Motostrano- TXT Us! 650-918-6259

I don't know. I don't FEEL cutting edge, but there is something new, fun, different and exciting about being able to communicate to customers and prospective customers via instant text messaging. I know we're not the first to do this, but still, kinda cool.

You may text us for anything at 650-918-6259. This goes to our office and our various wireless paraphernalia so we can respond (theoretically) to you question 24 hours.

Back in 2002, Motostrano was one of the first retail companies to email you a receipt right there on the spot for in-store purchases. It freaked some people out and pissed off those dudes who share their email with their wife - well, lesson learned.

Now, we can text local customers about orders ready for pick-up. We can respond to customers worldwide about order status or to provide price quotes.

Generation Y likes to text. Motostrano now accepts your text messages. (650) 918-6259

Gimoto Previews the WAS+ Riding Suit

Gimoto WAS+ suit

The importance of wearing the proper safety gear is no longer a secret to riders, with all manufacturers

seeking to develop new technologies that enhance the riders’ protection. From the same centre that designed an homologated airbag gilet ten years ago, Gimoto, comes a new riding suit, dubbed WAS+.


The new product reportedly encompasses the highest levels of resistance to abrasion, impact cuts and tears and seam bursting, with no compromises in rider comfort and quality of fit.

After a development lasting more than 1 year and after more than 400 tests have been carried out, the WAS+ suit was confirmed as exceeding CE EN 13595 level 2 – in all sizes and colours including made-to-measure.

Arm and leg zones are high risk zones, that require CE homologated impact protectors ('body armour'). Two levels of performance are specified for clothing providing protection against road impacts: clothing designed to give some protection whilst having the lowest possible weight and ergonomic penalties associated with its use (Level 1) and clothing providing a moderate level of protection, higher than that provided by Level 1 (Level 2).

There are however weight and restriction penalties in providing this level of protection.

According to Gimoto, all the materials and construction that are used in the WAS+ suit design exceeded all of the following tests:

• Tears resistance following
• Abrasion resistance of materials
• Maximum knife penetration
• Burst strength of seams and fastenings
• Chemical and ergonomic test

To satisfy the requirements of all these tests, Gimoto has perfected the development and introduction of a new elasticated fabric - called G-nforced - developed and patented directly by Gimoto and used exclusively in the WAS+ suit.

WAS+ also introduces the new 3D inner liner that reportedly gives greater breathability and comfort to the rider. Gimoto, however, did not reveal any pricing details for the moment.

Gimoto - Custom Italian Motorcycle Clothing

Motostrano has re-introduced GIMOTO motorcycle riding gear to the US market with the complete line of off-the-rack and custom motorcycle clothing products for racers and street riders.

Gimoto, based in Northern Italy, makes custom motorcycle racing suits, jackets, pants and gloves for track and street use. For the past ten years, Gimoto has quietly been making a name for itself in Europe and abroad as maker of fine motorcycle clothing, using latest manufacturing techniques and styles.

Motostrano began importing GIMOTO wear in 2003, delivering custom motorcycle racing suits, jackets and pants to the US market with rave reviews. The recession caused custom suit sales to decline, so the company took a pause from offering GIMOTO in the USA. With the recession now over and people getting back on bikes, customers are again asking for well-fitting leather suits for street riding, track days and racing. Gimoto is being reintroduced to the American market and is now imported exclusively by Motostrano.

Gimoto differs from other custom motorcycle clothing makers. Only Gimoto offers worldclass design techniques rivaling those of the major brands in protection and style. Not only can Gimoto customers own a suit that is as protective as an Alpinestars or Dainese, but it also looks as good too. Combine that with infinite customization options, from size, to color, to logos, name and number and you have an interesting package for the professional racer, the amateur racer, the track day patron and unique street rider.

Ride a BMW S1000RR white/blue/red and want a custom suit to match it exactly? Not problem. Gimoto's on the job. Your and your buddies and forming a pro am race team and going to give the big guys a run for their money in the AMA and need 3 sets of matching race suites for the season? No problem. Gimoto's on the job. Always wanted to have a kangaroo leather custom fit classic riding jacket in purple leather? No problem. Gimoto's on the job.

Gimoto offers road race suits, supermoto suits, minimoto suits, touring suits, suits for men, women and youth. Suits can be made in just about any color and are offered both in Cow and Kangaroo skin.

Ordering up a suit is easy. Call us or visit the Motostrano web site. Download the custom measurements form. Get a friend to help take your measurements. You can send us your measurements and you can also go to www.gimoto.com to visualize your custom color options.

If The Boots Fit

If The Boots Fit

Motostrano has been selling motorcycle boots for nearly 9 long years. I didn't think of myself as becoming a high tech shoe salesmen when I started this company, but in fact that's what happened, in part And I've come to like that aspect of what I do. I like shoes. I like boots. They let us do what we want to do in comfort and safety and there's something "bionic" about motorcycle boots when you start to analyze them.

Motorcycle boots are highly technical pieces of body armor localized at your feet. Without them, think of your feet, unprotected, dangling in the air
Motorcycle Boots
If The Boot Fits
with the whir of four or five buzz saws not 5 inches away, moving around, up and down. That's how I think about it.



Kind of like ski boots, but you can't walk in ski boots. Ski boots are kind of lame that way. Motorcycle boots are sort of like what you get when you want a running shoe designed for a cross country race on a volcano on a planet with no gravity- highly specialized technology for protection, safety, cooling and comfort.


One of the secrets that many riders don't know is that the leading boot companies don't only compete with each other on price, or similar boot categories or style, but also on he actual foot shapes and molds that each company relies on for all of their boots. Aside from all the technology and feature patents, it's those foot molds that each company has developed over the years that define what part of the market they serve and what boots fit who.

Motostrano's main boot brands have always been SIDI and Alpinestars, followed by Gaerne and Puma and over the years we have become very familiar with the ins and outs of their quality, performance and features. Whether you are in the market for a pair of boots now or later, please feel free to contact us by phone or by email with your boot questions.

And what do you think of our new newsletter format?

www.motostrano.com

Alpinestars Close-outs - How To Save Money and Get Great Gear

Being one of the larger, if not the largest, supplier of motorcycle clothing in the world - I like to call them the NIKE of the motorcycle world when describing the company to newbies - Alpinestars develops a lot of product each year, a lot of new product. And with the new product, comes a lot of old product, a lot of stuff that needs to be let loose, set to sail, off into the sunset, kicked out the door to more happy trails, instead of some dusty old warehouse. Alpinestars Close-Outs.

There's nothing wrong with stuff that's on close-out, or clearance. Even though the stuff that replaces it is supposed to be better- some times it actually isn't! Some times the new stuff comes out and it's cheaper, thinner, less. The old stuff, can be better, more.

Sometimes, the close-out stuff has some "issues", or "tissues" as my son would say. A size run will be off, run small, or big, causing chaos at the warranty and returns desk. Sometimes, a $69 gloves should have been a $55 glove. Sometimes, an item built for a certain riding style will be eclipsed by another brand, or another product of the same brand. Why stuff doesn't sell is often a mystery.

Like any builder of stuff, some times Alpinestars just plain makes too much stuff, other times, they don't make enough stuff. Some times they'll make too much of a specific colored stuff, other times the styling of the stuff will be a little off to the price, or a new item is introduced that puts the old stuff to shame, sending it to the back of the room with its tail between its legs. Other times, people just can't afford to buy the stuff! Other times, there's no sense at all to it.

Whatever the reasoning - Alpinestars produces a lot of close-outs each year and Motostrano has a habit of watching the close-out list like a hawk so we can in turn offer our customers some great deals on last years price-reduced clearance items from one of the best motorcycle apparel companies in the world.

It's a tough game to play. You got some dough and don't want to spend it. But, your moto threads are stinky or ripped or non existent and up comes all this new stuff that you can't afford. Dig a little deeper and you'll see last years stuff on sale for as much as 50% what it sold for just a few weeks ago. Wow. Great.

We've been selling motorcycle stuff and Alpinestars in particular for 9 years. We've seen a lot of product come and go and we've made a lot of it go ourselves. We know a little bit about this game of close-outs.

Motorcycling has two main seasons. The beginning. The end. The beginning is about Spring and Summer. The end is about Fall and Winter. New products from all makers of moto stuff are released around these times, which means old stuff is jettisoned out the door around the same time. Good riddance!

Once a batch of product is put on close-out, it's only a matter of weeks before all the good choice, colors and sizes are gone. So, a main point of advice here is that if you want the good stuff, buy early. Buy when it's raining, not in the middle of summer. In other words, buy motorcycle stuff, when you are probably out skiing, or locked up in your garage with the space heaters purring.

Depending on the product, the economy and last year's buying habits, the quality of what goes on close-out varies radically. One year there might be complete size and color runs of top tier leather suits, jackets and boots. Other years, you're stuck digging through size 4xl pink perforated mens jackets with matching assless chaps. It's all over the board.

Close-outs are close-outs. They are on clearance. They are priced to move and NOT COME BACK. If you're expecting to buy something at 80% off retail, get it and return it because it doesn't match your socks. Think again. Most close-outs are going to be final sale type deal, with the exception of a store credit or exchange option, as with Motostrano. We allow returns on standard close-outs for exchange or store credit. But, I can tell you, we sure don't like to take back close-outs. So, try to keep them if you can, please.

Be flexible on color. If you are like most of the dark, gloomy, colorless, drab and dull American motorcycle men out there, if it isn't BLACK, all black, you won't buy it. Riders in South American and Europe will wear any imaginable color combination of gear. Americans buy black motorcycle gear or none at all. Like our cars, which are nearly all silver or gray or pewter, our moto gear for street has to be black.

But black is not on sale. Almost never. Sorry. What's on sale? Blue is on sale. Red is on sale, White is on Sale and Green, Yellow and Orange are DEFINITELY on sale. Primarily, because you aren't buying those colors at regular prices. Never have, never will. I often wonder why they are even around, except perhaps to round out a catalog. Personally, I would not want to make things, I just new would not sell. So, I don't get that.

DON'T be flexible on fit. Look, this stuff is made and you are spending your hard earned dollars on it to PROTECT you. If it looks good in the process that's good too. It's also made to keep you comfortable. Don't buy, keep or use a close-out item based on price alone. If it isn't the right size, don't keep it. Give it away, throw it to the Ebay dogs. Trash it, wear it for Halloween next year. An unfitting motorcycle garment will do you no amount of good.

(If you're not local to our store and you're buying online, sight unseen, one of the things you can do to avoid buying the wrong size is call us. Talk to us. Email us. Get us on the phone. Ask us how tall we are, how much we weigh, get us to get off our chair and go try on a jacket or suit, then have us come back and tell you how it fit. We're happy to do it. ASK US ANYTHING AT ALL)

At 50% off retail, you start to loosen up your color matching principals and have even been known to .... mismatch colors and for instance, wear a red jacket on a blue Yamaha. I know, I know, blasphemy. But, if it involves saving $200, I've seen it happen, even with most fashion conscious men among us.

So, now you know some of the secrets to buying Alpinestars close-out gear. Doing so, is a great way to get your mitts on some quality motorcycle gear at some tasty prices. We're happy to offer it to you. We're happy to sell it to you.

Still have questions? Call us, email us.

Some Beautiful Warp 9 Supermoto Wheels

The Warp 9 folks had some wheels done up custom with some beautiful orange rims that a customer backed out on. They called us up to see if we would want them and we said sure! We have customers dying for these.

Here they are. Really beautiful wheels, border line works of art. Explosive orange color. These wheels are in stock and on display at our store and can be ordered up any time. Just visit our web site, for Warp 9 Supermoto Wheels

BUY THESE WHEELS HERE

Motostrano, the supermoto specialists, sell more supermoto and more warp 9 supermoto wheels than any one on the planet. Really! Order online with confidence, call us up on the phone, or drop on by our show room. We are happy to help you with your supermoto wheel purchase.


In addition to Warp 9, Motostrano carries Marchesini, Excel Talon, DNA, Kite, HAAN and other wheels. You can have them in any color you like. Ready to roll.

Motostrano Now Sells Givi's Trekker Series Cases

GIVI’s Trekker Series

CHARLOTTE, N. Carolina. – With over 30 years of injection molded cases GIVI finally breaks the “mold” with our new aluminum Trekker series.

With GIVI’s continual efforts to understand and adjust to market trends in line with our proven designs and technical innovations comes the new dual purpose polypropylene/aluminum Trekker case series

The new GIVI Trekker series is designed to offer the functionality, durability and style associated with GIVI cases to meet the more rugged and demanding needs of the dual purpose market. The new Givi Trekker luggage series is offered in 2 sizes, 33 liter and 46 liter incorporating our standard full lid opening (clam shell opening) as well as an optional top lid opening for convenient top loading selected by way of a toggle latch. The Trekker is molded in durable polypropylene and the lid is finished with brush aluminum panels secured by stylish, protective molded bands, the fully waterproof Trekker series comes complete with our patented GIVI latch mechanism. The Trekker is also available as a complete 3 case set up TRKPACK3 including 2 x TRK33N and 1 x TRK46N and will be supplied with matching locks and keys. Additional accessories available for the Trekker series will include, top case back rest, top case luggage rack, custom inner bags and cargo net securing hooks.


ABOUT GIVI
With over 30 years experience in the motorcycle and scooter aftermarket segment, GIVI now manufactures and distributes to over 45 countries worldwide with dedicated distributions centers in 12 countries including 2 warehouse distribution facilities here in the US. Starting initially as a fairing manufacturer GIVI has grown to be the #1 choice manufacturer and supplier of hard detachable luggage, that has included factory supplied options for Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and Can AM to name a few. The GIVI product range now currently includes an extensive range of hard and soft motorcycle luggage with specific mounting hardware solutions for over 200 model motorcycles and scooters, replacement and universal windshields, as well as a very innovative range of ¾ and modular full face helmets.

How To Install An Exhaust System

This video created by Leo Vince explores the technical steps of installing a full exhaust system on your motorcycle.

Akrapovic Yamaha World Superbike Team livery for 2011

The 2011 Yamaha World Superbike Team has unveiled the livery they will run for the upcoming World Superbike season. The new design features a Yamaha blue corporate racing colour scheme. The livery takes its inspiration from both the famous Yamaha speed block design and also one of the colours of the current production model YZF-R1, giving the bike a modern sleek appearance whilst emphasizing Yamaha’s racing image. Also for 2011 the team will be using Akrapovic exhausts. The team features an all new rider line up for the 2011 championship with 28yr old Italian rider Marco Melandri, a previous 250cc World Champion, stepping across from MotoGP to partner 24yr old rider Eugene Laverty from Northern Ireland who steps up from the World Supersport Championship.

Motostrano, We Don't Snoop Your Cookies

or, "Motostrano, We're Not Creepy"

A funny thing happened this morning, which relates to you, to Motostrano and motorcycling. As it happened, I thought "how can I put a positive spin on this and relay a message to customers, highlighting differences in us vs our competitors", so here goes.

Sitting in bed on a wet Saturday morning, husband and wife, divided by toddler, each prone with their various internet gadgetry on their laps. Wife, video surfing some knitting thing on a laptop. Toddler, checking out anything to do with trains. Dad, looking at motorcycle stuff. Wife says "WTF, I'm sitting here looking at a video of the Russian National Orchestra and this cello player - he's an amazing player - and up pops this ridiculous banner ad at the bottom of the screen for some motorcycle company. Why? Do you do that?"

"That's a competitor honey. They're advertising on google and must be snooping the search history and cookies on that laptop and they think you're me. We don't do that." said I.

"That's awful, creepy. I'm not you! I'm me! It's not in any way connected with the thing I'm doing right now and it even kind of ruined the moment for me. &*#&$#" said she.

Even my 3 year old grimaced.

This competitor probably doesn't realize what they are doing with their ads. Some one at the company and other companies like them have simply selected a setting on Google's advertising network that spams their ads on just about any place on the network, regardless of what was searched for. Still, it's the advertisers responsibility to know where to draw the line in promoting their wares to the right people.

Case in point, Motostrano reserves it's paid online advertising to physical keyword searches and we keep them very narrow, to ensure that if you are eg. searching for "motorcycle gloves", you're searching for motorcycle gloves we actually sell. We narrow our ads and keywords significantly. We want a customer who knows what they want. I don't want a customer who is looking for something entirely different. For instance I would never advertise to some one 100% intent on watching a video of the Russian National Orchestra. It's just not our style. I'm not saying we don't like the Symphony. In fact, if you visit our store you might actually hear some on the Pandora. No, advertising to this person would be just plain rude. It would be like sitting in a concert hall and you're all relaxed and in the mood and in walks this dude in a motorcycle jacket and squeeky boots and drops you a card with "DUNLOP MOTORCYCLE TIRES FREE SHIPPING" on it.

Because, you can say all you want about how much you want to "connect with the customer" and provide excellent customer experience, but if you're invading their privacy just to get a customer, you've completely failed before they have even entered your store.

Alpinestars 2011 New Motorcycle Gear

You may have snow on the ground where you are, but it's nearly Spring time, which means it's nearly time to ride (yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee haawwwwwwwwwwwwwww). It also means that it's the time of year that all the new stuff for the year gets released from its development cage and unleashed to the throng.

Alpinestars, of course, has new stuff for you to buy.

The parts of it we like most are some cool looking gloves, called the Alpinestars Scheme Gloves. Made of Kevlar, these gloves seem to be light weight gloves with some good protection.

Alpinestars has also re-introduced and redesigned the ever-popular SMX2 Air Carbon Gloves with cool colors like orange for you katoomers.

Speaking of Kevlar. Alpinestars is either betting on increased interest in it, or they got a good deal on some close-out kevlar, because I'm seeing a lot of stuff made with the material this year.

In fact, there's a jacket, the Alpinestars Matrix Jacket, made out of the stuff. A sharp looking mechanic's style jacket. I'll buy being one of these for meself, thanks.

Lastly, the Alpinestars SP1 suit has got a remake and reduction in color options. Last year's really cool Blue and Red suits weren't the big hit, I am guessing, because the improvement this year is, no red, no black.

However, speaking of COLOR, there is a new very cool leather jacket model out for the sport bike rider. Dubbed the Alpinestars GP R Jacket, I like it in the black/green version. Says Alpinestars

"Designed to let you feel as cool as you look, the GP-R Perforated Leather Jacket features ventilated inserts in its supple, full-grain leather construction for enhanced airflow. • 1.3mm full-grain leather provides the optimum combination of durability, comfort and abrasion resistance. • Integrated Aramidic stretch panels in the shoulders allow full range of movement for extra comfort and control while riding. • Removable and adjustable CE certified Bio Armor protectors in the elbows and shoulders. • Chest and back pad compartments with PE protective padding (Alpinestars CE certified Bio Armor back protector insert and Bionic Chest Guards available as accessory upgrade). • Snap connection system allows integration with Alpinestars’ CE level 2 certified Bionic Race Back Protector (optional accessory). • Internal waist connection zipper allows attachment to selected Alpinestars leather and textile pants."

Sure, why not.

Alpinestars Close-out leather extravaganza

The Great Alpinestars Close-out leather extravaganza

This will known as the sale that rocked 2011. Alpinestars leather jackets starting at $180 in all kinds of sizes, all kinds of colors, available right now, while limited supply lasts. Save hundreds. Save even hundreds over what these were selling for just yesterday. Save money, get a jacket, ride, buy other stuff with all the money you saved. Jackes like the HALO, the Helius, Barcelona, the NYC, CR and Dragster are all marked down for your money saving enjoyment. Pssst. Tell a friend, after you've had a chance to pick out all the good stuff first of course. These are great deals that just got announced today and only come around a couple times a year, so get on it atMotostrano.com! Note- inventory goes fast at these prices. Prices are subject to availability.

Akrapovic Ducati Multistrada 1200 Exhaust is here

The much anticipated Multistrada 1200 exhaust from Akrapovic has finally arrived stateside and we're eager to get them on customer bikes. If you've been eyeballing this can for a while, now's the time to jump on them because only a very few got sent to the US, less than 10.

The unique looking exhaust shaves weight, adds horsepower and keeps the noise down. And, it looks a lot better than the Arrow version, in my opinion.

And boy does it look good. The Multistrada is absolutely the Penthouse model of the Adventure Bike category.

Scorpion EXO-500 Ardent Helmet

From a distance, the Scorpion Ardent helmet just looks killer. I like the subdued paint job that looks flowing and florescent at the same time. It has a hand-painted feel to it that is not too wild, but is. It quietly makes its point in very dark colors of neon and a pretty scary image on the back too

ICON's Patrol Waterproof Gear

I love ICON's Patrol jackets, pants and gloves. It's one of the best bits ICON has produced in years, in my view. They're working man's gear. The styling is there, the features are there and this time ICON got it right on sizing too.

You don't have to look like this when you put your waterproof stuff on. No one should look like this, ever, in fact. No one sits there smiling like their on the beach when their all wrapped up in rain gear and it's raining.

I think if ICON wanted to, they could have made something stupid. Most waterproof gear is. Look around at guys touring around on a cold weekend or in a bad commute and the type of riding gear that typically passes for good wet weather stuff looks like uniforms out of a Canadian circus or an Algerian road crew. It's ok to have some style in the wet and ICON delivers with their Patrol line up.

Jackets, Pants, Gloves, Boots.







Check out these features:

• Yellow colorway meet U.S. military PPE hi-visibility specifications
• Icon relaxed fit
• Waterproof seam sealed nylon textile chassis
• Removable Icon CE field armor impact protector elbow and shoulder
• Removable Icon dual-density foam back pad
• Heavyweight ballistic impact panels
• YKK waterproof zippers
• Magnetic storm flap closures
• 3M reflective panels
• Multiple intake and exhaust vents
• Removable hydration pocket (bladder not included)
• Twelve storage pockets
• Removable Thermolite insulated liner
• Upgradable to stryker CE back protector

Jorge Lorenzo video from Alpinestars Racing

From Start to Finish with Jorge Lorenzo from Alpinestars USA on Vimeo.

Maier Adventure Bike Fenders

Maier has introduced some adventure bike specific fenders and mud guards this spring.

Front fenders and rear mud guards are available for some of the more common motorcycles including BMW 650, 800, 1200, KTM 950, Suzuki DRZ and DL bikes. Good stuff.

"Maier USA is America's most trusted name in powersports plastics. As the Powersport Industy's largest manufacturer of custom and O.E.M. replacement plastics in the United States, our name and our products have withstood the test of time. Since our inception, we have led the way in producing top-quality bodywork and accessories for powersports racers and enthusiasts across the globe. Proudly manufactured in the USA and distributed around the world, our products have been used by racers and enthusiasts for decades with great satisfaction!"

Size Chart for Bionic Neck Support

Bionic Neck Support Selection and Fitting The table below provides a guide to the fitting process. Find your corresponding jacket size in the left columns of the table, compare to your chest circumference measurement, and then select a size of Bionic Neck Support frame on the right depending on how thick or thin (T) your chest is. 9-11 years old 72 (28.3") - XS XS 12-13 years old 76 (30.0") XS XS XS 14-16 years old 80 (31.5") XS XS S 42 32 85 (33.5") XS S S 44 34 88 (34.6") S S S 46 36 92 (36.25") S S M 48 38 96 (37.75") S M M 50 40 100 (39.4") M M L 52 42 104 (41.0") M M L 54 44 108 (42.5") M L L 56 46 112 (44.1") L L L 58 48 116 (45.75") L L XL 60 50 120 (47.25") L L XL 62 52 124 (48.8") L XL XL 64 54 128 (50.4") XL XL - 66 56 132 (52.0") XL XL -

Art of the Helmet: AFX FX 90 Scalar Helmet

Our "Art of the Helmet" post series explore some of the artistic merits of the motorcycle helmets available at Motostrano.com. Even the least expensive graphic helmet has an artist behind it. As such, these lids are canvases for self expression and wearing them projects thoughts, images, ideas.

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The new SCALAR Helmet from AFX, a new model for 2011, is an eye catching duo tone helmet featuring mechanistic, robotic, electronic graphic imagery in a 360 view around the helmet. Mostly a metal gray color, with red accents, the colorings of the helmet give off a metal, or brushed aluminum robocop look. To the right and left, are two large cylindrical modules that could be robotic motors, or removable covers, shields that give the operator access to the computer brain of the cyborg inside. The red accents coming from under the cover suggest a possible micro-reactor within the cover, a la IRON MAN.

The graphics add to the technological advances that this bare bones helmet perhaps lacks, depending on your point of view.

To the top and the rear of the helmet, there appear to be viewing windows that give inspection access to the computer's internals. Allows for adjustments, fine-tuning, upgrades, data dumps, or emergency shut-off, no doubt

The AFX SCALAR helmet is a sci fi futurists helmet, fitting for computer programmers, hackers, iphone users and other subversives who operate deep in dark depths of cyberscpace. Could be useful in combating aliens, interplanetary travel, etc. When you put the SCALAR helmet on, you are putting on a cybernetic robotic brain controller battle shield. This ain't no ordinary lid. Or is it?

The AFX Scalar(incidentally according to the big W, " a scalar is a simple physical quantity that is not changed by coordinate system rotations or translations (in Newtonian mechanics), or by Lorentz transformations or space-time translations (in relativity). This is in contrast to a vector. A related concept is a pseudoscalar, which is invariant under proper rotations but (like a pseudovector) flips sign underimproper rotations.") is based on the AFX FX90 helmet and retails for a pidley sixty bucks. AFX says the shell design is made from an "advanced lightweight composite poly-alloy", which is intriguing and adds to the mystery of the art on this helmet. T-1000, in Terminator 2, was made of "poly-alloy" or liquid metal.

The helmet features a removable and washable anti-microbial nylon hypo-allergenic helmet liner and cheek pads. These also feature ample ear cavity space for speakers - enhanced remote listing devices required for inter-helmet communicators or listening to pre-recorded musical arrangements over an MP3 player.

Adventure Bike Engine and Crash Guards

Motostrano is now a stocking dealer for the SW-MOTECH brand of adventure bike crash guards and engine guards. Makers of fine protection for BMW GS, KLR 650, Multistrada and the like, SW-MOTECC make skid plates, radiator guards from hard thick welded aluminum sheets.

Moose Utilities Mule Half Windshield

Moose Utilities makes aftermarket bolt-on parts for work horse Utility Vehicles. Moose has been trudging along making goods for ATV, Off road and UTV quads for some time and their catalog is now well rounded and solid.

Farms, ranches, vinyards and land owners use UTVs to get around and perform tasks that you can't do with a truck or tractor. UTVs are efficient and less expensive than a tractor or truck and can wiggle into smaller spaces better.

2011 Offers Poor Scope For Aftermarket

There's a serious problem in the aftermarket motorcycle arena right now. Very few people can afford to buy a new motorcycle at the moment, which means very few aftermarket companies can get demo bikes to test fit and build aftermarket items for them. 5 years ago, company X could send out an email or post on a forum "FREE Doohicky For Your Bike, just let me borrow your bike for a few days so I can take come measurements for and do some drawings, do some test fits" and 10 guys would show up with the latest model bike looking for a free part. These days, not a one will respond to such an advertisement, because NO ONE is buying 2011 bikes. If they are, they got no time to be chatting on chat boards.

The other way a maker would get specs on the latest model bikes, is by going down to the local dealer to take measurements on the show room floor. The problem with this model is that 9 out of 10 motorcycle dealerships are now out of business, gone, defunct, with the vultures at GE Capital having come in and carried away all the bike inventory because the dealership could not afford to pay the "flooring" financing associated with keeping bikes on the show room floor.

So, the problem is that very little aftermarket goods are being designed and released. What is able to make it to market is stuff that hasn't changed. That's it.

Tough times, tough times.

AFX FX39 Dual Sport Helmet

AFX helmets is in the process of releasing the all new AFX FX39 Dual Sport Helmet to the masses this February and Motostrano has already begun taking pre-orders for this great lid. You can buy this now at Motostrano.com.

The word from the manufacturer is that the AFX FX-39 DS gets started exactly where the very successfull AFX 37 DS Helmet left off, making a number of needed improvements in fit, aerodynamics and styling.

Over the past few years, Motostrano has sold more AFX Dual Sport helmets than any one on the planet. They appeal to the Supermoto rider, the Dual Sport rider and even the trail and ATV/ UTV rider who want a good looking and "not very expensive" helmet to ride with. These are inexpensive helmets, by a maker of inexpensive helmets, and a fine alternative for folks eyballing an Arai XD or Shoei Hornet.

The AFX 39 fixes some of the head pressure problems of the AFX 37, a common complaint. The visual distortion from the movable shield also seems to be fixed. The new AFX 39 is also more chistled, more like the new AGV AX8 DUAL helmet that is also due out this month.

This helmet retails for just $129.95 and comes in a wide variety of graphics and colors.

Alpinestars Durban Boots

What a great boot. And if you got the cajones to rock the black/gold version of this boot, we're going to tip our hat to you. I don't know what it is lately, but color is just not a fashion option these days. Consumers want black and they want it all black. 5 years ago, a vendor could manufacture race boots in yellow, in orange; jackets in bright red, white and blue and pants in white. Now? Impossible. To make a colored garment, even a blue or red item, is a sure bet of making something to fill a close-out bin in a years time.

The Alpinestars Durban boots are a wearable touring and commuting boot. Styling made for on and off the bike use. Soft leather. Very soft and comfortable leather. High end leather. There is a single piece panel that covers the inner. Inner protection is hard plastic, softer heel and front of foot for flexibility.

Top of the foot there are gear shifter inserts.

Buckles are made of light aluminum.

Inside, the boot features a 100% waterproof liner.

Dual sport boot meets tricked out hypermoto, multistrada, ktm 950 super enduro.

Match up the Durban Boot with the Alpinestars Durban Jacket and Alpinestars Durban Pants, both

Alpinestars Scout Boots - Dual Sporting Adventures

The Alpinestars Scout is a $279.95 boot that goes up against much more expensive competition in the dual sport adventure bike arena and challenges other models with a smooth price, full and basic features. This boot is suitable for dual sport touring and sport riding. The Scout is made of leather with a water poof membrane. The inner calf leather is smooth for excellent feel on the bike. Hidden impact resistance comes in the form of internal shin toe and heel counters. The stitched sole is engineered for exceptional grip on slippery surfaces with a dual compound rubber. The boot has a removable PE padded footbed and a mesh foot bed liner keeps the foot dry.

3 buckles feature a micro adjustable memory system.

This boot is available in 5 to 13 US.

A great boot for the multi-strada, klr, big beemer crowd.

Available right now at Motostrano.com

The New, at Motostrano

2011 stuff on its way

This is the time of year where manufacturers pour on the gravy with all their new additions, remakes and remodels. It's the time of year where we get to go to shows, get wined, get dined and preview product and we get big thick catalogs dumped off by the mail man showing all the new stuff our suppliers are making for us and you. It's also the time of year that we, as a business, spend a lot of time deciding what to include and what not to include in our catalog of products. Because, the fact is, it ain't ALL great and just because a manufacturer comes to us and has some stuff and a catalog, doesn't mean we'll put onto our web site and let you buy it from us. Yea, we're snobs in that way. We take some time to look at the product, the quality of the goods, the fit and the availability of the product. If it doesn't meet some basic standards, we move on, realizing full well that you or some one you know may end up buying product we turn down from a competitor. Alternatively, if you can already buy this new stuff at virtually every other company out there, we'll also often exclude it from our catalog. But, here's some new stuff that's made it into our 2011 catalog so far: Some new additions to our already huge collection of Dual Sport Helmetsfrom AFX, ICON and Arai. Street helmets from local boys KALI Protectives. We got the skinny onthese lids just yesterday and they look and feel great. All the same fit and finish as their dirt helmets, along with the great weight savings. Motostrano now offers the full line of GIANT LOOP adventure touring luggage. We have added in a whole collection of adventure bike tires, increasing the offering of on/off road tires. It makes it very easy to compare tread, size and price options. For the first time in our history, Motostrano is now selling First Gear, mainly their adventure bike riding gear. We have added the Antigravity line of extremely light weight motorcycle batteries. Forget buying that $300 carbon fiber doohicky for your Ducati and buy a battery that weighs less than half of your normal battery. Don't forget to check out our CLEARANCE deals athttp://www.twowheelsteals.com. As always, we at Motostrano appreciate your business and we eagerly look forward to helping you with your motorcycle parts and gear needs. Call us any time at 650 780 9306 and visit our web site. Stop by our store in Redwood City.

Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex Boots

If the standard SIDI Adventurer Boots are too rich for you, well here's a little more sauce for the fire. $625 will get you a GORE-TEX version of the Adventurer boot. The Sidi Adventure Gore-Tex Boots : Features top grain leather, soft rubber sole, removable arch support, cam lock buckle and goes up to size 48 for big guys.

Part of the reason for the big price is a larger than normal import duty fee on waterproof boots.

I think... let me check, yes, I believe these are the most expensive motorcycle boots we sell.

Alpinestars Adventure Touring Gear

Alpinestars offers a wide range of adventure touring motorcycle gear at all price points. Check out this video Alpinestars has put together highlighting some of the key features and design principals that go into each garment.

Durban Gear Put to the Test from Alpinestars USA on Vimeo.

Motostrano has been selling Alpinestars performance motorcycling for the past 8 years. You can order the Alpinestars jackets, boots, pants and gloves at our web site, or call our store.

Motostrano Gets Down To Business

Over the past couple of days, among other changes to Motostrano, you will notice a new tab of product categoy- UTV ATV. We added the category to our business to cater to businesses who use Utility Vehicles in their daily work cycles. Wineries, ranches, farms, hotels and business parks. Through our partnership with Moose Utilities, Motostrano is able to offer quality purpose-built products for Utility Vehicles like the Kawasaki Mule and others. Motostrano offers exterior and interior parts, lighting kits, bodywork, bumpers, storage and luggage for all makes and models of UTV. Pass it on!

Escape With Expedition Luggage and Racks

for your worldly and otherworldly travels.

Moose Racing is one of the most respected brands in off road gear, hard parts and apparel. For the past few months Motostrano has been selling theMoose EXPEDITION series hard luggage and rack systems which are designed specifically for Adventure bikes, such as the BMW F650 800, the KLR, KTM 640 and DRZ400 motorcycles. The Moose range of expedition hard cases and rack systems are designed to take a beating and hammer through thousands of both on and off-road miles. Customer feedback on these kits has been excellent so far. In the range, there's the complete rack system, which provides all mounting and racking for hard Pelican side cases. There's also a sturdy rear top case rack to mount a hard or soft case to. All in all, a well rounded rack system that is built for the really long haul. And we'll ship any order of these cases over $100 free when you use coupon code: moosex1 Don't forget to check out our CLEARANCE deals athttp://www.twowheelsteals.com. As always, we at Motostrano appreciate your business and look forward to helping you with your motorcycle parts and gear needs. Call us any time at 650 780 9306 and visit our web site. and motostrano now offers Moose Utility UTV and ATV products

The Oldest Thing For Sale In Our Store

Every store has them. Every store wants to get rid of them. Eventually, they may even end up in the trash, given away at some "raffle" at an open house, or some how, some where, a buyer will stumble in, trip over and discover the long lost product they have been searching all over the globe for and tremble with excitement at the thought of paying top dollar for it. These things are: The Oldest Thing For Sale In Our Store.

Typically covered in dust. Often stacked in a box "in the back", many of these things may have been "top sellers" in their day. For various reason, their fame and purpose has faded like washed up performers in some dive bar on off the strip in Vegas.

3 years old, 5 years old, 7 years, sitting on a shelf with no buyer. Some of these things will find their resting place in our store due to a return, following a special order, followed by a clearance from the manufacturer. Others end up here because their style sense quickly and without fanfare came and went out of the consciousness of the buying public without notice.

At some point, they become the joke of the store. "Jeez, that thing is still here!? You know how old that is?". More often than not they are the subject of scorn, the symbol of some unpaid bill, or a bad recommendation from a sales rep with a crappy return policy.

So, we thought, we'd highlight some of these "Oldest Things For Sale In Our Store" from time to time and let you know that we have one of them here, whatever it is, waiting for you, or waiting for your friend, or a friend's friend.

Perhaps not THE oldest thing in the store, but certainly one of them are these boots, in size 5 made by ICON, that have been on the shelf here at Motostrano since.... the Summer of 2006. I hate them. Yea, you read it, size five. We not only have these, we have FIVE of them, sitting here, collecting dust. Can't return them. Can't sell them. I hate looking at them. Women's Icon Bombshell Boots. All the craze in 2006! And, not only are these sitting here, in our store, collecting dust, but as ICON products, "current products" they are price protected by a very strict MAP advertising policy, so we cannot advertise any type of sale on them, can't advertise a discount online for them, in any way. If I could, I'd sell them for fifty bucks. Five year old boots in size five, five them. Purchased likely in error in 2006, some one went a little click-happy on the order button, it seems. But back in 2006 we could actually sell these boots!

Here they sit - The Oldest Thing For Sale In Our Store.

Stay tuned.... for more of "The Oldest Thing For Sale In Our Store"....

Pretty Parts For Your Moto

Motostrano has been selling Rizoma's complete line of bolt-on aftermarket motorcycle jewelry for the past 8 years or so. Made in Italy. Imported by Motostrano directly from Italy to our store here in California, it shows- we like our pretty parts, no matter how manly we may be.

Red anodized sprocket bolts. Polished silver rim nipples. Drilled and powder coated clutch covers, with little designs on them. Gold anodized covers for our brake fluid reservoirs. These things are important.

Rizoma is well-known for manufacturing high quality bits for a wide variety of sport bikes, with a heavy leaning on Ducati parts. Clutch covers, rearsets, levers, sprocket covers, mirrors, handlebars and other items are made typically from high quality anodized aluminum and carbon fiber and available in multiple colors. Some Rizoma parts are purely aesthetically oriented giving your sport bike a unique, custom look. Other parts are designed to be functional and ergonomic improvements over your bike's stock set-up.

One of the nice things about Rizoma parts is that all of them are easy to install in your own garage, with basic tools and, even though most of us are not mechanics, there's a particular pleasure we all get out of spending some quality time in the garage, making little improvements to our motorcycles, with basic tools and some care.

For 2011, Rizoma has carried over nearly all of their legacy parts from previous years and they've added a number of very cool items that you may not have seen yet. Give them a look when you have a free moment. 8 years going, there's still nothing quite like Rizoma.