Archive for the ‘Weird and Wonderful’ Category

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Everyone knows your clothes say a lot about you and when it comes to motorcycle gear bikers are more style conscious than your average road user. It used to be that you had to wear a one piece leather outfit for full road credibility but today more and more styles are available in durable textile fabrics that allow greater flexibility, are less heavy and come in a better range of colours. Read on to find out what type of biker you are and which style of motorcycle jacket will suit you best.

You are James Bond

If you’re a biker who needs to look sophisticated but still wants their clothing to contain every feature going then the Buffalo Endurance Motorcycle Jacket is well worth a look.  We think this full length motorbike jacket looks smarter than some of Sean Connery’s tailored dinner outfits. It comes with a leather and textile mix, Thermomix insulation, a removable quilt lining, vents for extra breathability, adjustable sleeves and waist, reflective detailing, armour, and storm resistant pockets. Plus, unlike 007’s black tie attire, this piece of kit-wizardry costs under £110. The only thing missing is that pen Sean clicks to blow up buildings.

Buffalo Endurance: smart in both senses of the word

You are Road Runner

Bikers need a no nonsense jacket that is lightweight and gives full freedom of movement if, like Road Runner, they enjoy filtering through the traffic and zipping down the country lanes. To keep ahead of Wile E. Coyote Ghostbikes recommend the Spada Delta Textile Motorcycle Jacket. This motorbike gear is 100 per cent breathable, with twin zipped ventilation, a good set of built-in armour and removable quilted lining. It is great value at under £90 and its simple and sleek look makes it popular with bikers who want to get up and go.

Spada Delta: less of the frills, more of the thrills

You are Suzi Perry

If the idea of wearing butch black motorcycle gear with fluorescent strips and orange motorcycle boots makes you want to die and you want something with a feminine twist then check out the Duchinni Cozzie Ladies Motorcycle Jacket. This black and pink number is less than £75 but still contains all the features of a modern man’s biking coat. This includes shoulder and elbow armour, zipped pockets, removable quilt lining and sleeve and waist adjusters. The only difference is that other road riders won’t be mistaking you for Simon Cowell – they’re more likely to wonder if you’re top riding celebrity Suzi Perry.

Duchinni Cozzie: for females who want to stand out as women on the roads

You are Mr Difficult to Please

Some people are just difficult. They want every feature going and, if that is you, there’s the Oxford Bone Dry Hybrid Motorcycle Jacket. This has a mix of tough leather and flexible fabric, so you can impress both the traditional roadie and the new age biker. This jacket can be bought for less than £100 but still has all the mod cons – including armour on the elbows and shoulders to keep your insides inside and a removable thermal lining to keep you warm on the roads. It’s fully windproof, waterproof and breathable and you can turn it into a one-piece by ziping it onto Bone Dry Hybrid Trousers. This is meticulously designed – it even has rubber coated buttons designed to stop them scratching your tank.

Bone Dry Hybrid: designed with features to impress every rider

You are a True One Percenter

In 1947 the American Motorcyclist Association suggested that 99 per cent of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, and the last one percent were outlaws. This has sparked the term “one percenter”, which has been used by rebellious members of the motorbiking world ever since. If you see yourself as a road rogue then the Spada Camo Waterproof Motorcycle Jacket is just for you. This urban camouflaged kit is 100 per cent waterproof and breathable. It has elbow, shoulder and back protectors and can be adjusted at the sleeve and waist to fit. It’s the perfect style for riders who want to blend in to the urban environment. At less than £65, it’s a steal – just don’t get any ideas.

Spada Camo: perfect gear for the fast and furious

Which motorcycle personality are you? Let Ghostbikes know…and have a great New Year on the roads!

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Here are just a few tips designed to ensure 2010 is not only the year of the Tiger, it’s also the Year of the Biker:

Make the most of your motorcycle
There’s no point in having a powerful, preened machine if you only use it once a year. Real bikers enjoy the freedom of the open road every week – and biking to work doesn’t count!

On your bike!: a rolling stone gathers no moss and a biker on the road...well, they're a proper biker

Stop leaving your bike unlocked
It’s a common crime for riders. But come on guys, there are plenty of good quality disk and cable locks around. They don’t always come cheap but paying out for one is better than having some grubby chav nick off with your ride while you were picking up the fish and chips.

Under lock and key: thieves won't take your bike if you don't let them

Get involved with a biking group
They’re sometimes quite hard to find and the occasional biking clan can be a bit clique-y but having a group of like-minded mates to ride alongside can make the difference between a dreary trudge down a miserable lane to a roaring group event full of friendly banter. Plus riding with a group is a great excuse to head off down the pub afterwards.

Huddersfield Motorcycle Club proves 15 heads are better than one

Loose it once you’ve used it
Remember that bump you had last summer? Well if your helmet was knocked or dented its ability to protect you in a crash will have been completely compromised. Helmets are only designed to put up with one impact – after that their internal structure is damaged, meaning they won’t cushion your head properly in a crash. Use it as an excuse for an upgrade.

Need an upgrade: the Arashi 888 Flip Front Bluetooth Helmet is just £39.99 and even includes Bluetooth.

Be more ambitious
Planning new routes is easy. Sites like Google Maps let you put in multiple destinations and plot the best roads to use. You can print off quick directions. So go to Scotland, get out to Ireland, tour the coast.

North rider: Motorcycle Scotland is just one of many websites that helps riders plan amazing routes.

Tell me about it
After you’ve been on a great ride you will want to let the world know and one of the easiest ways to record and share your adventures is on a blog. You can set up your own at Blogger.com or Wordpress.com very easily and use it like a diary, adding an entry each time you’ve been out with the wind in your hair. You can even add the inevitable embarrassing photographs of you in your leathers!

Okay, you’re not going to change the world with these resolutions – but you can always join the gym and organise your filing next year – 2010 is dedicated to having some serious fun.

This page was brought to you by Ghostbikes. It is one of Europe’s biggest sellers of motorcycle boots, helmets, jackets, gloves and biking accessories. The Preston-based company has a whole selection of gear available for professional and enthusiastic motorcyclists looking for top quality brands and exclusive products.

You can visit their site at http://www.ghostbikes.com for all the latest products at unique prices.

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Splash out this Christmas and impress a bike rider who is close to your heart. We’ve come up with the ten most coveted biking helmets and boots – made for professionals and guaranteed to turn heads.

  1. Designed by internationally renowned racer Michael Schumacher, the Schuberth C3 Flip-up Motorcycle Helmet is the world’s smallest and quietest flip helmet. This high class kit keeps noise down to only 84dB while travelling at 60mph. Schuberth is renowned for its advanced technology and it’s not hard to see why. The helmet incorporates Bluetooth support, grade A optics, quick release locking visor and a multi-ventilation design. At £404.99 it is fast becoming the Holy Grail of motorcycle helmets.

     

    Helmet Head: the lightest in its class, the Schuberth weighs only 1,000 grams

  2. The best looking motorcycle footwear to come out this year has got to be Sidi Vortice Boots. Their features are incomparable – they have shin, calf and instep tensioners, their own air ventilation system, an Teflon mesh lining, and a patented Lorica outer fabric. But to really appreciate these red and black race £269.99 boots, you’ve got to see them.
  3. New for Autumn 2009 the Shoei XR-1100 Motorbike Helmet uses technology previously only seen in the likes of aircraft and racing cars. For example, it incorporates the new CW-1 visor which offers a 120° view, which is more than any other helmet in its class. Shoei’s all new aerodynamic shell construction allows for an optimised air flow, making the helmet extremely stable even at high speeds. Best of all, you get the most notorious brand of helmet in the business. £299.99 – £379.99.
  4. Motocross riders need the ultimate protection for rough off-roading. Sidi’s Crossfirer MX Boots completely shield the leg with a hinged, dual position, stitch-free upper constructed from injection-molded plastic. The boots’ four floating, independent straps provide each rider with a personal fit no matter his body shape or if he uses knee braces or not

     

    Motocross with added momentum: Sidi Crossfires offer the longest list of features in their class

  5. The HJC FG-15 Trophy Ben Spies Replica Helmet is identical to the helmet worn by this 2009 Superbike Champion. Developed in a wind tunnel for optimised aerodynamics, this helmet is ready for anything an experienced rider will put it through. At £219.95 it’s a great buy.
  6. The official Shoei Multitec Flip Up Helmet is composed of loads of great features – which guarantees a smile on your favourite biker’s face this Christmas. It is composed of organic fibreglass for a shock-absorbent shell with optimum rigidity. Plus it-s a Shoei – ask any rider what that means. £332.99.
  7. Every motocross fan knows that even when you’re racing through the mud it’s still a great feeling to have solid kit that you can trust and that looks amazing. The latest fibreglass Airoh Stelt Monster Energy Motocross Helmet excels in all this criteria. It’s unique colour graphics will ensure you stand out from the crowd for £292.50.

     

    Frighteningly good looking: the Airoh Monster has a unique design that leaves competitors behind

  8. The Shoei Hornet DS Enduro Helmet is a sleek piece of kit for a serious biker who is looking for maximum quality of design and materials. The £296.99 helmet includes Shoei’s world famous aerodynamic shell design, a very low weight, reliable ventilation and an ACU Gold Approved rating.
  9. Airoh’s Stelt Evo Avenger Motocross Helmet is an amazing looker and is pretty smart too. This £283.49 piece of pro-biking kit has an exclusive yellow, red and black design and a carbon based outer shell, ensuring maximum durability the associated heavy weight.
  10. Used by the best motorcycle racers on earth the Shoei X-Spirit 2 Motorcycle Helmet is a proven champion in the ultra-high spec crash helmet catagory. Using Japanese manufacturing techniques this £479.99 Shoei is a masterpiece. There is no other helmet like it.

     

    The ULTIMATE stocking filler: the Shoei X Spirit II

These products are sure to dazzle your favourite rider this festive season. You can find them all at www.ghostbikes.com.

Or why not check out Ghostbikes Christmas gift pages. Peruse our gift ideas for under 50, 100, and 150 pounds as well as our section dedicated to stocking fillers. You can spoil all your riding pals rotten in 2009.

We stock a whole range of Christmas ideas for motorcycle fanatics and, even better, as long as you place your order before the 22 December, Ghostbikes staff promise to have your gift delivered before the turkey is out the oven!