Thursday, August 27, 2015

Komoot phone app

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.

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posted by Doug Just Doug at 12:44 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Product Review: MotoJug hydration system

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."

[​IMG] 

"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."

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posted by Doug Just Doug at 2:25 PM 0 comments

Friday, June 12, 2015

Nothin' to see here; move along please!

It's difficult to get photos of oneself in motion on a motorcycle.  Below are some from the last few years, mostly shot by event or roadside photogs. You don't really need to see them; I just decided to catalog them in one place for future reference.  Yeah, I know a couple are just me standing around...



This and the 2nd below were taken at nearly the exact spot 3 years apart.

Too much civilization; get me outta here!





T'was a slow news day obviously. Posted at my American Legion hall.

Photo by Rod Don

Don't distract me with your camera; I'm trying to not ride into that stream.


Can you can spot the error in this image?




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posted by Doug Just Doug at 12:43 PM 3 comments

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Motel, Motor-Tel, wait...what?

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.

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posted by Doug Just Doug at 8:54 AM 1 comments

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

MotoStays: an Airbnb for motorcyclists?

MotoStays, the web site that connects motorcyclists with free home stays in other motorcyclists’ homes, announces free memberships for another twenty-five days, until May 15, 2015. “We’ve been offering the MotoStays membership for free for the past year and the site has expanded to include twenty-six countries,” said Tad Haas, co-founder of MotoStays.

MotoStays is a growing motorcycle community that promotes and provides access to home-sharing opportunities throughout the world. The MotoStays network provides a convenient alternative to camping and hotels by connecting motorcyclists with local hosts along their route. MotoStays also features motorcycle-friendly businesses that offer accommodations for members at reasonable rates.

Launched in June of 2014, MotoStays.com is the motorcyclist’s equivalent to Airbnb; the difference being the overnight stays are free. Motorcyclists create a membership account and profile listing then look for places to stay. Using the member location, photos, amenities and accommodation details to see which hosts best match their needs, members then contact potential hosts to work out the details.

“There are lots of people doing this, and have been doing it for years; it just hasn’t happened in an organized way until now,” said Gaila Gutierrez, MotoStays co-founder. “What we’ve done is create a community that is based on reciprocal hospitality and consolidated it in a way that people can actually plan around. It eliminates the randomness and connects people who share the passion of motorcycling in a unique and interesting way.”

Haas and Gutierrez quit their jobs, rented their house and took off on their motorcycles for fourteen months in 2012-2013. Traveling over 40,000 miles through ten different countries, the trip opened their minds to a new way of thinking. Upon their return home they decided to build a community where other motorcyclists could take advantage of the experiences that result when you share space and a connection with other people and founded MotoStays.

MotoStays will be offering free one-year memberships through May 15, 2015. More information can be found on www.MotoStays.com.

 If anyone uses this service, please drop me a line or a comment to let me know of your experience.

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posted by Doug Just Doug at 1:21 PM 0 comments

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Take Advantage of Evolution

I'd had my eye on a particular motorcycle riding suit for a couple of years, waiting for the long-rumored significant updates to go into production.  Having seen the updated item on the manufacturer's website and catalog recently, I pulled the trigger. When it arrived a couple of weeks ago, I tore into the box like a kid on Xmas, but...wait, whatthefrigginhellisthis?   It was the prior generation suit!  The situation was fairly quickly and without too much hassle rectified.  The seller's explanation was that it was clearing out existing stock before shipping out the updated versions of the item.  That has me wondering how many times over the years I've unknowingly purchased outdated versions of gear/farkles/widgets; many changes are subtle and may not be apparent to the customer.   My practice going forward with any online or phone order is to make it clear I want the current generation.

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posted by Doug Just Doug at 10:30 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

AcesMAD Helmet Decals

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.

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posted by Doug Just Doug at 2:46 PM 0 comments

Friday, January 17, 2014

Why Own A Vintage Motorcycle?


There are countless reasons to own a motorcycle. The freedom, the economy, the cost, the sense of excitement - it all adds up to a connection with travel and the road that you’re unlikely to experience in a car. If you find a reason to own an old motorcycle, the experience can be even more enjoyable - the simple mechanics and pure ‘seat of the pants’ riding is addictive and can often lead to a love affair with vintage motorcycles. Here are 5 reasons to invest in and ride an old motorcycle.

Community

There is a definable sense of camaraderie within the riding community, and even more so if you have an old motorcycle. Parts get shared, tips exchanged and anecdotes swapped. It provides an involved and immersive sense of being involved in something, and regular meetups and social events help to contribute to the enjoyment of being part of something everyone can relate to.

Repairs

With an old motorcycle it’s likely that the repairs will cost far less than more modern bikes. Old fashioned carburettor systems are relatively easy to work on, and have a number of benefits over modern fuel injectors when it comes to tools, access and sourcing parts. Repairs either done by yourself or a mechanic can also be completed fairly quickly.

Smell, Atmosphere and Sense of Occasion

You more or less know that if you try to start your modern motorcycle in the wet or cold, everything will be fine. They’ll be no glitches, no hiccups and no sense of drama. However perfect that might seem, it is sometimes the temperamentality of vintage and old motorcycles that give them their charm and character. Their sound, the smell of grease and the sense of occasion every time you ride one is part of their attraction - and part of the sense of nostalgia many people have when it comes to their most treasured possessions.

Gain in Value

Because they are easy to work on, many people can buy old motorcycles for a small sum and increase their value by restoring them to their former glory. Although the costs of restoring compared to their ultimate sale value must be borne in mind, if there is an old motorcycle which has seen daily use their value is likely to remain relatively stable.


Style and Substance

There’s no doubt about it, having an old motorcycle in truly excellent condition will turn heads no matter where you go. There’s something recognizably refined and stylish about it - old motorcycles have a look and feel you can’t find these days even in the more modern replicas of cafe racers, choppers or old school bobbers. The associated lifestyle, clothing, music and films can often be intrinsically linked to the motorcycle you own. Companies such as Deus Machina are a good place to go for more information.


About the Author

This post was created by Infinity Motorcycles – stocking the fullest range of motorcycle clothing, accessories, luggage and care products for motorcycle riding. We have 10 UK branches from Southampton to York, and you can be sure of quality and excellent service when you visit any one of them.

Please do get in touch if you’d like any more information. Alternatively, find out what we stock in our onlineshop.

Photo credits: Tilted Horizons

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posted by Doug Just Doug at 10:06 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Motorhead Coffee is back on track!


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'...


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posted by Doug Just Doug at 2:32 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Product Review: Rev'It! Athos Vest



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

5 / 5
5 / 5
A less dorky, flap-free way to wake up those cagers!
July 26, 2013
Customer avatar
TiltedHorizons
From Newark
State:DE
Rider Type:Road Warrior
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Bang for the Buck 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Style 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Comfort 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Protection & Durability 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Air Flow 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Features 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Fit
Small
Slightly Small
Large
For many years, I've carried a reflective vest to use at night or in rain or fog, figuring that not getting run over outweighed the dork factor. However, I've never worn plain black gear until recently when I purchased a Rev'It! Ignition 2/Gear 2 combo, primarily for commuter-duty, which convinced me I needed something to make me more visible in ALL conditions.
Enter the Athos vest, with its eye-poppingly hi-viz. It's sooo much better suited to motorcycle use than the construction-worker types I've used in the past: it's snug, aerodynamic, securely attached with a zipper, won't fall off every time you don or doff your jacket, and doesn't flap around in the wind. With the retro-reflective strips and Rev'It! logos front and back, it's an excellent conspiscuity device day and night. At $60, the Athos is more expensive than the construction and emergency services reflective vests, but because it's designed specifically for motorcycle use, it really can't be compared to the others on a cost basis. However, I do think the Athos is a bit overpriced.
Sizing: Taking RZ's advice, I bought a Large (I would've bought a Medium if left to my own devices), which fits great over my size 52 Ignition 2 jacket (which also fits a bit small).
More hot air: The vest flows a decent amount of air, though it does somewhat reduce flow thru the mesh portions of my jacket, a trade-off I'm willing to make. Surprisingly, my sophisticated tests (blowing air thru it) shows that air outflows easier than it inflows.
She blinded me with, well, you know: The color of the hi-viz portions are (to my eye) more yellow than the green-ish product images on RZ's site. It's still plenty hi-viz, tho, and really "pops" against my black jacket. I ride like I'm invisible nonetheless.
Just stuff it!: The vest comes with a nice hi-viz stuff sack, which I use to stash other junk in a side case because I wear the vest any time I'm wearing my new black/black suit.
Etc.: While I don't mind it not having pockets because I carry almost nothing in my outer gear (which explains the bulging tank bag), you may. The vest's zipper is "left-handed" like much Euro clothing is. I've only had the vest for about a month so I can't comment on durability, which I have to say is a weakness in some Rev'It! gear. I bet cleaning bug innards off the hi-viz material will be difficult. The zipper is branded "SBS."
Yes, I recommend this product.

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posted by Doug Just Doug at 2:09 PM 0 comments

Friday, October 04, 2013

Saving on Motorcycle Insurance

Valuable Tips: Saving on Motorcycle Insurance
There’s a pretty good chance that you’ll never see motorcycle insurance policies in a store’s bargain bin. There’s no such thing as a “50% off” or a “buy 1 take 1” for these things. However, that doesn’t mean that you can never get a hold of a motorcycle insurance policy at a lower price. In fact, there are steps that you can take to get a better deal for yourself. Luckily, these aren’t difficult to accomplish at all. Below are some valuable tips on how you can save big on motorcycle insurance.
Search for the Best
As you probably know, there’s no standard price for motorcycle insurance since different companies offer plans at widely varying rates. That is why you shouldn’t stop browsing through motorcycle insurance plans until you feel that you’ve found the company that offers the best deal possible. One of the companies that offer the most affordable, great value plans in the market is Famous Insurance, so you may want to check it out.
Pricey Bike = Pricey Insurance
Here’s a no-brainer: if you don’t want to pay handsomely for motorcycle insurance, then don’t get a handsome ride. New and expensive models will obviously cause the rate of your insurance to spike. For that reason, do think twice about this before you purchase the latest Road King or other similar models.
Insurance Deductible
The deductible is the amount that must be paid for a claim before the policy takes effect. Generally, you can lower the cost of your motorcycle insurance by paying more for the deductible amount. You’d want to seriously consider this as you can shave off as much as 20%-30% from the cost of your insurance.
Motorcycle Training
Motorcycle newbies usually have to pay premium for insurance. On the flip side, those who underwent motorcycle training or courses can take advantage of better deals (just present your certificate to your agent). Hopefully, you fall into the latter category.
Drop the “Baggage”
As mentioned earlier, there’s no such thing as a standard rate when it comes to motorcycle insurance. Insurance differs in price because drivers also vary in profile and ability. Drivers who are young or have blemished driving records normally get charged more. Thus if you share your motorcycle with such drivers, then you can expect the cost of your insurance to rise. You should exclude them from your policy if you want to save cash.
Review Your Driving Record
Do this even if your driving record should read blank. There’s always the possibility that the traffic department may have wrongly marked your record for a violation. That would of course factor into the price of your motorcycle insurance. It’s better to check just to be safe.
Remove the Guest Passenger Liability Coverage
Do away with the guest passenger liability coverage if you regularly ride (no one’s sitting behind you) by your lonesome. After all, you shouldn’t be paying for something that would be practically useless to you.
Seek Discounts
You may think that you probably can get a better deal on your motorcycle insurance since your bike rarely gets any action anyway. If that’s the case, then you’re correct. There are insurance companies that offer discounted policies to drivers who only use their motorcycles on occasion. Be sure to ask for lower rates in such a situation—you’ll be able to save a ton of cash this way.
Users of old motorcycles should also be able to score discounts on insurance as well. You’re basically just throwing away money by keeping your dated ride fully covered. Talk it over with your agent and you should be able to cut down your insurance cost.
Don’t Bother with Minor Claims
The very purpose of motorcycle insurance is to shield the insured against significant losses or damage. With that said, don’t make a habit of going after even the most minor of claims—insurance companies aren’t fond of people like that. Otherwise, you’ll be at the mercy of higher rates.
Maintain an Excellent Credit Score
Yes, even your credit score can be a factor in the cost of your motorcycle insurance. While some insurance companies don’t put this into consideration, there are many that do. Therefore, it won’t hurt to be a good citizen that pays the bills on time.

Author bio: Adriel Mercado is a freelance writer and has been into motorcycles ever since he graduated from high school.




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posted by Doug Just Doug at 9:47 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Motorcycle Boots

Biker boots are not just for bikers
Diehard bikers will be shaking their heads in disbelief as fashion magazines everywhere devote countless pages to the latest fashion must have: the biker boot. Bikers will know that the majority of biker boot wearers have never been anywhere near a motorcycle in their lives.
Traditionally made from thick leather, biker boot production has progressed over the years to include padding and protective metal and plastic components. Essentially, they’re designed to protect the rider’s legs and feet in the event of an accident and provide a wet weather shield.
Biker boots range from above the ankle to knee height, and usually have a low heel to assist bike control. Harness boots are a popular choice and are typically made of heavyweight leather, while their height can vary from between 10 inches up to 38 inches. Harness boots protect the rider from hot exhaust pipes and the heat of the engine block. They generally have leather straps across the ankle and foot, and can also include a metal shank in the heel and a steel toe cap.
Cutting edge
Genuine bikers are more likely to head over to serious biker boot makers, TCX.


Boasting a Centre for Research and Development, TCX uses the latest innovations such as a precision air fit system on all their boots. A pump is inserted into the top part of the footwear to allow you to inflate an air chamber positioned in the instep of the boot. A valve in the chamber allows you to deflate the air chamber, making it easier to remove the boot.
For racers, TCX provides a system that combines flexibility and protection. Their racing boots feature a triple-injection polyurethane body and heel. The design structure aims to give the rider a lightweight boot that will adhere to the bike without getting caught on anything. It aims to provide a perfect balance of suppleness and functionality.
For off-road users, a different system is employed with three rigid elements joined together by lugs that slide inside special pockets. Motion is ensured by two rear flexion points while sideways movement is based on two points that stop excessive torsion beyond natural limits. This unique system protects the foot from injury, but still allows for normal movement of the joints. It also manages to avoid the usual warping of materials that you find occurs with traditionally made footwear.
Still stylish
With all the focus on design and durability, the biker boot still manages to look good. You can’t get away from the fact that they retain an air of cool, even when the emphasis is not on fashion.
Couple them with leathers and jeans and you have the original biker look. In fact, biker boots look great worn with any casual outfit.
Ultimately, it’s where you shop for your boots that makes the difference. High Street chains will offer purely decorative variations of the classic biker boot. Serious bikers will head straight to the specialists for the real thing.
While the right boots can be pricey, you can save money on other motorbike items if you shop around and do your research. You’ll find some great deals on motorbike insurance at Bennetts, leaving you money left over to buy the boots of your dreams.


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posted by Doug Just Doug at 1:00 PM 0 comments

Friday, September 06, 2013

Product Review: Rev'It! Seesoft Back Protector

Below is my review of the Rev'It! Seesoft Back Protector that was posted to Revzilla's website a couple of months ago, which also gives the necessary info to use a Seesoft with Aerostich jackets. The "other protectors" to which I refer in my review are the Forcefield Pro, Aerostich's TF3 Standard, and the SAS-TEC insert. BTW, I'm still waiting for Revzilla to be restocked on the Seesoft that fits my Rev'It Ignition 2 jacket; I've been using a Knox liberated from another of my jackets.


5 / 5
5 / 5
Works great with Aerostich gear, too!
June 25, 2013
Customer avatar
TiltedHorizons
From Newark
State:DE
Rider Type:Gear Geek
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Bang for the Buck 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Style 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Comfort 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Protection & Durability 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Air Flow 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Features 
4 / 5
4 / 5
I'm waiting for RevZilla to be re-stocked on the KN-106 so I can order one for my Ignition 2 jacket. In the mean time I ordered a Seesoft to try with my Aerostich Roadcrafter and Darien jackets. Aerostich sells an adapter sleeve in order to use its "Transit" back pad (actually a SAS-TEC) in its other jackets, and the Seesoft ST-12 fits right into the size Medium sleeve like it was made to do so. The Seesoft is the most comfortable back protector I've worn of the 4 different brands I've tried; I know it's there, but barely. Other protectors have either dug into my neck or put pressure on the back of my helmet or made me feel like I have a stick strapped to my back while in the riding position. No plans on personally assessing its protective qualities, so I'm putting my faith in the CE L-2 lab testing and results. The Airflow rating is relative to other protectors I've tried, which flow little to no air; the Seesoft flows "some" small amount of air, but it's a trade-off for spine protection. I'm happy to have finally found a back protector I can live with on a daily basis, and can't wait until I can buy one for my Ignition 2.
Rides: 2003 Kawasaki ZR-7S
Yes, I recommend this product.

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posted by Doug Just Doug at 1:29 PM 0 comments