It's so close you can almost reach out and touch it. Every year at this time, the riding season beckons here in the Northeast and we get extremely antsy. All the new gear has been released, most of it is shipping, so really the only thing left is for Mother Nature to figure it out and let the weather be consistently nice. In the meantime, while we're waiting not-so-patiently, we decided to bookend our March 2011 New Gear and Deals video with some kooky footage. Don't worry, once you get through the ridiculous intro (which we hope makes you chuckle), you'll find out about all the new gear, deals, and 2011 programs we're doing here at RevZilla.com.
First up is the announcement of our March Gear Giveaway. This month we'll be giving away a full ADV Touring setup with the Firstgear TPG Rainier Jacket and Firstgear TPG Escape Pants- a value of $830! All you have to do is visit our March Contest Page, create a rider profile, and you're automatically qualified to win the gear!
Next we've got the breakdown of our 2011 RevZilla Race Suit Program which is a couple of really exciting promotions this season. Carrying over from our 2010 promotions, we've got our complimentary track day partnership with Team Pro-Motion. With the purchase of any non-sale and non-closeout motorcycle race suit over $799, we will include a free East Coast track day with Team Pro-Motion. With six locations on the East Coast, there will be a ton of opportunities to get out and ride this season, and this is our way of saying thanks and offering a way to get out there at no expense to you. For the full details, instructions, and fine print, visit our Free Team Pro-Motion Track Day 2011 page.
We've also got a pretty serious AGV Sport promotion going on right now. With the purchase of ANY jacket or race suit from AGV Sport, we're giving away a pair of AGV Sport Gloves. With any race suit, you'll get a free pair of AGV Sport Dragon Gloves, a track-legal gauntlet that'll get you out there racing. With any textile jacket purchase, we're giving away AGV Sport Aeromesh Gloves, and with any leather jacket purchase, you'll get a free pair of AGV Sport Mayhem Gloves. You can check out all the details of this program by visiting our AGV Sport gear page at RevZilla.
We've also got the Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon Gloves, a huge value at 21% off down to $54 from $70 as they make room for the new 2011 version of these bestselling Alpinestars gloves.
A lot of new gear is finally in stock and finally shipping after an extended waiting period. The Schuberth C3 Hi-Viz Helmet is here for all you riders seeking to be seen by other motorists. The Schuberth C3W Helmet is finally here, a woman's specific version of arguably the greatest modular helmet of all time. The Arai Vector 2 Helmet, providing an improved fit over its predecessor and representing the entry-level functionality from Arai, is now in our warehouse and shipping. And lastly on the new helmets front, the extraordinarily impressive run of Bell Helmets is now here and shipping, including the game-changing Bell RS-1 Helmet that will compete neck-and-neck with the Shoei RF1100.
For the apparel side of things, new Alpinestars, Dainese, and REV'IT! gear is starting to trickle in and begin shipping from our warehouse. Some of the highlights include the Alpinestars GP-R Leather Jacket, a fully perf'd summer option, the REV'IT! Energy HV Jacket, a hi-viz multi-season commuter and touring option, and the Dainese Racing Leather Jacket, a piece we saw as early as Spring 2010, that simply never got a full size/color run until now. The Klim Adventure Rally Jacket and Pants also got a full makeover, including a new colorway and seriously improved fitment. Don't miss all of the new gear by visiting those individual pages. We've also got full video reviews for every new product from the major brands, so check those out and inform yourself!
The top-of-the-line dirt helmet from Troy Lee Designs is the Troy Lee SE3 Helmet. Packed with performance features and protective functionality, the SE3 is worn by premier professional MX riders. The Troy Lee SE-3 Helmet is a big step up over its predecessor, the SE2, in that it's made enormous strides in adding a great deal more ventilation and shaving a significant amount of weight to make it a more comfortable, ergonomic lid that will keep you cool in the most active of riding conditions. This helmet is a huge step forward for TLD.
Make no mistake about it, the SE3 lid is a super premium dirt helmet not built for the weekend warrior. This helmet is for the pros and the extremely enthusiastic riders who won't settle for anything less than the best. The shell is a blended weave of carbon fiber, kevlar and fiberglass and meets Snell 2010 and DOT certifications. The shell design and elimination of some of the bulk is what allowed them to shed 6.4oz (180 grams!) from the SE2 to the SE3. The EPS has also been completely redesigned and is now a dual density liner that significantly improves safety and impact protection. At the visor, titanium hardware is used for durability and represents another area of weight loss for this lid.
Airflow, airflow, airflow; everyone knows the significance of cooling the head when riding the dirt. The SE3 has redesigned the top scoop to suck more air into this helmet directly through the EPS and to the head. The mouthpiece has also been revamped for added airflow and brow vents have been expanded and now rush air directly through the EPS. Inside, they've added the functionality of a quick-release emergency cheek pad system in case of a severe crash. Both the comfort liner and cheek pads are fully removable and washable, made from multiple densities of foam for comfort and fit and lined with CoolMax antimicrobial moisture-wicking fabric. Helmet fit kits are also available separately for a customized fit.
There is a fully removable and washable foam roost guard that can be cleaned whenever it gets extremely dirted up, and we know how quickly that happens. The visor can be easily adjusted on the fly with a glove-friendly titanium screw adjuster. There are convenient indents for speakers for a bluetooth communication system if you so choose. As a bonus, the Troy Lee SE 3 Helmet comes with a deluxe helmet bag, a spare color-matched visor, and TLD's three-year limited warranty. This helmet truly has all the high-end bells and whistles that you'd expect from an upper echelon dirt helmet from any brand and it will certainly go toe-to-toe with the top lids from all other manufacturers in the dirt world.
The Alpinestars GP Plus Leather Jacket is an updated version of a very popular sport riding leather option in the Alpinestars line. In years past, the GP Plus had strategic perforation for slight cooling in hot weather riding conditions. For the 2011 model, they decided to do away with the perf and make this jacket focused for riders in milder climates that never get sweltering but also don't dip into the frigid zone. For warmer temperature zones, we recommend the Alpinestars GP-R Leather Jacket. The GP Plus will perform well somewhere in the 40º-70º F range.
Constructed from premium 1.3mm full-grain leather, the Alpinestars GP Plus Jacket is extremely supple and abrasion resistant. Large aramidic stretch panels line the inner arms and backs of shoulders for an unparalleled degree of mobility. The inner mesh liner features stretch inserts in the same areas that work in conjunction for flexibility, fit and comfort. Protection comes from CE rated Bio Armor in the shoulders and elbows that is removable and also adjustable for precision fit. There are compartments in the chest and back that come stock with PE foam padding but can be upgraded to the bionic chest pads and CE Bio Armor back protection. A big upgrade over the previous model is the incorporation of the multi-snap
connectors for the CE level 2 Alpinestars Bionic Race Back Protector.
Another nice touch for the new model is the addition of TPU shoulder sliders that add another level of shock and abrasion protection in a crucial impact zone. Alpinestars always uses YKK zippers throughout all of their garments and the GP Plus is no different. It also features a full 360º zip for pants connection in the event that you wanted to take this out on the track. Waist cinches on each side offer a custom fit while the TPR collar closure provides a soft, snug fit at the neck.
Style and performance defines what Alpinestars has always done and will continue to do. The Alpinestars GP Plus Leather Jacket is another classic from AStars. To see more, visit our Alpinestars Jackets and Leather Motorcycle Jackets sections at RevZilla.
The brand new Alpinestars Matrix Kevlar Jacket continue the trend of Alpinestars City Collection division, which produces protective motorcycle gear that is fashionable and subtle to the untrained eye. The Matrix Kevlar is a muted exterior shell with CE rated protection internally in impact areas; the armor can actually be completely removed if you're just wearing this jacket walking around town with no fear that people are going to punch you in the shoulders or elbows for no reason. Overall, this jacket will be solid on or off the bike.
The Matrix Kevlar's shell is a double PU coated cotton-based fabric: the cotton gives it an extremely supple feel while the PU coating provides resistance to foul weather and an added level of durability. At the shoulders and elbows, Alpinestars' proprietary CE rated Bioarmor provides the protection via lightweight and comfortable armor pieces. Added abrasion resistance comes via the internal addition of Kevlar reinforcements stitched in to the inner shoulders and elbows. AStars uses a soft knitted cotton at the collar and cuffs for comfort and subtle logo branding to maintain this jacket's extremely mellow vibe. YKK zippers throughout, with three external pockets and one internal pocket.
This jacket will match up great with a pair of jeans and is a great choice for city riding in our opinion. To see more choices, visit our Alpinestars Jackets and Textile Motorcycle Jackets sections.
Brand new for Spring 2011, the Alpinestars Messenger Drystar Gloves are designed to complement any of the AStars City Collection waterproof jackets for Fall-Winter-Spring riding. Continuing in the trend of this line from Alpinestars, the subtle design of this protective motorcycle gear gives it a casual appeal to many riders that don't want to brand themselves when they're off the bike and walking around town. Also available as the Alpinestars Stella Messenger Drystar Glove for women, this is a solid match for something along the lines of the Alpinestars Messenger WP Jacket for multi-season all-weather riding.
Lightweight, insulated, and completely waterproof breathable via the Drystar membrane, the Messenger is built with the city rider in mind with its understated design. The durable textile upper construction ensures extended life from this glove while the anti-slip material at the palm improves grip and helps to combat wear resulting from working the controls. There are shock-absorbing foam inserts at the palm which protect from impact and dampen vibrations from the bike. The elasticated wrist is complemented by the shock cord cuff closure that cinches down around the wrist, keeping heat within the glove and adding another block against precipitation.
A solid choice for the light motorcyclist or city rider in all-weather conditions, the Alpinestars Messenger Drystar Gloves offer a great deal of bang for the buck. To see our entire collections, visit the Alpinestars Gloves and Waterproof Motorcycle Gloves sections at RevZilla.
Following up from my post last night, here are prelim shots of the Fall 2011 Klim Latitude Jacket (yes its that far off ;-p). It's a Gore Performance shell geared for the rider who wants an all-season shell for cross-over adventure touring.
At $549 its a more road oriented version than the Klim Traverse, and it comes with CE rated armor.
It should fill the void for customers who just want a tech shell, vs a jacket that has a liner system included. The fit is a more tailored road cut vs the enduro cut of the Traverse, Badlands Pro or Adventure Rally.
Sizing is yet to be announced and the setup is not for everyone but should perform very well for its intended use on-road and in lighter offroad scenarios.
Take a peek of the candid of me wearing the Klim Latitude Pants and Jacket from the Indy Dealer show yesterday. There should be a silver version available as well.
The Alpinestars Verona WP Jacket came out last year as part of their sleek City Collection and has been an immensely popular addition to the AStars roundup. Based on this, Alpinestars decided to put out a second version, the Alpinestars Verona Air Jacket, loaded with perf and designed as a warm to hot weather riding option for the city rider and commuter. You won't look like a storm trooper when you hop off the bike, but you'll be fully protected, ventilated, and comfortable when ripping the bike around town.
Alpinestars seems to be quite dedicated in recent years to offering riders protective gear that is simple, subtle, and stylish. The Verona Air continues the push in this direction for the City Collection and honestly, if you didn't know any better, you'd have no clue that this is a fully protective motorcycle jacket. Removable CE rated Bioarmor protects in the shoulders and elbows, with a slim profile that eliminates the bulk of some other types of armor. The chest and back both have pockets to accommodate more protective armor pieces. The Alpinestars Bionic Chest Pads and the CE rated Alpinestars RC Back Protector are both available as optional upgrades for the Alpinestars Verona Air Jacket.
What really impresses about this jacket and gives it a unique vibe is the shell construction. A durable double PU coated 450D polyester shell combines with abrasion resistant mesh panel for style, airflow, and protection. The 450D can be found in all impact areas while the mesh is at the bottom three quarters of the torso on front and back, with large panels at the inner arms as well. You're getting the best of both worlds with the Verona Air: superior ventilation properties for hot weather riding with all the necessary protective features and comfort, including a slightly pre-curved ergonomic arm construction. Lastly, the micro velcro prevents any snags and the collar and cuffs are both comfort-lined.
Available in a blacked out version and a black-desert version, the Alpinestars Verona Air Jacket gives city riders, commuters, and scooter riders a subtle choice for warm and hot weather riding. Sporty but not overwhelming in style, the Verona Air has a bright future. To see similar choices, visit our Summer Motorcycle Gear and Textile Motorcycle Jackets sections at RevZilla.com.
The Klim Badlands Pro Jacket and Pants are a new Gore-Tex ADV shell combo we saw for the first time from Klim at Indy this year (this morning actually). Please excuse the Candids as we do not have our hi-res photos yet. Also check out the KLim Lattitude Jacket and Pants which are the more road oriented new alternative.
To be honest I am quite proud of Klim, who listened to the riding community and built a refined enduro / adventure touring combination of jacket and pants that are all-season, extremely technical and priced at $849 for the Jacket vs $1200 of the popular Adventure Rally Jacket.
Here is what I thought was notable after wearing it and monkeying with it for 15 minutes. Think "Klim Traverse on steroids built for a moto-superhero". It's what BeemerBatman would wear if he were real - or I was him.
Or it should be the jacket of choice for the hardcore all-season adv rider who just wants a technical shell vs a full jacket and liner system. It's an a la carte bombproof exterior.
The Klim Badlands Pro will be Gore-Tex ProShell and uses Armacore like the Klim Adventure Rally, but it is slightly lighter weight and includes a full kidney belt but does not have the integrated backpack system.
It also comes stock with d3o Molecular Armor in the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees - as well as a d30 T5 13mm CE2 Backpad.
There is also a DOW Deflexion Chest Armor Pad.
The fit is refined / tapered in my opinion is off the rack on or offroad ready
The Klim Badlands Pro Pants and Jacket will be geared for on-road and offroad use using Gore-Tex technologies including the 3-ply ProShell, Armacore and Gore-Tex Stretch Panels. The Badlands Pro combo will be Gore-Tex OnRoad certified which is their most extreme all weather test.
Here is KLIM's Spec sheet for the Badlands Pro - as of now.
It's not shipping until late Fall 2011, but we will keep you posted and have a video review soon - although there may be subtle changes before it hits the production line.
With one simple addition and a slight redesign over the previous model, the Alpinestars SP-1 Race Suit has become even more functional than its predecessor. With its standout slick design, high levels of performance, safety, and improved ergonomics, this suit is a great choice at the $899 price point. It doesn't have all of the futuristic over-the-top features that the MotoGP racer needs in his suit; it is simply a great choice from Alpinestars for the spirited sport rider and the track day enthusiast.
The first thing that needs to be addressed is the addition of external TPU shoulder sliders to the SP-1. A major upgrade over the previous model, the TPU sliders provide protection from impact and abrasion in a get off situation, encouraging a continuous slide and preventing the dreaded tumbling. Beyond that, this suit is a premium 1.3mm full-grain leather construction with large perforation zones and strategically placed aramidic stretch panels. Aramid panels function both for flexibility but also allow air to flow through the suit. Movement is also encouraged by the accordion stretch leather panels found above the knees, above the elbows, at the backs of the shoulders and a huge panel at the lower back.
Internally, Alpinestars uses its CE rated GP armor for the elbows, shoulders, and knee/shin protectors. The GP armor is a hard part injection molded shell backed with shock absorbing dual density foam for a double level of protection. There is a multi-position snap connection system for the CE level 2 Alpinestars Bionic Race Back Protector and compartments in the chest to upgrade to the Alpinestars Bionic Chest Pads. The PU GP knee sliders are fully replaceable and the aerodynamic dual density back hump helps with airflow at speed and also protects in a crash situation to keep the head elevated from the ground. The SP-1 suit utilizes safety stitching in all of the seams for tear resistance and, of course, YKK zippers throughout.
The mesh liner in this suit is also removable and washable which significantly extends its longevity; there's nothing worse than a funky race suit. With a comfort collar and cuffs, autolocking YKK zips at the cuff for a secure closure, and an overall tremendous design, the Alpinestars SP1 Race Suit is a great choice for the devoted track day rider and spirited weekend sport rider. To see other options in this realm, visit our Alpinestars Race Suits and Motorcycle Race Suits pages.
One of the products we're most excited about for Spring 2011 for Alpinestars is the Alpinestars SMX-Plus Race Boots. A standard within the AStars lineup for the past eight years, the SMX-Plus have received a major redesign for this season that really raises the bar for what a race boot should be at this price point. Lighter, more streamlined, and more protective than the previous version, the new Alpinestars S-MX Plus Vented Boots are without a doubt going to be one of the stars of all the new gear in the industry this Spring.
By changing some of the protective elements and reducing bulk in some areas, the Alpinestars SMX-Plus Boots have dropped some weight this year, but don't think that means any sacrifice in protection. Utilizing the brand new Multi Link Control system, Alpinestars shaved off a significant amount of the hard part bulk of this boot. The Multi Link Control System is an innovative protection system for the ankle, limiting range of motion and offering significant protection from serious injury that could result from hypertorsion, hyperextension or hyperflexion. There are also TPU hard parts protecting from impact injury at the ankle and Achilles tendon. This next-level system is one of the finest we've seen to date.
High-modulus TPU hard parts provide the protection in all areas of this boot. The entire Multi Link System is TPU as is the contoured shin plate protector. High modulus TPU is a long molecular chain that allows for a more effective transference of impact and therefore higher levels of protection. The dual compound TPU toe slider is fully replaceable with a simple snap-in design and offers higher levels of coverage than the previous model. The TPU heel counter wraps up to the ankle and is backed by a shock absorbing padded insert with foam ankle armor. Finally, there is a replaceable heel slider and a side heel slider to assist in a crash. Did I mention that this entire boot is CE certified? In other words, it's extremely protective.
The newly designed asymmetrical accordion stretch panels at the front and rear promote a more ergonomic and natural range of motion for flexibility. Internally, the forefoot has a shock absorbing open cell foam insert laminated to it for protection and the entire interior is moisture-wicking and breathable for premium comfort in the most active riding scenarios. The anatomical countered footbed offers arch support and is completely replaceable. The Kevlar speed lacing system combined with the lateral zipper makes fitment as snug as possible. Lastly, this is Alpinestars' first foray with their brand new racing sole, a slimmer-profiled textured high-grip rubber sole that is completely replaceable by Alpinestars.
For the second-most technical race boot in the Alpinestars lineup, the SMX Plus features some new improvements that are sure to make it even more popular for this season. To see comparable options, visit our Motorcycle Race Boots and Alpinestars Boots pages.
Sometimes a bestselling product only needs slight modifications to become even more of a powerhouse than it was before. Such is the case with the brand new Alpinestars S-MX 2 Air Carbon Gloves, a staple in the Alpinestars lineup. With slight improvements in comfort, performance and protection, Alpinestars has elevated this short cuff summer sport riding glove to the next level.
Available in six color options to match the style of your ride, the SMX-2 Air Carbons are a leather and mesh design for safety and airflow on hot summer days. The leather keeps you protected while the ample mesh paneling will rush air through the gloves to keep you cool. At the backhand, carbon fiber knuckle armor protects from impact while TPR inserts in the fingers and back provide additional reinforcement. At the inside, a synthetic leather palm is reinforced by Clarino panels for protection and durability in high-use and high-wear areas. There are also foam padded inserts at the heel of the hand for vibration dampening and added protection from impact.
Rubberized panels at the inside of the fingertips provide a high degree of grip while the neoprene-style cuff and TPR velcro flap offer a comfortable and custom-fitting closure. What really sets this glove apart is Alpinestars ability to pack style, protection, airflow and overall performance into a glove at this price point. The fact that so many color options are available to suit your personal style is just bonus points. To see other similar options, visit our Short Cuff Motorcycle Gloves, Alpinestars Gloves and Summer Motorcycle Gloves sections.
The brand new Alpinestars GP-R Leather Jacket is certain to be a home run amongst the aggressive street and sport riding crowd for warm and hot weather riding. The slick design immediately jumped out at us when we first got a chance to see it in person. Each of the color options has its own style of flash so you'll truly look as cool as you feel with the jacket's immense amount of airflow. The 360º zip and the high degree of functionality in terms of protection and performance makes the Alpinestars GPR Leather Jacket a solid choice for the trackday enthusiast and the spirited sport rider.
The Alpinestars GP-R Leather Jacket is built from premium 1.3mm full-grain leather with a large perforation scheme the spans the front and back of the jacket for high airflow in hot weather riding. For protection, Alpinestars' proprietary CE rated bioarmor is used in the shoulders and elbows, and it is adjustable to ensure comfort and proper placement. There is PE protective foam in the chest and back, with compartments to upgrade to the Alpinestars CE Rated Bio Armor Back Protector and Alpinestars Bionic Chest Guards. There is also the three-position snap system for the Alpinestars Bionic Race Back Protector which offers CE Level 2 protection. In addition, AStars has added external PU shoulder sliders to help protect in a get-off scenario.
Every seam in this jacket is also safety stitched for maximum tensile strength to prevent seam bursting in a crash. For ease of mobility on the bike, there are large aramidic stretch panels in the inner arms and at the backs of the shoulders. These afford a great deal of comfort and flex but they also flow a decent amount of air as well. The inner mesh lining on the GP-R also has stretch panels inserted to work hand-in-hand with the aramid externally. Adjustability at the waist allows for a custom fit and Alpinestars' universal use of YKK zippers ensures all closures remain secure at all times. Subtle details like the comfort collar ensure all-day riding without any chafing or discomfort.
The Alpinestars GPR Leather Jacket delivers exactly what everyone has come to expect from AStars: performance, protection, and style. This complements the rest of their line extremely well and is certain to be a knockout in 2011. To see similar gear, visit our Alpinestars Jackets and Leather Motorcycle Jackets pages at RevZilla.com.
Alpinestars is releasing a slew of new products for Spring 2011 and we are extremely excited to finally be able to share this new gear with the TeamZilla community. A few new leathers, a feature-rich lightweight boot redesign, some standout products in the AStars City Collection, and a redesign of Alpinestars bestselling glove of all time highlight the new run.
First off, the Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon Gloves have received their first redesign in a long time. Alpinestars bestselling glove ever has a completely new style but maintains the protective, comfort and airflow elements that have made this glove so popular for so long. The chassis is leather, 3D mesh, and Clarino synthetic leather while the protection is thermoplastic rubber hard parts and a carbon fiber knuckle protector. Additional padding at the palm with an Airprene comfort cuff and microvelcro closure system add to this glove's overall protection and comfort. And, of course, the immense amount of airflow rushing through this glove is what keeps it popular as a street and sport summer choice year after year.
The Alpinestars SP-1 One Piece Race Suit is a redesign of its predecessor of the same name with updated style and the addition of external PU sliders at the shoulders. This suit has been very popular for the last few years as it offers a great deal of value at the sub $900 price point. 1.3mm full grain leather with strategic perforation, removable and adjustable CE rated GP style elbow and shoulder armor with GP-R knee/shin armor, with pockets to upgrade the chest protection. The SP-1 also has replaceable PU GP-style knee sliders and a snap-in system for the Alpinestars Bionic Race Protector. This suit is loaded with leather flex zones that allow for complete freedom of movement on the bike. Finally, the moderate pre-shaping of this suit means that you'll be able to stand up straight without overwhelming discomfort.
The Alpinestars S-MX Plus Boots are a redesign of one of Alpinestars bestselling race boots. Second in line only to the Supertech R Boots in the AStars chain of command, the S-MX Plus Boots boast major upgrades over the predecessor, most notably the lighter weight and a more streamlined and sleek design. The Alpinestars SMX Plus Vented Boots are more than 0.5kg lighter than the previous version, a significant difference for any piece of race apparel. Utilizing the Multi Link System, they were able to eliminate some bulk and add a more protective element. The Multi Link System limits range of motion and provides protection from hypertorsion, hyperflexion, and hyperextension with built in hard parts that also protect the achilles tendon. This is also AStars first use of their new high-grip rubber race sole.
The Alpinestars GP-R Leather Jacket is a brand new product for Spring 2011 that we think is going to be a pretty big deal in the sport riding community. A protective leather jacket with a large perforation scheme, the GP-R is primed for mid-Spring to mid-Fall aggressive sport riding with a full 360º zip for pants-connection and trackday riding. With 1.3mm full grain leather and a supply of Alpinestars CE rated Bioarmor in the shoulders and elbows, with pockets to upgrade the chest and back armor, the GP-R is extremely protective and ergonomic thanks to the aramidic stretch panels strategically placed in flex zones. External PU sliders on the shoulders bulk up the protection and the neoprene comfort collar and cuffs staves off any discomfort in active riding conditions.
The Alpinestars GP Plus Leather Jacket is built for aggressive sport riding in a more milder climate than the GP-R. This would be a perfect fit for somewhere on the West Coast like San Francisco; a city rider who likes to take the bike out on the weekends for some spirited rides. Premium 1.3mm full-grain leather, CE rated proprietary Bioarmor, chest and back compartments for upgraded protection, multi-snap system for CE level 2 Alpinestars Bionic Race Back Protector; this jacket truly has it all. Strategic aramidic stretch panels allow for uninhibited range of motion in all aggressive riding scenarios. With its 360º zip, YKK zippers, safety stitching and extremely ergonomic fit, the Alpinestars GP Plus Leather Jacket is going to be very popular this year.
Three more textile jackets for this season from Alpinestars. The Alpinestars T-Gasoline WP Jacket is a waterproof breathable Fall-Winter-Spring textile jacket designed for street and sport touring riding. Two new offerings from the City Collection have us impressed this season, as the Alpinestars Verona Air Jacket and Alpinestars Matrix Kevlar Jacket have been released. Designed for hot weather light motorcycling, scooter riding and commuting, the Verona Air takes the chassis of the very popular Verona jacket and adds a ton of mesh for high levels of airflow and comfort. The Matrix Kevlar is designed for city riding, scooter riding, and commuting, and matches style with performance for the rider seeking subtle motorcycle gear.
Two new slick gloves for Spring 2011 from AStars as well, part of the City Collection. First, the Alpinestars Messenger Drystar Glove is a waterproof breathable glove built for the city rider. With all-weather functionality and a subtle design, the Messenger Drystar is a perfect match for any jacket from the Alpinestars City Collection, particularly the Messenger or Verona waterproof jackets. The perfect mate to the new Matrix Kevlar jacket, the Alpinestars Scheme Kevlar Gloves put as much emphasis on style as they do on safety. A lightweight short cuff glove designed for warm weather city riding, the Scheme Kevlars have carbon fiber knuckle protection for impact protection and Kevlar inner reinforcements for superior abrasion resistance.
Finally, the brand new Alpinestars Bionic Air Back Protector and Alpinestars Bionic Air Back Protector Insert are the newest back protection options from Alpinestars. Utilizing the same technologies that go into the rest of their "Bionic" line, these CE rated back protectors offer ergonomics, comfort, and safety all wrapped up in one package. With the use of Alpinestars Dual Density Honeycomb Technology, the weight is kept down but the protection soars. The insert will slide into any Alpinestars jacket with a protector pocket while the protector features shoulder and waist straps and can worn under anything. The protector also offers more coverage.
An extremely high value-to-dollar ratio from Scorpion, the brand new Scorpion Eternity Leather Jacket is an excellent jacket for spirited street and aggressive sport riding. A full perforation scheme down the front and back of this jacket will keep you nice and cool in the heat of summer and ample protective elements will keep you safe in the most demanding of rides. Available in a muted style for the rider seeking subtly and also in a wild graphical version, the Scorpion Eternity Phantom Leather Jacket is a great choice for the sport rider for Spring 2011.
A premium 1.2-1.4mm top grain leather construction with CE rated SaS-Tec molecular level armor in the shoulders and elbows, the Eternity will keep you extremely protected on the road. SaS-Tec is a futuristic material that is soft and flexible against the body but upon impact becomes rigid and disperses the impact energy evenly across the armor piece; it's arguably one of the best armors available on the market. Topping this armor are co-injected aluminum sliders at both the shoulder and elbow which provide exceptional abrasion resistance and help to prevent tumbling in the unfortunate event of a crash. Lastly, the PE foam back pad is upgradeable to CE rated protection (Knox TP2 CE Back Protector).
For comfort, there are Kevlar stretch panels on the inner sleeves that allow both expansion and ventilation to pass through to the body, adding to the large perf scheme. Added mobility comes from accordion stretch leather panels at the backs of the elbows and shoulders for uncompromised movement in and out of the tucked position. The jacket has an Airguard windproof liner in addition to the removable EverHeat full-sleeved thermal liner to stretch into the colder temperatures. A nice feature of the liner is the knitted cuffs that act like a sweatshirt cuff, providing a snug fit against the wrist and acting as a wind block. Lastly, adjustability at the waist for a snug fit and a fleece-lined dongle that sits against the neck are nice creature comforts.
The Scorpion Eternity Leather Jacket is going to be a hit amongst the sportbike crowd in 2011. With a loaded features and function set, this jacket easily goes head-to-head against any of its similarly-priced competitors. See other options by visiting our Leather Motorcycle Jackets page.
As a child I can recall that my parents regularly drummed into me the idea that I could be “anything that I wanted to be” when I grew up. That pretty much turned out to be true. Up to a point. Bumbling my way through school, a nice home, wonderful wife, a career. All that stuff worked out mostly as advertised. There is, however, one tiny little thing that I’ve wanted to be for many years but that I’m quite sure isn’t gonna happen any time soon. The adventure rider in me really would like to be about 6 feet 2 inches tall, weigh maybe a bit over 200 pounds and have a 34 inch inseam. Especially the inseam thing. Because if that could somehow become true then a whole lot of the motorcycles that I dream of (especially the adventure bikes) might actually be viable candidates for purchase. The truth of it is, however, that I’m stuck being a mid-sized guy.
Last weekend I dragged my 5’8” 150 pound self around the Progressive Insurance International Motorcycle Show in New York City. My little 29 inch long legs (ok, maybe 30 on a good day) were kept plenty busy pounding around the floor at the Javits Center for a whole day, searching out the new 2011 objects of my motor-lust. Upon first entering the show floor I found myself face to face with the Ducati display. I love Ducatis for what they represent (racing, style!) as much as for how they sound and ride. The previous generation Multistrada was a bike that never really talked to me, mostly because of the (in my mind) “quirky” styling. However, when the “new” 1200 Multistrada 1200 was announced over a year ago I was tremendously excited. Right up until the moment I sat on one at this very show a year ago. The published seat height of 33.5 inches seemed “optimistic” to me as my short little appendages swung freely in the breeze. Just to be sure I checked again this year. Same result. Yeah I can semi comfortably fit Monsters and the sport bikes for street riding but really…….I don’t think an 1198 or a Diavel is a bike that anyone would choose when headed for the Trans Lab or the Dawson Highway.
Then it was off to the BMW platz. In recent years I’ve been a little ambivalent about BMW. On the one hand , I’ve long had the impression that BMW was really just not interested in acommodating riders who did not represent some teutonic vision of how large a human male ought to be. (“Ja, ve vill make no engineering compromise for you tiny peoples”) I literally need a stepladder to climb on a R1200GS Adventure – no joke! Conversely, it seems that, maybe 4-5 years ago, BMW began to “get” the idea that perhaps not everyone was as big as Paul Bunyan (or his Doppelganger.) Maybe somewhere deep in the bowels of the world headquarters someone actually looked at the statistics which show the average height of a US or Canadian male as about 5 feet, 8 or 9 inches. For whatever reason, the gates were subsequently opened on a whole series of “low seat” and “low chassis” models. Now a person of, ahem, “modest” stature such as myself can be perfectly happy on a F650GS, G650GS, or (miracle of miracles) a “low chassis” R1200GS. OK, maybe not “perfectly” happy on an R12. But I can be reasonably happy on a “low” R1200GS while recognizing that pushing backwards on a gravelly surface or riding in sand/mud or anywhere that frequent foot “dabs” are required is still pretty dicey. On the other hand I’ve been 12,000 miles to Alaska and back on a fully loaded F650GS with no drama whatsoever.
Triumph is another manufacturer that might actually be starting to “get” it. Because I’ve loved the looks of Triumph’s current generation Tiger 1050 (but it’s way too tall, way too heavy) I have anxiously awaited the first chance to see and touch their new Tiger 800 and 800XC. The New York Show was that chance. First reaction? The Tiger 800 (the “streetier” base one with alloy wheels and such) sits very much like the BMW F650GS, though it does feel heavier (and is, if you believe the manufacturers specs.) Height would be near the upper limits of manageability for me (with the low seat) but probably OK – just about the same as a V Strom. Close enough, in any case, that I plan to get an extended demo ride on one when I can. What about even taller, even more capable Tiger 800 XC? Just like the BMW F800GS – probably too tall for it’s intended use by the likes of me!
One other bike that I specifically wanted to take a look at was Yamaha’s Super Tenere. Another “full figured” adventurer with 1200cc power, the Super Tenere has been available in Europe for several years but is new to the US market. I had a chance to sit on one with the seat in the fully lowered position. My first reaction? I was surprised to find that the bike sat much like a lowered BMW R1200GS. As with the GS I suspect it would be very rideable by someone my size but a handful in the rougher stuff due to the weight (a substantial 575 lbs wet according to Yamaha.) By the way, one real beauty to the Super Tenere is that, since it’s been on the market in Europe for a while, a full menu of accessories and after market stuff already exists! Sweet. Farkles readily available!
There are still other alternatives that have been carried over by the bike builders for “middleweight” adventurers (Suzuki's V Strom 650 and DR 650 come to mind). However, it truly does seem that while the manufacturers still move toward bigger, taller, heavier with their flagships (Multistrada, R1200GS Adventure, Super Tenere) some are also interjecting well thought out newer models (F650GS, Tiger 800) that are better suited to “mid-sized” folks like myself. Perhaps they recognize that we want to ride to Costa Rica every bit as much as our bigger brothers. Hopefully this trend can continue as I still have a lot of long trips to take! Of course not every manufacturer is on board. KTM didn't exhibit at the show this year. Probably just as well for folks my size. Ever try to swing a leg over a KTM 990 Adventure?
Jack Broomall is a lifelong motorcyclist and a friend of RevZilla. His motorcycle adventures have taken him across the North American continent several times, to Alaska, the Alps, the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. He is a member of the Iron Butt Association and also owns a number of Land Speed Records set on motorcycles at the Bonneville Salt Flats where he is a member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club. He has been known to do occasional restorations of his favorite bikes from the 1970s and enjoys track days as well. Jack writes his “2 Wheels 2..Everywhere!” stories about the motorcycling life on a monthly basis or whenever the mood strikes.
