Motostrano Blog

Akrapovic Ducati Streetfighter Exhaust

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:57:00 +0000

Akrapovic Titanium

Akrapovic's new slip-on exhaust for the Ducati Streetfighter is now in stock! A truly beautiful exhaust paired to a very beautiful motorcycle. The new Akrapovic system features twin hexagonal shaped mufflers with titanium or carbon fiber muffler sleeve. Additionally, the Ducati Streetfighter puts out a powerful racing sound with this system. You will also save up to 3.45 kg compared to the stock Ducati exhaust system. In both configurations, mufflers include removable noise dampers. The Akrapovic SLIP-ON open system greatly increases the potential of the big twin cylinder engine. Both power and torque are increased over the entire rpm range, with the greatest increase shown in the middle and top of the range. We measured 147.79 HP at 9929 rpm, while the max. increased power of 4.95 HP was measured at 9850 rpm. That results in a much smoother ride as the biggest gain of power starts from 4500 rpm.

We also received more stock of the extremely rare and equally expensive full Akrapovic exhaust for the BMW HP2. These systems are all hand built by Akrapovic and offers a whopping 6.2HP increase!

Motostrano.com

Winter Riding Gloves Keep Your Fingers Toasty

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:21:00 +0000

If they still have Winter where you live, check out what's available to keep your hands warm and dry for the cold season in the way of Alpinestars Winter glove line-up. Alpinestars currently offers sixteen variations of the cold weather riding glove with price points all over the map. From the classic Alpinestars ST-1 glove for $39.95, to the APEX Drystar gloves we have on sale right now for $59.95, to the ultimate winter glove, the Alpinestars 365 Gloves for $229.95.

And, for practically the price of a t-shirt or two, motorcycle gloves make a great Christmas gift if you're in the planning mode for gifts and we offer extended return times around the holidays.

Motostrano also offers the full line of winter and track gloves from Racer, SIDI and ICON.

Motostrano.com

Alpinestars SG-1 Leather Suits

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:50:00 +0000

Recessions are great if you still have any money and want to buy things. Everything just gets cheaper! Like this great one or two piece leather suit made by Alpinestars. Motostrano is selling the venerable Alpinestars SG-1 One Piece Leather Suit for just $385.95! You can also get the two piece version for the same price. These are flying out of here so grab one while you can.

The Alpinestars SG-1 One Piece Leather Suit features 1.2-1.4mm full-grain leather for excellent abrasion resistance. CE certified elbow, shoulder, knee and shin protectors. Multiple stitched main-seam construction for maximum tear resistance. Perforated leather panels for ventilation. Removable mesh liner. Replaceable PU Sport knee sliders. Ergonomically placed stretch cordura panels for optimal flexibility. Padded back panel for added comfort. Leather flex zones for optimum mobility. Printed and microinjected logos. Zipper wrist closure. Secure snap connection system on the back for Tech Race protector (accessory).

Arrow Aprilia SXV Exhaust

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:20:00 +0000

We are importing this new exhaust from ARROW for the Aprilia SXV 4.5 and 5.5.
We hope to get get some better photos soon as well.

Alpinestars BIONIC NECK Support SB

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:23:00 +0000

New for 2010, Alpinestars has put out a budget neck support retailing for just $289.95
The Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support (BNS) is a structure which is  designed to work with a helmet to reduce the risk and severity of a  catastrophic neck injury.* Rear Stabilizer Failure system - In the event of large loads being  channeled onto the rear stabilizer there are several deliberate bending and fracture points. * Collar Bone preservation 1 - All parts in contact with the body use an expanded foam compound to distribute the impact force over the widest area, yet remain light in weight. * Collar Bone preservation 2 - A continuous frame member runs over the shoulders. There are no weak points in a critical part of the frame and there are no metal pins or screws sitting directly above the shoulders. * Choice of Strap Systems - The BNS is supplied with the X-Strap System which allows a small, light strap to secure the device to the rider.

Motostrano Supermoto Conversion Kits

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:02:00 +0000

Motostrano Supermoto Conversion kits are the easiest way to transform your bike to supermoto duty.

Twowheelsteals.com Update

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:51:00 +0000

Twowheelsteals.com has been loaded up with fresh deals this week. 20-30% savings on helmets, jackets, boots, gloves. Close-out and clearance items reduced for the fall season!

Motostrano Gets Rave Customer Ratings!

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:11:00 +0000

For the seventh straight year, Motostrano has received rave reviews from customers all over the world! We thank our customers for submitting those reviews to Yahoo, Yelp and Google and where ever else they come from.

But, before you go off thinking we just like to toot our own horn about how great and perfect we are - we're not perfect and we have the battle scars to prove it. Like any one else, we make mistakes. We're human, just like you are. We're not always the fastest, we're not always the cheapest, we don't always have it in stock all the time, we're not always accurate in what we put in a box, etc. Sometimes, we can't even even fix a mistake after the fact, as hard as we try. But we do try and at the end of the day, that's really all we can do.

So, with that in mind, it's re-assuring for every one at Motostrano to see the statistics and look at reviews from actual customers talking about orders after the fact and using specific criteria.

Our BBB rating has consistently been an A+

Our Yahoo Shopping Rating has always been a 4.5 out of 5 positive

On Yelp we're something close to 4.75 out of 5 positive

On Google we have 4 out of 5 stars

Alpinestars Clearance Sale

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Our yearly Alpinestars fall clearance sale is going on now. We have reduced prices on a number of top Alpinestars leather and textile products including two leather suit models, a number of leather and textile jackets and leather and textile gloves. While supplies last, you can pick up a one or two piece leather road race suit for just $389.95. Other deals include leather jackets selling for $250, leather and waterproof gloves selling for 40% off. Motostrano.com Note- inventory goes fast at these prices. Prices are subject to availability.

NEW: Alpinestars Supertech Touring Boots

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:26:00 +0000

The Alpinestars Supertech Touring Gore-Tex boot was released this fall and it's really not until you see the boot in person and try it on that you come to grasp what a great boot this is. Yes, it's expensive at $459.95 and rightly so, because you just can't buy a better boot for touring and wet weather sport bike riding.

A game changer in the touring waterproof boot arena. Imagine taking characteristics from Alpinestars' top of the line road racing boot, the Supertech R, with characteristics of the best touring boot you can find and feeding them into a super computer cad machine, twist the dial a little, turn up the quality levels a lot, and see what it makes. The Supertech Touring Boot is the best waterproof sport bike boot we've ever seen. Period- and the photos and descriptions you're looking at online right now simply do not due it justice.

Made from full grain leather with a waterproof Gore-Tex® membrane for all weather riding, the Supertech Touring Gore-Tex® is a versatile touring and sport riding boot with high impact protection for those who would rather lead than follow. Made with full-grain leather with a breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex® membrane. Double injected PU in shin, calf, heel and toe for impact and abrasion protection. Reinforced shifter panel over toe. Removable EVA foam sole provides excellent shock absorption and impact protection. Innovative dual side closure: Inner side entry/exit has an elastic mounted zipper and extra wide Velcro® flap for a precise fit and a wide opening aperture for easy access. External calf closure provides additional adjustability with a Velcro® closure. Calf fit is customizable with a dual Velcro® tab adjuster and inner stretch panel. Additional internal quick lace panels for customized fit and extra waterproofing. Lacing has slide locking system with Velcro ended tab for extra secure, no slip lacing. Double compound rubber sole provides the optimum in grip, performance and durability. Supertech Touring Gore-Tex is CE certified.

Yoshimura DRZ400 Parts

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Yoshimura has put out a slew of DRZ400 parts for the supermotarder.

Starting with the Yoshimura Suzuki DRZ400 Case Savers, Yoshimura has created a two part billet kit for protecting your DRZ400's engine cases. These bolt directly to your case using stock hardware. They are anodized in a kind of bronze color.

Next, Yoshimura now offers a Suzukii DRZ400 Engine Plug kit consisting of one large and one small engine plug for your DRZ400. Both are anodized in the same bronze type color.

The Yoshimura Suzuki DRZ400 Axle Blocks are also a new addition to the Yoshimura hard parts line-up. Again anodized in the bronze coloring, these are billet aluminum blocks.

A new DRZ400 Steering Stem Nut, billet aluminum and anodized.

Last on the list so far is the new Yoshimura Suzuki DRZ400 Fender Eliminator. Nevermind that supermoto guys traditionally don't buy fender eliminators, but this kit is actually a short license plate holder and features an LED tail light.

All of these parts are of a very high quality, well machined and light weight. They also bolt on easy and will look trick next to the Yoshimura Full Dual Exhaust System for the DRZ400.

The Collectible AGV Rossi Face Helmet

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:01:00 +0000

All the good sizes in this helmet are gone, if you intend to wear the helmet. Still, MotoGP and Valentino Rossi enthusiasts from all over the world are contacting us to buy and collect this helmet. Buy it, own it, get it signed, keep it on a shelf or in the box fresh and new, the AGV Rossi Face Helmet is a very collectible helmet and still available in size 3XL!

Motostrano has been selling these highly collectible AGV Helmets for the past five years.

Akrapovic Exhaust Product Line

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:37:00 +0000

ON ROAD

Bolt-On Line
The Akrapovic Bolt-on line represents the first step in exhaust system tuning, which is parallel to our Slip-on line. It replaces a stock muffler that is bolted to the header assembly. With the Bolt-on system you will get more power, more torque and less weight, which all reflects in a smoother ride and is the best compromise between price and performance.

A carbon fiber outer muffler sleeve is also available
The muffler clamp is made from carbon fiber; the metal clamp that is welded to the muffler can in some cases replace our regular carbon fiber clamp
Repair kits are available for all models
Some models are available in a homologated street legal version
A muffler insert to reduce noise is optional

Slip-On Line
The Akrapovic Slip-on line represents the first step in exhaust system tuning. It is simple to install and replaces a stock muffler. It is also the best compromise between price and performance. With our Slip-on system you will get more power, more torque and less weight, which all reflects in a smoother ride.

A carbon fiber outer muffler sleeve is also available
The muffler clamp is made from carbon fiber; the metal clamp that is welded to the muffler can in some cases replace our regular carbon fiber clamp
Repair kits are available for all models
Some models are available in a homologated street legal version
A muffler insert to reduce noise is optional

Racing Line
This is a complete high-quality stainless steel exhaust system made from conical tubes with precision handcrafting and attention to detail. Its unique design enables it to obtain the maximum output for each specific model of a motorcycle, while significantly reducing overall weight for top performance in everyday riding or even in most demanding races. It is identical to our top range Evolution Line exhaust system. The only difference is in the material that is used.

A carbon fiber outer muffler sleeve is also available
Use of hydroforming technology for an optimized exhaust gas flow
The muffler clamp is made from carbon fiber; the metal clamp that is welded to the muffler can in some cases replace our regular carbon fiber clamp
Repair kits are available for all models
Some models are available in a homologated street legal version
A muffler insert to reduce noise is optional

Evolution Line
This is the flagship of the Akrapovic exhaust system range, used and tested by our top factory teams in motorsport racing. It is simply the finest exhaust system available. Each model is unique and dedicated to maximizing the performance of an engine, while reducing overall weight for optimized handling of the whole motorcycle. It is made entirely of titanium, with the muffler outer sleeve available in carbon fiber as well. In most cases we also offer street legal versions.

A carbon fiber outer muffler sleeve is also available
Use of hydroforming technology for an optimized exhaust gas flow
The muffler clamp is made from carbon fiber; the metal clamp that is welded to the muffler can in some cases replace our regular carbon fiber clamp
Repair kits are available for all models
Some models are available in a homologated street legal version
A muffler insert to reduce noise is optional

OFF ROAD

Slip-On Line
The Akrapovic Slip-On system is designed for recreational riders. It delivers an excellent combination of quality, durability, performance, visual enhancements, easy installation, and affordability. It is available with an approved spark arrester for use in the US market; and with a noise damper for use in EU and other non-US markets.

The muffler clamp is made from carbon fiber
Repair kits are available for all models

Racing Line
This is a complete high-quality stainless steel exhaust system made from conical tubes with precision handcrafting and attention to detail. Its unique design enables it to obtain the maximum output for each specific model of a motorcycle, while significantly reducing overall weight for top performance. It is identical to our top range Evolution Line exhaust system. It only differs is in the material that is used.

A carbon fiber outer muffler sleeve is also available
Use of hydroforming technology for an optimized flow of exhaust gases
The muffler clamp is made from carbon fiber
Repair kits are available for all models

Evolution Line
This is the flagship of the Akrapovic exhaust system range, used and tested by our top factory teams in motorsport racing. It is simply the finest exhaust system available. Each model is unique and dedicated to maximizing the performance of an engine, while reducing overall weight for optimized handling of the whole motorcycle. It is made entirely of titanium, with the muffler outer sleeve available in carbon fiber as well.

A carbon fiber outer muffler sleeve is also available
Use of hydroforming technology for an optimized flow of exhaust gases
The muffler clamp is made from carbon fiber
Repair kits are available for all models

Akrapovic Ducati Streetfighter Exhaust

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Akrapovic has released a brand new exhaust system for one of the sexiest motorcycles currently available. The Ducati Streetfighter is an exotic beauty. Now Akrapovic has made it possible to upgrade the performance and sound of this amazing motorcycle.

The new Akrapovic Ducati Streetfighter exhaust offers a great balance between price and performance, and represents the first step in the exhaust system tuning process. In addition to performance, the twin hexagonal shaped mufflers with titanium or carbon fiber muffler sleeve adds a clean racing look. Additionally, the Ducati will put out a much more powerful racing sound. You will also save up to 3.45 kg compared to the stock Ducati exhaust system. In both configurations, mufflers include removable noise dampers.

Akrapovic says "The Akrapovic SLIP-ON open system greatly increases the potential of the big twin cylinder engine. Both power and torque are increased over the entire rpm range, with the greatest increase shown in the middle and top of the range. We measured 147.79 HP at 9929 rpm, while the max. increased power of 4.95 HP was measured at 9850 rpm. That results in a much smoother ride as the biggest gain of power starts from 4500 rpm.

Huge Akrapovic Exhaust sale

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:46:00 +0000

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.

Alpinestars Soho Gore-Tex Boot

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:39:00 +0000

A Sharp Boot

High quality boots that fit well, don't make you feel like your wearing cement galoshes, and offer good protection and feel on your bike are becoming harder and harder to find. As the economy batters corporate bottom lines, more and more manufacturers of motorcycle protective boots are either narrowing their product range, or trying to charge the same price for the better products they once made while stripping out the stuff that made them good in the first place.

When it comes to boots, Alpinestars appears to be going in the opposite direction. Over the past year, we've seen Astars come out with better and better boot products in all categories and, while their retail prices may be rising to compensate for fewer sales and increased costs, some excellent footwear products come into being.

One boot well worth a look, if you ride in the street, is the new Alpinestars Soho Gore-Tex Boot. This is a higher end waterproof commuter / touring boot with classic non-moto boot looks and fine soft leather. How a motorcycle boot should look and how an Alpinestars boot should perform. It's a mid-calf leather and waterproof Gore-tex lined boot with protection at the shin, calf, heel and toe. You can easily wear this boot with nearly any bike, be it a sport bike, sport tourer, cruiser, standard, s-moto. Released just a few days ago, the SOHO Boot is shipping now.

Motostrano.com

Please also check our TwoWheelSteals web site for super blow out bargains currently featuring Alpinestars, THOR, Troy Lee Designs and other brands.

Fuel on the Fear Fire

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:34:00 +0000

The recent American Motorcyclist Association alert regarding healthcare reform sparked a heated debate over at Hell For Leather recently that is worth checking out.

I managed to assemble and post a respectable comment on the topic as well:

"I wrote about the AMA warning in my own blog and was amazed to hear that the largest organization in the country for motorcyclists rights won't take a stand on the issue of healthcare one way or another, BUT, the AMA has no problem throwing more fuel on the fire of fear.

The AMA needs to take a stand on this issue and stand behind motorcyclists who are constantly being denied health care coverage based on the fact that they ride a motorcycle and/or have have been to the ER room one too many times as a result of a crash either on the street or on the track.

The AMA promotes, sanctions and sponsors professional and amateur racing, and rider safety, for American citizens that cannot afford to have comprehensive insurance. We all know of professional and amateur racers who have survived their crashes, only to be hit with impossible health care bills that they end up spending the rest of their lives paying out of their own pockets. You can only have so many donation web sites where racers ask for donations from fans to help pay for their medical bills after they have had a debilitating crash and they are stuck in a rehab for the rest of their lives.

I own a motorcycle accessories store where I cannot afford to pay my employees' health coverage and nor can they afford it. I have friends who have been in accidents, who, instead of being able to help pay for a college education, waste their dreams away paying down their medical bills. I have customers and friends in the industry telling me they are being refused health coverage from their employer's group plans and when the DO eventually get coverage they get it only by keeping their motorcycle riding a secret. That works, as long as they never find out.

Employers today use the Internet to determine whether or not an employee is worthy of a job. I imagine a day in the future - perhaps it's already taking place - where health insurance companies will look you up on the web and find out what type of activities you engage in on your free time. Run a motorcycle blog? Forget it, you're high risk.

Motorcyclists need health care reform and they need it now and in a big way. They don't need another lobby group getting in the way of reform, as the AMA is doing.

The Democrats' ideas, though only a start in the right direction, are the way to go now. Achieving reform will bring more riders into the sport. I support a public option for all citizens. Bringing health care costs down means consumers have more dollars to spend on motorcycle related goods and services and it keeps riders and racers in the sport instead of hanging up their helmets because they simply cannot afford to participate in a high risk and perfectly legal activity.

Joe Witherspoon
Motostrano.com"

5 New Alpinestars Backpacks

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Bag It

Alpinestars has put out five new backpacks that we think are worth a look. Alpinestars has rarely been one to skimp on their bags and backpacks and these new items follow in that same tried and true path so, hopefully you haven't all ready bought that back-to-school bag!

The Alpinestars Protection Pack is a Swiss army knife of a bag, integrating back protection, generous storage and a helmet carrier into one tight package.
The Alpinestars Range Pack is big and holds tons of stuff, plus a helmet.
The Alpinestars Deploy Pack is a standard size back pack focused on laptop storage.
The Alpinestars Commuter Pack reminds me of the tight and compact bags Bear Grylls uses in Man vs. Wild.
The Alpinestars Hydro Pack is a comfortable, non-intrusive water carrier ergonomically designed to offer a close, low profile fit on the rider.

Motostrano.com

Please also check our TwoWheelSteals web site for super blow out bargains.

AMA Doesn't Take a Stand on Health Care Reform

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:29:00 +0000

AMA's comments on Health Care reform skirt around the important issues and do not take a stand for motorcyclists.

If all Americans were guaranteed health care, motorcyclists would not be left out to dry as they are now by private health insurance companies who have the right to dump eligible high-risk insurance customers as they like.

Motorcyclists are being denied insurance NOW without a universal care option because motorcyclists are too expensive to insure in a private system. We all know people who have been denied insurance even through their employer's health insurance program based on the fact that they've been to the emergency room one too many times as a result from riding motocross, racing, track days or just plain commuting.

Every one knows you can't actually TELL your insurance company you ride, let alone race, a motorcycle or engage in any form of risky and entirely legal behavior- even when their questionnaire specifically asks you if you do - or they'll throw you out.

It's sad to see that when you would need the AMA to take an actual stand on something, they cower to the back of the room and basically say - we're not going to say either way whether
we want reform reform or not, regardless that our members can barely get insured now, but our members should be afraid of reform and oh if you do pass reform just make sure
motorcyclists are not left out.

The right thing to do would have been to stand behind universal care for all American citizens.

Joe Witherspoon
motostrano.com

Cush Drives and Supermoto Wheels

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Over the years we have fielded many calls and questions about cush drives and whether they are required for supermoto duty.

Some call them "puss drives", others believe that having one is a requirement for any motorcycle and without one your rear shock could break off and ram up the back of your motor and continue on upwards. Others are just plain skeptical and don't know what to believe. Still others could not give a hoot what they are or why you'd need one.

Cush drives are rubber dampening cushions that typically line where your wheel hub bolts to your sprocket. The idea is that adding a rubber bushing in between these two metal contact points will relieve stress torque on your parts. Large 600CC, 1000CC and 1200CC bikes almost always feature a cush drive in order to help the bike manage the heavy loads the rear drive train must endure under heavy power torque. Small sub-600 motorcycles rarely feature a cush drive, with the exception of factory KTM hubs in the 450, 525 range, etc.

I've been selling Supermoto and motocross wheels for the past 7 years and have yet to sell a wheel with cush drive for any bike under 600 CC. I've also yet to hear about any KTM or other bike owner talk about any adverse affects from not using a cush drive in supermoto. So, you might say, that's 7 years of real world product research, with hundreds of wheels still rolling around out there piloted by countless street riders, as well as pro racers like Micky Dymond, Travis Marks, Cary Hart and others, pounding on our wheels day in and day out.

Marchesini, Talon, DNA, Excel, Warp 9- all the most dominant wheels in Supermoto (and MotoCross) whether pro racing or every day commuting- and none of these manufacturers offer a cush drive on their KTM or any other wheels because it's unnecessary.

The common thing we here is a cush drive promotes transmission longevity and to that we say- Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Husqvarna, Aprilia all do not feature a cush drive and we do not believe there is anything inherently weak about the KTM transmission that would require it to have a cush drive, any more or less than a Honda CRF, Suzuki DRZ or Yamaha YZ.

The one thing we might go along with is that it's possible that a cush drive could promote chain longevity, but even the likelihood of that in a noticeable way hasn't really been proven over the years.

What we do find is that some motorcycle owners get influenced by rumors and discussion forums started by folks with little more experience in the mechanics of their bikes than having read their owners manual. The only thing we have to fall back on to this issue is the facts.

Alpinestars Fall 2009 Addition Products

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Alpinestars has released a number of intriguing products for fall 2009 and we are liking them. The theme of many of the new stuff seems to be one of product fusion. It's almost as if the product designers and creative department took a chunk of existing but widely different products, through them in a bag and shook them up, to see what would come out of the mix. Take a casual hoody out of the fridge, add one waterproof motorcycle jacket and shake: enjoy your refreshing Northshore Tech Fleece smoothie. Grab a full blown race boot off the shelf, add one quart of waterproof touring boot, stir, add one or two large olives and take a sip of a stiff Supertech Touring Boot martini. We have some of the choice products up on our home page now. The rest is neatly categorized in our Alpinestars section.

Motostrano.com

Please also check our TwoWheelSteals web site for super blow out bargains.

Alpinestars Monza Suit

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:56:00 +0000

I really hope the new Alpinestars Monza Leather Suit takes off. I really do. Alpinestars is one of the few suit manufacturers with the catalog width to offer real variety in their one and two piece leather suits and make them in colors outside the standard Black, Red and Blue colors. To offer a suit with Red, White and Green is bold. Only a few years ago Astars was making suits in all yellow and all green. That quickly went by the wayside and for the past 3 or 4 years your only color options have been black, red, blue and possibly white. Blah, blah, blah.

Alpinestars Fall 2009 Addition Products

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Alpinestars has released a number of new items for their Fall 2009 catalog and these are available for pre-order now on Motostrano.com

There are two "big news" products as far as I can see so far, having just seen the new line up a few hours ago. Each of them are at opposite ends of the intended customer spectrum, as well as the price guage.

The first is a waterproof leather jacket and pants outfit. The Alpinestars 365 Gore-Tex Leather Jacket is a 100% waterproof leather jacket that's perforated and an engineering marvel. Or is it? I mean cows are waterproof, why shouldn't their hide be waterproof as Mother Nature intended it to be? In any event, special leather treating has made the hide waterproof and there are matching Alpinestars 365 Leather Pants as well, to go along with the Alpinestars 365 Leather Gloves that were released last Winter. Combine all three with some waterproof leather boots to be fully protected, dry and comfortable all at the same time. Jacket cost? $1299.00 Pants cost? $1199.00. So, 95% of the moto population will be whining and complaining about this over-priced engineering marvel; the other 2% will take a second job to pay for it and the remaining few percentages will plunk down their Titanium Amex cards and own this great gear. Motostrano hopes to cater to each and every one of them.

The other product, or pair of products, that we think are truly revolutionary are the Alpinestars Northshore Tech Fleece and the Alpinestars Quantum DNS Jacket. These jackets are said to be targeted for the urban city commuter and should also be popular with the hoody-n-tennies riders that either can't afford a jacket or don't care to use one. These are really just genetically enhanced hoodies and I'm suprised that Alpinestars stuck their foot out first with this and not ICON Motorsports. And more power to them, because like many of the products in the ICON line-up, the guys who ride around with no protection at all, need a nudge (or a kick) to get even some basic stuff on their body that performs better in a crash than 98% cotton; and schwank city commuters need a quick pullover jacket that has the possibility of protection, can deal with a little wet and walking around off the bike. When you factor in that you can actually buy high fashion or even FOX Racing hoodies for $100, the price tag on the Northshore, $159.00, really isn't a bad deal at all.

Give your bike a little more vision

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:53:00 +0000

“People only see what they are prepared to see.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Daylight savings is still a few months away, but if you're like me, you remember that the days get shorter and darker for a few months each year....so... don't get left out in the dark.... But you may not remember that Motostrano sells 22 different types of bolt on headlights for your supermoto, off-road or streetfighter conversion. Swapping out your headlight is an easy mod for your bike that's also comparatively an inexpensive way to change the look of your motorcycle while improving night-riding vision and visibility. We have parts that increase the alien look of your bike, such as the Acerbis Vision , Black Mamba or Cyclops and we have lights that double and triple night riding visibility like the Trail Tech Torch and Extreme Race Light. Each product comes in a wide variety of colors to match your bike. Most of these lights are priced below $100, making them an easy upgrade for the wallet to handle.

Motostrano.com

Please also check our TwoWheelSteals web site for super blow out bargains

ICON 2009 Products

joe@motostrano.com (motostrano) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:01:00 +0000

ICON's fascination with militarism, monsters and cartoon women seems never ending. If you were over that already, too bad, because a whole new stream of products and their corresponding horror imagery have been unleashed to the world so that you can fulfill your MadMax end-of-the-world fantasies in brand new leather, textile, denim and Fiberglass.

But first, when the end of the civilized world does happen, the roads are going to be the first thing to go, which means that as a motorcycle rider you're going to spend more time crashing as you negotiate craters and ordnance. So, ICON has released what appears to be a pretty good CE approved back protector to catch your fall. And this thing is for sale at an "end of the world" price, at just $90 for the plane vanilla version or a little more for the fancy style.

Check out the whole line-up here.

Motostrano.com

Please also check our TwoWheelSteals web site for super blow out bargains.