Tire Johny's have landed!

We met the original Johny Eliott several years ago at an ATV Nationals in Taft CA. He was in the states from the UK to just have a go at it, for fun. Two years later, he came back over to launch his product in the States, raced the whole WORCS series and won the Over 40 title. Now they are jumping into the market with full force, displaying both their ATV and motorcycle products at Indy. To a very enthusiastic response.

Tire Johny's are a run-flat insert, appearing much like a grey pool noodle. In different dimension and shape depending on application of course, they allow a tire to sustain puncture - one or many - and continue operation. During races, this is often key. In recreational applications where riders may be miles from civilization, it can mean life and death. In fact, Eliott says the US military is currently testing his product in ATVS deployed in Afghanistan for light tactical use.

Installation is ridiculously simple. Cut to length, stuff them in the tire, mount the tire on your rim and then add normal air pressure. Whew.

Tire Johny's has relied heavily on word-of-mouth advertising, and maintains a large portfolio of satisfied owner testimonials. Just ask him. With dealers signing up around the US, you should have a problem locating them in your area - but lightweight, shipping won't cost you a lot either.

www.tirejohnys.com

Several years ago, the Leatt Brace hit the market as a revolutionary form of safety equipment. At first it was pretty much only seen on professional level riders - partly because of cost, but also because many riders believe they just aren't riding fast enough to crash hard enough to do several damage to their neck. Research and accidents statistics have proven otherwise, and now you see motorcycle and ATV riders of all ages and skill levels sporting a neck support device of some type.

The leading manufacturers are going one of several very different directions - all soft components, meant to cushion the helmet so the body/neck takes little blow when there is an impact (EVS), a combination of materials spread over a larger area, meant to distribute significant sharp impacts across a larger area so shoulders or neck is not taking the full hit directly (Alpine Star), or hard components such as carbon fiber or Kevlar meant to act as a "helmet" and protect the impact from affecting the body at all (Leatt). Which works best? I have no idea. Ask each and their own doctors and engineers will certainly tell you theirs is. But one thing is fact - if you ride, neck protection is standard safety equipment.

Leatt continues to expand their line, and this year it includes the base model Adventure Brace, the Moto GPX, the Moto Kart, and now the new Moto R Brace. This top of the line model is finding a welcome audience in the off-road truck and buggy racing community, as it's full 360 support of the helmet works similar to the Hahn's device used in NASCAR. Or perhaps even better... NASCAR is actually testing the Leatt version right now. It is much less cumbersome and less vision-restricting than the Hahn's.

Of direct application for off-road riders, is a new drink bladder made to work with the Adventure and Moto versions. That has been one of the few complaints we've heard; you can't use a Camel-Back or Hydra Pak easily because the straps just don't line up, the hose is never where you need it. Desert and long-distance grand prix riders were having to modify their Camel-bak, use a fanny pack style, or go without on-board water. The new Leatt drink carrier doesn't have much apparent capacity, would be our only complaint. But step in the right direction, for sure.

www.leattbrace.com

Teixeira Tech is showing their hot-off-the-presses new A-Arms for the YFZ450R. Teixeira is a SW desert racing name, and has been finding fans farther out and with a wider variety of competition and recreation applications now as well. From complete A-arms kits to OEM replacement arms and linkages, gusset kits and steering stems, they have a line of products to cover most of the late-model mid-size sports quads - Honda TRX 450R, Yamaha YFZ450 and 450R, Kawasaki KFZ450R, KTM XC and SX, with Suzuki LT R450 coming soon in some of their products.

A small hands-on shop in Tracy Caliornia, Ed and his crew focus on quality, not quantity. This has won endorsement by riders such as Todd & Justin Hunter, Duane Johnson, Tim Shelman, Mike Burrows, Josh Eaton, Team FTZ and Team CardioStack - and long-time Off-Road.com Rider Justin Waters. Check 'em out at Teixeiratech.com

In the same booth with Teixera was a logical product partner, Precision Racing Products. Precision is a key name in ATV steering stabilizers, and this year has just launched their new Pro Model Precision Stabilizer.

The internal resevoir allows for "thermal expansion". The oil filtraion and high speed valve can nearly double damping capacity when temperatures soar. Designed with a new stem clamp for easier installation and less weight, stronger linkage, improved seals, gaskets around the adjuster, and new lever arm with higher grip forces, the Pro Model will take the abuse seriously aggressive riders and conditions demand.

www.precision-rp.com

New this year from Ignition Ice Racing, and unique to the show, are front and rear tire guards.

Designed to keep racers feet and legs away from the dangerous studs and spikes used in tires for motorcycle ice racing, the guards meet CMS and CMRC regulations, and have universal fit. Fronts work for all inverted forks, and rear work with 18" & 19" wheels. Stylin in five colors - natural (silver), black, blue, orange and red - racers can match or compliment any team paint scheme.

Guards and all ice tire products, including tire studs, Giver Racing ice tires, as well as ATV ice tire products, can be found at your local dealer, or locate more info online at Ignition.

More to come with day three from Indy - today, who knows? Maybe back to the Lucas Oil Stadium to catch a fashion show or two? There seems to be a marked drop in hotties at the show this year. No umbrella girls to be found. We'll do our best.