Friday, May 17, 2013

Biltwell Gringo Helmet: Just Shut Up and Ride!

Sometimes fish gotta swim upstream. In the world of chrome, bling, and fancy farkles, there are those who value simple, clean design. Biltwell was founded out of a desire to focus on the rider who spends his hours in his garage fashioning home-brewed solutions, looking for quality pieces to work with. Classic crafting on timeless bikes fly in the face of the the more mainstream bolt-on this and chromed-out that.

Once you have your masterpiece running and out of the garage, the last thing you want to do is tarnish your piece of art with a modern helmet, full of buttons, sliders, graphics, and gauges! Go back to basics, look up those old pictures of your dad on his Shovelhead, and see what he had to protect his noggin. Obviously vintage-inspired, the Biltwell Gringo Helmet has the old-fashioned spirit of adventure, but not much more. If your wheels are turning, and the horizon is getting closer, what more do you really need? Just shut up and ride.

Biltwell Gringo Helmet Review:



Lets review: It is DOT-rated. It has two holes in the shell, one for your neck, and another for seeing out of. There are snaps for use with a bubble shield if you really must complicate things. Don't worry, these days they don't smell like puke. The Gringo Helmet can be ordered in Black, Flat Black, Hazard Orange, Matte Titanium, and Vintage White. In our professional opinion, the Matte Titanium is the most badass.
The Gringo speaks for himself and will get you into more trouble than he's worth. 

-- ckZilla
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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Icon Airmada Hoodoo Helmet: Some Serious Voodoo Juju

Dong... the clock strikes midnight!

What madness concocted? What magic conjured? This incantation spawns for one sole purpose: to steal your soul! The latest in dark magic out of the annals of Portland has got some serious Voodoo juju. It calls itself the Icon Airmada Hoodoo Helmet.

Icon Airmada Hoodoo Helmet Review:


Whether you are a Hunsi Kanzo, a Mambo Priestess, or a straight up Gro Hungan, the Airmada Hoodoo Helmet has got something for your supernatural practice. On one side, a possessed goat skull spirit reaches for your face, ever staring into your spirit with his glowing red eyes. If that is too spine chilling, just spin the helmet around to be comforted by an equally disturbed Demonatrix. Don't worry, I'm sure that look of hunger in her eyes is just for a McChicken Deluxe.












Speaking of bones, and chills for that matter, note the custom "ICON" logo across the top of this lid, which is completed with a branded skull and cross-bones on the backside. Admit it, you hold your breath inside your helmet when you pass a graveyard. Know this, those graves will be holding their breath when you pass wearing the Icon Airmada Hoodoo. The best part of this head-consuming religion is that both Mr. and Mrs. Beelzebub glow in the dark! Make sure your vodouisant helmet gets plenty of sunshine so that your guardian ghasts will watch over you all night long.



There are only a select few that have the mojo to wear this juju. Are you one of them?

-- ckZilla
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Sunday, May 12, 2013

Break it down! Schuberth Sizing and Model Guide

So someone turned you on to Schuberth Helmets. Perhaps it was your over-protective mother (Happy Mother's Day!), perhaps it was a riding buddy, or maybe it was that crazy guy in the purple shirt. Whatever the case may be, you have come to the realization that this discovery was just about the best thing that happened to you aside from buying your first motorcycle. But, wait!  There is more than just one model! How are you supposed to choose? How will they fit? What is this new "C3 Pro" business? Look no further, we have the answers.

With 90 years of history, Schuberth has quite a bit of momentum in the helmet world. On top of this, their pedigree is obsessively compulsively German, which comes with an extensive level of engineering and attention to detail. Currently, Schuberth Helmets has four models available in the US, six if you count the C3 and C3 Pro women's versions separately. In broad strokes, the SR1 is their race helmet, the S2 is their aggressive sport-touring model, and the C3 Pro is the sequel to the modular juggernaut that led Schuberth's launch into the states a few years ago. Both the C3 and C3 Pro are available in women's specific versions that are internally designed for the shape of a woman's face. In addition, the liner material and shell shape are catered to the needs of female riders on these versions.

Schuberth Helmet Sizing and Buying Guide:



All of Schuberth's helmet models use composite fiber with S.T.R.O.N.G. technology, all are DOT and ECE rated, all but the race SR1 Helmet use drop-down sun visors as well as built-in bluetooth functionality.

We hope that our buying guide video helps de-mystify some of the terminology and technology that encompass the Schuberth Helmet brand.

-- ckZilla
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Friday, May 10, 2013

New Speed & Strength Speed Shop Boots

An aggressive take on the classic work boot, the Speed & Strength Speed Shop Boots combine casual style with serious protection business. The boot itself is quite simply constructed with subtle branding and clean function.

The chassis of the Speed Shop boot is made from synthetic leather and styled with zig-zag stitching as well as the Speed and Strength imprint across the sole. All of the standard armor is included, sporting internal toe and ankle reinforcements. In addition, the "Lockdown" adjusters use metal buckles to ensure a solid hold on your foot. To take them off, simply unbuckle the adjusters and use the side zipper to allow easy exit. While not waterproof, the S&S Speed Shop Boots do come with an anti-slip rubber outsole.

Speed and Strength Speed Shop Boots Review:



No shoe is left unturned with Speed and Strength. Whatever your style, wherever your riding takes you, there is always a Speed & Strength Boot to suit your fancy.

-- ckZilla
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Thursday, May 9, 2013

The Man Behind the Redverz Tent

You may have heard of Redverz Tents, but what do you know about Kevin Muggleton? The man behind the brand is just as unique and compelling as his products; a true life-bred motorcyclist. Learning his story gives us perspective on the products he designs and the passion that he carries for them.

Kevin started as a photographer and videographer for National Geographic. By necessity, he had to use two wheels to traverse many of the on-location shoots in remote destinations. National Geographic would supply Kevin with all of the supplies needed to ride, camp, and complete the various shoots. Over the ten years he spent living out of tents, Kevin began to see some shortfalls in the equipment he had available to him. This all culminated in a trip to Mali, Africa, where he was forced to leave the bulk of his motorcycle gear outside of his tent one night. In the morning, he awoke to find that everything was gone, stolen while he slept.



This experience, and the frustration that followed as Kevin tried to reclaim or replace his lost items while on the road in Mali, was the impetus that started the first Redverz Motorcycle Tent. The main goal was to design a tent specifically for bike travel so that all a motorcyclist's gear could fit inside along with his or her bike. This is a tall order, especially considering the large ADV bikes that this product is marketed to, as well as the fact that Kevin was designing in part for his own 6'4" tall frame. Nevertheless, he succeeded and followed up his first creation with an improved Redverz Series II Expedition Tent.












The Redverz Series 2 Tent incorporates almost 50 changes from the original, including better poles, better fabric, more high-wind resistance and more interior space. All this was accomplished without increasing the overall weight, which comes in right at 13 lbs. When packed down, it will take up just a 21"x9"x9" footprint -- easily stored atop luggage, or across a rear rack. Kevin demonstrates the easy Redverz Tent Setup in a short video. With practice, this can easily be done in less than five minutes, and he stresses that it is designed to be easy to assemble even in adverse weather conditions.




Thats not all that you'll find from Redverz Gear! Knowing the inherent pitfalls of constant use and wear, Kevin also produces a Redverz Series II Ground Cloth to protect the tent floor. You can also purchase an awning kit for extended shade and dry bag made by Redverz.





It is a rare occurrence to see such extensive experience come with a product like the Redverz Tent. Often times, testing and development only come after an item hits the market. In this case, we get to benefit from the life and two-wheel pursuits of Kevin Muggleton as they've applied in his meticulous design and engineering of these products. Redverz Tents and Gear put you out in the wild, where durability and longevity count the most. You can trust that Kevin has very literally "been there, done that."

-ckZilla
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Monday, April 29, 2013

AltRider Brand Overview & Buying Guide

Engineered for precision, AltRider is in the business of producing hard parts for your off-road or adventure motorcycle. TeamZilla has had some experience with Alt Rider parts up close and personal on our own motorcycles. After dumping BMW R1200GSs for 3 days at RawHyde Adventures, we really have nothing but good things to say about the protection and durability these parts have to offer.

From Ducati Multistrada to Suzuki V-Strom, to BMW K1600 GT, AltRider has parts made specifically for your ADV or Touring bike. Some of the most common pieces include crash bars, skid plates, and luggage racks. However, they throw in the oddball parts like the GS potentiometer guard or Injector Protector. All of these items are made in the USA and machined with laser-cut attention to detail.

AltRider Brand Overview and Buying Guide:


Not only are the parts themselves created with care, but the installation instructions, replacement hardware, and customer support are all maintained with the utmost excellence. Alt Rider even includes Loctite where needed to make sure you have everything you need to successfully complete your installation.

If you are in the business of pushing your ADV bike to the limit, we highly recommend taking a look at AltRider to protect your two-wheel investment. We have certainly benefited in the "ahem", VERY FEW, "cough" times we've had the opportunity to test their durability.  

-- ckZilla
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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

New Lids: AFX FX-120 and FX-76

Two new lids were released from AFX this Spring. The AFX FX-120 is a low price-point full face with drop-down sun visor and is currently shipping. The AFX FX-76 is a stylized 3/4 option for under $100 and will be shipping in May.






Starting under $150, the AFX FX-120 Helmet offers DOT and ECE certification with a drop-down sun visor and air-bladder comfort fit. Minimally branded and cleanly designed, the FX-120 is a great entry-level option in the full-face category.








Solid colors are available in Black, Flat Black, Pearl White, Silver, and Wine, while Hi-Viz and graphics are offered as separate colorways.






In the 3/4 department, the AFX FX-76 Helmet is a retro open-face option made to accept a standard 3-snap or 5-snap shield. It is obviously a shot at the Bell 500 Custom, but undercuts the price by a nice margin. The Gloss Back color sports chrome trim, while the matte black uses black trim.








There are three graphics that will be released for the FX-76. An iconic "Route 66" design titled the AFX FX-76 RT66 Helmet ...










... a 'broken-in' looking AFX FX-76 MCQ Helmet...












... and finally the classic strokes of the AFX FX-76 Lines Helmet.








See all that AFX Helmets have to offer on RevZilla.com.

- ckZilla
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Pit Bull Motorcycle Stands Unchained!

As you might have gathered, we are working hard to increase our product offering in the parts and accessories category this year. Pit Bull Motorcycle Stands was an easy brand to bring on considering their strong reputation and wide product range. Consider the Pit Bull unleashed at RevZilla.


In the world of motorcycle stands there are many brands to choose from, but there are a few key things that set Pitbull stands apart. First, they are made from only the highest grade US steel, which is coated with a layer of zinc for longevity and protection against the elements. Their junctions are hand-welded with care and continuous tubing is used wherever possible for added strength. Pit Bull Motorcycle Stands are also designed with a good deal of thought put into adjustability so that they are able to fit the vast majority of situations. Not only do they make bike-specific stands for virtually anything currently on the market, but the interchangeability of parts, spools, and handles,make it easy to quickly switch out one fitment for another.

In addition to the utility of their stands for maintenance and routine bike work, Pit Bull also makes a nice selection of products for the racing community as well. Items like the Pit Bull Tire Tree or the Pit Bull 6MM Spool Kit make it easy for you (or your team) to be fast and efficient in the pits.

Also worth mentioning, Pitbull's selection of hybrid stands are available for those who want the flexibility to switch between a fork stand and a triple clamp stand. Consider the hybrid Pit Bull Ducati Stand, for instance.


Take a browse of the Pit Bull Stands available at RevZilla.com to see what is available for your motorcycle.

-ckZilla
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Monday, April 8, 2013

Good Luck with the Icon Airmada Charmer!



A venomous solution to protection, the Icon Airmada Charmer launches a well-poised strike at riders' heads. Just when you thought the Airmada was already awesome enough, ICON had to one up themselves with an exclusive, predatory, glow-in-the dark graphic.







Whether you are the charmer or the charmed, you are certain to have visual advantage on the road with this helmet. In the daylight, the obviously wicked design will turn heads and send cagers fleeing back to their holes. At night, the iridescent glow will embody the nightmares of your dreams, or perhaps those of your prey!




We recommend purchasing a wicker basket for your helmet as well as a pan-flute to keep it from getting too feisty. Never fear, the Charmer will be ready to play when you start singing to it with your other set of pipes. The 'Glory' coloway (left) pays tribute to the Funny Cars of the 1960s, while the 'Gold' (top-right) references the southern hot-rods and T-top cruisers.




Icon Airmada Charmer Helmet Review:


This insanity could only be brought to you by ICON, again blowing the the definition of 'normal' to Gehanna and back. The Icon Charmer comes cursed... er, blessed with the standard Airmada features, including ICON's world standard safety rating and the Icon Optics shield.

Hhhhiiisssssstt!

- ckZilla
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Friday, April 5, 2013

New Shark Raw Helmet Released!

Raw. Picture the first thing that comes to mind. Does it look as good as this?

Coming quick on the heels of the Bell Rogue helmet, the Shark Raw Helmet is the latest in urban aggressiveness. Using an innovative goggle and face-mask design, the Shark Raw can be worn as a 3/4 helmet with full face coverage. With the front assembly flipped up it acts like a modular, giving more air to the face.

We haven't seen anything quite like this before. The "goggles" are really a nice touch. Here is what we know so far:

  • There will be two shell sizes
  • The shell is made from thermoplastic resin
  • The goggle has a quick-release system
  • The visor is anti-fog and anti-scratch
  • Shark has made it easy to use with glasses
More to come on the Shark Streetfighter Raw Helmet as we find out. Check back on the product detail page for updates. 

- ckZilla
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Friday, March 22, 2013

Next up: Metzeler Tourance NEXT Tires

If I asked you to name a few great Dual Sport tires off the top of your head, I would probably get a mixture of Michelin Anakee, Heidenau K60 Scout, Conti Trail Attack, and Metzeler Tourance. If I asked you to name the best dual compound street tires, I would get Michelin PR3s,  Pirelli Angel, or Bridgestone Battalax. Do you see any overlap? While I could be convinced to try my PR3s off-road, they wouldn't really do the job with confidence. Conversely, I would never feel comfortable dragging a knee with the K60 Scout.

Problem solved! The Metzeler Tourance NEXT Tires are the first true Dual Sport tire that is made with a dual compound. OE on the new liquid-cooled BMW R1200GS, the Tourance NEXT looks at the needs of tomorrow's ADV/Touring crowd and combines the best of both worlds. Shoulder compounds made from 100% Silica provide edge grip in dry or wet, while a new structure and profile promise longevity on road or off. The tread pattern is angular and the pitch arrangement is longer, allowing for more chances to grab at uneven road surfaces, gravel, or single track trails. At the same time, the contact patch is continuous, helping to evacuate water and providing excellent grip on the tarmac even with the bike leaned over.

Given the jump start these tires will receive as we see them ship stock on the latest generation of BMW GS bikes, I would expect this line to take off quickly. Hopefully, they will start a trend and encourage other manufacturers to combine dual compound technologies into their dual sport tires as well. I suppose that means these tires will be used for their intended purpose. Metzeler has no lack of experience blazing a trail in the tire world as well as your back yard.

-ckZilla
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Friday, March 8, 2013

What's New from Nelson Rigg?

Nelson Rigg spent a lot of time updating their line-up this year. Most of their popular luggage pieces have gotten a face lift and an extra few digits added to the naming scheme. You can view all of the New Nelson Rigg at RevZilla.com, but I'd like to focus in on some highlights for you here.


Welcome to the land of High-Viz! The Nelson Rigg SE-2060 Dry Saddlebags come in blazing orange or yellow. Designed to fit most factory saddlebag racks or passenger grab bars, the SE-2060 saddlebags are 100% waterproof. Using roll closures at the opening and tarapaulin PVC material throughout, these bags are ready for the worst that Mother Nature can throw at you.





For a greater capacity, pair with the Nelson Rigg SE-2030 Adventure Dry Bag, also available in High-Vis colors. For the record, I would not recommend mixing Orange and Yellow on the same bike. Both of these bags use internal reinforcement to help keep their shape, while strong D-ring attachments allow for additional accessories to be mounted. Between two of these, you can pack a whopping 126 liters of storage.



If the 'utility' look is not your style, we will also be seeing the Nelson Rigg CL-855 Touring Saddlebags available in early April. A more structured skeleton with styled details along the outside, the CL-855 can be made waterproof with the included rainstorm cover.







The last baggage to note, is the Nelson Rigg CL-1025 Sport Tank Bag. Sometimes, your storage needs require immediate access on the bike. While I hope this doesn't mean any of you will be fishing for your cell phone while on the road, there is a handy sleeve for storing a map or other materials that you need to see while riding. You have the option of purchasing this tank bag with strap mount or magnetic mount accessories, though the magnets are about $10 more.


While these aren't the only newbies from Nelson Rigg, I think they are the most useful picks from the batch. We will soon find out which ones become the crowd favorite.

- ckZilla
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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

6D Helmets, a suspended solution!

Helmet safety is an all-important technology in the motorcycle world, but one that has been based off of the same design for quite some time. 6D Helmets seeks to break this mold, by introducing a new type of energy dispersion. In essence, they have created a six-dimensional suspension ... for your head!

While a traditional EPS liner is still used on the inner layer of the helmet, the outer shell separated from the EPS by a omni-directional suspension (ODS) system. The concept is to absorb shocks and angular acceleration independently from the rider's neck and skull. This floating outer layer can be twisted and turned to a significant extent while having little influence on the angle of the wearer's head or neck.

This break-through exhibits the greatest improvements in dealing with low-threshold energy, while still maintaining the safety requirements of DOT and ECE testing. Because of the strengths of the 6D Helmet, this technology will make its debut in motocross helmets. Their premier model is called the 6D ATR-1 Helmet, and there are three graphics currently available for Pre-Order, as pictured below:



The 6D ATR-1 F8 Crusader Helmet will be available in Black/White, Black/Red, and Orange/Silver.







The 6D ATR-1 A-6 Intruder Helmet showcases Orange/Black, Red/White, and Green/White colorways.





The 6D ATR-1 F35 Stealth Helmet is only slightly subdued and comes in three Matte options White/Black, Charcoal/Orange, and Black/White.





6D Helmets Review:



Did you notice that these are all named after fighter jets? While you might not be traveling faster than the speed of sound, it is important that you look the part when you cross the finish line wearing a 6D Helmet.

- ckZilla
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Friday, March 1, 2013

High-Viz Klim Badlands Pro & Latitude!

Two of the most successful Klim jackets, the Badlands Pro and Latitude have a lot of momentum behind them. Even outside of Klim's territory, these jackets stack up lots of miles compared to any jacket in the ADV/Touring world. This Spring, these rock stars will be getting a flashy lift as they are now available in Hi-Viz!



This is no old man banana suit! Progressive color blocking on an already fashionable jacket produces attractive results. The Klim Latitude Hi-Vis Jacket comes with Gray color blocking and a healthy dose of eye-blinding yellow.






Likewise, the Klim Badlands Pro Hi Vis Jacket totes a high-contrast Black/Yellow scheme. Personally, I think the Badlands got the nicer treatment, but both serve the much needed function of combating your invisibility on the road.





High Visibility clothing has definitely made its mark as a fashion statement over the past year. Gone are the days of the retina-piercing monotone yellow gear! Be safe, and ride proud. Being seen has never looked so good.

- ckZilla
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Klim Overland Jacket & Pants - Traverse for the Street

There are a lot of riders that appreciate true quality and the finest materials. Historically, Klim has met this requirement with their use of Gore-Tex, high quality codura, and more recently their D30 armor. The only downside is that the price climbs with quality, making the $600-$900 jackets less attainable. What if all of your basics were covered with the same quality goods, but set you back less than $400 a piece? The Klim Overland Jacket & Pants fill this gap in price point without creating a void in durability or capability of their garments.

The Klim Overland Jacket is an weatherproof, protective shell meant to be worn over your mid and base layers while riding street. Its 840D Codura panels protect you in the impact zones, while the integrated 3M Scotchlite keeps you seen. Using the latest in D30 technology, the Overland comes with T5 Evo XT protectors in the elbow and shoulder. This separates the overland from the Traverse, specifically positioning it for street use. Gore-Tex Performance Shell completes the package, offering a waterproof guarantee for the life of the garment. If that isn't enough, the Overland also features four vents, three external pockets, and one zippered interior pocket.




Built from the same blocks, the Klim Overland Pants also feature the D30, Gore-Tex, and Codura technologies. Ventilation comes in the form of two thigh intake vents and two rear leg exhaust vents.





Baby brother to the Lattitude, the Klim Overland set promises to be a quick seller. We would expect no less in performance from a reputable brand such as Klim.

- ckZilla
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