So you have gone with the solo look for your VN2000, and from time to time need a rack to transport items so the fender stays pretty. The solution - The Curved Cast Solo Rack from K and G Cycles. This lightweight solo rack is made of die-cast aluminum alloy giving you a cast billet look at an affordable price. A fresh, new, curved design is sure to add a very unique style to your Vulcan 2000 or Vulcan Classic. This rack replaces the rear pillow seat and gives your bike a striking accent to the rear fender. Making this decision easier is the fact it doesn’t requires any drilling for installation. The kit does come with all the hardware you will need to install this on your motorcycles. This custom fender rack measures 12.25″ long by 8″ wide so there is plenty of surface area to transport just about anything you need.

Adding custom touches to your ride doesn’t have to be expensive or painful. To see this and so many other great products for your Kawasaki, log onto K and G Cycles (www.kandgcycles.com) and start down the road to a total custom cycle. It’s that easy, browse the site, add items to your cart, check out and pay for the parts, install, and ride off on a “new” bike.

This lightweight yet durable, aluminum Micro Louver Heat Shield features micro air louvers, which allow air to flow through the metal shield. The movement of the vehicle creates dynamic air flow, cooling by natural convection. The textured surface created by the micro air louvers creates more area for heat dissipation. One of the often chosen installation spots is under the seat. Since we sit directly over a “Hot” spot if you will, one of the most effective ways to reduce the temps you are exposed to is to create a barrier between you and the heat source. Adding a sheet of Micro Louver Heat Shield not only places a heat reflective source between you and the heat, is also has micro louvers that reduce heat build up by delivering a smoother path for air movement.

When too much heat is allowed to build up in a given area, it can be detrimental to your bike, and cause performance issues. Track days are a great way to hone your skills while having fun on a closed course. Track days have become increasingly popular as more and more performance bikes become available from the factories. Demanding our bikes run at the top end of the speedo and tach, it is no wonder they don’t melt us right then and there. Sometimes the level of heat is enough to start the fuel vaporizing and the oil to start boiling. This can lead to loss of power or even worse, engine failure.
Installation is fairly simple as The Micro Louver Heat Shield is flexible and yet extremely durable. So much, it bends and flexes easily by hand, making a custom fit trouble-free. This truly is the one beneficial modification you can do without any special tools. Contact K and G Cycles (www.kandgcycles.com) today and put an end to that hot seat.

Let’s get started with a few questions that should be answered before you choose the right seat for you and your bike. First and foremost will you be a solo or two-up rider? Your answer to this could literally cut the field in half. Solo seats are just that, a seat made for the rider only. These seats typically give you a custom look, while focusing only on the rider. Inside the category of “Solo Seats” you will notice many different profiles and shapes, along with different cushion materials. Because they are more effective in lower profile seats, memory foam and surgical gel pads can be found in quite a few of the saddles available.  Many of today’s options offer a rider backrest option, so it is possible to gain added back support allowing  longer, more enjoyable rides. So if it will be just you or you want that clean low profile look, a solo seat could be for you.

If two-up is your answer, the next question you need to ask yourself is “How often will my passenger ride with me?”  If your passenger won’t be on board much, you may be able to opt for a low profile seat that offers you a custom fit and a fender hugging design. Like the solo seats, because of the sleek profile there are a lot of units using memory foam and surgical gel pads. Now if you answered “often” or “all the time” you have to consider the passenger comfort level when shopping for a seat. A noticeable trend among 2-up touring seats is the seats being wider than stock offerings, not by much, usually 3″ for the rider and 2″ for the passenger. The additional surface allows reduced pressure points, additional lower back support for the rider, as well as an increased seating surface for the passenger. The main idea behind the bigger passenger seat is it places more surface under the thighs, reducing pressure on the the lower legs, minimizing leg fatigue. Most two-up touring seats accommodate detachable backrests, adding additional support for the rider.

Another concern to address is whether your height mandates a changed in the seat. A lot of manufacturers make available a seat that is narrower in the horn, allowing the feet to come closer together, “giving” you more height and reducing the reach distance to the handlebars. While an option for the taller individuals raises them up and away from the bars to decrease the cramped, slouching feel they are experiencing. Almost an industry standard these specialty seats are referred to as “Reach Seats” “Reduced Reach Seats” or “Tallboy Seats”.

An emerging trend in the motorcycle world is custom built seats from local merchants. Many of these custom shops can tailor the seat to match your specific needs whether you need to sit lower in the bike or if you need a taller seat. Often times the stock seat covering can be retained, have custom stitching applied, or swapped out for a more exotic skin. Like the big guys, a lot of the local shops are utilizing memory foam and surgical gel too, so your comfort is their concern also.

Now that you have all this great, helpful information, all you have to do is hit K and G Cycles (www.kandgcycles.com) choose your design, style, and manufacturer, and get a great seat upgrade that will allow you to enjoy many more miles comfortably.

I recently had a chance to chat with the co-founders VP Phil Bellomy and Pres. Bob Miller about the birth of Tourmaster.

K and G Cycles: Can you tell me how Tourmaster was born?

Phil: Back in 1969, Bob and I were both working for Grant Industries when one rainy afternoon, I noticed a Cowboy doling out big bills for our companies 2nd’s and wanted to know his story. After learning he was selling them at Swap Meets, I wanted in. Within weeks, Bob and I were also hitting the swap meets with the Factory blem Steering Wheels and Helmets, and becoming very successful with it. Shortly thereafter we left Grant Industries, scraped together $500 each and became “Weekend Sales Company”

K and G Cycles: OK, did I miss a part? I didn’t hear anything about Tourmaster.

Phil: After about 3 years of selling products to Motorcycle shops we decided to open a store front and “Helmet House” arose from the dust. Having just secured a distributorship with Shoei  Helmet Company, we were on our way and nothing was going to stand in our way. Now wait for it…. in 1978 as our relationships within the motorcycle industry grew, and we saw what was and was not available in the aftermarket, we determined it was time we filled a void and Tourmaster was born. That year, Helmet House leveraged its expertise in the motorcycle retail and distribution business, to launch the Tour Master brand of motorcycle riding gear- mainly apparel and gloves, and eventually bags, rain suits and boots too.  Today Tour Master is a key player in the motorcycle aftermarket and one of the leading manufacturers and marketers of riding gear to street motorcyclists.   Out of our Tour Master brand came our latest line of gear, Cortech, which offers all of the performance features and sophisticated innovations and fabric technologies of our Tour Master gear, but is styled for the performance and sport bike segment. Since 2002, it has grown steadily to be a major player in street apparel, gloves and riding gear.

K and G Cycles: So that is it? No fancy light show, no pomp and circumstance? You didn’t hit your peak and are in a recovery after a fall?

Bob: Actually, we believe for success to open its arms to you, you must be willing to advance slowly, steadily and remain strong. As the years passed we knew the aftermarket world was an ever changing place, but as long as we offered our customers the high quality products they have come to know and love, we would stand on top. In 2005, we greatly expanded our Tourmaster and Cortech product lines into the wide ranging, technically sophisticated riding gear, luggage systems, gloves and boots we offer today. Along the way we’ve developed a diverse range of testing and product development processes using both sophisticated computer fabric wear and stress analysis, to putting our luggage systems on the roof of our California headquarters to test long term color fastness in extreme sun and heat conditions. We have even become the first apparel manufacturer to test our garments in a wind room, that can allow a rider on a bike to be subjected to either wind or wind and rain up to speeds approaching 90 mph to test garments ventilation capabilities and waterproofing. This level of testing sophistication has helped us gear up many long distance tourers with gear they’ve come to rely on. In fact we get Iron Butt Rally people passing here a lot, and boy do those guys know gear.

Phil: We very proud of where we are today. Just as proud as where we came from. Not bad for two guys who started out at the swap meet.

K and G Cycles: I want to thank you both for taking the time to share your story today. It is good to know that a company as dynamic as yours began on the ground level and has a firm grasp on what it’s customers are really looking for. Everyone at K and G Cycles (www.kandgcycles.com) wants to wish you many more years of continued success. For all the innovations and stellar products you have brought to motorcycling, you deserve it.

The type of seat you purchase usually depends on the type of riding you do or a certain look you are trying to achieve. Before you purchase a seat, you will want to ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you mostly ride around town or do you take long trips?
• Can you easily place your feet on the ground sitting on the stock seat
• What percentage of the time do you carry a passenger?
• Is your bike stored outside during the riding season or is it always under cover?
• Are you looking for a comfortable, touring seat or a one-of-a-kind custom seat for your show bike?

There has been a huge influx of motorcycle seats available for bike models in the past decade or so — available in a range of styles and prices. You should take the time to think about the type of riding you do, the style you want for your bike and what it is specifically that you hope to achieve by making the investment in a new seat.

Despite having many different models of seats built for many different motorcycle models, our focus today is going to be the Mustang Wide Vintage Two-Piece design with Driver Backrest for the Yamaha V-Star 950 model years 2009-2013 (Part # TR-489357). Sold as a complete three-piece set including solo, removable driver backrest, and matching passenger seat. The 16” wide driver bucket sits you at the ideal cruising angle and is one of several design improvements over the stock seat. The entire 12” width of the comfortable passenger seat is fully supported by Mustang’s unique internal steel support wings–no sagging on the edges, no more passenger complaints.

• Each seat is designed to be a direct bolt-on replacement for the OEM seat
• Base Plates are constructed of marine-grade fiberglass and finished with a high-gloss gel-coat, or are black, epoxy powder-coated 16-gauge steel. Not plastic like many factory seats
• The foam compound (a formula of controlled-density polyurethane foam) must be carefully formulated to be soft enough for comfort but resilient enough to stand up to those “thousand-mile” days.
• Seat covers are individually pieced together and hand-sewn to fit tight contours for a true custom-looking seat The more you ride, the more you realize that the most comfortable seat possible means comfort for your back as well as your backside.

Nothing takes the fatigue out of riding more than having full back support and the ability to adjust your lumbar support often and easily. Mustangs rider backrests are designed and manufactured to exacting standards that set the bar for the most comfortable backrest available.The built-in driver backrest offers more features than any other backrest on the market. Take a look for yourself:

• The contoured pad measures approximately 7″ h x 12″ w and folds completely flat for ease of getting on your bike.

• Completely adjustable: up/down, back/forward and pivots:
  • The backrest post is notched allowing four easy “snap-in-place” height adjustment positions.
  • The chromed, knurled thumb screw easily adjusts the tilt angle of the backrest forward or back up to 2″ while you are seated. Thumb screw is notched and will not fall out.
  • Backrest pivots to match your back angle.
• All exposed hardware is chrome-plated for a custom look.

• Studded styles feature chrome studs on the back, not on the top where you might catch them with your boot.
• Chrome steel backrest post slides in and out of receptacle that is reinforced and riveted directly into the base plate for strength.
• Ball-end, spring loaded detent screw is set at the factory to ensure positive height adjustment stops.
• Foam surrounds the hardware to provide maximum comfort.
• Nylon friction washers and stop nuts keep the mechanism tight with smooth operation.
• Backrest is easily removed without any tools or the need to remove the seat.
• When backrest is not in use, the receptacle’s slot is covered by a leather flap held tightly with a hook-and-loop closure for a smooth, clean appearance.

With your stock seat having seem better days, and you realizing you can be comfortable from start to finish, it is time you looked at a Mustang Seat from K and G Cycles (www.kandgcycles.com). Made with the rider in mind, you will not find a better seat. The first ride should be as comfortable as the 100th. If you don’t see your motorcycle listed, contact us, Mustang makes seats for so many makes and models we may have missed it, so just ask us.

To begin, you will need to purchase a hitch so you can attach the trailer to your Gold Wing. My personal favorite for Gold Wings is the Vertical Receiver Hitch ( Part # BBP-52-825 ), this new design hitch assembly incorporates a vertical receiver and mounts to the frame, making it essentially invisible when the receiver mount is removed. It includes the same features all the big name hitches are known for except the price. Some notable features are: strong cross tie to the saddlebag sub structure, large chain loops on the receiver, chrome 1-7/8″ ball and anti-chatter bolt to minimize trailer sway. So you won’t need to make numerous trips to the hardware store, this kit comes with all the necessary hardware and thorough instructions, resulting in trouble free installation. Designed to fit 2001-2012 model year Honda Gold Wing Motorcycles.

Now that you have the hitch installed, you are going to need to install the correct wiring harness that will give your trailer running lights, brake lights, and license plate lights. So many manufacturers know that there are a ton of us riders that do our own accessory installs and that is exactly the case with this harness. Simplified installation is what you get with Part # BBP-52-694. This trailer wire harness isolates the load between the motorcycle and trailer through four 10 amp relays to prevent electrical feedback. The heavy duty circuit board can handle a continuous 16 amp load and further isolation is provided with a separate 15 amp inline fuse for additional protection. This harness plugs into the existing wire harness, and requires no splicing, and is designed to work with a 5 pin trailer connector (not included).

Now that you have installed the wiring harness, it is time to hook up the trailer and test the lights before you hit the road. Once you have tested the set up in the garage, take it out for a shake down run, and get a feel for your new rig before you head out to the highway. Once you have gotten used to the new set up, and are out enjoying the the back roads, don’t forget to send K and G Cycles (www.kandgcycles.com) a postcard or 2 and say “Hey”.

The new bike comes with a host of both mechanical and tactical enhancements, and Zero announced that they will include the updated power trains in the production of civilian bikes, too. These machines use the Z-Force motor, capable of producing 54 HP and 68 lb-ft (92 Nm) of torque and come with CHAdeMO quick charging system.

The power packs can be easily replaced in under a minute, while recharging them with the speed charger takes around one hour. Safety override and power reserve features are also standard for the military bikes, and keyless ignition at a flick of a switch makes the MMX operational instantaneously. And since we’re talking military-grade bikes, the MMX can also operate in water 1 meter deep (3 feet).

Here are the key features of the MMX bike, as provided by Zero:
• Specialized military dash for quick and centralized mainline controls
• Keyless ignition engaged with dash toggle for quicker departure
• Modular and quick-swappable power packs
• Wet operational abilities in up to one meter submersion
• Switchable headlight for night-time stealth
• Integrated wiring to accommodate quick installation of front and rear infrared systems
• Safety override and reserve power capabilities to extend range during extreme situations
• Aggressive foot pegs and hand guards for optimal control
• Tie down eyelets with integrated tow cable and rear seat strap.

One accessory install we like to see is Chrome Swing Arm covers. There is often little chance to dress up the rear section of most motorcycles, and taking advantage of the ability to highlight an otherwise bland or boring area is what it’s all about. Of course I can not possibly show you each and every swing arm cover, but here a couple of our fast movers. Part # BBP-63-215 is made for Honda XVS 950. This bright chrome, stamped steel swing arm cover beautifully finishes the side of that Honda. Easily attaching to the swing arm with 3M Dual Lock fasteners this cover is easily removable to allow for tire changing.

Another one of our items that we just can’t seem to keep on the shelves is this beautifully crafted belt guard that compliments the previously mentioned swing arm cover. Part # BBP-63-202 is an ABS Chrome Belt Cover for the Yamaha V Star 950 and V Star 1300 motorcycles. Through countless hours of R & D, the greatly improved design is wider and longer than the OEM belt cover protecting the rear belt more. This unique design is enhanced with a contoured shape running front to rear to not only cover the belt, but add impressive styling. Slathered in Show Chrome Accessories’ quality chrome insures unmatched brilliance and a fit that could be mistaken for OEM.

So I have shown you 2 pieces that will wake up that boring rear end with chrome so deep you could shave out of it. Simple to add on, these chrome accessories from K and G Cycles (www.kandgcycles.com) will transform your ride into the rolling work of art you’d like it to be. Don’t wait till everyone else has these parts on their bike, contact us today!

We all know selecting exhaust involves hours of research, finding a bike with that particular set up already on it so we can get a good idea what it will sound like. Don’t get me wrong, all you manufacturers that have added sound bites to your web page, that is great, however nothing will replace being right next to the bike. Now one of the biggest names in aftermarket exhaust is Yoshimura, and they have developed the RS-5 exhaust for Triumph Daytona 675′s. The RS-5 Slip-On is one of our most popular exhausts featuring it’s unique cone-shaped end cap, stainless steel tail-pipe, and carbon fiber sleeve. It’s bold styling compliments the aggressive lines of the Daytona beautifully. If you want quality and performance at a great price, this is the system for you! Some of the key features are:

* Trapezoidal shape – easily recognized
* Cone end cap – gives the muffler a finished look
* 3 Muffler options: stainless, titanium, carbon fiber – lets you achieve the look you want
* Low-volume insert capable – for those times when you must comply
* Complete style with 20-gauge 304L polished stainless steel tapered mid-pipe and header, and spring mounted spigot and flanges (most models) – that’s what I’m talking about!
* Slip-On style with 20-gauge 304L polished stainless steel tapered mid-pipe easily attaches to the O.E.M. header pipe – makes installation straight forward and easy

Two Brothers is a name very well known among the Street Bike Circles, and they too have joined the short list of manufacturers churning out goodies for The Big “T”, Among the offerings is the The V.A.L.E. Slip-On, built in the finest British racing tradition, and allowing the Muffler assembly – Exhaust tube and canister – to be positioned perfectly on the bike before all the mounting hardware is fully tightened. Once the canister and Exhaust tubes are properly aligned, the V.A.L.E. assembly locks the Muffler canister to the Exhaust tube assuring a perfect,leak-free fit. This system is simple and easy to install, requiring nothing more than a 5mm hex wrench, which is included with every one of the Exhaust systems.The X-Lite ring is the next step in the evolution of V.A.L.E. technology. It is CNC milled from 6061-T aluminum, the design of our X-Lite ring efficiently and elegantly removes all unnecessary material from the coupling. Reducing weight, while still maintaining its structural integrity. The Triumph Street Triple sportbike is an absolute monster on the pavement, but if you want to really unleash all the power of your Street Triple, you’ll need a Two Brothers Racing performance exhaust system. Simply unbolt your existing exhaust muffler and bolt on a Two Brothers Racing exhaust canister for tons more power. With the Two Brothers race system you’ll see significant gains in both horsepower and torque. With its light weight premium construction, you’ll drop weight off of your bike by removing the heavy OEM exhaust.

 So you see, K and G Cycles (www.kandgcycles.com) wants to make sure no motorcycle owner (Triumph, Ducati, BMW, and Aprillia)  ever feels they have been forgotten. Though we are limited by what IS made, we try to have something for everyone. Check us out, and if you don’t see it just ask. If it’s out there, K and G Cycles is your source.

The next few days were sunny, 75 , and beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. My return trip would yield vastly different results however. Around the 2 hour mark of my 4 hour trip, Mother Nature decided it was time to test the gear and the skies opened up, I immediately sought the cover of a Convenience Store pump island canopy. After dressing in the Rain Gear and doing a quick inspection of the bike, I set off to finish the second leg of the ride home. The rain in the beginning was mild and I thought to myself, huh this is gonna be pretty simple. Well that didn’t last long, she turned up the power and I felt as though I was running through a car wash. This continued for about the next hour and the temps started dropping from 75 to a cool 50/55,  that doesn’t sound bad, but when you add in the rain and the speed on the highway, it was a brisk ride.

When I arrived home, I was a bit concerned as to what I would find because my legs felt cool, but I didn’t know if it was from the temperature, the rain, or both. When I removed the rain suit, I examined each piece of clothing and looked for signs of rain infiltration, but was surprised to see virtually no trace of water.(the front half of my jean cuffs had about an inch band on them and that was it.) If my Classic would have had lower fairings or soft lowers, all would have been well.

So all in all what did I learn about Rain Gear? I learned it is a precious commodity that takes up little space and you should never leave home without it. I also learned that buying a trusted name like the ones for sale at K and G Cycles (www.kandgcycles.com) is worth it. Whether it’s Frogg Togg, River Road, TGP, or one of the other brands we carry. So many people think rain gear looks silly and doesn’t make you look like a cool biker, but given the choice of being drenched to the bone or having someone think I don’t look cool, I will choose staying dry every time.