PIAA Replacement Bulbs are Brighter – Testimonial
Most people know PIAA for their auxiliary driving lamps, but they also make some impressive replacement bulbs which significantly improve your visibility. Read this person’s testi
monial.
I have the PIAA Extreme White and enjoy using it. I run high beam almost always, day and night. Do you remember a comparison between the PIAA light and the Magna stock bulb? Well, the PIAA is brighter by a remarkable extent, I was quite pleased. It is much easier to see straight ahead of you. The reflector design of the Magna headlamp however, is not very good at getting light to the outside edges-no matter how bright a bulb you install, you won't see better to the outside edge. That was why I installed auxiliary lights, to help see the critters on the side of the road earlier.
I also run PIAA extreme white 1100X auxiliary bulbs - I think they each draw 55w. Relay on the auxiliary lights, which also have their own switch. I did not bump up the wire gauge on the driving light. I've had no troubles with overdrawing the charging system (unless plugging in the heated jacket with all the bulbs on high). This is on my 2003 Magna, I've had this gear on my bike for 30,000+ miles so far without issue. The PIAA 1100X lamps are not exactly aesthetic to the Magna but are far more functional than the Cobra’s I had in the past.
This response is typical from people who have tried PIAA’s products. Many no longer consider auxiliary lamps a necessity after just replacing their stock bulbs with PIAA’s high output replacements.
If you are not happy with the brightness of your stock headlamp or would just appreciate a brighter light, try changing your bulb to a PIAA. In most instances it almost doubles your light output.
Choosing the Correct Windshield
Chances are that you have been eyeing windshields for your cruiser. After all, the most popular add-on for cruisers (to somewhat lesser extent for sport bikes) at the majority of U.S. dealerships are windshields; they are even more popular than exhaust pipes.
And for good reason. Ever get hit by a bug at 70 mph? Some will even chip the paint on your helmet! If bugs don’t bother you, than you may want a lower shield to deflect the bulk of the wind away from your torso. After a day in the saddle, it’s much less tiring not to have fought 100% of the wind.
Choosing the right windshield is, of course, a subjective dilemma, but we did manage to compile a few universal guidelines. Windshields come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and even shades. Most cruisers are sold naked and have shield options available for an additional cost from the manufacturer – but are expensive. Then there are aftermarket windshields or replacements for stock units. These are much less expensive and most are of great quality.
- To start your shopping experience, visit a reputable online accessory dealer or the
manufacturer’s web site. There are all kinds of options in the aftermarket from established names like National Cycle, Slipstreamer and Sportech. They include, Sport shields, Fairings, short, tall, and wide windshields. It’s all up to you.
- One of the most popular shields are the universal shields. These great looking handlebar-mounted affairs provide great value for the dollar. Most have universal mounting arms that offer nearly infinite adjustment and mount to almost any bike. Great bang for the buck. See National, Slipstream and Sportech.
- If you're not sure what you want, a great place to inspect the full gamut of windshields is at a motorcycle rally. Chat up the owners, take notes about their plastic and observe first-hand how the unit is fitted and if it suits your style.
Don't base your shield shopping on looks alone.
- Since you'll be looking through the plastic, at least occasionally, good optical properties are key -- significant distortion around the edges or near the curvature of a shield is unforgivable. So, go with a reputable company like National Cycle, Slipstreamer and Sportech.
- If you ride in cold weather, you might think a higher shield would be best, but bigger doesn't mean better. You will find the best configuration is to have the top edge of the screen just below your line of vision with you looking 1-2 inches over the windshield when riding. There is little more dangerous situation than riding in rain with a shield that is too high to see over.
- Many people opt for two shields so if you're riding in warmer climates, the lower shield allows for more air circulation through your helmet. Then a taller unit for the winter for more protection against the cold.
Most shields are constructed of either polycarbonate (Lexan) or acrylic (Lucite). Both mediums have their supporters: polycarbonate proponents say their shields are more resilient, and the acrylic camp contends that polycarbonate scratches easily and breaks down faster from UV rays. In reality, both make great shields.
On a consistent basis Slipstreamer, National Cycle and Sportech windshields and screens were a breeze to mount. Easy installs every time with great easy to understand instructions and are available for 7/8”, 1”, or 1 ¼”. No re-drilling or modifying to mount.
Drift Innovation Action Camera
with Long Awaited Wireless Remote Control
Looking for a great action camera that’s not old technology repackaged in a clear plastic box? Then, you might want to consider the X170 from Drift Innovation. This is a rugged 
camera that comes with mounting options allowing the user to attach it to a helmet, goggle strap, handlebars and other locations. Packing a C-MOS image sensor, the camera records full motion video in 720 x 480 resolution. Video is user-selectable; MP4 or Motion JPEG formats at a smooth rate of 30fps. Videos resulted in good quality clips.
The X170’s impressive 170° wide angle lens is great for action shots. After mounting your camera, the lens rotates up to 300° to ensure you have an upright picture. The camera’s compact rugged design makes it easily mountable to handlebars, goggles, helmets, fairings, or where ever you need it. 
Remote Feature
To complete the ultimate convenience package, a waterproof wireless remote control is included. It straps to your wrist much like a wrist watch, but also it was immediately apparent this could Velcro anywhere you wanted it. No more stopping your bike to turn on your old GoPro camera. No sir - just push Drift’s remote control button. Nice!
Memory
The 32MB of built-in memory is pretty much useless, but thankfully an SD slot supports cards up to 16GB in size providing hours and hours of recording at 720×480, or thousands of
5MP digital photos.
Playback & Power
You can review footage on a 1.5 inch color LCD display and includes a built-I mic as well. The package also includes a break-out cable allowing you to watch and/or preview your clips on a full-sized TV. The camera operates on two AA batteries. Arguably, this is can be viewed as good or bad. However, AA batteries are common, easy to find and easy to carry. So, no more dead batteries without a convenient source of replenishing power. How many times has your digital camera gone dead in the middle of a shooting and you had no charger available?
What Cameras does it compare to?
First, High-Def it is not. This is a standard resolution camcorder that takes great clips – smooth as any of them, better than most. The X170 has a remote control feature and LCD display -features impossible to find on cameras at twice the price. Drift’s X170 sells for $199.95.
The closest well-known camera that comes remotely compares is GoPro’s Wide Angle Motorsport. However, GoPro is old technology placed in a bulky clear plastic box you have to turn on manually which is inconvenient with many mounting locations. Addition, GoPro has no LCD viewing screen. GoPro, lots of old technology and missing options for $149.95.
Summary 
Drift’s Innovation is a rugged little camera you can take virtually anywhere and mounts just about anywhere on anything. If you want nice smooth videos and Hi-Def is not so important - the ruggedness, versatile power source, remote operation, LCD preview screen and vast mounting options make the Drift X170 a best buy at $199.95.
Features include:
• Sensor type: CMOS
• Lens angle: 170°
• Built-in Microphone
• Video format: MP4 or MJPEG AVI (user selectable)
• Frames per second: 30 fps
• Video format: 4:3 or 16:9 (user selectable)
• All mount options are included, Plus it has a metal 8mm thread for other industry options
• It is highly recommended to use Lithium-ion batteries
• Power-Save option saves batteries by powering down the screen
• Built-in memory: 32 MB
• SD memory capacity: Supports memory cards up to 16 GB
• Video resolution: 720 x 480
• Photo resolution: 5 Megapixel
• Exposure: Auto
• LCD screen: 1.5” color TFT
• Lens focal range: 0.5m to infinity
• Dimensions: Camera - 133 (L) x 50 (D) x 33 (W) mm / Remote Control – 52 (L) x 40 (W) x 13 (D) mm
• Power: Camera - DC 3V, 2x AA batteries (included) / Remote control: DC 3C, 1x CR2032 battery (included)
• RF: Receiver (Camera): 433.92MHz ISM band / Transmitter (Remote): 433.92MHz ISM band
• Weight: Camera - 128g / Remote control - 19g
Shinko Tires
The old Yokohama Tire Company we all knew and trusted.
The first time I heard Shinko, I followed-up with a “Who?” Never having heard of
Shi![clip_image002[6]](http://bikerinfosite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/clip_image0026.jpg "clip_image002[6]")
nko, my limited knowledge had me imagining an upstart company trying to
get into the tire business. I could not have been more wrong.
Established in 1946, the Shinko Group began as a manufacturer of bicycle tires and tubes in Osaka, Japan that today has become a burgeoning manufacture of all types of rubber products. In 1998 the Shinko Group purchased the tire technology and molds from the Yokohama Rubber Company’s motorcycle tire division, and began production of these products under the Shinko Tire brand.
Shinko has its manufacturing based in South Korea and its design division based in Japan, so the company seamlessly combines Japanese engineering muscle and design principles with South Korean production economies and quality control standards. Today Shinko Tires produces approximately 200,000 motorcycle
tires per month. A small company it is not. ![clip_image002[8]](http://bikerinfosite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/clip_image0028.jpg "clip_image002[8]")
In the United States Shinko Tires are imported by Western Power Sports, Inc. (WPS), with corporate headquarters in Boise, Idaho. With a strong foothold ![clip_image002[12]](http://bikerinfosite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/clip_image00212.jpg "clip_image002[12]")
on the power sports market and with ware-houses located in Boise, Idaho; Fresno, California; and Memphis, Tennessee, Shinko Tires USA in conjunction with WPS is proud to bring you the Shinko line of Sport bike, Cruiser, Scooter, Off road, and Dual sport tires.
On-going testing in the USA R & D at Shinko Tire's factory assures a continuous source of exciting tires incorporating the latest technologies and advances to meet the need of today's riders. In fact, Shinko offers one of the broadest lines available. Our family has used them with good results.
To give you an example: In the past year, Shinko has been working tirelessly on the 757 tires specifically designed for larger touring bikes like the Gold Wing. Their R&D department has extensively worked with Honda clubs and touring groups to get feedback on their tires. Their engineers not only applied the latest technologies and designs, but sent these out to real riders to test. Over the past year or so, there have been on-going design changes made to improve handling and tread life. They now have one of the best Gold Wing tires on the market – only few people are aware of it, yet.
So, Shinko is the old Yokohama Tire Company we all knew and trusted? No, it’s better! You might want to consider the Shinko the next time you are in the market for tires.
The Scoop on the New Scala G4
Upon arrival of the new G4 Scala Units, I could not help myself – had to see what the fuss as all about. First thing I noticed was the headset is different than on previous units. In the past, all Scala units used the same headset. It had its advantages. Extra headsets for the G4 are not yet available so you cannot buy an extra mic/speaker combo for your extra helmet just yet. Bummer- hopefully this will soon be remedied.
New to the Scala line, the G4 also has an antenna which is easily raised for extended range. Nice! The mounting system, while different, is in principle the same. The control unit’s USB port allows you to keep the G4’s software updated to the latest version with the USB port also doubling as a charging port.
The G4 is a quality unit and is backwards compatible with all previous units. Three G4’s can talk together the same as a three-way phone call. You can even use two G4s and have each pair with a Q2 and get three-way conferencing. More options are available.
While the old Q2’s enjoyed good sound, the G4 is better. The sound quality is a noticeable improvement, though the Q2 sound was not bad. Additionally, the Q2 laid claim to being waterproof while the G4 only says “water resistant.” If the truth be known, I doubt the Q2 was totally waterproof either. But, I digress.
So how’s the range? Impressive! While the numbers claimed are somewhat optimistic, the range was impressive none-the-less… easily twice the range of the Q2.
Is the G4 right for you? Might the less expensive Q2 fill your every need or perhaps even the Teamset? The G4 is available as a single headset or as a PowerSet (2). For comparisons between these units you may want to read this article.
Categories
- ATV/UTV
- Batteries Chargers & Testers
- Communications
- Electronics
- Fuel & Air
- General
- Helmets
- Industry News
- Lighting & Hardware
- Luggage
- Tires
- Trailers & Accessories
- Windshields
Fitment Guides & Manuals
Get Connected
