TESTED: OXFORD CARBON HEATED VEST
17 February 2010
The recent adverse winter weather conditions provided us with the perfect opportunity to test the new heated vest from Oxford’s new range of carbon heated clothing.
The CarbonFlexHeatSystem utilises a system of carbon fibre threads as heating elements. Oxford says that they are entirely flexible and are as thin as any other thread as well as being impervious to water – handy if you need to wash the garment. The heating elements are positioned front and rear to maximise heat coverage. The vest is powered by a rechargeable unit which has four heat settings (around six hours of heat on minimum settings and about two hours at maximum power). The cost of all this works out at £150 all-in with battery and charger. Spare power packs for longer journeys are available at £52.99 each.
It took around five minutes for the vest to reach working temperature once it had circulated the heating circuits and provided a noticeable heating of the lower back area, as well as warmth to the front of the vest. Tested on a day when the temperatures weren’t much above freezing point, it was certainly a welcome aid to the improvement of a rider's comfort. Couple this with other heating accessories from the Oxford range and there’s no reason why any rider should suffer excessively on a cold winter’s day. Mau
New VE website suite
17 February 2010
VE (UK) has launched its all-new public website suite. The new site’s model follows across its 10 retail websites allowing seamless integration between the whole product family and all sites are now accessed from the homepage. The existing ‘no typing required’ keyword driven search engine remains, but is integrated to a new faster database, aided by pictures of many items available. More images are being added to the search feature every week. When the user is on a dedicated brand site such as Malossi, the search results are restricted to just that brand allowing the user to obtain a more focused result.
VE take website and image plagiarism seriously and all site images are watermarked (visibly or invisibly) and subject to copyright law. There are also ‘tickers’ to note IP addresses of any offenders who intend to copy site info. The new site also protects dealer information; visitors simply fill in a form and will be emailed a list of nearest dealers.
Alternatively, there’s a dedicated supermarket site reached from the menu or search pages where end users purchase catalogue items through a team of specialist dealers. Visit www.ve-uk.com to see the World of VE (UK).
Bargain bike insurance
17 February 2010
Many companies don’t like to insure cheap imported motorcycles. Some new marques are unknown in the UK, or are even re-badged, so there are no Association of British Insurers (ABI) rates to guide would-be insurers. Bikesure however, says it has no qualms about arranging cover for these unknown road bikes.
For details, freephone the Bikesure quote line on 0800 089 2000 or email bikesure@adrianflux.co.uk. For more information visit www.bikesure.co.uk
New safety helmet technology
16 December 2009
A new brain-cooling device for crash helmets could save hundreds of lives in the UK. The patented invention developed at Sussex University’s Innovation Centre, called ThermaHelm™, performs like an instant ice pack when activated by sudden impact. It reduces brain swelling and the risk of long-term brain damage and extends the critical window in which paramedics and A&E teams have to perform their life-saving skills. The development team, led by inventor Jullian Preston-Powers and Riccardo Anzil, believe the brain-cooling device can be adapted for all activities where safety helmet use is necessary.
The technology has been praised by the Government’s UK Trade and Investment division, which has officially green-lighted the company into the Global Entrepreneurs Programme as a ‘Technology of Exceptional Potential’
NEW BATTERY CHARGER AVAILABLE
16 December 2009
Yamaha has announced that a brand-new YEC-8 Battery Charger is now available from its network of Authorised Yamaha dealers.
Incorporating unique ‘intelligent’ battery charging technology tested and approved by Yamaha Engineers for use with all Yamaha Motorcycles, Scooters, Mopeds and other Yamaha motor products.
The YEC-8 features: Fully automatic switched mode charging, surge protection, integrated protection from short-circuit, sparks and reverse polarity. multi-use charging clips, 5 year warranty and a storage bag.
The YEC-8 Battery charger is priced at £41.99 RRP incl. VAT. Visit www.yamaha-motor.co.uk for more information.
TESTED: SAVA MC28 DIAMOND-S TYRES
16 December 2009
I’ve laboured for the past two years under the misapprehension that my 30,000-mile 2001 Mk1 Yamaha T-max was worn out and would forever steer like a tractor. Road-testing the fine-handling 2009 T-max merely rubbed salt into the wounds.
A large dollop of the blame for my scooter’s poor ride was due to the fact that I’d been cheaping out on my tyre choice and ended up with a mismatched set of Schwalbe Raceman on the front and a Continental Twist on the rear. Both of these come from respected manufacturers, but the Conti in particular was awful and didn’t suit the scooter; making it resist turning in, allowing it to wallow in high speed turns and worst of all spinning the rear if you used full throttle from traffic lights in the rain.
All this has been sorted with the fitment of a pair of Diamond S from Dunlop-owned European brand Sava. These are only conventional cross-ply tyres – unlike the more expensive radials specified for later versions of the T-max – but they have restored my Yam to its nimble and stable best. In the dry they feel as good as the original equipment Dunlops. They also grip confidently in the wet unless you get too throttle-happy while leant over. With the handling restored I really couldn’t care less about the wear rate, though so far this doesn’t seem at all excessive.
The Sava MC28 is available in 25 different versions covering most mid and maxi scooters with 12/13/14/15 and 16in wheel sizes. Prices start from around £35.
Sticky
NEW FOUR-STROKE EXHAUSTS
16 December 2009
Scorpion Exhausts have revamped some of their Maxi Scooter range to allow the use of a removable baffle, giving the user a choice on how they want their exhaust to sound.
Systems are available in three styles (stainless steel - flamed titanium - carbon fibre) for the following models:
Gilera Runner VX-VXR - up to 2006 - DNA 4T
Gilera Runner VX-VXR - 2007 on
Vespa GT125-200 &
Vespa GTS 250
Prices start at only £222.53 RRP including Vat.
Contact VE (UK) at sales@ve-uk.com or visit the VE website at www.ve-uk.com for information.
STRONG THERMAL PROTECTION
16 December 2009
Bikers looking to protect themselves and their pillions and paniers from heat damage caused by their bike’s exhaust can now send exhaust components to thermal management specialist Zircotec for ceramic coating. The exhaust silencer reaches high temperatures during the course of a journey. By applying a ceramic coating to their exhaust system, riders gain peace of mind and avoid any costly replacement of luggage, while also gaining the option to dispense with heatshields, as the ceramic offers comprehensive heat protection to rider and pillion.
Ring Zircotec Ltd on 01235 434326 or email peter.whyman@zircotec.com for information.
CYCLONE JACKET
21 October 2009
Weise has expanded their clothing range with the new Cyclone leather jacket. Manufactured from Monaco leather, the front panels are perforated for riding in hot conditions (for colder climates there’s a zip-in thermal quilted lining). CE-approved protectors are fitted to the shoulders, elbows, knees and back.
It is available in black/gun/white in sizes 40in–52in and in sizes 40in-48in in black/blue/white and black/red/white. Suggested price is £239.99 including VAT and it is covered by a two-year warranty. Visit www.weise-clothing.co.uk or phone 0117 971 9200 for info.
ACCESSORY MOUNT
21 October 2009
Here’s a faster, lighter weight, stronger way to mount switches, accessories and other such items to your bike. Find the desired mounting location and zip the mount into place with the heavy duty nylon mounting strap. Features include a 1⁄4in diameter mounting hole, three straps and three pieces of shrink tube wrap. Place the shrink tube near the strap lock and it will grip your handlebars even tighter.
This American product is priced at $12. Visit www.aerostich.com for info.
VESPA SUPER STICKERS
21 October 2009
Vespa 300 Super stickers are the latest addition to the range of accessories for the new model. Available in red, black or white, the stickers are styled to fit the lines of the 300 Super with an RRP of £49.99.
Also new is a re-designed front 'tip up' luggage rack, designed to fit all GT and GTS models which is available from franchised Vespa dealers for £149.99.
For information call 0117 972 5552 (http://www.uk.vespa.com/en_UK).
ATHENA PERFORMANCE KITS
19 August 2009 - web update
Athena have a range of alloy 70cc race cylinder kits for a wide range of 50cc scooters which are available now from VE (UK). They feature multi port technology, bridged exhaust ports, special piston with single ring, and high compression cylinder head.
The kits are designed to give superb performance when set up with a suitable performance exhaust and transmission. They are a specialised range designed expressly for RACE ONLY use. Prices start at £138. Visit www.ve-uk.com for more information.
NEW T-MAX POWERCONE
19 August 2009 - web update
This latest cone from GPR has the power increased by 3.2bhp @ 7000rpm when used in conjunction with the GPR Powerjet. It also offers a weight saving of 4.95 kg. Fully road legal and built in stainless steel, it has an optional removable catalytic converter.
Priced at £449 inc VAT, it will be available for the T-max from mid-September. Visit http://www.gpr.it/ for information.
DIGITAL GAUGES
19 August 2009
Universal EGT digital gauges (exhaust gas temperature gauge) are available from Scootermatix. Once fitted, they read exhaust gas temperatures to help setting-up jetting and show when an engine is overheating.
They are powered by 12 volt DC battery systems, but if no feed is available there’s a simple add-on 9 volt power supply. Gauge part number is S6-4037 and costs £80.99. Battery pack part number is S6-4040ET01 and costs £6.99. Available direct from Scootermatix (01709 860958) or any Scootermatix Stage6 distributor.
U-LOCKS
19 August 2009
The Oxford Magnum U-Lock comes in two sizes with different length loops. The shorter length version has a 258mm loop, but if you feel that you need something longer, then there is a 315mm option. Priced at £49.99 and £59.99 respectively, they come with two keys, a carry bracket and a lock-head dust cover. Prices include VAT. Visit www.oxprod.com for information.
ELECTRIC BIKE COVER
18 June 2009
Swinton Bikes has launched a new electric motorbike insurance policy. A 27 year old Kent rider was one of the first to receive a quote on his £8k high spec electric bike, with Third Party cover coming in at £350 and Full Comp at £500.
Electric scooters offer environmentally conscious motor-cyclists a ‘greener’ alternative to traditional petrol machines. The most recent models deliver only an eighth of the carbon emissions per mile than their petrol powered equivalents and will be fully charged and ready to go after only a few hours hooked up to a standardised domestic power socket.
For more information about Swinton insurance offers, visit www.SwintonBikes.co.uk or telephone 0800 092 6702.
£5 DISCOUNT VOUCHER
18 June 2009
Yamaha is offering customers £5 off their purchases of Yamaha genuine apparel and accessories this summer, throughout its network of 15 official lifestyle centres.
To take advantage of this offer, simply go to www.yamaha-motor.co.uk to download and print off the £5 discount voucher. The best bit is that you can print off the voucher as many times as you like during the campaign, with each voucher entitling the bearer to £5 off the total transaction price when you spend over £50 on genuine Yamaha apparel and accessories.
OFFICIAL YAMAHA CLOTHING
18 June 2009
Yamaha Motor UK has introduced all new official 2009 Yamaha Italia World Superbike (WSBK) and GSE Airwaves British Superbike (BSB) team clothing collections.
The official Yamaha Italia WSBK clothing, as worn by Ben Spies and Tom Sykes, is now available from your local Authorised Yamaha Dealer alongside the official GSE Airwaves Yamaha clothing sported by BSB championship leaders Leon Camier and James Ellison.
To see the complete range of new WSBK and BSB apparel from Yamaha, log onto www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/accessories or get down to your nearest dealer for more details.
NEW VARIATOR
18 June 2009
VE (UK have announced the release of the new Polini 9 Roller Maxi Speed Control Variator for Honda and Piaggio maxi scooters. The new 9 roller configuration completely changes how the machines perform as they an increased performance and power curve throughout the rev range. As an added benefit the 9 roller layout produces a better balanced variator with the rollers being more evenly spaced around the circumference of the pulley half.
HYBRID GLOVES
17 June 2009
These Hybrid Gloves come with a padded knuckle guard, a hard-wearing leather palm, an elasticated adjustable wrist section and an integral visor wipe system. They are available in black in sizes S to XL. Phone 01993 862300 (info@oxprod.com) for info.
WATERPROOF BOOTS
17 June 2009
Oxford Products has just launched these racy R9 Sports Boots. They have a moulded TPU shock absorbing shin guard with latex foam on flex panels, ankles and heel areas. The Techno Gl thermoplastic toe cap and an anti-crush tempered steel shank help protect the feet from harm. Suggested price is £99.00 and they are available in blue, black, red or white in sizes 5 (38) to 13 (27). Phone 01993 862300 (info@oxprod.com) for info.
NEW YAMAHA MANUAL
17 June 2009
This new Haynes Service and Repair manual provides information on routine maintenance and servicing and advises on diagnosis and rectification. Tasks are described and photographed in a step-by-step sequence with details of any special tools required and a complexity rating given. There are sections on pre-ride checks and routine maintenance and instructions for straightforward tasks such as checking fluid levels and filter changes, plus repair information such as clutch plate renewal and engine overhaul. Models covered include YBR125ED (2005 to 2009), YBR125 Custom (2008 and 2009), XT125R (2005 to 2009), XT125X (2005 to 2009).
This Haynes manual retails at £14.99 (softback) and is available from www.haynes.co.uk or from all good bike dealers and Halfords.
Light up
15 April 2009
If your 50cc scooter or Moto 50 is just not up to the job of running high powered halogens, then this new LED bulb might be just what you need. This H7 LED headlamp bulb has 13 LED's giving off a bright white light, whilst drawing less current, according to VE (UK). Visit www.ve-uk.com for more information, or to locate your nearest dealer.
Scooters get ‘The Boot’
15 April 2009
Piaggio has expanded its’ range of tailor made scooter top cases. Made from injection moulded plastic with a lockable lid, top cases range in size from 28-litres for smaller scooters, such as Piaggio’s 50cc Zip, up to the 46-litre case, complete with a passenger backrest, designed for the 400cc Xevo.
Fitted using tailor made kits, prices for Piaggio top cases start at £49.99 for the 28-litre option, (plus fitting kit £37.38) up to £259 (including rack and backrest pad) for the Xevo’s 46-litre version. All prices include VAT.
Available from Piaggio dealers nationwide or call 0117 972 5552 for more information.
Next silencer
15 April 2009
Gianelli have expanded their 'Next' range of exhausts to cover even more popular models. The 'Next' is produced from mild steel and is finished in a high gloss clear lacquer as used on their other exhaust systems. It is supplied with a chromed end aluminium silencer and is fully road legal with EEC homologation. Suggested price in £82.80 (incl VAT). Visit www.ve-uk.com for full range information, or to find your local dealer.
Yamaha Skidmarx
15 April 2009
The design team at Skidmarx have transferred their track design expertise to their latest road-based products; a double bubble screen and matching headlight covers for the Yamaha YZF125R.
The double bubble screen is available in clear and tinted options, both priced £49.95 each (coloured versions are also available for a £6 surcharge) and fits uses the existing mounting points and fasteners. A standard version is also available at £39.95. Matching headlight covers (priced £19.50) are also available.
Formed from the same 3mm acrylic as the screen, the covers are held securely in place with Scotch Lock fixing pads. They are available in clear, tinted and coloured versions. Call Skidmarx on 01305 780808 or visit www.skidmarx.co.uk for details.
SCOOTER MAINTENANCE BOOK
16 February 2009
Haynes has launched the new ‘Chinese, Taiwanese & Korean Scooters’ manual. It covers service and repair operations for 50cc through to 200cc engines with ‘twist and go’ type transmissions. Recommended price is £14.99 and it is available from www.haynes.co.uk or from all good automotive retailers, including Halfords and Motor World.
ARTEK HAS ARRIVED
16 February 2009
New to the UK shores is the French brand ARTEK. Sole importers, Adrenalin Scooter Performance Parts, say the quality and performance of the products is up with there with the big boys and in some areas better. Products include variators, exhausts, cylinder kits, suspension, intake chambers and the icing on the cake, Internal Rotor Ignition systems (with full lighting), etc are already in stock. Call 01226 630020 or visit www.adrenalin-pedstop.com for information.
KEVLAR-LINED DENIMS
6 February 2009
Weight for weight, Kevlar is five times stronger than steel and when built into soft-feel denim, this creates stylish jeans that are tough, durable and comfortable. A wide range of Kevlar-lined jeans are available from Bulletproof Clothing. Their ‘Wash’ style range has three removable knee pads and ‘CE approved ‘Viscotec’ intelligent armour, which is energy absorbing but is extremely tough on impact.
Colours are Dirty Wash, Black Stone Wash and Stone Wash denim. Sizes are 30”-44” (mens) and 6-24 (womens). Price is £89.99. Visit www.bulletproofclothingco.co.uk or phone 02380 692008 for info.RIDER-TO-PILLION INTERCOM
6 February 2009
Communications specialist Chatterbox has designed the CB-50 STD Tandem intercom to mount to the shell of a helmet, so that the controls are easily accessible. Powered by a rechargeable Ni-MH battery, it’s a full duplex intercom (allows speech in both directions).
Stereo sound with an audio input enables riders to listen to music on the move and a mobile phone input is provided. Phones and/or music players can be connected to the intercom via an inexpensive universal audio cord that retails for £7.99.
It retails at £66.99 including VAT. Stereo headsets are sold separately at £26.99 each. Call 01256 704909 or visit www.motohaus.com for info.
7 PORT CYLINDER KIT
6 February 2009
The new MHR modular-head 7 port cylinder kits are the next generation of the MHR Malossi line. The cylinder is produced from a special aluminium alloy with high percentages of silicon and titanium.
The modular head included is made from a hardened and tempered aluminium alloy with high silicon content, which is fixed directly to the cylinder before adding the outer head. Suggested prices range from £410.70 (Piaggio LC) to £411.38 (Minarelli LC), including VAT. It is available through any VE (UK) agent. Go to www.ve-uk.com/postcode to find a dealer near you.
NEW KUNDO
6 February 2009
Kundo have produced a new exhaust system. The Kundo SS2 features a black finish with a silver aluminium end can with the entry and exit points at the rear of the muffler. This design allows for cleaner exhaust body lines, a less bulky system and a more direct route for expelling the gases. The system is available for a wide range of scooters (visit www.ve-uk.com for details) at a suggested retail price of £130.76 including VAT.
IT’S JUST ROSSI!
17 December 2008
Fresh from his record eighth World Championship win, the story that everyone has been waiting for is finally here… Just Rossi. It’s jam-packed with amazing never-seen-before pictures and covers the complete story of Valentino, from his humble beginnings to one of the most revered sportsman on the planet.
Just Rossi is on sale at WH Smith, priced £7.99, or can be bought direct from Mortons Media Group Ltd on 01507 529529 and by visiting www.mortonsbooks.co.uk
BONE DRY BOOTS
17 December 2008
While trainers can be suitable for riding around town, the more safety conscious rider might want something that provides a little more safety. As the name implies, Bone Dry boots are waterproof and provide a good deal of protection for your feet. They have a flexible padded instep/back, a reinforced ankle protector and counter/shank, plus a full length zip/Velcro storm flap. They come in sizes 3 (euro 36) to 13 (euro 47) and sell for £51.06 plus VAT. Visit www.oxprod.com or call 01993 862300 to locate your nearest stockist.
STYLISH HELMET
17 December 2008
The HJC IS-16 is an ACU gold standard full face helmet that comes with a removable/washable lining and cheek pads, plus an interchangeable sun visor system. The chin guard is removable and a three-point ventilation system is fitted. It comes in sizes XS to XXL and is priced at £139.99. A daytime dark smoke visor is available for £34. Both prices are plus VAT. Visit www.oxprod.com or call 01993 862300 to locate your nearest stockist.
BULLETPROOF GAINS INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR ‘NO EXCUSES’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCH AT NEC BIKE SHOW
15 October 2008
Innovative extreme sports clothing company, Bulletproof Clothing, is due to launch a unique collection of stealth fashion at the NEC’s International Motorcycle and Scooter Show in November.
The ‘No Excuses’ campaign is a positive push for all extreme sports participants to wear the right protective clothing and this has already been applauded by British Superbike teams, Speedway Grand Prix racers and stunt performers from the world of BMX tricks, skate boarding, in-line skaters and mountain bike riders.
Aimed at all racers, riders and boarders who want cool apparel that is different and safer, the range will include tough kevlar lined jeans, combats, outsized Urban hoodies, Skinny hoodies, long-sleeved T’s and roll neck Zip-Up Tops. To enhance protection, a revolutionary armour can be inserted at key impact zones - elbows, shoulders, knees and hips – as Bulletproof Company Director, Tony Gough explains;-
“ We are introducing Viscotec to the UK market for the first time. This intelligent armour is a high tech, German engineered, energy-absorbing material that has a soft comfortable feel when active, but is tough on impact. This will be an essential addition for all those who want to compete, but don’t want to take the knocks. The combination of abrasion resistant kevlar and covert, removable CE-approved armour offers unique, undercover protection “.
A wide range of celebrities from different sports will be appearing at the UK launch in Birmingham dressed in Bulletproof Clothing and the company will also be displaying a new range of motorcycle apparel at the show.
For more information, call Bulletproof Clothing on (02380) 69 2008
