Warm & Safe heated apparel is available for men and women.
In 1993, Warm & Safe founder Mike Coan developed the first rheostat-like Heat-troller to adjust the temperature of heated motorcycle apparel instead of just an on/off switch. Since then the technology has been improved and Warm & Safe now offers a range of Heat-trollers that connect directly to a motorcycle’s battery, as well as heated apparel like shirts, jacket liners, pants liners, gloves and socks. Heat-trollers start at $59; heated apparel starts at $189.95.
Scorpion’s Trey overpants are designed to be worn over your regular jeans, for protection on the bike and an easy switch to a casual look off the bike.
Riding pants are such a key part of rider protection that it’s surprising to see so many nearly naked legs on the open road. By that, I mean riders wearing jeans or other pants that will turn to shreds when they touch down on tarmac. Why risk your precious skin when vented, convertible overpants like the Scorpion Treys provide the protection to prevent serious skin loss if you pitch off your scoot?
OK, off the soapbox to focus on our test of the Trey ventilated pants, starting with airflow. This comes from large panels of polyester mesh on the front and back of the thighs and lower legs, and it is quite comforting on a warm day. There’s plenty of protection as well, thanks to stout 840-denier ballistic nylon covering the vulnerable knee area, backed by vented, adjustable CE-approved knee armor.
The remainder of the Treys is sewn from heavy polyester fabric, with a light mesh lining throughout. A big plus for Scorpion is fitting CE-approved hip pads, something you won’t find in all overpants. And flex panels above the knees help me swing a leg over my lofty BMW F 800 GS or squeeze onto my petite Yamaha YZF-R3.
When the weather turns from nice to nasty, a zip-in, breathable H2O Blok liner greatly increases the Trey’s temperature range and keeps the wet stuff at bay. I was comfortable riding in Big Sur’s drippy fog at 50 degrees with the liner and my thin silk long johns, and into the mid 90s without the liner while wearing heavier riding tights. Hip-to-toe zippers on the liners match up with their counterparts on the pant legs, facilitating entry and exit with boots on.
The Trey mediums fit me well out of the box, per Scorpion’s sizing guide, and have adjusting tabs at the waist for fine-tuning. Leg length can be hemmed up an inch or so without bothering the leg zippers, which are hidden beneath flaps that use a minimum amount of hook-and-loop to secure. A small tab at the cuffs closes with hook-and-loop to seal things up, and their button-type waist closure won’t pop open in a fall like snaps can. A pair each of zippered front and rear pockets provide as much storage as jeans, only more securely.
As expected with Scorpion garments, the Treys are very well constructed, and while other vented pants I’ve worn may pass a little more air through larger mesh, I feel better protected in the more substantial Scorpions. Treys come in black only and run from $199.95 to $219.95, depending on size, and are available in men’s small through 3XL, with tall sizes from large on up.
For more information, see your dealer or visit scorpionusa.com.
Jacket, check. Boots, check. Tights, che…. Wait just a gol-durn minute – tights for a motorcycle trip? Yep, tights. Moto-Skiveez, makers of Adventure Shorts (read our review here), added legs to the shorts to create high-tech riding tights for adventure riders, and the results are comforting. I wore their Adventure Tights on an attempt at the Utah Backcountry Discovery Route and was more comfortable over the long haul to Utah from my home in SoCal than ever before. Even with an aftermarket seat on my BMW F 800 GS, by butt eventually burns as the miles roll up, but not with the Adventure Tights. The compression fabric that extends to below the calf is designed to reduce leg fatigue while standing, and after slogging through miles of relentless sand on the pegs, my legs still had some strength, while the rest of my body was toast.
The term “saddle sore” comes from the horse world, and for good reason – the un-accustomed derriere soon complains – loudly. I know it well from the horseback vacations my wife and I like to take. With only a couple of hour-long tune-up rides before our last equine adventure, I spent five days in the saddle in the canyons near Capitol Reef National Park. But I had packed along my Adventure Tights, and my rear has never felt so good in the saddle.
For an undergarment that promises real comfort where it counts, Moto-Skiveez Adventure Tights deliver the goods. They also provide a low-friction interface between my legs and riding pants on hot days. I’ve always worn something between my legs and knee armor, usually silk long johns – now that something will be Adventure Tights.
For more information, call (888) 819-0185 or visit motoskiveez.com.
Right: One of my boots before being resoled (as shown on left).
Riding gear doesn’t last forever, not even your favorite riding boots. Or can they? When I sidelined my Sidi On Roads due to slippery, worn out soles, I hoped to one day have them re-soled and ride in them again. But local cobblers wouldn’t touch them. Motorcycle boots are specialty items, and my Sidis have molded soles that take special tools, techniques and supplies to refresh, as opposed to the welted, sewn-on soles common in street shoes and work boots. MX Boot Resole & Repair came to the rescue with its $107 resole service (for Sidi boots, prices for other brands vary), and that includes return shipping. From cutting-edge Alpinestars road-racing boots to my humble On Roads, MX Boot resoles, rebuilds and refurbishes a host of boot types and brands.
I started the process by calling Greg at MX Boot to discuss my On Roads. Besides the slick soles they were in great shape, save for a distressed look that gave them character, or so I told myself. Greg assured me he could resole them within his usual turnaround time of 2-3 days. He did, and they look great. The soles are the same Vibram tread as the old originals and just as grippy. Plus, the boots received a major overhaul in the looks department, sporting an all-over badass black that once again takes a shine. MX Boot Repair & Resole doesn’t require–though it strongly recommends–that you do both boots at once. An online ordering form on the website simplifies the process, but the company is happy to answer any questions about your particular boots over the phone. If your footwear needs repair in addition to new soles, Greg and his experienced staff can do that too.
I’m back in the saddle with my On Roads, enjoying their new traction and old comfort, and will not hesitate to use MX Boot again for resoling and repair. The company knows what it’s doing, does it well and is quick about it. A sister company, Anthony’s Leatherworks, offers similar services for leather garments.
AGVSport Palomar Jacket (available in men’s and women’s sizes).
Having spent the better part of my late teens and early 20s scraping footpegs on the winding mountain roads in California’s San Diego North County, when AGVSport introduced a leather jacket named after the 6,142-foot peak at the heart of the best riding loop in the area, I couldn’t resist. Especially since its new Palomar jacket has a distressed, rugged vintage look (much like myself), which complements older and newer bikes alike.
AGVSport recently reinvented itself and has an all-new line of functional, high-quality apparel at attractive prices, of which the Palomar jacket is a central player. Available in men’s and women’s cuts and sizes, it’s constructed of 1.3-1.4mm buffalo hide that appears well worn and broken-in when new, with perforated leather panels in the sides, arms and across the back for ventilation. Major seams are multi- and triple-stitched with mil-spec thread for safety and strength, and there’s both a 10-inch zipper and belt loop in the lower back for attaching the jacket to pants. Antique brass YKK zippers with storm flaps secure the cuffs and front of the jacket, and the collar, cuffs and adjustable waistband also have snap strap closures. Removable Smooth Ways CE-approved Level 2 armor that stays soft and pliable in cold weather protects the elbow, shoulder and back areas.
The Palomar is cozy and supple right off the hanger, and its medium weight, perforated panels and full mesh lining keep it relatively cool in warm weather. A warm, nicely made zip-in 75-gram thermal vest is included for cooler temperatures. Both the jacket and vest have large, separate media and cargo pockets on the inside, and the jacket has zippered handwarmer pockets outside as well as a zippered wallet pocket in the inner chest.
Classic looks with a soft, already broken-in feel, a nice normal fit (I’m a 45 and the 46 fits well), functional 3-season comfort and lots of storage and solid construction with CE Level 2 protection–the AGVSport Palomar jacket has it all. It comes in the black/red shown or black/gunmetal in men’s sizes 38-54 for $379.99. The women’s version has a flattering feminine cut, identical features and is offered in black/red, black/orange and black/gunmetal in sizes 2-16 for $359.99.
Even if you never have the chance to ride the Palomar Mountain loop, its namesake jacket would make a worthy addition to your riding armory. And if you ride it wearing a Palomar jacket, send us a photo!
For more information, call (800) 777-7006 or visit gearhousepros.com.
I’m always on the prowl for riding gear that’s a step up from what I’m currently using at an affordable price. The mid-height Flex WP Touring boots from Tourmaster come pretty close to nailing my ideal for a commuting boot: they’re waterproof (which I tested in a light rain), have a dual zipper for easy entry/exit and offer a nice balance of comfort and protection. Oil-resistant, anti-slip rubber soles are reinforced with a steel shank, while the leather/synthetic leather uppers sport heel, toe, shin and ankle guards. The boots fit well and are true to my normal size 11. The dual-zipper entry requires a bit of fiddling to ensure none of the inner pleat is caught in the second zipper, but I’m hoping that goes away as the boots break in. The soles are rigid enough for comfort on the bike but flexible enough for walking, and feel slightly rounded which contributes to walking comfort in the office or on a short hike.
Previous experience with Tourmaster boots has been very positive as they proved durable and robust, and the Flex WPs have a quality feel and are well-constructed. With a reasonable MSRP of $124.99, they offer a lot of boot for the money.
For more information, see your dealer or visit tourmaster.com.
Adventure touring boots have a serious job to do. In addition to keeping your feet dry and protected from rocks and impacts, ADV boots should provide plenty of ankle support and have a sturdy sole for long periods of standing on footpegs. The problem is that all of this often results in a boot that is stiff, heavy, uncomfortable and hard to put on and take off, with lots of straps, buckles and hook-and-loop flaps.
Rev’It’s new Discovery Outdry boots take a different approach to ADV boot design, by incorporating the stability and safety of off-road boots with the user-friendliness and clean, lightweight construction of a touring boot. A key element is the lightweight Boa lacing system, which replaces shoestrings, buckles and straps with stainless-steel wire laces and low-friction lace guides that snug up the boot with the turn of a dial. Pull the dial to release the laces and the boot slips easily on and off; push the dial in to engage the locking adjustment system and a few turns result in a perfect fit every time.
Boa closure technology allows you to tighten or loosen the boots with the simple twist of a dial.
Boa technology was invented for snowboarding boots in the 1990s and is now used by hundreds of footwear companies worldwide. The steel laces only need to withstand five pounds of pressure to work, but are rated to 10 times that amount, and Boa guarantees its dials and laces for the lifetime of the product in which they’re integrated.
Beautifully constructed of suede and full-grain leather and 500D Cordura nylon with a rubber abrasion edge around the sides and toe, the boots are laminated with an outer layer of Outdry, a 100-percent waterproof membrane that sheds water before it soaks in, keeping your feet dry and warm. My pair passed the soak test handily, but I haven’t yet been able to rain test them.
Injected ankle cups and thermoformed plastic armor in the heel, toe, shin and a hook-and-loop flap that covers the Boa dial provide comfortable protection. A versatile Vibram Apex sole with a shock-absorbing EVA midsole and anatomic footbed is comfortable and grippy for walking or hiking and provides plenty of support for standing on footpegs. Reflective panels in back enhance conspicuity, and large loops on top aid in pulling the boots on.
Rev’It Discovery Outdry boots come in Euro sizes 38-47 (U.S. 6-13) and have a pricy MSRP of $499.99, but as a rider who dislikes time-consuming complication and clutter in my apparel, I couldn’t be happier with them. Fit and comfort are exceptional, they break-in quickly and are light, fast and easy to put on and take off, yet the level of protection they provide is substantial enough for pretty gnarly ADV riding. While they won’t quite substitute for motocross or enduro boots, short of that you’d be hard-pressed to find as much comfort and protection in one boot. Or even two.
For more information, see your dealer or visit revitusa.com.
The author in his Aerostich R-3 suit, which he wears on his daily commute during the cooler months.
’Stich. Spacesuit. Moto onesie. Aerostich’s R-3 suit, known for years as the Roadcrafter, goes by many names, but one thing is for sure: it has become an icon of motorcycle apparel. Introduced in 1983 by Andy Goldfine, the founder of Aerostich and the non-profit organization that promotes the annual Ride to Work Day, the Roadcrafter was designed for motorcycle commuting and can be worn over street clothes. Thanks to its two main zippers–one from the neck down to the inside of the left ankle and another down the inside of the right leg–a Roadcrafter, with practice, can be put on and zipped closed in a matter of seconds, and removing it is even easier.
Over the years, as word spread about the Roadcrafter’s convenience, versatility and practicality, it became the suit of choice not just for commuters but also for many touring riders. Based on regular feedback from customers and motojournalists, evaluations of suits damaged in crashes and a personal obsession with details, Goldfine has steadily refined the Roadcrafter over the past 36 years. It may not be particularly stylish, but it works remarkably well.
Soon after I joined the Rider staff in 2008 I tested a Roadcrafter, and I wore it for years and over many thousands of miles, on my daily commute, on short- and long-distance tours, on press launches and road test photo shoots, in all kinds of weather. Though faded and stained, that suit is still going strong and holds a place of honor in my gear closet. Over the past four years I’ve been wearing the R-3, the third-generation Roadcrafter, which is better for California’s hot, dry climate because it is unlined and, thanks to seam-sealed zippers in addition to its full Gore-Tex membrane, is waterproof. (The Roadcrafter Classic is still available.)
Made of 500D Cordura with 1000D abrasion-resistant ballistic panels at the shoulder, elbow and knee that are backed by tough, pliable TF armor (a back protector is sold separately), the R-3 is stiff at first and requires some breaking in, but soon feels like a tailored, flexible exoskeleton. It has a full collar that can be folded down, nine pockets that hold a ridiculous amount of stuff, flap-covered zippers at the hips that provide easy access to your pants pockets, various adjustment tabs and Scotchlite reflective panels. With ventilation limited to two underarm vents and a horizontal back vent, the R-3 can get swampy on hot/humid days, but that’s it in terms of shortcomings.
Aerostich’s R-3 One-Piece Suit sells for $1,197 and is available in sizes 34-54 in Short, Regular and Long in multiple suit and ballistic panel colors. A women’s version, a lighter-weight Tactical version, custom sizing and a wide range of add-on accessories are available. Suits can also be sent back to Aerostich for cleaning, alterations and repairs. Like any well-made, tailored garment, you’ll wear it for years.
For more information, call (800) 222-1994 or visit aerostich.com.
I have learned that it definitely pays to wear versatile gear. On a single tour covering several days–or even on a single-day ride–one could experience searing daytime heat, evening cold, a touch of rain and then, of course, the constant wind blast while riding. That’s why versatile gear is a real plus.
I obtained Tourmaster’s Transition Series 2 Jacket several years ago and have worn it extensively since, which is why I was excited to test the Transition Series 5. While comparing the two I noted more similarities than differences. The styling and features are very familiar, but one newer feature on the Series 5 is the patented stretch nylon Aqua-Barrier hood that folds up behind the zippered collar, from where it can be deployed. This super thin, stretchy hood is designed to be worn under the helmet to prevent rain from seeping down the back of your neck while riding.
The Transition 5’s shell utilizes abrasion-resistant 600 denier Carbolex polyester fabric, with 1680 denier ballistic polyester in the elbows. The breathable Rainguard barrier lives up to its name, as I did encounter some rain during my test period and stayed dry. The removable, full-sleeve thermal liner zips and snaps in place–and removes just as easily. Stretch panels in the back and elbows, in conjunction with various tabs and the waist belt, allow for adjustability and comfort whether the liner is removed or in place. Reflective striping adds to visibility, and protection is provided by the back protector and the CE-approved armor that lives in the elbows and shoulders.
The Transition Series 5 includes a foam back pad and CE-approved elbow and shoulder armor.
On the outer shell are a large zippered pocket and wallet pocket, a pair of fleece-lined handwarmer pockets and a couple cargo pockets. There’s also a dual zippered fanny pack in back. Both the liner and the shell are equipped with a cell-phone pocket and an internal pouch.
For ventilation the Transition 5 offers two sets of paired, controllable slit vents in the chest, along with pairs in the shoulders and upper arms, and three sizeable exhaust vents in back. My only criticism is that the front vents are little more than slits, and despite their number they don’t move a lot of air, especially if your bike dictates a forward, crouched riding position.
Overall, the Transition 5 proved to be a very versatile jacket in terms of not only general temperature control, but also in adjustability with its belt and various tabs. It is available in several colors, in both men’s and women’s sizes, and retails for $269.99.
For more information, see your dealer or visit tourmaster.com.
