Tag Archives: Gear Guide

2022 Adventure/Dual-Sport Helmets Worth Wearing

February 15, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

Last updated:17th February, 2022

In the ADV and dirt parts of the motorcycling world, there are about as many helmets available as there are bikes. Much like with sport helmets, there are features and considerations that are specific to this part of the market.

When we were looking to find the best picks for the 2022 season, we took an approach that considered not only the safety and protection aspects of the helmet, but also what features it included specific to the ADV and dirt markets. This is why some of the more heavily promoted and “popular” helmets may not be on this list, as with all things on MotorBikeWriter, we are riders too.

As well, we did our best with this list to bring forth examples that are available around the world, and not just in Europe, Asia, or Australia. The reasoning behind this is that there are so many different certification bodies for each area that if the helmet is certified as DOT, ECE, and other certification labs, then we’re pretty sure it’ll be legal in most nations of the world.

Adventure Helmet Picks For The 2022 Season

Entry-Level

Priced under $300, these helmets are ideal for new riders or value-conscious shoppers.

Mid-Range

Priced $300-$500, these helmets are feature-rich and offer excellent protection.

Premium

Priced $500 and up. The premium grouping of what is available in the Adventure segment.

A Note About Our Recommendations:

There’s a lot of fake “review sites” online today. We get it. We aren’t one of them. We’ve tested many pieces of gear. Helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We extensively and exhaustively test gear. We do not fluff reviews.

Entry Level Adventure Helmets (Priced Under $300)

Scorpion EXO-AT950 (ADX-1)

Why?

This helmet is easy to call the best modular, adventure helmet available for the money. I realize that flies in the face of what I wrote at the outset of this article… but it’s true! The Scorpion EXO-AT950 is known outside North America as the ADX-1.

It can be worn without the visor installed to make room for goggles while doing serious off-road work or remove the sun peak for when you’re doing sport riding. You get a lot of versatility from this safety hat.

The more expensive EXO-AT950 helmets are shod in attractive graphic packages all aglow in bright colour schemes that help get the attention of onlookers and keep you more visible in traffic as well.

It lacks the high-end or premium feel of the more expensive adventure lids and isn’t Snell Certified or built with any other unusual safety features of note. Some people refer to it as heavy and noisy when worn at higher speeds too. Regardless, this helmet has been a popular fan favourite for 6 years and should fit into most people’s budgets.

Scorpion is known worldwide as a reliable brand that gives you more features for less money.

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Specs, Head Shape, & More

Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 4lbs or 1814g
Safety: DOT certification for the AT950, ECE 22.05 for the ADX-1
Sizing: XS to 3XL **Scorpion helmets often fit small so try before you buy or size 1 up if your head is at the far end of the sizing spectrum**

The In-Depth Review

Here’s a review from 2016 when the EXO AT-950 first appeared.

By the way, my sources at Scorpion tell me development is nearing completion of a new and improved AT950 that will be called the AT960. No official release date as of yet, but I would bet there’s a good chance we’ll see it in 2022.

Read our full review on the EXO AT-950.

Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS

I won’t try calling the MX-9 the safest helmet for the price, but I feel confident saying it could save a wearer’s life in specific kinds of crashes more so than many others thanks to the Multi-directional Impact Protection System.

This MIPS safety liner in the MX-9 is designed to minimize the especially deadly rotational forces sometimes experienced by the head and neck during a crash. That’s a significant factor to consider when choosing your helmet. After all, we don’t wear helmets to look good. It’s supposed to be about safety.

The price is very reasonable for what you get and might allow a buyer to splurge for the wonderful luxury that is a Transitions Auto-Tinting visor while keeping the final price well under $400. Wow.

Even if this helmet isn’t the quietest, lightest, or physically smallest available, those first two factors I mentioned above are huge PROs. The MX-9 Adventure MIPS continues wearing the mantle of fan favourite even after 11 years of the competition trying to unseat it.

Specs, Head Shape, & More

Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 3.74 lbs 1696g
Safety: DOT and ECE 22.05 certification
Sizing: XS to 2XL

**Transitions Auto-tinting/photochromatic visor available for this helmet for $149**

The In-Depth Review

This review is 11 years old now, but still relevant! I wonder if Bell is going to make a significant update soon to the helmet after this long? If so, we’ll make sure to get a sample to create an updated version of the review.

Have a look at the original Bell MX-9 MIPS Full Review.

Nishua Enduro Carbon

Why?

What if I told you it was possible to buy a brand new $499 Carbon Fiber Klim Krios Karbon adventure helmet for only $200? You can even install the Transitions Auto-darkening visor for the Krios Karbon on this Nishua Helmet if you want to spend another $150. It’s justifiable to do thanks to how inexpensive the Nishua Enduro Carbon Helmet is.

I haven’t personally seen this helmet or worn it, but I know many adventure riders have taken the leap of faith and purchased it with no regrets. I’ve heard that it fits much the same as a typical Shoei does, meaning slightly narrower on the sides and longer front to back. A true intermediate oval shape.

It’s built just like the Klim Krios Karbon without the brand name stickers on it. You can even buy an unbranded version of the Sena 10U Bluetooth system to install inside, but word on the street is the Sena 10U isn’t worth the money.

This Nishua helmet is claimed to weigh a gravity-defying 2.54lbs (1150g) with the visor and sun peak installed on it. Remove the visor and peak and the mass for a Medium size drops to 1040g or 2.29lbs. Interestingly the Klim Krios Karbon is listed at 3.25lbs on Revzilla’s website, but that would be a DOT-approved helmet which may truly be heavier because of some extra pieces necessary to get certified as such instead of ECE only.

If you live in the US and want to wear this Nishua on the road legally, you’ll need to live in a State not requiring DOT-approved helmets. You’ll also find that the vendor doesn’t ship to the US, so you’ll have to find a friend in another country to forward it to you or use an intermediary like ShipByMail to help. You won’t likely be able to get any warranty coverage or returns on it though, so think hard before buying.

If you live in Canada or anywhere else in the world that recognizes ECE-only certification you’re in luck!

Specs, Head Shape, & More
Head shape: intermediate oval
Weight: 2.54 lbs 1150g
Safety: ECE 22.05 certification (Not DOT approved)
Sizing: XS to XL (No 2XL or 3XL)

**Transitions Auto-tinting/photochromatic visor available for this helmet for $149**

The In-Depth Review

There isn’t one on our site for this Nishua helmet, neither is there one for the Klim Krios Karbon. I don’t know how that happened but let me direct you to Revzilla’s review of the Klim Krios from 2016. It is essentially the same helmet for almost ⅓ of the price.

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Mid-Range Adventure Helmets (Priced $300 to $500)

LS2 Explorer Carbon

Why?

A lightweight in the ADV segment at just 1.38 kg (3.04 lbs), the LS2 Explorer Carbon’s shell is made entirely out of 6K grade carbon fiber. This is a flexible but very strong weave of carbon fiber of the same type that they make aircraft wings from, so you can rest assured that it is more than up to the job of protecting your head.

Adding to the benefits of the Explorer Carbon is the oversize, removable visor over an ultra-wide eye port that gives excellent peripheral vision. It will also accept almost any size off-road goggles you may have. The visor itself is 99% optically correct, UV blocking, and is of ballistic A-grade polycarbonate that will prevent gravel or road debris from penetrating. A drop-down sunshield keeps the sun out of your eyes, and a pinlock max in the box is the cherry on top of the excellent vision offered by this ADV helmet.

Ventilation is excellent with multiple front intakes, including adjustable crown and chin vents, flowing through multiple channels in the EPS foam inside the shell. Air is pulled out the back of the helmet by multiple exhausts.

Specs, Head Shape, & More

Head shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 3.04 lbs or 1,378 g (peak and visor installed)
Safety: ECE 22.05 and DOT certification
Sizing: XS to 3XL

A Note Regarding Mid-Range Helmets In 2022

Throughout 2021, we here at MotorBikeWriter have been keeping an eager eye on the ADV and Dual-Sport helmet market segment. What we’ve seen has been surprising, to say the least, as some of our favorite models such as the ADV AX9, the ADV cousin of the excellent ADV SportModular, have simply been discontinued by manufacturers and not replaced in their model lineups. After some investigation, it has come to light that the helmet industry as a whole has been affected by the current global pandemic, and the availability of the raw materials to make affordable but high-quality mid-range helmets have been directly impacted.

Thankfully, the supply line issues that affected 2021 are already being fixed, so keep your eyes on this page for an update in Q2 2022 as many manufacturers are expecting to either reissue helmets, or release new ones before the riding season.

Premium Adventure Helmets (Priced $500+)

Now we have arrived at the level where helmet prices feature undeniable sticker shock. Are these helmets worth the top-dollar prices? In my humble opinion, yes, but only if you are a person who;

Appreciates fine details showcasing the obsessive level of quality workmanship found in the handmade helmets of Shoei and Arai.
Rides upwards of 10,000 miles per year.
Appreciates the best technology, materials, and newest features

I feel like Arai in particular overbuilds their helmets so much that they could last twice the prescribed 5 years of time recommended as the serviceable period. That’s good if you plan on wearing them beyond that regardless of expert opinion on lifespan.

The Klim Krios Pro, Shoei Hornet X2 (Hornet ADV), and Arai XD-4 (Tour X-4),

Let’s just get these three out of the way first so we can check out a couple of new arrivals to this Premium Category.

These are the top three adventure helmets I’ve worn to date. Just pick the one you fit the best and there’s a 99% probability that you’ll be over-the-moon happy. They’re expensive, beautiful to look at, well-built, and they just plain do the job of protecting your head while also keeping you comfortable to a greater degree than the less expensive helmets.

Of the three I prefer wearing the Arai because it fits me the best while flowing huge quantities of air inside. I will happily wear the other two as well, though… it’s so, so, so, close.

Here’s a link to the three helmet comparison articles I previously wrote to tell you everything you’ll ever need to know about them. Three Adventure Helmet Showdown.

Alternative Choices

Now then, what else is out there you might ask? Suppose you want something different or Modular at this price point?

BMW GS Carbon EVO Helmet

Why?

I swear that I’m not a BMW fanboy (I ride a KTM!), but I like what I see in both new Adventure helmets announced in November 2020 for this 2021 merchandise lineup.

This is the fancier of the two new lids. Like the GS Pure, this GS Carbon EVO is very lightweight and has been wind tunnel tested to achieve above-average aerodynamics (quiet). But the Carbon EVO has a shell built entirely out of Carbon Fiber for extra strength which often leads to more wind noise.

Additionally, you get a MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) safety liner inside the Carbon EVO to give this helmet a higher level of protection against rotational forces in a crash.

BMW claims to have ensured this helmet has excellent ventilation and designed the sun peak’s shape to minimize drag and pull. The comfort liner inside has fewer seams in it to mitigate stress points on the wearer’s scalp and they’ve set up the interior to house the BMW Fit-For-All Bluetooth communication system. A Pinlock lens is included with the helmet and there’s also an outside spot to mount a GoPro or equivalent too.

Just as with the GS Pure helmet, I don’t know who manufactures the GS Carbon EVO helmets for BMW, but I’m trying to find out. I believe it could be Nexx because it looks similar to the X.Wed-2 (read the review here!) line of helmets, but I’m not saying that with nearly as much confidence as I did while linking the GS Pure/Airoh Commander bloodlines.

If you live in the US and want to wear this GS Pure helmet on the road legally, you’ll need to live in a State not requiring DOT-approved helmets. If you live in Canada or anywhere else in the world that recognizes ECE-only certification you’re in luck!

Specs, Head Shape, & More

Head shape: Unknown at this time (I’m guessing intermediate oval or neutral oval)
Weight: 3.2lbs or 1,450 g (peak and visor installed) and less when the visor is removed and goggles worn.
Safety: ECE 22.05 certification (Not DOT approved)
Sizing: XS to 2XL
The In-Depth Review

Coming at some future time I hope, but no one has yet been able to test one from what my searches reveal.

Have a look at this review of the last BMW GS Carbon helmet to get a rough idea of what it might offer since this GS Carbon EVO is an updated GS Carbon.

Touratech Aventuro Traveller Carbon

Why?

There isn’t a fancier or more refined modular adventure helmet on the market than this one from Touratech and Nexx. Yes, I would rank this Touratech ahead of the Schuberth E1, in case you’re wondering.

Every switch, button, or moving part on the Touratech shows high quality and is a pleasure to live with. The Carbon Fiber shell helps keep weight just under 4lbs which is significant considering the large sun peak jutting out from the front of it.

What makes this helmet stand out from the crowd (and surpass the Schuberth) other than the dashing good looks? The ventilation in it is phenomenal. I mean the only way to get better cooling in it would be to raise the chinbar and ride that way. It’s that good.

I love how quiet it is too. That’s a rare commodity to find in a modular helmet, let alone a Carbon Fiber modular helmet! Thanks to the wedge shape of the chin bar and aerodynamic sun peak this helmet cuts through the wind like the bow of a ship through water.

I’m also a fan of the visor and internal, drop-down sun visor lens clarity, not to mention there’s a Pinlock lens included with the helmet. It’s all very well done and the whole of it feels solid in your hands as well as on your head.

My only complaints stem from the unbalanced weight distribution (it’s chin heavy) and the fact you can’t quickly disconnect the sun peak as you can with nearly every other adventure helmet. The crown liner sometimes bunches up weirdly on me while I’m wearing it, leading to pressure points or hot spots.

I’ve encountered this before with the Schuberth C4 and C4 Pro, but can’t explain why it happens. If those things don’t bother you, this is one of the best modular adventure helmets you can buy.

Specs, Head Shape, & More

Head shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 3.9lbs (size Large) or 1770 g
Safety: DOT and ECE 22.05 certification
Sizing: XS to 3XL

The In-Depth Review

I reviewed this helmet last year and noted many excellent features along with very high-end finishes. No question, Touratech put a ton of thought into how they wanted Nexx to build this premium modular adventure helmet for them.

It doesn’t work well with my head and neck so I sold it to a friend of mine who is enjoying it thus far. Touratech Aventuro Traveller Carbon Review.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

New Motorcycle Helmets for 2021 Worth Wearing

October 8, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

If there is one area of protective gear that is constantly evolving, and generally in a good direction, it is the brain bucket, the skid lid, aka the motorcycle helmet. New materials, new technology and techniques, and new innovations in safety have all helped shape the modern riding helmet, as well as new and more stringent testing and certification methodologies.

The biggest argument, however, is which helmet is best? That is not what we’re really asking in today’s listing, but the counterpoint is that not all riding is the same. What may be the perfect helmet for track riding and racing, may fail woefully in a desert run enduro or a motocross course. And there are those that don’t care for the sport style of riding, preferring comfortable helmets that can be worn for a day-long ride between cities.

Instead, today’s question is which are the best helmets worth wearing, for any given type of riding, in 2021. To qualify, the helmet itself doesn’t have to have been released in 2021, but it should be an update or new version that carries the latest and greatest advancements in safety, technology, materials, comfort, or any combination of all four. We will also be looking at both top-of-the-line and budget options, to provide the best spread of helmets.

With that said, on to the list!

Shoei RF-1400

When you think of the best of the best, Shoei is one of the few names that should immediately pop into your head, or more directly, pop onto your head. As the name suggests, the RF-1400 is the long-awaited update from the RF-1200, itself a legendary helmet in terms of construction and rider protection, but with all the necessary upgrades expected from a modern helmet.

The new helmet is improved in a variety of ways, the least of which is a revised aerodynamic shape. This new design offers up to 4% less wind resistance and noise, making an already quiet helmet even quieter. Reworked interior padding addresses one of the few gripes with the RF-1200, that being that it was at times uncomfortably tight to pull on. A redesigned ventilation system also improves upon its predecessor, allowing for optimal airflow.

The shell of the helmet is still made with Shoei’s excellent fiberglass, aramid, and organic fiber weave. It has superb strength and elasticity and has passed both the SNELL M2020 certification and ECE 22.05 certification tests.

Read the review: Shoei RF-1400

ICON Airflight MIPS Stealth

Price: $320.00
Buy: Revzilla
Best of: Budget Full Face

Sometimes when a rider is helmet shopping, they may not have the available finances to afford a $500+ helmet. This doesn’t mean, however, that they should be left with a substandard helmet or one that skips out on important rider protection. Enter, then, the ICON Airflight MIPS Stealth, released in the latter half of 2020.

The most important bit of that name is MIPS or “Multi-Directional Impact Protection System.” This is a special piece inside the construction of the helmet, between the EPS foam and the liner, that allows the helmet to absorb an impact and begin rotating to dissipate energy before the liner starts to move with the shell. It only covers a few millimeters, and the time between shell and liner rotation is measured in milliseconds, but it is enough to allow the brain to slowly accelerate to the speed of the shell, instead of bashing against the inside of your skull during a tumble.

The helmet itself is made of advanced injection molded polycarbonate and is backed by multi-density, multi-layer EPS foam, the MIPS system, and then comfortable, thick padding. Ventilation is through multiple oversized intake ports and a massive chin port and is exhausted via multiple exit ports. The helmet meets or exceeds DOT, ECE 22.05, and other world standards as part of ICON’s push for their “All World Standard.”

Fly Racing Dirt Formula CC Solid

Not everyone who rides does so on the pavement. There are many that prefer to ride trails, kick around in some dirt, or even do long, off-road adventures that often require more protection than what their street-going brethren need. For just such riders, Fly Racing has developed the Dirt Formula CC Solid helmet.

The CC in the name stands for Carbon Composite, which is an interwoven shell of carbon fiber, DuPont Kevlar, and fiberglass, creating a super-strong but elastic shell that also has penetration resistance. This is extremely important when riding in areas where there are branches, sharp rocks, and the like. This is backed by a new style of EPS, known as “Conehead EPS,” which literally uses cones of EPS on the innermost layers to progressively absorb initial impact energy, slowing the head down before it comes in contact with the full multi-layer EPS.

Also helping absorb impact energy, especially low speed falls and drops, is what Fly Racing dubs “Impact Energy Cells,” made of RHEON impact rubber. These cells line the entirety of the inside of the helmet, and are specially shaped and designed to absorb both linear and rotational energy that would not otherwise be absorbed by the shell or EPS during a low-speed crash.

The Dirt Formula CC Solid exceeds all certification tests for DOT and ECE 22.05

You can find out more about this helmet here

Bell MX-9 MIPS

Price: $169.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
Best of: Budget Dirt and Trail Riding

Off-road riding, especially enduro and long adventure trails, can get quite tiring and also requires great visibility to see the branches, roots, rocks, and puddles you need to go through. The Bell MX-9 was famous for being a lightweight, protective, and affordable helmet that addressed all the needs of off-road riders. So it’s reassuring to know that Bell has updated their best off-road helmet with new safety features.

As discussed earlier in this list, MIPS is a safety system designed to mitigate rotational impact energy on the head and brain, and if there is one area of riding that has the highest likelihood of rotational impact, it’s off-roading. Adding it to one of the top-rated off-road helmets of all time only reinforces that this is a helmet that should be on your head.

Made of lightweight polycarbonate, and fully lined (including the chin bar!) with dual-density, multi-layer EPS, the MX-9 MIPS easily passes all DOT and ECE 22.05 testing requirements. In fact, the MX-9 MIPS is one step below Bell’s competition helmet for professional motocross and supercross racers, and the trickle-down of safety advancements to an affordable budget helmet is very nice to see!

Find out more about this helmet here: Bell MX-9 MIPS.

AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid

There are some manufacturers that will state that they have the best, latest, and greatest safety innovations in their helmets that turn out to either be gimmicks or adaptations of other manufacturers’ ideas. And then there are those manufacturers that actually develop and design those ideas. AGV is one such manufacturer, and the Italian gear company blew the modular helmet category away in late 2020 with the Sportmodular Carbon Solid.

As the name suggests, this helmet has a 100% carbon fiber shell. The interior design, EPS foam layout, and protection quality were all modeled on the AGV Pista GP-RR MotoGP racing helmet, and as such, the Sportmodular is lined and padded in only the best, highest quality materials. It also sports a full carbon fiber, metal-reinforced chin bar that raises on strong hinges and has a top position lock.

An internal sun-shield in the crown is included, sitting behind a race-grade visor, what AGV calls their GT3 visor with pinlock functionality. Ventilation is multi-channel and multi-intake, allowing the rider to choose where and how they want ventilation. The AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid is one of the few modular helmets that is rated for use with the chin bar raised and locked, as well as down and locked. It passes all ECE 22.05 and DOT tests without issue.

Read the full review: AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid.

HJC RPHA 90S

When you pick a modular helmet, you honestly want to make sure you are getting the best protection possible, with the strongest chinbar locking mechanism possible. There are hundreds of helmets that are less expensive than the RPHA 90S that could be listed as budget modular, yet they all have their flaws and issues. This is why our budget pick sneaks in under $500, but it still relatively expensive.

The RPHA 90S is the most recent update of the RPHA 90, a top-rated modular for many years past. HJC, for the 90S, has created a new shell material called PIM Plus (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus), which is made of carbon fiber interwoven with carbon-glass hybrid fabric. This allows for very dependable strength, elasticity, and penetration resistance.

The interior is lined with 3D engineered EPS and is then covered with HJC’s Multi-Cool lined padding. An integrated sun visor comes as standard, and the visor is the same as used on HJC’s racing helmets, model HJ-29, and comes fitted with an anti-fog pinlock insert. The RPHA 90S also received an excellent rating in our own review of it and is for sure a helmet that belongs on your head.

Check out the full review: HJC RPHA 90S.

Arai XD-4

Price: $609.95+
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
Best of: Adventure and Rally Touring

It really doesn’t seem to matter who steps up to the plate to try to dislodge Arai from the top step of the ADV and rally touring ladder, the XD-4 is quite literally here to stay. It has been the top helmet for ADV for multiple years, through multiple variations, and the latest version of the XD-4 is just another example of always evolving and moving in a positive, safer direction.

Made of Arai’s legendarily strong fiberglass weave, the XD-4 is lightweight and extremely resilient to the rigors of ADV touring. Multi-density, multi-layer EPS foam lines the entire interior of the helmet, including the chin bar. The interior padding and liners are customizable, with 5mm peel-away thickness adjustments in the cheeks and temples. The cheek pads are also designed using Arai’s Facial Contour Support (FCS) design, which braces everything from the jaw up to the occipital bones with thick, supportive padding.

The latest update includes a slightly retuned shell shape, to better direct airflow into the vents to cool off the rider. New passive exhausts on the top-rear of the head also help pull heat and moisture out via a multi-step exhaust design, to keep the rider as cool as possible even in the hottest temperatures. The latest version of the Arai XD-4 is one of the few ADV helmets to receive the SNELL M2020 certification and is also one of the few approved helmets listed for the 2022 Dakar Rally.

See how this helmet compares to other models: find out more about the XD-4 here.

Shoei X-14 Solid

Price: $769.99+
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
Best of: Track, Supersports, and Race

The choice for the best helmet for track days, supersports riding, and powersports racing was a tough decision. However, we have to give Shoei the nod with this updated X-14 helmet. Developed in celebration of Shoei’s long term partnership with racing legend Marc Marquez (one of the greatest riders to throw a leg over a MotoGP bike) the X-14 has received something of much-needed update. This started with a new variation of the Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) shell material known as AIM+, which added elastic organic fibers into the weave to enhance lightness, rigidity, flex, and resilience.

That shell is specifically shaped to cut through the air as cleanly as possible, reducing overall drag on a rider’s head. Dual-density, multi-layer EPS foam covers the entirety of the interior, including a reinforced chin bar section. Shoei’s CAD-designed 3D Max-Dry interior system of pads and liners allows for the rider to customize the angle the helmet sits on the head, as well as the thickness of the padding, to ensure the optimal fit that won’t wobble, move, or slip during racing.

Ventilation is through the massive top vent, as well as the crown vents just above the visor. A chin vent is also integrated, which has a special channeling system in the EPS to direct air down the cheek pads and exhaust out the bottom rear of the helmet. Exhausts are all positioned either directly before or after the three spoilers on the rear of the helmet, which gives added stability to the helmet when cornering hard, with the head ducked down near the clip-ons.

The latest Shoei X-14 update passes the SNELL M2020 certification test, as well as achieves the rarest certification, that of FIM Homologation, the most stringent testing currently available.

Read the review of an older model: Shoei X-14.

Scorpion EXO-R1 Air

Price: $399.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
Best of: Budget Track, Supersports, and Race

If the price of the Shoei X-14 makes you wince and sends your wallet screaming for the hills, then rest assured that there is a budget track day helmet for you. Scorpion, the company that always seems to find the best price-to-performance balance for their gear, has a very highly reviewed and rated helmet for you in the EXO-R1 Air.

Using what they term as Ultra-TCT, the shell is made up of interwoven fiberglass, aramid, and poly-resin fibers. This is lined with multi-density, multi-layer EPS, with channels cut into it specifically for maximum ventilation and cooling. This ventilation comes in the form of a ram-air top vent and a standard chin vent. Four exhaust ports behind the rear spoiler quite literally suck the heated air out of the helmet using the venturi effect.

The padding and liner inside the helmet uses Scorpions AirFit system and KwikWik cloth. The AirFit system allows the rider to inflate small bladders in the cheek pads, which contour to the face to keep the helmet in place at speed. KwikWik is a very absorbent lining fabric that is akin to a shammy, and soaks up sweat at an astounding rate, to either be evaporated out via the exhausts or, with the removable liners, washed and cleaned by hand.

The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air achieves DOT, ECE 22.05, SNELL M2020, and FIM Homologation certifications (FIM only for the small shell size).

Read the review: Scorpion EXO-R1 Air.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

10 Best Motorcycle Jackets For Women

June 9, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

Let’s face reality here: it’s only really been in the past two decades that women’s jackets have been coming out in force. Before then, in what was historically a “male-dominated hobby,” women had to make do with either custom gear or modifying men’s gear to fit. We put the quotations there because ever since the 1970s, we know that women made up a good portion of riders, usually hovering in the 5 to 10% ridership range.

Flash forward to 2021, and now women account for about 22% of riders, worldwide. That is refreshing to see and has forced even a lot of the “old school” to recognize that there are badass ladies all over the globe that will swing a leg over and crank the right wrist. It’s also refreshing to see that in what was once traditionally a male-dominated sport, road racing and even MotoGP are seeing more and more women rising in their ranks.

What this means is that many of the big manufacturers and gear makers have had to adapt to provide proper racing suits and gear for these women. This, naturally, has led to the traditional trickle-down style of motorcycle gear from racing to street, which means that more and more jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and other pieces of gear are appearing every month.

Rev’It Eclipse Women’s Jacket

Price: $179.99
Buy: Revzilla

Rev’It is one of those companies that has made women’s protective gear pretty much since their incorporation, as there are quite a few female riders in the Netherlands. On top of that, they have a history in both circuit racing and enduro racing, so both the full leather track jackets and hot weather mesh jackets are packed full of cutting-edge design.

The Eclipse is just one such example of this, with an open, flowthrough style mesh that would seem to not have any abrasion resistance at all. However, that mesh is made of polyester ripstop material, as is the main chassis of the jacket. While the solid panels are rated to 600D, the mesh itself commands a respectable 400.

With adjustable bicep and wrist closures, full YKK zippers, two external pockets, and one internal pocket, the Eclipse is also quite fashionable to boot. The armor comes in the form of Knox Flexform in both the shoulders and elbows, which feels extremely light but carries CE-rated impact protection. An optional back protector can be fitted to the jacket.

Roland Sands Mia Women’s Jacket

Price: $525.00
Buy: Revzilla

Roland Sands, with the Mia jacket, ticks off two-rider fashion styles in one go, without sacrificing any protection. The retro and cafe crowd will love the classic British asymmetrical styling, while the sport and the sport-touring crowd will love the aggressive fit with the included thermal lining that doubles as a hoodie when the leather is taken away.

That leather is one-grain style better than cowhide, as it is oiled buffalo leather at 1.0 to 1.2 mm thicknesses. In areas requiring stretch, premium-grade elastic ripstop polyester is used. The hoodie liner is also breathable and waterproof, meaning that even if you have to do a dash from the bike to your front door in a downpour, simply flip up the hood and you’ll get there dry.

Protection comes in the form of Knox micro lock CE level 2 armor at the shoulders and elbows, with the leather jacket’s inner mesh liner holding a back protector pocket for optional armor. Accordion panels at the elbows and a quilted stitch design around the shoulders allow the jacket to move freely, despite being pre-curved for a front tuck position. Ventilation comes via some very well hidden shoulder intakes and vents, which keep the jacket looking premium when zipped up.

Alpinestars Alice Women’s Jacket

Price: $479.95+
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

If Roland Sands has the women’s cafe market cornered, it’s fair to say that Alpinestars, realizing there was a gap to step through, made a sporty cruiser jacket with the Alice. Carrying all the right looks of the double-breasted front flaps, the asymmetrical zipper, and the relaxed arm curvature makes this both a classic and a modern sports cruiser jacket, all in one.

Don’t let its old-school looks fool you into thinking it’s not armored to the nines. Alpinestars has included their super lightweight, breathable Nucleon Flex armor, which is certified to CE level 2, at the shoulders and elbows, with a forearm extension on the elbow armor. This is carried in a mesh-backed cowhide 1.3mm leather chassis, with a back protector pocket for optional armor.

As with other jackets of the sporting style, the thermal liner of the jacket is easily detached and serves as a hoodie. Ventilation is hidden well in the underarm stretch panels, allowing just enough air to pass to wick away heat without being overly cold.

This is a jacket that would look at home being used while riding either Honda Rebel 500 or an Indian Roadmaster. Classic, timeless styling with modern armoring deserves a spot on this list.

Roland Sands Riot Jacket

Price: $650.00
Buy: Revzilla

Roland Sands strikes again with a superb classic English cruiser jacket. Solidly in the retro cruiser fashion sense, the Riot jacket would look perfectly at home being worn in the crowd at an Iron Maiden or Judas Priest concert as much as it does astride a Royal Enfield or a Triumph Bonneville.

Much more of a summer cruise jacket, the Riot is made of microperforated top grain cowhide sourced from Blackstone, which means it is soft, supple, and abrasion resistant with a thickness of 0.9mm throughout. The asymmetrical zipper is, of course, full YKK, and is of the bronze classic style. Quilted leather highlights and aggressive cuff YKK zippers make the jacket scream “Rock n Roll!” in that quintessential British understated-but-loud way.

The jacket is also, of note, made with a very aggressive black dye process, as the color will lighten the more it is exposed to UV light until it reaches the classic light black that well-worn leather fashion jackets eventually reach. This is also the only jacket recommended on this list that does not come with pre-installed armor. However, pockets for elbow, shoulder, and back protectors are ready to accept your own choice of the best armor, from Alpinestars’ Nucleon Flexto Icon’s D3O and Rev’It’s SeeSoft.

Alpinestars Stella T-GP Plus R V3 Air Jacket

Price: $239.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

With the increase in women’s participation in BSB, ASA, MotoGP feeder series, and the like over the past three decades, Alpinestars has had a lot of exposure to creating gear that is suitable to both genders, or those in-between genders. For the men, the T-GP Plus R v3 Air is one of the best mid-range sport and track rated jackets you can get, and by simply adding a Stella to the front of that name, that same legendary jacket is available to women.

The Stella T-GP Plus R v3 Air, apart from being one hell of a mouthful of words, is made of 600D highly abrasion-resistant polyester. Interspersed between these polyester panels, abrasion-resistant, tightly woven polyfabric mesh allows just enough air to wick away heat, but not chill you to the bone. A full mesh lining also helps boost that airflow’s effectiveness in carrying away sweat and warm air.

Protection is in the form of Alpinestars’ Nucleon Flex CE level 1 armor, with the shoulders being additionally armored with GP Lite slide shields. As sport riders will often choose between vest-style back protection or using jacket pockets, no back protector is included. However, Alpinestars has included both chest and back protector pockets, suitable for Nucleon KR-Ci CE level 2 armor.

A definite warm-weather riding winner, those that ride sportbikes where it never really snows have a go-to jacket that can be armored up as the need arises.

Dainese Racing 3 Perforated Women’s Jacket

Price: $579.95
Buy: Revzilla

If you want a sport riding jacket that is both warm-weather rated and contains the abrasion resistance of leather, Dainese has you covered with the Racing 3 Perforated women’s jacket. The “mortal enemy” of Alpinestars on the MotoGP grid, Dainese uses a special treatment on all the leather they use for track and street gear, naming it “tutu leather.”

This leather is always 1.2mm or greater in thickness, while the treatment makes it highly water-resistant, supple, and reinforces the abrasion resistance through chemical bonding. And if that wasn’t enough protection for you, the stretch panels between the leather chassis panels are made of S1 bi-elastic, a Dainese and Cordura co-development that mixes the elasticity of regular polyfabric with the 500D+ abrasion resistance of pure Cordura.

The jacket is also microperforated in key areas and includes zip closure vents in the upper chest, with intake and exhaust vents on the sides of the jacket. Protection comes in the form of Dainese composite CE level II elbow and shoulder armor, with the shoulders being covered by an aluminum impact and slide plate that is mounted on a composite base, meaning the plate is replaceable. The jacket features a back protector pocket suitable for a Dainese G1 back protector, or a Dainese D1 airbag vest can be worn under the jacket itself.

It’s a premium leather and polymer jacket that passes CE EN 1621.1 and CE Category II – 89/686/EEC Directive protection standards, meaning it is ready for track use. Dainese themselves note that the jacket does tend to run on the tighter sport fit side, so they recommend buying one size up from your measurements.

Klim Artemis Women’s Jacket

Price: $699.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

If you have spent even two seconds at the local gear store’s ADV and off-road touring gear section, Klim is a name that is plastered literally everywhere. Specialists in the long-distance touring style of gear, both on- and off-road, the Artemis is a design that is not shared with any other jacket in their lineup, making this one of the very few women’s only jackets.

Named after the Ancient Greek goddess that protected nature, the Artemis does a very good job at protecting whoever is within its confines. A true three-season touring jacket, this jacket is made of Klim’s own Karbonite textile, which is rated at least 600D, and up to over 750D, abrasion-resistant across multiple certification tests. Behind the chassis sits a full GoreTex membrane layer, which itself is over a Klimatek mesh layer that acts to both wick away hot air and sweat, and supports the jacket on the body.

In making the Artemis specifically for women, Klim did not have to worry about ventilation for the male torso, so airflow has been mapped specifically for the female torso. Ventilation is controlled via two centerline chest vents, two cross-core vents, 2 forearm vents, and two bicep vents, all of which exhaust out two massive vertical back vents.

Protection beyond abrasion is reinforced by D3O level 1 armor in the back, shoulders, and elbows. The Karbonite fabric is also penetration resistant, so no sharp rocks on an off-road trip should leave much more than a small bruise and a memory. The collar is comfort-lined to not be abrasive to the neck, and both sides of the collars can be pinned back to the upper chest to allow ventilation air to pass down from the neck roll into the body of the jacket.

If you are going to be off-road for any duration, you really cannot get a better ADV jacket than the Artemis. It’s designed for, built for, made for the active off-road riding woman, and it shows!

Merlin Madison Women’s Riding Shirt

Price: $159.00
Buy: Revzilla

The latest trend in protective gear in 2021 has been the major push forward with armored shirts and hoodies. Either out of a desire to not look “kitted up,” or purely for comfort, there are varying degrees of quality with these newer pieces of gear, and Merlin has been at the forefront of the highest-rated, best quality shirts.

Looking like your average long-sleeved plaid shirt that isn’t out of place on a farm, the Madison shirt is much more than just a fashion statement. The Buffalo Plaid fabric, itself tear-resistant, is backed by a full, interwoven, 100% DuPont Kevlar lining that is rated to 1000D abrasion. A light mesh lining keeps things comfortable, as does a relaxed street fit, while the kevlar holds CE level 1 elbow and shoulder armor in place. There is a pocket in the mesh liner for a back protector as well.

What looks like a button up front is in fact a storm flap closure over a full YKK zip, with YYK zippered vents cleverly hidden along the tops of the chest pockets. The pockets have small inner pockets designed to hold hand-warmer packs, and if that wasn’t enough, the whole shirt is water-resistant but breathes easily.

If understated but superb protection is in your checklist for gear, or if you just want a good all-around riding shirt that pairs beautifully with some riding jeans and boots, Merlin has just the shirt for you.

Helite Xena Women’s Airbag Jacket

Price: $800.00
Buy: Revzilla

To say that this jacket is revolutionary is understating just how important it is. It may not look like much, it may even look bland compared to some of the other options on this list, but Helite has made a women’s fit jacket that has the single most important protection feature that any jacket can have. Enter the Xena, a leather sport touring and cruiser jacket with a built-in, tether deployed rider airbag system.

Made from premium 1.2mm cowhide leather, the Xena hides stretch polyfabric under a cleverly designed panel at the top back of the jacket, whose importance we will discuss shortly. As well, the sides and lower back feature floating leather on stretch panels, allowing the jacket to keep a tight, close fit at all times. The arms are relaxed in their curvature, making it comfortable for long-distance cruising.

The importance of both the large stretch panel at the top of the back and the stretch panels on the sides and lower back is so that if you do come off your bike, in any way, shape, or form other than stepping off of it when it’s parked, a tether attached to a solid point on your motorcycle yanks an activation valve open, inflating the airbag hidden in the liner of the jacket in 0.1 seconds. This airbag, along with the full Sas-Tec CE level 2 back, shoulder, and elbow armor, provides extreme impact protection into the high tens of G’s.

As it is a tether-operated system, with no fancy electronics or GPS sensors, it works every time you need it to. In fact, the airbag will self-deflate over about half an hour, and as long as the jacket has not been penetrated by any object or otherwise damaged, all you need to do to reset it is replace the spent 60cc CO2 cartridge in the right lower front of the liner, and it’s ready to deploy again.

For disguising a life-preserving safety feature in a fashionable cruiser and sport-touring jacket, while it is expensive, nothing is more expensive than your life. Either this or the wearable Helite Turtle 2 airbag vest, comes highly recommended.

Dainese Lola 3 Women’s Jacket

Price: $599.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Much like a couple of the other jackets in this list, if you’re going for a retro look that hides otherwise superior protective features, Dainese has a retro jacket for you in the Lola 3. Just looking at it, you’d think it was a slightly heavier track jacket, or a zip-up spring jacket to wear on the walk to the grocery store.

However, the Lola 3 is so much more. Combining high-grade Iride matte leather with S1 bi-elastic polyfabric panels and Dainese Pro-Armor impact zones, the jacket passes both prEN 17092 Class A jacket protection and EN 1621.1 armor class 1 standards. The Pro-Armor elbow and shoulder protectors are also rated CE level 1, which, while not as protective as CE level 2, allows for the armor to be more flexible and comfortable, while still being able to take an incredibly harsh whack without passing the impact to you.

And the piping on the jacket is not just for fashion, either. It is fully reflective material in an artificial shape, so the eye at night recognizes an artificial shape among the organic clutter of the environment in their headlights. A pocket for an optional Dainese G1 or racing G2 grade protector is inlaid into the TechFrame internal comfort liner just in case that person doesn’t see you.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

10 Best Motorcycle Jackets For Men

May 31, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

Motorcycle jackets are one of those pieces of safety gear that it just makes sense to own. No matter if you live in a hot, humid, cold, or dry area, all roads possess the ability to be rather harsh to your skin should you ever go down. There are jackets designed for all four of those previously mentioned environmental conditions, and some of the best jackets possess the ability to handle more than one.

Since there really is no “one size fits all” type of motorcycle jacket, this list will not be ranked competitively. What we mean by this is that instead of counting down from 10 to 1, we’ll instead be showing the ten overall best motorcycle jackets for men, flat out. Simply choose the one that best suits your environment, and you’ll have many fun riding days ahead!

Alpinestars Missile Air Leather Jacket

Price: $599.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Alpinestars is a name that has been in motorcycle racing for a long time, and it shows with their gear. The Missile Air jacket is designed to be used for the street, yet it is made from race-grade 1.3mm cowhide leather, meaning that it offers the same level of abrasion protection that MotoGP and World SBK riders have. It is also fully perforated on the front and back, and meant to move a lot of air over the rider while carrying away heat and sweat.

In short, this jacket is meant for those who go fast, but also want to be comfortable doing so. Added protection comes in the form of CE-certified hard shell sliders on the elbows and shoulders, backed by dual-density foam over CE-certified armor on the innermost layer.

One of the best aspects about the Missile Air is that it is designed from the factory to be used with the Alpinestars TechAir Race airbag vest, which is worn under the jacket. The inner lining has attachment points so that the vest offers the best impact protection without the jacket riding up or moving around, and the jacket features a small LED panel on the left sleeve that gives riders status updates at a glance.

The only downside to the jacket is that while it does have a padded aerodynamic hump and a lower backslider, it does not include a back protector, even at this price. This is mostly because the TechAir Race has a CE level 2 back protector built-in, but if you do not use the vest with the airbag, you will need to source a separate one.

Rev’It Cayenne Pro Jacket

Price: $559.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

The Rev’It Cayenne Pro is one hell of an adventure jacket. ADV and dual-sport jackets have probably the crowd to please in all of motorcycling, as they have to be both extremely comfortable while providing protection against on-road and off-road hazards. On top of that, they are expected to also be three-season viable without being too complicated to switch between a summer jacket flowing a lot of air to a rainy day jacket that is waterproof.

Rev’It has designed the Cayenne Pro to check off all those boxes, and a few more that you probably aren’t thinking of. The biggest part is that the entire chassis of the jacket is 750D polyamide coated with Teflon coating. This textile, Rev’It’s own in-house design, feels like Cordura but contains 87% polyamide, 7% leather, and 6% polyester, giving it superb abrasion resistance while also making it reasonably penetration resistant as well.

The Cayenne Pro is 100% waterproof when all airflow vents are closed, and there are a few of them. This allows you to tailor the amount of air you want through the jacket, from none on a particularly chilly day to almost being a mesh jacket on super hot days. And throughout it all, this jacket carries Rev’it’s CE level 2 rated SeeFlex shoulder and elbow protectors, and a SeeSoft CE level 2 back protector.

It’s basically one of, if not the, best adventure dual-sport jackets money can buy.

Klim Adventure Rally Jacket

Price: $1,699.99+
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

For those that are serious about spending days, if not weeks, on a motorcycle, adventuring across the Australian outback, or touching all the big landmarks in South Africa, Klim has the jacket for you. The Adventure Rally Jacket is not for those looking to ride for a day, no. This is about as hardcore as you can get.

Using all the latest in material and protective technologies, the Adventure Rally is waterproof, windproof, stain-resistant, and shucks off salt, water, and biologicals that might get tossed into the air if you’re riding along a coastline near the sea. GoreTex interwoven with Armacor textile provides three layers of abrasion resistance and waterproofing, so even if you do take a spill and tear the outer layer, two more layers will still keep the integrity of the jacket.

The Adventure Rally also comes with a full complement of armor, all of it D3O CE level 2 or better, in the chest, shoulders, elbows, forearms, and full back. It has an internal kidney belt that helps the shoulders bear the weight of the jacket on the tops of the hips while also armoring the kidneys. A built-in, 3-liter hydration pack in the back is easily refillable, and contamination-proof when closed, with the drink tube able to be routed either internally or externally, depending on your preference.

Ten waterproof external pockets mean you can carry all the gear you need that’s too small to fit in your saddlebags or pannier lockers. Ventilation is also highly customizable with no less than 6 vent options, all closed and sealed by YKK zippers and waterproof GoreTex membranes behind the zips.

Yes, this jacket costs as much as a decent used dirt bike, but it is meant, as stated, to survive weeks, if not months, on an adventure. And for that, there is no better jacket.

Merlin Chase Cafe Jacket

Price: $399.00
Buy: Revzilla

The history of cafe racing personal protective gear is a bit of an interesting one, as cafe racers in the UK were the first riders to fully and truly wear head-to-toe protective gear, usually made of high-grade cowhide leather. It’s a good thing, then, that Merlin decided to not fix what’s not broken.

The Chase Cafe jacket is made of high quality, double- and triple-stitched cowhide, in varying thicknesses of 1.2 to 1.3 mm. The main chassis is backed by a smooth satin black fabric, with a removable thermal liner vest that weighs only 100g.

Keeping with the style and feel of the rock and roll racing era, the two-tone leather hides an impressive set of CE level 2 armor in the shoulders and elbows, with a back pocket in the liner designed to handle any of the top quality back protector inserts on the market, from D3O all the way to Nucleon and SeeSoft.

Also in keeping with the cafe history, all zips are high-quality YKK, with Merlin snap closures including a storm flap closure just under the collar if you want a little more airflow, or a full neck snap if it’s getting a little chilly. Other jackets made of the same materials, with the same level of protection, will cost you over $100 more, which makes the Merlin Chase Cafe jacket one of the best value-for-money options out there in today’s cafe jacket market.

REAX Fairmount Riding Shirt

Price: $179.00
Buy: Revzilla

“Wait,” we can hear you say. “That’s a jacket?” Indeed it is, although it is branded as a “riding shirt.” It may look like a slightly bulky cotton button-up, but that is underselling the serious protection that this jacket hides.

Looking like an average construction site work shirt, the exterior is made of 67% cotton and 33% polyester, although it is not on-brand Cordura. Instead, it is branded out as 12oz coated denim, which has about 300D ripstop equivalent. While that is not overly impressive, the 140GSM aramid knit backing to that denim is. Much like riding jeans, the aramid takes the brunt of the abrasion, with a ripstop rating of 1000D.

This is backed up with full Sas-Tec CE Level 2 armor, certified to EN 1621-1 performance, in the elbows and shoulder areas, held in by aramid and polyester lining. There is a pocket for a back protector at the rear of the shirt and will fit all major armor types in that pocket.

Hiding behind the front buttons, in case there was worry that the shirt might rip open during a slide, is a fully double-sewn YKK zipper. The collar has hidden snap-downs to prevent it from flapping in the wind, and there are belt loops hidden in the hem to keep the shirt from riding up during a slide as well.

All in all, if you want to look casual, but ride protected, REAX has a relatively inexpensive but amazingly protective riding shirt for you.

Dainese Racing 3 Perforated Jacket

Price: $579.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

As easily seen in the top form of motorcycle racing, MotoGP, there really are only two houses of racing suits across the entire competitive field. One is Alpinestars, the other is Dainese. If there ever was a war for sportbike and supersport gear dominance, it is between these two companies. So it’s only fitting that while one of our top recommended sports jackets is Alpinestars, the other is one of Dainese’s best.

Instead of relying purely on cowhide for abrasion resistance, Dainese has invested a lot of research and development money into what is known as S1 Bielastic Fabric, developed in partnership with Cordura. While high-quality leather does make up a large part of the chassis, especially abrasion areas, it is backed by S1, and S1 is also used to form the stretch panels between leather panels. As well, the S1 in and of itself is equivalent to 600D ripstop and contains polyamides, polyester, and aramid fibers for the strongest, but most flexible, protection possible.

This allows for the jacket, which is relaxed just under a full race fit, to stretch and conform to the rider’s body without needing to be fully tailored to the rider. On top of that, the jacket features composite armor in the shoulders and elbows, with replaceable aluminum external slide points. The entire jacket is also CE Cat 2 certified, meaning it is a viable track jacket and passes all requirements to be worn for track days if you do not have a full suit.

Rev’It! Stealth 2 Hoody

Price: $399.99
Buy: Revzilla

Sometimes, riders want to have gear that serves as both protection while riding, and outerwear when they park up somewhere. While most jackets can feel a bit stuffy or even downright heavy when air is not flowing through them, Rev’It has balanced the Stealth 2 Hoody right on that razor’s edge.

In terms of protection, the Stealth 2 is made of triple-layer stretch Cordura, backed by a HydraTex pro waterproofing membrane. The elbows are reinforced with polyamide fabric to help with abrasion resistance and sliding. The shoulders and elbows are protected with Rev’It Seesmart armor, with a back protector pocket in the liner of the hoody.

In terms of outerwear, the Stealth 2 also comes with a detachable thermal liner that brings the jacket to a full three-season level of warmth and wearability. Being stretch Cordura, the hoody is also highly breathable, allowing sweat and moisture to wick away from the body. This means that when you arrive at your destination, you can wear the hoody as normal outerwear without having to lug around a heavy jacket.

Scorpion EXO-1909

Price: $499.95+
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

The Scorpion EXO 1909 is a jacket that has both an interesting story and a specific design behind it. A cross between a sports jacket and a cruiser jacket, the 1909 in the name symbolizes the incorporation and opening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where throughout the years motorsports of both the two and four-wheeled varieties have taken place.

Made of distressed leather for a soft feel, it nonetheless offers over 1.1mm of cowhide abrasion protection. Sas-Tec CE level 2 armor is discreetly hidden in the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket in the rear for a Sas-Tec CE level 2 back protector. On the elbows specifically, extra leather overlays have been sewn in so that there is added protection on one of the most common slide points.

Zippered rear vents work in conjunction with discreetly hidden perforated underarm and flank panels. A removable thermal liner allows for both warm and cold weather riding. All of the zippers on the jacket are genuine YKK but in a special process antiquated brass look. The wrists are zipper closures with accordion stretch panels to create a good air seal for cruiser riding, and a good glove seal for sport riding.

The biggest thing with the EXO 1909 is not that it features a hell of a lot of protection, but that it does so while recreating the look and feel of an early 20th-century leather jacket.

Price: $800.00
Buy: Revzilla

Before anyone asks, yes, that is the actual retail name of this jacket. Roland Sands is a premium gear maker, and the [email protected]#k Luck definitely deserves the premium tag. Each jacket is handmade, and the entire jacket chassis is 1.1 to 1.3 mm thick premium cowhide, which is hand-finished in vegetable dye.

It comes with Knox CE level 2 armor at the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket for a back protector. All zips, as are common on high-quality jackets, are YKK. There are four mostly hidden vents, closed by zips, at the shoulders and middle of the back.

The jacket is water-resistant, with a waterproof internal device pocket. It is also articulated so that if you ride a supersport, a sportbike, an ADV, or even a cruiser, the jacket can move and adapt to each riding position without stretching or straining against your body. That alone makes it one of the best, and the fact that it technically qualifies as a track-wearable protective jacket is just the icing on the cake.

Rev’It Ignition 3 Summer Jacket

Price: $499.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

A lot of motorcycles live in places where it can get uncomfortably warm in many other types of jackets. This is why mesh jackets first started getting made back in the early 2000s. Evolutionary materials and engineering have brought what used to be bits of nylon stretched between leather panels into fully armored, abrasion-resistant, yet exceptionally comfortable modern mesh textile jackets.

Of these, Rev’It has the Ignition 3, possibly one of the finest examples of protection with maximum airflow. The third iteration, the base chassis is made of Monaco Performance cowhide leather, some of the best protective leather you can get in the world. Between the cowhide sections is tightly woven Dynax mesh, which is heat-resistant and deflects off as much heat as it allows air through, and also will not melt during a slide.

Backing up the Dynax is PWR I shell 500D stretch fabric in the arms and 600D waxed polyester in the torso. All of this is then backed with Lorica fabric. It may sound like a lot of layers, and it frankly is, but the fact is that you can hold this jacket up to a light with it fully closed and zipped up, and still see the light through it.

Because it’s Rev’It, and they over-engineer almost all their gear (which is a good thing!), there are two detachable liners, a full Hydratex 3L waterproof one, and a thermite liner in case it gets chilly. Protection comes in the form of full CE level 2 Seeflex armor on the elbows and shoulders, and there is a pocket in the back of the jacket for a Seesoft CE 2 back protector, which will fit D3O, Nucleon, and other armor types without issue.

If you need the best protection with the best airflow, Rev’It have you covered!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ride Prepared: The Things You Need In Your Motorcycle First Aid

April 29, 2021 mcnews Leave a comment

Last updated:6th May, 2021

“No matter what bike you buy, you’ll drop it at least once.” We’ve all heard the saying, and being honest (come on guys and girls!), we’ve all done it at least once. Parking lot practice, coming to a stop at a red light, getting a sudden gust of wind when you’re setting off, the bike and you have gone down at least once. Often, these drops are the source of some good-natured laughs, a little bit of embarrassment, and a lesson in humility learned.

Yet, not all drops happen at low or no speed. What happens when you come across, or witness, a drop when going 100 KPH? What if you are doing a long-distance tour and come across someone that has cut their hand trying to fix the battery lead under the hood of their car? Having first aid knowledge is definitely a plus, but having a ready-to-go first aid kit is the best kind of preparation for these scenarios.

First Aid Kit Limitations

Carrying Size

In a car, you can realistically carry a full aid kit, with everything and anything you could possibly need in an emergency or aid situation. On a motorcycle, unless you have a dedicated top box or pannier for a kit, there is a significant size limitation. Often, a motorcycle first aid kit is the kind you can fit into a pocket of your jacket, in your backpack, as a pack around your waist, or sometimes strapped down over your pillion seat.

It also means that you have to be prepared for the most common types of injuries that may require first aid. You cannot realistically carry a spinal board on a motorcycle, and while spinal concerns may be common in accidents, it’s often more important to stop bleeding and help the patient through shock setting in.

Injuries You Expect To Encounter

The most common types of injuries experienced by motorcyclists are not major traumatic injuries like broken bones and major cuts. In fact, the most common type of injury is either a burn, via sunburn, accidental contact with the exhaust pipe, et al, or an eye injury, from riding with the visor cracked open or fully open with sunglasses that are not road protection rated.

You can also expect scrapes and cuts from quite literally hitting the road, although the severity is often dictated by the road surface and the speed of travel. In the worst cases, you can expect to encounter fractures, breaks, and lacerations.

With this in mind, let us examine what really should be in your motorcycle first aid and/or trauma kit.

First Aid Kit Contents


Image courtesy of Road Guardians. The Basic Kickstart Kit, including almost all of the items listed below in a small pack you can wear around your waist

Firstly, we at MotorBike Writer must give our heartfelt thanks to Road Guardians First Aid Training For Motorcyclists for their invaluable assistance in helping build out this list. We highly recommend checking to see if a similar first aid for motorcyclists course is available in your area.

Basics

The first thing in any first aid kit, no matter the size, is at least two pairs of nitrile gloves. Protecting yourself from bloodborne diseases, as well as having a somewhat sterile field of treatment, is priority one. If you cannot safely perform first aid, it may be an extremely tough call, but you have to look after yourself first.

On the subject of sterility, having a small squeeze bottle of hand sanitizer that carries an anti-microbial rating is key. Make sure it is at least 60% alcohol, and if possible, be waterless so it cleans quickly and doesn’t stick around on the hands.

The third most vital thing in your first aid kit is a set of trauma shears. You can find these at most medical supply stores, where they may also be labeled as paramedic shears. You want ones that are at least inches long. They are designed with a flat bottom to be slipped under clothing, leathers, and the like, to cut away said clothing or leathers to allow access to potential injury and trauma.

A first aid field guide, a small first aid book, or even a cheat sheet that is laminated to protect against the weather is always helpful. In the heat of the moment, while you may be remaining calm externally, your mind might be racing, and having a quick lookup can ensure that you apply first aid correctly.

Having a syringe of sterile saline is recommended, but not fully necessary, to wash out (irrigate) any deeper cuts or surface abrasions, getting rid of the dirt, and cleaning the wound for treatment

Heavy-duty ziploc or even freezer bags are extremely useful for putting biohazardous material such as used gauze, used gloves, et al in to keep them separate from sterile areas or as part of the post-aid cleanup.

A collapsible rescue breathing mask is important in today’s world, especially with the pandemic. These masks will cover the mouth and nose, and often will have a one-way flutter valve in them to allow your breath to pass through, but not allow any return breath to prevent contamination.

Cuts & Abrasions

Since abrasions and cuts may be encountered anywhere, the first thing to really take care of is having a variety of bandages. Along with an antibiotic ointment either in a small tube or single-dose tear packs, everything from some regular bandaids, at least four butterfly bandages/steri-strips/adhesive sutures, and four large 4×4 packaged, sterile gauze pads are the priority.

It is also recommended that you carry a few folded paper towels in a ziplock bag, as these can be used to wipe away blood or other fluids to get to the site of the bleeding. Once the cut or site of bleeding is identified, then using the gauze pads to put pressure on the cut is advised.

If there is room in your kit, a tourniquet is recommended as well, one made of a strong strap with some kind of handle to turn the tourniquet tight. This is to be used for the most serious of blood injuries such as an open amputation, and it’s always better to have one and never need it, than to need it and not have it. It’s better to prevent someone bleeding out and they lose a limb than for them to die. Harsh truth, but the truth nonetheless.

Burns & Insect Bites

Believe us, you’ve never pulled over and parked by the side of the road as fast as when a wasp gets in your helmet. Even then, you’re probably going to get stung a few times, so here are some items you should carry.

Most importantly, if there is room in your kit, an EpiPen is highly recommended, and it should be changed out when it is close to expiring. Many people who have major allergies or anaphylactic reactions will have an EpiPen on their person, but if you identify such a reaction, having an easily accessible EpiPen, instead of searching that person for theirs, can quite literally mean life and death.

Due to how commonly people get a sunburn, an accidental heat burn from touching a hot part of their bike, or even an insect sting, some burn gel and/or sting relief gel in your kit is one of those things you will use more often than not. A small tip, aloe vera-based gels, or those fortified with aloe vera extract, work extremely well here.

As well, having some instant cold packs designed for first aid kits will be immensely useful. These are the little folded packages that you squeeze one side to break open a vial inside, and due to the chemical reaction taking place, it gets very cold, very quickly. One of these applied to a minor burn or major sting will bring quick relief, as well as reducing the stress the patient is experiencing.

Breaks, Fractures, and Sprains

It is human nature to extend the hands in front of us when falling or flying through the air, so that the “least important” part of us, the arms, take the brunt of an impact, protecting the head and torso, the so-called “life box.” As part of this natural instinct, arm, wrist, and hand fractures are quite common non-life-threatening injuries, as are collarbone breaks.

In terms of first aid, having a few triangle bandages can be extremely helpful. These bandages can be used as slings, can be wadded up to be padding, can be rolled quickly to form bindings for splints, can be used to tighten gauze, can be used as tourniquets in extreme situations, and are generally just damned useful. While air splints are a bit too large to carry in a motorcycle first aid kit, if the patient’s motorcycle has suffered severe damage, a triangle bandage wadded up inside a front fairing, with two more bandages tying an arm down to that fairing means you have a makeshift split. Triangle bandages are literally the Swiss Army Knife of a first aid kit.

As breaks and fractures are the most common type of injury that can send someone into shock, having an emergency blanket or two in your kit is vital. These can be used as makeshift rain covers, are designed to reflect body heat back into a body with the shiny side, and can also be used as a treatment blanket if you need to sit someone down on the ground and prevent them losing body heat to cold or damp grass/mud/etc.

Useful Extras

It is highly recommended to carry a ziploc bag that is nicknamed “the small pharmacy.” In this bag, clearly identified, should be anti-diarrhea tablets, antihistamines, antacids, regular or extra-strength over-the-counter painkillers, and a few packs of water-soluble electrolytes you can mix in with water or take straight from the package. Not all first aid is direct and dealing with broken bones and cuts. On a long, multi-day motorcycle ride, diarrhea can dehydrate you very quickly, and having electrolytes to replace the ones lost is vital.

If you can squeeze it into your kit, having a couple of 2 inch wide rolls of gauze is another one of those “you never know” types of items. They can be used to wrap burns, hold gauze pads in place, help tie splints, and generally just be useful.

A few glowsticks are extremely useful, especially in multiple colors. These can be used for everything from emergency light to work by at night, to signaling traffic away from an accident scene. If you have multiple colors, having green, yellow, and red as those colors can help with triage, with green as OK, yellow as a concern, and red as emergency aid needed.

Especially in Australia, having a good pair or two of tweezers in your kit is important. Stings, bites, and nasty plants abound, so being able to pull plant spikes, spider mandibles, stingers, or even the odd splinter from your skin quickly is important.

Summary Checklist


Image provided by Road Guardians. The Rebel Kit, which has everything you could possibly need in a first aid kit that will fit in a backpack or pannier/top box on your bike

While this may sound like a hell of a lot of stuff to fit into a small bag, you will be surprised at how many items can be folded flat, naturally lay flat, or can fit around each other in such a kit. In fact, all of these items will slide into a kit small enough to be slid down the outside of a camelback, or tucked into the front pocket of an adventure riding jacket.

The Checklist:

Essentials

Two (2) pairs of Nitrile Gloves
Anti-microbial, >=60% alcohol hand sanitizer
Trauma shears
First aid guide book/field guide/cheat sheet
Syringe of sterile saline for irrigation (if possible)
Collapsible rescue breathing mask (with one way valve if available)
Regular bandaids
Four (4) butterfly bandages (can substitute adhesive sutures or steri-strips)
Four (4) sealed, sterile gauze pads, at least 4 inches square
Paper towels folded flat in a ziploc bag (for wiping/fluid cleanup)
Burn and/or sting relief gel (Aloe vera based or infused highly recommended)
Instant cold packs (we recommend at least two or more, as space allows)
Three (3) or more triangle bandages. The most useful multitool in your kit
Two (2) emergency blankets if possible, one (1) if not

Really Nice To Have

In-date and sealed EpiPen
Tourniquet with handle and strong strap (if possible)
Heavy-duty ziploc/freezer bags for biohazardous waste and post-aid cleanup
The Small Pharmacy bag
- Antihistamines
- Antacids
- Anti-diarrhea tabs
- Painkillers
- Electrolyte powder packs
Two (2) two-inch wide rolls of gauze
Glowsticks, preferably of multiple colors
Good tweezers

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

The Best Motorcycle Intercom Systems [Updated Q4 2020]

December 5, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Bike-to-bike communication systems have become very popular over the last decade. The increased demand has seen a rapid improvement in the quality and capability of these devices. Unfortunately, it has also led to the rise of a lot of sub-standard technology that provides nothing but frustration in exchange for your hard-earned cash!

A good motorcycle intercom system will be able to provide hassle-free communication with your fellow riders or passenger, over a substantial distance, with real audio clarity. It should be intuitive to use, and shouldn’t leave you banging your helmet in rage!

To help you make the right direction, we’ve put together a list of quality recommendations from some of the leading manufacturers. Over the years, a small number of manufacturers have stood out among the rest thanks to the quality of their products, but even among a small group of providers, finding the right product for your needs is still tricky!

Our recommendation methodology is simple. We make our decisions based on a combination of real-life experience, product familiarity, and real-life reviews. All products have to provide a certain level of satisfaction, receive positive reviews from trusted sources, and offer the right balance of value for money. If it ticks the right boxes, it’s worthy of the list.

This is what we came up with.

UCLEAR AMP Go 2 Bluetooth Communicator

Review: In-depth review
Price: $101.96
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

The UCLEAR AMP Go 2 Bluetooth Communicator is a great choice for riders looking for an affordable entry-level Bluetooth communication device. The AMP Go 2 is the successor to the brand’s celebrated Go system and features a number of impressive upgrades over the previous model.

The AMP Go 2 uses Bluetooth 5.0 for improved performance and now boasts full-duplex intercom technology for easy rider to passenger communication. The 2-person intercom functions to ranges of up to 800 meters, with multi-point connectivity that allows users to connect with multiple Bluetooth devices, including GPS systems and smartphones.

The hardware includes a dual boom-free microphone, high-definition Boost 2.0 speakers, and a weatherproof UCLEAR AMP Go 2 control unit that has a battery life of up to 12 hours. The purchase of this system also gives users access to UCLEAR’s free Clearlink smartphone app.

In summary: this is a great budget intercom system. It’s not without its limitations, such as the lack of features including two-user compatibility, and the lack of music sharing, but for the price, it’s hard to find any real faults with this product. It’s the perfect entry-level device.

Cardo Freecom 2+ Headset

Review: In-depth review
Price: $152.96
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Next up, we have the Cardo Freecom 2+. It’s another entry-level device with decent upgrades over the previous version. The Freecom series are given names like 1+, 2+, and 4+. The difference between the products is the number of riders that the system supports. For example, the 1+ is a system for a solo rider only, while the 2+ is a rider-to-rider system. The 4+ is a four-way rider communication system

We prefer the uncomplicated nature of the 2+ arrangement. This small device has some excellent features, including 2 Bluetooth channels, click-to-link functionality, stereo audio sharing between rider and passenger, GPS connectivity, and a built-in FM radio too. Phone interconnectivity allows for accepting and rejecting phone calls, as well as speed dial and other functions.

The system is a small and compact unit that operates using Bluetooth 4.1 technology. It uses interchangeable hybrid and corded microphones, with HD 40mm stereo speakers. The whole system is IP67 waterproof certified, making it an excellent system for wet conditions!

The only real negative point of this system is the limited usable range, which is a fairly low 500 meters. Still, that’s a very minor negative point!

SENA 5S Bluetooth Headset

Review: In-depth review
Price: $159.00
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

The SENA 5S is another quality entry-level device packed full of top-end technology. The SENA brand is one of the biggest names in the helmet communications industry and their products always receive fantastic reviews. The 5S boasts up-to-date communications technology in a reliable and durable package.

The 5S uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology, a built-in LCD display, a quality microphone, and high-definition speakers. It can be controlled using voice commands, via the LCD display when your helmet is off your head, or via SENA’s advanced Utility App. The app has excellent audio EQ controls, fully customizable settings, and the ability to pair with any SENA or OEM intercom systems.

According to SENA, the 5S has a battery life of 8 hours, a standby time of 7 days, and an operating range of up to 750 meters.

It’s a small device that’s really easy to install, intuitive to use, and relatively affordable. Some reviewers have noted that it isn’t the loudest system, but more people agree that it’s more than enough for most rider’s needs.

If you’re looking for a compact and versatile intercom system that offers exceptional value for money, then give this one a try.

UCLEAR Motion 4 Lite

Review: In-depth review
Price: $144.46
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

UCLEAR’s Motion Series family is a great choice for those looking for reliable communication devices. For this list, we’ve chosen the Motion 4 Lite. The “4” in the name refers to the fact that it can accommodate four users at a time. The Motion family has a number of different sizes, but we found that the 4 was a good all ‘rounder.

Powered by Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the Motion 4 Lite is an up-to-date communicator with a number of exciting features. It uses DynaMESH technology, which is a great feature for riding groups who use different headset types. The communicator can be controlled with an on/off motion sensor, and by the CLEARLink mobile app. It also has Siri and Google Voice functionality too.

The advertised range is up to 800 meters per person, with a battery life that’s claimed to be up to 18 hours on average.

In terms of hardware, the system uses 40mm Pulse Pro 2.0 speakers for impressive HD audio reproduction and a sophisticated boomless hidden MEMS mic. The control device is small and compact, with a completely universal nature. It offers universal mounting to any helmet.

While it lacks more advanced features that some UCLEAR Motion devices have, this one has an appropriate price tag for an exceptional entry-level gadget.

UCLEAR Motion 6

Review: In-depth review
Price: $182.71
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Following on from the UCLEAR Motion 4 Lite, we have the UCLEAR Motion 6. As we mentioned above, it shares similar DNA to the Motion 4, but with more features and the ability to connect to 6 users at a time. It’s a competitively priced communication device with a surprising number of top features.

This small device uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology. In fact, it was the first system on the market boasting 5.0! It also features 6-rider DynaMESH communication, voice command control, buttonless control, and motion-sensor abilities. The device offers music sharing, music and intercom overlay, call conferencing abilities, private call functions, and Apple Siri and Google Voice compatibility.

It uses the same hardware as the Motion 4 Lite above, including a Pulse Pro 2.0 ultra-premium speaker system with dual boomless hidden MEMS mics, and can be controlled using the brand’s CLEARLink mobile app. The maximum range is rated at 1200 meters, and the battery life is around 18 hours.

Again, this is another great product for those looking for versatility and a universal nature. It’s very well priced too! The only real cons of note are the mounts—they could use some updating. But that’s about it!

SENA 30K Bluetooth Headset

Review: In-depth review
Price: $254.15
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Next, we’re back to SENA. This is the SENA 30K, and to date, the 30K is still SENA’s top product. It’s a premium model, but it comes equipped with a wide range of premium features that help it to justify the higher price. Compared with more up-to-date devices, it’s true that some features of the 30K are a little long in the tooth, but don’t discount the 30K—it’s still a solid choice.

The Bluetooth technology on the 30K is one thing that’s a little behind the times. It’ only boasts the 4.1 version. Still, it’s more than capable. It features multi-channel Bluetooth, Adaptive Mesh networking, audio multitasking, and the usual abilities to accept and reject phone calls, and listening to FM radio.

In terms of performance, the SENA 30K still boasts some impressive stats. For example, the intercom offers up to 13 hours of talk time using Bluetooth (8 hours with Mesh). Similarly, it offers a long range of 1.6 km in Bluetooth mode, or a further 2.0 km using Mesh Intercom. Not only that, but it’s also able to fully charge 1.5 hours.

Despite being a little dated in places, the SENA 30K is still one of the best motorcycle intercom systems on the market.

SENA 50R Bluetooth Headset

Review: In-depth review
Price: $288.15
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Though it’s cheaper in price and isn’t advertised as SENA’s flagship product, many riders agree that the 50R is a better motorcycle intercom system than the 30K.

The SENA 50S relies on Bluetooth 5.0 technology and features Mesh Intercom 2.0, a multi-person intercom system, an FM radio, and a range of up to 2.0 km! One of the best features of the 50R is the Mesh 2.0 technology. Groups of up to 24 riders can be assigned to up to 9 different channels, and up to six riders at a time can talk simultaneously on one channel.

The actual device has a sleek design, which is paired with HD speakers and a mic. It features simplistic 3-button functionality for easy ride ergonomics that can be controlled via an app or using voice commands if needed. The battery life on the SENA 50R has an average of 13 hours (Bluetooth) or 8 hours (Mesh), and it can be charged in only 60 minutes.

Other cool features of the 50R include advanced noise control, music sharing capabilities, a built-in SBC codec, and SENA’s 50 Utility App.

If you’re looking for multi-functional versatility from a high spec device, then consider the SENA 50R.

Cardo PackTalk BOLD JBL Headset

Review: In-depth review
Price: $288.96
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Our last recommendation for the best motorcycle intercom systems on the market is the Cardo PackTalk BOLD system, with enhanced audio from JBL. It offers excellent audio quality, an advanced Natural Voice Operation interface, sophisticated intercom technology—all wrapped up in a small and sleek package.

This device uses Bluetooth 4.1. While it’s not the most advanced, this system packs a serious punch. It’s able to host multi-party communication for up to 15 riders, with an impressive range of 1600 meters between riders. With 15 connected riders, that’s a range that covers up to 5 miles! Adaptive Mesh networks facilitate seamless group communication with ease.

Notable features also include advanced voice recognition technology, voice-controlled speed dial, automatic call transfer, and more!

The hardware includes a tough IP76-rated shell with a roller-wheel interface, interchangeable hybrid and corded microphones, and impressive 40mm HD audio speakers from JBL. The battery offers up to 13 hours of talk time or a week on standby, and the awesome ability to charge while you ride! Other cool features include mobile phone conference calling, FM radio streaming, self-adjusting volume control, and advanced noise-canceling technology.

As no system is truly perfect, the PackTalk BOLD has a few negative points. The input controls can be difficult to use, the Cardo App could be better, and the volume isn’t as loud as it could be. Still, this is an excellent device that will certainly do the job!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

The Best Motorcycle Pants You Can Buy [Updated Q4 2020]

December 5, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Keeping your legs protected should be one of the top priorities of any rider. While it’s good practice to always dress for the slide, wearing hard wearing, tough, and durable pants should make sense even if you’re not planning on having a high-speed accident. Even when a motorcycle is stationary it can cause you harm. Ask any backpacker who has rented a scooter for the first time in South East Asia. Those hot exhausts can really damage bare legs!

If you’re searching for the best motorcycle pants you can buy, it means that you already care about your legs, so we don’t need to preach to the choir! But if you’re struggling to find the right pair of riding pants for your needs, we’ve got a few recommendations for you.

Our methodology in determining our recommendations is based on a few factors. First, it’s based on real-life experience and overall product familiarity. Secondly, it’s based on quality reviews from trusted sources. Lastly, we look at customer satisfaction and feedback to see whether a product lived up to its expectations If it passes those tests and offers real value for money, then it’s worthy of our recommendation.

So, without further ado, let’s see what we came up with.

Alpinestars Missile v2 Airflow Pants

Review: In-depth review
Price: $469.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

The Alpinestars Missile v2 Airflow Pants are aimed at sports riders who spend a good deal of timing leaning into corners at their local track. They’re designed with maximum airflow in mind, in a tough and durable package that won’t let you down when it matters most. Since airflow is the highlight here, they’re best suited to warmer environments!

Made from premium 1.3 mm bovine leather with stretch and accordion panels, and high-density perforation, these pre-curved motorcycle pants offer superior flexibility as well as top-shelf protection. Armor comes in the form of Alpinestars’ GP-R knee protectors, replaceable knee sliders, and reinforced padding in impact zones. There are additional pockets for supplemental armor inserts too.

These pants also feature zippered vents for more ventilation, a jacket-to-pant connection zipper, and a high-backed waist for a safer pant-to-jacket overlap.

The only noticeable downside to these awesome riding pants is the fact that they’re obviously not ideal for colder climates and the steep price tag. However, if you’re a sports rider that attends regular track days in a hotter region, then the expense will be more than justified.

REV’IT! Offtrack Pants

Review: In-depth review
Price: $329.99
Buy: Revzilla

REV’IT!’s Offtrack pants are a great choice for riders who need a pair of versatile and functional riding pants. They can be worn by sports riders, sports tourers, adventure riders, and more. They’re a great pair of all-around pants that will give you a comfortable and safe riding experience, in hot and dry or wet and cold environments.

These pants are made from 600D polyester outer shell with ripstop polyester and Softshell 3L materials. On the inside, they feature a detachable thermal layer, with a Hydrate Mesh G-liner. They can be adapted to any weather conditions by simply adding or removing the appropriate liner, and by opening and closing zippered vents to increase breathability and airflow.

Protection comes in the form of CE level 2 knee protectors, and CE level 1 hip protectors. The armor can be replaced and upgraded if necessary—and we do recommend ditching the hip protector in exchange for something a little better if possible.

These close-fitting pants can be adjusted thanks to a selection of adjustment straps and tabs for a closer fit. Other cool features include stash pockets, reflective details, and a robust YKK slide lock front closure.

Alpinestars Copper Out Riding Jeans

Review: In-depth review
Price: $191.96
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Many riders prefer to forgo obvious motorcycle protection in favor of casual-looking riding jeans. While they’re not as protective as high-quality leather or top-level textile riding pants, modern riding jeans are surprisingly tough and durable. They’re popular with urban riders and street riders alike thanks to their cool looks and practical nature. Alpinestars Copper Out riding jeans just happen to be some of the best on the market.

These jeans are tough, but there’s more to them than just cotton denim fibers for protection. Instead, these jeans have been upgraded with an aramidic fiber on the interior to reinforce the overall protection of the jeans and boost abrasion resistance. On the surface, they’re regular straight fit jeans, but underneath, they offer serious protection.

Other protective features include removable CE-certified knee armor and removable hip protectors. These protectors can be upgraded with better units if required, and you install them simply by slipping them into the necessary pockets and securing them with Velcro if required.

If you’re looking for styling riding jeans with an advanced aramid fiber and upgradeable armor options, these are the jeans for you.

Bull-it SP120 LITE Jeans

Review: In-depth review
Price: $103.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Next up, we’ve got another pair of casual riding jeans that offer superb protection without compromising your style. According to Bull-it, these jeans have been speed tested for accident situations at 75 mph. Reviews from satisfied customers have confirmed that they hold up extremely well in a slide too. So if you’re looking for tough riding jeans, don’t rule these ones out.

Made from tough slim-fitting cotton denim, these jeans boast a Covec SP120 liner for additional protection. The result is a pair of riding jeans that receive an AAA abrasion resistance rating using CE EN17092-1 Certification testing at speeds of 75 mph. They offer great protection in key impact zones. These jeans have pockets for hip and knee armor, though it doesn’t come as standard.

Other cool features include a moisture-wicking interior mesh liner, a five-pocket design, and availability in 3 different fit styles to ensure a close and stylish fit. These jeans are a great choice for those who want to ride safely and look cool at the same time. If the armor was included with these jeans, they would easily be one of the top pairs of riding pants on the market. It’s a shame that that’s not the case.

Rukka R.O.R. Pants

Review: In-depth review
Price: $384.30
Buy: Revzilla

Ideal for adventure riding and off-road trail riding, the Rukka R.O.R pants offer excellent protection, from road hazards, trail obstacles, and most importantly, the elements! If you need a versatile pair of pants that you can wear on a cross-country adventure or for a blast around your local quarry, these are worthy contenders.

Made from a light and durable 150 D polyester shell fabric that has been reinforced with 100% breathable, wind- and waterproof Gore-Tex. For additional protection, these pants feature abrasion-resistant 500 D Cordura sections across the knee, shin, and seat areas. Though it doesn’t ship with armor, these pants have pockets for Rukka D30 knee, shin, and hip protectors.

Since supersport performance isn’t the aim of the game here, these pants boast a looser fit. Wider legs allow for these pants to easily fit over adventure boots, and looser knees allow for greater comfort when wearing knee armor. Other thoughtful additions include zippered thigh vents, heat and abrasion-resistant paneling on the inner knee and seat, and handy stash pockets for your things.

These pants aren’t cheap—but they do boast an impressive five-year warranty.

Sedici Garda Waterproof Pants

Review: In-depth review
Price: $199.99
Buy: Revzilla

Next up, we’ve got the Garda Waterproof Pants from Sedici. They’re the perfect pants to complement Sedici’s Garda jacket. However, they’re great standalone pants too. The design of them makes them ideal for adventure touring, but they’re fairly generic and work just as well as day to day riding pants or for off-road pursuits too.

Sedici’s Garda pants use a waterproof stretch 600 D laminated material that’s tough, durable, and waterproof, but breathable and non-restricting at the same time. 1200 D reinforcement panels add extra abrasion-resistance in key impact zones, and textured rubber sections add another layer of protection in high wear areas.

The standard armor that comes with it includes CE knee protection, which is good but we recommend upgrading to something better if possible. Luckily, these pants also feature pockets that can accept hip armor inserts too.

An adjustable waist, stretch sections, convenient zip vents, and handwarmer pockets are also nice additional features. If you need versatile gear for a variety of different riding situations, then these waterproof pants are worth investing in. They even come with a 2-year warranty!

Dainese New Drake Air Textile Pants

Review: In-depth review
Price: $259.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

If you’re searching specifically for motorcycle pants for riding in the summer, then you really can’t go wrong with Dainese’s New Drake Air Textile Pants. They’re fairly common riding pants and it seems like almost everyone has a pair of them. Why? Because they’re quality pants that offer everything you’d want from summer bike gear, at an appropriate price point.

These slim-fitting pants are built around a 750 D Cordura base with Suretta sections. Since these pants are all about airflow, they feature perforations and mesh-backed vents. There’s a jacket-trousers fastening zip, and handy calf zips too. On the inside, the pants have a sanitized lining and very impressive armor.

The Dainese New Drake Air Textile Pants come equipped with removable CE-rated composite armor. These are located at the knee, and they also include soft hip pads at the waist too.

The only real downsides to these pants include the fact that only come in black, and that the hip armor isn’t upgradeable. Granted, these two issues are hardly deal-breakers but for the price, you’d hope that you could upgrade all of the armor. Again, they’re not exactly big negative points, are they?

Alpinestars Andes v2 Drystar Pants

Review: In-depth review
Price: $229.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Lastly, we have the Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar riding pants. When it comes to functionality and versatility, then these are our favorites. If we had to choose one pair of pants to wear every day for a whole year, then these would be what we choose. They’re hardwearing, waterproof, comfortable, and breathable. Ideal for all seasons.

Made from an exclusive Alpinestars Drystar poly-fabric material, these pants offer rugged durability and abrasion resistance, as well as exceptional waterproofing. The material features a waterproof membrane that successfully keeps water out but won’t overheat your legs in the process. A removable thermal liner is included for both hot and cold days, keeping you cool or warm depending on the situation.

Ventilation is a key feature of these pants. Zippered air intakes and direct ventilation vents help keep your ride experience comfortable, while an adjustable waistband and bib braces keep the fit of the pants close and snug at the same time.

Protection is provided by reinforced polymer sections in high abrasion risk zones, hardy CE-rated knee protectors, and optional hip protectors.

If you’re in the market for four-season versatility, with a focus on airflow and waterproofing, then these are the pants for you.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

The Best Motorcycle Gloves You Can Buy [Updated Q4 2020]

December 5, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

No matter what kind of riding you’re into, every motorcyclist should own a pair of quality motorcycle gloves that offer real protection in the event of an accident. Falling hands first onto an asphalt road is painful enough from a standstill, and a hell of a lot more so at speed. Since you’re more likely to land hands-first in the vast majority of accident scenarios, a good pair of gloves will keep your paws protected.

Different riders have different requirements, so for the purposes of this list, we’ve decided to select products that cover a wide range of riding needs. These include options for sport, touring, and dirt riders, and dedicated summer and winter options too.

Our conclusions have been drawn from a blend of real-life experience and product familiarity, in partnership with quality reviews from trusted sources. Naturally, we also take into account customer reviews and feedback too. We also value the overall quality of a product and whether it truly offers value for money. After all, expensive doesn’t always mean good, and cheap doesn’t necessarily mean bad.

So, without further ado, here’s what we came up with.

Dainese Steel Pro Gloves

Review: In-depth review
Price: $279.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

First up, let’s look at sports gloves. When it comes to all things sport, Dainese is a go-to brand name. In terms of value for money, the Dainese brand can be a little too expensive for the average rider. However, when it comes to their Steel Pro gloves, you get a great return for your investment. They’re premium gloves without the over-the-top premium price tag.

Constructed from goatskin leather with advanced armor, these gloves are claimed to be the “ultimate track glove.” If you’re a regular track rider, they are worth your money. The leather is tough but supple, offering excellent flexibility, but the real benefit is in the protection. Composite and stainless steel inserts protect the knuckle area, while thermoplastic armor keeps fingers safe. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that these gloves are certified to CE – Cat. II – PrEN 13594 Standard lev. 1.

There’s a shopping list of other armored features. But are they comfortable to wear? Thanks to elasticated sections, an adjustable cuff strap, and a tightening strap, these pre-curved racing gloves have a snug fit without compromising your freedom of movement. Pay attention to the sizing though—they’re known to run a little long in the fingers.

Knox Nexos Mk1 Sport Gloves

Review: In-depth review
Price: $169.99
Buy: Revzilla

If you’re looking for touring gloves, we recommend the Knox Nexos Sport Gloves. Though they say “Sport” in the name, they’re better suited to sport touring. These are replacements for the outgoing Knox Biomech gloves that used to be some of the best-selling gloves out there. The Nexos gloves carry on the Biomech’s tradition for excellence.

Made from a combination of cowhide, goat leather, and a dual compound synthetic material, these long-cuff gauntlets are comfortable and warm, but light and airy too. They are ideal for riding in three seasons, depending on your locale. They are quite bulky but they don’t hinder your dexterity in any way.

The main bulk of these gloves is taken up by armor. The Nexos Gloves use the Knox Scaphoid Protection System on the heel of each hand. In summary, they’re thick plastic sliders that defend the palm against impact and abrasion. The knuckles are protected by soft TPU armor with honeycomb gel inserts, and the fingers also have TPU armor and added leather on the little finger.

These gloves are secured using a BOA system. This is a dial-operated closure that pulls a metal cord tight around the cuff. It’s a great closure, but they can be quite bulky—and that’s the only negative point above these gloves: they’re bulky.

Alpinestars Megawatt Gloves

Review: In-depth review
Price: $59.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Though these gloves are designed for both on and off-road use, we think they’re exceptionally good in the dirt. They’re lightweight, tough, durable, versatile, and very well priced. In terms of your bang-for-buck ratio, it will be difficult to find a better pair of gloves than these. And since they’re manufactured by Alpinestars, you can truth in the quality of the construction.

The Megawatt gloves are made from a combination of materials that include perforated leather, stretch-polyamide, and synthetic suede. They’re pre-curved to reduce rider fatigue and boost comfort, but without restricting your movements. One feature that we really like is the reinforced thumb and palm sections that give you a confident grip on your handlebars, whatever the situation.

Protection comes in the form of synthetic suede panels across the palm, extra suede reinforcement with foam padding for boosted abrasion protection on key impact zones, and a hard polymer knuckle protector for added safety. Despite the layers of protection, these gloves are fairly breathable and well ventilated too.

The closure is a Velcro cuff for fast and easy removal.

Joe Rocket Atomic X2 Gloves

Review: In-depth review
Price: $40.49
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

At the budget end of the spectrum, we’d suggest these Atomic gloves from Joe Rocket. They’ll do the job and they won’t break the bank. Joe Rocket is a brand that’s well-known for delivering quality protectives on a budget, and the Atomic gloves do just that.

Manufactured from goatskin leather, stretch Spandex, neoprene, and Chamude, these short cuff gloves are comfortable and snug, without restricting your hand movements. Ideal for summer weather, they’re not that waterproof and you’ll definitely feel the cold in them if you’re riding out of season.

In terms of protection, these pre-curved, rider-friendly gloves feature 5mm high-density padding around the index and middles fingers, leather knuckle armor, and goatskin palm pads. These gloves also feature SmartTouch material that allows you to use touchscreen devices, a secure hook-and-loop closure, and a TPR pull tab.

Despite excellent long-term tests and reviews, we’d still urge caution about the life-expectancy of these gloves. Since they’re budget products, don’t expect them to last forever. However, if you need affordable protection for low-stress riding, these are perfect gloves.

REV’IT! Dirt 3 Summer Glove

Review: In-depth review
Price: $119.99
Buy: Revzilla

If you’re looking for a hardwearing summer glove that offers high-levels of protection with comfortable airflow, then we recommend the REV’IT! Dirt 3 gloves. They’re designed for warm weather riding but can stand up to the demands of adventure touring and street riding in equal measure.

To meet the needs of summer riders, these gloves are made from goatskin leather, 3D air mesh, corduroy, and polyurethane coated textiles. The result is a glove that has a close, snug fit, with plenty of flexibility, that’s light and breathable at the same time.

Hand protection comes in the form of thermoplastic rubber knuckle guards, palm sliders, and finger knuckle armor, as well as Temperfoam reinforcements. REV’IT!’s own PWR|Shield knit holds it all together, creating a tough, durable, and abrasion-resistant glove.

Other cool features include a connect touchscreen-friendly fingertip, a grip patch on the palm, and elasticated wrists. The overall design of this glove is a tour fit with a short cuff, making it incredibly versatile and compatible with any jacket.

For the best results, take care when sizing. Read other customer reviews to ensure you’re getting the best fit possible.

Alpinestars SP Air Gloves

Review: In-depth review
Price: $129.95
Buy: Revzilla

Next up, we’ve got another set of impressive summer riding gloves. These long gauntlets offer exceptional protection without overheating your hands. They’re essentially a race-quality glove but with optimized airflow to let your hands breathe. In short: they offer everything you want from a summer glove and more.

The SP Air gloves are made from a variety of materials. The most significant of these is a full-grain leather, with synthetic suede, polyester, and polyurethane features. The leather section is perforated for ventilation and is used around the knuckle, gauntlet, and finger boxes. Suede is used across the palm for added grip, and across other sections of the glove.

Protective features include an injected TPU palm slider and knuckle slider, a patented third and fourth finger bridge, EVA foam padding, and a reinforced pad at the base of the thumb. Naturally, the glove uses abrasion-resistant material in key impact zones, keeping your hands safe and sound in the event of a spill.

We love these gloves because they really do have some impressive airflow. They even have dedicated TPR air intakes, though they’re not as effective as Alpinestars claim that they are!

Even so: these are great gloves for sport riders in hot climates.

Rukka Virium Gore-Tex X-Trafit Waterproof Gloves

Review: In-depth review
Price: $179.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

We’ve seen summer gloves, but what about waterproof gloves? There are plenty of gloves out there that claim to be waterproof, but very few live up to the hype. These ones, however, are the real deal. The Rukka Virium Gore-Tex X-Trafit gloves are warm, dry, flexible, and protective—everything a rider needs in a glove.

Made using Gore-Tex X-Trafit technology and a breathable, water and windproof textile, the Virium gloves are sturdy and durable. The palms feature extra grip sections for confident handlebar controls, with touchscreen fingertips, and a handy visor wiper too.

In terms of armor, these gloves don’t have a huge list of protective features, but they have enough for safe and secure riding. For example, they include adequate knuckle, scaphoid, and finger protection but not to the same level that you’d expect from a track-focused glove. However, these gloves are designed for wet weather riding, when you shouldn’t be taking any risks anyway!

These gloves are waterproof! And not just a bit waterproof. They’re seriously waterproof. If you’re in need of something that will keep your hands warm and dry, these well-ventilated breathable textile gloves are for you. This level of waterproofing costs money, but these gloves ship with a two-year warranty and they’re worth every penny.

Gebring Vanguard Heated Gloves

Review: In-depth review
Price: $159.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Lastly, we have a solid winter option: Gebring’s Vanguard Heated Gloves. As the name implies, these winter gloves feature a heating element that promises to keep your hands nice and toasty, even on the coldest of days.

Constructed using premium Aniline cowhide leather, these gloves are tough and durable, but remarkably pliable and flexible. The leather is backed with water-resistant Aquatex, and complemented with Thinsulate insulation. They feature superfabric patches in high-risk abrasion zones, a TPU knuckle protection, and gel pads on the palm and on certain fingers.

On the surface, they’re just normal motorcycle gloves. But on the inside, they’re something else. Lined with Polyester microsuede, these gloves feature an advanced microwire heating system that delivers impressive heat to the whole glove, even to the tip of every finger. Connected using a discreet wire connector, these gloves are what you want to be wearing if you’re riding out in the cold.

These are easily our favorite winter riding gloves in very cold weather, but if you don’t really experience cold winters, they’re not going to be for you. They’re too expensive to own just for the sake of it. But if you’re an all-season rider who likes to tear it up in the snow, these are the gloves for you.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

The Best Motorcycle Boots You Can Buy [Updated Q4 2020]

December 5, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

One rider’s opinion of the best motorcycle boots will differ greatly when compared to another. Some riders are looking for close-fitting, high-performance sports boots, while others might be looking for casual boots with enough protection for slow city riding, but with a look and style that won’t look out of place in the office. So, for this list, we’ve decided to cast a wide net and look at some of the best motorcycle boots you can buy for a wide variety of situations.

Sports, off-road, adventure touring—we’re listing the best pairs we’ve seen on sale this year, no matter what category they fall into.

Our selection is based on a number of contributing factors. Safety is always the number one priority, but comfort, versatility, and value for money are also important metrics. After all, protective boots are only safe if you’re wearing them. Uncomfortable and unattractive boots often get left behind in favor of comfortable, cool-looking numbers. We’re only human! With that in mind, our choices offer great protection, great comfort, and great styling.

It’s also important that they’re supported by real-life reviews from real-life riders too.

Here are the top choices!

Dainese Fulcrum GT Gore-Tex Boots

Review: In-depth review
Price: $299.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

If you’re looking for touring boots that offer rocksteady protection and top-level comfort, then the Dainese Fulcrum GT Gore-Tex Boots are an excellent choice. Manufactured by Dainese, these boots are constructed from full-grain cowhide leather and Gore-Tex, for a breathable, weatherproof, and secure ride.

These boots have been enhanced with the addition of nylon heels, ankle inserts, and thermoformed shin guards to keep your feet and ankles protected in the event of an accident, either on tour or on the way to work. The protection doesn’t sacrifice your comfort; these boots are flexible and offer decent mobility, even for walking around town.

Other cool features include a gear shifter guard, calf adjustment straps, a tough zipper closure, reflective inserts, and a thick rubber sole. Take note though, if you have wide feet these may not be the best option as they tend to run a little narrow.

The Dainese Fulcrum GT Gore-Tex Boots are our top choice for affordable CE-certified touring boots.

SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Mid Boots

Review: In-depth review
Price: $349.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

If adventure touring is more your kind of thing, then the Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Mid Boots are worth a look. While these boots can be worn for a wide range of riding experiences, they’re ideal for adventure touring. They’re not as tall as standard adventure boots, but they offer a great balance of comfort and capability.

Made from Cambrelle, leather, Cordura, Gore-Tex, and microfiber materials, these boots are tough and sturdy, but light and breathable too. Despite the rigidity of some of the protective features, such as the shock-resistant heel cup and ankle defenders, these boots are very flexible. This makes them an ideal choice for adventure touring when you need bike boots that can double up as comfortable walking boots too.

These boots are easy to slip on and slip off, and they remain secure thanks to the use of micro-adjustable cam lock buckles. These buckles do a great job of keeping out any water that usually manages to sneak in through boot fastenings, making these boots dry and warm whatever the weather.

Ideal for road and dirt riding, in a wide range of weather, these boots won’t disappoint.

SIDI Performer Air Boots

Review: In-depth review
Price: $239.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Our top sports boots are another SIDI product. These are the SIDI Performer Air Boots. They’re high-quality track boots that have been manufactured to a high standard using a combination of modern materials. These include a perforated Technomicro base, Cambrelle, mesh panels, DuPont polymer, and Nylon sections. Since they’re not made from leather, these boots won’t break-in over time, so make sure you get the right size from day one!

Since these boots are designed for high-risk riding scenarios, they come equipped with a number of safety-focused features. These include calf protector plates, ankle protective caps, inner cell foam padding, external plastic guards, a shin deflector plate, anti-abrasion panels, and a dual compound sole. Despite the shopping list of protectives, these boots are light and flexible, with incredible airflow.

They do have one major downside though. As they’re constructed from perforated materials, they have holes in them. Yeah, if you’re looking for really waterproof boots, these aren’t what you need. However, you can ride them in the rain without getting soaked, but don’t expect to stay 100% dry. In dry climates, these boots are awesome. In wetter regions, less so.

Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro Boots

Review: In-depth review
Price: $389.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

If your sport takes you off-road rather than to the track, then the Tech 7 Enduro Boots from Alpinestars offer the best protection. Dirt riding requires different gear, as the sport makes different demands of the rider, and off-road boots need to be able to protect the rider from a much wider range of hazards.

Featuring a heavy-duty sole with outstanding grip, the Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro boots are strong, stable, and flexible, with serious ankle protection, in a package that won’t interfere with your foot controls. These boots are made from a microfiber base for maximum comfort and abrasion resistance and adorned with a liberal amount of thermoplastic polyurethane.

The insides are lined with contoured padding, soft foam reinforcement, and an anatomically-shaped footbed. An innovative buckle system ensures a tight and close fit that keeps out excess water and dirt, ensuring a comfortable ride experience allowing riders to concentrate on the trails. The buckles have a cool memory function and can be replaced if they get damaged.

In summary: these are great off-road boots that are geared towards enduro riding than MX. Take care though—they have been known to run a bit narrow.

TCX Street Ace Air Shoes

Review: In-depth review
Price: $159.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Modern motorcycle shoes have the ability to look cool and casual while offering decent levels of protection. Though these short boots might look like casual shoes, they’ll keep your feet protected in a crash. The TCX Street Ace Air Shoes are ideal short riding boots for those who need real protection but with a more versatile look.

These cool looking sneakers are made from a perforated leather upper combines with a luxurious Air Tech breathable lining, built on top of a sturdy high wear-resistant rubber sole. They’re reinforced in all the right places, with a Comfort Fit System keeping your feet snug, with a sturdy toe and heel counter, and padding around the ankles. The insole is anatomically shaped and replaceable.

Laces though? Yeah, laces aren’t ideal for motorcycle boots, but if you want the casual look and feel of a sneaker then you’ll compromise and go with laces. Besides, since these are versatile shoes, you won’t need to change in and out of them all day like you would with regular motorcycle boots. Laces can be annoying, but you’ll only have to fasten them once a day.

They’re not great in the wet but for casual riding in the summer months, they’re a great option.

Belstaff Endurance Boots

Review: In-depth review
Price: $495.00
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Not all riders are happy to wear futuristic lookin’ boots covered in fancy thermoplastic. Some riders want a simple and refined boot that ticks all the safety boxes without any reflective piping or mesh panels. If you’re a traditional cruiser rider looking for sleek, refined, and safe footwear, then these Belstaff Endurance Boots are what you need.

Made from durable and water-repellent buffalo leather, these boots are tough, rugged, and built for longevity. The buffalo hide exterior is complemented with an internal breathable, waterproof membrane that promotes airflow without any dampness. The interior also features protective inserts, ankle impact protection, and a molded insole for added comfort.

The sole is a heavy-duty thing. It’s made from Vibram rubber and has a thick tread with a serious anti-slip surface. These boots are fastened with a zipper and hook/loop tab, with the option for a more precise fit using the collar buckle straps.

Belstaff is an expensive brand, and these boots aren’t cheap. However, they’re manufactured to a high standard and will stand the test of time—providing that you take care of them properly!

Rev’It! Royale H2O Boots

Review: In-depth review
Price: $369.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Urban riders looking for the right balance of functionality, protection, and versatility should consider something like the REVIT Royale Boots. They’re similar in nature to the above mentioned TCX Street Ace Air Shoes, but they’re a more premium product packed full of even more advanced features. If you want a boot that can protect you while you’re riding and feels great while you’re walking, these are the boots for you.

Constructed from full-grain cowhide leather with textile paneling, these boots are tougher than you’d expect from a casual looking boot. They also reach further up the ankle than other casual boots too. Protective features include thermoformed heels, toe caps, and injected ankle cups, along with a tough synthetic rubber sole. A gear shift pad, anatomically shaped footbed, and adjustable ankle strap are also included.

What we really love about these boots is their waterproof properties. Each boot features a hydrate liner that really keeps water and moisture out. They also have a CoolMax mesh lining which is supposed to improve the airflow, but it’s not as good as it could be. And that’s the downside: these boots can get a little hot and sweaty. They definitely work better in a colder climate!

TCX Vibe Air Boots

Review: In-depth review
Price: $135.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

The TCX Vibe Air Boots are our top choice for those looking for light and airy summer boots with serious protection stats. Riding in hot weather can be a hot and uncomfortable affair but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of good summer boots out there, but TCXs Vibe Air kicks get our seal of approval. They’re everything you’d hope for and more from a summer boot.

These boots are made from a stylish and sturdy suede with Air Tech fabric sections. They’re lightweight boots, but they pack some heavyweight protection. These include malleolus protection inserts, PVC ankle guards, padded upper collars, and a durable, high-performance rubber sole. If you’re concerned about their protection, rest assured knowing that they’re CE certified.

On the inside, these boots also have a comfort fit system for a close and snug fit, along with anatomically shaped footbeds. Other cool features include reflective inserts to help raise your visibility, a Bycast leather gear shifter pad, and Velcro and lace-up fastenings. Though we don’t usually go for laces, these aren’t your typical laces—instead, they use a speed lacing system, and the Velcro collar does most of the heavy lifting!

Breathable, comfortable, safe, and affordable—these motorcycle boots offer a great return for your investment.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

The Best Motorcycle Jackets You Can Buy [Updated Q4 2020]

December 5, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

Every motorcyclist needs at least one motorcycle jacket. Riding a motorcycle leaves you exposed to the dangers of the road, as well as at the mercy of the weather. The best motorcycle jackets offer crash protection in a comfortable, flexible, and hopefully, waterproof package. Despite there being thousands of products to choose from out there, there are plenty of so-called riding jackets out there that aren’t fit for purpose.

To help separate the wheat from the chaff, or rather, the fashion jackets from the real deals, we’ve put together a list of our current favorites.

Since there’s no one-size-fits-all jacket, we’ve divided this list up with entries from across the range. It includes two sport-focused jackets, two-adventure options, something for traditional cruiser riders, and our top choice for urban, café-racer style riders. And for good measure, we’ve rounded it off with a solid summer option, and a jacket for colder climates too.

To make our decisions, we looked at a wide range of factors, from build quality to comfort, as well as the level of protection offered and the overall value-for-money. Of course, we also evaluated jackets based on other reviews from real-life customers too.

Here’s what we came up with.

Alpinestars Missile Air Leather Jacket

Review: In-depth review
Price: $599.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

For riders who like riding fast, on-road, or on track, we recommend the Alpinestars Missile leather jacket. It’s a close-fitting, aerodynamic leather jacket that has been designed to accommodate the brand’s Tech Air Race Vest airbag system—though that is sold separately. Even without the airbag technology, this jacket offers excellent protection. It has a steep price, but it reflects the quality of the garment.

Made from race-grade 1.3 mm cowhide, with stretch panels and a breathable inner liner, this jacket is tough yet flexible, and comfortable to wear. It’s loaded with protective features, including CE certified Alpinestars GP-R shoulder and elbow protectors, injection-molded armor, and an ergonomic back hump. The back protector is sold separately, which is a bit of a shame.

Like most premium jackets, the Missile features pockets for additional armor, secure fastenings, and a full-length waist zipper for a pants attachment.

It’s a light and airy jacket with plenty of airflow that will keep you safe in the event of a high-speed crash. Upgraded with the optional extras, it’s a hard jacket to beat.

Joe Rocket Atomic 5.0 Jacket

Review: In-depth review
Price: $179.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

If you want a sports jacket but don’t want to pay Alpinestars prices, then the Atomic 5.0 from Joe Rocket is our favorite budget alternative. This jacket is ideal for sports riders and thanks to its combination of materials, it’s a great jacket for both warm and cold climates. Though it’s not the best jacket on the market, it offers excellent value for money: it’s safe and secure, versatile, comfortable, and affordable.

Made from a combination of Rock Tex and Hitena, the jacket’s outer layer is waterproof and abrasion-resistant. It features a variable airflow system that can be tailored to your needs by the opening and closing of zippers. The interior has a removable insulated liner for additional warmth if you’re riding in colder climates.

Despite being a budget option, the Atomic 5.0 ships with some excellent safety gear as standard. These include some quality CE-approved shoulder and elbow pads. It does come with a back protector too, but it’s not worth keeping—replace it with something more substantial asap! Other cool features include neoprene cuffs, pockets for more armor, practical stowage pockets, and a pant-attachment zipper.

The Joe Rocket Atomic 5.0 Jacket offers great value for money and armed with an upgraded back protector, it could rival some of the more expensive jackets out there.

REV’IT! Cayenne Pro

Review: In-depth review
Price: $559.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

The REVIT Cayenne Pro is a premium adventure jacket that offers protection from the road and the elements, in a comfortable and practical package. ADV jackets have to perform a range of roles: they have to offer good protection for both on and off-road spills, they need to keep the rider protected from a range of weather conditions, and they have to be comfortable and ergonomic too. Though many jackets claim to be great ADV jackets, very few tick all of the right boxes. The REVIT Cayenne Pro, however, is the real deal.

Made from a 750D Polyamide and Teflon-coated shell, the Cayenne Pro feels like it’s made from Cordura, but it isn’t. Instead, this blended material is REVIT’s own textile that uses 87% Polyamide, 7% leather, and 6% polyester. It’s abrasion-resistant, waterproof, and very durable. The outer shell uses mesh panels for added airflow, with Neoprene sections for improved flexibility. It does have a comfortable inner layer, but if you’re riding in cold climates it could be a little chilly if you’re not wearing a pullover!

In terms of crash protection, the Cayenne Pro uses SEEFLEX CE-level 2 protectors, a Seesoft back protector, and a very useful detachable kidney belt. It also has the ability to be upgraded, with an optional Adventure Neck Brace, and cooling vest.

This is a premium adventure jacket for genuine all-season riding. And it looks cool too.

Sedici Garda Waterproof ADV Jacket

Review: In-depth review
Price: $249.99
Buy: Revzilla

Next up, we have a more budget-friendly ADV jacket. This is the Sedici Garda, and it’s a very capable adventure jacket that won’t break the bank. Sedici is one of the in-house brands from COMOTO Holdings, the parent company of Revzilla, Cycle Gear, and J&P Cycles. As the in-house brand of some of the largest gear distributors in the world, you can rely on the quality of Sedici-branded products. The Sedici Garda is one of their best jackets.

Made from a 600D laminated textile with 1200D reinforced sections, this textile jacket can keep out the water, deliver good airflow, and won’t restrict your movement. The jacket features a microfiber-lined collar, with neoprene edges, and a full mesh airflow lining. Six vents help the jacket breathe, and a series of adjustable straps give the jacket a perfect, snug fit and help reduce turbulence.

Protection is provided by textured rubber panels at common impact areas, along with CE rated armor at the elbow and shoulder. It doesn’t feature a back protector, but it does have pockets to accommodate one. It also has a hydration bladder pocket and a number of practical inner pockets for your things. Oversized zippers, carbon reflective trim, and a pant-connection zipper are also cool additions.

If you’re looking for quality and reliable adventure gear on a budget, this jacket is what you need.

BMW TwinStripes Jacket

Review: In-depth review
Price: $749.00
Buy: Revzilla

Motorcycle jackets don’t have to be about aerodynamic shapes and cutting-edge materials, as seen here in the BMW TwinStripes jacket. Part of the 2020 BMW Motorrad Heritage Collection, the TwinStripes jacket was designed to accompany the brand’s latest cruise, the R 18. Whether you’re a BMW rider or not, you can’t deny that this jacket isn’t seriously cool.

It’s not just good to look at. While it looks like a fashion jacket, the TwinStripes jacket was built for protection. Made from premium cowhide leather, the TwinStripes features CE Level 1 NP-Flex armor at the shoulder and elbow, with a pocket for an additional back protector. It also has a full comfort liner, gusseted shoulders, and a zipper to connect it to pants if you feel the need to go for the full suit.

For the sake of practicality, it also boasts four outside pockets and three interior ones, but apart from that, there isn’t much else to say. And that’s a bit of a shame considering the hefty price tag—but if you want an embossed leather BMW logo, you’ve got to pay for it. For a rugged, old-school cruiser rider look that ticks all the right safety boxes, this is a great choice.

Scorpion EXO 1909 Leather Jacket

Review: In-depth review
Price: $499.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

If you’re looking for something a little more café-racer rather than cruiser rider, then we’d recommend the Scorpion EXO 1909 leather jacket. Again, it’s one of those effortlessly cool looking jackets that looks more like a fashion item than a serious jacket—but it’s not. The Scorpion EXO 1909 is tough, rugged, durable, and will protect you in an accident.

Designed as a tribute to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (which was founded in 1909), this heritage-inspired jacket features soft distressed leather with reinforced overlays on the joints, for a flexible and functional feel. Inside, the jacket has a removable EverHeat liner, stretch panels, and plenty of ventilation.

Protection is provided by Sas-Tec Level 2 armor at the elbow and shoulder, along with a pocket that can accommodate a Sas-Tec back protector. Other practicalities include zippered vents, perforated panels, adjustment tabs, zipper closures, antique brass zippers throughout, and a pant zipper too.

It looks great, but reviews have even found that it can stand up to real-life accidents too. It’s an expensive jacket, but it will take care of you if you have a spill.

Dainese Super Speed Summer Jacket

Review: In-depth review
Price: $369.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

For our last two entries, we’re looking at the best overall summer and winter jackets. For summer, we’ve chosen the Dainese Super Speed Textile Jacket. It shares a lot of DNA with Dainese’s premium racing jackets but in a lighter, mesh-based form. If you experience hot summers or live in a climate that’s hot all year-’round, then this jacket offers serious airflow and serious protection in equal measure.

Made from a selection of top-quality textiles such as Duratex and Boomerang, the Dainese Super Speed is tough, secure, and close-fitting. On the inside, the jacket has a removable windproof insert and a sanitized lining. It’s a slim jacket, so it might not be the best option for larger riders, but there is a degree of adjustment that can be made at the waist, wrist, and neck.

In terms of protection, the Dainese Super Speed Textile Jacket comes with composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1/97 standards and aluminum shoulder inserts. There are pockets for extra pads, including a back pocket for a G1 and G2 back protector, with a front pocket for chest pads.

If you live in a warm climate, this is worth your money. However, if your summer doesn’t get that hot, you might find another more versatile jacket a better investment.

Firstgear Kathmandu Jacket

Review: In-depth review
Price: $369.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Our choice for the top winter riding jacket would be the Firstgear Kathmandu. Named after the capital of Nepal, the Kathmandu jacket is designed with cold weather in mind. Built from a Hypertex waterproof outer shell, with 420 denier rip-stop nylon, this jacket is both durable and tough, but lightweight at the same time.

Protection is provided by fully-adjustable D3O T5 CE armor for the shoulder and elbows—a more flexible material than standard CE foam—with an EVA back pad at the rear. The armor is adjustable, but so is the rest of the jacket. Thanks for a series of straps, it’s possible for a real body-hugging fit, whatever your shape.

Other cool features include an under-helmet rain hood, 1.5-liter hydration bladder (and pack), and more intake and exhaust airflow vents than you’d know what to do with!

Even though it’s our top choice for a winter jacket, the reality is that this jacket is a true four-season jacket. It’s great in the cold at high altitude, but it’s also nice and breathable for when the sun comes out. Given the price and the level of protection that it comes with, this jacket is a real bargain.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com