Struth, just when I was getting the hang of the Newsletter thing, we had a web meltdown with the last effort. The bloody thing just kept flicking out copies of the same missive.

Sorry! I was not happy, as you know I try to make my newsletters something to look forward to, this was exactly what I try to avoid! As soon as I became aware of the issue I got my web team to stop it. Unsubscribe was never going to work as it was in the process of pumping out copies like a manic photocopier.

As a result we've changed over to a new system and with any luck we shouldn't have issues, how do the Pollies put it? "Moving Forward".

The old system really got scrambled and I'm not sure who may or may not get emails at this stage.
I'm trying to rescue the newsletter situation so please unsubscribe (right down the bottom) if you don't want to continue getting Strapzagrams or you've suddenly started getting emails and don't want them.
The aim is to be a wanted piece of entertainment and information not a pain in the Rrs.

Ok, onward and upward.

Mexican Beer Virus (MBV) restrictions are easing off around the country and we can see a flicker of light at the end of our isolated tunnels. We are being warned not to be complacent and keep our wits about us.

I guess if we treat MBV with the respect it requires, we should just add it to our usual motorcyclist's caution. We approach a roundabout as if car drivers will pull out on us. The tin-top that ducks left is about to pull a quick 'Uey' in front of us and bleat out the age old "I didn't see you". We try our best to develop 'habits' out on the road, it makes sense to keep up COVID habits as we break the shackles of this V4 Pinagale of a virus.

As an ex-nurse If it had been designed (not going there) it may not have been better set up. You've gotta admire nature, even if it's the Death Adder of diseases. If the main aim of critters is to replicate, it's an impressive effort. Before the spreader knows it, they are highly contagious.

I took the Bumblewee out last weekend and I have to admit feeling a little more cautious than I remember. I guess a broken ankle, the MBV and 6 month lay-off would do that to a bloke. It struck me that we need to approach the next phase of our riding career with just a little circumspection. Mistakes easy are to make, and costly when we are a little rusty.

Be extra careful out there!

T Shirt of the Month

T Shirt of the Month is just a bit of fun. Not on sale unless we have a lot of demand

Boot Care

Here's the official Forma boot care blurb.

You can care for your boots by cleaning them with a soft brush and mild soapy water. Please refrain from using a pressure washer up close as this will damage the boot’s stitching and materials.

Heavy waterproofing products or waxes can block the stitching lines which allow the boots to breath and dry naturally. Any lightweight leather conditioning and waterproofing products are ok to apply from time to time. Oil based leather products (like Mink oil) are not recommended as they soften the leather too much and can cause bonded soles to separate from the leather.

Sharp toe nails will cut through the waterproof liner, especially when shifting gears. It’s best to replace any threadbare socks and keep your toe nails short and filed before riding.

Intense heat from open fires or radiators will damage your boots. Riders who attempt to rapidly dry their boots run the risk of releasing the boot's assembly glue or the adhesive tape that seals the WP liner. Always dry your boots a good distance away from an open fire or radiator, especially if you are drying for an extended period of time.

It's best not to store your boots long term in gear bags or high humidity environments. Boots that are not allowed to dry fully will rot stitching and plastic components in storage.

Art or Engineering?

The Galah sent me this link the other day. I'm sure you'll find it interesting.
Shinya Kimura blurs the lines between art and motorcycling in so many ways.

Sometimes the line between art and motorcycle gets a bit blurred.
Rarely does the art look rideable for more than a wobble to the cafe.

International hold-ups

The MBV Bushranger has bailed up the stagecoach across the world. One of the victims affecting us is SW Motech stock. The usual demand for things like crash bars for recently released bikes has a stick in the spokes as we wait for factories to re-open and freight systems to re-establish.

There is currently a back log of orders for T700 and new Africa Twin gear. I'm expecting it to disappear as quick as it gets unpacked out of the container. That is still some 8 weeks away unfortunately.

If you'd like me to put my foot on something for you flick us an email.

Product of the Month

Each month I'll do a review of something in the showroom, warts and all.

Shoei Neotec 2

This brain bucket has about 15,000km on it now so I reckon it's 'bedded in'.

Hand's up, straight up, I'm on my third Shoei flip (modular) helmet. I find it really hard to live in a traditional helmet. Taking off my glasses (which, BTW, I've worn since about 4 years old) to put on and take off a helmet has always had knobs on it! I have a personal rule that I can ride with the chin bar up under 50kph and the Neotec 2 has a locking function that makes it more practical. How strictly legal it is I don't know, much less care.

The addition of a snugger neck roll system has reduced the wind noise around the ears that I found a problem with the previous model. The lining is easy to remove and wash which is a good thing as it's a very plush fabric. It feels luxurious in cool weather but can get a bit sweaty on really hot days or working hard.

Airflow must be a compromise between noise and comfort in all helmets it seems. The break for the flip front does come at a small noise cost but I reckon it's worth it. The Neotec is quite dependent on the included Pinlock anti-fog system. Leave it out on cold rainy days and the inside of the visor will fog up pretty quick. Airflow over the top of my head is adequate and generally quiet. There is a noticeable volume change when it's opened.

The move to the ratchet clip instead of the D Ring systems is a revelation... How long has this been going on? I can take off my hat with gloves on! The stainless steel tongue feels safe and is quick to use.

The SRL comms system by Sena is a doddle to fit and even I can get it working. Dumb though, it doesn't come with a 3.5 stereo output to plug my Earmold buds into. After a bit of head scratching and experimenting (as well as potentially kissing goodbye a warranty) it has now! I also found the microphone was shoved out of the way each time I shut the chin bar and had to fiddle with it. To sort this I grafted a button mic into the system.

Like all the other drop down sunvisors I've tried, the Neotec feels like it could drop down that bit more. In practice, it's fine but initially it feels just a tad short of spot on.

Colours and graphics are a bit limited but hey, I'm a big fan of a white helmet anyway. To ensure I have a helmet at the drop of a hat (errrgh), I keep one of each size in white in stock. If customers want colour and pretty graphics I get them in.

All in all it's a cracker of a hat and certainly vying for best of the breed. I haven't had a single warranty claim in all the Neotecs I've sold over the years either.

Click here for web page

Next month I'll compare it to the Schuberth C4 Pro that's in testing now.

Here's a bit of video from Dylan Reid who did a big, big ride with some of our gear.
Enjoy.

Spiritual riding down the Chenab River (world’s most dangerous road) on my exit from the Great Himalayan Range.

Enroute to Komic Village 4587m Spiti Valley (highest village in the world) with spectacular view of The Great Himalayan Range.

Store open for visits and phone calls on the first Saturday of the month as well as normal business hours, although we take POETS day where we can.

Click here for the website

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