Supermoto Wheels

Posted on December 17, 2009 by Levon James

Converting your off-road bike to supermoto duty seems to be the latest craze these days. What could be more fun that having a bike capable of excellent performance both on and off road, not to mention capable of handling the most extreme urban cross environments you can throw at it? And there’s the fun of transforming the familiar motocrosser into something entirely alien and weird. That is supermoto.

Motostrano sells 4 kinds of supermoto wheels to satisfy all budgets.

At the high end of the supermoto wheel spectrum there are the Marchesini Supermoto wheels. Cast aluminum, lighter than spoked wheels and they don’t need tubes. I mean their tubeless! Marchesini Supermoto wheels are stiffer than spoked wheels and don’t flex. They are more expensive too.

The torch bearer to the supermoto wheel world has to be the combination of Excel rims laced to talon billet hubs. Always trick to look at the Excel Talon Supermoto Wheel combo is the most common today. Priced in the $1300’s for a set of new wheels.

Warp 9 wheels came to market a little over a year ago. Warp 9 Supermoto wheels are sold as a kit. You get a set of wheels, a 320mm rotor and caliper bracket, plus a rear rotor and rear sprocket. Simply mount supermoto tires and go. The wheel kit costs around $900.

DNA Supermoto wheels are a final option. Priced less than all the rest. We’ve tried hard to find a flaw with these wheels and can’t. They simply work.

In the market for supermoto wheels? Get over to Motostrano’s web site today.

motostrano_2029_26434338xxx

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Electric Bikes

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Levon James

Motorized bicycles have been around for over a century. Electric bicycles almost as long. As traffic and environmental worries have taken hold on metropolitan areas, electric bicycles, just like standard bicycles, are becoming increasingly popular and turning out to be a very effective mode of transportation for thousands of commuters on a daily basis. And why not? They’re fun, easy to store and require almost no maintenance, so they’re reliable, need no gas, create no noise pollution, no air pollution and you can park them anywhere! You don’t need to insure them, you don’t need a license to operate them. They get you where you need to be without breaking a sweat. Why are we slaves to the automobile again?

A quick scan of the web will turn up roughly thirty or so manufacturers of electric bikes, ranging from the high end custom jobs to sub-par electric push scooters. All e-bikes are not created equal.

The best electric bicycle currently in production in terms of performance and over all value is the Ultra Motor A2B Electric Bike.

One of the best aspects of the A2B bike is that it’s a bike that was designed from the ground up as an electric bicycle, rather than being adapted from a standard bicycle and then converted to electric. I have found that electric bikes that are based on standard bicycles don’t handle the extra stress and weight of an electric motor as well as the A2B. The A2B’s wide tires and heavy duty brakes give the rider a sense of stability that you do not find in other models based on a standard bike frame and wheels.

This is not an inexpensive toy, but it sure is fun and it’s not cheap. The A2B’s price tag of $2800 will be out of range of many riders, but when you look closely at the technology
and quality put into the machine the price seems well justified. You can, in fact, find less expensive electric bicycles out there. In fact, a quick scan on the web will result in around 30 manufacturers of electric bicycles. The Ultra Motor A2B stands out with superior components, a purpose-built frame, wide tires and a powerful motor.

The best part about the A2B is that it’s fun! Pull the bike off its sturdy center stand, hop on, flick a switch and you’re rolling. The bike has a wide and comfortable seat and the bike’s full suspension is cushy. Handling and gear changes are smooth. Pull the throttle back and you’ll get the bike up to a good clip quickly, helping the motor with a few pedals.

The A2B can be pedaled without use of the motor all day long. It’s like sitting on an exercise bicycle that actually goes! The bike will cruise for up to 20 miles on a single charge and at speeds up to 20 MPH without pedaling. Add pedaling and you can increase both of these numbers. Add the secondary battery and you can double the range of the bike as well.

I bought my Ultra Motor electric bike at Motostrano. Motostrano sells electric bikes, as well as standard bicycles by Felt Racing.

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Alpinestars Fall Motorcycle Gear

Posted on October 6, 2009 by Levon James

Alpinestars recently released a slew of new products for the fall 2009/Spring 2010 season.

The company is gearing this release to the commuter, the sport touring and adventure touring markets with products to fit all price categories, from the super high- a water proof leather jacket and pant combo with a $1200 jacket, to a $159 waterproof riding hoody for the commuter.

Great stuff if you are among the very large contingent of riders out there who don’t always want to sport the crazed racer boy look, nor the illegal hoodlum gangster image. Your needs are basic. You want to ride your motorcycle, you want to attract the largest portion of the opposite sex as possible and you want to be assured that you’ll be comfortable, dry and protected along the way.

You may also be a world adventurer. With the unemployment rate over 10% in your country thanks to unchecked banking systems and in-cahoots Presidents – it’s likely you have plenty of time on your hands these days and you may as well hop on your bike and ride around the world. Write a book, pick up an an odd job or two here or there, live. If that’s you, Alpinestars has the outer shell you’ll need to take with you as move from border to border, sea to sea.

Or- perhaps you sold the world short and you’re still raking in the dough. There’s stuff in the new release of products for you too.

First up- the Alpinestars Scout line. Made up of both his and hers multi-layered full waterproof and convertible waterproof jackets, the Alpinestars Scout jacket is amazing to behold. When it poors, it keeps you dry with ” exclusive waterproof and breathable Drystar internal lining construction and exclusive waterproof and breathable Drystar internal lining construction, multiple-stitched main seam construction for maximum tear resistance.”  When it dries up and you got the speed turned up, fold a flap down in the back, zip open some flaps on the front and arms and you’re fully vented again, soaking up only miles and miles. Pair this with the Alpinestars Scout Pants and the dual-purpose Alpinestars Scout Boots and your adventures will have no end, on or off-road.

Alpinestars new City Collection pairs motorcycle riding protection and comfort with dark, slick looking designs so you ride in comfort without looking like a goofy hoodlum. The Quantum DS Jacket is basically a solid winter jacket chassis, with abrasion and impact protection thrown in to keep you on your bike, without looking like you “should be” on a bike. $200 will buy you a 100% waterproof messenger jacket with loads of pockets, elbow and shoulder armor and a pocket for a back protector. The Alpinestars Kinetic and the Alpinestars Verona jackets are designed with clean lines, no logos and act like a motorcycle jacket.

Key to Alpinestars recently released products is a new internal armor system for the elbows and shoulders that is half the thickness of the old stuff, while some how managing to offer double the impact protection. Putting on any of these jackets, it’s difficult to feel like you have a motorcycle jacket on because your shoulders and elbows appear to be their natural size, not the bloatedness you get from any other riding jacket. The new armor is vented more as well. It’s sleek and is really a category killer for motorcycle jackets. So, watch out other jackets!

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Akrapovic Exhaust Sale

Posted on September 22, 2009 by Levon James

Akrapovic appears to be clearing out some old-stock exhaust systems. Motostrano is having a huge Akrapovic Exhaust sale featuring discounts up to 60% on some Akrapovic full exhaust systems. On sale are both the Akra EVO and RACING LINE full exhaust systems, as well as some Akrapovic slip-on exhausts. Exhausts that only a few months ago sold for $1800 are now available for less than $900! A great deal if you have 2004 to 2006 Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki sportbikes. Some Ducati exhaust systems are also on sale.

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Motorcycle StuntWars(TM) January 18th

Posted on January 17, 2009 by Levon James

Orlando Speed World, Host to Motorcycle StuntWars(TM) January 18th

 

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — A crowd of 10,000 expected to charge into Orlando Speed World to watch as the world’s very best sport bike Stunt Riders show off their new tricks and set a new level of competition in this extreme sport. Movie makers are scrambling to put StuntWars(TM) on the big screen and producers will be on hand during this event in Orlando to work on the script. See the top qualifiers out of the top 100 most thrilling sport bike riders from around the world showcase their newest trick while competing for the top prize money and a place in history. Riders will go head to head in this heart pounding adrenaline flowing battle where the spectators are sure to hold their breath with each new action packed trick. There is something for everyone at this event, come by yourself or with a group and you will not be disappointed as the action keeps moving all day long with thrills coming non-stop.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080610/CLTU095LOGO )

Chief Marketing Officer Jenny Brown commented, “The entertainment is action packed with this worldwide competition and performances by car drifters who spin their cars around smoking tires at over 100 miles per hour as if a chase scene from a James Bond movie. The Mojo Ladies will be on hand to host a bikini contest, local and national motorcycle vendors will be on hand to show you the latest in sport bike and motorcycling fashion, custom bike builders will be on hand and of course the sponsors: Fun Bike Center Motorsports(TM), Papa John’s Pizza, and Mojo’s Wings, Burgers, Beer(TM), Mojo’s Liquor(TM) and others.” Jenny Brown continued, “We are filming a live video production in conjunction with StuntWars (TM) 2009 which will be on sale within a two week period after the conclusion of StuntWars (TM) which can be purchased online at StuntWars.com (TM) or at the event.”

This competition has grown steadily over the past eight years and has introduced this high profile activity to a wider audience, sponsors and vendors alike. During the past few months StuntWars (TM) founder Todd Colbert, President was featured in a national television commercial Stunting on his motorcycle which will be aired later this month on national television.

President Todd Colbert Commented, “I am delighted with the world wide recognition we have gained since forming StuntWars, Inc.(TM) and this sport bike Stunt Wars (TM) competition set to open in Orlando on January 18th. Orlando is the perfect place for this growth. Competitors from around the globe love the city of Orlando; love to perform for the people of Florida and love to vacation around the Orlando area.” Colbert continued, “With over 700 magazine features on StuntWars (TM) during the past few years we are positioned as a mainstream entertainment event which is confirmed by the fact, we have requests from around the country and six foreign countries for the 2009 year for performances in their venues. Come on out to Orlando Speed World on January 18th and see for yourself this spectacular event, meet the riders, watch the competition and see the future first hand. Your family and friends will thank you for the experience.”

About StuntWars, Inc.(TM)

StuntWars(TM) is the original sanctioning entertainment company in the sport of motorcycle stunt riding. Acquired in June of 2008 by Dorsch Acquisitions, LLC, StuntWars(TM) organizes and promotes two of the largest stunting competitions each year attracting more than 100 competitors and thousands of spectators from around the world. More than 800 articles have been written worldwide about StuntWars(TM) and their emerging opportunities. The major motorcycle manufacturers are scrambling to evaluate how they can get a piece of this exciting and growing sport, and StuntWars, Inc.(TM) is right at the forefront of lighting up the spectator audiences around the world.

In addition to these thrilling, adrenaline-charged events, StuntWars(TM) also produces and owns the rights to a collection of cutting edge stunt bike DVDs, including StuntWars(TM): Battle of the Champions Vol. 1 & 2, and other hot selling merchandise. Like NASCAR and the X Games, StuntWars(TM) has its roots in the back roads and driveways of America, and has the potential to become an international icon. StuntWars(TM) is actively recruiting sponsors and venue partners.

History of StuntWars(TM)

In the early 1990s, Todd Colbert, a pioneer of stunt bike riding who has become known as the godfather of the sport, became concerned for the safety of stunt riders and their fans, and he wanted to see the stunt bike community grow. So he took action, leading the charge to move informal competitive stunt rallies off the streets into safer, legal venues, creating benefits for riders and fans alike. Out of that initiative came StuntWars(TM), the world’s first truly organized competitive stunting association. Originally called Stunt Fest, the first event attracted more than 3,000 spectators and featured 35 competitors. As StuntWars(TM) grew in popularity and participation, so did its leadership.

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Rizoma Parts

Posted on January 16, 2009 by Levon James

The cruiser world is full of suppliers of trick aftermarket bling, chrome, bits, covers, fenders, tanks etc. Whole catalogs are devoted to the effort of bike customization that have nothing to

RIZOMA Parts

RIZOMA Parts

do with performance and a lot to do with looks. When the catalogs run out of ideas, there’s an endless list of custom fabricators, welders and chromers that can take an idea and turn into just about any kind of bolt on or weld on part for your bike.

The sport bike space, though full of performance oriented stuff, is notably lacking in functional but aesthetic bolt on pieces. You want some cool mirrors for your bike that work better than the stuff from the OEM? You’re pretty much stuck with CRG mirrors, like every one else. Want to pull all that bodywork off and show off the engeering beauty of your motor? Well, you may want to keep clothes on that bike, because there’s only so much out there you can do with it.

The Rizoma parts catalog is one resource for sportbike customizers that offers some truly beautiful, yet functional, products to consider. Rizoma is headquartered in Italy and distribution and availability in the USA has been on and off over the years. Motostrano now sells Rizoma parts at its online catalog. Rizoma makes fine billet aluminum pieces for a variety of motorcycles and many of their products are universal, made for any motorcycle, including naked and faired bikes.

Rizoma mirrors are, in our opinion, the best made for sportbikes. They look good and actually work too. Roughly 15 different models to choose from. At a minimum, offered in either black or silver anodized and some models come in gold and other colors. They can really transform a bike, removing something completely blah that sticks out in your face (the OEM mirrors) and that you are using constantly, replacing them with something shiney and good to look at. Not cheap. If you thought $89 CRG mirrors were a stretch to your wallet, these might rip a hole in your jeans. Are they worth it? We think so.

Rizoma also makes three different kind of shiney billet and anodized fluid tanks. Anodized in five or six different colors, they help remove more plastic ugliness from your bike by allowing you to replace the standard clear “piss bottles” used by the OEMs for brake and clutch fluid reservoirs. Billet, with vewing windows, let’s you check your levels.

Ducati stuff. Ducati owners like their billet and Rizoma delivers with more parts for Ducati’s than any other brand of bike. Clutch covers, pressure plates, sprocket covers, timing belt covers, clip-ons and rearsets- all stuff to brighten up the bike, open up covers that were once closed to viewing.

Motostrano has a long history selling the Rizoma brand.

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Alpinestars Clearance Items

Posted on January 14, 2009 by Levon James
alpinestars tz-1 jacket

alpinestars tz-1 jacket

Our price desk was recently alerted to a number of price slashings of the Alpinestars variety. It’s always a good thing when you can get the hottest brand in motorcycle clothing for cheap. And, you may want to stick around, because we hear more are on the way. In the meantime, there’s plenty to be had right now while they last.

The Alpinestars SG-1 suit, sold all day long last year for $649.95 and it’s available now for $499.00, in both a ONE or TWO PIECE variety. Inventory is flying out of here so act quick!

If you’re a big guy, you’ve got 3 colors and two sizes to choose from in a full blown sport jacket from Alpinestars that sold last year for a full $499.00. Grab them now for just $149.00. The Alpinestars Vector jacket.

Among many others, the last one we’ll tell you about here (go check the site for others) is the Alpinestars TZ-1 leather jacket. A real steal at just $213.00.

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Alpinestars Makes a Tank Bag

Posted on December 17, 2008 by Levon James

One of the hottest Christmas gifts for 2008 is turning out to be the Alpinestars Tech Aero Backpack. In fact, it’s so hot, you can’t get one. Only a few hundred of these ever made it Stateside; which is actually good news, because there’s still one product that is better than the Tech Backpack and that’s the Alpinestars Tech Aero Tank Bag. One of the best parts about this product is that it is as if it were invisible. The motorcycle riding public seems to have an aversion to knowing that its there.

Here’s why we think so.

The Tank Bag version of the same Backpack (which you can’t have anyway) sells for only $20 more. It looks the same. It can be worn as a backpack, just like the other one. It’s bigger than the other one. It can also be mounted to an actual motorcycle, making it one useful backpack. It’s got more pockets too. Still, no one buys it. Every one wants the lesser product. motostrano_2030_24773127

So why is the backpack more popular? It must be the rule of scarcity. You can buy the tank bag anywhere. It’s abundancy is weird. The backpack? hard to get and she’ll buy you lunch with the money she’s saving you. It probably also appeals to that cheap-son-of-a-bitch in all of us. If it’s cheaper, it’s better. We are rarely able to see the difference value in the higher priced item, even if the item which is only $20 more, five times more functional and versitile.

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SIDI Streetburner Boots at Motostrano.com

Posted on October 23, 2008 by Levon James

Short boots, perhaps like short skirts, have never been so popular. Virtually all moto boot makers have a vibrant line of short boots available to the street bike rider, commuter and around-towner. Alpinestars, ICON, Gaerne, Joe Rocket, Shift, all have a lot of short riding boots to choose from.

Among the boots we like most there is the SIDI Streetburner boot. A short boot with an obvious racing pedigree. Like many of the more sport oriented shorter boots, the Streetburner looks like a standard tall booth that’s been chopped down.

Sidi says: “SIDI Streetburner Boots! Sidi, continuously researching new technological solutions to enhance rider safety, is proud to present the Streetburner boot. With Sidi’s great style, feel, support and quality there are no finer performance off road boots in the world.”

The Streetburner looks like a low Vertigo. It has many of the adjustment and replacement features of the Vertigos with a low cut design. There’s the external ankle brace system and the “Tecno-II” buckle system for adjustability.
The Burner also has bolt on replaceable, adjustable and aerodynamic nylon scuff pads on the toe as well as a removable arch support.

The Streetburner is intended for street duty. It’s a good commuting boot for the sport bike rider, a boot you can take on a leisure/sport weekend ride. Like all shorter boots, the burner has less true ankle support and no shin support.

Worthy competitors to the Steetburner worth looking at are the Alpinestars SMX-2 Boots and the Gaerne Jet Boot.

The SIDI Street Burner, is available at Motostrano.com.

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New Street-Sport Conversion Kit from Motostrano

Posted on October 17, 2008 by Levon James

Motostrano has pieced together a special kit intended for off-road and dual-sport bike conversions from off-road to road-going street legal bikes. The new SM Factory Street-Sport Conversion Kit contains many of the required parts some states require for legalizing an off-road motorcycle for road duty. Laws and requirements vary from State to State, so check your local motor vehicle offices for your specific State’s rules.

The nice part about our kit is that it uses some high end headlight and tail light parts from Acerbis, a leading maker of aftermarket plastics and headlights, making the kit both functional and aesthetically appealing. Priced at $459, the kit includes

* Acerbis Dimension Universal Headlight, DOT Approved
* Acerbis LED Universal Brake Tail Light, DOT Approved
* 4 Universal DOT Turn Signals, DOT Approved
* Universal Control switch with Signals, Headlight, Horn, On/Off
* Universal Wiring Harness
* Front and rear brake light switches
* Universal Horn mechanism
* Pair of Acerbis off-road mirrors.
* Reflective Strip Kit (RED)
* Relay Flasher

Available at Motostrano.com

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