Motorcycle Accessories - Return of the Cafe Racers

Gear Review: Sena 50C Comms & 4K Camera

Geoff Baldwin — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:53:00 +0000

Almost all of my 20+ years of riding have been done alone. Sounds pretty sad doesn’t it? But that doesn’t mean I don’t have any friends. I’ve been on countless group rides, but I’ve never had a comms device that allowed me to communicate with other riders. Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoy being alone with my thoughts while being serenaded by the symphony of my motorcycle’s engine. But when you’re in a group ride situation, communicating with others […]

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Best of Both Worlds – Dunlop Mutant Tyre Review (Updated)

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 06:00:19 +0000

Scroll to the end of the article for my Dunlop Mutant long-term review Let me start off by saying I am by no means a motorcycle tire expert. I’m incapable of waxing lyrical about rubber compound chemistry, heat transfer technology, or the science of tread pattern design. What I am though is a long-time rider and regular commuter. I’ve ridden my motorcycles rain, hail, or shine, for close to 2 decades and almost always opt for 2 wheels over 4 […]

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Gear Review: Peak Design Everyday Phone Case and Motorcycle Mount

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 15 May 2023 07:55:52 +0000

These days people are spoilt for options when it comes to smartphone cases. But most phone cases serve a single purpose, which is keeping your expensive tech gadget covered up. If you want more out of a case, such as the ability to mount it to your vehicle, there are a handful of brands that have you, pun intended, covered. I thought I’d found my all-in-one smartphone solution years ago. Unfortunately, after having the camera on a phone ruined by […]

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Mini Manx: Omega Racer Norton Inspired Piggy Bank

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 22:00:11 +0000

Looking for the ultimate desktop or coffee table accessory for motorcyclists? Thailand’s Omega Racer workshop has just the thing. Inspired by the design of Norton Motorcycle’s legendary Manx motorcycle, Omega Racer has created this eye-catching conversation piece. Built from high-grade aluminium this miniature fuel tank is a handmade work of art that also doubles as a piggy bank. “This scaled-down Norton tank replica makes for a truly special gift, a trophy at a bike show or simply an addition to […]

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Riding Gear: DGR x Triumph Clothing Range

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:07:33 +0000

The DGR x Triumph apparel range is a collaboration between the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and Triumph Motorcycles. To celebrate their successful 10-year partnership DGR has nominated Triumph as an official clothing partner and released the first in a series of limited edition apparel. The DRG x Triumph Motorcycles clothing range includes two styles of short-sleeve t-shirts, a long-sleeved t-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a moto-jersey. All items are available to purchase now from the Gentleman’s Ride online store and selected retail […]

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Riding Gear: Hiplok D1000 Anti Angle Grinder D-Lock

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 12:14:42 +0000

Preventing your motorcycle from being stolen means outwitting would-be thieves. Sure your average thief may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but if they’re experienced they are sure to have some very capable tools in their arsenal. Take for instance an angle grinder. Thanks to battery technology it’s very easy for a thief to carry an angle grinder in a backpack. The problem is that when combined with a quality metal cutting disc, an angle grinder will make […]

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Riding Gear Review: Moni Moto 7 GPS Motorcycle Tracker

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 01:00:24 +0000

Despite a global pandemic, in 2020 there were 53,111 motorcycles reported stolen in the USA. And that was 10,000 more than the previous year! It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that means the chance of your bike being stolen increases every day. Secure storage, bike locks, alarms and being smart about where you park your motorcycle are all good methods of reducing motorcycle theft. But even though you may have done everything you can to deter would-be thieves, […]

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Gear Review: Trip Machine Helmet Hanger

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 04:42:46 +0000

We motorcyclists sure are a bit weird sometimes. We spend countless hours searching for the perfect riding gear, only to hide it away in a wardrobe or stuff it in a box in the garage. You’ve spent a good deal of time matching your helmet, jacket and gloves to your riding style, aesthetic preferences and budget. Don’t you think your hard-earned gear deserves some time in the spotlight? The team over at Trip Machine have taken pity on the forgotten […]

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Gear Review – Brake Free Helmet Mounted Brake Light

Geoff Baldwin — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 04:04:40 +0000

Motorcycles are involved in rear-end collisions more often than you’d like to think. Infact in the USA, as many as 7% of motorcyclist deaths can be attributed to rear-end collisions. That’s a pretty grim statistic. As a rider, you may feel there isn’t much you can do to lessen the chance of being involved in a rear-end collision. The good news however is that there is. Increasing your visibility to other motorists is the key to avoiding many accidents. The […]

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4 of the Best Looking Motorcycle Luggage Brands

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 00:48:54 +0000

A good set of motorcycle luggage will literally go a long way. Whether you’re looking for a storage solution for your daily commute or something that’ll carry all your gear on your next camping trip, there are a plethora of options available for motorcyclists. We’ve all seen those plastic and aluminium hard luggage cases that adventure riders opt for. They are undoubtedly excellent at the job they were designed to do, but as far as looks are concerned, they’re plain […]

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5 Essential Motorcycle Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 02:19:57 +0000

When it comes to motorcycle accessories there are literally hundreds of things you can bolt onto a bike, from dress-up parts to performance mods and functional add-ons. If you’re a person that likes to tinker, it’s easy to go overboard. But if you’re the kind of guy who likes to keep things simple, you can spend weeks trying to decide the select few accessories you’ll install. Choosing what styling and performance modifications to go with comes down to personal preference. […]

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Gear Review: Ororo Heated Apparel

Geoff Baldwin — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 13:22:31 +0000

Never shall I ride cold again! In a recent article, I reviewed a set of Oxford premium heated grips. Since then, they’ve done a stellar job of preventing my phalanges from freezing. But as anyone living in a cold climate will tell you – the key to really beating the cold is keeping your core warm. With this in mind, I began searching for heated gear that would keep more than just my fingers comfortable. There are of course a […]

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Review: Oxford Premium Hot Grips

Geoff Baldwin — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 09:28:00 +0000

Let’s be honest. There aren’t many things you can do in public that are as pleasurable as riding a motorcycle. The arousing sound of the engine, the titillating sensation of the wind against your skin and the inseparable bond between rider and machine. But like everything that’s fun, there are a handful of things that can ruin a good ride. One such thing is the cold. During the colder months, extended time in the saddle can become rather uncomfortable. It […]

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The Best Motorcycle Smartphone Mounts (2021 Edition)

Simon Bertram — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:19:34 +0000

In today’s high-tech world, a basic cell phone is almost non-existent, often being a legacy option offered for those that simply want a mobile phone. Smartphones, devices that carry more power and technology in the palm of your hand than most computers just five years ago, are the new standard. These devices, on which you might even be reading this very article, are mobile internet, gaming, texting, messaging, video conferencing, GPS-capable devices that are core to the “always-online” view of […]

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Motogadget Mo.View Glassless Mirrors

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 26 May 2021 07:13:37 +0000

Anyone privy to the world of custom motorcycles will have heard of Motogadget. The German aftermarket parts manufacturer made its mark on the scene with a range of high quality electronic and lighting components. These include the ingenious Motogadget Mo.Unit, a digital controller for your bike’s electronics and their revolutionary Mo.Blaze Disc bar-end turn signals. The latest addition to the Motogadget catalogue is no less impressive or pioneering – yet it features none of the electronic wizardry we’re used to […]

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Go-Cruise Motorcycle Throttle Lock

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 20 May 2021 12:05:54 +0000

When I lived in the city, cruise control was something I’d have never considered for my motorcycles. However, now that it takes me 2-hours to reach the city I have realised the benefits. One of the biggest issues any rider faces when travelling long distance is fatigue. There are many places you can experience fatigue in your muscles while riding, but the worst would have to be in your throttle hand. The best solution for this is of course a […]

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Grip-Lock Motorcycle Throttle Lock

Geoff Baldwin — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 08:20:31 +0000

I can’t think of anything worse than walking out to my motorcycle only to discover it’s been stolen. Motorcycle theft is a huge problem worldwide. In the United Kingdom, the number of motorcycles stolen each year is equivalent to a quarter of the year’s total motorcycle sales. That equates to around 25,000 stolen motorcycles in 12 months. And things aren’t much better for other countries. In 2019 Australia recorded almost 10,000 thefts and in the USA, a whopping 41,000. Don’t […]

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Denali Daytime Running Lights

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 04:09:36 +0000

Recently I relocated from a major city to a regional town. Because of this, I have had to adopt new riding habits. This is due to the fact that speed limits around here are generally higher than in the city. This makes the risk of injury much greater in the event of an accident. Also due to the number of trees on the roadside, there are a lot of shadows cast over the road. These can reduce motorists visibility of […]

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Muc-Off Ultimate Motorcycle Care Kit

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 13:54:15 +0000

There are 2 kinds of people in this world. Those who like to keep their motorcycle clean and those who don’t. I try not to associate with the latter. Ask any of my friends and they will tell you my vehicle cleaning habits verge on obsessive-compulsive. But the reason I keep my motorcycle clean is more than just pride or any undiagnosed disorders. Keeping a motorcycle clean means you can easily spot problems before they become a real issue and […]

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Sena 50R Bluetooth Intercom

Geoff Baldwin — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 01:29:04 +0000

Sena opened its doors in 1998 and since then has become a mainstay of the motorcycle communications game. They are known for their sleek, stylish designs and almost universal fitment. Their Bluetooth systems have helped revolutionise how riders communicate with pillions and with one another. A few years ago Sena released the 30 Series which was the first in their product line to feature Mesh Communication. Mesh goes above and beyond standard Bluetooth connections as it allows riders to drop […]

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Rock Ready Expedition 36L Motorcyclist Backpack

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 17:26:25 +0000

I sink a lot of time and money into buying the right motorcycle helmet. And I don’t know about you, but the thought of leaving it sitting on my bike, whether it’s locked to it or not, is not all that appealing. Conversely, carrying my helmet around in my hand while I go about my daily business isn’t an ideal scenario either. As it turns out, I’m not the only one who yearned for a solution to this problem. The […]

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RSD Signature Series Watches

Geoff Baldwin — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 04:36:59 +0000

One of the greatest things about riding motorcycles is how they allow you to disconnect. Whether it’s by disconnecting from work, technology or other people, riding a motorcycle is a sensory experience best experienced alone. If you like to ride free from the burdens or modern tech then these classic wristwatches from the workshop of Roland Sands Designs are the only companion you need. The RSD Signature Series watches do not feature an OLED touchscreen, vibrating alerts or Bluetooth connectivity. […]

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100MPH motorcycle apparel – 2021 range

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 08:18:51 +0000

To bring in the new year our friends at 100MPH have just released a new range of moto-inspired t-shirts for riders. Each unique design was created in collaboration with illustrators who specialise in automotive designs and share our passion for two wheels. As with all their garments, each 100MPH design is printed on a 100% combed and ring-spun 4.2 oz cotton t-shirt and are available exclusively from the 100MPH store. The new 100mph range includes 4 slick designs that’ll up […]

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Holy Freedom Motorcycle Tube Scarfs

Geoff Baldwin — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 10:34:01 +0000

Thanks to the pandemic the world’s going crazy for face masks, but if you ride a motorcycle, there’s another really good reason to cover up. As the northern hemisphere prepares for the onslaught of another winter riders will be looking for ways to beat the cold. Whether you wear a full face or open face helmet tube scarfs can make a huge difference to your level of comfort. Italian outfit Holy Freedom has been producing quality motorcyclist tube scarfs for […]

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EarPeace M – Motorcyclist Ear Plugs Review

Geoff Baldwin — Sat, 09 May 2020 14:29:48 +0000

Wearing motorcyclist ear plugs while riding is something I wish I’d made a habit of earlier in my life. I suffer from tinnitus (ringing ears), mainly from going to rock concerts in my youth, but riding motorcycles hasn’t helped the situation. If I do any freeway riding without ear plugs my ears end up ringing louder, which means I’m doing more damage. People without this condition probably won’t experience the ringing, but rest assured the same damage is being done. […]

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Orbitkey Return of the Cafe Racers Key Organiser

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:01:07 +0000

Every motorcyclist wants to be more streamlined. With no boot or cabin space to utilise, being organised and clutter-free is essential when considering your everyday riding gear. Faced with this issue on a daily basis, Return of the Cafe Racers started looking for ways to reduce our EDC (everyday carry) to the bare minimum. This led to the discovery of Orbitkey’s Key Organiser. This convenient device minimises clutter by reducing your keys into one compact unit. It also wraps them […]

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100% Barstow Deus Ex Machina Goggles

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 05:31:21 +0000

When two greats come together to launch some new motorcycle gear, like the 100% Barstow Deus Ex Machina goggles, people take notice. 100%, who has been making motorcycle gear since 1982, has collaborated with a range of different brands to bring us the 100% Barstow goggles in a variety of looks. But our pick of the litter is the minimalist, clean design developed in cahoots with Australian custom bike and apparel greats, Deus Ex Machina. In terms of build, the […]

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Riding Gear – Beeline Moto GPS Review

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 04:46:25 +0000

What is needlessly complicated, very fragile and costs almost $2000AUD? The iPhone 11 Pro. You’d think that after 13 years making phones Apple would have improved durability, right? That’s what I thought, but it turns out I was very wrong. So wrong that I broke two iPhone 11 Pro cameras within days of each other. The alleged culprit? My motorcycle. No, I didn’t run over my phone, it didn’t slip out of my pocket on the freeway and I didn’t […]

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Dainese Smart Jacket Motorcyclist Airbag

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 03:20:43 +0000

Motorcyclist airbag suits are compulsory for MotoGP riders and are soon to be required for American Flat Track racers as well. Now more everyday riders are considering acquiring some of that safety tech for themselves – and more than a few riding gear companies are willing to oblige. With numerous ways to strap responsive airbags to your body, Dainese is aiming to set itself apart. Their Smart Jacket offers a few unique features and is backed by a long history […]

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Subscription Boxes for Motorcyclists

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 03:34:55 +0000

The subscription box business model has been around for a few years now. The basic concept is that for a set fee each month subscribers receive a random range of gear related to a personal interest. It’s a great way to discover new products and save some money since the contents of each box are generally of a higher value than the monthly payment. It’s a concept that’s proven very popular in niches like women’s makeup and homewares. Recently however […]

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Ultimate Gifts for Motorcyclists Guide 2019

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 03:37:35 +0000

Every year my family struggles to find me the right Christmas gifts. They know I’m obsessed with motorcycles but have no idea what style of bikes I’m into, what riding gear I like to wear or even what motorcycles I actually own. So despite my obvious obsession with two wheels I usually end up with random, unrelated gifts. To help prevent other motorcyclists from suffering the same fate we’ve curated this special list of suggestions. If you’re shopping for a […]

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Gear Review – GEAR’D ZX2-1116 Watch

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 08:25:57 +0000

The Gear’d Hardware ZX2-116 Stealth watch is one tough timepiece. US-based watch manufacturer Gear’d Hardware is the brainchild of Kris Cram, a competitive bodybuilder, and self-confessed horsepower addict. Kris created Gear’d Hardware after being unable to find a watch that could handle the rigors of a rugged, active lifestyle. His company manufactures timepieces that offer masculine style and a proven ability to withstand serious punishment. Each Gear’d watch design has been put to the test through extensive and somewhat unconventional […]

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Riding Gear – Leatherman Wave Plus Multi Tool

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 07:38:52 +0000

If you’ve ever performed side-of-the-road maintenance on your motorcycle, you know even simple fixes are impossible without the right tools. Leatherman has been keeping riders, adventurers, and hobbyists supplied with the right tools for more than 30 years. Now they’ve improved upon their best-selling multitool with the Wave Plus. By making the wire cutter blades replaceable, the Leatherman Wave Plus is ready for even longer years of use. The Leatherman Wave Plus is ready to prove its utility with 18 […]

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Riding Gear – Ottolock Cinch Lock

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 07:39:04 +0000

Opportunity theft happens when a less-than-upstanding member of society sees something valuable and decides to make it their own. Your motorcycle helmet for example. You’re just heading in for a flat white and leave it perched atop your seat. When you return, it’s no longer there and you realize you’ve just been the victim of a swipe-and-go crime. The Ottolock Cinch Lock was designed to prevent such casual crime. Made up of three layers of stainless steel, reinforced with DuPont […]

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Go Left – Flat Track Apparel by 100MPH

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 09:01:42 +0000

In recent years flat track racing has taken the custom motorcycle world by storm. Sideburn magazine paved the way with their ‘Dirt Quake’ event in the UK. Now similar “run what you brung” events have popped up all over the world. Inspired by these events 100MPH has created this special Flat Track racing “Go Left” t-shirt and hoodie which are available now from 100mph.cc Flat track racing originated in the late 1920s and is one of the longest-running forms of […]

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Riding Gear – Cardo PackTalk Slim

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 09:06:31 +0000

Using headsets to stay connected in a group ride can make things a lot easier, or a lot more frustrating if connections keep dropping. Cardo, a company out of Texas, has been making wireless communication devices since 2003. The Cardo PackTalk Slim is their latest helmet headset that solves connectivity issues and delivers pure clean sound via JBL speakers. Instead of the usual “chain” created by Bluetooth connections where the first rider is connected to the second rider, who is […]

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Riding Gear – SKRAM Motorcycle Glasses

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 05:36:25 +0000

Riding a motorcycle can be a dangerous business. There’s plenty of riding gear out there to keep your head, hands, torso, legs and feet safe, but what about protecting your most important riding tool, your eyes? Those who wear visorless open-face or 3/4 helmets are at the greatest risk of injury. Low light can also put wearers of full-face helmets at risk. Tinted visors need to be lifted at night and in the process expose your eyes to flying road […]

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Gear REVIEW – Halley Helmet Stand

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 06:28:12 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I treat my motorcycle helmet like a newborn. I spent a small fortune purchasing it and consider it to be my most precious item of riding gear. So leaving it sitting on the kitchen bench or on top of my dusty wardrobe never felt quite right. Thankfully I now have an alternative. This helmet stand by Halley Accessories provides both a safe storage place and a way of putting my prized possession on display […]

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Gear Review – Goose Wingman of the Road Motorcycle Tent

Geoff Baldwin — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 05:10:09 +0000

I feel the need… the need to go camping! I don’t know about you, but the idea of heading out on a motorcycle for a few days of camping sounds like the perfect getaway. What could be better than riding all day then sleeping under the stars free from the stress of city life, just you and your trusty steed? Unfortunately, without the proper gear, you may struggle to make that dream a reality. Motorcycle travel is nothing new and […]

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Riding Gear – Day of the Dead Rain Suit

Geoff Baldwin — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 07:16:13 +0000

You go to the trouble of picking out your riding gear, yet when the rain comes, you’re stuck covering it all up with a ho-hum rain suit. This Day of the Dead Rain Suit from our friends at Fuel Motorcycles is anything but boring. The design was inspired by AMA Hall of Fame rider David Aldana who was known for wearing a full leather riding suit emblazoned with a skeleton. But don’t mistake the Day of the Dead rain suit […]

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