The big differences between the top models, as our testers discovered, are in fit, finish and features the three "Fs" of helmets. We graded these premium lids on their quality of finish and attention to detail. Ventilation systems were checked in all weather from hot and hotter, to wet and cold. Can you operate the vents with gloves on? Does the chin strap flog you half to death because there's no snap to secure the end? When your helmet starts smelling like a bear's den, can you remove the pads and wash them? The answers to these and other burning questions are included in our premium helmet comparison test, but the most important question is "How do you make sure you buy a helmet that really fits properly?"

Well, when a company who has built a reputation like Joe Rocket brings a motorcycle helmet to market, you'd expect it's going to be good and we'll tell you straight up that the RKT 101 is a winner. We'll cut them a little slack because it's their first attempt, but the RKT 101 isn't just a good first try, it's an excellent piece of work that should shame other helmet manufacturers who have been in the business, oh, shall we say 20 or 30 times longer?

At city speeds around the Willow Springs grounds, the bike is incredibly nimble, thanks to its wide bars and light curb weight of a claimed 405 pounds.

The motor oozes character, as you’d expect from a big twin with a relatively light flywheel. Acceleration from in-town speeds is instant, prodigious and addicting.

Most gloves are ergonomically formed. Just watch the rain glove because sometimes it's just two halves sewn together. Motorcycle gloves are nearly always made up of leather or very strong nylon. Leather provides the highest safety if you hit the ground.

Furthermore a glove should have reinforcements such as extra padding on the knuckles and palms. Special features are carbon shells covering high impact areas. Or little metal studs on the palms to avoid scraping open your hands.

Alt-berg is a small business that started life making walking boots but as the owners are motorcyclists they soon moved into motorcycle touring boots. The boots are constructed using walking boot technology; a Skywalk dual density sole stitched into a lined upper, with insulating insoles. The motorcycle boots though have nylon reinforcement around the heel, ankle padding, side zip opening concealing a cordura bellows, shin pad, and gear change pads. A pity they use leather.

After many 'phone calls I found a supplier of Lorica and Alt-berg agreed to make me a single pair of boots. Prices were agreed, sizes tested and two weeks later (excluding delays caused by me) I had two boots (not a pair as my feet are odd sizes) ready for collection.

Don't ask us why most cruisers don't come with tachometers. We think every motorcycle needs a tach. Perhaps the manufacturers think that, because cruisers aren't constantly trying to wring the last bit of performance out of a [motorcycle's] engine (like those sportybike types), we don't care what the engine is up to. Or maybe they think we find clutter on the handlebar so distasteful we'd rather not be bothered with how quickly the engine is spinning.

A saddle is part of your motorcycle's suspension system (you are suspended on it), and its size and shape impacts your ride greatly; foam density and quality are an important part of the equation. There are varying grades of foam. Idealy your seat should have high-density foam in the middle and bottom portions and a thinner layer of soft foam closest to your glutes. Good-quality foam is heavier and springier. It still bounces back when compressed, while the cheaper stuff will collapse under pressure.

Most of us have been caught unprepared in wintry weather, and it made us whimper enough that we ran to procure a proper pair of mitts -- once we regained the feeling in our fingers, of course. Hands take a beating in any season, but they're especially susceptible to the harsh conditions in the winter. When temperatures drop, your extremities tend to freeze up first, potentially hampering your operation of the motorcycle's controls.