Beta Torx screwdrivers, £67.44 Tester: Tim Thompson Time used: Two years What’s good? I use these for nipping-up bodywork and screen retaining bolts: fasteners that need a light touch, just a couple of ftlb torque. The BetaGrip handles are lovely in the hand. They have great control and feel – and make me feel like a highly-regarded MotoGP mechanic. These ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 20 May 2013
Ventura Luggage System £280 (bag £112, rack £52, brackets £116) Tester: Alison Silcox Miles/time used: 6000 miles/seven years What’s good? I’ve been a fan of the Ventura system since my husband bought a set for his Ducati 998S in 2002. It’s a very simple system to use, with a bike-specific fitting kit and rack that takes a universal 51-litre bag. ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 20 May 2013
There’s not always enough cable on a battery charger to reach from the plug to your bike, which is why charging specialist CTEK has added an extension lead to its range. The 2.5-metre cable extends the range of the CTEK XS 0.8 charger to allow for wall-mounting of the charger or for those who want to charge their bike’s battery ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 17 May 2013
Bodywork specialist Skidmarx has developed and released a hugger for Triumph’s Tiger Explorer XC, designed to keep crud off the rear shock. Triumph don’t make a hugger for the bike, either as original fitment or as an optional accessory, so there’s a gap in the market. The hugger is available in either gloss black fibreglass or carbon-fibre and weighs 750g ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 15 May 2013
Kriega US-20 tailpack, £75 Tester: Richard Newland Time/miles: Five years/20,000 miles What’s good? I have a real soft spot for Kriega’s unapologetic, but quietly understated, excellence. I’ve used its R35 and R30 rucksacks over the last six years, and have had this US-20 pack for more than five. The roll-top closure makes a perfect waterproof seal, and the waterproof inner ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 13 May 2013
Tucano Urbano Nano Shoe Covers, £33.99 Tester: Steve Farrell Time/miles: 2000 miles/18 months What’s good? These really do make old boots waterproof again. They fold up into a zip bag not much bigger than a fat wallet, which is why they have ‘Nano’ in the name. They’re no less waterproof for it. I’ve never known them to let in a ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 13 May 2013
Granger’s G-Max Universal Footwear Proofer, £5.99 Tester: Steve Farrell Time/miles: One month/1000 miles What’s good? The trouble with waterproof attire is that, sooner or later, it stops being waterproof. No one wants to chuck a costly pair of boots. In theory, this spray saves you that pain. Spray it onto damp, clean leather, and ‘maximum waterproofing’ will be restored. Also ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 13 May 2013
That Near-Death Thing, by Rick Broadbent, £16.99 Tester: Phil West What’s good? The most compelling book about the TT I’ve yet come across. Written by Times sports writer Rick Broadbent, it paints a vivid picture of the highs and lows of the 2011 TT through the first-hand accounts of Guy Martin, John McGuinness, Conor Cummins and Michael Dunlop. Broadbent’s success ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 13 May 2013
sDoc100 White Chain Spray 75ml, £4.99Time tested: 20,000 miles/12 months What’s good: Chain sprays either work, or they don’t. Actually, there is a third common option, where they sort of do work, but they also drive you mad. This sDoc100 stuff simply falls into the ‘works’ category. There’s a conspicuous lack of fling, leaving your chain coated in a rust-and-grime-repelling ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 02 May 2013
Visorcat wash/wipe, £30 (£3.60 for subsequent 50ml fluid refills)Time tested: 550 miles/two weeks What’s good: This integrated sponge and squeegee with fluid reservoir works with a wipe-and-clean action and attaches to your left hand over a glove. I ride all year round so the idea of the Visorcat intrigued me as I have been more than happy with a damp ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 02 May 2013
