Tag Archives: Apparel

Riders shortchanged on armour

Aussie riders could be shortchanged when buying protective riding gear that does not include the armour and should demand it be included free, according to a protective clothing expert.

I have noticed that several items I have received for review have been provided with the armour, but when I have checked the pricing I have found that armour is sometimes listed as an “optional extra”.

Deakin University researcher Dr Chris Hurren warns that the armour should be included if the item is CE certified.

The Senior Research Fellow (Fibre Science and Technology) at the Institute for Frontier Materials, GTP Research says recent changes in Europe to certification requirements for motorcycle protective clothing means there is a lot more CE Certified gear hanging in Australian and New Zealand stores.

MotoCAP senior researcher Dr Chris Hurren award
Chris Hurren

“One of the benefits of CE certification is that most gear must include impact protectors. This means that riders get the protectors without having to shell out additional cash,” he says.

However, it appears that some manufacturers are not including armour in the listed price.

To meet the CE “AAA” and “AA” certifications, jackets must be fitted with shoulder and elbow impact protectors.

Pants require hip and knee impact protectors. For “A” level certification the jackets must be fitted with shoulder and elbow impact protectors. Pants only require knee impact protectors.

However, Dr Hurren has found during visits to motorcycle stores in Australia and New Zealand that some products from multiple manufacturers are missing impact protectors.

“These are garments that carry CE certification labels but are missing some or all of the impact protectors that they should be fitted with. This is mostly been noticed in pants,” he says.

“As a rider it is important to know that without the appropriate impact protectors the garment no longer meets the CE certification and is less safe to use.”

He urges customers to ask the store to include the impact protectors in the price.

“Point out that they do not meet Australian Consumer Law if they are sold without the impact protectors fitted,” he says.

“If they do not offer to do this then swap to another product or brand that does have the impact protectors fitted.

“I hope that the omission of impact protectors is accidental.

“If enough riders asking about this manufacturers will get the message and in the future make sure that impact protectors are fitted appropriately.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

German Retailer Louis Moto Launches Rekurv Gear and Apparel

Louis Moto is a popular gear retailer based in Germany and sells products from several brands, including AGV, HJC, and Kriega. Visordown reports that the company also has its in-house labels at the more affordable end of the motorcycle gear spectrum. Now, it’s added a new line called Rekurv that will sell apparel and gear for the younger generation of riders.

An image of the Rekurv leather jacket

The official Rekurv webpage on Louis Moto’s website mentions that the new vertical will sell gear that delivers a no-frills, performance-oriented experience. The company’s products have been designed to focus on a sporty fit, optimal protection, and maximum comfort while being affordable. 

Image of the Rekurv textile jacket

The Rekurv portfolio currently comprises leather and textile jackets, gloves, and riding pants. The brand also sells non-protective apparel like T-shirts and jeans. There’s also a variety of gear and clothing available for women

Visordown points out that Rekurv’s Leather Combi Jacket is one of its more popular products. It comes with abrasion-resistant panels, removable elbow and shoulder armor, and an optional Super Shield HTP back protector. The jacket is priced at €249.99 (around $289.98), which matches entry-level options from popular brands like Dainese and Alpinestars.

Studio shot of a Rekurv glove

Studi shot of Rekurv ankle boots

Image source: Motorrad Online

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MV Agusta Celebrates 75 Years with an Exlusive Timepiece

MV Agusta has announced a distinguished partnership with Roni who is one of Switzerland’s most exclusive watchmakers. Roni is based in the home of luxury situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, St. Moritz, Switzerland. 

This partnership is to celebrate the 75th anniversary of MV Agusta and to celebrate the milestone, RO-NI will be producing just 75 of these prestigious watches. This exclusive automatic watch named RO-NI RMV will be produced on payment. The RMV will be retailing at a sum of roughly $68,000 (56,000). A small price to pay considering it will be only 1 of 75 on the planet. 

RONI RMV

The RMV will use materials often found in the “Motorcycle Art” crafted by MV Agusta. The automatic watch will consist of best grade titanium, 7075 aluminum alloy, steel, carbon fiber, leather, Alcantara, sapphire, and per RO-NI’s website “the search for the typical colors of the MV AGUSTA brand condensed into a perfect technical artistic balance.”. 

RONI RMV

This collector’s piece will also include “75” engraved throughout the watch in addition to “MV” on the face. All of the inner workings of the timepiece will be on display via it’s skeletal construction. These handmade timepieces will be accompanied by an official certificate from RO-NI. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Leggings Still Fail Safety Test

Women riders’ tight-fitting leggings may look great, but they still fail the safety test, according to the Australian MotoCAP safety and comfort ratings system.

The highest safety rating MotoCAP has given to leggings is only two out of a maximum of five stars given to the $269 Resurgence Sara Jane Leggings.

All four other brands of leggings tested so far have only rated half a star.

They are also the best performing ladies textile pants rated so far.

Of course, leggings are not designed form maximum protection on a racetrack, but to be worn around town where fashion and comfort also rate highly.

MotoCAP chief scientist Chris Hurren points out that 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 from MotoCAP, the world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing which launched on 18 September 2018.

The leggings are among 13 items recently added to the 266 items of clothing MotoCAP has so far tested. They include 64 pants, 125 jackets and 77 gloves.

Last year, MotoCAP 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), 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

Hightail solves helmet hair issue

One of the biggest issues women cite with riding is how to deal with helmet hair, but now Aussie invention Hightail may have solved the problem.

Hightail ($A55) is simply a hair net device that attaches to the back of the helmet and holds long hair in place. Obviously, it works for long-haired men as well as women!

Inventors Jen Burch and Jon Dazeley of Sydney say Hightail stops long hair from splitting, breaking and becoming tangled in the wind.Hightail helmet hair

There are many specialty scarves and ties on the market that promise to deal with helmet hair.

Some work with long hair, some with short hair, but all of them you place in your hair.

“The key difference with Hightail is it attaches to the helmet, so there is no extra steps to use,” Jon says.

“It also means you can have a slow-mo movie moment when you take the helmet off and your hair cascades down.”

Hightail origin

Jen and Jon came up with the idea on a ride from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains.

“It was a long ride and Jen’s hair came loose from where she normally had it tucked down her jacket,” Jon says.Hightail helmet hair

“It was a tangled mess when we got to Jindabyne. We were cold, hungry and the tangled drama was not fun!”

So they set about inventing the Hightail for which a patent is now pending.

Hightail reviewHightail helmet hair

Jon sent me a Hightail for review even though he noted “you don’t have enough hair to review the product (neither to I) but maybe you could suggest someone you know”.

I did and she says it is easy to use and works just fine, m even with “product” in your hair.

Instructions are included with the product, but it’s best to watch this video featuring Jen for a more comprehensive explanation of how to attach the device, even though it is really rather simple.

Jon says Hightail will fit on most helmets but some can be problematic.

“If you are concerned about the particular helmet you want to install, please let us know the make and model and we will be able give some insight,” he says.

About the inventors

Hightail helmet hair
Jen and Jon

Jen grew up in the American Naval town oif Virginia Beach, joined the Navy in 2001 and was shipped to Japan three years later where she bought a Suzuki GSXF 400 Slingsling to get around.

She meet Kiwi-born Jon through Eharmony in 2013, when he was transferred to the US office of by his Sydney company.

Jon returned to Australia six weeks later and managed to convince Jen to first come for a holiday and then move to Sydney permanently in 2014.

Jen now rides a Triumph Bonneville while Jon, who has been riding most of his life, rides a Kawasaki GTR1400.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Distinguished Skram riding sunglasses review

The distinguished Skram riding sunglasses have been designed to allow riders to continue to ride on into the night.

They have been designed by Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride founder Mark Hawwa and the three different designs certainly do look distinguished.

Moto Skram glasses

Mark says Skram Motorcycle Eyewear is “a product that as motorcyclists we wanted to wear” and was a joint effort by him, colleague Rocco Repice and optometrist Elias Combes.

The flexible sunglasses cost $199 with a choice of brown tortoise shell (“Havana”) or black frames.

They are claimed to have 100% UV protection with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that makes them the “most protective” sunglasses on the market.Skram sunglasses

Skram glasses are also available in clear and yellow photochromic lenses that transition to a tint when exposed to the sun.

Prescription lenses are also available for an extra $159.

Mark says they “searched for years testing over 50 different lenses until we found the set that we could put all of our trust into”.

He sent us a pair of Moto Ones to test and here are our results.

Skram Moto OnesSkram Moto Ones sunglasses

Skram Moto Ones arrived in an elaborate box that was way bigger than the glasses themselves.

Inside is a handsome leather carry pouch, cleaning rag, distinguished keyring with leather tag and a useful keyring tool.Skram Moto Ones sunglasses

The tool unscrews to reveal two small screwdrivers for tightening the arms of the glasses as well as other uses.Skram Moto Ones sunglasses

These lightweight glasses have sturdy and flexible frames that don’t get bent out of shape as you put them on. They actually become more pliable the more you use them.

However, the arms are a little thick and may pose a problem with some helmets. They can also be uncomfortable against your ears in a tight helmet.

We tested the acetate lenses with a UV sensor and found they give pretty good protection.

Skram sunglasses
Light tint after a few seconds

The photochromic tinting effect is quite slow to transition from clear/yellow to tint which means you will come out of a tunnel into broad daylight and squint for a few seconds.

Vice versa, if you ride into a tunnel you have to wait several seconds for the full tint to disappear so you can see clearly.

They also won’t tint to the maximum level if you are wearing a full-face helmet, even with a clear visor or a tinted visor open as helmet visors reduce UV rays.

Skram sunglasses
The darkest tint in direct sunlight

You need direct sunlight on the glasses.

We found even our Biltwell Gringo which has no visor prevented sunlight because of the thick “brow” overhang.

A peak will also shade the glasses and prevent them fully tinting.

The instructions say it takes a few wears to reach the full photochromic effect. That’s what we found too. Right out of the box, they weren’t great, but after a couple of weeks they improved.

However, they never really got all that dark, compared wth our normal sunglasses.

Skram sunglasses
Skram glass at the back compared with Ray Bans (left) and Flying Eyes

They claim they will tint to 80% darkness in full sunlight and meet Category 0 to 3 sunglass standards with 0 legal for night riding.

Mark says the glasses are “perfect for those who wear open-face and 3/4 helmets as well as those who like to ride with their full face helmet visor open”.

We couldn’t test the shatterproof ability of the lenses, but they aren’t scratchproof. We lightly used the tool on the corner of the lens and it easily left a small scratch line.

While they do work better with an open-face helmet, they are not wrap-around, so over about 80km/h you get a lot of wind in your eyes.

This can lead to windburn over time which can promote dry, itchy eyes and, in extreme cases, possibly blurred vision.

And despite all the wind that gets in behind the glasses, we found they fog up fairly quickly on a rainy day, even with an open-face helmet.Skram sunglasses

Conclusion

These are certainly quality, stylish sunglasses, but they aren’t much use for most riding conditions.

However, they work ok around town on a fine day. For example, they would be an excellent pair of glasses to wear on a DGR ride … so long as it isn’t raining!

Website: www.skram.cc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/skramcc

Instagram: www.instagram.com/skramcc

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

D30 Ghost armour protects and comforts

Motorcycle clothing armour can be stiff, hot and make your gear tight, but new, thin Ghost limb protection armour from D30 is expected to cage all that.

The CE-approved armour was unveiled by motorcycle clothing companies Furygan and Richa at the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

D30 brand manager Blanche Maass says their protectors will be “integrated by D3O brand partners starting (northern hemisphere) Spring ’20 as part of their collections”.

Problems with traditional armour

Traditional armour is often stiff and creates sweaty patches on your body.

Some riders I know hate it so much they even pull it out of their gear.

In fact, many manufacturers don’t supply armour, just the pockets where it can be placed.

However, this D30 armour could change all that.D30 Ghost armour protects and comforts

GM Mostyn Thomas says their Ghost range is the “most lightweight and flexible armour” they make.

“When you’re riding we know that comfort and flexibility is of the utmost importance,” he says.

“You want to ride with freedom and confidence – knowing that you’re protected without being inhibited by armour.

“The D3O Ghost range allows for just that – world-class impact protection, coupled with superior comfort.”

How it is madeD30 Ghost armour protects and comforts

It is produced using Impact Print technology, a new process for imprinting D3O material directly on to fabrics and substrates.

D3O Ghost limb protectors are printed on to a lightweight black lycra fabric so it is ultra-flexible.

They say their knee/elbow and shoulder/hip protectors are designed for use as “fit and forget armour”.

So, instead of pockets to put the armour in, it is already part of the article of clothing.D30 Ghost armour protects and comforts

A safety feature of this would be that it doesn’t shift out of position in a slide.

D30 also claim it is breathable so it is comfortable even on a hot day.

There are no technical details on weight or thickness, but it looks pretty light and thin.D30 Ghost armour protects and comforts

D30 is a design and technology company with offices in the UK, US and China.

They have partnered with brands such as 3M, ZAGG, Schutt Sports, Under Armour, Furygan and Richa.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Best Motorcycle Mechanic Shop Apparel

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

Moto leisure rider clothing gains popularity

The fastest-growing sector of the motorcycle clothing market is leisure safety gear while traditional Cordura and leather suits are decreasing in demand, says a British motorcycle clothing brand.

The trend mirrors growth in retro and naked bikes and the decrease in sportsbike popularity, says Merlin major shareholder Steve Franklin.

He and his Yamaha-loving sons, James and Patrick, flew out from Manchester recently to meet Australian retailers and distributors Link International.

Merlin execs (from left) Patrick, James and Steve Franklin with their flanno leisure gear
Merlin execs (from left) Patrick, James and Steve Franklin

The Merlin executives also claim modern riders want clothing made with sustainable materials by manufacturers with integrity.

Steve says Merlin products are CE-approved, materials are sourced directly from experts and each manufacturer is inspected frequently for quality control.

“I want to be able to sleep at night,” he says, claiming they have only 0.97% returns on faulty gear and that one-third of that is down to user error.

Click here for the Merlin catalogue.

Moto leisure trend

Heritage Merlin flanno
Merlin flanno leisure jacket has DuPont kevlar throughout

They say the biggest market for motorcycle gear is now “moto leisure”.

Steve explains that it is like Nike’s “athleisure” range which appeals to people who want to look like an athlete but be comfortable.

“Similarly, moto leisure has all the safety gear but riders are able to go into a pub and not look like they’ve just had their knee down,” Steve says.

“It’s something you can wear all day.”

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

Steve says tech wear such as Cordua adventure suits and leather race suits are only 37% of the market and decreasing while the other two sectors are in “double-digit growth”.

That adds up to more than 100% of the market, but Steve says there is a lot of overlap where riders wear items from each section.

Female ridersMerlin leisure women

Steve says they recognise that female riders are growing in number, now about 15% of all riders in the UK, almost 20% in USA and more than 10% here.

He says their women’s range was greater than 20% of their stock, but they pulled back.

However, James says they are now expanding their women’s range again.

“It’s a small part of the market but there are many more women’s groups emerging,” he says.

“They don’t all want to wear pink. They don’t want traditional riding gear but something that is a bit fashionable.

“Our feedback is that most brands just do dumbed-down versions of men’s gear.

“We recognise that women’s fit is different, even in women’s boots.”

Merlin employs fashion industry expert Melanie Field to help with women’s sizing so “it’s not just a small version of men’s gear”.

“She also has an eye on what colours and styles are currently fashionable,” James says.

Sustainability

Merlin Maple heritage gloves
Merlin Maple gloves with organic cotton denim panels

Riders are now seeking sustainable, organic materials directly sourced from reputable manufacturers, Steve says.

“The speed of development in organic materials is really gathering pace,” he says.

James points out that 76% of the materials they use is bought directly from “the experts in the field”.

“This ensures we have control of the quality,” he says.

Merlin also employs local inspectors in each of the countries where their products are manufactured to guarantee integrity and quality control.

They produce 60% of their gear in Pakistan and the rest in Portugal, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and India.

“We don’t manufacture anywhere that we don’t don’t have someone on site to make regular inspections,” Steve says.

He and his sons also spend 16 weeks a year doing inspection tours of manufacturing sites.

They say 75% of profits are turned back into the company to improve quality.

Safety standards

Merlin Holden heritage jacket
Merlin Holden leather jacket

Steve says rigid European CE approval standards are “both a curse and a blessing”.

“The cost of gaining CE approval is onerous at $10,000-$15,000 per product,” he says.

“We have to test the smallest and largest sizes and one in the middle, plus each different colour.”

Link International Merlin brand manager Ron Grant also points out that Merlin doesn’t just use high-quality safety materials in the impact areas specified for CE testing, but throughout their garments.

However, James says CE is also a blessing by making it “really difficult to get into this industry”, so it is “flushing out the bad quality and those operating in the black market”.

He says gaining CE approval was easy for them because they were exceeding the full testing process before CE became mandatory last year for manufacturers operating in Europe.

About Merlin

Merlin Chase heritage jacket
Merlin Chase heritage jacket

Merlin was registered in 2011 and started trading in 2012.

The name and logo come from “merle” which is French for blackbird.

It is 100% owned by the company’s 200 full-time staff who become shareholders after six months.

Steve’s background was in turning around ailing businesses.

“I just wanted to start a business then get someone to take it over,” he says.

“But once my sons entered the business, we found we had a passion for making good products and not just for business,” he says.

“We don’t cut corners. We wanted to make the best quality product we could with the technology and materials available.

“We’re always improving the product so it is relevant and exceeds customer expectations.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com