Michelin’s new Road 5 and Road 5 GT sport-touring tires are designed to offer class-leading performance in wet and dry conditions, mile after mile. The Road 5 lineup features the patented XST Evo siping and 2CT/2CT+ dual compound technology for great wet grip performance throughout the life of the tire. The Road 5 is available in several popular sizes starting at $221.95, and the Road 5 GT, designed for heavier bikes like the K 1600 GT and Concours 14, starts at $251.95.
Arai Helmets’ premium full-face and open-face motorcycle helmets stand out for a lot of reasons. Chief among them are impeccable hand craftsmanship and materials, comfort, a custom-like fit and an unwavering devotion to the company’s stringent definition of head protection, which generally exceeds U.S. Snell certification standards. These qualities have helped Arai build a large fan base among both regular on- and off-road riders as well as a heap of successful racers.
That base might also point out that — because of all of the above — Arai helmets tend to be pricy, and for some wearers the design of the shell, neck roll and cheek pads can make the helmets difficult to put on and take off. Once an Arai is on your head, it’s hard to imagine a cozier, more secure lid, but for some getting it over the largest part of their melon can be a struggle.
To address both issues Arai has created the new Regent-X full-face helmet, which offers all of the qualities for which Arais are known at a lower cost, and it has some simple changes that make the Regent-X lighter and easier (effortless, actually) to slide onto and off your noggin. For starters the Hyper-Ridge-reinforced bottom opening of its new Peripherally Belted–Complex Laminate Construction 1 (PB-CLC1) fiberglass shell is 5mm wider in the chin and cheek area, and the neck roll is thinner and shorter. Arai’s Facial Contour System (FCS) cheek pads, which move up and down as you don the helmet and wrap snugly around your jaw, carry over but now have recessed speaker pockets for more space and to ease communicator installation.
Arai Regent-X helmet in Sensation Red Frost.
More cost-effective materials make the Regent-X’s new shell a little heavier than the PB-SNC2 shell in Arai’s flagship Corsair-X helmet, though Arai says it still provides the same level of protection. Interestingly, at 54.5 ounces in my size large, due to its minimal vent scoops and simpler neck roll the Regent-X ends up 2.5 ounces lighter overall than a Corsair-X. As usual the Regent’s brushed nylon interior is soft and silky comfortable, and optional sizes are available for the removable, washable head liner and cheek pads for a custom fit. Venting is noticeably effective and the front chinbar and dual brow and top vents are closable, though the rear exhaust vents on the Regent-X are always open. A few years ago Arai changed its toolless shield pivot design to make it easier to use and to enlarge the smooth area above it (along the Snell impact test line), so changing shields is a snap (as always, read the manual). I’m a big fan of Arai’s ProShade shield, too, which adds a flip-up sunshield to a regular clear shield to provide similar convenience to an interior drop-down sunshield without compromising the forehead area of the helmet.
If you’re a regular Arai wearer you’ll find the Regent-X so easy to slide on and off that it actually takes some getting used to, but once you do I promise it will become your go-to Arai, especially since it’s just as quiet, light and comfortable as other Arais. The Regent-X has an Intermediate Oval interior shape (Round Oval and Long Oval are available in other Arais), is Snell M2020 certified and will be available in early to mid-December in a variety of solid colors ($559.95) and graphics ($689.95).
For more information, see your dealer or visit araiamericas.com.
The Tech-Air 5 is Bluetooth compatible and when used with the Tech-Air app, will display information around the vest’s operational status, battery status, and ride analysis. The lithium-ion battery powering the vest has a life of 30 hours, and comes with a micro USB charger for easy recharging.
From the outside, the Metropolitan looks like a stylish, well-tailored 3/4-length parka, but on closer examination this is a thoughtfully designed, protective motorcycle jacket. Its outer shell is made of a water-repellent polycotton material that feels like a soft, supple lightweight canvas, backed with a waterproof Hydratex membrane. Cuffs are designed to snug down around your wrists, with elastic on the underside and a two-position snap, making it easy to pull your glove gauntlets over them. A thickly padded hood with subtle reflective striping zips to the tall collar, and heavy-duty snaps hold it in place at each side and the back so it doesn’t flop around in the wind. Pockets abound, with two large front stash pockets, two zippered ones on the chest and numerous inner pockets for documents, your phone, etc. I only wish the big stash pockets opened wider; it can be tough to get my hands inside, especially with gloves on. My favorite feature, though, is the luxuriously plush detachable thermal liner, with an extra-tall puffy collar that acts as a cushion between your face and neck and the stiffer polycotton shell. With the liner snapped in, slipping on the Metropolitan is like getting a hug from a cloud made of silk.
Rev’It Metropolitan Ladies Jacket.
One of my jacket pet peeves is zippers with small teeth; they always seem to get snagged and the tiniest amount of grit or dirt is enough to choke them up. So imagine my relief when I discovered the Metropolitan’s zipper is made of big, beefy teeth and glove-friendly metal pulls. It’s a double zipper, so you can zip it up as far as you’d like, then unzip the bottom for comfort while sitting on the bike (see photo above). The Metropolitan is an urban-styled jacket meant to transition seamlessly from riding to casual wear, so Rev’It uses unobtrusive, soft Seesmart CE level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows; there’s a pocket for an optional Seesoft CE level 2 back protector. If you want more protection, all of the armor is removable and replaceable.
True to its design, I found the Metropolitan to be supremely warm and comfy not just while riding, but also when walking around off the bike, plus it’s fashionable and completely unrecognizable as a motorcycle jacket. The Metropolitan is available in women’s sizes XS-XL, for an MSRP of $359.99.
For more information, see your dealer or visit revitsport.com.
For sport-touring riders who prefer a traditional full-face helmet to a modular or flip-up style, Shoei’s GT-Air has been a top choice since it was first released back in 2012. Since then, the popularity of built-in or integrated Bluetooth communication systems has increased, so for 2019 Shoei has updated the GT-Air II with an optional Sena SRL2 comm system, along with some other tweaks meant to make a great lid even better.
The SRL2 ($299) was designed specifically for the GT-Air II, which means installation is quick and almost foolproof. Insert the battery and controller into their separate compartments, snap the speakers into the pre-cut indentations and stick the microphone on the inside of the chin bar (or use the included boom mic). Ready to ride!
The SRL Bluetooth system, made by Sena, is quick and easy to install in the GT-Air II.
Otherwise, the basic construction of the GT-Air II is unchanged: the shell is made of Shoei’s proprietary Multi-Ply Matrix AIM, which consists of hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass, organic fibers and resin, backed by a new EPS liner that now incorporates varying foam densities within each piece for a compact, lightweight design that still protects your noggin.
The removable, washable and sizable Max-Dry interior feels like it may be just a bit more plush than the previous GT-Air, but fit seems about the same as before: a slightly longer oval shape than some of Shoei’s other helmets. Fit around the neck roll is a tad looser to facilitate pulling the GT-Air II on/off but is still snug enough to keep things quiet.
One major change is the switch to the new, patented micro-ratchet chinstrap, as seen on the Neotec II. Unlike other ratcheting chinstraps, Shoei’s closure mechanism is made of 100-percent stainless steel — no plastic — for the utmost in safety. I like the design, which lets the user preset the general fit with an adjustable strap, and fine-tune it with the ratchet. It seems more secure and also more comfortable, similar to a traditional D-ring strap.
Other features include a new drop-down sun shield that’s 5mm longer than before; that doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s enough to cover nearly the entire eyeport and is less intrusive when glancing down at the gauges. A redesigned upper vent shutter is still one of the easiest to use with gloves on, and has two intake positions, both of which flow noticeable amounts of fresh air; five exhaust vents, none of which can be closed, draw it out.
Shoei focused on making the GT-Air II as quiet as possible, with new, thicker face shield beading that seals tightly against wind and water and a compact, aerodynamic shell (my size small weighs in at 3 lbs., 9.8 oz. with SRL2 installed). With the vents closed, the GT-Air II is comfortably quiet, but once the vents are open the noise level goes up considerably. The CNS-1 face shield is the same as that used on the original GT-Air, and comes with a Pinlock EVO fog-resistant insert. The GT-Air II’s new baseplate, however, now allows the shield to be opened just slightly for venting and defogging.
Overall, the GT-Air II is a solid step up from the previous version, with enough updates and upgrades to justify the roughly $50 price increase. It’s available in sizes XS-2XL, spread over three shell sizes, for $599 (solids) or $699 (graphics).
Mosko Moto Reckless 80L V2.0 Luggage attached to a BMW F 800 GS.
Mosko Moto has some new ideas about soft luggage for motorcyclists. A good example is its modular evolution of the horseshoe-style pannier system — the Reckless 80L V2.0 tested here. Constructed of tough 1680D nylon over a polyethylene core, the R80’s three-part harness carries a holster on each side and a beavertail of two overlapping flaps on top. Aluminum stiffening bars are fitted to stabilize the harness during hard riding. Some assembly is required, assisted by helpful printed and video instructions. The holsters attach to the center chassis with supplied screws, washers and T-nuts that fasten through pre-drilled holes. When my fingers cried “uncle” trying to set the T-nut prongs into the thick harness I reached for a hammer and half-inch socket to drive them home.
The Reckless is a strappy system, starting with five to attach it to the bike — a pair at the lower front pulling it down and forward and three at the rear. Eleven more straps cinch down the beavertail and pouches. Not to worry though, the straps ensure a compact, solid load that stayed put over miles of heavy hits on rocks and ruts during testing. Most fasten with familiar side-release buckles and have keepers to prevent flailing. Mounted to my BMW F 800 GS, the 80-liter Reckless leaves plenty of room on the seat for me, and some on the rack for more gear. At just over 11 pounds, the pack is much lighter than rack-dependent solutions, though heavier than some other rackless options.
Mosko Moto Reckless 80L V2.0 Luggage attached to a BMW F 800 GS.
Each Hypalon-armored holster carries a 25-liter, 800D polyurethane-coated dry bag and mates to a roll-top accessory pocket below; both are slanted to facilitate storing heavy items low and forward. The dry bags feature clear windows and blue interiors to aid in eyeballing the contents, and bottom grab handles for pulling them into the holsters. Lighter gear rides under the beavertail in Mosko’s 22-liter Stinger dry bag, which doubles as a backpack. Packing up the Reckless took some thought and experimentation. I settled on water, sleeping bag and tent in one dry bag, kitchen and food in another, and clothes and sundries in the Stinger. My chair, tools, tire kit and snacks went in the pockets. The R80 package also includes an aluminum heat shield, a rugged tent pole bag and a featherweight 20-liter dry sack for wet items. Under the beavertail are two mesh organizer pockets and a detachable map case.
Mosko’s modular design keeps everything handy, both on the road and in camp. The dry bags can sit in the rain until you unpack them in your tent vestibule; empty, they cover your boots overnight. For motel stops, the harness stays on the bike and the bags come inside. I didn’t find a detail that wasn’t addressed in the design and construction of this robust, waterproof luggage system that sticks to my GS like it was bolted on. The R80 is rugged kit that’s built to go the distance. It sells for $625.
For more information, call (509) 281-3211 or visit moskomoto.com.
As cold weather looms, one debate reliably emerges on a riders’ forum I frequent. On one side are those who try to stay warm with extra layers of clothing. On the other side are riders who discovered heated gear. This second group knows that adding heat to your body, at precisely the level that makes you comfortable, beats attempting to insulate your own body heat by piling on bulky layers.
But what if it’s cold and also wet? Last fall I did a 10-day tour from my native New England to the mountains of western North Carolina and most days it was cold, wet or both — but I was always warm and dry. A large measure of the credit goes to a Generation Waterproof Heated Liner from Warm & Safe.
Warm & Safe has been innovating and refining designs for heated garments and controllers for a quarter century, and its experience is revealed in the details. This liner is waterproof and breathable by way of Gelanots, a high tech, laminated, three-layer fabric. It’s made with hydrophilic polyurethane, which allows water vapor to pass out through the membrane but doesn’t allow liquid water to pass in from the outside. I was never wet or clammy on my North Carolina tour, despite days riding in cold, steady rain with the heat on constantly. Because this heated liner is waterproof, it provides an extra advantage for touring: not needing to pack a separate rain jacket to wear around camp or into town.
Unlike other waterproof garments I’ve worn, this one doesn’t feel stiff. It’s thin, light and provides good freedom of movement. The heat panels use soft, flexible carbon, and stretch panels in the side and back help keep the liner snug against your body for efficient heat transfer. There are two heat panels in the chest, two in the upper arms, one on the upper back, one on the lower back and a heated collar. The main zipper is the latest YKK model that is waterproof but without the rubbery feel I recall from earlier versions. Seams are sealed and the garment is washable.
Warm & Safe heated gear plugs conveniently into a battery harness (included) and is best controlled using an optional Heat-troller. I use a Dual Remote Control Heat-troller (read the review here or in Rider, April 2018), which lets me separately control heat levels in the liner and my heated gloves. The liner is rated at 7.8 amps, 1.8 ohms and 106 watts at 13.8 volts.
Warm & Safe originally offered Generation Waterproof Heated Liners in four colors (black, gray, red and yellow) but most people chose black, and new production going forward will be just black. You may still find colors in certain sizes. And while some gear suppliers don’t appear to realize that men and women are different, Warm & Safe offers this liner in distinct models and sizes for men and women.
Warm is good. So is dry. The Warm & Safe Generation Waterproof Heated Liner is currently on sale for $289.95, and the Dual Remote Control Heat-troller is $139.95.
For more information, call (503) 212-4166 or visit warmnsafe.com.
Upgrade your Honda CB500X, NC700X or NC750X’s damping rod fork with a C4 Suspension Upgrade Kit from Ranger Point Precision. These kits, which are custom-tuned per customer specifications, dramatically improve compression and rebound damping control to rival a cartridge-style fork. They allow for fine-tuning from the top of each fork tube and even reduce unsprung weight by one pound. Pricing starts at $625; see website for complete fitment details.
Helite’s new Turtle 2 airbag vest lets you be seen and stay protected, and it’s now available in Hi-Viz Orange in addition to High-Viz Yellow and Black. The Turtle 2 works with any pre-existing gear, with no batteries to charge or modes to switch to; just click in and you’re ready with life-saving protection. It includes a dependable mechanical trigger system, reflective striping and an integrated CE level 2 back protector and is 100% reusable. Sizes from XS-XL+ for $679.
Don’t let rainy days get you down, with the new rain suit from Z1R. This waterproof, wind resistant, yet breathable two-piece suit includes a hood for when you’re off the bike, heat-resistant panels on the inner leg, 3M Scotchlite reflective piping and stirrups on the pant hems to keep them snugly down around your boots. Plus a quarter-length zipper eases getting them on and off. The Z1R rain suit is available in men’s sizes S-3XL and women’s sizes S-2XL for $89.95.
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