Asterisk Braces – Proven Knee Protection Without a Prescription

The Asterisk Brace owes its quality and pedigree to its “older cousin” the CTi Brace. Both were developed by Motocross racer and engineer, Jim Castillo. Both the Asterisk Brace and the CTi feature a unique carbon titanium construction, but unlike the CTi – you do not need a doctor’s prescription to purchase an Asterisk Brace, and the Asterisk Brace is hundreds of dollars less then a CTi. The Asterisk Brace was developed in response to the growing demand among the MX community for a knee brace that incorporates much of the same technology and design innovations of the CTi, but was more accessible. The Asterisk Brace sells for around 599.00. Like the CTi the Asterisk Brace features carbon fiber construction, it is comfortable and flexible and can be put on or taken off in minutes. And while the Asterisk is not completely custom fitted to your individual knees like a prescription brace would be, the Asterisk Brace is sold complete with a special tool that allows you to conform the fit specifically to your leg. And pro-racers swear by the fit. The padding can be cut with scissors, and the laces can be changed around to provide a totally custom fit without compromising protection.  The Asterisk Brace was named “Product of the Year” when it debuted in 2002 by Dirt Rider Magazine.

Yamaha Rhino 660 4X4 – Great Utility ATV for Work or Play

The Yamaha Rhino 660 represents one of the best of the new breed of Utility ATV’s that can get you, a friend and your gear “out there” in style and comfort. An automatic 4x4 - the Yamaha Rhino 660 offers many unique features that have earned it ATV Magazines Best In Class for 2006. According to ATV, “ Despite an increase in competition, the Rhino remains best in the Utility Vehicle Class – and it’s also the most sporty and stable side by side utility in the market today” The Rhino sports a powerful 660cc liquid-/oil-cooled, four-stroke five-valve engine, couple that with a dry weight of only 1049 pounds, and the Rhino has the best power to weight ratio in the class. The Yamaha offers “car-like” user-friendly controls and gauges, such as a steering wheel, left-side foot brake pedal/right-side foot accelerator pedal, and a center-mounted console shifter and parking brake lever, making it very popular as a recreational 4x4.  Combine that with thick bucket seats and a great long-travel suspension system and you are looking at a side by side that provides the smoothest ride in the industry.  But don’t think the Yamaha Rhino is all fun and games - it’s industry-exclusive three-position On-Command In/Out 4WD feature that lets you switch between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked differential 4WD with the simple push of a button, fully independent four-wheel suspension, 11.0 inches of ground clearance, five-way preload-adjustable shocks, and a steel dump bed that can haul up to 400 lbs allow the Rhino to take on any terrain and load that your job-site can throw at it.

What Do I need to Know About Buying Motorcycle Parts On-line?

The key to buying motorcycle parts is whether to buy after market or OEM parts. So lets first be clear that you understand the distinction. OEM stand for Original Equipment Manufacturer motorcycle parts. As the name implies these are the parts that were originally installed by the manufacturer i.e.: Yamaha, Honda, Harley, etc when the bike was built on the assembly line. There are some motorcycle parts for some bikes that can only be replaced by OEM parts, on the other hand there are those parts that do not require replacement with original equipment. Which brings us to “aftermarket parts”. Now after market motorcycle parts are on interesting animal, there is a whole industry based on aftermarket motorcycle parts, and these are not only substitutes for OEM parts that meet the specs of the originals, and are usually less expensive, but many “aftermarket parts” fall into the category of performance or racing parts, that are actually upgrades of the OEM motorcycle parts. So the answer to the question of do I buy OEM or Aftermarket?  really depends on what motorcycle part you are looking to replace, and why you need to change it.  A few things about OEM motorcycle parts:
• If your motorcycle is still under warranty even if you would prefer an aftermarket part, you usually have to buy OEM, or you risk voiding your warranty
• OEM parts are not necessarily better then the aftermarket part – in fact many so-called OEM parts are built by the very same manufactures of the aftermarket part, and the manufacturer has a licensing agreement to put the part in their box, or on their assembly lines. Kind of like a “store brand” in the supermarket that you know is the same as the name brand, just with a different label.  

As far as aftermarket motorcycle parts, go keep in mind that aftermarket parts are:
• Always cheaper than OEM, sometimes as much as 70% cheaper
• Can be higher quality then the original
• May actually be the original motorcycle part
• Performance or racing parts are always Aftermarket
Whatever kind of motorcycle part you are looking for OEM or aftermarket, find a huge selection of the top quality from the best manufacturers right here at www.northcoastmx.com

White Brothers Exhaust – An MX Industry Leader

White Brothers is the manufacturer of one of the most successful and influential lines of aftermarket and performance MX exhaust systems in history. Founded in 1975 by Tom White, White Brothers has been dedicated to designing and developing top quality exhaust for 4 stroke cycles and ATV’s for more than 30 years. AMA Super Cross and AMA Motocross riders Chad Reed and Heath Voss of Team Factory Yamaha along with many others on the Pro and Am MX circuit ride with White Exhausts. White Brothers is the official 4-stroke exhaust developer and supplier for Factory Yamaha and White Brothers exhaust systems continue to lead the way in AMA Pro Racing with top riders from the World SX Series, the AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Outdoor Nationals, X-Games and the AMA Western 4-Stroke Series. One of the latest in this award winning line is the White Brothers MX4 Exhaust.  According to the manufacturer, the MX4 “was developed for those looking to get more performance and personalize their bike at an economical price with out sacrificing quality.” This slip-on muffler shares many of the same components as White Brothers’ complete line of full size exhausts. Transworld MX Magazine rated the MX4 White Brothers exhaust 9 out of 10.  “Slipping the MX4 on made a significant improvement in the bikes overall power delivery, with out sacrificing any of its ride-ability… the system maintained the bikes great roll-on power without turning it into a big, unruly hit.”

Basic ATV Parts Should Always be On Hand

The world of ATV’ing can be great fun for you and your family. One of the best ways to keep it that way is to learn a little basic repair and maintenance of your ATV. Understanding its basic ATV parts how they work and how to enact some quick in the field repairs can save you a whole lot of grief when you are on the trail. First up your ATV probably came with a tool kit when you bought it, its there for a reason, and like that old commercial used to say, “don’t leave home with out it”. In addition to that kit here are a few spare ATV parts you should always have on hand and know how to replace. Extra spark plugs and spare chains can prove invaluable. While not exactly an ATV part, lets not forget the tires. Lets face it where you are riding your ATV is not likely to be exactly on the smoothest of roads, and a little tire repair kit may be one of the most valuable ATV Parts you can have along with you. Tuff Stuff makes a great little repair kit that will repair and re-inflate tires on all types of ATV’s. You can learn a lot more about ATV Parts and basic ATV maintenance and repairs in the book ATV Basics Techbook: How To Buy, Maintain and Ride ATVs for Recreation and Utility part of the well known Techbook series put out by Haynes. In it you will learn everything you need to know about ATV parts and repairs for the beginning rider to the seasoned do-it-yourselfer. The book also includes tips on purchasing an ATV, riding and safety information, and suggestions on the “must have” aftermarket ATV parts and accessories. 

The Asterisk Knee Brace. Non-Prescription Knee Braces Save Joints and Save Money

Knee injuies are an unfortunate reality of motocross – and no one knows that better then Jim Castillo, the inventor of the Asterisk Knee Brace.  Back in August of 1980 Jim suffered a devastating knee injury. Ironically not while riding but while crossing the street! Jim who was already nursing a broken heel from a motocross accident was crossing a street with some friends when he was mowed down by car that had swerved to “scare them”. Jim was broken up very badly - suffering many injuries not the least of which where severe damage to both of his knees.  His left knee was so savaged that doctors where unsure if they could save his leg. As time went on doctors were certain that Jim would barely be able to walk, let alone return to the active sports he so loved.  Jim was devastated, but was also determined to “get back on his feet” both figuratively and literally. “When you lose everything you have, it's actually sort of a neat position to be in," said Castillo. "It is a position of strength. Think about it; the thing that prevents you from taking chances in life is the fear of losing what you have. When you have already lost everything you have, you have nothing to lose and therefore are more likely to just go for it.”  With that kind of drive and entrepreneurial spirit Jim went on to invent the CTi Knee Brace, which has not only allowed him to ski, ride motocross, and of course walk, it has become the orthopedic standard in use to prevent knee injuries and help them heel.

Problem is the CTi brace is expensive and requires a doctor’s prescription to get one.  Obtaining a doctor’s authorization for a pair for preventive measures is sometimes possible, but is rarely covered by insurance and they can cost as much as 750.00 per brace.

Enter Asterisk. Jim saw the need to develop an off the shelf prophylactic Knee Brace that was affordable and could be obtained without a doctors prescription. The Asterisk knee brace is kind of the younger cousin of the CTi and it incorporates much of the same technology and design innovations. The Asterisk Cell Knee Brace sells for around 549.00. Like the CTi the Asterisk Knee Brace features carbon fiber construction, it is comfortable and flexible and can be put on or taken off in minutes. The Asterisk Knee Brace is sold complete with a special tool that allows you to conform the fit specifically to your leg.  The padding can be cut with scissors, and the laces can be changed around to provide a totally custom fit without compromising protection.  Dirt Rider Magazine named the Asterisk Knee Brace its “Product of the Year” when it debuted in 2002. You can order the Asterisk Knee Brace and dozens of other state-of –the-art motocross products form the top name manufacturers right here.

Fuel Tanks A Great Way to Increase Riding Range

If your old metal fuel tank is damaged or rusted beyond repair, if your plastic tank is cracked, and leaking its past time you replaced your fuel tank. Clark Fuel Tanks have been around for over 40 years and are one of the best known names in after market fuel tanks for bikes and ATV’s.  Clarke plastic fuel tanks are known for their quality. All Clarke fuel tanks are manufactured in-house adhering to strict quality control standards. Clark Fuel Tanks are available for specific makes and models of most manufacturers like Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda, and the line also includes “Universal Tanks” for those applications where a direct fit for you particular ride is not available. Fitting a Universal Tank may require a little work, but its well worth it for a tank of this quality.  Besides replacing your original tank due to damage or leakage, many riders, pros and amateurs alike, will go with an aftermarket tank to increase fuel capacity and range. Clarke Fuel Tanks are great for this, they are relatively easy to install even for the average do-it-yourselfer, and since they actually weigh less then your OEM tank, you get more gas and no weight penalty easily improving your riding range by 20– 25miles. Rider Gordon Banks had this to say about his experience recently installing a 3.0 Clark Fuel Tank on his 2005 Honda CRF250X, “It only took about 28 minutes to install, once installed its hard to tell the difference between the Clarke Tank and the stock tank - It was not only lighter than the gas tank it replaced, it was far more rugged and damage resistant.” 

An IMS Tank, Good Looking and Practical Too

Lets face it why do you ride MX in the first place? To get out on a trail and kick up some dirt. Only problem is the best rides may be a little far away from the nearest gas station – that’s why a lot of riders chose to extend their riding range with an after market fuel tank like an IMS Fuel Tank. An IMS Fuel Tank has been designed to improve the look of your bike, and at the same time provide greater riding distance per tank-full. And remember having extra fuel capacity isn’t only an advantage out on the trail for the rec. rider, a little extra fuel can make all the difference on the track too, and that is why many competitive racers choose to upgrade to an IMS Tank. The IMS tank is made from polyethylene crosslink for extra strength and durability, making them perfect for off-road or the racetrack. An IMS larger capacity gas tank will allow you to ride longer and farther “out there” than any bike equipped with an OEM tank, and also really shows its stuff on the racetrack - allowing you to put more distance between you and the competition before making a pit, plus its unique shape and vivid design will turn heads even when your standing still. Dirt rider magazine put the IMS Tank on its list of Top 50 “must have” products and accessories because “IMS has done a great job of adding fuel capacity to popular off-road machines without compromising the standard ergonomics. In some cases, the tanks even aid the stock riding position. We love long rides and hate pushing bikes that are out of fuel. So we love IMS tanks.”

The Advantage of Aftermarket Motorcycle Fuel Tanks

There are many reasons to replace your OEM motorcycle fuel tank. Obviously if its leaking or dented or cracked it would be a great idea to replace it before a “crash and burn” - but many riders choose to buy new motorcycle fuel tanks because of the increased riding range that can be achieved by adding one. Desert riding has become popular over the past few years and desert riders are particularly aware of the limited capacity of OEM motorcycle fuel tanks.  The challenge to manufacturers of motorcycle fuel tanks is to come up with designs that can increase the riding range, while not significantly impacting the ergonomics, weight and aesthetics of the bike. Some of the top manufacturers of aftermarket motorcycle fuel tanks, like IMS and Rip-Ty Racing have heard the needs of the rider and taken up this challenge. Ty Davis champion motocross racer and founder of Zip-Ty Racing, worked with the folks at IMS to develop sleeker more practical fuel tanks for motorcycles like the KX series. According to reviewers who installed and tested one of these motorcycle tanks on a Kawasaki KX-500, the Zip-Ty tank feels like the stock KX500 tank yet it holds way more gas. Its advantages  become immediately apparent as soon as you ride. “The bike is comfortable to sit on.” One of the problems with earlier bulky aftermarket motorcycle gas tanks was that they made turns and cornering more difficult, not so with these new tanks. “You can actually get forward to weight the front end and make the KX carve in the corners.”

Should I Replace or Upgrade my Motorcycle Tanks?

Motor Cycle Tanks serve purposes on the bike more then the apparently obvious. In addition to being the reservoir for the fuel, motorcycle tanks are also an integral part to the overall bikes design, and have a lot to do with the bikes aerodynamics and center of gravity, and therefore a lot to do with its ride, stability and handling – so much so in fact that on some bikes, what appears to be the traditional motorcycle tank, is not. There are bikes where the  “traditional” tank is there strictly for this stabilizing function and apperance while the real motorcycle tank is hidden somewhere else. And speaking of appearances, the motorcycle tank is probably the most common aftermarket part added to customize a ride. There are more shapes and sizes and styles of motorcycle tanks available then you can imagine, and if you can dream up a shape or a style that you can’t find, there are many artisans out there who specialize just in creating custom motorcycle tanks. The motorcycle tank has also become the canvas of unique expression for many an airbrush artist, and motorcycle tanks have been emblazoned with everything from flames, to “Easy Riders” Stars & Strips,  to museum quality photo-realistic designs. Of course you can change your original motorcycle tank for such a mundane reason as increased fuel capacity, or to have a bigger place to hang a few tank bags, as many do – but perhaps for evidence of motorcycle tanks being the ultimate source for freedom of expression you need look no further then Out of The Box Computers, where on their website you can find a fully functional PC called the ThinkTank - housed in an authentic motorcycle gas tank.

An Acerbis Fuel Tank Looks Great and Ads Fuel Capacity

Every MX rider whether a weekend off-roader or competitive racer knows that gaining increased fuel capacity without sacrificing ergonomics or look of your bike is a challenge. Acerbis is a manufacturer of accessories and fuel tanks that recognizes this. Acerbis has fuel tanks that will fit directly in place of OEM fuel tanks for most makes and model dirt bikes from the leading manufacturers like Kawasaki, Yamaha and Honda. These Acerbis Fuel tanks are made from polymerized plastics and come in a variety of colors to match your bike. The Acerbis Fuel Tank can significantly increase the cruising range of your bike.  Acerbis is known for its innovation in style and approach to fuel tank options, and probably makes a fuel tank to fit your size and budget. There are Acerbis auxiliary fuel tanks that simply mount to the front or rear of the bike. Many riders swear by these easy to install auxiliary fuel tanks and agree that they are a good way to carry an extra 3- 5 liters of fuel, safely and neatly - unlike unwieldy jerry cans or  “unapproved” fuel containers such as empty water or pop bottles.  

Clark Fuel Tank – The Name to Know in After Market Fuel Tanks 
 

Clarke manufacturing makers of the Clark fuel tank has been in business for over 4 decades. Perhaps once best known as manufacturers of extended fuel cells for ATV’s and off-road bikes, today Clark has become experts in the manufacturing of all manner of aftermarket plastic products for off-road racers and enthusiasts. A Clark Fuel Tank is generally recognized as one of the top brands in bike specific fuel tanks that fit well, install easy and add increased riding range to just about any bike or ATV out there. All designs of Clark Fuel Tanks have been researched and factory tested for quality and performance and have been field proven time and time again by top-notch champion riders in competitions worldwide. Perhaps even more popular for ATV’s then for Dirt Bikes, Clark Fuel Tanks are a must with most 4-wheelers. With the OEM fuel tank a scant 2 to 2.5 gallons on most ATV’s, an aftermarket Clark fuel tank that can be as big as 4 gallons can more than double the fuel capacity, and since according to the serious enthusiasts most other mods that are made to an ATV’s engine to increase output, also increase fuel consumption, adding a Clark always seems to be a natural during customizing. For price, looks and performance it’s hard to beat a Clark

Just Gas Tanks.com Site is Launched

Just in time for desert season or your next Baja trip . North Coast MX.com adds a new website to its family. JustGasTanks.com is the World’s largest online retailer of aftermarket off road and ATV Gas Tanks. The new website features plastic gas tanks from IMS Products, Clarke Manufacturing, Acerbis Plastics, Baja Designs, Safari Tanks, and Nomad Tanks. Many popular accessories including auxiliary tanks, Weapon MX G-Zero Foam, and Billet caps are also sold.

For more information, Check out at www.justgastanks.com or Call 1-866-999-6269 for all your gas tank needs.