Category: review

5 Things I Love and Hate About the Sportster Forty-Eight

Post author By Morgan Gales
Post date February 19, 2016

Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, the Forty-Eight is one of the best looking cruiser motorcycles on the market. The lines are reminiscent of old school bobbers and let’s be honest, even parked it looks like it’s ready to kick some ass. I remember the first time I saw one parked outside the super hip Standard Hotel in LA and sat there admiring it for a good 20 minutes. For a while, I really wanted one. But there are a few flaws with this model that were made obvious once hitting the road.

Harley-Davidson

2016 Sportster Forty-Eight with low handlebars and forward controls

Forward Controls and Low Handlebars

Let me preface this section by saying that I am 6’4″ and this bike is guaranteed to fit smaller riders better than it fits me. Of course I know that forwards are a staple in the cruiser market, and on some bikes, I love them! Other bikes, like the Forty-Eight however, are set up with low bars and forward controls that make you feel like a folded omelet or a kid in gym class trying to touch his toes. Both the bars and the foot controls contribute to the low slung, aggressive look of the bike that we love, but the fit makes any sort of aggressive riding a challenge.

Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight dropped mirrors

The dropped mirrors

The low mirrors do wonders for the look of the bike at the handlebars. Tucked underneath the bars, they keep that area in front of you looking nice and neat. SO nice and neat, because it’s basically like you don’t have mirrors at all. I can only see my hands and the grips without having to duck around them to catch a glance at the mirror. More than once I found myself trying to make a quick lane change or see what was happening behind me and was caught off guard by the ineffectively positioned mirrors.

Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight with 16″ wheels

16″ Wheels

These might be the single biggest style factor on the bike. The 16” front and rear wheels give this bike the sort of vintage military/ raw brawler feel that has made it so popular, and they look absolutely killer. The large front tire does a little to soften the ride, but this falls into line with many of the other aspects of the bike. They LOOK killer, but they are in no way the best handling or performing option for this bike. The wide front tire makes the steering a little twitchy in the turns, which is an area that this bike needs a little attention anyway.

Staff

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight rear suspension

Suspension Upgrades

Sportsters in the past have always needed a little love in the suspension department, so I may have been the single happiest dude to hear the news that the 48 this year would be receiving new cartridge shocks in the rear and upgraded 49mm forks up front. “Oh my god, it’ll actually turn this year!” I thought. I still get wiggles when changing lanes on the freeway on this bike. Sure, it has a little to do with that front wheel/ tire, but the big jump in performance in this system turned out to be much smaller than I had originally thought it would be.

Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight seat

The Seat

The solo seat on this bike is another awesome style piece. It’s low, minimal, and keeps that insane visual line that the Forty-Eight is known for. But it’s one piece that drops out quickly, leaving your butt completely numb after about 15 minutes of riding. This is largely because with the forwards, all your weight rests on your butt and the stock seat is hard and thin. Sure does look good, but if you plan on doing some longer rides, this will need an upgrade.

As much as we criticize this model, we will still rubberneck 100% of the time one rides by. With a few modifications you could have yourself an incredible riding and DAMN fine looking motorcycle. Check Harley-Davidson.com for more information on this and their other killer 2016 models.

cruiser parts and gear Cruising Ghost Bandit helmet Other Motorcycle Blogs review Simpson Motorcycle Helmets Simpson Race products

Simpson Ghost Bandit: Review

Post author By Morgan Gales
Post date February 18, 2016

Simpson Race Products

Simpson Ghost Bandit motorcycle helmet in black

Simpson Race Products has always been known for making badass helmets. Their trademark Bandit look originated in their old car drag racing helmets, but people dug the style and wore them on bikes. The rest is history.

staff

Simpson Ghost Bandit motorcycle helmet in white

The Street Bandit was a Bandit that was modified specifically for motorcyclists with a little bit of a wider eyehole and the two adjustable vents up above. The Outlaw bandit adds a little bit of aerodynamic features to increase stability, but it wasn’t until the Ghost Bandit that Simpson released a fully modern, updated motorcycle helmet.

Designed from the ground up, 100% for motorcyclists, the Ghost Bandit is completely modern, comfortable and convenient without losing that trademark Simpson badass style. The lightweight shell has been designed for aerodynamics while riding, incorporating vents to let cool air in through the front and hot air out through the back. Integrated speaker and mic pockets make setting up your Sena Bluetooth or whatever other audio setup a cinch. A flip-down visor makes riding in varying levels of sun and shade easy.

staff

Simpson Ghost Bandit motorcycle helmet white

This helmet is damn decent for touring, a little bulky and shaky for real high speed, a little bit loud, but MUCH quieter than previous models from Simpson. I set up Sena’s 10r and I can hear my music fine but making phone calls is a little difficult. For the price point, this isn’t the quietest, lightest, or most aerodynamic helmet that you can get. But it IS a Simpson. It’s got that trademark tough guy look that no one else pulls of like they do, and it’s got those modern updates and conveniences now worked in.

Among the most stylish helmets on the market, the Ghost Bandit is updated with more features than you’ll find on any of the other steezy lids like the Bullitt or Gringo. If you’re a rider that was looking at buying a Simpson before, this is a no brainer.

For more information on this and the other awesome helmets from Simpson Race Products, check their website SimpsonRaceProducts.com

backpack Black Ember cruiser parts and gear Cruising luggage modular backpack Other Motorcycle Blogs review video

TL Pack by Black Ember: Video Review

Post author By Morgan Gales
Post date February 12, 2016

Black Ember makes versatile, weatherproof, technical backpacks that you can redesign to fit your daily needs. This is the TL Pack, equipped with eight hooks and magnetic snaps on the front to fit the smaller accessory pouches that Black Ember has designed to be diverse, functional and reliable.

In the past few weeks I have taken this bag to London and Verona, on planes, trains and automobiles and it has been the perfect travel companion. The smaller pouches were quickly designated with individual functions. The military pouch would sit on the front strap, holding my cell phone, battery reserve, business cards and pen. The Large Admin pouch would hold my hard drive, LAV mic setup, and other general camera gear. And lastly, the hard case would hold headphones, memory cards, and my sunglasses. It was absolutely perfect.

The main body of the bag has a compartment for a laptop and a tablet, as well as two other small multi-function pockets attached to the back wall. There is a rigid back to this pack, which helps it keep its form when you stuff it full of wonky items like cameras and books. The zippers are all coated, keeping the back weatherproof and ensuring that you’re set up for whatever kind of conditions you may run into.

Black Ember

Black Ember TL Pack, Military Pouch, Hard Case, and Large Admin pouch

All of the bags from Black Ember are designed with an emphasis on appearance, as well as functionality. Never have I been stopped so many times to answer questions about a backpack, but it is a new and exciting type of bag, and people love it. The range of technical fabrics used on the bags is pretty diverse but every part has a function, and every function has been well thought out.

For more information on the TL Pack and other bags from Black Ember, check out their website BlackEmber.com

EXTERIOR FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

Reinforced zipper welts with YKK urethane coated zippers
Removable 3D Shoulder harness with removable track-style sternum straps. Compatible with any dual mag-lock pouch.
Airflow dimensional-mesh backpanel
One Leather Handle (can be attached to the side or the top of the pack)
Multiple bonded and bar-tacked hypalon attach points for attaching handle and strap accessories
All critical weight bearing points reinforced with box stitching or bar-tacks

INTERIOR FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

Padded internal laptop sleeve: designed to accommodate most contemporary 15″ laptops including the MacBook Pro. Fits laptops up to 16 x 10.25 inches or 406 x 260 millimeters
Padded internal tablet sleeve
Two slip-in storage pockets
Quick release key strap

SIZE

Dimensional inches: 19 x 11 x 6 (Height x Width x Depth)
Dimensional millimeters: 480 x 280 x 153 (Height x Width x Depth)
Liters: 20

2016 Indian Scout Sixty Cruising Indian Scout Leticia Cline Other Motorcycle Blogs review riding impression

Indian Scout Sixty: First Impressions with Leticia Cline

Post author By staff
Post date February 5, 2016

The Indian Scout Sixty is an exciting new take on a model that we have loved since it’s initial release: the Scout. The engine is dropped from 1133cc to 999cc, and the 6-speed gearbox has been replaced with a 5-speed transmission with slightly longer legs per gear. Hitting the market at $8,999, this is a perfect cruiser for those looking for something lighter weight and more approachable than the larger touring bikes offered by Indian.

We hit the road with Leticia Cline on the new bike to see what her initial thoughts and impressions were of this great new addition to Indian’s lineup. For more technical info, check out our buyer’s guide page on the Indian Scout Sixty here, and stay tuned for more from Cruiser and Leticia Cline!

backpack cruiser parts and gear Cruising gear leather Motorcycle Gear Other Motorcycle Blogs review The Normal Brand

Normal Brand Top Side Backpack

Post author By Morgan Gales
Post date December 2, 2015

When one is looking for rugged outdoors gear, there are generally two ways to go: natural or synthetic. Synthetics have rip-stop, waterproof treatment, tend to be lighter weight and more technical, and usually require no maintenance. Natural materials tend to be a little more involved, requiring treatment to keep them waterproof but gaining character over time. But one of the best things about natural materials is that they generally won’t melt if you put them too close to your campfire or they happen to rub up against your exhaust pipe.

The Top Side Backpack by the Normal Brand, isn’t designed specifically for motorcycle use, but it is designed for hard, daily wear. There is a large main pocket with a section for a laptop and a separate one for a tablet. The canvas and leather both come treated to be water-resistant right out of the bag. There is an easily accessible multi-purpose flap-pocket in the front, perfect for storing a camera or any other items you may need quick access to. Very importantly for riders: there is a D-ring closure to secure the straps and keep them tight while on the bike.

This bag is designed to be worn in and out of the city, durable enough to take out on your adventures but stylish enough to carry to work for the day. We’ve been bashing this bag to the best of our ability and it has been taking it like a champ, starting to show a little wear now and gaining the character of its new owner.

If you’re looking for a versatile and stylish bag that can stand up to whatever you put it through, will last you ages, and won’t melt when you set it a little too close to the coals, the Top Side Backpack is an awesome option.

The Top Side Leather Backpack retails for $199.99 and is available at TheNormalBrand.com

cruiser parts and gear Cruising Dainese 36060 gear motorcycle jacket Other Motorcycle Blogs review tested

Dainese 36060: Powel Jacket Review

Post author By Morgan Gales
Post date June 17, 2015

Get the run down on Dainese’s fashion-forward canvas and leather riding jacket…