BMW bling and new mittens

An hour and a half in my shed was all it took to bolt two boxes of goodies from R&G Racing on to my S1000RR. The casing covers (£190.00), cotton reels (£25.49 ), frame inserts(£21.00) and crash protectors (£67.99)are a doddle to bolt on and come with all the necessary allen bolts. The multi adjustable rearsets (£350.00) are equally as easy to fit (they must be if I can do it) and also come with clear instructions. My one concern was that messing with the gear linkage would upset the quick shifter but plenty thought has gone into the design so you won't have a problem. I'm loving my new 'up and back' pegs plus the feel and action of the gearshift and rear brake is pretty much identical to the standard item. Two track days on and I'm pleased to report everything is working well and still bolted securely in place. I can see that fitting aftermarket products is a bit like getting tattooed or plastic surgery; once you start you just want more. Watch this space.

I’ve also been trying out some of the new Moto Pilot Evo (£69.99) gloves from Moto Direct. They have a Kevlar lining and double a cuff closure system. The medium pair I tried were a comfortable fit but I reckon they will stretch with some use so I’d recommend always choosing a size that is neat. Another new glove in the Moto Direct range is the 2011 Trac Tech. These are £20 cheaper and look just as trick but come with a single cuff closure and no Kevlar lining.

And how about BSB this year? The racing may be fantastic but behind the garage doors the action seems even hotter. After Alex Lowes departed from WFR at Croft we now have all kinds of mid season chaos in the paddock. At Knockhill Loris Baz left Motorpoint Yamaha before re joining Motorpoint Yamaha at Snetterton. Bridewell has left Tyco, Linfoot has left Sorrymate, Ellison has joined Sorrymate, Coghlan has left Aeroport Castello and been reunited Appleyard. Who cares about loyalty if it makes the season this interesting! 

By Niall Mackenzie