Tag Archives: motorcycle jacket

MotoCAP adds 15 safety and comfort ratings

The internationally awarded MotoCAP safety and thermal comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing has added 15 more items to its list of tested gear.

The Australian safety intitiative, launched in September last year, is the first of its type in the world.

It has now rated 186 items of clothing, including 50 pairs of pants, 90 jackets and 46 pairs of gloves.

Safety and comfort

Macna Vosges Nighteye comfortMacna Vosges Nighteye

Of the newly rated jackets, two were leather which scored two stars for safety. All the others were textile and scored just one star for safety except the Alpinestars T-Core Air Drystar and Macna Vosges Nighteye which scored two stars.

The best of the newly added jackets  for beating the current heatwave was the $500 Spidi Ventamax (top image on this page) which scored three stars for thermal comfort. The others scored from half a star to two stars.

Best of the newly rated pants are the Bull-It Covert Blue which scored two stars for safety and three for comfort and the BMW City denim trousers which only scored one safety star but four for comfort.

International award

Last month, MotoCAP won a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) road safety award.

MotoCAP gives clothing two separate star ratings – one for protection and one for heat management or comfort.

Clothing manufacturers’ advertising is not an extremely useful resource for protection in a crash or from the extremes of an Australian summer.

Australian Motorcycle Council Protective Clothing sub-committee chair Brian Wood points out that MotoCAP tests the whole garment, unlike European Protective Clothing Standards which only tests samples of fabrics, fastenings and stitching.

“(It) gives the motorcycle community more information when they are making choices about the clothing they wear when riding,” he says.

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), 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.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Ventz seeks new business owner

The Australian distributor for Ventz, the ingenious device that sends cooling air up your motorcycle jacket sleeves, is seeking a new owner.

In 2016, Aussie rider Annie Wolff decided to distribute the UK invention in Australia where it is much hotter and in more demand.

Ventz allows you to experience cool airflow without having dangerously loose sleeves.

Over the past four years, we have sold many Ventz devices through our online store for $34.99 to many happy and satisfied customers.

Check out our comprehensive review here.

New ownerVentz owner

However, Annie has now decided to sell the Ventz Australia business to concentrate on her jewellery business and doing the books for her partner’s handyman business.

“I simply don’t have time for it with running two other businesses,” she says.

The new owner will have the sole rights to all of Australia and New Zealand.

It includes four domain names, website, social media, banners and a “good supply of current stock”.

She is selling for $6500 which is the cost of the stock.

If you’re interested in becoming a motorcycle parts and accessories distributor, contact Annie on 0417 183 545 or via email.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Alpinestars airbag vest fits any jacket

Alpinestars has joined Dainese and Furygan in making an airbag vest that fits underneath any jacket.

Airbags were first included with a leather jacket or suit usually for racing where it is now mandatory in some categories.

They were followed by airbag vests that could be worn over the top of a jacket, or vests that were only suitable with a particular jacket.

Now this new age of airbag vests can be worn under any jacket, making them suitable for everyday riding protection.

We’re not sure exactly what happens when you wear one of these new vests underneath a tight motorcycle jacket. When it explodes, does it rip your jacket open like the Incredible Hulk?

The manufacturers say they work just fine if you zip out a thermal liner. They also say these vests provide thermal protection.

So in an Aussie summer, they could be awfully hot and uncomfortable, even with a flow-through ventilated jacket!

Alpinestars Tech-Air 5Alpinestars airbag vest

Alpinestars will unveil their Tech-Air 5 airbag at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on 7 January 2020. 

It works via accelerometers that detect a crash.

The vest connects via Bluetooth to the Alpinestars Tech-Air smartphone app which shows whether the vest is armed, unarmed or triggered. Not sure why you need that because surely you will know when it’s been triggered!

There are no more details such as price or how much it costs to have the airbag re-armed after it’s been triggered.

The most important detail is whether you can re-arm it yourself like the Furygan or you have to send it back to the manufacturer like the Dainese vest.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoCAP rates 160 jackets, pants, gloves

MotoCAP has added eight more jackets and two more pairs of pants to its safety and thermal comfort ratings, bringing the total to 160.

The world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing began in August last year.

It has now rated 160 items of clothing, including 43 pairs of pants, 47 pairs of gloves and 70 jackets.

This release adds a third well-performing women’s jacket to the range of dedicated female gear rated on their website.

The DriRider Paris leather jacket (pictured above) scored three out of five stars for protection, and two out of five stars for thermal comfort, matching the rating of the current highest performing ladies jacket, the Dainese Mike.

Dainese Mike Lady jacket
Dainese Mike Lady jacket

Ratings system

While some claim the ratings system is flawed, it at least now has a decent amount of clothing rated and provides a guide for buyers.

Click here for the full list of 160 motorcycle jackets, pants and glove ratings.

Transport for NSW says there has been “interest from some manufacturers to have their items rated”.

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

MotoCAP chief scientist Chris Hurren says urban and country riders need different levels of abrasion, impact and seam-bursting protection in their riding gear.

He explains the differences in this video.

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

  • 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), Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoCAP now rates 150 jackets, gloves, pants

MotoCAP has rated six more jackets to reach 150 safety and thermal comfort ratings for jackets, pants and gloves, including only their second women’s jacket.

The world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing began in August last year.

It has now rated 150 items of clothing, including 41 pairs of pants, 47 pairs of gloves and now 62 jackets, including their second women’s jacket.

While some claim the ratings system is flawed, it at least now has a decent amount of clothing rated and provides a guide for buyers.

Women’s jackets

The first women’s jacket was the Dainese Mike Lady jacket which only joined the list last August.

It scored a protection rating of three out of five stars while this round the women’s Macna Freeride textile jacket scored only one star.

However, it rated three out of five stars for thermal comfort.Jackets women's Macna Freeride

Click here for the full list of 150 motorcycle jackets, pants and glove ratings.

Transport for NSW says there has been “interest from some manufacturers to have their items rated”.

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

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

  • 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), Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Komine mesh vest for long hot summer

This Komine JK-084 3D mesh inner vest will take the heat out of your riding this long, hot summer.

We’ve already had a few days riding in almost 40C heat, so we’ve been able to give this vest a good test under both a leather jacket and a flow-through mesh summer jacket.

While it may seem strange that adding more clothing will make you cooler, this vest actually works.

At least, it does with the leather jacket. It actually makes the mesh jacket feel a little warmer, but does stop your back from sweating and sticking to the back protector.

Komine vestKomine JK-084 3D mesh inner vest

The Japanese-made Komine vest is available for $55 through Melbourne-based zarkie.com.au.

It is made of polyester in a wide, three-dimensional honeycomb pattern and is worn under your jacket.

The idea is that it creates a mesh cavity around your torso to allow cooling air to pass around your body.Komine JK-084 3D mesh inner vest

Most ventilated summer jackets fit snug against your body in various places, especially where there is armour. This prevents the airflow from cooling you down.

However, the mesh cavity created by this vest makes sure the air has somewhere to flow.

It’s great when worn under jackets that only have a few vents.

However, it is kind of superfluous with mesh jackets, although it does provide an air passage between your skin and the back protector so your back doesn’t sweat.

It’s not all that soft to the touch, yet it is flexible and feels quite comfortable when worn under a jacket and over a t-shirt.

FittingKomine JK-084 3D mesh inner vest

It is fairly thick, so it could make your jacket quite tight.

I wore it under a leather Merlin Chase leather jacket which has only a couple of vents.

It improved the airflow and since I had removed the thermal liner, it wasn’t a snug fit.

They also say it adds some impact absorption but we think that would be fairly minimal.

While we reckon it’s useful with certain jackets, we would like to see a full jacket version with sleeves.

Because you often bend your arms when riding, air can’t effectively flow up your sleeves. A jacket version of this mesh vest might solve that problem.

It comes in sizes SX to 5XL in black only.Komine JK-084 3D mesh inner vest

I normally take large size, but I got the European XL (Japanese 2XL) and it fit me quite well.

A larger colleague was also able to zip up the stretchy jacket, but then the zip burst! We were able to get the zip working again.

Zarkie

Scott from Zarkie says they launched the Japanese Komine brand in Australia in May.

“We are still in the processes of determining the best lines to commit to the market so we can bring them in larger volumes and set up partners in all the major cities,” he says.

“We hope to have this done by the end of the year, so for now Komine can only be purchased from us.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

BMW heritage fashion suits R 18 cruiser

BMW Motorrad has launched a 2020 heritage collection of rider gear to appeal to riders of their R nineT models as well as the upcoming R 18 cruiser.

“BMW Motorrad has announced the launch of a serial-production motorcycle for the second half of 2020, which will mark its entry into the cruiser segment,” their press release says.

BMW Concept R8 cruiser r 18 heritage
BMW R 18 cruiser concept

R 18 cruiser

While BMW Motorrad Australia can’t confirm pricing or arrival of the cruiser nor the heritage gear, they have incorporated a website page for the cool cruiser collection. It should start arriving in shops next year.

It’s obviously designed to appeal to younger riders with its casual look and feel rather than sports riders.

Their heritage clothing segment was started in 2014 to coincide with the launch of the R nineT models.

The return to cruiser models will give the company a new market niche.

We expect to see the R 18 cruiser unveiled at the ECMA Motorcycle Show in Milan next month.

BMW Motorrad Australia recently confirmed they are already taking orders for the big, 1800cc, retro cruiser.

Heritage styleBMW R 18 heritage

The BMW Motorrad Heritage Collection 2020 features a wide range of new items, from leather jackets to denim outfits, as well as motorcycle gloves and signature boots.

BMW says their early classic motorcycle colours and graphics are incorporated into the designs, such as black metal parts with fine white “TwinStripes” and the original BMW metal emblem.BMW R 18 heritage

“The copper-coloured details and visual accents displayed in these garments hark back to the materials used in classic BMW motorcycles,” they say.

There are also old-style engineer boots and open-face cruiser helmets in the heritage collection.

The first BMW motorcycle was the 1923 R32 with an air-cooled, two-cylinder flat-twin boxer engine.

In 1978, BMW Motorrad was one of the first serial-production manufacturers in the world to introduce a rider equipment range.

SafetyBMW R 18 heritage

“All the materials and textiles used are robust and long-lasting and they fulfil the highest standards of safety and functionality,” BMW says.

All items will be European-approved.

None of the gear has yet been tested by Australia’s MotoCAP, the world’s first rider gear safety and comfort rating system.

However, other BMW jackets, pants and gloves have been rated. Click here for more details.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Macna release 2019 summer jackets

Macna continues to introduce more models to its burgeoning rider clothing range with five new summer jackets for the coming hot-weather riding season.

As with all European manufacturers, all their gear is CE approved for safe motorcycle riding.

Since Link International began importing European riding gear from Macna in 2017, we have reviewed several items and found them all to be technically clever, comfortable and safe.

Check out some of our previous Macna reviews at the end of this article.

Click here for the entire range of Macna gear which includes men’s and women’s jackets, pants and gloves.

Here is a rundown of just their five new summer jackets.

Event summer jacketsMacna release 2019 summer jackets

This is the only new jacket in the summer riding range that includes women’s sizes.

It features large mesh panels and can easily be packed into a top-box or backpack for when it gets hot.

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Safe-Tec CE level 2 breathable shoulder and level 1 elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Straps on waist and cuff and coat hanger loop.
  • Colours: Black & Black/ Fluoro.
  • Men’s sizes XS > 4XL, $199.95.
  • Ladies sizes XS > 2XL, $199.95. (Black only.)

Rewind summer jacketMacna release 2019 summer jackets

This sporty jacket is equipped with large mesh panels.

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Waist and cuff straps, coat hanger loop.
  • Colours: Black/White/Red & Grey/Black/Blue.
  • Men’s sizes S > 3XL, $249.95.

Charger jacket Macna release 2019 summer jackets

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Detachable thermal lining, including Raintex waterproof membrane.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Chest and back air vents. Air vents chest & back.
  • Zipgrip, Straps on waist & cuff, Coat hanger loop & Easy Cuff light.
  • Colours: Black/Yellow/Blue & Black/Grey/Red.
  • Men’s sizes S > 3XL, $329.95.

Hurracage jacketMacna release 2019 summer jackets

Not sure what a “Hurracage” is, but Macna claims this is a hybrid jacket with large areas of mesh material for ventilation and a zip-out Raintex Plus waterproof liner.

Maybe it’s to give you courage in a hurricane!

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Straps on waist & cuff and Coat hanger loop.
  • Colours: Black & Black Fluoro.
  • Men’s sizes S > 4XL, $279.95.

Velocity jacketMacna release 2019 summer jackets

The Velocity has large mesh panels and camo graphics.

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Straps on waist & cuff and Coat hanger loop.
  • Colouras: Olive Green & Black Camo.
  • Men’s sizes S > 3XL, $229.95.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

Female riders who complain about the lack of shape and adjustment in motorcycle jackets that don’t fit their shape should check out the stylish Viking Warlock all-seasons women’s jacket.

Not only is it designed to fit the female form, but it has plenty of adjustability.

There are two hip zips to allow for wider hips and three straps in the back to adjust to your exact waist shape.

Viking Warlock jacket fits female form
Three-strap adjustment

At just $US115.99 (about $A170), it’s great value and comes in black only in women’s sizes small to XL.

It’s a great all-seasons jacket with a shell of completely flow-through ventilated mesh Cordura for the hot days and a full-length quilted zip-out thermal comfort layer.

Viking Warlock jacket fits female form
Quilted thermal liner

Our test pilot, Sharon Ledger, says it feels very comfortable with plenty of warmth for single-digit temperatures as well as enough ventilation for hot summer riding.Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

She also likes the sprung clip in the right pocket to attach your keys when you are not riding, so they don’t fall out and get lost.

There are also plenty of pockets inside and out for your purse, phone, garage remote, lipstick, etc, she says.Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

Warlock safety

The Viking Warlock hasn’t been rated by MotoCAP for safety.

However, it is made of Cordura 600D which has very good abrasion resistance according to independent tests.

Viking Cycle says the Warlock jacket is coated with polyurethane which is wind and water resistant, won’t sag and creates less wrinkle.

Inside are CE-approved EN1621-1 Type A impact protectors in the shoulders, elbows and back for urban riding protection.

Viking Cycle have a refund policy within 30 days and a one-year defect warranty for peace of mind.Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

Viking Warlock features

CONSTRUCTION

600D PU Coated Fabric and Soft Mesh

VENTILATION

Mesh Panels On Torso (Front & Back) And Sleeves

PROTECTION

CE Approved Removable Armor On Elbows, Shoulders, Back and Chest

EXTERNAL STORAGE

2 Zippered Side Pockets

INTERNAL STORAGE

Phone, Sunglasses, Wallet, Knife And a Concealed Pocket

ADJUSTABILITY

Waist Adjustability

CLOSURES

Velcro Sleeve Closures

VISIBILITY

Reflective Piping

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aldi claims safest motorcycle gear yet

Aldi claims this year’s annual motorcycle gear sale will feature their safest gear yet with their $189 leather jacket being the most popular buy.

The sale is usually held in the first couple of Saturdays of August, but has been delayed this year until 31 August 2019, starting at 8.30am.

“Every year we work to improve the range to make it even better than the last,” an Aldi spokesperson says.

“This year is no exception, with considerable time devoted to product development, sourcing and testing to ensure our products are of the highest quality and exceptionally priced.”

In past year, sale items have been selected with the help of Neuroscience Research Australia’s Dr Liz de Rome.

Liz, a rider since 1969, also helped develop MotoCAP, motorcycle clothing ratings system. So far, MotoCAP has not tested any Aldi products.Aldi annual sale - Riders urged to support motorcycle dealers claims

Safety claims

However, Aldi claims they have been “testing relevant motorcycle clothing products to European Standards for several years in order to obtain independent certification”.

“This year, we have worked closely with our supply partners to create products that are both safe and stylish – all without compromising on quality,” their spokesperson says.

“All Torque motorcycle clothing has been certified to the European Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (2016/425).

“We anticipate the leather jacket will be popular among customers as it is exceptional value for money.”

Their 2019 catalogue of motorcycle gear on sale this year will be available on their website next week.

Aldi says the Torque leather jacket features APT-TECH protection technology at the elbows and shoulders, is compliant to Level 2 European Standard EN 13595 and has impact protectors in the back, shoulder and elbow that are compliant to EN 1621.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Leather Jacket – $189

Their Torque motorcycle boots ($99.99) have strengthened heels, hi-vis reflective ankle strips and meet requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment standard EN 13634.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Boots – $99.99

The Torque motorcycle denim jeans ($79.99) have reinforcement lining made of “high-tenacity aramid fibre at critical areas of seat, hips & knees”. They are compliant to EN 17092-4:2019 for “A” classification garments and feature EN 1621 knee protectors.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Denim Jeans – $79.99

They have a choice of two Torque gloves, both costing $34.99.

Their goat leather pair have carbon fibre protectors for the knuckles and fingers, rubber padding in “critical areas” and are EN 13594 level 1 compliant.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Carbon Knuckle Leather Gloves – $34.99 (2)

However, their padded gloves do not have an EN certification. Instead, they have 3D foam rubber protection at the knuckles, fingers and thumbs with 3M Thinsulate padding

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Padded Leather Gloves – $34.99

As usual, there is also a range of other motorcycle goods for sale including balaclavas, thermals, bike covers and helmets.

Plus, there’s our perennial favourite – $9.99 Aldi motorcycle socks!

New this year are three types of $19.99 locks and chains to secure your bike and/or luggage.

aldi motorcycle sale theft stolen locks
Locks – $19.99

There is also a range of $39.99 tail and tank bags.

Riders urged to support dealers

However, riders have been urged by the Australian Motorcycle Dealers Association to support their local motorcycle dealer who {“deserves rider loyalty in tough times“.

They point out that motorcycle retailers offer a lot more product choice and all-year round availability.

Supporters of the Aldi sale say it promotes the wearing of good quality gear by making it affordable to more riders. 

In our coverage of the annual Aldi sale, as well as MotoCAP’s testing of products, we find readers claim Aldi products are good quality and value.

We have also tested Aldi gear and find it is up to par, including the Bluetooth unit that is still working just fine after three years.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com