Tested or reviewed

Just simple words about things I have purchased and bikes I have rented but honest reviews not fake bullshit that fills YouTube channels and motorbike writer pages.

Devil Wipes tour test

I saw these at my local motorcycle accessory shop and decided to see if they are better than my usual cheaper touring item of a wet microfiber cloth in a zip lock bag. In Australia I just stop at a petrol station and use the free paper and water provided […]

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Merlin Mahala Explorer Pro pants review

I have been impressed with my Merlin Mahala Pro jacket so I decided l will get the matching pants. I already had a good pair of riding pants in the Resurgence Gear cargo’s but they were a little lighter style of pant than what I had hoped for. The Mahala […]

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Cheap Charlie motorcycle sock adventures

I’ve let Captain Cheap Charlie loose again on a madcap mission to find affordable motorcycle boot socks. (p.s. I’ve been to the Captains beach at Baler, Philippines too) I really liked my Alpinestar Coolmax boot socks that were lost in shipping. I’ve had other products from them that let me […]

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Dryrider Stealth gloves review

Not all reviews are going to be positive and this is a negative one so if that sort of thing annoys you then don’t read on. I was not intending to buy gloves from this brand but the night before my recent Kaputa tour I discovered my summer Rough and […]

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Merlin Mahala Pro jacket review

This is one of the more expensive bits of rider gear I have purchased but I had a firm idea of what I wanted and for once was not going let my inner Cheap Charlie make compromises. I specifically want to move away from nylon jackets and pants. Of all […]

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Gearelec Bluetooth Helmet headset

Do cheapo Bluetooth headsets even work? Here is Captain Cheap to find that out for you I wanted to try a helmet headset but not spend a fortune since I was not sure I had a long term use for one or that I’d even hear it given I wear […]

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Resurgence Gear cargo pants review

I continue replacing my riding gear stolen by Australia post and came to choose Resurgence gear cargo’s for my new summer rider pants. I lost three pairs of rider pants, My Macna Fulcrum pants with a two liner system – well suited to cool and wet weather in Japan. My […]

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Shark City Cruiser Helmet review

Continuing shopping for motorcycle gear stolen by Australia Post I sought a replacement for my Nolan N43 Air helmet. To understand why I would seek this style of helmet I need to help you understand how hot it is living in the tropics. It’s actually too hot to ride here […]

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Gaerne G-Air GTX Boots review

I am replacing all my rider gear which was stolen by Australia Post and am starting from the bottom up. Thinking about boots I was going to buy the very same as those lost. My TCX Explorer EVO GT boots I wore for the last decade have been excellent. Used […]

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Apple Carplay or Android Auto on any motorcycle

I have chosen Garmin for my motorcycle navigation since 2008 and have tried various phone navigation apps and Google maps in recent years but found the experience inferior. Unable to see the phone screens in sunlight, unable to operate phone tiny menu items with gloves. Curious about Apple Carplay/Android Auto […]

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Japanese Speaking Curtain Maker

Some book reviews and a personal update I have been spending a lot of time in hospital so have read a few motorcycle travel books while there. Great Australian Motorcycle Stories is a paperback sold at Australian post offices. It was gifted to me to read while getting treatment in […]

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The Moment Collectors

While I am not able to ride I am delving into books about riding and came upon this gem. Sam Manicom has gathered twenty stories from motorcycle authors, overland riders and bloggers. It presents many different styles of story telling but remains a good read all the way through. It […]

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