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
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
Hein Gericke Visor Finger Wipes, £3.99Miles covered/time: 2000 miles/two months What’s good? Before I answer that question, let me ask you another one: what’s the biggest benefit to safety when you’re riding a motorbike? No, it’s not ABS, traction control or any other trendy electronic gimmick. It’s visibility. Simply being able to see where you’re going. And to that end, ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 06 December 2012
Cold Killers Socks, £19.99
Miles covered/time: 1500 miles/two months
What’s good: They’re great for protecting your feet from the elements if you’re riding in summer boots. Being windproof they minimize the wind chill so you can concentrate on riding and not trying to get the feeling back in your toes. What’s not: In all honesty I haven’t been won over ...
- Motorcycle Products
- Parts & accessories
- 05 December 2012
