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Ready to Perform
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MotorCycling Achievement in Design: Accessories
Arthur Coldwells
02/01/2007
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Photography by Cordero Studios/corderostudios.com
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If you have ever lifted a motorcycle onto a rear stand by yourself, you have
discovered the dangerous transition point—you are pushing down on the stand with
one arm, while trying to balance the bike with the other. It is just a matter of
time until the bike and stand aren’t perfectly aligned and the whole thing
topples over. In contrast, the UCS-1 steadies the bike vertically, before
raising it—all in one movement. Brilliantly simple, the stand absolutely works.
Zero Gravity first designed its unique Double Bubble windscreen in 1995.
Improving airflow over the rider, while reducing the frontal area of the bike
and rider combination, the windscreen appears as a “bubble within a bubble”,
which is exactly how it is made. All Zero Gravity windscreens are fabricated using a high-tech, blow-molding technique similar to that used to form aircraft
canopies. The result is a virtually distortion-free windshield that provides a
quieter, more comfortable ride.
Having won every single Supersport title
since the series began 18
years ago, Dunlop’s grip on the riding surface has
only been
exceeded
by its grip on the AMA Championship. The Qualifier now
carries Dunlop
to yet another level of excellence. Fitted to a
range of
different
machines we’ve tested, the Qualifier’s
profile helps the motorcycle
turn quickly, without encouraging
nervousness in a straight line. Grip
at the
outer edge of the
envelope goes away predictably; feedback to
the rider tends to
be a gradual feel, rather than a sudden let-go that
dumps them
on the road
unexpectedly.
 Power, handling and suspension are the triunity of
performance. These
products celebrate that collusion of talent. (Click image to enlarge)
In the cacophonic noise of the exhaust aftermarket, Arrow
Special Parts uses its considerable MotoGP and SBK experience to produce an
exquisitely made product that stands out from its peer group, and sounds sweet
while doing it. The Race Tech silencer is smaller and lighter, but does not
compromise inner volume and noise limiting capability. Full titanium systems are
available for most machines and can come with either carbon fiber or titanium
silencers. For track use, a removable end cap makes for a wicked-sounding pipe
that adds horsepower and helps mid-range torque, too.
 The effect suspension
has on a motorcycle’s handling is a difficult subject to understand, and getting
it right appears to require some voodoo. Öhlins Racing suspension has earned a
deserved reputation of being head-and-shoulders above the competition. The
ubiquitous gold-colored forks and shocks appear on most winning competition
machinery, as well as high-end street motorcycles. Undeniably expensive, Öhlins
products prove the adage of “you get what you pay for”, and the difference is in
the details. Internals designed and built to exact tolerances translate to
smoother action and better bump absorption on the road. The improvement is
apparent, even to intermediate-level riders. If you are looking to upgrade your
machine, this is one change that you will definitely notice and
appreciate. (Click image to enlarge)
Once you have modified your motor for the ultimate in
performance, a reliable fuel that can exploit your engine improvements is
needed. VP Racing U4 is a leaded, 92-octane, oxygenated fuel that out-powers
pump gas, while remaining legal for AMA amateur racing, as well as CCS, WERA and
AFM competition. We always keep a fresh drum handy.
www.cyclecat.com
www.zerogravity-racing.com
www.dunlopmotorcycle.com
www.arrow.it/usa | www.ohlins.com
www.vpracingfuels.com
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