Review

PIAA 1100 LED Driving Lamps

PIAA 1100LED front view.

PIAA has been providing drivers and riders alike with exceptional road visibility for many years. Recently, the company has  released their new 1100LED for motorcyclists. These lamps are by far one of the best in the market. They are equipped with 3-mm high-impact clear glass lenses which illuminate the road with a bluish-white color (6300 Kelvin) that is the closest yet to sunlight. Emitting light in a symmetrical pattern, the 1100 ensures the rider with no loss of visibility when leaning into a turn.

PIAA 1100LED angled view.

Each lamp comes with three, 4 watt high-output LED bulbs which only require one amp per light at 12 volts. The 1100LED also draws significantly less power than H.I.D. or halogen lamps. CNC machined die-cast aluminum front and rear housings protect the lamp for any challenges the road provides. We were really impressed when we saw the specs of these lamps and highly recommend them to any of you who are looking for really powerful and dependable aftermarket replacements.

PIAA 1100LED side view.

If any of you happen to have these installed, we would love for you to share some images of your bikes. Feel free to post comments below or upload images to our Facebook page.

Arai XC

Arai XC

Happy Friday, everyone. As our “Arai Week” comes to an end we are going to discuss one of the best open face helmets in the market. The Arai XC Series helmet provides the rider with some unique features not found on other open face helmets.

The Arai XC comes with extended coverage in the lower jaw-cheekpad area. Arai has extended this area, 1 3/16″, compared to the previous and traditional 3/4 open face helmets. The XC provides a measure of lower jaw protection that’s been missing from open face helmets which expose the lower part of the face.

Here are some great features of the Arai XC:

• Upper Vent System: Also available on the Corsair-V, improves the airflow and helmet stability. DF-11 diffusers have larger vent toggles for easier operation.
• Fixed Air-Wing: Reduces lifting while providing additional stability at highway speeds.
• Cheek Pad: New design is similiar to that of a full-face helmet. Full coverage EPS based and removable covers.
• Dry-Cool Liner: Fully removable liner.
• Vented Neck Roll: Vented neck roll takes advantage of existing airflow from around the rider’s neck to further enhance helmet ventilation by extracting more heat buildup from interior.
• Thinner Shield Arms: Pods provide a more aerodynamic shape. LRS levers assist with shield removal.

Tourmaster Transition 2 Motorcycle Jacket

Black Tourmaster Transition 2 Jacket

Lately, we have received a lot of requests for motorcycle jacket recommendations. We are happy to see the development of a higher sense of urgency to wear a jacket by our readers. Jackets provide the rider with much needed protection of the back, ribs and internal organs of the area. They also provide much needed protection from the friction of the road when a rider falls of the bike. When made correctly, jackets can even protect bones from breaking on contact.

There are tons of jackets to choose from but one that always stands out for us is the Tourmaster Transition 2. This jacket provides a high level of protection without hurting your wallet. Here are some important features of the Tourmaster Transition 2 jacket:

• 600 denier ballistic polyester shell.
• Reflective material panels for increased night time visibility.
• Waterproof, breathable rain guard barrier.
• Dedicated collar snap to prevent flapping when collar is open.
• Waterproof, zippered, three position shoulder vents.
• Chest vents
• Sleeve vents
• Rear exit vents
• Pipeline ventilation system providing flow through ventilation.
• Two-way main zipper closure with dual wind flap.
• Wide reflective strips on the back and chest.
• Tourmaster’s signature reflective rear triangle.
• Microfiber lined collar and cuffs.
• Adjustable sleeve take up straps at the biceps and forearms securing elbow armor.
• Removable armor at the elbow and shoulder.
• Triple density back protector.
• Removable lining.
• Vertical zipper chest map pockets.
• Zippered hand pockets with flap closure.
• Internal media pocket.
• Dual zippered fanny pack and sleeve key pockets.
• Adjustable waist belts.
• Pant zipper attachment.
• Available in all sizes

Silver Tourmaster Transition 2 Jacket

Tourmaster Transition 2 Jacket Back

Shoei RF-1100 Review

By far, one of the most important pieces of equipment one can own as a biker is a helmet. With so many options on the market, how do you know you aren’t just buying into hype? That’s where we come in.

When we got our hands on the Shoei RF-1100 we were instantly impressed with its superb build. Available both in solid colors and with eye-catching designs, we began to feel that if there were any one helmet to own, this one should be it. Here’s our breakdown:

Internal Shape

Previously, there was some belief that Shoei would be changing the internal shape of the RF-1100, but we quickly realized otherwise. One change we did notice was the helmet’s shell; it’s a bit larger than the RF-1000. Per Shoei, the RF-1100 comes in five different shell sizes.

Ventilation

When testing the chin and top vents, the RF-1100 opened and closed with ease which made for all-around good air flow. Without a doubt, there is a noticeable difference in air circulation when the vents are open and closed. Great news considering many helmets we’ve tested don’t appear to offer much of a difference in this area. If ventilation is a key selling point for you, this helmet has you covered.

Shield

The face shield was also impressive, equipped with all things necessary for a proper fit, snug feel and a trouble-free removal mechanism.

Quality and Score

The RF-1100 comes with an first-rate five-year warranty, meets the Department of Transportation’s Safety Standards and is Snell approved. Buyers will certainly get some bang for their buck with this purchase, as it is just as impressive as its pricier counterparts. We rate the Shoei RF-1100 as “Excellent”.

If you love this helmet as much as we do and feel it’s a must have, check it out at Extrememoto.com.