Category Archives: Motorcycle Gear

2023 Holiday Buyers Guide

2023 Holiday Buyers Guide
Hopefully our 2023 Holiday Buyers Guide will provide you and loved ones with great gift ideas.

Motorcyclists might be in the minority in thinking December is not “the most wonderful time of the year,” but a gift of motorcycle parts or gear brings the joy of the season. If you’re considering what to tell friends and family when they ask what you want for the holidays or are looking to buy a gift for a fellow rider, this Holiday Buyers Guide is a good place to start.

Here at Rider, we work hard to bring you “Motorcycling at its Best” in each issue. We hope these pages keep your riding passion burning through the cold months and give you plenty of new routes, techniques, and products to try out once the ice thaws. We’re able to continue this mission through support by you – our loyal readers – and our advertisers. Adding an item from this holiday buyers guide to your gift list not only benefits you or your motorcycle-minded loved one but also the companies that help us to keep delivering the stories you enjoy.

Thank you, and happy holidays from Rider!


Hair Glove

Hair Glove

The Hair Glove prevents knotting and tangling while keeping hair protected from dirt, dust, and other damaging elements, and it provides a sleek and stylish look with its cylindrical design. Snap buttons running the length of the Hair Glove help keep hair in place, and the built-in Flex-Hook attaches to an elastic band to keep it from sliding out even at high speeds. Simply hook it, wrap it, snap it, and go. Available in a variety of lengths and designs starting at $18.99.


HJC RPHA 91 Carbon

HJC RPHA 91 Carbon motorcycle helmet

This modular helmet features a carbon fiber shell for enhanced shock resistance, a distortion-free faceshield with increased peripheral view, and an adjustable three-step drop-down sunshield. The chinbar has a hidden closure point for smooth contact and less pressure in the cheek area, and the 3D-engineered interior reduces wind noise. The helmet is compatible with the second-generation Smart HJC Bluetooth system and other comms systems. Available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $699.99.


Barnett Lock-up Pressure Plate

Barnett Lock-up pressure plate

This new product from Barnett fits all Harley-Davidson FL Touring models with Milwaukee-Eight engines, as well as 2013-current models with slip/assist clutches (except Softails). Made in the USA, the one-piece hard-anodized billet pressure plate guarantees no flex and optimal durability. Weighted arms progressively apply increased pressure as the engine revs up. Two sets of chrome silicon heat-treated and preset no-sag springs are included for different pressure options. Available for $415.88.


SW-Motech PRO Cross WP Strap Tank Bag

SW-Motech PRO Cross WP strap motorcycle tank bag

This tank bag is made of TPU material with no seams, holes, or exposed zippers, creating a completely waterproof compartment for your items. It has a sturdy EVA lid with a magnetic lock for easy access and MOLLE attachment on the lid for extra carrying capability. The bag can fit on many motorcycle tanks, including small enduro bikes with narrow tanks, and it includes quick-release buckles for fast removal and a carrying handle. The bag holds 5.5 liters and weighs about 2 lb. Available for $199.95.


Kodlin M-8 Softail Engine Guards

Kodlin M-8 Softail Engine Guard

Protect your Harley from tip-over damage with this engine guard. Engineered from high-strength steel, the guard includes an oil cooler cover and black crash pads. The bolt-on design makes for a simple installation: Remove the mounting hardware from the stock foot controls, fit the engine guard in place, and bolt it back together. Available for $549.99 in a black or bronze finish, the guard fits 2018-23 Low Rider, Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, Softail Standard, and Street Bob models. Rear guards are available for $299.99.


Hawg Halters Radial-Mount 6-Piston Single Caliper Kit

Hawg Halters Radial-Mount 6-Piston Single Caliper Kit

Upgrade your brakes with this 6-piston radial-mount caliper kit. Fitting the popular 108 x 22mm mounting configuration, the precision CNC-machined 6061 billet-aluminum construction provides an optimum strength-to-weight ratio for strong braking responses. Reliability is ensured with dual EPDM copolymer seals and stainless-steel pistons, and a quick-change design allows for simplified pad maintenance. Available in Bright Machine, Gloss Black, Inca Gold, and Show Chrome finishes starting at $390.


SW-Motech Legend Gear Magnetic Tank Bag

SW-Motech Magnetic Legend Gear motorcycle Tank Bag

This tank bag can fit on nearly any motorcycle and includes a magnetic attachment for bikes with steel tanks as well as straps for nonmagnetic attachment. It’s made from napalon synthetic leather and waxed canvas and includes splashproof inner lining. A waterproof cover adds more rain protection, and the carrying handle allows the bag to be easily transported. The zippered expansion increases volume from 3 liters to 5.5. Available in black or black with brown for $121.95.


Wild Ass Classic Motorcycle Cushion

Wild Ass Smart Classic cushioned motorcycle seat

Made with medical-grade neoprene rubber, the Wild Ass Classic is a comfortable and natural-feeling motorcycle seat cushion designed for long-distance riders who want extra comfort and less fatigue. The neoprene rubber reduces pain at pressure points and promotes blood flow. The inflatable cushion also reduces shock and vibration, keeping riders comfortable over long distances. The Classic cushion is 15.5 x 14 inches and comes with a bladder, a cover, straps, and a patch kit. Available in black for $249.99.


SMK Titan Carbon

SMK Titan Carbon motorcycle helmet

SMK’s top-of-the-line helmet features a lightweight and impact-resistant Titan Carbon outer shell comprising carbon-fiber composite and energy-absorbing thermoplastic. An inner liner consisting of multiple densities of expanded polystyrene provides additional impact absorption. Ventilation is provided by a chin vent, a top vent, and four exhausts. Also included are a drop-down sunshield and a Pinlock anti-fog insert. This full-face helmet is ECE and DOT certified and available in sizes XS-2XL starting at $279.99.


Spectro Oils

Spectro Oils Heavy Duty Golden Synthetic V-Twin motorcycle oil

Spectro’s Heavy Duty products include engine and transmission oils, primary chaincase oils, fork oils, and brake fluids that deliver maximum protection while extending drain intervals and component life. Spectro’s Golden Synthetic Blend is the ultimate engine lubricant designed for use in Harley-Davidson V-Twin engines and features a combination of world-class Group IV synthetic lubricants, superior base stocks, and advanced anti-wear additives to extend component life. Find it at your local dealer. 


See all of Rider‘s Gear listings here.

The post 2023 Holiday Buyers Guide appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Aerostich Celebrates 40 Years with the Very Boring Rally 5

Aerostich Very Boring Rally

The Very Boring Rally 5 by Aerostich is here, and with it comes guest speakers, storytellers, a bike night, a Rider of the Month meet-up, and more. It all starts July 7 and runs through the month of August.

Aerostich Store in Duluth, MN
The Aerostich factory and store are located in Duluth, MN.

Aero Design & Mfg. Co. Inc. started in 1983 with the goal of developing “a completely new type of textile-based gear for motorcyclists.” The efforts of that goal resulted in the Roadcrafter suit, which is still available as the Roadcrafter Classic. Aerostich’s popular R-3 suit is the third generation of the Roadcrafter, and the R-3 can now be custom-tailored for an exact fit.

Related: Aerostich R-3 One-Piece Suit | Gear Review

Since those early days, Aerostich has increased its product offerings, now including jackets, pants, gloves, boots, and other gear in its catalog. The Aerostich factory and store are located in Duluth, Minnesota.

Aerostich Store
The Aerostich store offers gloves, boots, suits, jackets, pants, and more.

Friday, July 7, is the first day of the Very Boring Rally, which runs through August. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. with guest speaker Thomas Day, who writes the Geezer with a Grudge blog and is a Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly columnist.

Thursday, July 13, is Bike Night starting at 5 p.m. Bike Night includes a ride over Bong Bridge and through Billings Park and ends at the Superior Porchfest for free live outdoor music and a food truck.

On Friday, July 28, guest speaker Dr. Gregory W. Frazier will discuss “Motorcycle Sex and Adventure – Secrets, Tips, and Tricks” at 2 p.m.

Aerostich Suit
Aerostich suits and gear are made in its Duluth, MN, factory.

Plenty more guest speakers are scheduled to visit Aerostich during July and August, including Duane “Digger” Carey, Paul Pelland, Pat Hahn, Robert Higdon, and Voni and Paul Glaves. The Aerostich founder and owner will be featured as a guest speaker to end the two-month-long event on Saturday, Aug. 26. The full schedule can be found on the Very Boring Rally’s website.

Also included in the rally is the Rider of the Month Meet-Up on Aug. 11, during which visitors can chat with Aerostich Riders of the Month.

Visiting the Aerostich factory or store in Dutuh, Minnesota, during the rally gets you a free “Very Boring Rally 5” T-shirt and collectible event pin, and you’ll have the chance to take advantage of the VBR sale on the Roadcrafter Classic suit. Visitors can save 5-15% on a Roadcrafter Classic one-piece suit, two-piece suit, jacket, or pants.

Aerostich Roadcrafter Classic
The Roadcrafter was Aerostich’s first suit, and it’s still available as the Roadcrafter Classic. Visitors to the Aerostich factory and store during July and August can get up to 15% off a Roadcrafter Classic.

Each Friday with a guest speaker will have a light lunch served at noon, and Saturday mornings with speakers will have a continental breakfast. The Very Boring Rally will also include contests and door prizes, tech sessions, factory tours, a souvenir booklet, and more.

Find more information on the Very Boring Rally website.

The post Aerostich Celebrates 40 Years with the Very Boring Rally 5 appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

BMW: The New 2023 Gear Collections

Did you know that BMW was was the first motorcycle manufacturer in the world to present its own complete rider’s equipment and motorcycle accessories packages? (via BMW)

Well, now you have a know-it-all ice breaker for the coming season’s drop-and-go rides – and, in typical form, BMW has gear to go with that…the world’s largest range of gear, in fact.

For 2023, BMW has accumulated over 100 products for the safety-conscious rider. From helmets, gloves and boots to rider suits, jackets, trousers, casual wear, functional wear and accessories, the Bavarians are going all-out. 

We’ll hyperlink the full collections further below, but let’s take a quick skim at what’s new for 2023:

LIDS

Xomo Carbon Sports Integral Helmet

BMW's Xomo Carbon Sports Integral Helmet. Media sourced from BMW.
BMW’s Xomo Carbon Sports Integral Helmet. Media sourced from BMW.

Carbon composite shell meets 3D-shaped cheek pads, glasses easy-fit system, and a visor system with soft-close function + removable chin cover.

JACKETS

The “Hotlap” Jacket

BMW's “Hotlap” Jacket. Media sourced from BMW.
BMW’s “Hotlap” Jacket. Media sourced from BMW.

There’s no better kind of hide than nappa cow leather for the pinnacle in protection – and thanks to the elastic material in the shoulders/sleeves, you can add mobility to the list, too.

The “RoadCrafted 100 Years” Jeans Jacket

Celebrating the Bavarians’ anniversary in style! Featuring abrasion-resistant denim fabric and NP flex protectors, both of which complement the lettering and logo choices for this unit.

The “Schwabing” Jacket (Special Edition)

BMW's “Schwabing” Jacket. Media sourced from BMW.
BMW’s “Schwabing” Jacket. Media sourced from BMW.

Refreshed for BMW’s 100-year anniversary, we’ve got an additional cowhide contender, complete with NP flex protectors in the elbows and shoulders. 

The “GS Adrar” Jacket

Dedicated, of course, to the GS Adventure. Expect this lightweight jacket to work best in warmer weather, since she not only features excellent ventilation, but NP3 protectors on the shoulders/elbows/back and leather fasteners at the collar/elbows. 

BOOTS/SHOES

The “KnitRace” Sneakers

For when you want protection, but style and comfort can’t be compromised. An integrated ankle protection and 3D heel protector mean that this boot is registered as a Level 1 for protection. Not bad for a 3D knit. 

Insta360's new GPS Action Remote - compatible with the X3, ONE RS and ONE R cameras. Media sourced from Insta360.

The “Seoul GTX” Sneakers

BMW's Seoul Gore-Tex Sneakers. Media sourced from BMW.
BMW’s Seoul Gore-Tex Sneakers. Media sourced from BMW.

GORE-TEX® takes full front-and-center for this unit; combined with the oil/fuel-resistant 1K sole,  the integrated heel and ankle protection and the 70% leather, 20% polyurethane, 10% polyester, the Seoul GTX does its job and then some.

Here are the two collections BMW has gathered for 2023:

BMW RIDE Collection: Self-explanatory label for this particular rack of goodies, but you get the gist. 

BMW STYLE Collection: Because sitting on the Caps key is the only way to scream the necessity of functional fashion at your readers – and hey, we’re here for it. 

Excited to see the new 2023 gear roll out as we get closer to the turn of the year? We are too! Stay tuned, drop a comment below letting us know what you think, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties. 

*Media sourced from BMW*

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

5 Motorcycle-Style Jackets Perfect for Summer Riding

Most motorcycle jackets are designed with one core philosophy — to protect the rider in the event of an accident. Everything else, like comfort or weather protection, is secondary. In this pursuit of safety, motorcycle jackets also lose a little bit of their style quotient and practicality. When’s the last time you saw someone wear an armored motorcycle jacket on a casual night out? Yup, probably never.

However, most riders would conclude that trading in style and everyday, casual wearability for protection is undoubtedly worth it. That said, we’re sure some of you out there are looking for form over function — perhaps, for a short ride around town — so we’ve put together this list of five stylish motorcycle jackets.

There’s one for every kind of rider on this list, from something that will look perfect with your retro cafe racer to a jacket you can wear just as confidently on and off the motorcycle.

The Difference Between a Style Jacket and an Armored Jacket

Before we proceed any further, we want to reiterate that the jackets on this list cannot be considered a replacement for a genuine motorcycle jacket. Armored jackets from brands like Dainese, Alpinestars, or Klim go through a comprehensive R&D process and rigorous testing before they make their way into the market.

So what’s the difference? Bona fide motorcycle jackets frequently use multiple layers and materials to offer the best possible impact and abrasion resistance. Other factors include fabric thickness, burst resistance, stitching location, and even down to the type of fasteners use.

A style-oriented jacket, on the other hand, while better than wearing no jacket, will not provide the same level of safety.

It makes sense to always be as safe as possible when you’re on a motorcycle, and that’s why the ‘ATGATT’ acronym is so popular in the motorcycling community. ‘All The Gear All The Time’ may not be the most practical approach, but it’s definitely the safest.

The jackets we’ve compiled for this list aren’t entirely devoid of protection and come with (or have the option to add) some basic armor.

Urban Style Jacket

Leather Skin Shop Black Moto Jacket

Leather Skin Shop Black Moto Jacket

Leather Skin Shop is an independent company based out of Oregon, committed to producing premium leather goods with style and an affordable price. If you’re looking for a leather jacket to cruise in this season, Leather Skin Shop offers a variety of leather motorcycle-style jackets, including hooded and cafe-racer-styled selections.

Of all the options they offer, we’re most impressed with the Black Moto Jacket. Made from high-quality cowhide, the Black Moto Jacket is put together by hand with exquisite attention to detail.

The jacket also features stretch panels along the outer chest and sleeves, making for a comfortable fit. It has shoulder and elbow armor on the jacket but is important to note that it has not received a safety rating on its product page. It’s a great looking jacket if you’re looking to emphasize style over function.

The Black Moto Jacket is made in various sizes, from XS to 5XL, so you will definitely find one that fits you just right. Still, if you’re looking for something more bespoke, they can also customize your leather jacket in various colors, embroidery, and more.

Cafe Racer Style Jacket

First Manufacturing Top Performer Jacket

First Manufacturing Top Performer leather jacket

  • Price: $329 – $359
  • Where to Buy: RevZilla

First Manufacturing Co. has been around since 1987 and has built quite a name for itself by specializing in leather apparel. Their portfolio comprises everything you’d expect from an established apparel manufacturer, from belts and gloves to vests and jackets. This Top Performer Jacket is one of the company’s more popular offerings and is an excellent option if you ride a cafe racer.

The full-leather jacket has a timeless look, sporting a generous American cut and a single-snap mandarin collar. Thanks to two vented chest pockets and zipper vents on the sleeves, you should be comfortable even on a hot summer’s day. While it doesn’t come with any armor, First Manufacturing has equipped the jacket with pockets that can accommodate CE-rated armor. The jacket also features padding on the shoulders, elbow, and kidney area.

Cruiser Style Jacket

Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket

Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket

Roland Sands Design is an American company spearheaded by championship-winning GP rider turned bike builder Roland Sands. The firm specializes in custom hardware for Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Indian Motorcycles but also sells an extensive range of apparel.

Of the many jackets the brand has on sale, we recommend the Ronin because it perfectly blends everyday functionality with impeccable styling. RSD says the Ronin is “Versatile and stylish both on and off the bike, it’s the jacket you wear for a night out even when you don’t bring your bike along,” and we definitely agree.

The Ronin is made from 0.9mm — 1.1mm hand-finished leather, offering abrasion resistance, with pre-curved sleeves and pockets for RSD x Forcefield armor. Other features include perforated leather interior trims and sleeves, a snap collar, and multiple pockets.

Sport Style Jacket

Alpinestars Chrome Sport Hoodie

Alpinestars Chrome Sport Hoodie

At first glance, the Alpinestars Chrome Sport Hoodie looks like just another piece of casual clothing. However, take a good look, and you’ll find that this was designed with safety features that you’d find on many other entry-level motorcycle jackets. For instance, the jacket uses aramid reinforced panels on the shoulder, elbow, and back for added abrasion resistance and protection.

It comes standard with Level 1 CE-certified Bio Lite armor on the elbows and shoulders and features a pocket on the back designed to accommodate the Alpinestars Level 2 Nucleon CE-certified back insert.

Other features include a removable hood, a zippered hoodie-style hand pocket, and an internal waterproof pocket. The Alpinestars Chrome Sport Hoody is available in six styles, and you’re likely to find one that best suits your style.

Adventure Style Jacket

Knox Kenton Jacket

Knox Kenton Adventure Jacket

  • Price: $195 – $300.00
  • Where to Buy: RevZilla

The Knox Kenton is perhaps the most stylish jacket on this list, with a simple yet elegant cut that resembles that of a pea coat. This fully waterproof mid-length jacket features two ‘hunting pockets’ on the chest and two zippered waterproof pockets at the waist. Its waterproof and breathable membrane comes with fully taped seams, ensuring you’ll stay dry even during heavy downpours.

Know has also equipped the jacket with its unique-dual fitting system that allows you to adjust the fit, so you can adjust it to suit you best whether you’re on or off a motorcycle. The jacket also features an inner zip that allows you to attach it to your riding pants.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoCAP allows riders to compare gear

Eight motorcycle jackets and five pairs of riding pants have been added to the growing list of motorcycle gear rated by the award-winning MotoCAP website so riders can compare items before buying.

MotoCAP has now tested a total of 443 jackets, gloves and pants and now includes helmet safety and comfort ratings.

In the latest round of testing, RST Kevlar Tech Pro CE Mens denim pants and BMW PaceGuard textile pants were the highest performing, receiving four out of five stars for safety.

BMW Paceguard gear

The BMW PaceGuard pants are now the highest performing non-denim textile pants for safety and also received ten out of ten for water resistance.

The new ratings for jackets can be viewed here. The new ratings for pants can be viewed here.

The online site also allows readers to view items side by side for easier comparisons before buying.

The MotoCAP website now also includes helmet ratings after merging information from the Australian NSW Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) ratings site, previously published on crash.org.au.

The MotoCAP safety intitiative launched in September 2018 and is the first of its type in the world.

It is based on evidence from crash injury research and the test protocols of the current industry standard. It is an initiative of state automobile clubs and transport departments.

In 2019, MotoCAP, has won a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) road safety award.

MotoCAP is a partnership between Transport for NSW, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), VicRoads, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.

Testing is carried out by the Deakin University Institute for Frontier Materials on behalf of the MotoCAP partners.

All gear rated so far has been obtained through a secretive buying system to guarantee integrity.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Contest Time: Win Some Awesome Aussie Gear from Akin Moto

Subscribe for Your Chance to Win!

Our sister site, Return of the Cafe Racers, organized a contest with Aussie moto gear brand Akin Moto. In what may be the easiest contest ever, all you need to do is be a member of our newsletter to be entered. Already a member of our “Behind the Visor” newsletter? YOU’RE ALREADY ENTERED! But you can double your chances to win by joining the Cafe Racer newsletter, RETROspective. Join below!

The contest is open to American, Australian, Canadian, and UK residents.

wordpress contest

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

EngineHawk: Fall Collection Revealed Along with Site-Wide Black Friday Discounts

Ruroc‘s Motorcycle gear line has just announced a site-wide sale in commemoration of Black Friday – and as if the 30% discount weren’t enough, they’ve also given us three sweet items to add to the wardrobe.

A model featuring the Tactical shirt and Combat gilet (vest) from Enginehawk

Based out of the UK, EngineHawk is on a mission “to revolutionize the motorcycle apparel industry. We make gear that looks better, fits better, and performs better.” To that effect, the brand has managed to create a stylish – yet protective and functional – gear collection that suits Ruroc’s helmets to a tee.

EngineHawk’s official website states that their Black Friday sale features up to 30% off in discounts (with up to $130 off certain items) and will only be in effect for three more days, after which point everything returns to normal, and the drool-worthy leathers are hiked back to the regular price.

the Mother Trucker jacket from Enginehawk

The all-new fall collection that’s just dropped contains three items: the MOTHER TRUCKER jacket, COMBAT shirt, and TACTICAL gilet (or vest) – the latter two of which go swimmingly when you purchase as a pair. 

A model featuring the Tactical shirt and Combat gilet (vest) from Enginehawk

The website also boasts high-quality protection in all of their jackets. With material from Europe’s biggest manufacturer of PPE CE-approved armor, SASTEC, Enginehawk has managed to create a triple flex level 1 (and 2) for the back of their jackets, as well as shoulder and elbow armor to ensure safety above style, always. 

A model featuring the Mother Trucker jacket from Enginehawk

Check out the photo gallery below if you’re curious about the new 2021 fall collection, and make sure to also head over to Enginehawk’s official website to take advantage of the discounts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Review: Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve Base Layer

Review Summary
A cooling base layer that does what it says on the packaging, the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve feels more like a generic cooling base layer than a motorcycle-focused one. Moisture-wicking fabric does its job and cools using evaporation and heat transfer, but across the back of the shirt, this effectiveness is cut in half by using open mesh.
Materials & Build Quality
Sizing & Fit
Effectiveness
Value for Money
No chemical agents used during cooling
Compression fit, keeping it tight to your skin for optimal cooling
Machine washable
Does not lose any cooling functionality after washing
Comfort-fit seams sit flush and comfortable against the skin
Made of 92% recycled fibers
True to sizing chart
Back is made of open mesh instead of cooling fabric
Feels more like general use garment than motorcycle focused

I had the pleasure of reviewing the KLIM Aggressor -1.0 Cooling Shirt during the hottest summer that Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and most of the Pacific Northwest of North America, have seen in probably a decade. That shirt gave me the surprise of my riding life when it actually worked as described, and I gave it possibly the highest score I have ever given a piece of gear: 90%, which in MotorBikeWriter and webBikeWorld “review speak” means “damned near perfect, no flaws, top of the pile.”

That review also piqued my interest in cooling garments, as I am a bit on the bigger side and have many built-in layers to keep me warm. When bundled up in gear on a 30+ C day, that also usually means I sweat. A lot. So having something that passively helps me stay cool without having to take it out of the freezer and slot it into a special vest or dunk it in water to activate it is definitely something I want to review.

In the middle of the “Sizzling Summer,” as I have come to call it, Fieldsheer, a company well known for providing four-season and snowmobile heated gear, contacted us to see if we’d be interested in their newest line of cooling base layers. When this opportunity arose, of course, I jumped up and down and raised my hand to be put on the list. I am enthusiastic about keeping myself cool while on long rides, and I also wanted to pit a competitor’s product against what I considered the standard for this segment of motorcycle gear, the KLIM Aggressor named above.

About Fieldsheer

Since 1978, Fieldsheer has been involved in the heated and heat-retention garment business. This has included everything from the design and production of motorcycle jackets to developing battery-powered, heated work apparel. Thanks to advances in fabric technology, the company was recently able to provide a wider range of heated—and for the first time, passive—cooling garments for various uses.

Fieldsheer has recently refocused its product lines on heated and cooling apparel and includes active heat management in its battery-powered heated gear via smartphone integration. These heated and cooling garments come as base layers, regular use garments, or top layers and include everything from snowmobile and skiing gear to industrial cooling bandanas, skull caps, and shirts.

About webBikeWorld’s Review Policy

This product was provided by Fieldsheer for review purposes. Note that we do not allow brands to influence review scores or content. Please see our review policies for more information.

We here at webBikeWorld believe that you can’t just try something out once and give an honest opinion of it. Any product we test is actually used by our testers, and for the month of August and part of September 2021, any time I rode—hot or cold—I wore this base layer.

Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve Shirt Features

Bike: 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650

When I first unpacked the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt from the packaging, I was surprised to find that there were, in fact, two shirts in the package. As I am 185 cm and 127 kg (depending on if I ate a lot for dinner the night before), I am definitely in the XL to 3XL range for most gear. I have a 127 cm chest circumference and pretty broad shoulders from both genetics and playing rugby in my younger years. Using Fieldsheers’ sizing chart, I found that I was in between 2XL and 3XL, so I requested the 2XL, but they sent me a 2XL and 3XL. Thanks, Fieldsheer, for the generosity in this aspect for an in-betweener!

The biggest thing I noticed right off the bat is that the Fieldsheer cooling shirt is much thinner than my KLIM shirt. Whereas the KLIM feels like it’s been knit together by some very small knitting needles, the Fieldsheer shirt is, to borrow a word from their name, sheer. It’s about 1 mm thick, if that, and is very stretchy, as it is 8% spandex. I also noticed that there were two small panels on the chest and back, as the chest was made of what Fieldsheer calls DriRelease, and the back was an open mesh.

Putting the 3XL shirt on, I found that it was actually a tad too big, with the garment not pulling close to the skin and the sleeves sticking out from under my Rev’It Arc Air jacket. Doffing that, I put on the 2XL shirt and found it to be a much closer, nearly compression-style fit. It still sat a bit loose on parts of me, but where it counted, it was in contact with the skin and pulled smooth.

Like most base layers, as I have discovered through research, the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt features comfort stitching, meaning that there are no seams or joins pressing annoyingly into your skin. The fabric is smooth and feels premium on the skin, although I did notice that most of the adjustment and stretch of the shirt happened everywhere except the back panel.

Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve Shirt Fit & Comfort

Although I already touched on this above in the features, I will go more in-depth here regarding the fit of the shirt.

As per the Fieldsheer size guide, I am between 2XL and 3XL. As I expected stretching, that is why I asked for a 2XL. I have also found that with most gear, it is either one size too big, or one size too small, because of differences in standards across the globe. For example, my Forma Trace riding boots are a Euro size 46, but my feet are 10.5 (Wide) in US sizing—which should equate to an EU 39 sizing, but does not.

Side view of man wearing Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt
Pardon the pandemic belly—we’ve all gained a little in lockdown, even the fitness enthusiasts I know as friends!

I can report that the Fieldsheer gear, at least as far as I have experienced, fits bang on according to the size guide. My chest is 127 cm, the 2XL has a max chest of 127 cm, and it fits perfectly—not squeezing me, but definitely keeping contact with the skin. My side-of-neck-to-wrist sleeve length is 69.5 cm, and the 70 cm sleeve of the 2XL is nearly perfect, just 5 mm too long and peeking out from under my jacket by a hair.

Close-up of jacketed sleeve with Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt visible under cuff
Could you get a better fit? The sleeve is just a tiny bit long, but this usually gets covered with a glove.

Comfort-wise, after about 5 minutes of getting used to the new-out-of-the-bag feel and letting the fabrics start to passively cool you, this is definitely a shirt you could wear for any type of activity. It kind of joins with your body in a way that makes it feel like a second skin, albeit a looser layer. It’s so lightweight you barely notice you’re wearing it unless you’re actively looking down at yourself and saying, “ah, I’m wearing a cooling shirt.”

The comfort stitch seams, and spandex fabric interwoven with the DriRelease, do their job to help with that. The only part I was actively aware of being a shirt, and will definitely explain in much more detail in the Real World section of this review, is the back. The back panel, as well as the underarms, are open mesh, and because of that, they are not as effective as the other panels at “becoming one with your skin.”

Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve Shirt Ventilation

Since I’m mentioning that back mesh panel, let’s talk ventilation. By nature of biology, humans have five major radiators to dump excess heat from our bodies via sweat from our skin. These are our heads, underarms, backs, groins, and feet. A cooling shirt touches two of those areas: the back and the underarms.

Close-up rear view of blue Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt
A blessing or a curse? The open mesh design of the back of the shirt works in different ways depending on what you’re using it for.

Most riding jackets, be they cold, warm, hot, or extreme weather jackets, have ventilation that passes across the underarms in some way, and exhausts out the back. By placing open mesh in the underarms and on the back, my assumption is that Fieldsheer wanted natural convection to occur with these vents to both wick sweat away from the DriRelease fabric and get ventilation air to the skin in the major radiation points.

When I mention open mesh, I really do mean open mesh. Each ventilation hole is at least 1mm wide when not being worn, and I assume a mild amount of stretch opens them even wider during use, especially when leaning forwards towards handlebars.

Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve Real-World Testing

As stated earlier, it was bloody hot over the summer here. Even as I write this review in mid-September, it is still breaching 20 °C some days of the week, in a month that sees traditional temperatures from 5 to 15 °C. Most days I was out riding in August, the temperatures were in the mid to high 20s, and more often than not, they were above 30 °C. This shirt was used with a combination of jackets, from my Alpinestars Andes V3 on the colder days to my Rev’It Arc Air on moderate-to-hot days, and with my review sample Rev’It Tornado 3 hot weather mesh jacket on the super-hot days.

For the first little while, I tested the Fieldsheer shirt “as it is,” meaning there were no special considerations given to maximizing airflow, opening or closing specific vents to affect which bits were touched by the wind, etc. Calgary is very prone to wind, as we sit right at the confluence of warm Pacific Ocean air coming over the Rocky Mountains and the North American part of the Jetstream.

Close-up of side seam on blue Fieldsheer Long Sleeve shirt
The join between the front and the back of the shirt. It’s a comfort seam, but there’s still a bit too much of that open mesh for my liking.

Through gentle headwinds, gusting tailwinds, and at one point what felt like a howling gale as a thunderstorm rocked up in 5 minutes flat and dumped a ton of rain and hail on the city, my front and sides were comfortable. If it was a particularly cold day, say between 10 to 15 °C, I did find that I sometimes got a touch cool, but not to the point of it being dangerously cold.

The biggest issue that I had with the Fieldsheer cooling shirt, however, was the back. Because it’s that open mesh and not the DriRelease smooth panel fabric, I found it didn’t wick up the sweat and heat as well, especially in my waterproof Alpinestars Andes V3. That jacket sends a lot of cooling air around the outer shoulder and underarms, with exhaust vents to get rid of it on the sides of the back.

My underarms definitely benefited from that ventilation path, but my back never seemed to pull any heat away from the spine, while the KLIM Aggressor, with its solid back panel of Klimatek cloth, did so with the same jacket on. With the Rev’It Tornado 3, whose back panel is literally one big mesh, there was a lot of evacuation of air and heat, but it still never felt quite as cool as my front did, especially on the 30+ C days.

This made me go back to Fieldsheer’s website and look up the Mobile Cooling shirt again—where I found out that “powersports use” is just one of the many applications they recommend the shirt for. As such, I tested the shirt for a few other things as well, wearing it for one of my pedal bike rides on a hotter day in August, as well as trying it on under a cotton t-shirt during a walk (as someone hiking in a slightly cooler area might).

Mesh back panel of blue Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt
The mesh goes shoulder to shoulder, top to bottom, all the way to the sides of the torso. For hiking and pedal biking, great! For wearing under a jacket, not so great!

I can report, through this “not on a motorcycle” testing, that the shirt worked flawlessly in both situations. In fact, on the pedal bike ride where my speed averaged about 15 to 30 KPH, it worked better than it did under a motorcycle jacket. Under a thin cotton t-shirt on a cooler day—as hiking in Alberta is generally in the mountains and can get quite chilly—my walk was improved by my underarms and forearms not getting soaked in sweat. The sweat-wicking DriRelease fabric did its job, carried the sweat to evaporation areas, and kept me comfortable.

It is due to this testing—as well as Fieldsheer’s outright admission—that I think the Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve is more of a general-use cooling shirt rather than a dedicated garment for powersports use.

Should You Buy the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Shirt?

At the end of the day, the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt is an effective general-purpose cooling shirt. I want to highlight the “general-purpose” bit there. I feel my KLIM Aggressor would be a bit too warm to wear under another t-shirt for hiking, and while it would work just as well for pedal biking, the Fieldsheer is thin and light enough to be eminently useful in both those areas.

Man wearing black mesh jacket over Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve shirt
After a ride with a mesh jacket. Nice and dry from the DriRelease fabric!

Personally, I think having the back panel made of the same DriRelease fabric as the front would make it much more useful as a base layer under a riding jacket. The underarms with the open mesh are great, since they were definitely effective in reducing a ton of heat through being blasted by colder air. Just make the back solid fabric, allowing it to carry the sweat and heat to the ventilation areas, and my rating on this shirt would be a few points higher.

That said, I can’t deny that having a shirt that doesn’t need to have any chemicals activated by water and isn’t made of exotic unpronounceable things is a step in the right direction. By being made out of almost entirely recycled fabric, the shirt, and Fieldsheer in general, are helping reduce waste and allowing for generally more affordable garments for riders. If you are riding in warmer parts of the US, just make sure to pair it with a hot weather jacket, so you have that armor on top and cooling underneath.

Despite the “my back is kind of warm” issue I faced—and what I consider minor design considerations that make the shirt more general-use vs. motorcycle-oriented—I still can’t fault it too much. If only that back panel was made of the same material as the front, and they extended the mesh from the underarms down the sides, it would work much better with the heat from a rider’s back.

With that in mind, I can safely give the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve a solid 4 out of 5, or 80%, rating, and will recommend it to anyone that wants to have a multi-use cooling shirt that isn’t purely for riding.

Note: As a bit of a fun aside, I wrote this entire review wearing the cooling shirt at my computer desk, and it’s kept me perfectly comfortable the entire time!

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Fieldsheer
  • Price (When Tested): $65 USD
  • Made In: China
  • Alternative models & colors: Cerulean (light blue), Morel (grey), Coyote (olive brown), Ocean (very light blue), Hi-Viz (fluorescent yellow)
  • Sizes: SM to 3XL
    • Size Tested: 2XL
  • Review Date: August 2021

Important Links / Where to Buy

Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Long Sleeve Shirt Gallery

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

iXS Releases the Carbon-Mesh Sport Glove 4.0

As an avid musician and a religious believer in ATTGAT (All The Gear All The Time), I’ve found quality motorcycle gloves with full knuckle support to be worth their weight in gold – all the more so if they allow my digits to breathe on those sweltering days between June and July. 

You can imagine my excitement when iXS, a company known for its quality motorcycle gear, released a set of gloves called the Carbon-Mesh Sport Glove 4.0.

a top view of the all-new iXS Carbon-Mesh Sport Glove 4.0

According to the innovative company, the sport gloves are not only air-permeable – they are also inundated with both carbon/PVC knuckle shells and palm/hand-edge reinforcements. 

The fabric? A mixture of high-quality goatskin, mesh, and fabric, complete with the obligatory adjustable Velcro grips around the wrist to prevent slippage, and air-permeable mesh inserts/leather perforations guarantee a cool ride on a hot day. 

a back view of the all-new iXS Carbon-Mesh Sport Glove 4.0

The gloves also have touchscreen-compatible material on the index finger and come in all your favorite colors – as long as you like black. 

a view of riders wearing iXS gear, including the all-new iXS Carbon-Mesh Sport Glove 4.0

The iXS Carbon-Mesh Sport Glove 4.0 can be had for the nifty price of € 79.95 in the EU/UK, $99 USD for American riders.

We’re still waiting to get our hands on a pair of these to see if they make our ultimate Best Motorcycle Gloves You Can Buy list.

If you’ve had a chance to try them out, let us know in the comments section, along with your go-to faves for opening the throttle on the twisties!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Tucano Urbano Acquired by Italian Brand Mandelli Group

Tucano Urbano is an Italian clothing and accessories brand for all things two-wheels, dedicated to a growing European clientele.

Founded in 1999, the Milan-based brand has spent years dedicating their retro line to an urbanized crowd that wants to flaunt that extra style.

a view of advertisement for Italian clothing company Tucano Urbano

The company supplies airbag vests, jackets, gloves – even leg covers for those rainy days that come hand-in-hand with living in the Central Hemisphere.

And with Tucano Urbano’s 2021 profits already exceeding €15M ($17.8M USD), they haven’t done half so bad for themselves.

a view of a Tucano Urbano store

Now, the line is being acquired by none other than Mandelli – an Italian company founded in 1945 and based in Carate Brianza, currently in the business of producing Brera bicycles and accessories and clothing for the moto-inspired crowds.

According to a report from RideApart, Mandelli acquired Tucano Urbano when they bought out Consilium SGR – a major stake-holder for Tucano Urbano. 

A blurb from Fineurop Soditic: Fineurope Soditic acted as exclusive financial advisor to Consilium SGR in the sale of Tucano Urbano S.r.l. to Mandelli S.r.l. Based in the outskirts of Milan and established in 1999, Tucano Urbano is a leading player in the clothing and accessories sector for motorcycles and scooters in Italy, with an expected 2021 turnover exceeding Euro 15 million. Its product offer includes weather protection systems, clothing, gloves, rain gear, helmets and other accessories mainly dedicated to urban motorcyclists. Tucano Urbano serves over 1,000 customers, with a consolidated presence on the Italian market and on the main European markets including France, Spain and UK. Mandelli is part of a Group founded in 1945 and based in Carate Brianza (MB). The Group is active in the two-wheeler sector and operates in the European market as a manufacturer of bicycles and accessories under the Brera brand as well as clothing and accessories for motorcyclists. The Group employs around 250 people and expects to post consolidated revenues of over Euro 60 million with an EBITDA margin of around 12%. Mandelli and Tucano Urbano complement each other in their respective competences. The synergies between the companies will allow the Group to achieve a solid path of growth and further consolidation on the reference markets.
Credit: Fineurop Soditic.

Now, with consolidation on the horizon, Marco Biollo will become the new Board of Directors Chairman for the merging of the two companies, with Tucano Urbano CEO Diego Sgorbati retaining his position. 

Both Biollo and Sgorbati have released the following in a joint statement:

Valentino Rossi in his 2020 garb

“Mandelli and Tucano Urbano are very successful realities and complement each other in their respective competencies. The synergies between the companies will make it possible to achieve a solid path of growth and further consolidation on the reference markets.”

a view of the store of Tucano Urbano

Looking forward to what the future holds for Mandelli and Tucano Urbano – and stay tuned for all things two-wheeled.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com