With the economy in a nose-down panic rev, a new bike purchase might be out of reach for a lot of riders. However, the enthusiast can usually scrape up a little cash to improve or freshen up that current ride, and that brings us to Dirt Rider's 2009 Product of the Year. Here, we highlight items for doing what they do better than anything else out there (or in some cases, doing things nothing else can). So no more sniveling, here's a positive look back at 2009.
1st
Rekluse Core Clutch With EXP Technology
The off-road advantages of the auto-clutch come to motocross. With a crisp engagement that finds (and is adjustable within) that sweet spot between immediate and smooth, and no more stalling, we love this moto clutch. It's also an option for off-road for the rider who wants more snap than a traditional auto-clutch provides. Factor in the near-cheating jump this clutch allows off concrete starts, and we have a runaway winner this year.
www.rekluse.com, 866.735.5873
2nd
Dunlop MX 51 GeoMax tires
If tire performance is a compromise, how can these new Dunlop meats grip so well and last so long? We're impressed. It might not rival Dunlop's own 756 when the dirt really gets soft, but for everything else this tire, especially the rear, continues to prove grippy and predictable. Spoon a set on and gobble up some traction.
www.dunlopmotorcycle.com, 800.845.8378
3rd
Honda, Husaberg And Kawasaki EFI Tuners
Fuel injection is a big leap, but once you take it, dialing in your bike's power character is easy and an extremely effective. The buy-in isn't cheap, but once you have one it's like having a factory rig full of exhausts and cams. These tuners are that impressive, and easier to transport than 800 pipes and cams.
www.powersports.honda.com
www.kawasaki.com
www.husaberg.com
Innovation
Vemar VRX5 Bluetooth Helmets
Imagine talking while you ride. Done that? Now imagine someone else can hear you and talk back! Whether it's to instruct, navigate or more likely just to taunt and ridicule your buddies, this system is great. Clear Bluetooth sound like you're standing around, but while you are roosting!
www.motonation.com, 877.789.4940
Good Sense
FMF Q Stealth Two-Stroke Mufflers
Major sound offenders suck, and a raspy two-stroke's noise can potentially hurt the battle to keep trails open as easily as a booming four-stroke. FMF went above and beyond to quiet down the two-strokes with a larger volume muffler that is quiet, light, durable and powerful. They're serious about this issue, you should be too.
www.fmfracing.com, 310.631.4363
Protection
Pod K700 Knee Brace
This brace is a step forward (get it?) in knee brace design that's converting riders who didn't feel comfortable in over-the-counter knee braces before. Light weight, a slim profile and good bike feel can do that. It's a huge improvement from the previous design in every way. Protect now for the crash you haven't taken yet.
www.podmx.com, 888.369.7223
Off-Road
Cycra CRM Hand Guards
This guard's mounting system solves the problems of cable routing that plague riders running with guards. These knuckle-savers were on our list of top items to start with, but the new Center-Reach-Mount system wins them a spot on this year's POTY roster.
www.cycraracing.com, 800.770.2259
Toy
VholdR Contour HD Helmet Cam
Helmet cams are fun to ride with and the footage can make you a hero with your non-riding friends (read: girls you're trying to impress). Your riding may not be improving, but cameras sure are. VholdR's HD is the first in HD, is easy to operate and includes an online community (here's a ferinstance-
http://www.vholdr.com/node/41419).
www.vholdr.com, 866.397.6920
Cool
Troy Lee Designs Malcolm Smith And Jeremy McGrath Limited Edition Helmets
Troy Lee Designs Malcolm Smith And Jeremy McGrath Limited Edition Helmets
Troy Lee knows cool, and when you add a classic Malcolm Smith image and a career's worth of MC's custom helmet motifs, you get two very cool helmets that you'll want to display as much as you'll want to ride in. Really beautiful stuff.
www.troyleedesigns.com, 951.371.5219