Warmer weather is (hopefully) approaching and that means we should all be out on our bikes more and enjoying life on two wheels. So we’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to trawl NZ’s many motorcycle accessory distributors’ websites and socials, looking for the latest kit that’s going to make that time on two wheels better, cooler, warmer, or easier. Plus, there’ll be some stuff we REALLY just want to have in the shed! If you’re in the market for new kit then keep an eye out for these posts. And if you’ve got a particular product that you think is really good and would love to share it with fellow motorcyclists, let us know!
NEW! Forma Adv Kite Dry Boots | Price: $489
Find them: Forbes & Davies or BOYDS
There are times when it’s tempting to think you’ll jump on the bike wearing a set of shoes because you need to do some walking when you arrive at your destination. Or maybe, you don’t want to look like a motorcycling stormtrooper. It’s those times when you need a set of riding shoes, and we really love the look of the new Adv Kite Dry boots from Forma. The manufacturer is based in the heart of the Venetian footwear district in Italy and began making boots in 1999.
The Adv Kite Dry boots are a kind of adventure boot/riding shoe crossover, with the strong upper combined with a grippy rubber sole, meaning you could go for a hike after jumping off the bike if that’s your thing. They’re waterproof (although you’d need long waterproof pants to really avoid getting wet..!) and there are D30 protectors in the ankles along with a rotating self-locking mechanism which should ensure they don’t come off.
We like them and they’d be the perfect shoe for when we’re cruising around on our longterm Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
NEW! Richa Retro Racing Jacket | Price: $889
Find them: www.bits4bikes.co.nz or BOYDS
Every biker needs a black leather jacket as part of their riding kit, right? Richa makes quality kit, although until now we’ve only really been lucky enough to test their textile gear. It is, however, exceptionally good kit!
But now we’re keen to get our hands on this new Retro Racing Jacket from Richa, with the stylish black jacket mixing the comfort and protection we’ve come to associate with the brand and adding it to a classically styled leather. Made from high-quality 1.3mm cowhide leather, the Retro Racing Jacket also offers a comfort liner, soft-finish collar, two zippered outside pockets/one inside pocket, a connecting zipper and an adjustable waist.
For a bit of summertime cruising on a modern classic, this would make an excellent choice.
NEW! Whites Dolly | Price: $189.99 (front) / $209.99 (rear)
Find them: Bits4Bikes
We’ve got the boss’s Honda Fireblade sitting on a set of these dollys in the BRM shed and we can attest to how much of a game-changer they are – it’s never been easier to shift a bike around!
Having a set of paddock stands is invaluable if you own a motorcycle, as it makes the job of maintenance and cleaning that much easier, and the Whites stands do the same job as any other set of paddock stands out there. BUT… they have another trick, with the additional wheels turning them into a dolly, so once your bike is up on the stands, you can literally push it around with one finger, as long as your floor is flat, that is. Thankfully, ours is.
No more pushing your bike backwards and forwards trying to get it moved to the side, and with the Whites Dolly, your bike can simply glide across the floor. These are one of those products that, when you’ve got them, you can’t figure out how you managed all those years without them! Check the full review HERE
Scorpion EXO ADX-2 Helmet | Price: $549
Find them: BOYDS & Forbes & Davies
Modular (or flip) helmets – they tend to polarise riders in that they either love them or hate them. But there’s no denying that once you’ve used one, many find it really hard to go back, thanks to the convenience of being able to flip the front of the helmet open instead of pulling a full-face helmet off your head.
Styling and design has progressed massively in recent years, and with the Scorpion EXO ADX-2, there’s now even a flip front for adventure riders, which when you take into account that adventure helmets have peaks, is a pretty trick thing.
The helmet features P and J homologation (so you can run it open or closed legally) and is injection moulded. There’s a dropdown internal sun visor, a quick-release buckle, anti-microbial linings to deal with all the sweat adventure riders can generate and plenty of venting. And, the best bit, it still looks cool while also being practical. Bonus!
NEW! Nolan X-804 RS Ultra Carbon Full-Face Helmet | Price: $1,599
Find them: EUROBIKE
OMG! Is this helmet gorgeous or what!? Nolan are often overlooked when riders are searching for a new lid, but the Italian made helmets simply ooze quality and technology. It’s hardly surprising that Eurobike Wholesale are the importer into NZ, as the legendary Don O’Connor, who founded the company, was the one-time importer of a certain red Italian brand of motorcycles to NZ. He simply loves quality Italian motorcycle products and has a long relationship with Nolan.
The X-804 is created from carbon fibre, making it super-strong, while a slippery aero shape makes this an ideal choice for racers looking for an extra edge. There’s an emergency release system, visor lock, and it’s also hydro-ready, meaning you can keep your fluids up during a warm lap of the Coromandel or Hampton Downs.
The strap is double-d for added security and also to keep it suitable for track use, and there’s plenty of tech from the world of MotoGP and WSBK gone into this lid to make it the best of the best. Yep, there’s a price to pay. But quality never comes cheap…
NEW! Merlin Hamlin 2 Hoody | Price: $399
Find them: EUROBIKE
This might just look like your favourite hoody, but this Merlin hoody features a full Kevlar lining for serious abrasion resistance. There are pockets to slip CE-approved Level 2 armour in the elbows and shoulders, which should give you an extra macho look, while a fixed mesh lining makes the Hamlin 2 seriously breathable. There’s even a pocket for a back protector!
So, instead of risking it when you’re heading out for a ride but still want to look a bit casual, there’s the Merlin Hamlin 2 Hoody that should offer a reasonable level of protection should the worst happen. And, to be honest, it’s going to be a whole heap better to crash in than any standard fashion hoody!
NEW! Quad Lock Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter | Price: $99.99
Find them: Quad Lock
Do you have a bike or car that requires your phone to be connect via a cable for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to work? Yeah, us too. So when we saw this adapter advertised by Aussie phone case/mount experts Quad Lock, we knew we had to have one. And you know what, it does exactly what it’s supposed to do – connects your phone to said vehicle, getting CarPlay/Auto working without having to plug it in.
The set-up couldn’t be simpler; there are angled adapters to make it easy to fit, and you simply need to connect your phone to the Bluetooth of the adapter, and that’s pretty much it. It then auto-connects to your phone every time you turn the ignition on – a brilliant gadget that gets a 5/5 rating from us!
