles, Ironbutt/LD, Lodging, Mods, Product Reviews, Safety, Silly but fun, Sport-Touring, Touring, Vendors

The icy/salty/snowy roads that have pervaded my neck of the woods during the last month or so has provided (forced) some down time, so I've been trying to catch up on some reading. Even though I almost never post non-motorcycle content, Sandro Martini's Tracks: Racing the Sun is a worthy exception. A product of ten (!) years' research by the author, this is a highly detailed piece of historical fiction set in the early days of auto racing in Europe. A great read for anyone who enjoys motorsports, politics, WWII-era history, or simply an engrossing story mixing bravery, recklessness, nationalism and larger-than-life characters.  You may even be inspired, as I was, to learn more about the real-life drivers who inspired this novel (some of whom began their careers as motorcycle racers -- ah, there's the connection.) Highly recommended! For more reviews, follow the links at the bottom of this post.



http://www.thevirtualdriver.com/lifestyle/2014/8/22/road-read-tracks-racing-the-sun.html

Labels: History, Product Reviews, Publications, Racing/Competition, Vintage

The annual Adventure Motorcycle Calendar is back for 2015.  I love these calendars; I'm staring at the 2014 edition as I type this, and the 2015 version will be proudly displayed immediately upon completion of Earth's current orbit. Published by Octane Press, this year's edition features images by professional photographers from around the world, including the stunning photography of Gregor Halenda, a commercial photographer and adventure motorcyclist. His work takes you to some of the most interesting portions of the United States including; Copper Center, Alaska; Moab, Utah; and Rollins Pass, Colorado. 

Labels: ADVtouring, News, Product Reviews, Publications, Touring

I'm a tank-bag whore; I always have at least 3-4 on hand from which to choose. I've used the CH 650XM for a couple of years as my primary bag, which is nearly identical to the 950XM except for the 950's expansion zipper, red interior, and slightly shorter outside mesh pockets (which work great for holding a toll-both transponder.) On both bags, I cut the backpack straps out so I can use that pocket for extra storage. I also cut the strap for the headstock strap as I've never had a magnetic bag that actually needed one. This doesn't come with a rain cover, which for me is no big deal because I've learned over the years that the best method for keeping a tank bag's contents dry (and negating the need to stop) is to use a repellant/UV protector spray on the bag, and forego rain covers in favor of using Pelican cases, Loksaks, zip-loc baggies, etc.  Most rain covers are a PITA to install, flop around at speed, and cover the map case. Speaking of which, this bag comes with a double-sided map case. It also has plenty of interior and exterior pockets, a key clip, a shock-cord web on top, and four extra mounting points on the outside that could be used to strap something down. The magnets grasp the gas tank with limpet-like strength. All in all, a well-designed, feature-filled, top-quality bag.

Update: Chase Harper's customer service and warranty support are sub-par. After using the bag only 2-3 times, one of the elastic cord loops that secure the map case broke, and 2 of the remaining 3 look like they'll break soon, too. Chase Harper tells me it will repair the bag at no cost (though not to like-new condition; it will only "top stitch" the cords onto the bag, which were originally sewn into a seam) but the full cost of shipping the bag from Delaware to California will have to be borne by ME. I fail to understand why I should have to pay a single penny when I was sold a bag with a clear defective design or manufacturing defect. The best motorcycle-product vendors I deal with would likely simply send a replacement ASAP, or send one when the defective bag was returned.

Labels: Product Reviews

Below is a slightly edited version of the review I posted on Revzilla.com of the Wolfman fuel/water bottle holster.

Labels: Farkles, Product Reviews

Pasted below is a slightly edited version of my review from Revzilla's website:

Labels: Commuting, Gear, Product Reviews, Safety

Inspired by fighter pilots and college football teams, John Woods (himself victimized multiple times by L.A. traffic) recently invented a reward system for motorcyclists for successfully avoiding injurious havoc, and to help make us more conspicuous as well: Aces M.A.D. (Mayhem Averted Decals).  I happen to believe they're kinda fun, too.  These highly reflective, removable vinyl decals stick well on a helmet's curved surfaces, and are only $4.99 for a sheet of 20 representing such enemies as cars, SUVs, trucks, pedestrians, cell phone users, bicyclists, animals and yes, even other riders. I haven't been able to get many miles in during this awful record-breaking-snow winter we're having in the northeast, but already one side of my helmet displays quite a few; that's commuting duty for ya! (Maybe I need a second set.)  Judging by the lingering glances from cagers at stop lights, they understand what the stickers represent; perhaps these drivers will be a bit more aware of motorcycles in future, or am I giving them too much credit? Get yours today at AcesMAD's website and begin rewarding yourself for dodging those bogeys!

My awards so far.

Just as bright as the SOLAS tape on the bottom edge.

Labels: Commuting, Product Reviews, Safety, Vendors

TT: Full Throttle is Toronto author Nicole Winters' first published novel. Though it was written with "reluctant young adult" readers in mind, and I have no doubt it's a great piece for that audience, it's a great read for anyone, even avid adult readers.  The protagonist, Scott, wants to fulfill his late father's dream of racing the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Race.  Scott and his friends-cum-newbie pit crew travel from British Columbia to the IoM with the goal of qualifying to race in the TT.  

For background research for her book, Ms. Winters attended the IoM in 2010 and 2011 and interviewed organizers, riders, pit crew members, et al.  She even toured the 37 3/4 mile/200+ corner course with a former TT champion and volunteered as a roadside marshal.

Check out the author's website for more info and reviews and high praise from IoM TT riders. The book was resealed in Canada last Fall, with the U.S. release scheduled for March 2014. I suggest ordering the book by clicking thru to Amazon from Ms. Winters' website. 

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: James Lorimer; Reprint edition (March 1, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1459405161
• ISBN-13: 978-1459405165

Labels: Kids, Product Reviews, Publications, Racing/Competition

You DO ride with ear plugs, right?  If not, you've got no excuse; wearing ear plugs can prevent wind-induced hearing loss, will reduce rider fatigue and, contrary to what many believe, will allow you to hear MORE of your engine and surroundings (e.g. automobiles).  I literally haven't ridden a mile without ear plugs since the first time I tried them around 1998.  The key is finding plugs that work for you among the many brands, shapes and materials on the market; most fall into the categories of foam, wax/silicone, plastic or custom molded.

I've been auditioning a set of Auritech Hearing Protectors/"Biker Earplugs" from Appia Healthcare, a UK outfit with extensive hearing protection experience.  They're available from retailer AllEarPlugs.com, which also sells a great variety of ear care and hearing protection products.  The Auritechs are constructed of soft thermoplastic and contain both a ceramic filter and a venturi chamber, which together are claimed to attenuate wind noise without muffling conversational frequencies.  We've had a lot of snow and ice so far this winter, so my riding has been limited, but after about 400 miles I can say that the Auritech Biker plugs perform as claimed.  While the claimed attenuation is a little over 29db, I don't notice much difference in noise reduction between the Auritechs and my "go-to" foam plugs that are rated at 33db.  Comfort is highly individual, with ear canal size and shape, and helmet interior construction all playing a part, but these plugs worked fine for me without a hint of pressure or pain. The Auritech plugs are much easier and quicker to insert than my foamies -- using the molded-in "handle" one simply inserts them straight into the ear canal while pulling the ear up and back a bit; no rolling/compressing required like with foam plugs. Unlike foamies, however, the Biker Earplugs won't be thrown away after a few uses, so some minimal care is required; AllEarPlugs sells a cleaning kit, or they can be washed in soapy water.  The plugs are supplied with a useful aluminum screw-top cylindrical carrier sealed with a rubber o-ring, which also has a split-ring for attaching to a key ring, jacket zipper pull, tank bag zipper, etc.

Labels: Gear, Product Reviews, Safety

Yes, they're fugly, but at 15F everyone thinks I'm stupid anyway.

Labels: Cold Riding, Farkles, Gear, Product Reviews, Safety

While it's no substitute to riding to exotic locations yourself, the next best thing is the vicarious thrill from viewing others' photographs of those places. The out-sized (17" x 12") Adventure Motorcycle Calendar 2014 from Octane Press contains a year's worth of spectacular images, from mountain tops to desert floors, shot by adventure riders who are also readers of Horizons Unlimited, the renowned online hub for world-travelers. This high-quality calendar is a must-have for any adventurous rider, and would make a great Christmas gift for the other riders on your list. Click here for a sneak peek and to order.

Labels: Product Reviews, Publications, Touring, Websites

Motorcycling Through Midlife, The Call of the Corner is best read the way one attacks a good motorcycling road: finding the rhythm, settling into a pace, feeling the flow from turn to turn, and reveling in sudden changes in direction and elevation.  Thorough reviews can be found here, and here.  “I wrote this book for my fellow baby boomers who are thinking about taking up motorcycling, or already have,” said Metzger, who is also the founder of Motomarathon, about which I've posted a few times before. “Though it’s a dangerous hobby fueled by subconscious adolescent cravings, motorcycling can be the finest expression of youthful joy and freedom if approached with the wisdom of midlife– and before we get too old.”  While I came into motorcycling from a totally different direction as the author, and while I don't agree with a number of his opinions, I found much to like, to chuckle over, and ponder. I was wishing for higher quality, color photographs as well.  Being a slim book, the ride was over all too soon, much as journeys down fun roads always seem to be.  I recommend this book for any rider's motorcycling library.
Published by the Motomarathon Association Press, first edition paperbacks of Motorcycling Through Midlife can be purchased for $15 in The Shop at www.motomarathon.com

Labels: Product Reviews, Publications

Back in February 2009 I had the pleasure of reviewing some great coffee from Motorhead Coffee, a venture of an Indiana motorcyclist named Jamie ("Shep" on ADVrider.)  After taking a break to suffocate in the corporate world for a while, I'm glad to report that Shep is back, breathing the fresh air again and custom-roasting some great new products.  Four bags of beans arrived in a tidy package on my doorstep pronto: 10W-30, a light roasted African; 10W-40, medium roast Latin; 10W-50, medium-dark Sumatran; and, the seriously-robust Diesel. All are roasted in small batches using a traditional, gas-fired, drum roaster.  The product, price, customer service, shipping and packaging all get a big thumbs-up!  I highly recommend you order up some of Motorhead's finest today and (cue music) get your motor runnin'...

Labels: Product Reviews, Vendors

Below is pasted a slightly edited version of my review from Rezvilla's website:

Labels: Gear, Product Reviews, Safety, Vendors