Bike Accessories Original Page (1/11/09).

Underline

Arai Chaser Spike Blue Crash Helmet Right Hand View.
Arai Chaser
Crash Helmet.		 Hein Gericke Silk Balaclava.
Hein Gericke
Silk Balaclava.		 Alpinestars T-Dyno White/Blue Jacket.
Alpinestars
T-Dyno
Jacket.		 Sidi B2 Goretex Boots.
Sidi B2
Gore-Tex
Boots.		 Wolf Leather & Textile Trousers.
Wolf Leather
& Textile
Trousers.		 Alpinestars Vega Drystar Waterproof Gloves.
Vega Drystar
Waterproof
Gloves.		 Gelert Rainpod Waterproof, Windproof Jacket.
Gelert
Rain pod Jacket.		 Gelert Radisson 30 Rucksack.
Gelert
Radisson 30
Rucksack. 		Optimate 4 Battery Charger.
Optimate 4
Battery Charger		 Oxford Disclock.
Oxford
Quartz
Disc Lock.		 Oxford Stormex Bike Cover.
Oxford Stormex
Bike Cover.		 Oxford Lock & HD Chain.
Oxford Lock
& 1.5 Meter
HD Chain.		 Tax Disc Holder.
Ninja Star
Tax Disc
Holder.

Arai Chaser Spike Blue
Crash Helmet:



Click For Larger Image.
Arai Chaser Spike Blue Crash Helmet Right Hand View, (When Being Worn).

Right Hand View

Bought mainly for the colour scheme, (Spike Blue) and the fact that there was a 15% discount available the Arai Chaser seemed the better constructed crash helmet of those available in the shop, (was not to keen on the AVG's). The visor LRS, (Lever Release System) is one of the better features on this helmet and a visor can be changed or replaced literally in seconds. The new air conductor ergo duct venting system really moves the air through the helmet in all the right places and the buttons on the vent ducts that open or close the vents are easily operable with gloves on. Priced at £369.99 and with the discount reducing it to £314.49 I felt it was a reasonable price for a mid range crash helmet.

Features:

Super fibre construction with triple density inner shell. Click For Larger Image.
Arai Chaser Spike Blue Crash Helmet Left Hand View, (When Being Worn).
Arai Chaser
Left Hand View
Ergo duct venting system and side exhaust vents.
Breath deflector & chin vent with enlarged duct access.
FFS (Free Flow System) reducing draft and wind noise.
Visor LRS (Lever Release System).
Pin lock ready visor with de-mist visor lock.

Hein Gericke
Silk Balaclava:



Click For Larger Image.
Hein Gericke black silk balaclava.

Cost about £11.



I purchased the black silk balaclava from Hein Gericke with a few main objectives in mind. The first was to try to eliminate wind draught around the neck and hopefully the same would apply to eliminate any airborne bugs that may find their way in. Second the balaclava would act in the same way as a breath deflector and stop the visor from misting up, and finally it would prevent the inside of the crash helmet from getting to dirty going on the premise that it would be easier to clean the balaclava than it would the inside of the crash helmet.
I went for the silk balaclava rather than a fully blown thermal job because my thoughts were at this time of year a thinner, lighter Summer style balaclava would keep my head a bit cooler.

Features:

Extra light. Hein Gericke Logo.
Hein Gericke Logo
Web Site Link.
Temperature regulating.
Flat seams.
Skin friendly.
All season usage.
Smooth silk fabric for ease of wearing.

Alpinestars
T-Dyno Textile
Blue/White Jacket:



Click For Larger Image.
Alpinestars T-Dyno Blue/White Textile Jacket.

Retail price £169.95.
Cost to me £135.96.



I bought the Alpinestars T-Dyno Textile Jacket once again mainly for the colours and the fact that I qualified for a 20% discount because I had purchased the bike from the same dealership. Being of slightly larger frame than most I was a bit disappointed to find that I required an XXL size where normally XL does the job. It was also a bit odd having the zipper do up the opposite way to most men's clothing but apparently this is an Italian thing!
The T-Dyno textile jacket is designed mainly for Summer riding, it has a removable quilted lining that you definitely don't need in the heat of Summer but could be useful on cooler mornings. It is however not particularly good at keeping out the water and in a downpour you will get your inner clothing wet, probably OK in a light shower but it is not classed as waterproof.
With regards to safety there is an upgrade option of housing the Alpinestars Bionic chest guards, (available as accessory upgrade) also available as an optional accessory for this jacket is the CE certified RC back protector. (It comes with standard back, shoulder and elbow protectors).

Features:

600 Denier fabric with PU coating. Click For Larger Image.
Alpinestars T-Dyno removable quilted jacket inner lining.
Alpinestars
T-Dyno Jacket
Quilted Liner.
Removable quilted liner.
Chest pad compartments with PE protection padding.
Velcro®-type adjustable CE certified soft protectors.
Reflective piping and logos for increased night time visibility.
Back protector compartment with PE padding.

Sidi B2 Gore-Tex
Waterproof Boots:



Click For Larger Image.
Sidi B2 Gore-tex Waterproof Boots.

Retail price £210.00.
Cost to me £168.00.

Yet again qualifying for a 20% discount I opted to kit my feet out with a pair of plain Black Sidi B2 Goretex Boots. I wanted a pair of boots that could cope with a downpour and keep my feet dry and these boots claim to do just that due to the Gore-tex linings which give complete breath ability and waterproofing. Based on the original Sidi "Vertebra" boots these seemed to be the perfect boot for all year use. This boot also features zip and velcro fastenings, a shock absorbing heel cup and has replaceable shin, ankle and toe sliders.

Features:

Gore-tex lined for complete breath ability and waterproofing. Link to the Gore-Tex explaination on Wikipedia.
Gore-Tex Logo
And Wikipedia
Web Site Link .
Replaceable Shin, Ankle and Toe sliders.
Zip and velcro fastening.
Based on the original Sidi "Vertebra" boots.

Wolf Leather &
Textile Trousers:



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Wolf Leather & Textile Motorcycle Waterproof Trousers front and rear views.

Cost about £170.



These Wolf Leather Textile Trousers are waterproof, breathable and wind proof textile motorcycle trousers. I purchased these particular trousers as they claimed to be fully waterproof plus they have a removable thermal lining, (despite this they still make you sweat up a bit if you wear them on a hot day). The Wolf Leather Textile trousers have leather pads in all the important places with CE approved armour on the knees. The main percentage of the trousers are textile and are quite adjustable in the waist and leg areas. The long length leg zips and pop stud ankle fastenings enable them to go over the top of boots with ease and security. Purchased from Harpers in Leigh-On-Sea, Essex for £170 these are a good quality reasonably priced motorcycle trousers especially when compared to some other brands that could cost up to twice as much.

Features:

Leather and textile construction. Wolf Logo.
Wolf Logo and
Web Site Link .
100% waterproof, breathable and wind proof.
Removable thermal lining with CE approved knee armour.
Ergonomically positioned Schoeller Kevlar stretch panels.
Schoeller dynatec reflex panels & waist adjusters.
Zipped pockets & 360 degree zipped jacket attachment.

Vega Drystar
Waterproof Gloves:



Click For Larger Image.
Alpinestars Vega Drystar Waterproof gloves.
(Top picture outside, righthand. Bottom picture inside, left hand).

Cost about £80.



I was originally going to get the blue/black Vega Drystar gloves but the store did not have my size in stock so I opted for black ones instead. In hindsight I think this is more practical as they are not colour specific and can go with any other colour. These gloves are supposed to be all-weather gloves and are not to bad in light showers but I have my doubts as to what they would function like in a downpour.
The Vega Drystar are mainly a neoprene, leather and carbon fiber shell between you and the outside world. The gloves come with Alpinestars' exclusive Drystar waterproof & breathable lining which is supposed to ensure a dry interior. The leather palm, cuff and fingers deliver grip and protection while the Thinsulate liner offers protection against the cold.
All in all a reasonably priced all round general purpose motorcycle glove.

Features:

Leather and Neoprene lightweight construction.
Carbon fibre knuckle protection for hard wearing lightweight protection.
Waterproof and breathable Drystar membrane.
Thinsulate insulation, lightweight but warm.
Double cuff closure for less wind intrusion and a safer personalized fit.

Gelert
Rain pod Jacket:




Click For Larger Image.
Gelert Rain pod breathable waterproof, windproof jacket.

Cost about £15.



The Gelert Rain pod Jacket is generally for use for walking around streets, fields or hills whatever the weather but it is my intention to use it as an over jacket for the Alpinestars T-Dyno jacket to help improve the waterproofing in a heavy downpour as the Alpinestars jacket is not particularly rain proof.
The Gelert Rain pod Jacket is a breathable and very lightweight waterproof jacket designed for easy packing in a rucksack with it's own stuff sack. Constructed with a softer Gelert fabric that is also much tougher than others used before with a 2000mm Hydrostatic Head, it will keep you dry in the worst weather conditions.
The roll-down hood can be packed away to form a comfortable soft collar which is ideal as it would serve no purpose over the crash helmet. The storm flap is attached, like the pockets, by a hook and loop system to keep you secure and the weather out.

Features:

Material: 100% Nylon, softer fabric for comfort. Click For Larger Image.
Gelert Rain pod breathable waterproof, windproof jacket.
The hood can be folded to form a collar!
Jacket Opened.
Waterproof, breathable coating.
Hook & loop closure pockets.
Roll-down hood forms soft collar .
Elasticated cuff.
Elasticated draw cord at hem & hood .

Gelert Radisson 30
Litre Rucksack:



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Gelert Radisson 30 litre all weather rucksack.

Cost about £18.



I bought this to use while motorcycling to work and I have not been disappointed. It has numerous different pockets which are all well protected by strong zippers. All of the straps are adjustable and there are two waist straps for added security. The outer chord at the back has reflective qualities so it is more visible at night and the price was good too. Purchased from Camping and General for £17.99 I could not fault it. Having a capacity of 30 litres it easily carries all the items I require for my journey to work and there is plenty of room left for other items. For those into styling the colour was a good match for the bike and the jacket so it does not look out of place.

Features:

30 litre 600D Rip stop Polyester/PVC Size: W 33 x D 17 x H 47 cm
Reflective bungee chord for increased awareness and visibility.
Dedicated inner pocket to a take an MP3 player or iPod.
Sound waterproof wind resistant construction.
Carry straps fully adjustable with Waist and chest straps.
Grab handle - A4 folder compatible

Optimate 4
Battery Charger:




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Optimate 4 Battery charger complete with two connection leads.
One with crocodile-clips, (TM-74).
The other a fused connection lead with eyelet terminals and waterproof end cap, (TM-71).

Cost about £45.



If you are going to be storing your bike in the Winter like myself you are going to need a battery charger that monitors the condition of the battery and keeps it in "tip top" condition. The optimate 4 battery charger has all the necessary features required to keep your battery performing at its best.
It has it's own self diagnostic test to confirm correct operation. A central LED column display shows delivered current. This provides the user with information on the state of charge and the state of health of the battery. All weatherproof connectors now feature "glide-guide" inserts for easier connection.
The Optimate 4 battery charger comes complete with two connection leads, one with crocodile-clips, (TM-74) the other a fused connection lead with eyelet terminals and waterproof end cap, (TM-71) this can be wired directly to the bike battery terminals and left in a convenient place for connection to the charger. An optional 2.5 meter extension lead, (TM-73) is available for around £5.

Features:

Input: 220 - 240v AC, output voltage: 12V DC. lick For Larger Image.
Optimate 4 Battery charger optional 2.5 meter extension lead (TM-73).

Optional 2.5 Meter
Extension Lead.
Automatic self-diagnostic test.
Two-stage recovery action.
High power maximum output current of 0.8A.
Enhanced battery testing.
IP64 weatherproof enclosure.

Oxford Quartz
Disc Lock:



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Oxford Disc lock in high visibility yellow complete with carry case and high visibility alert chord.

Cost about £25.



The Oxford Quartz disc lock was bought to add a bit more security to the bike if I was to leave it whilst out and about. Although it does not prevent it from being lifted and carried away it does prevent it from being wheeled away and in conjunction with the steering lock makes it that bit more of a deterrent against theft.
The disc lock comes in a variety of colours, I opted for yellow as it seemed to be the colour that makes it more visible, again acting as a deterrent to any would be thieves. The lock comes with it's own protective canvas pouch and a stretchy cord that can be placed over the handlebar grip as a reminder to the fact that the disc lock is in place, (Saves trying to ride off with the disc lock attached). The pin is hardened steel and it comes with three keys, the keyhole is covered by a slider that prevents dirt and moisture getting into the mechanism. This disc lock just about fits into the space under the seat on the bike so it saves carrying it around in your pocket.

Protective Keyhole Slider:

Click For Larger Image.
Oxford Disc lock Keyhole Slider shown in it's closed position.

Keyhole Slider Closed.		 Click For Larger Image.
Oxford Disc lock Keyhole Slider shown in it's half opened position.

Keyhole Slider Half Open.		 Click For Larger Image.
Oxford Disc lock Keyhole Slider shown in it's fully opened position.

Keyhole Slider Fully Open.

Oxford Stormex
Bike Cover:



Click For Larger Image.
Oxford Stormex all weather thermal lined bike cover.

Cost about £75



As my bike was not intended to be used in the Winter months, (a fair weather biker me) I needed a decent cover to give it maximum protection as unfortunately I do not have a garage or other similar building to store it in.
The Oxford Stormex Bike Cover was a bit pricey as it was bought in a shop and not online so I dare say it could be found for a lot cheaper than £75. That said I can't fault the cover as it does exactly what I want it to do.
I opted for the "Medium" sized cover and although it is a snug fit on the bike everything does get covered up. The high visibility markings on the outside really help to get the cover the correct way round even in daylight and there are pockets at either end with arrow markings on them which serve two purposes. Firstly the pockets are to keep padlocks clean and dry if used, secondly the arrows help align the cover with the front and rear wheels. There are edged slots with red braiding in the cover which fall either side of each wheel when fitted properly, these are to pass security chains or cables through when securing the bike and cover. The cover itself also acts as a deterrent against theft making the bike harder to maneuver.

Features:

Heat resistant fleece lining for extra winter protection.
Fully adjustable elasticated band with underbelly security strap.
End slots for chain and all weather pockets to protect padlock.
Waterproof and wind resistant with vented wings.
High visibility strips and logo make orientation easier in the dark.

Oxford Lock &
1.5m HD Chain:



Click For Larger Image.
The Oxford HD lock comes with three keys and 1.5 meter hardened 9.5mm square form chain that has a braided nylon protective sleeve to prevent damage.
The Oxford HD lock can be used as a disc lock on it's own.

Cost about £25



I bought this chain and lock to be used in conjunction with the ground and wall anchors that I made, (see the Ground & Wall Anchor page for more on the ground and wall anchors).
The idea is to pass the chain through the ground anchor and through the wheel of the bike and securing it with the lock thus preventing the bike from being lifted and carried away.
The price of the Oxford Lock and 1.5 Meter HD Chain was cheaper than what you can buy the 1,0 Meter version for so while it was this price I bought two of them, one to be used at home, the other to be used in the bike shed at work to secure it to the security bar. By having two I can leave each one at the relevant destination which saves having to carry them around with me.

Features:

Chain length 1.5 Meters as opposed to a standard 1.0 Meter chain.
Silver level sold secure 9.5mm square form hardened chain links.
Three keys for the lock as opposed to the usual standard two with most locks.
Bronze level impact resistant shackle that can resist attack, (rated 3 out of 5).
Key replacement service.
Swivel barrel key hole dust cover.

Ninja Star
Tax Disc Holder:



Click For Larger Image.
Ninja Star tax disc holder with waterproof gasket, carbon fibre effect backing plate and near matching blue bike colour.

Cost about £15



The bike came with a pretty basic cheap and nasty tax disc holder that was mounted near the rear chain on the swinging arm so as you can imagine it was vulnerable to getting pretty dirty and wet in bad weather. I wanted a holder that was waterproof, (the original one wasn't as I found out) and one that I could mount to the front of the bike in a less vulnerable position.
I found a tax disc holder that I liked on sale at Amazon.co.uk that looked like it was the same colour blue as my bike, (at least it was pretty close) and it boasted all the features I wanted. Costing as near as makes no odds £15 it was not the cheapest one on the market but it does the job and I liked the look of the curved hexagonal outer profile.

Features:

Waterproof gasket seal. Click For Larger Image.
Front fork tax disc holder alternative mounting point.
I used the bolt that houses the front fender to the forks as it was rubber mounted!
(I had to put a bend into the backing bracket so the nuts did not rub on the fender).
Alternative Tax Disc
Mounting Point.		 Click For Larger Image.
Front fork tax disc holder alternative mounting point.
I used the bolt that houses the front fender to the forks as it was rubber mounted!
(I had to put a bend into the backing bracket so the nuts did not rub on the fender).
Double Bend In
Backing Plate.
Carbon fibre effect backing plate.
Rounded hexagonal outer profile design.
Anti-tamper stainless steel nuts and bolts.
Anti-shock rubber mounted fixing sleeve.