FMF Racing Factory 4.1 RCT Titanium Full System With MegaBomb Header - 2014 Yamaha YZ450F
Overall Review
Review by Bryan Wallace/ Photos by Michael Lindsay Since Vital MX received their 2014 YZ450F, I was lucky enough to grab it for the past few months to pound out some laps, and put in the hours. With all this time on it, I found myself wanting to see if there was anything to be gained in the power department. FMF had an early jump on development with the new YZ450F, thanks to their partnership with JGR. So when I was handed this and told to try it out, I was excited to see if all the testing
Scott USA SXII Grips
Vital Review
Tested: Scott SX II Grips
Overall Review
Review and Photos by Andre Barbosa As fair warning, I'm very particular about grips. I guess it all started in my early riding days, when I was constantly battling the blisters in the palm of my hands. In search of a remedy I experimented with numerous different grips; with varying compounds, diameters, and designs entering the equation through the years. Over time, the blisters were finally replaced by calluses, but my fascination with grips stayed for good. When the chance to test the Scott SX
Scott USA SXII Grips
1
Vital Rating:
Leatt GPX 5.5 Neck Brace
Vital Review
Tested: Leatt GPX 5.5 Neck Brace
Overall Review
Review and Photos by Joe Carlino Unfortunately, accidents and injuries are inevitable in this sport we all love. The only precautions we can take are to use the proper protective gear. Along with helmets, boots and chest protectors, the neck brace has become one of the more standard pieces of safety equipment that you'll see on the track today. Neck brace safety is becoming more and more popular each year, so I decided to try out the latest offering from one of the leaders in neck protection
Leatt GPX 5.5 Neck Brace
2
Vital Rating:
IMS Pro Series Footpegs
Vital Review
Tested: IMS Pro-Series Footpegs
Overall Review
Review and Photos by Thiess Lindsay As a taller rider (6’3”) with slightly bigger-than-average feet (size 12), I’m constantly trying to get more comfortable on motorcycles that are designed with a much smaller rider in mind. Being able to open up the rider compartment has become of particular interest to me. Whenever I have the opportunity to speak with taller AMA pros, or one with a shoe size in the double digits, I try to pick their brains on what they’ve done to fit the bike to them. A while
IMS Pro Series Footpegs
2
Vital Rating:
Moto-Gate Tie-Downs
Vital Review
Tested: Moto-Gate Tie-Downs
Overall Review
Review and photos by Andre Barbosa Many people do not pay much attention to tie-downs. After all, securing a bike to a vehicle seems like a pretty simple job. I felt the same way, until many years ago I had my bike fall from a trailer. Luckily, I was driving slowly at the time, but the repair bill still amounted to new radiators, handlebars, grips, brake lever, and radiator shrouds. As you can imagine, I started paying very close attention to tie-downs after that incident. Product Highlights
Moto-Gate Tie-Downs
Vital Rating:
Fox Racing Photon Shoes
The Good
- Great looks and colorways
- Bottom portion of the sole is durable
The Bad
- The heal doesn't fit very well (my heal slips with every step)
- Cushion portion of the sole seems to be packing out to the side
Overall Review
The fit of heal pocket has kept me from using these shoes for anything but casual wear. The bottom portion of the sole is wearing well, but the cushion portion of the sole seems to be packing out on the outside of the sole making my ankle roll to the inside while talking. I'm not sure if I got a bad pair or if the problems that I have encountered are systemic of the shoe. I have two other pairs of Fox shoes (different models) and they fit well, so I know that fox can make great shoes. I didn't
Fox Racing Photon Shoes
Member Rating:
X-Trig Triple Clamps
Vital Review
Tested: X-Trig Triple Clamps
Overall Review
Review and Photos by Michael Lindsay Tested on: 2013 KX450F and 2013 KX250F Don’t you hate it when you buy the latest and greatest bike and struggle with the handling? Even after setting up the suspension, you may still find yourself wanting to change its characteristics. Now, whether you’re looking for more bite, gaining a little stability, or trying to eliminate the front end tucking, a good route to go is to try some different offset triple clamps. Finding the right offset can be a challenge
X-Trig Triple Clamps
4
1
Vital Rating:
Shoei Blue/Red/White TC-2 Salute VFX-W Helmet
Vital Review
Tested: Shoei VFX-W
Overall Review
Review and photos by Andre Barbosa Unfortunately, even the best riders crash. It isn’t a matter of if, but when they’ll happen. I’ve personally acquired enough concussions over the years that making the search for a high quality helmet even more important to me. After spending quite a bit of time researching different models, I was led to the Shoei VFX-W. Shoei has a reputation for making top quality helmets, and having always been positioned in the higher end of the market, the VFX-W carries
Shoei Blue/Red/White TC-2 Salute VFX-W Helmet
2
Vital Rating:
Mika Metals 7075 Pro Series Handlebar
Overall Review
Review and Photos by Bill Weppner Handlebar setup is critical to the comfort and confidence we all desire from our machines. They bind us to our bikes and when set in just the right position, make the ride as comfortable as our home sofas. Move those bars a few millimeters fore or aft, or change the bend a few degrees and you lose that comfort and just don’t feel at home anymore. Technical Features Constructed from aerospace grade aluminum. Available in nine bends, in both 7/8” and 1-1/8” bar
Mika Metals 7075 Pro Series Handlebar
1
Vital Rating:
ODI CFT Podium MX Handlebar
The Good
Noticeable absorption, great feel, comfy bend (champ)
The Bad
Wish they had a black bar pad cover
Overall Review
I started with their Emig lock on grips and absolutely loved them. So much so,iwent and dropped the $120 on the bars hoping for some relief to the pains I'm often left with after moto'ing on a blown out track. These bars delievered (and so do the Emig Lock On grips).
ODI CFT Podium MX Handlebar
Member Rating: