Antennas on Bikes Blessing or Curse?
Most of us that ride bikes with radios or CB’s know that we have to have good antennas to get the best use out of the equipment we have spent our hard earned cash to buy. However, each of us will confess that these “whip antennas” get in the way. These 50-60 inch high poled antennas are suppose to give us such great preference are nothing but an eye sore of a great looking bike. And should the need arise to ever put your bike in an enclosed trailer, and then you have to bend them or remove them both of which is a pain and time wasted.
So you find yourself at some dealer pleading for something better, shorter, more user friendly, something that works but that does not look like your carrying a shortwave radio on your bike. And some dealers offer you a high dollar option that may or may not fit your budget or may not give you the value for your money.
Now there is an answer to our problem, “Antenna Concepts LLC”. Back in 2006 an avid Harley rider, Denny Hilbert had been in the automotive and wireless fields as a Product Development and RF Test Engineer for a tier one automotive supplier and an international company based in Europe. And now MADE in the USA are many of his quality products for our bikes both American and Metric bikes.
Two Wheel Thunder TV crew used two Harley Ultra’s to test the new 21 inch replacement Antenna. After removing the stock 50 incher’s from one of the Ultra’s all we did was follow the instruction in the package from Antenna Concepts, tuned in a local Cincinnati OH station we both knew and headed south into the Kentucky hills and valley to see how far we could pick up the same station. I must admit I thought there is no way a 21 inch antenna can compete with a 50 inch antenna. However, I was wrong; the bike with the 21 inch antenna received the signal from the radio station about 8 to 9 miles farther than the bike with the 50 inch antenna.
So we thought we would try a different experiment. We used the same bikes and instead of going over hills and valley we head into the flat land of mid Ohio. Here we found that the bike with the 21 inch antenna received the stations signal about 12 miles farther, what a surprise to both of us.
Ok, one other item need to be tested. I put the 21 inch antenna on my bike just north of Cincinnati OH and head south to Galveston, TX. All along the way bikers ask where did I get the shortie and how did they work. I explained how and where to get the antennas and told them I was very pleased with the performance of the antennas and the look it gave the bike, all agreed.
So if you’re fed up with the long whip antennas and are looking for some style and performance for you bike our suggestion is to check out Antenna Concepts LLC for some great American made products that really work and look great on your bike and will not break you “safety chrome budget”. There web site is www.antennaconcept.com or call them at 734-854-1355, or email Dennis at k8kas1@aol.com they are up in the Lambertville, MI area and I know they would love to hear from you.
Tuff-n-Lite http://www.tuffnlite.com/
To place your order: 1-877-Tuff-n-Lite
Kilowatt™ Reflective “T”
UTR21BLK $191.69
This shirt is highly reflective to give you optimal visibility, comfort and style, while at the same time being up to 10 times more abrasion resistant than carbon steel!
Riding season is HERE! I am looking forward to the freedom of the road, the wind in my face, and safety as I ride… Sounds like an oxymoron? NOT if you have the right riding gear!
Thousands of motorcyclists are killed each year & thousands more are injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Accidents do happen, but they don’t have to keep you off the road — not if you suit up in road armor made with Tuff-n-Lite®, one of the toughest, lightest cut and abrasion resistant materials known to man.
We have tried Tuff-n-Lite riding apparel. It is the most amazing riding gear you may ever experience. Shirts and shorts that are airy, breathable and look super cool! It is ounce for ounce up to 15 times stronger than steel — but it’s as soft and flexible as cotton. Tuff-n-Lite® is lightweight, breathable armor that looks like the clothing you would normally wear. It is stronger than garments made from commonly used aramid fibers such as Kevlar® and Twaron® and it won’t lose its strength from getting wet, perspiration, or from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
But wait there is more… you can’t “cut it, slice it or dice it”. Unbelievable! It was originally made for safety in the food handling industry; meat processing is particularly dangerous, and amputated fingers, hands and limbs used to be commonplace. It is also used in the glass industry, because even shattered glass does not penetrate this material. It is cut resistant, slash resistant, tear resistant, abrasion resistant, and chemical resistant.
It is cool, it is warm, and you can’t really even tell you have it on. It is light and best of all it is safe! Road rash? I don’t think so! It even has thumb straps to hold the sleeves in place.
Sometimes you run across a product so unique it seems difficult to describe. It looks good, it feels good and it keeps you safe! How simple is that? I wore this gear from Cincinnati OH to Galveston TX. From the cool & damp weather of the Smoky Mountains to the beaches of Galveston Tuff-n-Lite gear was perfect addition to my riding gear. 
Unlike aramids, Tuff-n-Lite® won’t break down quickly from continual flexing and folding, strong acids and bases, or ultraviolet light.
Arm and wrist protection from cuts and abrasions that’s comfortable and flexible.
This shirt is highly reflective to give you optimal visibility, comfort and style, while at the same time being up to 10 times more abrasion resistant than carbon steel!
Most skilled riders know that nothing can protect against all types of injuries. However, good riding apparel such as “TUFF-N-LITE”, a good helmet, boots and gloves can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury such as that enemy to all bikers ROAD RASH. Check out this video clip if you have any doubts: http://www.tuffnlite.com/flash/demo.swf
Reviewed by Jimmy & Pat Kay
DynaGrip and DynaFlex Equipment
Ever since I was a kid (a few years ago) I enjoyed playing with Gyroscopes. They seemed like an anomaly… spinning effortlessly and endlessly. Or so it seemed. Also a residual from my youth is that I like to play (not exercise).
Well I found a unique toy (I mean exercise equipment) I enjoy playing with what incorporates a gyroscopic approach toward strength, exercise and health.
Now convert that newly developed strength to riding your motorcycle; another great toy for the kid in us!
New riders and older riders not accustom to long riding times will benefit from both the DynaGrip and the DynaFlex. As an adult motorcyclist sometimes your arm may feel fatigued like they will fall off, especially after long hard rides. This phenomenon known as “arm pump.” DynaGrip is a hand-held gyroscopic exercise device that will strengthen your wrist and forearms so your arms and wrists don’t feel fatigued.
We have tried two products from DynaFlex:
The DynaGrip Model Gyro which incorporates a motorcycle-like handlebar grip and a gyroscope in one device. It is designed to strengthen your wrists and arms. We brought these two items to some bike nights and biker events in our area. There were all types of riders at these events so we thought it might be fun have some old HD riders give the DynaGrip and DynaFlex a try. At first some were a bit stand offish and you could tell that they thought they were strong enough with out the help of some “Toy Gyroscope”. However, much to their surprise they soon found out what a workout this DynaFlex gave their hands, wrists and arms. Many wanted to buy it right there on the spot.
Then we found some new rides that had just finished their MC Safety course. And you guess it many of them complained that there arms got tired on “long road trips”. The most any of them had ridden at this point was just a couple of hundred miles. So needless to say they have not been on Real Road Trips where you cover 4 to 6 hundred miles in a day. Anyway they too were impressed on just how quick they could feel the “burn”. We had to explain more than once how this little piece of equipment would enhance there riding ability. Again, many wanted to buy one on the spot they were so impressed.
Then we explained that the DynaGrip can reach up to 9,000 RPM and create 25 lbs of torque resistance to increase their grip, increase their range of motion and to condition the arm, elbow and shoulder muscles it was a done deal. Most could not believe it however all want one. We explained that DynaGrip and DynaFlex are so effective that it’s used by the military, top athletes and even NASA to help keep our astronauts in shape during long space shuttle missions. And that they could be purchased at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Fry’s Electronics, Bed Bath & Beyond, Sports Authority, Dicks Sporting Goods and many other places.
Now here is two low cost pieces of equipment that will be worth your money as it will increase your time on your bike. Something all of us Bikers want more of.
Check out their web site at: http://www.dynaflexpro.com
“Your Favorite Riding Jacket Maybe In Danger”
Every biker has their own favorite riding jacket. Some are very old with many a precious memories of miles on the road. The thought of losing or trading it in on a new jacket causes headaches and anger. I know this from experience; I would not trade in my riding favorite jacket for anything: I thought. Then I was asked to test a jacket from Vega Motorcycle Co. My first thought was “NO WAY”. Then I agree with much hesitation all the time thinking that no matter how I feel about this “NEW JACKET” I will return to my beloved favorite riding jacket. Please read on and you will see why I now have a new favorite riding jacket. My old beloved jacket has been retired like an honored football jersey of some great Super Bowl player.
Anyone who rides is ready to get their bike on the road. Ready to put some long awaited miles on the bike, spend some days or evenings riding as much as possible. However we all know that morning and evening riding can still be very cool. And when you ride all day the mid-day sun will warm you up quick. So you find yourself putting on or taking off your jacket many times in just a few hours of riding. Now when you add in the damp weather or the light rain you’re looking to change your riding jacket again.
I did not have these problems because I was testing a “Merit Mesh Jacket” from Vega Motorcycle Corporation. This jacket does it all, cold; sun to rain riding is no problem. With an insulated full sleeve liner for cool temperature riding this is also removable when it warms up. This jacket also has a removable shell that can be worn as a windbreaker or a waterproof full sleeve protection for those days when you get caught in the rain. This neat rain gear is built into the back of the jacket in a hidden zip pocket around the back waist band. Thus eliminating the need for carrying extra gear.
Another great thing about these jackets are they have body heat conformable “Comfortect Armor” certified to stringent European CE standards at the shoulder, elbows and back, with front and rear reflective piping. This is top quality abrasion resistant 150D 100% polyester mesh fabric for many years of riding comfort and safety. With ergonomically curved sleeves, hook/loop adjustable collar, sleeves and waist all for a customized comfortable fit. And when you are on a long trip you want comfort and you do not want to carry three different jackets plus rain gear. Come to think of it you do not want to fiddle with all this gear on a short trip. Most of us are just looking for a jacket that is “cool” looking, safety if we can get it and comfortable. So if this is you check out some of the best jackets and gear that was just introduced at the Dealers Show in IN. this February, you will be impressed and possibly find your new favorite riding jacket.
To find a Local Vega Motorcycle Dealer just click on this web site & fill out your contact information and within 24 hours you will get an email telling you where you closest dealer is located.
http://www.vegahelmet.com/find_dealer.html
Please contact your local dealer for product questions.
Vega Helmet is a dealer wholesale company.
And one of the best we might add.
Vega Motorcycle Corporation 18235 Olympic Avenue S., Tukwila, WA 98188 Phone: (425) 656-0683 Fax: (425) 656-0679 www.vegahelmet.com
Product review by Jimmy L. Kay & www.twowheelthundertv.com
Rescue Tape
Rescue Tape is a self-fusing silicone tape
Two Standard Rolls
1″ Wide x 20mil Thick x 12′ Long
Pick from any of our 8 Colors!
$24.95 – Order Now
http://www.rescuetape.com/
800.222.1994
Reviewed by Pat Kay
I never thought I would get excited over Tape! But this is tape like you have NEVER seen!
It doesn’t have glue on the back, no residual sticky mess to contend with. The tape fuses to itself and it’s properties surpass the competition! Using it for Electrical? Plumbing? Hot? Cold? Looking for strength? Looking for versatility? This tape does it all!
Check this out:
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What these specs mean is that it is stronger, more durable, longer lasting, made to work at higher and lower temperatures, better at waterproof applications than Duct tape, Electrical tape, Gaffers Tape and just about any other standard tape that comes to mind.
I got so excited about this tape, I have used it in the house to make the computer cords neat and compact, out of the house securing the water hose to the faucet (it always leaks there), on the boat to secure the fuel line, and yes even on our Harley Davidson to secure the oil line! Rescue tape is your source for all repairs, and in every circumstance. Try some today you will not be disappointed!
Inovex Industries, Inc. (“Inovex”) was founded in 1995 and is based in Sterling, Virginia. Inovex’s commitment to the highest levels of quality is evidenced by stringent laboratory testing, its in-house staff of experienced engineers and its thousands of satisfied customers that have driven billions of miles in tires treated with Ride-On.
Inovex employs state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and technology to ensure the highest levels of quality. Every batch of Ride-On is coded and tested prior to shipment.
Inovex markets its sealants under the registered trademarks of Ride-On Tire Protection System (Ride-On TPS) and Bike-On Tire Protection System (Bike-On TPS). With an in-house research and development laboratory, Inovex has the capability of manufacturing products to meet every specification and private label requirement.
Inovex also makes and distributes a proprietary line of special-purpose manual and automatic pumps and installation tools.
Inovex’s tire sealant products have been in use worldwide in on-road, high-speed and off-road applications for over ten years. Major municipalities, tire dealers, militaries, over-the-road truck fleets, trailer manufacturers, waste haulers, motorcyclists, farmers and building contractors are just a few of the types of customers currently enjoying the benefits of Ride-On.
JP Resources Products & Review
The Best Straps for your Bike!
These are the absolute best Tie-Down straps we have ever used. It is that plain and simple. Other brands, previously considered the best, simply are not made nearly as well as the Gator Straps. They have their own built-in soft strap system. They are a much better quality strap than any other brand we have ever seen and they cost less than most! What more could you ask for? Inverted design puts cam buckle by the floor where it will not damage paint. Built in soft loop comes standard with these models. The soft loop allows you to wrap the webbing around the delicate pieces to tie down. Because of the inverted design, the straps can be used with or without the built in soft strap design. GATOR STRAPS ARE 7-FEET LONG! Most other brands come up short at 6′ or less. Give these tie-downs a shot and you will never buy anything else.
Built in Soft Loop
The first tie down on the market designed to leave the extra strap on the floor,
not slapping the paint.
- 7 Foot Length
Industry standard straps are only 6 foot and will not reach in many applications such as on stretched choppers or when loading more than one dirt bike in a truck. - Double Box Stitched
All tension points are oversized from end to end and bonded, with precision double box stitching for maximum strength and durability.
- Unmatched Strength and Durability
Gator Straps have no weak link. All components and assembly techniques are the best. UV resistant webbing is manufactured by Gator to its own high standards.
Gator Straps are the world’s first “Inverted” design motorcycle tie downs. All Gator Straps are designed to be the highest quality straps on the market today with features you cannot get with any other tie down strap. Gator Straps are the most over engineered tie down system in the industry today.www.GatorStraps.com.
Whether it is our No-Slip Quick Cams or Smooth Release Ratchets, All Gator Straps feature a built in soft loop on the end away from the buckle giving the industry its first “Inverted Design”.
For detailed information on why Gator Straps are leading the tie down industry in quality and innovation, please visit them at .www.GatorStraps.com.
JP Resources Products & Review
Since the days of James Dean and Marlon Brando, motorcycle style has made an impact on the fashion world. From jackets to boots to pickup trucks, biker style has influenced many popular products for those who ride, and even for those who do not.
Travelcade / Saddlemen™ is recognized for it’s innovation and technology, bringing new products and ideas to motorcycle seating and luggage. High-comfort SaddleGel™, high-value bolt-on Rigid Saddlebags and their Seat Heater are among the most notable developments helping Travelcade/Saddlemen™ maintain its position of leadership. Saddlemen’s design team works regularly with show-bike builders on innovative, one-off custom jobs, and this design flair naturally filters into their production line. It puts the Travelcade/Saddlemen™ look at the forefront of style. It’ll put you there too.
Some of the best Bags
JP Resources Products & Review
For many of us it is time to start planning those trips to Myrtle Beach & the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It seems no matter what you ride you never have enough room for that extra item you want to bring well here is the answer. This year’s newest product by Saddlemen addresses this issue with two different styles just for those rode trip you know you are planning.
Saddlemen’s with Tom Seymour as President has the newest sissybar bag, the Carry-On Roller Bag, that is sure to be a hit with anyone looking for a stylish carry-on bag, whether or not they intend to strap it onto a motorcycle. The glove-soft leather fascia gives it a luxurious look, and it is available in two styles- brightly chromed studs or a simple braided leather trim.
At 17″ x 13″ x 7.75″, it is the perfect size for a weekend hop, and it will easily swallow a full-face helmet and some gear. The front clamshell lid features three zippered pouches, an organizer with pockets for your PDA, camera, etc., and there is an elastic net pouch on each side for quick-access items on the road.
Whether your method of transportation has two wings or two wheels, you are covered; the sissybar/rack mounting system will attach to most bikes’ passenger backrests, and the single-extension retractable handle and smooth bearing wheels guarantee that you will roll with ease through airports or hotel parking lots. Six heavy-duty metal D-rings also give you additional mounting point options.
The Carry-On Roller Bags sell for $149.95 (leather braid) and $169.95 (chrome studs) respectively, only at Drag Specialties dealers. For more information, contact Saddlemen at 800-397-7709 or www.saddlemen.com.
