Tag Archives: motorcycle jacket

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket and Pants Review | Gear 

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket and Pants
Testing the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar motorcycle jacket and pants on the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition in South Africa. (Action photos by Sebas Romero & Marco Campelli)

After breaking in the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket and Pants at the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition press launch in South Africa, I’ve continued wearing it for the past year in Southern California. This two-piece suit is unique in that the rain liner can be worn over the top of the jacket and pants, preventing the need to strip off riding gear to insert inner rain liners whenever I run into a patch of rain, and I no longer have to pack a separate rain suit in my tailbag.

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket 

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket
Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket in Ventiver Military Olive

The Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket has a lightweight 600-denier main shell construction with a reinforced two-layer 450-denier hard outer shell for enhanced durability with 600-denier woven reinforcements in key areas of the jacket, making it flexible in the right areas and strongest where you most need it.  

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket and Pants

I am 5-foot-11 and 180 lb, and the size large fits me well. The jacket comes with adjustment points to provide the best fit. Arm and waist straps can be tightened or loosened, and the sliding neck clasp is a great new feature for what I’d have to say is one of the nicest fitting collars out there. The collar can instantly adjust depending on your movement or if you’re wearing a neck gaiter or balaclava, preventing any neck chaffing. The jacket also has stretch inserts around the armpits for enhanced fit and better range of movement. Pre-curved sleeves that follow the shape of the arm deliver superior range of movement whilst in the riding position.  

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket

The ventilation on the Bogota Pro Drystar jacket is superb with two large panels on the chest chest, two waterproof zips each side of each vent, and Velcro holding the top firmly in place for when you need to keep warm.

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket Grey/Yellow
Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket in Ice Gray/Dark Gray/Yellow Fluro

The back of the jacket also opens up in the same way and allows the rider to tuck away about 70% of the back of the jacket for maximum air flow. You’ll still get the usual sweaty back as there is a CE Level 2 back protector in there, but air flows through this jacket beautifully. The jacket also comes with Level 2 Nucleon Flex Pro shoulder and elbow armor. There’s also an air vent running from the cuff to above the elbows that can be opened and closed via the waterproof zippers. I’ve ridden across the desert with all vents fully open and there is loads of air flow.  

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket and Pants

As for storage on the jacket, a large rear pocket will hold the inner liner rolled up and has a Velcro seal. On the front are four accessible pockets. The outer pocket is clasped with press stands, and there are two pockets accessed via zips directly behind them. There are two internal chest pockets, an internal waterproof document pocket, and two more inner pockets on the liner for your most valuable items.  

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket and Pants

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Pants 

The Bogota Pro Drystar Pant has a ripstop and 450-denier coated hard shell with 600-denier reinforcements for additional durability in key areas. CE Level 2 knee armor and bio flex hip armor are standard.  

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Pants

The internal rain liner again can be worn both in or over the pants themselves. The liner is attached by a simple press stud loop system around the waist and at the ankles. The pants, like the jacket, have been treated with durable water repellent for additional weather protection. They have two hand pockets that zip closed for security and two wide ventilation panels similar to those on the jacket on the thigh area of the pants. Zips on each side and Velcro across the top secure these in place, and when needed, the panels can be rolled down into the pocket to expose most of the thigh. Opening these panels lets in a nice amount of air while standing but weren’t as effective while sitting.  

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket and Pants

The Bogota Pro Drystar Pants have built in suspenders to help keep them up. However, they are a European fit. I have a 34-inch waist, and I needed an XL adjusted in at the waist since the Large was just too tight. The pants and jacket can be zipped together to ensure you get the best wind and rain protection. There is plenty of space for your boots with some calf adjustment and the zipper gussets, and a Velcro cuff at the base of the leg allow for ADV or MX style boots.   

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Pants

Overall, the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket and Pants is a comfortable set of three-season gear that’s not at all heavy and offers plenty of movement and protection. You could almost get away with the jacket as a four-season jacket but not the pants. Pricing is $419.95 for the jacket and $299.95 for the pants. The jacket is available in four color options (Ice Gray/Dark Gray/Yellow Fluro, Ventiver Military Olive, Dark Blue/Black/Bright Red, and Black/Black), and the pants are available in two color options (Black/Black and Ice Gray/Dark Gray/Yellow Fluro).  

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

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Joe Rocket Turbulent Motorcycle Jacket | Gear Review

Joe Rocket Turbulent motorcycle jacket 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S
Our associate editor sports the Joe Rocket Turbulent motorcycle jacket at the launch for the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S.

As motorcycle gear technology evolves and improves, a lot of riding gear has become hyper-specific for a certain type of riding or certain weather conditions. We can’t all have a different motorcycle jacket for every day of the month, and the Joe Rocket Turbulent Jacket provides good adjustability, fit, and protection for most everyday riding.

Joe Rocket Turbulent motorcycle jacket

The Turbulent has a water-resistant Rock Tex outer shell, which feels tough and rugged. I’ve been wearing this jacket for a few months now, and the outer shell still holds its shape. Included is CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows, plus removable spine armor. The shoulder and elbow armor is easy to access from exterior zippered pockets, meaning you don’t have to burrow up inside of the sleeves if you want to remove the armor to wash the jacket.

The Turbulent’s full-sleeved insulated liner provides good warmth for cooler rides, is less bulky than layering a sweatshirt under my riding jacket, and is easily removable via interior zippers and snaps inside the sleeves. For those days when it’s cool in the morning but warm by the afternoon, I’ll start out with the liner and later remove it and stow it in the jacket’s large lower-back pocket.

When the temperatures continue to rise, the Variable Flow ventilation system allows for nice airflow. There are zippered vents on the sleeves and on both sides of the back that can be opened to let streams of cooling air flow through the jacket.

The Turbulent jacket comes in men’s and women’s versions, and there are some differences in the fit and adjustment between the two. I’ve been wearing the women’s version, and I enjoy its adjustment capability. The Full Flex back expansion panels make the jacket easy to put on or take off. There are also adjustment points at the hips and forearms that allow me to loosen or tighten the jacket as needed.

Joe Rocket Turbulent motorcycle jacket

In addition to the large storage pocket on the back, there are two handwarmer pockets with the zippers tucked from view, an internal chest pocket, and a pocket inside the insulated liner. The Turbulent also comes with an 8-inch zipper for attachment to pants, reflective piping in the front and rear, and a reflective Joe Rocket logo on the shoulder.

I’ve found this jacket to be a great everyday jacket that suits a wide range of needs. The water-resistant outer shell prevents light rain from getting through, the adjustment options allow for a custom fit, and the liner lets me adjust the jacket for temperature changes throughout my ride.

The women’s Turbulent comes in black, blue, gray, hi-viz, and pink in sizes XS-2XL starting at $169.99, while the men’s version comes in black, red, blue, gray, hi-viz, or orange in sizes S-3XL starting at $179.99. The men’s jacket also comes in black up to 5XL and M-3XL Tall.

See all of Rider‘s Apparel Reviews here.

The post Joe Rocket Turbulent Motorcycle Jacket | Gear Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Joe Rocket Sinister Leather Motorcycle Jacket | Gear Review

Joe Rocket Sinister Leather Motorcycle Jacket
The Joe Rocket Sinister leather motorcycle jacket offers a good blend of protection and comfort.

When it comes to leather motorcycle jackets, Joe Rocket doesn’t make the motorcycle-apparel equivalent of Chef Gordon Ramsey’s often cited cardinal sin of too many offerings. The company keeps it simple – just five choices. Of these, the Sinister is the most geared toward sport riders.

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

From a protection standpoint, the Sinister doesn’t fool around. It’s made of 1.2-1.4mm embossed cowhide and has injection-molded reinforced shoulder caps with removable CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor and a spine pad. Reflective trim and a jacket-to-pants fastening system are additional safety elements.

When I put on the jacket, it feels substantial. And it’s not just my imagination; it weighs about 6 lb, which is on par with my leather cruiser jacket. However, for all that substance, the Sinister is more comfortable than I expected. It has precurved sleeves, which can feel somewhat constricting, but it balances this with Full Flex ribbed elbows for added mobility. It also has stretch panels in both the underarms and sleeve undersides, plus an adjustable waist.

There are zippered vents on the biceps and the back that provide sufficient, if somewhat underwhelming, airflow. I would welcome chest vents in the form of a couple pockets in addition to the three existing ones (two external and one internal), but I can see why the company didn’t want to disturb the aesthetic, which is definitely an asset worth noting.

Joe Rocket Sinister Leather Motorcycle Jacket

The Sinister is clearly going for a particular style, and if that is your thing, this jacket pulls it off. When I put it on, between the six-pack “abs” on the front (which seem more form than function), injected shoulders, and general sturdiness, I feel like Batman. I feel like a badass. Problem is, that’s not necessarily who I am. I enjoy riding sportbikes and pushing myself, but I don’t pretend to be a racer. And I’m not crazy about the giant “Rocket” logo across the front and back. I don’t mind supporting the brand, but it feels like overkill. But who knows? With all that protection on me, when I’m hustling down a backroad, instead of Batman maybe I’m Rocket Man.

The Joe Rocket Sinister jacket comes in sizes S-3XL for $399.99.

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New Gear: ScorpionEXO Yosemite Motorcycle Jacket

ScorpionEXO Yosemite Motorcycle Jacket Sand
ScorpionEXO Yosemite motorcycle jacket in Hi-Viz

ScorpionEXO’s Yosemite motorcycle jacket is a versatile piece of riding gear designed to handle a wide range of climates and conditions. Whether you’re riding in hot weather or cold weather, dry or wet, the Yosemite is equipped to handle it.

ScorpionEXO Yosemite Motorcycle Jacket Black
ScorpionEXO Yosemite motorcycle jacket in Black

The windproof textile jacket has a removable zip-out H2O Blok waterproof liner and a removable thermal EverHeat liner to keep you dry and warm when it’s raining or cold. On hot days, riders can fold down the inner windproof panels on the chest and back and open the full-length arm vents and side torso vents for plenty of airflow.

See Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

For protection, the jacket includes removable Sas-Tec CE-certified armor in the shoulder and elbows, and a back protector is optional. The 500D nylon main body fabric and heavy-duty 1680D fabric on the elbows and shoulders provide durability in whatever weather conditions you find yourself in.

ScorpionEXO Yosemite Red Back Mesh
ScorpionEXO Yosemite jacket in Red with liners removed for ventilation

The jacket also comes with Exo-Stitch safety stitching on all critical seams, NightViz reflective strips for increased nighttime visibility, five external pockets, two internal pockets, adjustment straps for a better fit, and a wrist gaiter with thumb hole.

ScorpionEXO Yosemite Jacket Red
ScorpionEXO Yosemite motorcycle jacket in Red

The ScorpionEXO Yosemite jacket is available in sizes S-3XL in Black, Red, and Hi-Viz starting at $399.95.

The post New Gear: ScorpionEXO Yosemite Motorcycle Jacket appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: Joe Rocket Sinister Motorcycle Jacket

Joe Rocket Sinister Motorcycle Jacket

The 1.2-1.4mm embossed cowhide Joe Rocket Sinister motorcycle jacket features both protection and comfort.

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

The Sinister motorcycle jacket has injection-molded reinforced shoulder caps, CE Level 2 armor in the elbows and shoulders, and a removable spine pad. The reflective trim across the back and on the elbows allows for better visibility.

Besides providing protection, Joe Rocket also took measures to make this jacket comfortable, including the Variable Flow ventilation system, Full Flex elbows, pre-curved sleeves, stretch panels in the underarms and underside sleeves, and an adjustable waist.

Joe Rocket Sinister Motorcycle Jacket

The jacket has YKK zippers throughout, including zippered cuff closures, plus two belt looks for jacket to pant attachment.

The Joe Rocket Sinister motorcycle jacket is available in black in sizes S-3XL for $399.99.

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Source: RiderMagazine.com

Joe Rocket Ladies Wicked Motorcycle Jacket | Gear Review

Joe Rocket Ladies Wicked Motorcycle Jacket

When we’re talking about a motorcycle jacket, protection and comfort are the main considerations. Once those are met, what else do we look for? That varies by personal preference, but for me, it’s style and pockets. And that’s what Joe Rocket provided for me.

Joe Rocket Ladies Wicked Motorcycle Jacket

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

Let’s start with pockets. Yes, pockets! It’s well known that ladies clothing often suffers from a lack of pockets, and when we are blessed with pockets, they’re often too small to hold anything larger than a quarter and a roll of ChapStick. So when I see any type of clothing with extra pockets, I snatch it up. The Joe Rocket Ladies Wicked Jacket has four exterior pockets, four spacious interior pockets, and that cool distressed leather look, so I was immediately drawn to it.

The leather on the Joe Rocket Wicked jacket is 1.0-1.1mm vintage-distressed cowhide, and it has heavy-duty metal YKK zippers. It also has a black reflective strip on the back, a ventilation system, four adjustment points on the arms and waist, and two belt loops to attach it to pants.

I don’t have a windscreen on my motorcycle, so if I’m riding on a cool day, the wind cuts right through me. The Wicked jacket blocks all of that out. I wore it during a ride on a cloudy 40-degree day with nothing but a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath and was quite comfy.

Joe Rocket Ladies Wicked Motorcycle Jacket

The jacket has armor pockets in the back, shoulders, and elbows, but armor must be bought separately (a full set from Joe Rocket runs $69.97). I had an easy time getting the armor into the shoulders and elbows but struggled with the spine armor. I had to bend it more than expected to squeeze it in, but once in place, it sprang back to its normal shape. With the armor added, the jacket was a little tighter in the shoulders, but I still had enough movement to be comfortable for longer periods of riding.

I haven’t worn this jacket in warmer temperatures yet, but it does have some ventilation in the armpits. The zippers on the forearms open nearly to the elbow, which would also provide nice airflow up the arms. The vest liner is easy to remove whenever needed as well.

This jacket has everything I was looking for in a riding jacket. The leather with the additional armor has me well-protected, the pockets hold everything I need with room to spare, and I have to say I look pretty cool wearing it. It’s available in Black for $349 in sizes XS-2Diva.

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New Gear: Gryphon Renegade Canvas Motorcycle Jacket

Gryphon Renegade Canvas Motorcycle Jacket

The Renegade Canvas Motorcycle Jacket from Gryphon features a lightweight (8.5 oz) 100% cotton canvas outer shell fully lined with abrasion-resistant mesh for overall rugged construction designed for everyday wear.

See all of Rider‘s apparel reviews here.

Plenty of storage is available with the Renegade jacket, including two front external side pockets, hand-warmer pockets, and two front chest pockets. Safety features include removable CE Level 2 elbow, shoulder, and back protection and 3M Scotchlite reflective safety elements.

The collared neck comes with hidden snaps to hold the collar in place, and two connecting belt loops keep the jacket securely in position.

Available in men’s and women’s sizes starting at $229.95 at the Gryphon website.

The post New Gear: Gryphon Renegade Canvas Motorcycle Jacket first appeared on Rider Magazine.
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MotoCAP allows riders to compare gear

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

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

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

BMW Paceguard gear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Do leather jackets sacrifice comfort for safety?

As I sit here literally sweating over this article in 34C heat and humidity, it’s comforting to know that Australian motorcycle gear ratings authority MotoCAP also rates breathability.

The internationally awarded MotoCAP online safety ratings service not only provides riders with information about the safety of jackets, pants and gloves, but also tests jackets and pants for breathability and comfort in hot conditions.

This is an important primary safety factor. You can’t be a safe rider if you are uncomfortable, dehydrated and distracted by the discomfort of heat.

In the latest round of testing, MotoCAP rates six leather and six textile jackets, with four leather jackets scoring a safety rating of four out of five stars. 

While most riders associate textile jackets with keeping cool while looking daggy and leather jackets with looking cool but feeling hot and sweaty, that is not always the case.

The new ratings reveal the RST TracTech EVO 4 Mesh CE jacket ($A299) scored four stars for safety, but was also awarded a four-star breathability rating and a score of 10 out of 10 for water resistance.

RST TracTech EVO 4 Mesh CE jacket

That shows that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for safety.

MotoCAP has now tested a total of 415 jackets, gloves and pants, with a recent adjustment to their testing regime that makes it tougher for manufacturers to score well.

Deakin Uni Institute for Frontier Materials Senior Research Fellow and Honda GB400 rider Chris Hurren says the changes are the result of “ongoing tweaking of the system based on new research conducted by Deakin University”.

Chris says these changes mean that accurate ratings are assigned to gear based on the latest research and testing, allowing consumers to make informed decisions on their purchases and increasing their protection on our roads.

The original MotoCAP ratings were developed with the limited information at the time of the risks involved for the hand. 

MotoCAP testing

Dr Chris Hurren explains use of one of the uni’s testing machines ratings
Dr Chris Hurren with one of the uni’s testing machines

All gear tested and rated by MotoCAP is bought covertly.

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

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

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

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

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

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Venom star Tom Hardy back on Ducati

Hollywood actor Tom Hardy trades his personal Triumph Thruxton R is back on a Ducati for the second instalment of the Venom Marcel Comics movie.

In the first Spiderman spinoff movie in 2018, the actor and motorcycle fan rode a Scrambler Full Throttle.

For Venom 2, Eddie Brock, the motorcycle-loving, symbiote-inhabiting anti-hero is on a Ducati Panigale.

Even though he rides, he does very little riding in his movies, including Mad Max in Mad Max: Fury Road.

Check out the Venom 2 trailer here:

Tom is also wearing a British Goldtop ’72 Easy Rider leather jacket in the new film.

The original Easy Rider jacket was released in 1972, heavily inspired by the 1969 film of the same name.

Now the company’s modern re-release comes with a more modern fit, a dropped back, and removable armour as standard, in addition to being CE AAA Certified as are all of their motorcycle jackets.

In Australia, it costs $587.

The jacket is made of 1.4mm thickness black aniline cowhide leather and features an industrial grade hand-polished centre zip with AERO pull, blue quilted lining, 3 zipped external pockets, 2 interior chest pockets, adjustable cuffs with traditional ball zips, stainless steel adjustable waist buckles and collar snap, tan suede leather trim inside collar and black suede leather trim inside cuffs and zip guard.

The traditional British motorcycle clothing brand was revived in 2012.

Goldtop was established in 1951 by Godfreys of Hull who started by producing horse riding clothing for the British Household Cavalry as well as jackets, boots and gloves for the motorcycle police.

Their gear became popular among motorcycle riders, but like too many British manufacturers in the 1970s and ‘80s, the brand went bankrupt and closed in the mid 1980s.

However, London rider Kasey Cullen, whose background is in the vintage gloves and clothing industry, bought the rights to the logo in 2012 and began re-introducing some of the old products.

Goldtop Joe Cullen Goldtop Bobber gloves
Joe Cullen wearing a Goldtop jacket and Bobber gloves

To copy the original designs, Kasey and his son, Joe, studied historic photos and bought old gear from eBay.

However, they are now re-manufactured using modern manufacturing techniques and only the highest quality materials and fittings they can source. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com