Brand new to RevZilla.com, the Heidenau K60 Scout Tires have quickly ascended the ranks as one of our most popular 50/50 on and off-road tires. Riders so far have a great experience with the Heidenau K60 Scout, finding them to provide excellent longevity coupled with good grip particularly on the shoulders. The large grooves in the chevron-style tread pattern also enable dirt to be quickly expelled when riding these tires off-road. Heidenau has been in the rubber and tire business for decades, and the Heidenau K60 Scout Rear Tires and front tires are truly a pinnacle achievement for their brand.
Thus far, we've heard nothing but positive feedback from ADV riders using the Heidenau K60 Scout Tires. Other than the very specific rubber compound used by Heidenau, there are some other key features to the K60 Scouts that set them apart. First, different tire sizes in the rear use different tread designs. Heidenau K60 Scout Rear Tires for larger, higher torque bikes have a larger reinforced block pattern which ensures that they remain firmly planted on the road. However, the tread spacing and depth is enough to bite in the dirt and force chunks aside. This isn't necessary for smaller bikes, so Heidenau maintains a smaller reinforced block. By varying these specs based on the bike's application, Heideanu is able to deliver the best possible compromise between on-road and off-road performance.
We look forward to logging a ton of miles on these tires this year. Stay tuned for our opinion review to come. For the 90/10 tire from Heidenau, check out the Heidenau K76 Rear Tire.
Brand new for 2012, Roland Sands Design Motorcycle Gear is a new line of apparel designed for the retro-minded, über stylish rider out there. This line is unlike anything else we see in the industry at present time: a premium collection inspired by the old school and delivering a heritage look and feel with moto-specific protection capabilities and comfort. With a full line of leather and textile jackets, gloves and the "gentleman's starter kit" (which is a dopp kit, along with several wallets), Roland is looking to take a smash in the apparel side of things this year. Check out some of the highlights of the line below, and be sure not to miss our detailed blogs and video reviews of the entire line.
First up is the standout leather jacket in the collection in our opinion. The Roland Sands Design Ronin Leather Jacket has full motorcycle functionality with a style that screams old school. This is a classic leather jacket from a style standpoint but features pockets for the RSD/Forcefield CE rated armor at the shoulder, elbow and back. The premium 1.2mm grade A cowhide requires a five-day process of hand-finishing, washing and waxing for an excellent feel, finish and even smell. The RSD Ronin Jacket is a café inspired piece, with a shorty collar, front zip pockets, pre-curved sleeves and a performance race fit. There is strategic perforation for airflow and zippered waist gussets for a solid fit. Ultimately, the Ronin comes down to the details: premium RSD-embossed snaps, YKK zips and quality stitching define the look and feel of this standout leather option.
The Roland Sands Design Turbine Leather Jacket is another excellent choice in the throwback RSD leather collection. The Turbine uses the same leather as the Ronin, in addition to the five-day leather treatment process. The RSD Turbine Jacket has a unique style with its grommeted vent holes (amongst other grommets), short collar, and assymetrical pockets. The Turbine also has additional layers of leather in impact abrasion areas, at the shoulders, elbows and back. The interior features a soft satin liner with a special heat-embossed Roland "numbers" design that comes straight from his sketchbook! The Turbine also features pockets at the shoulders, elbows and back for CE rated RSD/Forcefield armor.
The name of the Roland Sands Design Rocker Leather Jacket sort of says everything you need to know about this jacket. It is styled after the rock-n-roll jackets that we've seen for the past thirty years, and it incorporates modern day motorcycle functionality. There are pockets in the shoulders, elbows and back for the CE rated RSD/Forcefield armor, strategic steel rivets for reinforcement and perforation for airflow. The fit is designed to be comfortable in the riding position, and there are pre-curved sleeves and a drop tail. One really cool feature of this jacket is the additional treatment on the premium grade A cowhide that will wear and distress in its own manner based on your body and riding style. This is just another factor that makes this jacket incredibly unique.
The Roland Sands Design Mission Leather Jacket is an American dirt track style jacket laced with old-school style and motorcycle riding performance. All the classic tracker features are there, with the strategic stretch paneling, zip pockets and the shorty race collar. The leather used here is the same as in the Rocker, and its additional layer will allow it to distress in an extremely unique and original manner. There are pockets in the shoulders, elbows and back for CE rated Forcefield/RSD armor in addition to external padding in strategic regions. The drop tail features a stitched and embossed RSD logo for style and the super comfortable satin interior features a custom Roland graphic design. Another dope piece in the lineup.
The last jacket in the RSD lineup that will accept armor is the Roland Sands Design Tracker Jacket. The Tracker jacket achieves what many jackets in the industry try to manufacture: it utilizes authentic US-made Martexin-waxed Shelter Tent cotton, a material used back in the day by the US Military (yes, in their tents). It has quite a unique look and feel to it and includes an extra container of Martexin Original Wax so you can continue to embrace that classic look and feel with new applications. This jacket is fully prepared to accept to the CE rated RSD/Forcefield armor to aid in protection from impact. This classic waxed cotton is proven to be comfortable and durable thanks to years of it being in use.
Bell has released two new graphics of the Bell RS-1 Helmet for spring 2012, and we're definitely fans of where they went with these designs. Check them out below, let us know what you think, and stay tuned for our HD video graphic overviews coming soon.
Debuted publicly at Indy Expo, the Schuberth S2 Helmet is a non-modular helmet using or improving on almost all of the technology from the Schuberth C3 modular. We should see the black and silver versions of the Schuberth S2 start landing in April this year and we have samples on the way. Early Inclination looks like the following:
Rated < 85 db of quiet.
Non-Modular ECE and DOT
Aggressive Design
Optimized for 3/4 and Tuck
Similar Fit Patter with re-engineered forehead liner / flaps
Integrated SRC-S2 Antenna offering 700m range (SRC-S2 System Sold Separately)
More to come as it is released. Stay tuned. Vroom.
The brand new Bell Mag-9 Helmet is the aggressive successor to the Mag-8 3/4 helmet. This helmet is built for a variety of riding scenarios, from long-distance touring to cruising to scootering and urban light motorcycling. Designed of a lightweight yet resilient polycarbonate shell, the Bell Mag 9 Helmet features three EPS sizes to minimize material, but maximize comfort and protection. The Bell Mag-9 is DOT certified and features a laundry list of upgrades over its predecessor. Bell has added intake and exhaust vents to create the trademarked Velocity Flow ventilation on Bell Helmets, which makes this one of, if not the, most ventilated open face helmets on the market. The interior is removable and washable and there are all new cutouts for speakers making installation of your bluetooth communication a cinch. Check out our detailed video review some photos of the brand new Bell Mag 9 below.
Three new graphics have come out for the spring 2012 line of the Bell Custom 500 Helmet. This is Bell's signature open-face lid which is designed straight from the chassis of the original Bell 500 designed by Bell founder Roy Richter in 1954. These Motorcycle Helmets have been immensely popular since their release and it's nice to see some fresh graphic updates of this style. Check out the three new graphics below and in addition to our HD video graphic overviews coming soon.
For spring 2012, Bell has redesigned one of the more popular Half Helmets in the industry with the brand new Bell Drifter DLX Helmet. The Bell Drifter DLX is utilizing the Speed Dial adjustable fit system (also seen in the Bell Mag-9 Helmet) which results in unparalleled fit, comfort and overall style. This comfort fit system on the Drifter DLX Helmet allows fit to be adjusted on the fly with the simple turn of a dial. The Bell Drifter DLX Helmet uses a composite shell that is protective and lightweight, meeting DOT standards yet coming in at only 900g, which is under 2lbs. Check out a graphic option of the Drifter DLX below along with our Bell Drifter DLX Helmet Review.
We've got one new graphic for the mid-range Bell Vortex for 2012 and three new graphics for the bang-for-the-buck Bell Arrow. There is also a wild new graphic for the Bell Moto-9 lid. Check them out below and stay tuned for our HD videos that will highlight these graphics in full detail.
Brand new for 2012, Bell is bringing a new half helmet to the table in the form of the Bell Pit Boss. The focus on the Bell Pit Boss Helmet was to create an extremely lightweight yet protective half helmet. With a classic design and the TriMatrix shell which is composed of kevlar, carbon fiber and fiberglass, the Bell Pitboss is a great option for the cruiser or chopper rider. Upgrades can be found throughout the Pit Boss like the internal sun shade, cutouts for speaker pockets for your bluetooth communicator, and the brand new Speed Dial adjustable fit system. There is also a neck curtain for cold weather riding that is fully removable. Weighing in at just 900g which is under 2lbs, the Bell Pit Boss Helmet is a new lightweight contender in the half helmet market.
The newest Roland Sands Designs top-of-the-line Bell race lid has arrived in the form of the Bell Star RSD Black Beauty Carbon Helmet. Touting all of the features and functionality we find in carbon version of the Star as is, what you get here is the newest design from one of the industry's leaders in Motorcycle Helmets. Check out some of the images below and click to see them in much larger versions.
For 2012, Bell Helmets has ran their Revolver lid through the wringer to develop a new and improved version of what was already extremely popular. The new Bell Revolver EVO Helmet looks to deliver on that claim as it comes with a series of upgrades over its predecessor. The Revolver EVO Helmet features a redesigned seal around the eyeport to dampen wind noise, a new chin curtain that will provide a better seal and keep air out, and they've improved the functionality of their drop-down sun visor. All of the features of the Revolver are also present here, and it's available in a few different colors and graphics, including the ever-popular Bell Rally graphic. Check out the different options and stay tuned for our detailed video breakdown coming soon and the Bell Revolver Evo Helmet Review below:
Coming in as the replacement for the extremely popular GM68 lid, the brand new GMax GM69 Helmet progresses forward on its predecessor's award-winning design and bang-for-the-buck functionality. One glance at the GMax GM 69 Helmet and you notice its sleek new design and the aerodynamic wing that graces the top of the lid. Ventilation has been improved and GMax Helmets, known for the excellent fitments of their lids, has continued focus on an ergonomic fit. Stay tuned for a detailed video breakdown of this helmet when we get one, but for now check out some photos of the brand new GMax GM69 Helmet below.
Brand new for 2012, the Nolan N104 Helmet is a huge step forward from its predecessor, the N103, one of the most popular Modular Helmets on the market. For this iteration, Nolan has taken rider feedback and reacted by making improvements that are evident throughout the Nolan N-104 Modular Helmet. Some of the improves on the N104 Helmet over the N103 are lighter weight, lower profile, improved aerodynamics and a much larger shield for improved field of vision. The ventilation has received a dramatic upgrade and the entirety of the interior sees itself improved this year. We're big fans of this helmet, especially at the price point.
So far, we've glanced at some of the improvements, but now let's get into how they've actually made the improvements and detail them a bit more. The Nolan N104 Helmet is 7oz lighter than the N103 which has been done by reducing the profile of the helmet and making it more streamlined. They use two shell sizes which helps to maintain the smaller profile as you go up in the size range, and the shell is now built of injected polycarbonate GE Lexan. The brand new face shield comes in two sizes as well, which allows it to be tailored to whichever shell size you're using. The ultra wide eyeport of the shield is the largest of any Nolan helmet and each Nolan N-104 Helmet comes with a Pinlock insert, which guarantees fog-free riding.
The brand new Airbooster ventilation system features improved channels in the EPS in addition to improved intake and exhaust vents. The chin vent has added more channels of intake, there is a brand new brow intake that works in conjunction with the chimney vent for excellent airflow. There are also two individual exhaust vents at the top rear as opposed to the one rear exhaust found on the N103. There are plastic vent tubes within the EPS and that suck cool air through the interior of the helmet to keep your head comfortable. One complaint of the old N103 was the length/coverage of the interior sun visor. The brand new retractable VPS sun shield features longer coverage and a new push button release for instant retraction.
Inside the helmet, there are removable cheekpads, a top liner, neck roll and wind protector. All of the guts feature an antibacterial treatment, and everything is removable and washable. The comfort liner is notched to easily accommodate glasses-wearing riders. The neck roll can be taken out easily which is a great feature for warmer weather riding, and it features a reflective panel at the middle for night time visibility. The second generation of their Microlock retention system features an easily operable plastic opening lever and an aluminum tooth/retention mechanism. The Nolan N104 Modular Helmet is built to work with the brand new Nolan N-Com B4 Bluetooth System, an exclusive for the N104.
All in, for the price point, Nolan packed a ton of features and upgrades into the Nolan N-104 Helmet, and we have a hard time thinking it won't be an absolute monster this season amongst the modular-leaning riding community.
Brand new for early 2012, Icon has released a slew of brand new Motorcycle Gear. Beyond the ever-changing helmet graphics that we see every season, we're also being treated to some new apparel. The Icon Compound Mesh Gloves, available in short and long versions, are designed with the street and stunt rider in mind, and pair up perfectly with the new Icon Compound jackets. Available in an array of color options, there is absolutely an Icon Compound Glove that will match up with your gear, no matter what your preference in style.
The Icon Compound Mesh Long Gloves are designed for warm weather street riding and an over-the-cuff application. These Motorcycle Gloves utilize a high-airflow mesh chasses with an abrasion-resistant Battlehide goatskin palm and strategic neoprene inserts where flexibility is a must. There are injection-molded thermoplastic protectors found across the main knuckle at mid-digitally at the fingers for safety. There is a double layer of goatskin at the lower and side of the palm, backed by foam for added impact and abrasion resistance. The Icon Compound Mesh Long Gloves also feature a velcro microadjuster at the wrist and a single velcro gauntlet closure. Pre-curved fingers and palm help to reduce fatigue over the course of a long ride.
The Icon Compound Mesh Short Gloves are the short cuff counterpart to the long version. Using the same technologies, the Compound shorties have a hi-flow backhand mesh construction with a premium Battlehide goatskin palm. The same injection-molded thermoplastic armor is found at the main knuckle and on the fingers, and a double layer of leather backed by foam padding can be seen at the lower palm and outside of the hand. A neoprene flex panel is located just above the cuff at the backhand for ease of motion and the pre-curved fingers and palm help to reduce fatigue and improve ergonomics. A single TPR velcro pull provides the closure at the cuff.
Another few standout products from the Icon Spring 2012 Gear lineup, the Compound Mesh Gloves will no doubt adorn the bikes of many street, sport and stunt riders this upcoming season.
Sometimes fashion and protection demand leather, but climate and comfort demand mesh. On those days, wear the ICON Compound Mesh Overpants. Built with a balance of Fighter Mesh panels and premium grade cowhide, the Compound Mesh Overpants are cooler than Leather Motorcycle Pants, more protective than mesh pants, and easier to don then either, due to dual full-length side-entry zippers. The ratchet waist closure and critical expansion panels make the fit on these overpants both flexible and comfortable.
Icon Compound Overpants
For the cooler climates, this two-fold approach is also available in textile and leather, simply named the ICON Compound Overpants. The same principles apply, using textile portions in place of mesh. Both of these overpants feature removable CE rated impact protectors in the knees that are also fully adjustable.
These overpants are part of an entire new ICON Compound line-up that all feature a mesh/textile and leather construction. In addition to the pants, you will also find two Jackets, Short Gloves, and Long Gloves.
