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

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.

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