MotorCycle Mania

Airhawk Motorcycle cushion Fits Ducati Monster.

I am a dead set fan of these cushions. I have travelled tens of thousands of kilometres with an Airhawk on the Harley and the BMW and wouldn’t head off without it. I also have the car/truck seat version on both seats in the Van and the utility Airhawk cushion on my office chair. Like I said I am a BIG fan of this Airhawk stuff. Once tried you won’t go without it. I don’t.

The Ducati was another kettle of fish as the seat was much smaller. I spoke to Tom Thornley the Airhawk Guy and he told me he had sold plenty to sports bike riders who used the small pillion model which I already had for my wife.

There were a few issues at first with the Monster, and once I overcame these it worked a treat.

Here’s how it looks on the bike. Shame about getting old and spoiling the smooth visuals but you can’t see it once my lard arse is on the bike anyway.

As you can see it fits quite nicely and covers most of the available seat.

It fits on snugly with the supplied straps which have what I would call bra clips to adjust them. It goes on and off quickly if you want it to yet remains attached quite snugly. This means it doesn’t blow off if you lift your butt off the seat to stretch your legs.

In this podcast I talk about:

The correct inlation pressure.

Why the Airhawk works.

The issues I had with the Ducati Moster and how I fixed them.

Where to get one of your own. Airhawk Motorcycle Cushion

The difference it made.

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Got a comment? Hit the comment link at the bottom of the article and blaze away!

Vario Screen Solves Buffeting Problem of Standad GS Screen.

Don’t know about you, but the buffeting of the standard GS screen used to send me batty. Yet my mate who is shorter (I’m 180cm) never seems to have a problem with his bike. I’m not even sure if buffeting is the right word? It just used to rattle my helmet. I tried two different helmets and it rattled them both. It sems the standard screen disturbs the air at a particular height above the screen and you either cop it or you don’t, depending on your height in the saddle.

After 30,000+ k’s I decided I’d do something about it.

One of the options was an extension but they looked a bit tacky and the lower mounts needed strengthening also. I also felt it would permanently mark the original screen. I also couldn’t find anyone who would or could categorically state that this fixed the problem anyway.

After searching the bike mags for an ad that instilled me with confidence I gave Mick Owen a call in Canberra. Mick was very helpful and spoke authoritatively about the problem and a remedy.

He suggested the Vario split screen! Its a bit taller and is in two sections which seem to split the air and take the volume out of the disturbed air.

In the pic above you can see the split. Also note the adjustment between the screens. I have mine at full height.

In this pic you can see the difference between Vario and Standard screens on the bikes.

Got some remarks that the screen looked better and tell the truth I reckon it did.

In this podcast I talk about:  About 8 minutes

Whats in the box:

How easy does it fit:

Quality:

Adjustment settings:

Is it any good:

Tell me what you think! Please leave a comment below.

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Motorcycle Luggage Straps, Bags, Thermals, Shoulder Bags, Luggage and More.

Motorcycle thermals made by a motorcyclist! You’d reckon they would work?

I interview Andy White of Andy Strapz fame and get quite a look at his motorycling world. Every product in Andy’s catalogue (a lot) has been born of a motorcycling need or borrowed from another country to benefit motorcyclists here in Oz.

Andy started making luggage tie downs called “Andy Strapz” because he hated “occy straps” and with good cause. As a nurse Andy had seen one too many eye injury from these cantankerous little suckers and thought there had to be a better way. Once his mates saw how good they were, they wanted them too, just like every mate. And so his business was born.

I even bought a pair of these first run straps while travelling through Geelong about 8 years ago and had a great run with them.

Andy needed saddlebags so invented his own! His Expedition Panniers have had rave reviews and have a lot of cool features we discuss in this podcast.

Thermal Underwear was a pain in the but for motorcyclists so Andy designed his own! The sort of stuff he would want to wear on a bike, and it seems plenty of others do too.

I love the AABagz and wish I hadn’t spent over $200 on the BMW rear bag recently. Yes, the beemer bag is good but this one from Andy would have suited my needs better. I just didn’t know it existed at the time. I recently bought a set of Rain Off Overgloves from him at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Expo and we discuss these in length and answer all the questions you might ask if you wanted to buy some.

In fact we talk about a lot of his gear all made in his own factory in Melbourne making definetely Made In Australia. He also backs everything with a no hassles satisfaction guarantee. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this interview with Andy. I know I enjoyed the chat.

Over the last 8 years I have bought two sets of piggyback straps and a set of Rain Off Overgloves from Andy and paid full price so I give you my no bull “spent money and tried it opinion”

You can check out his Andy Strapz price list here

If you’d like to browse his site click here: Andy Strapz Web Site

If you use Andy’s stuff tell us what you think! Just hit the comment link below.

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Touratech 01-040-0274-0 handlebar risers for the BMW R1200GS

I bought these little suckers just before my ride to the Phillip Island Grand Prix. I had always felt a bit stretched to the bars. I am 179 cms and also use the Airhawk Seat Cushion which sits me up another cm or so.

The seat adjustment I use is high on the front and low on the rear and this seems to keep the seat nice and level without wanting to crush your nuts on the tank by sliding you forward as the other settings are want to do.

The risers make it way easier to manage the bike standing up and is much more comfortable when riding that way. Also my arms are much more relaxed and found the bike was easier to ride smoother and quicker.

I explain all in the podcast. Have a listen and leave a comment by hitting the comment link below.

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Fournales Shocks, Here’s the Lowdown After 30,000 Or So Kilometres.

In this podacst Andy talks about his affair with the Fournales Shockies on his Harley Wide Glide. Until I bought the BMW R1200GS the Harley was my main ride. And the main riding I did was longer distance touring, mostly one up but occaisionally with a pillion and all the gear stowed on board. I did and still do like scratching around the corners when they appear. I live in pretty flat country in the middle of South Australia so when I hit the twisties in NSW or Victoria I can’t help myself.

Of course with a wideglide this LITERALLY means scratching. I leave a souvenier wherever I “scratch”. Bits of exhaust, footpegs, crashbar, primary case or frame and when two up this can be serious metal abrasion. Or it was until I purchased and fitted the Fournales Shocks on the rear.

In this photo I have unscrewed the chrome cover and you can see the air valve at the top of the shocky

This is what a high pressure, low volume pump looks like. You will need one of these to go to 300psi.

In this podcast I’ll cover:

Fitting

Handling

Ride Height

Air Pressure

Dispelling the “Hard as nails” myth.

After many K’s with the Fournales I can safely say I wish I’d fitted them 100,000 K’s a go on the Wilma Wideglide. They have made a HUGE difference to the bike.

If you’ve got a Fournales story please hit the ”leave a response” button below and leave a comment!

By the way, If you wanted to give them a try on your bike for 30 days without any risk and full money back guarantee? I’ll tell you how to do that as well.

I did a lot of research on google trying to find some web based information, and couldn’t find anything worthwhile. However if you are interested in Fournales here is the email of the guy who imports them into Australia Bertrand Cadart. You can contact him on lefrogscorner@lycos.com. Yes he is French.

C’mon! why not review your Motorcycle, Motorbike accessory, your favourite ride or one recently ridden? Simply
send an email to andy@motorcyclemania.com.au with your best contact phone number and a brief outline of the review you’d like to do and I’ll phone you. We’ll set up a time to talk, I’ll interview you and record the phone call (unless you live close by, then I’ll visit). Then publish it on this site.
EASY, and you’ll be famous!

Or leave a comment by clicking the “leave a response” link at the bottom of this podcast!

To play the audio simply click the button below.

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Over 400,000 U.K. Motorcyclists Can’t Be Wrong! Can they?

In this podcast Andy interviews Edward the Australian importer and distributor of BUFF Headwear. And discovers that this internationally available piece of kit is bought by 400,000 people a year in the U.K alone, and most of them motorcyclists.

YET! You hardly see them in Australia. Why? If you listened to my review podcast about BUFF, you’ll know I am a convert and love my BUFF. It helps cool me on hot rides, keep me warm on cold days and even helps the helmet slip on my head.

Andy discovered which BUFF in the range is the best for cooling you down on those stinking hot Australian summer days, and why it works TWICE as good as regular coolmax! Also which BUFF is the warmest and how to wear one or two “original” BUFF’S to get the best heating or comfort effect.

You just won’t believe how technichal this simple motorcycle accessory is! Considering it squishes up smaller than a hanky, has no moving parts and yet, will survive a gunshot without fraying.

Get Paid $20.00 For YOUR Review!

Considering the “original” BUFF costs less than $30.00 I am amazed I don’t see more of these on the road.

Buff Pictures

For the girls, here is the answer to helmet hair and in the podcast Edward tells how Morgan and Wacker had the local postie (girl) test the BUFF before deciding to stock them.

So, learn how to:

• Beat the heat!                                                               
• Stay warmer!
• Avoid helmet hair!

With this simplest of simple and incredibly useful accessory.

And find out which State in Australia buys the most of the warmest BUFF’S. This answer will surprise you I guarantee it!

And all you BUFF owners out there, tell us what you reckon. Click the comment link and have a say!

Get BUFF Online

To play the audio simply click the button below.

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C’mon! why not review your Motorcycle, Motorbike accessory, your favourite ride or one recently ridden? Simply
send an email to andy@motorcyclemania.com.au with your best contact phone number and a brief outline of the
review you’d like to do and I’ll phone you. We’ll set up a time to talk, I’ll interview you and record the
phone call (unless you live close by, then I’ll visit). Then publish it on this siteEASY, and you’ll be famous!

Or leave a comment by clicking the comment link at the bottom of this podcast!

Cruise Control For The BMW R1200GS That Works?

In this podcast Andy talks about fitting the mechanical cruise control from Wuderlich. He has done a couple of trips with this now. One through Victoria and another up to Alice Springs in the centre of Australia. He explains how to fit the cruise control, how it works and a few pitfalls along the way.

Get Paid $20.00 For Your Review!

If you have ever wondered whether these things work or have considered buying one, then listening to this podcast could be what you’ve been looking for.

This is the link to the Motohansa site. Part number 8166145

And here are Photos of the Cruise Control fitted to Andy’s bike.

C’mon! why not review your Motorcycle, Motorbike accessory, your favourite ride or one recently ridden? Simply
send an email to Contact Andy with your best contact phone number and a brief outline of the
review you’d like to do and I’ll phone you. We’ll set up a time to talk, I’ll interview you and record the
phonecall (unless you live close by, then I’ll visit). Then publish it on this site.
EASY, and you’ll be famous!

Or simply hit the comment link at the bottom of this podcast! And say something!
.

To play the audio simply click the button below.

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Not In The Buff  But Just “Buff”.

In this podcast Andy talks about a problem he had with his new BMW full face helmet and wandering around with some time to spare he stumbled across one of the best motorcycle accessories around in “The Scout Shop”. Considering it costs less than $30.00 it’s probably the best value motorbike accessory too.

This motorbike accessory is simply called “BUFF” not the Buff just “BUFF”.

This simple and small microfibre cloth is an air conditioner, a warmer, beanie, sunshade, scarf and has a ton of other uses. Invented by Spaniard Joan Rogas a textile engineer and also trials rider and motorcycle tourer this garment has become a world wide hit, yet you don’t see many motorcyclists in Australia wearing one of these. Why not? They are brilliant. However you be the judge after hearing this podcast.

Get Paid $20.00 For Your Review!

BMW have branded their own Buff, Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph have branded some too. And there are enough other colours to be an individual, no matter what colour the mates have.

The Aussie Buff site.

C’mon! why not review your Motorcycle, Motorbike accessory, your favourite ride or one recently ridden? Simply
send an email to Contact Andy with your best contact phone number and a brief outline of the review you’d like to do and I’ll phone you. We’ll set up a time to talk, I’ll interview you and record the phone call (unless you live close by, then I’ll visit). Then publish it on this site.
EASY, and you’ll be famous!

Or simply hit the comment link at the bottom of this podcast! And say something!

To play the audio simply click the button below.

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The Airhawk comfort seating system has been thrashed and tested to extreme. In this podcast Andy describes how the Airhawk system works, how it fits, comfort and health problems it alleviates and whether it deserves the hype as the best motorcyle comfort accessory.

Get paid $20.00 For Your Review!

After a trip to Alice Springs we get the impressions of a large pillion who shared the ride on two BMW R1200GS’s. One with an Airhawk fitted to the pillion seat and one without. This ride also saw an Airhawk get shared between several riders on different bikes and their impressions. If you’ve ever thought of buying an Airhawk you better listen to this podcast.

You can see Photos of the Airhawk while I discuss them on audio.

Sore bum? you’ll find one! They fit almost everything form M.V. Augusta, Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Ducati, Harley, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, KTM Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, Yamaha and almost every model and probably a few others.

More Airhawk Info

C’mon! why not review your Motorcycle, Motorbike accessory, your favourite ride or one recently ridden? Simply
send an email to Contact Andy with your best contact phone number and a brief outline of the review you’d like to do and I’ll phone you.

We’ll set up a time to talk, I’ll interview you and record the
phonecall (unless you live close by, then I’ll visit). Then publish it on this site.
EASY, and you’ll be famous! And impress all your mates!

Or simply hit the comment link at the bottom of this podcast! And say something!

To play the audio simply click the button below.

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