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Used Review: HJC FG15 Draco helmet

Wed, 01 Oct 2008

In desperate search for a helmet with a quick release visor after getting fed up with it taking 20 minutes to change the one on the Roof I had, I stumbled across the HJC Draco. The dragon design is great looking and the metal flake effect really sets off the look. It’s fairly lightweight and thanks to the vents the FG15 is proving a little gem of a find.

New: Nexx Ice X60 helmet

Wed, 01 Oct 2008

Pink and all things that glitter do appeal to me sometimes but this just doesn’t cut it. Firstly it didn’t fit properly and is loose at the sides, but fair enough that might just be my head. Secondly it has a really fiddly chin strap lock that to undo you have to pull awkwardly at a piece of ribbon – like that’s going to last more than a week.

New: BMW Streetguard 2 Jacket

Wed, 01 Oct 2008

BMW clothing offer an array of sizing, not just ‘small, medium and large’ of other manufacturers. They will let you pre-order a choice of size combinations to try with no obligation to purchase. As for the quality you’d think you were on a visit to Nasa with everything they’ve thrown into their textiles – Gore-tex laminated with Armacor provides abrasion and heat resistance.

New: Rev-it Pearl textile jacket

Fri, 01 Aug 2008

This is almost an exact copy of a Hein Gericke jacket that I reviewed earlier in the year, except scaled down in quality along with the price. Billed as a four season urban jacket, it matches its criteria, suitable for rain showered journeys of the urban commuter and scooter bunny but I’m not sure it’s robust enough to handle a motorway slaying through winter’s worst. Adjustable bits at the waist, collar and hem with button down biceps give some shape and the Hydratex waterproof and breathable membrames help as much as it can from sweaty moments.  Like the fashion high street before it, the motorcycle clothing industry has realised that copying designs and making them cheap is insatiable business, and at a time when scaling back is de riguer, this jacket is right on the button.

Used Review: Richa Spiker leather jacket

Fri, 01 Aug 2008

The first thing that drew me to the Richa Jacket was its clean look, which I really like. Since then the Spiker has been comfortable and the removable lining proved a great addition with the ever changing temperatures which we seem to be experiencing. The built in armour sits snugly and doesn’t make you look like your wearing ‘80’s style shoulder pads like some jackets I’ve seen- which is always a bonus.

Used Review: Davida Jet Mashed helmet

Fri, 01 Aug 2008

Wearing this helmet has become an everyday thing for me now that the weather has picked up. It’s perfect for me in lots of ways and suits the style of my current longtermer. Davida do a huge range of styles in a number of funky paintjobs so you too should be able to find one to suit your bike.

Used Review: Clover GT3 jacket

Fri, 01 Aug 2008

I’ve been wearing this waterproof textile jacket since March and it’s performed very well. The silver colour shows up dirt something rotten, there’s a stark lack of useful pockets and the cut is quite square, but as a jacket to keep the cold and water out it’s been right up to the job. It’s my daily commuting top, one of those jackets you throw on without thinking about it, and now that it’s summer I can’t see the point in getting a replacement anytime soon.

Used Review: Berik GPX boots

Fri, 01 Aug 2008

These have been worn non-stop since I joined the magazine nigh on a year ago and are now showing signs of the wear and tear they’ve been put through. They are extremely comfortable and not a bad-looking boot and are often worn during the day in the office without any major discomfort. The zip on the left boot broke pretty quickly and the lack of waterproof material quickly showed up during the wet winter we just had.

New: Richa Elegance Glove

Fri, 01 Aug 2008

A mild winter / rainy summer glove that is actually really good. A fleece-lined interior gives comfort and warmth while they’re thin enough to retain feeling and dexterity on the levers, and the soft leather padded palms and underside give great grip when wet. They have a breathable and waterproof Hipora liner so no fear of clammy hands and should keep your mitts dry through the ever-lingering showers.

New: Dainese G-Stripes Pelle Lady Jacket

Fri, 01 Aug 2008

With this jacket the smell was the first sensory indulgence that struck me, then the sublime softness of the leather and the realisation that this was a great jacket. Italian style at it’s very best, sexy, flattering and functional all in one package. I couldn’t have been quicker putting it on, jumping on the bike and going for a ride.

New: Bering Butterfly textile jacket

Fri, 01 Aug 2008

It was only a few years ago that there were real issues getting motorcycle clothing for girls that flattered the female form. So it still thrils me when I see a manufacturer taking a risk and giving significant commitment to the female market. There’s no getting away from it, this jacket has GIRL stamped all over it.

New: NZI Chic Chupa Chups helmet

Tue, 01 Jul 2008

The business of branding staggers me at times. The only hint of association between a lollipop and a motorcycle rider that I can think of would  be on a thin day with a crash helmet on I might, with blurred vision, look like one. However the prominence of Chupa Chups helmets is sure to increase with Jorge Lorenzo’s (or Lothario as I like to call him) dominant success this season.

New: Daytona Lady Star GTX boots

Tue, 01 Jul 2008

The unique feature with these boots is the 2.5 cm platform integrated into the heel, combined with the 1cm outer heel to give a useful gain in height. As a shorter rider they really do instill confidence. I’d heard whispers about these boots in the past but had always been put off by the steep price, having tested them daily over the past month, I can say that they’re worth it.

New: Alpinestars Stella Rebel air flo jacket

Tue, 01 Jul 2008

Alpinestars are a consistently reliable brand that always delivers with ladies motorcyle clothing. This lighter summer/spring textile jacket is again a flattering cut, with breathability in the fabric. A waterproof liner to the inside keeping you safe from the risk of ever present summer showers.

New: Richa Summer gloves

Sun, 01 Jun 2008

Rain all winter and snow in April has drastically lowered my expectations of the impending Summer (I prefer to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed), therefore these mid-season gloves may be the main pair nestled in my helmet over the next few months. Mostly leather with textile mid length gauntlets and deliciously soft fleece lined interiors make for a decent pair of mitts. A zip on the gantlet to pinch them in gives you the option of wearing them either in or outside your jacket sleeve and the Velcro wrist strap tightens at the right spot, far better than some of the prettier pairs on the market, which in my book make them great for the daily commuting grind.

New: Power Trip Lolita textile Jacket

Sun, 01 Jun 2008

This jacket is made of polyester. Its inner lining is a single polyester covering, not quilted or padded, but is water tight having elasticated wrists and a long Velcro double fold over the inner zip. The unique design features amuse me, especially the concealed garter style belt loops that attach to your belt and come complete with cheeky red ribbons!

New: Bering steel textile jacket

Sun, 01 Jun 2008

Retro-styled jackets always appeal to me, the simple clean lines span across the seasons of fashion making the purchase price justifiable. The style detail on the sleeves is beautiful, and while the rest of the jacket is bland in comparison I think this is quite clever. The Knox body armour in the shoulders is quite bulky, although not uncomfortable, but it did make me feel and possibly look a bit broad (as opposed to ‘a broad’ which I am, I suppose), and the horizontal white stripe across my upper chest probably didn’t do that any favours.

Used Review: Dainese Dunette lady textile jacket

Thu, 01 May 2008

I have hugely contradicting opinions on this jacket. On the one hand I simply adore the flattering cut, build quality and enviable style. But there is the most glaring, obvious flaw which despite my love of the jacket has to be acknowledged – the colour.

New: Biker short underwear top and bottoms

Tue, 01 Apr 2008

Sport clothing is constantly evolving becoming lighter, warmer and more breathable, and while your daily commute may not feel like a sport, the designers at BIKERS have certainly tackled it as one. Thermal underwear just doesn’t do this set justice, they are technically beyond all expectations. A superb design with wind stopper panels where you want them along zip lines, front of thighs and back of neck.

New: Hein Gericke journey gtx jacket

Tue, 01 Apr 2008

This jacket is a functional, robust, Gore-tex laden quality garment. It does the job of keeping you warm and dry and can’t be faulted in that respect. The styling is simple, but I’d put it at the plainer end of that scale.

New: Alpinestars Stella SP-2 Glove

Sat, 01 Mar 2008

These gloves are a must-have Spring buy. They’re comfortable with long wrists, full of protection with grippy palms and everything you’d expect from Alpinestars. I spent a fair while admiring these, not while riding, but sat at home.

New: Tecnik Viper one-piece suit

Sat, 01 Mar 2008

White and black panelled with enough flashes to whisper ‘buy me’ at you but without being trashy. The fit is  great, properly cut for the female form and with Kevlar panels allowing stretch in the right places, although the arse can come up a little baggy. I would say get a size smaller than normal, but they are cut brilliantly and very comfortable.

New: Arai Viper Banda

Sat, 01 Mar 2008

A true example of less is more with this design. I love its simplicity on the retro exterior, the total opposite to the Chaser. Improved breath deflectors for ‘08 should make fogging less of an issue.

New: Arai Chaser Jungle

Sat, 01 Mar 2008

Arai’s mild nod to female riders is the inclusion of a subtle flower on this design. I admit I’m a little disappointed on Arai’s slow uptake on the expanding female consumer, not everything should be pink or diamante encrusted but it’s about choice! As you’d expect from Arai, this is a sublimely comfortable helmet that exudes quality with a busy, interesting and pretty design.

New: Ixon vega ladies jacket

Fri, 01 Feb 2008

A snug and warm multi-purpose jacket that would be equally suited for in town riding or skiing down the slopes. Incredibly flattering cut with metal buckle detail on the wrists and back – pinching in creating a waist over the layers of fleece, water resistant fabric and removable winter lining. Huge, groovy collar looks great.

New: Urban N20 Astro

Tue, 01 Jan 2008

Definitely not an Arai or Shoei, but then neither is the price and for the budget concious the Urban fit the bill. It fits very snuggly with no lateral movement or gaping spaces. For standard sizing they come up ever-so slightly smaller than normal.

New: Forcefield T-Pro back insert

Tue, 01 Jan 2008

Forcefield body armour has been supplying BKS and the like for years and are now supplying us, the buying public, with their wares. Yes there will be a compromise on weight and slight bulk, but I think the safety payoff justifies it – the lattice work armour combined with memory materials mould to your body shape and reportedly continue to work with repeated impacts. Pros: Safety, obviously.Cons: Additional weight.

Frank Thomas Chloe ladies salopettes

Tue, 01 Jan 2008

Does my bum look big in this? Yes. The matching trousers to complete the Frank Thomas set.

New: Frank Thomas Chloe ladies jacket

Tue, 01 Jan 2008

My fashion credentials aren’t the best, but even I know a jacket that looks like a ski coat circa 1985 isn’t going to cut it on the motorways and roads of Britain. I’m tempted to send it to Trinny and Susannah for proper evaluation. Its saving grace is that it does work as a warm, comfortable, wet weather riding jacket.

Media leak about MV Agusta Dragster RR

Mon, 30 Nov -001

Right before the official presentation of the motorcycle in Milan, a studio photoset of the new product of MV Agusta - Brutale Dragster 800 RR was leaked to the net. It’s fully packed with Kineo spoked wheels, a Marzocchi fork, a steering damper and an original launch control system. The photo shows two color schemes: red and white and red and black.