" So many stored motorcycles , so many batteries slowly losing charge . But who cares … until that battery is unable to crank the engine ," says TecMate CEO and Chief Technical Officer Martin Human . " Maybe you have a customer on the hook , ready to buy and ride that motorcycle right out of the showroom , and the clincher should be hearing that pulse quickening and wallet loosening rumble , but just as you hit the magic button … nothing ! " At best , the customer is left with doubt about the health of that battery and might demand a new one , at worst the customer ' s motivation to buy has evaporated like mist before the sun ." A pro-active dealer will have someone periodically running around the showroom checking batteries , but it takes time and quick access to the battery is required , not always easy on modern motorcycles . And these days it requires knowledge of three different battery types and their specific charged voltages and optimum charging cycles . " That is where OptiMate rides to the rescue ," says Martin . " OptiMate battery monitors are ideal for when you cannot always maintain the battery . " Simply put , if every showroom or stored vehicle has one of OptiMate ' s state of charge monitors fitted , pretty much anyone can establish if a particular battery needs charging or not really easily . The traffic light style indication is straightforward to understand - a blinking GREEN is ' Good to go ', in other words , no charging required ; YELLOW is ' still OK , but charge soon ' and RED is ' Charge now ' or else your battery will be dead soon ! " There ' s added value too , once the engine fires up , it tells you if the charging system is working right ." For 12V AGM and STD lead-acid batteries there are
PRO GuIDe
a couple of OptiMate options , starting with the O- 124 fused battery lead - now with M6-M8 ( 1 / 4 " -5 / 16 ") dual ringlets that fits all powersport batteries . The O-124 is also delivered in a jar of 20 , reducing the cost per unit . The O-125 is a portable option with SAE connector . Dealers who fit the O-01 battery lead at PDI ( predelivery inspection ) can eliminate having to haul around a multi-meter to check voltage . The O-125 plugs right into the SAE connector and immediately indicates battery status . The O-126 is another portable option - its AUTO plug fits all 12V / automotive ( or cigar ) size sockets . For 12.8V / 13.2V lithium ( LFP / LiFePO4 ) batteries , the O-127 fused battery lead with M6-M8 ( 1 / 4 " -5 / 16 ") dual ringlets is currently OptiMate ' s only option . The O-127 also warns if the vehicle ' s system is overcharging the battery , a necessary option for lithium . The O-127 is also delivered in a jar of 20 , reducing cost per unit .
TECMATE Tienen , BELGIUM Tel : + 32 ( 0 ) 16 805 440 www . tecmate . com www . optimate1 . com
ZTechnik ' s VStream Windscreens for the BMW F 900 XR
Maywood , Illinois based ZTechnik ' s new VStream windscreen for the F 900 XR " will withstand years of rugged use ", according to the manufacturer . Made in three different sizes , " all will offer improved wind protection and riding comfort compared to the OEM screen or any other aftermarket product ". VStream gets its name from its unique , patented shape . The advanced " V " profile and dimensional contours push the wind vortex out and away from the rider ' s helmet , resulting in a peaceful , quieter riding environment . " These windscreens are made from tough 4.5 mm Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate . This high- quality material , along with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques , provides outstanding clarity , impact strength and scratch resistance that is unmatched by any windscreen maker worldwide ". Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate is the material of choice for serious motorcycle riders . It is 10 times more abrasion resistant than FMR hardcoated polycarbonate , and 30 times more than windscreens made from commonly used acrylic or " aircraft plastic ". VStream Windscreens are easy to install and are protected by a 3-year warranty against breakage .
ZTECHNIK by NATIONAL CYCLE INC . Maywood , Illinois , USA Tel : + 1 708 343 0400 info @ ztechnik . com www . ztechnik . com www . idnmag . com IDN - DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021 49