HyperPro Motorcycle Shock and Fork Springs Review
Arden Kysely
May 7, 2013
It’s the rare motorcycle that leaves the showroom with stellar suspension, and my 2009 BMW F 800 GS is no exception. The stock male-slider fork is non-adjustable and the rear shock allows fiddling only with spring preload and compression damping. The kicker (literally) is that BMW’s ideal rider weighs... Read more »
Harley-Davidson’s H-D1 Program
Clement Salvadori
May 6, 2013
The Street Bob is the least expensive of Harley’s big twins at $12,999, but it and the Sportster 1200 Custom can be ordered with enough options using the HD-1 program to take them in many directions, be it even more custom cruiser, cruiser tourer or something in between. You choose from the factory... Read more »
AltRider Crash Bars and Luggage Rack Review
Arden Kysely
May 3, 2013
Adventure bikes like my BMW F 800 GS roll out of the factory ready to blast into the boonies loaded with camping gear, food and spares—or so you would think. Truth is, they need some accessories to be fully functional. The top items on my list are crash protection for the inevitable rough-country tipovers,... Read more »
Digital Online Service Manuals Available Through Cyclepedia Press
Rider Magazine Staff
April 18, 2013
Cyclepedia Press creates digital online service manuals for motorcycle, scooters and ATVs. To create its manuals, the company strips a bike down and takes pictures during the process, then writes a service manual using all the factory specs, etc. The majority of the nearly 100 manuals currently available... Read more »
High-Tech Bags: Motorcycle Luggage Buyers Guide
Bill Stermer
April 5, 2013
Some years ago, as part of the seminars I conducted at motorcycle rallies, I described how it was possible to carry many useful items on tour in a small bag affixed to your bike’s fuel tank. There would be a map displayed right there under your snoot in the convenient map pouch, and inside the tankbag... Read more »
Scottoiler Chain Oiler eSystem Review
Joe Michaud
April 3, 2013
All chain-oiling systems promise to extend chain life and lessen maintenance. They all have their own interpretation of how to best accomplish this enviable task cleanly enough to improve upon the manual procedure. I once tested five systems of varying complication over a five-month period; hands down,... Read more »
Suzuki V-Strom 650 Project Bike
Peter Starr
February 1, 2013
For some, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 is complete right out of the box. My 2008 model, though one of the most practical and ergonomically pleasing bikes I have ever owned, seemed to be begging for modification. The chance of my ever riding it off-road is slim to none, so I set about improving it for medium-... Read more »
Splitweight Waterproof Motorcycle Seat Cover Review
Jerry Smith
January 29, 2013
It’s the day of your big ride, and you awake to the sound of rain falling gently outside. You gulp down a cup of coffee and, with the skies clearing, you suit up, walk out to the bike—and find a pool of water on the seat. Now is when you’d usually go back inside, grab a wad of paper towels and... Read more »
Progressive Suspension 465 Shock Absorber and Fork Springs (2002 Honda ST1100) Review
Clement Salvadori
January 3, 2013
A lot of things wear out on a motorcycle. Oil gets old, tires need changing, and the longer you keep a bike the more things need replacing. Like suspension units, which generally involve springs and damping devices. Despite the minor miracles of modern metallurgy, springs do get a little less springy... Read more »
Ninja 1000 Touring Accessories
Greg Drevenstedt
January 2, 2013
Kawasaki Genuine Accessories can transform the Ninja 1000 from a day-ride sportbike into a days-on-the-road sport tourer. The Givi-made, 35-liter-each saddlebags ($594.95, plus $534.95 for mounts) with color-matched trim panels ($129.95) look like they were made for the bike, and they are easy to open,... Read more »
