Cycra Probend Handguards

Got my Cycra Probend Handguards in today. They retail for $109 but I found these on an auction site for $79. These were recommended by a friend who races Enduros.

This is a simple setup. I got the bar clamp mounts. They also offer triple clamp mounts and U-clamp handlebar mounts.

The install was straightforward. That's a good thing since the instructions are pretty basic (no pics, etc). Since these are "universal" handguards be prepared to put a little muscle into getting them lined up correctly. I had to push on/bend the aluminum bar some during installation. Every part seems to be top quality, which you would expect for the price. "Buy the best and only cry once" - we'll see.

I'm happy with the initial quality. I will have an update after they are banged up a bit.

Product Website

Joe Rocket Alter Ego 2.0 Jacket

Price $233

I am very happy with this jacket. It is as advertised. There are a couple of things that could be improved though. First, the liner is primitive. It is 100% PVC and has no insulation. Once you put it on you will get steamy. The upside is that it is 100% waterproof. I use the quilted, waterproof liner from my Olympia Motorsports jacket with the Alter Ego jacket and it is a great combination for cold or wet weather. If the Alter Ego came with a liner like this it would be faultless except for...

After the outer solid panels are removed (along with the main zipper) the zipper on the mesh jacket will unzip itself at speeds above 40 MPH. I'm not sure why there is no snap closure or even velcro to keep the zipper from being pulled down from the wind on the front of the jacket. I am going to sew a velcro closure at the top to prevent this. It;s very aggravating and will unzip in less than a minute at highway speeds.

The lower arms and complete torso and back are removable to make this an almost completely mesh jacket. The only solid material left is from the elbow to the shoulder. It is really nice. Tons of airflow and the armor is still there. I'm not sure there is a better jacket for hot weather.

There are two "slash" vents on the front of the shoulders that can let some air in for those transition times when you aren't ready to remove the panels but it's not really cold anymore. Very nice feature.

With the panels on it is good into the mid/low 70's. With the jacket and a "real" insulated liner mid/high 60's are no problem. These estimates are sunny day, at speed, with little or no fairing protection. Adjust as necessary.

I have looked at the Rev'it Cayenne jacket ($499) and to me the only significant difference is the liner issue. I hope Joe Rocket steps up and includes a waterproof and insulated liner in the future. It would be worth a few extra bucks.

Held Steve Gloves

Price $149.00

I never thought I would spend so much on a pair of gloves. But these are supposed to be great. I opted for the Dark Steve (all black and $10 extra). The regular Steve has a tan palm. The Held website notes that the Dark Steve is only available in the US.

The construction is top quality as you would expect and demand for the price. They look and feel like they are meant to last a long time.

These can be ordered directly from Held and the customer service was excellent. The gentleman I spoke with actually had a conversation with me about the gloves. It was obvious the he cared very much. He answered all of my questions regarding sizing, cleaning, and leather care. Make sure you listen to them and get the right size. I would highly recommend ordering directly from them rather than an online store.

It will take some time to break in and find out how good these gloves are, but I hoping the adage "buy the best and only cry once" holds true.

See the link below for specifics on this glove:
Held USA Website - Steve Gloves

Athletic Works Compression Shirt and Shorts

These are available at Wal-Mart.

Price: $9.88 each

Opinion: Recommend, but UnderArmor could be better quality (and more expensive). Definitely get something similar if you don't have this already.

Compression underwear is great for a few reasons. It can be washed at night and will be dry in the morning. It keeps moisture of of your skin, and keeps you from getting chafed.

No Toil Foam Filter Oil and Cleaner

Price: $16 (Oil, Cleaner, Sealing grease)

Opinion: Not worth the trouble for me.




I bought this for my Uni Filter on the XR650. I used it twice before deciding that it was not worth the trouble. On multiple day trips you need to carry the special cleaner and oil with you. The oil can only be removed with the special cleaner.

I need to be flexible when out in the wild. I would rather use readily available chemicals. If you only clean your filter at home this may work for you.

PJ1 Blue Label Chain Lube

We don't lube our chains every 200 miles, but when we do this is the stuff we prefer. It doesn't drip all over. It also comes in a small can that is good for touring.

I don't have any hard data that this is the best chain lube, but I think it is as good as any other and definitely better than not using any.

Price: About $10

Travelon Compression Bags

Compression bags allow you to vacuum pack your clothes. Packing my topcase is a breeze now and the gear I put in my tailbag for longer trips is now waterproof.

Price :$9 (One large and one medium bag)



Opinion: This is a no-brainer. Get these! Not only do they make your packing easier, but they are waterproof. I love them.

I bought mine here.

Get a few since you have to pay shipping anyway. You will be glad you did.

Fieldsheer Aqua Sport Gloves

These are waterproof and insulated gloves.

Price: $35

Opinion: Highly Recommended



I have been very impressed with these gloves. They have been completely waterproof so far. The gloves are insulated so they do have some thickness to them. You can't beat them for the price and I'm not sure anything more expensive would be any better for cold, wet days.

Arai Signet GTR

Purchased at Chicago Cycle July 2007 as a discontinued model.
Price: $400


* this image is of an Arai Signet. The GTR has two small vents in the front.


This is the most comfortable helmet I have owned so far. I was happy with my Arai TX Motard so I gave their street helmet a try.

I ended up plugging the vents on the front as they make a moderate amount of noise at highway speeds even with earplugs (which I always wear).

I have not removed the visor yet but it is known to be very difficult. It is a design issue.

Very good helmet. I would buy it again.

Rev'it Ergo Boot

I bought my Rev'it Ergo boots in June 2007. They are lightweight and comfortable along with being one of the better looking boots in my opinion.

Price $209.00



The boots got a pretty good soaking on the last Flat 4 Tour in August. They did seem a little damp after getting home but I thought it could also be sweat. After the boots dried for a day or two I noticed large white deposits on the outside, similar to salt deposits on a ball cap after sweating. I concluded that the Odor Eaters foot powder I use was the culprit. If it made it to the outside then water made it inside.

Last weekend we rode 500 miles in Wisconsin. On Sunday there was a light rain, or drizzle, for about 2-3 hours. During that time my feet became wet through the boots. My right sock was soaked all the way to the heel and my left was damp in the toe area. The temperature was hovering around 50 F and the wet feet were a problem. I am going to see about returning these under warranty since they are only 4 months old.

I hope this was just a bad pair as I really like these boots.

Rev'it Solar Gloves

Got a new pair of Rev'it Solar Gloves today. I bought my first pair in June 2007. On my last ride I noticed that the stitching on the thumb was coming apart. I brought them back to Tag Sport and they had a new pair for me in 3 days.

I like the snug fit, protection, venting, and looks of these gloves so I hope that they last a while.

I paid $79.95 + tax at Tag Sport in Geneva, IL

Description from the Rev'it Website:

The SOLAR is the perfect summer glove that will appeal to everyone looking for a lightweight mesh glove that offers the perfect balance between protection and ventilation. Mesh panels on the inside of the fingers allow air to freely flow along the hands and are combined with French cowhide and a 4 knuckle composite protector to guarantee a level of safety never before seen in a mesh glove.

Dual Star Heated Grips

UPDATE 10-15-2007

Used the heated grips for the first time this weekend. Temperatures were in the high 40's/low 50's and wet. First impression: HOT!!!. Seriously, these things are actually too hot even on the low setting. I needed to open my hand and let the grips cool off every couple of minutes, or turn them on and off. The Triumph Tiger puts out about 480 watts, so this may not be a problem on other bikes.

I'm happy with the function of these heating elements. I was concerned that the right and left sides would be different temperatures, but the designers did a great job. They made the clutch side element 30% hotter to compensate for the direct contact with the steel handlebar. If you have aluminum bars you will need to insulate the clutch side. I will probably out a set of these on the XR650 at some point.

I'm going to look in to adding some type of thermostat or power control other than the HI/LO switch.

SEE THE INSTALLATION PHOTOS HERE