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.

Metzeler Tourance NEXT Tire Review:

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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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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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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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.

Klim Overland Jacket Review:

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.





Klim Overland Pants Review:

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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