Tag Archives: Jackets

Motorcycle News, News

Jackets fail MotoCAP abrasion testing

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A dozen motorcycle jackets have failed dismally in abrasion testing for the latest round of MotoCAP safety and comfort ratings.

Only two of the six leather jackets tested scored three out of five stars for safety.

Six leather and textile jackets scored two stars while three textile and the $749 Harley-Davidson Command leather jacket scored just one star.

Jackets fail MotoCAP abrasion testing
Latest ratings

Testing times

Three jackets, all textile, were advertised as water resistant so MotoCAP conducted testing according to their water resistance protocols.

The highest performing were the BMW Tourshell and the Rev’It Ronson, which received five out of 10 stars for water resistance.

The $460 DriRider GT leather jacket scored three out of five stars for safety, but only one star for comfort because it does not have any vents.

DriRider last year topped the Canstar Blue customer satisfaction survey on motorcycle jackets, having also won in 2015 and ’16 while Harley won last year.

The Canstar Blue ratings compare motorcycle jacket brands on factors including value for money, comfort/fit, protection, durability, functionality, style and overall satisfaction.

They do not do scientific testing like the MotoCAP service.

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

Transport for NSW says ………..

MotoCAP ratings

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched The world’s first motorcycle clothing safety ratings program, MotoCAP, has given only half a star to two stars to eight more pair of textile pants.
A dummy dressed in riding gear is tested for abrasion resistance

MotoCAP has now tested 43 textile and leather jackets, 18 pairs of jeans and leggings, seven pair of leather pants, one pair of textile pants and 26 pairs of gloves.

Deakin Uni Institute for Frontier Materials Senior Research Fellow and Honda GB400 rider Chris Hurren says they targeted only 10% of the market in the first year so manufacturers could be involved.

Transport for NSW says there has been “interest from some manufacturers to have their items rated”, but all gear rated so far has been bought by them through a secretive buying system to guarantee integrity.

Click here to find out how products are selected for rating in secret.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

How to buy a motorcycle jacket that fits correctly

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Selecting a leather or textile riding jacket that fits properly is nearly as important as getting a helmet to fit correctly.

A motorcycle jacket that is too tight will restrict your movement on the bike while a loose jacket will flap around annoyingly, causing fatigue over a long day in the saddle.

The best and only way to get a correctly fitting helmet is to try one on. Never buy over the internet unless you have previously tried that particular helmet on first.

Similarly, you should always try on a jacket first before buying over the internet.

Or best of all, try the helmet and jacket on in a store and then support the store by buying there. Otherwise your local motorcycle shop might not be there much longer!

Fits for purposeRicondi Bruxner leather jacket fits

But trying on a motorcycle jacket is more than just putting it on and seeing if it fits.

You need to make sure it will fit when you are on your motorcycle.

And that depends on what sort of motorcycle you have.

A cruiser with ape hanger bars is going to put your body in a different position to say a sportsbike where you are crouched over.

You need to either sit on your motorcycle or adopt the same posture when you try on the jacket.

That is going to look silly in the motorcycle shop, but it’s better to suffer a bit of embarrassment in the shop than find the jacket is uncomfortable when you are riding.

I’ve been sent many jackets for review that seem fine when you first try them on, but there can be fit problems that are only revealed when you ride a motorcycle.

Fit issues

Here are the main fit issues to look for:

  • Your jacket should be a firm fit, not only so it doesn’t flap around when you hit the highway, but also so the armour doesn’t shift out of position if you crash.
  • A tight jacket is good, but does it have stretch panels to allow you to move?
  • Pizza and beer can also cause jackets to shrink, so look for jackets with adjustment straps and zippers.
  • Waterproof and thermal liners are great, but consider whether the jacket will become too loose when you take the liner out.
  • Sleeves that fit perfectly when you try a jacket on might be too short when you reach out to the handlebars. So you might need a jacket with sleeves that are slightly long when you are wearing the jacket normally.

    motorcycle jacket fits
    Do your gloves meet your sleeves when you reach out?

  • However, race suits and sportsbike jackets usually have short sleeves as they go under the long gauntlet race gloves. Long sleeves would bunch up under the gloves.
  • A high collar might keep out the cold, but when you leave forward to the bars, does the collar stick into your throat?
  • Most jackets have vents for summer thermal comfort, but there is no point in buying a jacket with chest vents if you have a big windscreen. Check that the vents will actually get some air when you are on the motorcycle.

You can also check to see how the jacket rates for comfort and safety by checking the MotoCAP website.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Full-length airbag leather suit patented

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Professional racers and amateurs alike could soon be wearing patented airbag leathers that fully cocoon the rider and automatically call emergency services if they crash.

British company Resolve Group plans to launch the one-piece leather suit at the London Bike Show in September along with “the most advanced augmented reality helmet available” and a “secret” third product.

Company spokesman Adam Wilson contacted us with information about two of their products after we published an article about a patent pending on a full-length airbag suit.

Brooklyn start-up Airbag for Bike has so far only posted this digital animation of the patent-pending device. Attempts to contact them have yielded no results.

Patented airbag suit

Adam said the Resolve Group was already making that airbag and had patented the idea “a few years ago”. 

“Our suit offers a complete cocoon-like protection for the rider,” he says.

“The one-piece suit has ambient lighting to enhance visibility as well as having capabilities of summoning emergency services in the event of an accident.

“The red accents are LED lights with our company logo in LED on the aerodynamic hump on the back.

“We have many features which I am not able to disclose as yet.

“But safe to say it is the most advanced available in the world right now.

“We are in talks with FIM with the aim of supplying helmets and suits to the MotoGP for the 2020/21 season.”

MotoGP made airbag suits mandatory last year.

Suit pricing

Resolve Group airbag leather suit patented smartest
Resolve Group airbag leather suit

Adam says their suit will cost about £2,500 (about $A4700, $US3300, €2940).

“This is substantially cheaper than other suits on the market offering a fraction of the protection our suit offers,” Adam says.

“Further, we will not have any lease agreements with customers as many manufacturers force customers into signing.

“Failure of customers to sign such agreements results in the suits being rendered useless as the manufacturer will not lease the propellant to inflate the suits to the customers.

“Other manufacturers charge a yearly fee irrespective of whether or not the protection system is deployed. We will supply the propellant within the purchase price of the suit and not charge a yearly fee either.

“Prices are subject to change given supplier prices and other component part price increases.”

Adam says they are not looking for crowd funding for their projects as they have invested their own funds.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle Gear, News

Best Motorcycle Mechanic Shop Apparel

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Dickies has been a go-to name for work wear for generations. The company’s garments are tough, cheap, and available almost everywhere. Dickies’ new Moto Collection adds abrasion-resistant cloth to familiar designs. It’s not the kind of stuff we’d trust to save our hide on a real off, but it’s perfect for wearing in the garage or on a quick rip around the block after cleaning out your carbs for the 1,000th time. The Eisenhower jacket’s contoured arms and gusseted shoulders are comfortable enough in a riding position, but an attractive price is the real winner.

Shop pants typically fit like they’ve been imported from 1950, with high waists and baggy legs. The Moto chinos can be had in a variety of fits, and because they’re made from the same tough textile as the Eisenhower jacket, they’ll stand up to years of crawling around on the concrete while you clean chains and change oil. Dickies threw in a contoured waist to keep the things comfortable on a bike too.

A good pair of boots is as at home in the garage as it is in the office. Red Wing has been making its Iron Rangers for over 100 years. Like the Dickies threads, the boots are made to take a beating, but they’re comfortable enough for daily wear. The Vibram sole stays stuck even on wet concrete, and a thick leather upper will last for years with proper care.

The CDC is pretty clear about dermal absorption. For many workers, toxic substances enter the bloodstream through the skin, not the lungs. Disposable shop gloves are our go-to for keeping the nasty stuff off our hands and out of our bodies, but the cheap, thin parts-store variety are about as durable as a paper towel. These 14-mil bruisers walk the fine line between being tough enough to resist tearing and thin enough to maintain dexterity. At $20 a box, they’re more expensive than the kind you’ll find at the dentist, but you’ll use fewer per project, reducing waste while you’re at it.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Motorcycle News, News

2019 Macna men’s jacket range released

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European motorcycle clothing company Macna makes some advanced technology gear with a lot of street smarts, although some of the colours and designs in their 2019 range might be a little adventurous for some riders.

Bright blues and yellows are not your typical motorcycle fare. But there is also some basic black and charcoal colours for the more traditional male rider.

There are also hoodies, semi-hoodies and army-style designs.

If these men’s jackets are half as clever as the Aytee all-season jacket we love to use on tour, then they should be worth the money.

Macna Aytee motorcycle jacket
Macna Aytee motorcycle jacket braves the Italian alps

Some are suitable for summer and some for winter and a few for all seasons.

Prices are not high, either. The eight new jackets range in price from $249.95 to just $429.95.

All European gear now has to be properly certified and these jackets contain a lot of protective materials for abrasion and impact resistance.

While Macna has added eight new men’s jackets, there are no new women’s jackets.

Their current women’s jackets include four in the Core range and four in the Graphite lineup.

Here are the product descriptions as supplied by Macna importers Link International.

Macna 2019 men’s racket range

Imbuz street jacket: $429.95Macna men's jacket range

  • Soft, yet abrasion resistant 500 D Polyester.
  • Detachable mesh liner, including Raintex waterproof membrane.
  • Shoulder Safetech CE level 2, Elbow Safetech CE level 1.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA back pad.
  • Hoody holder, air vents chest & back, rear belt loop & Easy Cuff light.
  • Zipgrip, straps on waist and cuff.
  • Blue/ Yellow or Green/ Black.
  • Men’s sizes S-3XL

Habitat waterproof jacket: $379.95Macna men's jacket range

  • Soft shell windproof and water repellent Polyester.
  • Detachable thermal liner can be worn separately with Raintex waterproof membrane.
  • Shoulder Safetech CE level 2, Elbow Safetech CE level 1.
  • Night Eye reflection on chest back and sleeves.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA back pad.Macna men's jacket rangeHoody holder, Air vents chest, back & sleeves. Rear belt loop.
  • Zipgrip, Straps on waist & cuff, Coat hanger loop & Easy Cuff light.
  • Dark/Grey/Camo, Black or Dark Grey.
  • Men’s sizes S-3XL

Combat hoodie jacket: $329.95Macna men's jacket range

  • Heavy Duty Cotton Twill with Kevlar panels.
  • Soft mesh liner with DuPont TM Kevlar® on impact areas.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA back pad.
  • Hoody holder, hoody is zip off removable.
  • Straps on waist & cuff and Coat hanger loop. Rear belt loop.
  • Olive Green or Black.
  • Men’s sizes S-3XL

Bastic bomber jacket: $329.95Macna men's jacket range

  • Satin finish Polyamide Nylon.
  • Soft polyester mesh liner with fixed Raintex waterproof membrane.
  • “SCS Lite” ventilation system.
  • Shoulder Safetech CE level 2, Elbow Safetech CE level 1.
  • Night Eye reflective panels.Macna men's jacket range
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA back pad.
  • Hoody holder, Air vents sleeves & back. Rear belt loop.
  • Zipgrip, Phone pocket, Sunglasses holder Coat hanger loop.
  • Olive Green.
  • Men’s sizes S-3XL

Nuclone casual hoodie: $229.95Macna men's jacket range

  • Heavy Duty Cotton and Polyester mix with Kevlar panels.
  • Soft polyester mesh liner.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA back pad.Macna men's jacket range
  • Hoody holder, Coat hanger loop and cuff straps. Rear belt loop.
  • Dark Camo, Dark Grey or Black.
  • Men’s sizes S-3XL

Velocity ventilated jacket: $229.95Macna men's jacket range

  • Heavy Duty Polyester Ripstop Mesh.
  • Soft polyester mesh liner.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour. Reflective panel on the back.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA back pad.
  • Straps on waist & cuff and Coat hanger loop. Rear belt loop.
  • Olive Green/Black & Black Camo. 
  • Men’s sizes S-3XL

Charger all-seasons jacket: $329.95Macna men's jacket range

  • Comfortable abrasion-resistant 500 D Polyester.
  • Detachable thermal liner, including Raintex waterproof membrane.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA back pad.
  • Chest and back air vents. Air vents chest & back.
  • Zipgrip, Straps on waist & cuff, Coat hanger loop & Easy Cuff light. Rear belt loop.
  • Black/Yellow/Blue or Black/Grey/Red.
  • Men’s sizes S-3XL

Rewind sports jacket: $249.95Macna men's jacket range

  • Heavy Duty 500D Polyester Mesh.
  • Soft polyester mesh liner.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA back pad.
  • Waist & cuff straps, Coat hanger loop. Rear belt loop.
  • Black/White/Red & Grey/Black/Blue.
  • Men’s sizes S-3XL

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Grab a bargain on motorbike review gear

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My wardrobe is bursting with motorcycle helmets, jackets, boots and pants l’ve been reviewing and Mrs MBW says it’s time to get rid of some of the surplus gear and pass on a bargain or two.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is jackets are only large, pants 34” waist and helmets small (55-56cm). Also, I will only sell helmets to anyone who comes to my place in western Brisbane to try it on first. That’s a safety and fitment issue!

To contact me about any of the gear, click here and send me a Facebook personal message.

What to sell

Working out what to sell is difficult because I have a wide variety of gear and sometimes I need the right gear when testing various types of motorcycle.

So I need adventure gear for testing adventure bikes, plus cruiser gear, track wear and even hipster outfits!

But I have so many that I don’t get around to wearing or that have been superseded.

So while none of this gear is faulty or not fit for purpose, it is simply surplus to my needs and not a reflection of my opinion on their quality. You can read my original reviews by clicking on the names.

Jeans

Saint Unbreakable Technical Black Denim Slim Fit Jeans
Saint Unbreakable Technical Black Denim Slim Fit Jeans

There are several pairs of riding jeans with and without kevlar lining in my cupboard that I can’t wear anymore because I’ve put on a bit of a gut from fine wines, and bad beers.

It’s easier to flog them than stop drinking!

They are all 34” waist and include Draggin’, DriRider, Harley-Davidson, Icon, Neds, Saint and Shark Leathers.

Shark protective riding cargo jeans
Sjark camos

They are black blue, grey and camo and ranged in new price from a couple of hunjee to $700!

Just send me a Facebook messenger note and we can discuss individual prices.

Helmets

AGV Sportmodular carbon modular motorcycle helmet
AGV Sportmodular modular helmet

I have two AGV Sportmodular all-carbon-shell modular (flip-up) helmets, but I can only wear one, so the red white and black is up for grabs.

They cost $1099 new, but you can have it for $790 with clear and tinted visors. It weighs just 1295g which makes it the lightest modular helmet available.

It has the same impact protection as AG Pista SGP-R helmet as worn by Valentino Rossi.Harley-Davidson Vintage Stripe Bell Bullitt retro helmet Sportster Iron 1200

The Harley-Davidson Vintage Strip helmet is basically a Bell Bullitt made for Harley with their logos. It costs $539 new and I’ll let it go for $200.

Both are less than two years old.

Boots

Any pair of boots on offer will walk out the door for just $50 a pair if you pay postage. They are all size 11 or 45 Euro.

There are Stylmartin sneakers, TCX Street Ace Air hi-top sandshoes, AXO Freedom waterproof adventure boots and Johnny Reb ankle boots.

JacketsGoldtop leather jacket bargain

This Goldtop 76 armoured brown full-grain leather jacket is a 42 large.

It’s the genuine British-made article with gold satin lining.

The jacket costs more than $600, but it’s yours for only $290.

It’s in perfect condition with traditional details such as original ball-end zippers and diamond-pattern stitching. It also has double-stitched seams.

Finally, there’s a genuine Belstaff Gangster waxed cotton jacket from the North Circular Road Collection that cost me $1000 several years ago.Belstaff waxed cotton jacket bargain

It wasn’t a review item, but something I bought because I always wanted one.

I used it a bit, but I got a bit fat for it and it’s easier to sell it than go on a diet.

It’s yours for just $650, you hipster, you.

Features are a removable quilted liner, Belstaff buttons and zips, CE shoulder and elbow armour, large size, no rips.

Time to buy

To contact me about any of the gear, click here and send me a Facebook personal message.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Alpinestars Apparel Buying Guide

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(Sponsored post)

Alpinestars Apparel is an Italian motorcycle gear company known for its innovative, forward-thinking creations, each of which are designed not only to keep bikers of all types safe, but which keep them looking cool, too. The company’s focus is on making durable, worthy clothes for dedicated street bikers, adventurers who take on the open road on their motorcycles and those take their motocross seriously. From heavy-duty motorcycle jackets for men to lighter contemporary wear, this brand has what you need to make riding comfortable and get you looking as cool as your bike.

Finding the Right Gear

Alpinestars Missile Leather Motorcycle Suit
Alpinestars Missile Leather Motorcycle Suit

Alpinestars Apparel has a huge number of different products for sale, so getting the right gear is a matter of knowing exactly what you need. For example, if your focus is more on cruising around town than motocross, you may not need a full chest plate armor piece, but might settle for a selection of motorcycle jackets for women instead. Alternately, if you’re often off-roading you’ll want to check out some of this leading brand’s safety gear, including:

  • Shin guards
  • Riding boots
  • Full-face helmets

The brand even offers a selection of denim and more casual attire for those looking for light wear between destinations, so finding the perfect gear for your wants and needs is always easy.

Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots
Alpinestars Tech 10 Boots

Getting Alpinestars on a Budget

This innovative gear isn’t cheap, but fortunately you can save a bit of cash by catching it on sale on various retailers’ websites. Finding discount Alpinestars jackets isn’t uncommon during warm months when sellers are trying to make room for summertime stock, for example. Seasonal sales are a great way to get the gear you really want without breaking the bank or settling for anything less than perfection. Some sellers might even offer discounts year-round, so it’s crucial to keep an eye out for the best prices.

Alpinestars Apparel products are an excellent addition to any biker’s wardrobe, regardless of how they like to spend time on their bike. Browse this brand’s gear on your preferred online bike apparel and parts store and find the perfect products to keep you looking cool and feeling secure the next time you head out on a biking adventure.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

19 products added to MotoCAP ratings

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In the biggest addition to the MotoCAP online ratings of motorcycle clothing since it began in August 2018, 19 articles have been added and none scored more than two safety stars out of five.

The world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing has added:

  • 13 textile jackets;
  • three pairs of textile gloves;
  • two pairs of leather gloves; and
  • one pair of textile pants.

MotoCAP has now tested 31 textile and leather jackets, 18 pairs of jeans and leggings, seven pair of leather pants, one pair of textile pants and 13 pairs of gloves.

Interestingly, the $230 Merlin Axe kevlar shirt rated a single safety star which was the same rating as all the newly added textile jackets.

Merlin's Steve Franklin with their flanno leisure gear
Merlin boss Steve Franklin with their Axe kevlar shirt

The shirt also rated just two stars for thermal comfort because “there are no vents fitted to allow airflow to aid cooling in hot weather”.

Poor results

MotoCAP says the latest results highlight the lack of protection in some gear with none of the 19 new products scoring more than two stars for safety.

“There was more variation in the thermal comfort rating, with ratings ranging from one to three stars, with five different textile jackets gaining three stars for thermal comfort,” MotoCAP says.

“Many of the garments were also advertised as water resistant, and were tested for their ability to keep the rider dry in wet weather.

MotoDry Airmax added MotoCAP
MotoDry Airmax

“There was significant variation in performance in this category. The highest performer was the MotoDry Airmax ($250) textile jacket, which scored 9 out of 10 for water resistance.”

Yet the two-star safety rated jacket only scored three stars for comfort.

MotoCAP advises riders to consider both the safety and comfort ratings when choosing the right gear for their ride.

Products added

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched target
MotoCAP testing equipment at the Deakin Uni Geelong campus surprise

Deakin Uni Institute for Frontier Materials Senior Research Fellow and Honda GB400 rider Chris Hurren says the site will have 150 clothing products on its site by the end of June.

“We have purposely targeted only 10% of the market in the first year so that manufacturers have a chance to come along with the scheme,” he says.

“We do not want to put a manufacturer out of business as we want them to improve their products and think about protection and thermal comfort in their design.”

“If they follow this path like car manufacturers did for ANCAP then the rider will always be the winner.”

So far, no article of motorcycle clothing has been provided by a manufacturer.

All have been bought by MotoCAP using a secretive buying system to guarantee integrity.

Click here to find out how products are selected for rating in secret.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Stylish Merlin Chase leather jacket review

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Thick, soft leather and a heritage, two-tone design make this Merlin Chase leather jacket one of the most stylish and comfortable I’ve worn.

At $499.95 it’s not bad value, either.

No, this is not a jacket you wear to go racing, but it does have European certification with approved impact protection in the back, and SW Level 2 armour in the shoulder and elbows.

Interestingly, the elbow protectors extend up the triceps, rather than down the forearm.

Leisure styleMerlin Chase leather jacket

Merlin major shareholder Steve Franklin says the fastest-growing sector of the motorcycle clothing market is leisure safety gear.

Heritage rider gear like this Chase jacket that reflects neo-classic motorcycles, such as the Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle that Steve rides, represent 45% of the market.

This jacket not only suits a variety of neo-classic models, but also look’s good when you are off the bike.

The Chase jacket doesn’t look out of place in a fancy restaurant, the cinema or a trendy bar.

I love the classic details such as the patterned stitching in the shoulders and sleeves and the antique brass YKK zippers with the leather and brass rivet toggles that are also easy to find even with thick winter gloves.Merlin Chase leather jacket

Chase fit

The Chase jacket comes in sizes XS to 3XL and is made of full-grain 1.2-1.3mm grade AAA cowhide leather which is thick, yet supple, so it doesn’t feel stiff.

Ill-fitting jackets made of flimsy or lightweight material can flap in the breeze and become fatiguing on a long trip. However, the thick hide of this jacket ensures it doesn’t flap around.

I find a lot of leather jackets sit too high in front and bunch up when you sit on your bike with the round collar digging painfully into your neck.

This doesn’t. And the leather neck fastener is soft.

There are also expanding rear shoulder panels so it doesn’t pull when you reach forward to your handlebars. the extra length in the back also means it doesn’t not become exposed when you lean forward.Merlin Chase leather jacket

There is also a beefy zip in the back to connect to your pants. They include the other side of the zipper material so you can sew it to your pants if they don’t come with the connection.

For my slim frame, the fit is quite good, with a little bit of give in the waist to fit a hearty lunch.

The sleeves have a zipper and two-position snap clasp.

I use the tight position so I can put winter gauntlet gloves over the top of the sleeve and the loose position for summer gloves to slide underneath, allowing the wind to flow up your arms.

Because the leather is thick the wind doesn’t pull the sleeves up your arms, either.

Thermal comfort

Being a British jacket, it’s not quite suited to Australia’s summer.

However, I’ve been wearing it in milder mid-to-high 20s temperatures and it’s fine.

Merlin Chase leather jacket
Chest vents

When the temperature rises, you can unzip two chest vents and one small right-side exhaust vent.

It might not seem like a lot of venting compared with some other jackets, but it works surprisingly well.

I thought the single exhaust vent might have been a mistake, but I think it tends to draw in the air and circulate it around your torso, back and armpits, pumping out the air using the venturi principle. It’s the same as when you squeeze the end of the hose to make the water spurt out.Merlin Chase leather jacket

Anyway, it works, up to about 30C.

On one occasion riding in high teens temperatures, the jacket seemed a little cool. There is a 100g thermal gilet liner that should make it more comfortable, but it’s a vest without sleeves, so you may need to wear a thermal underneath for winter riding.

Pockets

Merlin Chase heritage jacket
Two chest vents and two side pockets

One of my chief complaints about many jackets is the lack of pockets.

This jacket has two outside hip pockets which are deep and won’t allow items to fall out while riding if you forget to zip them closed.

Inside is a zipped wallet pocket on the left which can be accessed even with the liner zipped in.

Merlin Chase heritage jacket
Internal pockets

Unlike many jackets, the liner also has a big pocket on the left with a snap fastener.

Without the liner there is another pocket on the left breast with a zip.

I don’t see why they couldn’t have included pockets on the right breast as well. The more pockets the better.

Also, the two interior zipped pockets have a small opening which can make it difficult to get thick wallets and modern large-sized phones in and out.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

MotoCAP employs secretive buying

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MotoCAP, the world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing, uses a secretive system for buying and selecting gear for testing to guarantee integrity.

The Australian ratings system for motorcycle pants, jackets and gloves launched in September 2018 and has attracted a wide range of support as well as criticism.

Deakin Uni Institute for Frontier Materials Senior Research Fellow Chris Hurren says they have so far not been supplied with any test products by any manufacturer.

“At this point the scheme is totally funded by Australian State Governments, some of the auto clubs and insurers and the NZ ACC,” he says.

“All garments are purchased from retail and online without the manufacturers knowledge or involvement.”

Secretive buying system

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched target
MotoCAP testing equipment at the Deakin Uni Geelong campus

Their sourcing system is quite secretive with one of the two garments used for testing bought in stores in Australia and New Zealand.

“We never buy more than one garment type at a time so a typical buying run may consist of one leather jacket, one textile jacket and a pair of denim jeans,” Chris says.

“Another buying run may be a textile jacket, a pair of textile pants and a pair of gloves. The person doing the in store purchase is a rider and they try on the garments like a normal buyer so almost impossible to detect.

“We then use the same covert purchasing system for an online purchase of a second garment generally of a different size and/or colour if available.

“The delivery address is changed regularly and never to the University.

“This is all done to ensure that manufacturers can not trick up the garments to get a higher score. The only time industry knows that they have been sourced for testing is when the results are displayed on the website.”

Manufacturer involvement

However, manufacturers have been invited to submit rider gear for testing and rating.

“There are two methods for manufacturers to organise for their product to be tested but neither of these have been utilised yet as the program is still in its infancy,” Chris says.

“A manufacturer can pay for a garment to be purchased using the above method and added to the testing program.

“A manufacturer may also get their product tested before it enters the stores by providing a number of boxes (50+ garments depending on the product and size of company) of their manufactured product in a warehouse where it is randomly sampled for three garments.

“Two of these garments will be tested and the third held to be compared with retail stock when it arrives in store. If what turns up in store is different to what was tested then their rating will be rescinded and they will be prosecuted by the ACCC for false advertising.

More ratings

MotoCAP rates eight textile jackets complex secretive
MotoCAP textile jacket ratings

So far, MotoCAP has tested 18 textile and leather jackets, 18 pairs of jeans and leggings and eight pair of gloves.

The last ratings posted were for textile pants about five weeks ago.

In the next few weeks MotoCAP will post ratings for seven pairs of leather pants and an additional posting of gloves, textile jackets and textile pants.

That means they will have every product class covered: gloves, leather jackets, leather pants, textile jackets, textile pants, ladies leggings and denim jeans. 

Chris says they will have more than 150 products on the website by June 30.

“We have purposely targeted only 10% of the market in the first year so that manufacturers have a chance to come along with the scheme,” he says.

“We do not want to put a manufacturer out of business as we want them to improve their products and think about protection and thermal comfort in their design.”

“If they follow this path like car manufacturers did for ANCAP then the rider will always be the winner.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com