Motorcycle Cruiser

The Zeyner Backfire Leather Backpack And More

By Evan Kay

March 6, 2009

Pack In Black
The Zeyner Backfire leather backpack transcends function into the realm of leather art. Measuring 13 x 183/4 x 71/2 inches, the Backfire can swallow an entire 17-inch laptop computer into its built-in padded pocket. The interior also contains a multitude of well-thought-out pouches and compartments for anything you need to carry. The premium cowhide pack features a flat bottom so it can stand up on its own, plus an "air-flow shaped cushion" to keep your back cool. The Backfire lists for $460 and is also available in ballistic nylon for $260. Find a dealer and more details at zeyner.com.

Plug Away
If you're a gadget junky you're going to love the Formotion Power Pod. It's a heavy-duty, chrome-plated power outlet that can run all your 12-volt accessories on-bike. It mounts anywhere that grounds to the motorcycle frame and has a 20-amp fused lead that attaches to the battery's positive terminal.

On top, there's a metal cap covering a standard cigarette lighter and socket. Most clever, though, is the SAE jack on the bottom that works with all of your electric clothing and other SAE-equipped items. Get it for $90 at formotionproducts.com.

Get Ready To Be Stung
In this case, by Fem-TECH ScorpionExoWear, Scorpion Sports' first line of women-specific gear. The Fem-TECH gear is "not only functional and fashionable but also graphically coordinated." More importantly it's cut to fit women and includes features such as adjustable sides and elastic in the back of the waist for a more custom fit.

The pants, jackets and gloves are available in both leather and textile, with a variety of solid, partially and fully vented styles. And don't worry, ladies, Scorpion hasn't pigeonholed you with a palette of pink and baby blue! Check 'em out at scorpionusa.com or your local dealer.

Back In The Saddle AgainThere's nothing worse than having a sore posterior when you still have hundreds of miles of road to cover. To that, er . . . end, Saddlemen has introduced SaddleGel Seat Pads. The Seat Pads' main component is visco-elastic gel that "evenly distributes weight to absorb and eliminate pressure at the hips and tailbone." The Pillow Top models sport the button-top look of many OE seats, as well as a layer of extra-soft foam. The Molded models feature air canals for comfort and cooling. Both styles install easily with a quick-disconnect harness. Prices start at $86. Find them at a Parts Unlimited or Drag Specialties dealer.

Know When To Fold 'Em
That will be easy if you have the Portable Workbench from Park Tool. It's the ultimate in simplicity and utility-a folding table that provides a durable work surface measuring 36 x 23 inches. The top has various slots, holes and recesses for tools, parts, beverages and more. The work height is a comfortable 321/2 inches, and the bench folds down to a mere 7 inches. Park Tool says it will easily hold 75 pounds of motorcycle stuff, too. Price? $130, and there is a kit available for $90 that will convert the table to a hand truck. Log on to parktool.com for details.

Life Is Great With a Sweet Ride...
but having a planned route for a long trip? Priceless. And in the case of Harley-Davidson's online Ride Planner it's also free. The Ride Planner has three main activities: Create your own route from scratch; save routes; and share routes with others. You can add location-based services like lodging nd H-D dealers, pick suggested roads from the Ride Planner database, find motorcycle events during your dates of travel and even get routes that avoid the highway from one des-tination to the next. Yep, and it's free. Click your way to
harley-davidson.com.

Lock, Stock and One Small Barrel
It's the eternal dilemma for riders-how to safely stash your gear once you've arrived at your destination. That's where Bolt Lock can help. The small lock and cable stay attached to your motorcycle so you can always secure your helmets and jackets (depending on cable length). The Bolt Lock can be installed anywhere your bike uses a socket head cap screw, such as fenders or even a handlebar end. The lock comes in chrome, black or red, and cables are available in lengths of 1-12 feet. Go to boltlockcorp.com and get one for $60.