Reading Material: Overland Journal

May 27, 2013

If you have never had the pleasure of paging through a copy of Overland Journal I encourage you to do so.  Each issue is packed full of epic travel journals, detailed gear reviews, and some of the best photography I have seen in any magazine on the market.  Even better it seems there is at least one article in every issue dealing with overland travel by motorcycle.  This month’s issue is no exception and includes a nice comparison of dual sport tires.  I know that reading old fashioned ink and paper is very old school these days, but set down that fancy tablet for a minute and just absorb an issue.  You’ll thank me later.  The only bad part…there are only 5 issues a year.

Courtesy Overland Journal Blog

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Posted by Norske

Minnesota Father-Son Duo Head to Argentina

May 22, 2013

You are all encouraged to follow Jay and Conor as they ride their KLR’s from Roseville to Buenos Aires, Argentina.  They are planning for a 71 day trip to get there.  They left just this week on this once in a lifetime adventure. A photo sharing site has been setup here.

Click on over and give them some encouraging comments!

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Posted by Norske

Zero Motorcycles builds bike for Special Forces

May 16, 2013

source ZeroMotorcycles.com

source ZeroMotorcycles.com

Zero Motorcycles announced last week that they have developed a new motorcycle for the U.S. Military called  the Zero MMX.  Zero claims the bike has special tactical advantages over traditional motos.  Specifically the quick acceleration, near silent operation, and low heat signature separates it from other vendor’s offerings. Zero isn’t saying how many were produced, only they some number are undergoing “operation testing”.

From the press release:

“It was a very rewarding experience for the Zero team to go through such an exacting development process. The military needed a very specific set of core features on the MMX, and we were incredibly thankful to work side-by-side with them to deliver such a unique product,” said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer for Zero Motorcycles. “The great news for our civilian customers is that we made the decision to incorporate into our 2013 MX, FX and XU retail motorcycles virtually all of the powertrain enhancements associated with satisfying this project’s stringent military requirements. Our 2013 product is truly ‘military grade’!”

Key features of the new bike:

  • Specialized military dash for quick and centralized mainline controls
  • Keyless ignition engaged with dash toggle for quicker departure
  • Modular and quick-swappable power packs
  • Wet operational abilities in up to one meter submersion
  • Switchable headlight for night-time stealth
  • Integrated wiring to accommodate quick installation of front and rear infrared systems
  • Safety override and reserve power capabilities to extend range during extreme situations
  • Aggressive foot pegs and hand guards for optimal control
  • Tie down eyelets with integrated tow cable and rear seat strap

The one meter submersion feature must have been especially fun to test!  Great to see U.S. made dual sport bikes aiding our military.

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Posted by Norske

New MinneADV sponsor: Rox Speed FX

May 3, 2013

I’d like to welcome the folks at Rox Speed FX as a sponsor to MinneADV.org and MinneADV.info.  Not only do these guys have great farkles for your bike, but they are based right here in the Minnesota northwoods near Grand Rapids.  Many of you may recognize the name from their very popular line of bar risers, but their family of products extends well beyond those.  So take a minute to jump on over to their website and check out their merchandise.  These guys aren’t just salesman, they do ride and know what riders require.  I hear the President just got back from a ride in Patagonia.  So jealous! Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted by Norske

Product Review: Zenni Optical Prescription Motorcycle Sunglasses/Goggles

May 2, 2013

For those of us who have less than perfect vision and also ride, we face some interesting obstacles.  Glasses often don’t often do a good job of protecting your eyes from the sun, wind, or dirt.  Contacts often don’t fair any better, and can often be worse in the dirt.  Face shields keep out the wind and dirt but are often too hot in the summer.  There are manufacturers like Oakley that make OTG (over the glasses) goggles but not all helmets are compatible with them and they can limit peripheral vision.  So what is a visually impaired moto-enthusiast to do?
You may want to check out the option of prescription wind glasses.  These glasses look like normal sunglasses but have three differences; they have a foam or rubber surround that keep the wind out of your eyes, they have tinted UV protective lenses (optional), and have a second set of lenses behind the first matched to your prescription.  There are many styles available and generally have thick strong frames that hold up to the abuse of bugs, dirt, and repetitively pulling and pushing them in and out of your helmet. Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted by Norske