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New Products
 Nelson-Rigg
CL-350 Classic Tank Bag
What appears to be your basic tank bag is more than meets
the eye. The new CL-350 from Nelson-Rigg provides over 20 liters of storage in a
well thought out, yet simple design. One main compartment and two side pockets
provide all the storage you’ll need for a full day ride. A zipper on the lower
base allows an additional 3 inches of expandability, too. Easy on/easy off
magnetic mount (for strap users there’s the CL-450) makes it simple to access
the gas tank for quick fill ups. As with all N-R luggage this one comes with a
rain cover, too, so nothing gets wet during spells of liquid sunshine! Comes with
carrying straps and backpack conversion.
Available through Seattle Cycle Center,
Cycle Barn and other Northwest Nelson-Rigg
outlets. ($69.95)
 Motorcycle
Journeys Through The Pacific Northwest – Bruce Hansen
The latest in this series from Whitehorse Press includes
over 30 trips through the Northwest. Portland school teacher Bruce Hansen brings
a side to Northwest motorcycle touring that has yet to have made print. While
his nearest competitor, the Destination
Highways series (BC and WA only) gives readers lots of tips on short rides,
Hansen’s book creates long multi-day trips that begin and end from major
metropolitan areas like Portland, Vancouver B.C. and Seattle. Hansen also shares
his opinions about food stops and accommodations along each route. As he’s not
partial to camping, you’re on your own in finding those accommodations which can
easily be remedied with a good Road and
Recreation Atlas from Benchmark. This two-wheel guide is key to unlocking
some of the better roads in Oregon, particularly because it’s the first of its
kind to come to market with this much detail on the state.
290 pages – available from Sound RIDER!
($24.95)
 Nelson-Rigg
Volante VTL-700 Rain Suit
Nelson-Rigg has been creating quality rain gear for quite
a while now – so why fix it if it ain’t broke? Fashion seems to come to mind.
The Volante is top-of-the-line rainwear that not only works but looks great too.
It comes in three color options with sizes ranging from S-4XL. N-R has made the
interior seam tape accessible for quick fixes if ever needed. While it ships
with its own plastic carrier we found this to be cumbersome and utilized mesh
storage bags during our test, which greatly reduced needed storage area and
allowed the gear to breathe when packed damp.
Available through Seattle Cycle Center,
Cycle Barn and other Northwest
Nelson-Rigg outlets. ($89.95 - $99.95)
 Riding
The World – Greg Frazier
World tourer Greg Frazier has been self publishing books
for over a decade. Bow Tie Press (publishers of David Hough’s Street Strategies
and Proficient Motorcycling series) have brought Frazier on board to publish one
of his most important books to date. Inside Frazier shares his experiences,
opinions and personality as he traces his adventures over four trips around the
world. How to pack, how to route, various road conditions by country and heaps
of wisdom provide food for thought for the dreamers that are contemplating a
long adventure on two wheels.
168 pages – available from Sound RIDER!
($19.95)
 Garmin
GPSmap 60C
If you’re fed up with hauling maps, guide books and
atlases on the road with you, pre-route your ride at home and upload it to the
Garmin GPSmap 60C. The 60C incorporates all the features Garmin has become
famous for over the years in a pocket sized package that really packs a wallop.
When combined with Garmin’s City Select software (sold separately - $130) users
can pre-route and navigate unknown stretches with ease. Want to take a side
road? The NavTech system allows recalculations of the route as you ride. The 60C
comes with a color screen and boasts a 30 hour battery life when utilizing two
alkaline AA batteries. Our testing showed about 15 hours of life when utilizing
two Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries.
Available through Touratech, REI and other Garmin retailers ($450)
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