Category: Accessories and Gear

Accessories and Gear for motorcycle touring.

BigPantha Helmet Lock Cable
The BigPantha Helmet Lock Cable in Action

BigPantha Helmet Lock Cable Review

22 January 2018 / / 2 Comments

The good folks at BigPantha sent me their BigPantha Helmet Lock Cable to see what I thought of it. Two things that always stay on the Red Rover is a helmet lock and a bungee cargo net. I have always locked my helmet with a cable, but it has normally been with a big bike lock and cable. The problem with that arrangement is that it is always in the way when packing bags and it is so long that my helmet can fall off with wind, knocks, etc. The Big Pantha Helmet Lock Cable seemed like a reasonable solution and it has proven to be. I’ve had it for a couple of months now, so it is time for a Battlefield Biker review.

BigPantha Helmet Lock Cable Review

I like to review goods like this on their general appearance and performance, but also based on the claims of the seller, so I grabbed the summary of the key facts and features from Amazon.

BigPantha Helmet Lock Cable Review – Features

Battlefield Biker Review
– Sleek & Attractive Black Helmet Lock It’s black and small

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, so I’ll agree it is “sleek.”
– Lightweight (5oz) & compact (fit’s in your pocket or a small bag) It is very lightweight and compact. It is virtually unnoticeable when not in use which serves for being out of the way and being concealable.
– Secret PIN code – 1,000 combinations Easy to set a new PIN and it is not too fiddly even for old fat fingers (BB)
– Simple to lock-it and unlock The D-Ring locking mechanism is very simple and easy to use.
– D-Lock is Rubberized to prevent scratching It is rubberized and not scratchy around the visor lid.
– Cable is self coiling for easy use & storage This is the part I like the most. When not is active use, it coils up to a small portion of its extended use and it is out of the way of bags.
– 1.8M long to attach single or dual helmets to bike (plus a jacket if you want) It is freakishly long when it needs to be, so can snake around bags and boxes to reach without having to remove anything.
– Cable is coated with durable PVC plastic for protection and prevent scratching The cable is coated and slick. No scratches and slides through the bike frame and helmet opening without friction.
– 100% waterproof – will not rust I live in Nevada. I don’t get much chance to test rust-proofness, but looks the part. 😉
– Popular with Cruiser, Racing, Sports & Harley owners Also popular with this ADV and dirt bike rider.
– Ideal accessory gift for men and women motorcyclists / bikers. The Battlefield Biker is a man on most days, but on the days I am exploring my feminine side, I liked it too.
– Universal fitting for all GMAX, HJC, Shoei, Arai, Icon, Scorpion, Matte, Nolan, Shark, KBC motorcyclist / rider helmets. It easily fit my Arai X-Tour and Shoei MultiTec

Summary of the Review of the Big Pantha Helmet Lock Cable

This is a simple piece of kit as it should be. I find that items that are small, simple, and work are the best kind. Battlefield Bikers give the BigPantha Helmet Lock Cable two sabers up.

Find BigPantha Helmet Lock Cable on Amazon.com

Risk Free Purchase – Lifetime Guarantee!

SilentHawk_artist-concept-Logos_Technologies
SilentHawk Artist's Concept courtesy of Logos Technology

The New SilentHawk Hybrid Special Forces Motorcycle

29 May 2017 / / 0 Comments

The multi-fuel SilentHawk Hybrid Special Forces Motorcycle in the works

Popular Science reports that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is working on an electric motorcycle that is super quiet and easily deployable and sustainable.

…DARPA, the Pentagon’s future projects wing, is funding the development of a versatile electric dirt bike, so that special forces can have as silent a ride as possible on two powered wheels. The bike is called “SilentHawk,” and after receiving the first prototype, DARPA liked to so much they asked for two more.

Collaboration on the SilentHawk Hybrid Special Forces Motorcycle

The SilentHawk is made in collaboration by Alta Motors and Logos Technologies. The team has expertise in lightweight and stealth technologies and commercial electric motorcycles. The SilentHawk will allow Special Forces operators to approach targets quickly with a much lower sound profile. After completion of the mission, they will be able to exfiltrate in a stealthy fashion as well.

The SilentHawk Hybrid Special Forces Motorcycle is highly sustainable in the field.

Although the purpose of the electric motorcycle is mission stealth, the bike also is highly versatile in using multiple forms of fuel, such as diesel, JP5/8 jet fuel, as well as conventional gasoline. This will allow operators to stay in the field longer and charge their myriad of technologies (GPS, radios, lasers, etc.) on the go using the Integrated mount and power interface for Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) device. The ability to ride a generator is a big plus for those teams deployed into the wilds.

Less speed but also less BRRRAAAAPPP

The SilentHawk tops out at 80MPH and I suppose that is when it is not fully loaded like it will be most of the time. However, the 55 decibel sound signature compared to the 113 decibel signature of a standard, gasoline fueled dirt bike means that the SpecOps community can pass a village in the night with a sound that is no louder than a human conversation. With a range of 170 miles without refueling—including two hours in quiet mode on a single charge, the bike will become a staple of long-range reconnaissance patrols, I bet.

See the specifications of the SilentHawk on the Logos Technologies website. From the Logos Technologies PDF;

SilentHawk combines Alta Motors’ high-performance RedShift MX electric motorcycle with a multi-fuel hybrid system developed by Logos Technologies. The hybrid-electric prototype can run for up to 170 miles without refueling—including two hours in quiet mode on a single charge. In addition, the multi-fuel engine would provide flexibility as well as the option to acquire fuel during
a mission. The hybrid design allows the user to quickly transform SilentHawk into a lighter, electric-only vehicle if needed. In either configuration, SilentHawk maintains its superior
all-terrain handling.
In the Battlefield Biker’s humble opinion, the SilentHawk Hybrid Special Forces Motorcycle will be a great addition to the Special Operations bag of tricks.
2014 V-Strom 650 with gear
"Red Rover" Loaded Up and Ready to Roll

Change the Oil, Keep Riding

17 October 2016 / / 0 Comments

This is why I love my Suzuki V-Strom 650. This point from Motorcyclist reader Dean Zatkowsky/ Ojai, CA is exactly the way I feel,

Since it has proven to be the perfect motorcycle for the boring rider I really am (as opposed to who I imagine I am while ogling your magazine)

I bought the bike based on a lot of articles like this. The V-Strom 650 is a light and care-free bike that needs little to keep it going. It handles a passenger well when someone wants a ride and that same capability lets it haul a lot of camping gear in line without huge panniers hanging off the side.

I got rid of my big adventure bikes and move to this 650 for the road and light off road travel and a Honda CRF 250 L for my off road riding. Both of them bought new cost less than one of the big adventure bikes.

As you can tell, I’m very happy with mine.

2014 V-Strom 650 with gear
"Red Rover" Loaded Up and Ready to Roll

Adventure Motorcycle Zenith?

12 September 2016 / / 0 Comments

I’m wondering if we have reached maximum trendiness on Adventure bikes? (note I say “trendiness,” not usefulness) The LA Times talks a little about this in this article. I wouldn’t mind it if it meant the prices would go down a little.

I know they are right when they talk about guys who buy these bikes to farkle them up and show them off the same way guys do with 4X4s. However, I have always liked to buy a good solid bike that needed very little to conquer the limited amount of off-road riding I do. The main reason I have always liked adventure bikes is how much fun they are to ride. They ride high generally and the pegs are well off the ground so you can get some good sway in the twisties. When riding in England, you could pass the sports bikes on roundabouts while knocking helmets almost. They can handle a little dirt and gravel and they are generally built very well with good access to the stuff that needs to be maintained. They look good dirty, so I don’t have to clean them very often.

I kind of view mine like an old pick up truck and I pack it like the Beverley Hillbillies.

Arai & Shoei Helmets on a rock

Helmet Replacement After 5 years?

29 July 2016 / / 0 Comments

This is possibly the most pragmatic and logical of any discussion about when to replace your helmet I have ever read.
Time to make up your own mind with an article that treats you like an adult. Don’t want no dain bramage.

Battlefield Biker Support Vehicle
Battlefield Biker Support Vehicle

Road and Trail and the BBSV

18 July 2016 / / 0 Comments

The Battlefield Biker likes to tote both road and trail bikes with, but normally in the BBSV. (Battlefield Biker Support Vehicle)

Instagram’s @arihenning211 rolls a little different;

What Not To Do On a Motorcycle

12 July 2016 / / 0 Comments

The Butler Maps blog has this nice article on “3 Things You Shouldn’t Attempt on Motorcycle Roads.”
1. Don’t ride tipsy
2. Don’t get crazy on wet, slick roads
3. Don’t ride alone until you have a little experience under your belt

I would add a couple more,
4. Don’t go out into uncharted routes without a good map, but I think Butler Motorcycle Maps would approve of this too.
5. Don’t ride without performing regular PMCS on your bike.

I just bought Butler’s Idaho G1 map in preparation for a long ride in Idaho following the Nez Perce War of 1877 trail.

Radio Norway Macgyver
Knife, lighter, & duct tape... plenty of duct tape.

Preparing for a Long Motorcycle Tour

5 July 2016 / / 1 Comment

Good advice from the good folks at ADV Pulse on how to prepare your bike for a long distance ride. Read on to page 2 as they have included a pretty good checklist at the end of the article.

I’ve always prided myself on riding out on the spur of the moment, but I have also been pretty regular at what the Army calls PMCS (Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services). Nothing like throwing track under fire to make you consider maintenance.

Get to know your maintenance manual too. That will help you know which tools to pack.

AAA is a pretty good idea for North America too.

Above is an image of me fixing a radio switch in a northern Norwegian parking lot with some of my favorite tools; Swiss Army knife, a Bic lighter, and duct tape… always bring plenty of duct tape.

As Walt Kowalski would say,

Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone.

.

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