Motorcycle Interstate Boots

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Test Drive - See What this Full-Size Pickup is Made of

All work and no play make for a dull boy, but not a dull Dodge—at least not the all-new Ram 1500 pickup truck. But since work isn't everything, we decided to put this new big and brash full-size pickup to another true test—a weekend of driving, hauling and play.

We put the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie model, the top trim level, to the test by packing up and heading for a weekend of camping and vintage motocross racing in California. With its crew-cab body configuration, Hemi engine and soft leather interior, the Ram was ready.

Room for Gear

You'd think that a weekend of motocross would require almost nothing in the way of gear. Not true. Between a helmet, giant boots and body armor, a race bike and pit bike, tent, chairs and camping gear, tools and supplies, a gas can and cooler and loading ramp, plus a passenger and cold-weather clothes, virtually any pickup will fill up fast. Thankfully the Ram provided an array of convenient storage solutions inside the cab. Twin glove boxes, generous door pockets, a broad center console and covered storage bins under the flip-up rear seat augmented the cab's large interior dimensions. We filled up the rear seating area and then some, but left the front of the expansive cab open for the 160-mile drive from the So Cal coast to Tulare, in the state's central valley.

What remained impossible to store in the cab, namely the folding chairs, gas can, the loading ramp, etc., were secured in the pickup bed. Secured as in with straps—because as generous as the crew cab is in storage volume, the 5.6-ft. pickup bed remains too short for motorcycles. So with the tailgate down, which incidentally confuses the ParkSense backup warning system, we hit the road early on a Saturday and pointed onto the Interstate 5 freeway.

Power and Performance

The Dodge powertrain guys got the Hemi powertrain right. Rated at 390 hp at 5600 rpm and 407 lb-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm, the V8 sings down the open road at just 1800 rpm at 70 mph. Smooth and responsive, it made short work of the infamous Grapevine, a long uphill grade known for its blistering summer heat and slippery winter snows. The sound levels are just as we like them: a whisper-quiet cab at all but the highest cruising speeds, plus a muted rumble out back.

And speaking of the language of power, the Ram has giant 20-inch chrome wheels and massive 275/60R20 tires. Hip-high to an elephant, these rubber-covered steamrollers provide a giant footprint while easing the Dodge's ride over road imperfections. En route, we saw 13.4 mpg on the onboard rolling fuel-economy readout, and later separately calculated 13.7 mpg for our trip. That's tolerable at $1.60 a gallon but downright agonizing at $4.50. Time will tell where gas prices actually stabilize.

Likes and Dislikes

Some overall likes: The effortless power and highway capability, and the comfortable and roomy cab that heralds a new breed of quality materials for Dodge. While the previous-generation Ram used cheesy plastic components even in the high-end models, the 2009 Ram is significantly better in every detail, an A+ improvement that makes the vehicle genuinely inspirational. So do many user-friendly features such as both 7-pin and flat-4 receptacles for trailer wiring, the rear under-seat storage, a DVD player with 9-inch screen, an outstanding Alpine audio system including XM Radio and MP3 capability, and a super-handy 115-volt AC outlet.

Not too many dislikes except for the truck's aforementioned thirst, an egregious $45,300 MSRP, its lofty bed height and the lack of a standard bed liner, which renders the paint scratched and unsightly after only minimal use. We also don't need the macho front-end styling and a dozen ram's head logos to confirm our manliness, but to each his own.

By the way, it rained Saturday night and, while the big Dodge sat majestically nearby, taunting us with its cushy leather Laramie interior, we suffered in a cold, flapping tent outside. And so after a troublesome race day on the track, the best part of the weekend truly was climbing back into the Ram for the trip home, which proves that sometimes the journey really is the destination.

About the Author

autoMedia.com, with their team of accomplished automotive experts, has been providing auto shoppers, car enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers automotive advice they can trust for over 10 years. Enjoy reading more of their popular reviews and road tests, and learn more about the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, including the latest pricing, rebates and incentives along with details on all Dodge Models.

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Interstate 80 Motorcycle Oval Sticker by CafePress $5 I-80 is the second-longest Interstate Highway in the US connecting San Francisco, California New York suburbs. Great road sign gifts for truckers and bikers and the next family RV vacation road trip. Motorcycle Oval Sticker Our stickers are printed on 4mil vinyl using water and UV resistant inks 150; meaning no fading in the sun or bleeding in the rain. Measures 3 x 5 oval. Printed on durable 4mil vinyl.

Harness Boots $69.99 Vega Harness Boots Traditional, side zip motorcycle boot with harness strap and ring styling Full leather uppers Low calf height Heavy duty, oil resistant, lug sole

Xelement Mens Classic Harness Advance Motorcycle Boots $89.95 Xelement Men's Classic Harness Advance Motorcycle Boots.

Xelement Mens Zip Buckle Motorcycle Boots $79.95 Xelement Mens Zip Buckle Motorcycle Boots.

Roadster v3 Boots $240 Puma Roadster v3 Boots

Testastretta II Boots $195 Puma Testastretta II Boots

Boots Paste $9.95 Alpinestars Boots Paste Keeps boots looking new Conditions, waterproofs and colors the leather Sold individually

X-Cover Rain Boots $39.95 Spidi X-Cover Rain Boots

Durban Boots Strap Set $18.95 Alpinestars Durban Boots Strap Set

Durban Boots Buckle Receiver $4.95 Alpinestars Durban Boots Buckle Receiver

Women's Harness Boots $69.99 Vega Women’s Harness Boots Traditional, side zip motorcycle boot with harness strap and ring styling Full leather uppers Low calf height Heavy duty, oil resistant, lug sole Ladies sizes 6-11 built on a true ladies last for superior fit

Night Train Boots $109.99 Vega Night Train Boots Heavy motorcycle boots are a thing of the past. Riders want all of the function without the bulk. Vega delivers with the Night Train Boots. On or off the bike, the Night Train Boots offers comfort along with the level of protection that only leather can provide. Features: Casual leather/textile boot with molded accents, 8" tall 2 strap hook/loop closure and wide gusset for easy on/off Formed exterior heel support, ankle protection and shift guard Padded, contour molded footbed, and padded tongue and ankle

Ratchet Boots Buckle Kit $15.95 Thor Motocross Ratchet Boots Buckle Kit

Ratchet Boots Strap Kit $4.95 Thor Motocross Ratchet Boots Strap Kit

Tech 7 Boots Soles $39.95 Alpinestars Tech 7 Boots Soles Sold in pairs

Durban Boots Footbed $12.95 Alpinestars Durban Boots Footbed Sold as pair

250 Boots $179.95 Scott 250 Boots 250 boots are entry level boots for riders looking for performance without a high price tag. Similar to the 450 Series boots, the 250 lineup was developed with a low toe box profile for shift lever feeling, an over molded outer sole for durability, and comfort assuring anatomically designed uppers. The unparalleled value of the 250 boot cannot be rivaled by any other boot on the market. Maximum support and comfort right out of the box Low profile tow box allows easy for shifting Reverse lower buckle protected from impacts Over molded outsole for durability Anatomically designed to fit the shape of the lower leg Full floating independent and adjustable straps Full leather heat shield provides additional protection Designed in Italy Read the MotorcycleUSA.com review of the Scott 250 Boots here: 2011 Scott 250 Boots Review

Ratchet Boots $169.95 Thor Motocross Ratchet Boots Finally, someone figured out how to make Dirt Bike boots easier to get on and off. Using technology proven in other sports such as snowboarding, the Ratchet Boots use a buckle ratcheting system to quickly tighten the boots down to a perfect fit without hassle. Simply slide the strap into the buckle and adjust the strap tension with the aluminum alloy ratcheting lever. Untightening is as easy as a pressing your finger on the release tab. If your boot feels a little bit loose, give it another click and you're locked down tight to ride hard. These boots deliver great performance, a secure fit, innovative features and terrific styling all at a price that won't break the bank. Ratchet buckle closure system - similar to systems used on snowboard bindings Extremely easy and efficient operation Tightens boots quickly and securely Split-grain leather calf guard

Bike Night Boots $99.99 Vega Bike Night Boots Leave the moonboot look to the astronauts. The Vega Bike Night Boots are the perfect choice for those urban commutes where the ride is more about the destination. These lightweight motorcycle boots offer leather construction for abrasion resistance, yet remain comfortable and stylish for those times when you're off the bike. Features: Lightweight crossover leather street/casual boot, 7-1/2" height Reinforced heel and sturdy toe box Padded tongue and collar Side zip with gusset for easy on/off Hook/loop leather strap provides additional stability Sturdy rubber sole and reinforced shift guard

Matrix Boots $79.99 Vega Matrix Boots Quality, lightweight alternative to traditional street boots Designed for comfort with padded ankle, tongue, and collar Vented leather uppers with contrast stitching Lace and hook & loop closures provide double security Over ankle height Molded, long wearing shift guard Sturdy rubber sole

J1 Boots $399.95 Jett J1 Boots There are leather boots and there are plastic boots. Now, there's something better-JETT Boots. They're so revolutionary in design that there's no other boot in its class. Made from an exclusive and proprietary material developed by JETT, these boots are three pounds lighter than any other high end brands. The materials on the JETT boots won't break down or fatigue like traditional boots, giving the rider maximum support and protection, ride after ride. Best of all, there's no break-in period! Features: Over three years of R & D to achieve superior manufacturing results Polyurethane ankle support system that won't break down Replaceable shank system Ultra low profile toe box Unique cam buckle system offers a positive close and lock operation every time Buckles, straps, and locks are replaceable without using tools Upper shell is removeable and interchangeable Boots open wide to accept knee braces 100% made in Italy **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Elite Boots $143.99 MSR Racing Elite Boots Genuine leather shell Two piece cam lock buckles Full wrap bonded rubber outsole Suede burn guards

Tech Boots Toe Caps $7.95 Alpinestars Tech Boots Toe Caps Fits virtually all men's Alpinestars MX Boots and comes complete with mounting screws

Tech Boots Footbed $12.95 Alpinestars Tech Boots Footbed Footbed for Tech 2, Tech 3, Tech 6 and Tech 7 boots

Buckle Kit for Instinct Boots $29.95 Fox Racing Buckle Kit for Instinct Boots Replacement buckle strap kit for the Instinct boots.

Tech 3 Boots Soles $34.95 Alpinestars Tech 3 Boots Soles Replacement soles for Tech 3 boots Sold in pairs

Milwaukee Harness Motorcycle Boots $99.99 Motorcycle boot comfort you can ride on. Full grain leather motorcycle boots. Freedom Flex™ construction conforms & moves with the natural bends & arches of your feet. Oil-resistant, non-skid, non-marking logger outsole. Rugged harness boot detail. Zipper boot shafts for easy-on wear. Sometimes what makes a boot exceptional are the features you never knew you missed . . . But we’re sure if you tried on any other motorcycle boots, you’d miss the lightweight, comfortable Freedom Flex™ construction. A removable full cushioned insole and a 12" shaft with easy-on back-zip styling seal the deal. Snoot toe.

Women's Bombshell Boots $170 Icon Women's Bombshell Boots Yes--these are motorcycle riding boots. All of the style and attitude of your favorite "want me" boots, but with the support and protection you need for street riding. Icon thought of everything a ribbed calf expansion panel, as well as internal ankle and insole padding that provide a comfort level almost unheard of in women's fashion boots. You will also love the easy zip on and off closure system. Be protected, be safe, and do it with style with Icons Bombshell Boot Premium grade cowhide leather chassis Internal ankle & insole padding for comfort and protection Metal heel protection plate Menage-a-quad buckle design Ribbed calf expansion panel Easy on & off zipper closure system **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Tags: moto-shoes

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