Brand new for spring 2012, the Dainese R-Twin Leather Jacket is a vintage-inspired option designed for the city rider, naked bike or café racer enthusiast. Dainese uses a special resin-treated vintage cowhide to give this jacket an extremely unique look and feel, delivering an aged look that will appeal to all the retro-minded riders out there. Available in black, tobacco and dark brown colorways, there is an option that will fit every rider's style within this community.
At first glance, the Dainese R-Twin flaunts a style popularized decades ago that we've recently seen make its way back in the motorcycle world. What you won't see at first glance is all of the motorcycle functionality we've come to expect from Dainese. It's certainly there, but it's done in a subtle manner that doesn't take anything away from the R-Twin's aesthetic appeal. Beyond the premium vintage cowhide leather used in the construction, you'll see S1 stretch panels along the inner arm for flexibility and airflow, in addition to microelastic inserts at the shoulder blades. Dainese's new Microelastic technology is elasticity that is woven into the leather, enabling you to maintain the strength and abrasion resistance of leather while providing flexibility and range of motion.
For protection, there is Dainese's proprietary CE rated armor at the shoulders and elbows, and there are pockets in the back for both the Dainese Air Shield and Wave CE rated back protectors. Inside, there is a removable thermal liner for the colder months which can be removed, and two open/close chest intake vents to flow some air in warmer times of the year. Adjustments are found at the neck and waist, and there is a full 360º zip to connect this jacket to pair a Dainese leather pants. There are two standard handwarmer pockets on the outside, a pocket on the thermal liner, and an inner liner pocket. The inner liner features Dainese's sanitized treatment to keep the funk out of this jacket in the long term.
Clean lines, classic style, and protection worthy of one of the leading motorcycle gear brands define the brand new Dainese R-Twin. It is an excellent new addition to the Dainese lineup, standing next to the rest of their vintage-inspired city leathers.
Fresh for 2012, we have the Dainese SSC Bravo D-WP Shoes. A stylish, formfitting pair of shoes from Dainese that can be worn on or off the bike all year round. Fit for the casual rider who's looking for something that will have some protection, but doesn't scream motorcycle shoe.
Let's dive into the construction and make up of the Bravo shoes. Designed to surround and fit your foot like a sock, the shoes use a deconstructed upper in soft leather and inserts in elasticated fabric. The shoe is made up of cowhide leather around most of it. Dainese uses their Second Skin Concept (SSC) which was originally developed for their race suits that uses a stretch material to bond to the outer shell of the shoe giving it a little added protection as the different materials blend together. It comes with a non-slip rubber sole developed by the third party company Sky Walk. The sole is pretty flexible and allows for easy handling while riding on a bike. Some other great features to this shoe is how it's completely waterproof, comes with a zip lace system that is covered by a Velcro cover flap to prevent strings getting caught in any part of the motorcycle, and the reflective inserts that will be discreet off the bike, but light up bright when hit with some headlights while riding at night.
The Dainese SSC Bravo D-WP Riding Shoes were designed to be used in a rider's daily life and combine innovative style and function that results in a comfortable and high-performing shoe.
Make sure to check out all our other comparable choices in our Motorcycle Riding Shoes section!
Fresh for 2012 we have the new Dainese Dyno Pro Shoes. A step above the Dainese Dyno Shoes, you'll see the investment Dainese really put into this upgrade. Dainese has a ton of shoes under their belt, but the Dyno Pro have to be one of the most technical riding shoes they've yet to release. Designed using elements derived from Dainese racing boots, the progressive technology used in these shorter riding shoes will be perfect whether you're riding down a winding mountain road or ripping your bike around town.
Starting off with protection, you are getting a lot of bang out of your buck. This is where the Dyno Pro really outshines the original Dyno shoes. The Pro comes equipped with stainless steel hard parts that surround your ankle on strategic areas as well as a stainless steel slider along the front of the shoe at the toe. The Dyno Pros include a setscrew wrench which enables you to replace the steel toe slider. Although this is a shorter riding shoe, you're going to get a lot of protection up along your ankle towards your leg. Some other protective qualities the Pro comes equipped with are a TPU heel counter, a nylon heel, and a nylon toe. The exterior of the shoe is crafted out of Lorica, an artificial leather that's a lot tougher than traditional cowhide leather. Reflective inserts also line the shoe for visibility in night time riding. You really are getting a full circumference of protection with this shoe.
The inside is crafted out of a double jersey air gap liner which means you're getting comfort and temperature control that won't let your feet overheat. The Dyno Pros are also equipped with a speed lacing system that tucks the laces behind the big padded front of the shoe. This makes tightening the laces very convenient and will make sure they won't get caught up on any part of the motorcycle. The Dyno Pros utilize a race-derived non-slip sole that provides a great deal of technicality thanks to its differentiated design.
Overall the Dainese Dyno Pro Shoe is for the sport rider who doesn't want a full height riding boot, but still wants total foot protection in an aggressive sport style. Offered in 4 color options and sizes ranging from 39-47 (Euro). Be sure to check out our other comparable choices in our Motorcycle Riding Shoes section. Update: These have been replaced by the Dainese Dyno Pro C2B Shoes. Check out the updated video review below! Dainese Dyno Pro C2B Shoes Review:
Fresh for 2012 is the brand new Speed and Strength SS1500 Helmet. Built with several features that rival every comparably priced helmet out there and five different graphics to match a wide varieties of riders, the SS1500 is hard to ignore. Check out our Speed and Strength SS1500 Helmet Review:
The shell is composed of Advanced Thermo-Poly Alloy and exceeds the DOT and ECE 22-05 standards. It's going to be able to withstand some tough falls while keeping the rider safe and sound. Looking at the guts, you'll notice right off the bat that the SS1500 uses a ratchet system on the chin strap. This makes for easy removal by simply pulling on the red tab which releases the lock which you can do one handed while still wearing your riding gloves.
The inner cheek pads are composed of a Coolmax® moisture-wicking liner which helps pulls sweat away from the rider's face and feels good against the skin. They are completely removable and washable. If you're out on the road and you notice they're starting to get a little funky, simply stop at a gas station, run them under some water, and after a few quick minutes drying in the sun you'll be ready to go. A nice touch Speed and Strength added to the cheek pads is the "Pump-It" System that allows riders to easily pump in air to their cheek pads creating a snug, custom fit to contort to their needs by simply pressing a button on the inner front of the helmet. A release valve makes deflation a cinch.
The helmet interior is pretty basic but effective. There are two chimney vents to help flow air through and out the helmet using the Airstrike ventilation system. Another great aspect to this helmet though is the DVD (Drop Visor Design). There is a built in sun visor that comes down all the way across the rider's face to aid with sun glare during rides on sunny days. The visor has a fog free coating and is scratch proof. The chin guard also flows air up and across the visor adding extra fog resistance.
Well under the $200 price point, the Speed and Strength SS1500 helmet is hard to match. You're getting several great features and the ability to custom fit it to your face. The SS1500 has an intermediate oval head shape, comes in sizes XS to XL, and has five distinct designs, representing a little something for every sport rider out there. Check out all the great designs and color options each helmet presents!
Be sure to check out other comparable choices in our Motorcycle Helmets.
Brand new for 2012 is the Spidi Marathon H2OUT Jacket and Pant Combination from the designers over at Spidi. Created to handle the most intense and extreme conditions, this outfit can withstand temperatures ranging from -22°F (-30°C) to 122°F (+50°C). Crafted to keep the most extreme and adventurous riders comfortable for journeys all over the world.
Starting off with the Marathon H2OUT Jacket, it comes in three colors including Black/Ice, Black/Orange, and Black/Red/Blue and is available in sizes ranging from MD to 3XL. The jacket is composed of three layers and you'll notice right away the Tenax Polyamide outer shell which is extremely strong and abrasion resistant. For added comfort, there are several areas of Tenax Flex so it can contort and stretch with the rider in any position. One of the unique things about this jacket is the amount of breathability it allows the rider to have even though it is a four season jacket. Built with a perforated mesh lining and dynamic air intakes on the sleeves, shoulders, and rear allow for air to flow throughout and keep the rider cool when needed. The outer shell also comes equipped with five external pockets (including two waterproof), a rear pocket for using a Hydroback hydrating system, and reflective zones for visibility while riding at night. This jacket does come with CE-approved Force-Tech armor on the shoulders and elbows. Spidi's optional Warrior Evo back protector or Warrior back and chest protector will also work in this jacket, but would have to be purchased separately.
The second layer is a waterproof, breathable H2OUT jacket, with a high collar for added protection against whatever the road or weather may throw at you. This layer is completely removable and is able to be worn as its own independent, windbreaker jacket. The third layer is an insulated lining composed of aluminized fabric and thermal insulation that uses body heat to create an extremely warm inner layer that's able to battle the coldest elements. Check out our Spidi Marathon H2OUT Pants Review:
Now that we've covered the jacket, let's dive into the Spidi Marathon H2OUT Pants. Durable for all weather conditions and even though they're built to perfectly match the Marathon H2OUT jacket, these pants work awesome as stand-alone touring apparel. You'll notice the outer shell is built out of the same 220g Tenax Polyamide as the jacket, and also comes with Tenax Flex stretch fabric for above and behind the knees. The knee protectors are height-adjustable and can be removed depending on what you need. There are large reflective areas around the calves for visibility during night driving. There is removable waterproof, breathable H2OUT membrane and the main shell has a cool mesh lining in addition to dynamic air intakes for ventilation. These pants will keep you cool and dry or warm and comfortable in any weather scenario. To wrap it all up, Spidi has delivered a stylish, four season outfit that will work for any extreme motorcyclists anywhere around the world. Be sure to check out what else Spidi has to offer in our Spidi section at RevZilla.com.
Brand new for 2012, Schuberth has released their full face version of the extraordinarily popular C3 Modular Helmet. The brand new Schuberth S2 Helmet boasts many of the same qualities as the C3, including very low noise levels and excellent stability and balance, but is designed as an ideal choice for nearly every single riding application that doesn't involve the racetrack. Designed and priced as a super premium lid for the most sophisticated riders, the Schuberth S2 is going to be an absolute monster in 2012.
The Schuberth S2 Helmet utilizes a triple matrix shell consisting of fiberglass that is compressed in high heat settings under extreme amounts of pressure. A resin proprietary to Schuberth is added to the helmet shell in a vacuum for additional strength. Inside, the multi-density EPS liner is built for optimal shock and impact absorption. An additional safety feature is Schuberth's patented AROS (Anti-Roll-Off System) first seen in the C3. The AROS acts in a few ways to protect the rider in the event of a get-off scenario. The helmet can not rotate off the head from behind, there is a smaller angle of contact between the bottom of the helmet and the neck/chin of the rider, and it prevents trauma to the chest. The S2 Helmet is DOT and ECE certified.
Safety aside, let's get into the niceties of the S2 that may make it right for your application. First off, the quiet on this helmet is very close to meeting the 84dB of noise found in the C3. Since this is a full face helmet, the opening has to be a bit wider to get your head into it, whereas the C3 can be more snug given the fact that the chinbar flips down. In doing so, you only sacrifice 1dB of wind noise and the S2 measures in at 85dB of sound at 65mph. Pretty doggone quiet! The neck roll is fully encompassing to assist in sealing out wind noise and can be completely replaced by the SRCS Bluetooth system, which while be available in roughly six months and seamlessly integrates with the S2 as the SRC system did with the C3.
This brings us to the SRCS system, which Schuberth has developed in conjunction with Cardo, and may be one of the most attractive features of the new S2 Helmet. There are two antennas built into the shell for full band FM and bluetooth reception, and the S2 is the first helmet that ever comes pre-wired with a stunning 31 inches of dual band antenna. The result is reception that is comparable to being in an automobile. Also, you'll now have more than double the range of the C3's SRC system as it goes from 300 meters to 700 meters. Another key feature of the SRCS is that, since it is manufactured by Cardo, it is fully compatible with any other Cardo bluetooth units, including the SRC native to the C3. Big upgrades here.
At the bottom of the helmet, Schuberth has introduced their Full Circumference Down Force Spoiler, which wraps from the front chin and around to the back. This spoiler manages down force by essentially allowing the helmet to cut through the air and deflect up and over the helmet rather than under. Were this air to creep under, you'd experience significant buffeting and turbulence. The aerodynamics are aided further by the turbulators at the top of the shield that enable the helmet to further cut through the air and thereby move through it more easily. The shield of the S2 is the exact same as the C3, as it comes with posts for a Pinlock system and utilizes the same super simple on and off mechanism.
The Schuberth S2 also borrows the retractable internal sun visor used by the C3. Schuberth invented the first drop-down sun visor in the late 1980s, and has continued to iterate and improve it since. The visor uses a push/pull system with small cables that raise and lower it. We've found this in the C3 to be one of the better sun visor retraction mechanisms on the market and they don't seem to wear out over time. The inner visor is coated with an anti-scratch treatment but not anti-fog, as Schuberth found that their new ventilation scheme eliminates the possibility of the visor fogging. This brings us to what Schuberth has done with the ventilation of the S2.
The top intake vent on the S2 is identical to the top vent of the C3, but this helmet now features two exhaust vents built into the spoiler at the rear that were not seen in the C3. Inside, the vent channels in the EPS are cut in deeper than the exhaust vents themselves so air goes down and comes back up to create a vortex of airflow that creates more ventilation than the C3. The S2 moves 10 liters of air through the helmet while the C3 only moves roughly 7. The front chin vent uses a basic open/close mechanism and is designed more to balance CO2 within the helmet and help with the anti-fog properties.
Moving inside the helmet, all of the materials are made of Thermo-Cool from CoolMax® which is antibacterial, moisture-wicking and allergen free. The 3D nature of helmet liner is what Schuberth refers to as skeletonized and allows air to flow to the head. Everything inside, cheek pads and liner, is completely removable and washable; Schuberth says they can be machine-washed but must be air-dried. The crown liner replaces the C3's rubber flaps with streamlined "cat ears" that can be flipped up to close off the vents in cold weather or folded down to flow air in the hot weather. The closure is the same micro lock retention system seen in the C3 but now it is adjustable on both sides, so if you prefer it at the left or right of your chin, you can act as you please.
Lastly, the fit has been updated over the C3. While it shares the general "Schuberth shape," the S2 is much more accommodating for riders with longer oval head shapes. An additional improvement over the C3 is crown liner in the forehead area, which now features thicker memory-esque foam and a trimmed down seam that prevents the pressure point in the forehead about which so many C3 riders complained. The visor of the S2 also has a few detents, including a city setting that enables you to crack the faceshield slightly when cruising at low speeds. The shield also touts an Optical Class Clarity of 1, which is the highest possible rating.
The Schuberth S2 certainly features a ton of high-end technicalities that we were so pleased with in the C3. They have also addressed some minor issues that riders had complaints about on the C3. The result is one of the most super premium road riding helmets on the market today, suitable for any style of motorcycling. All Schuberth helmets are completely designed and manufactured in Germany by a small handful of elite Schuberth helmet specialists, and face a multitude of human checkpoints along the production process to ensure the highest possible standards of quality. We think Schuberth has delivered another winner. Be sure to compare against other super premium motorcycle helmets before making a final decision.
Fresh for 2012, we have the AGV Diesel Hi-Jack Helmet. A collaboration piece between the legendary Italian Jeans company, Diesel, and the engineers over at AGV, this is one open face helmet that screams style.
First off, let's talk about style. Built for intermediate oval head shapes, the Hi-Jack Helmet comes in five different color options giving you more of a choice to find the helmet that perfectly matches your style. Personally I'm a big fan of the white with stripes option and the helmet's aeronautic design with its distinct curve at the sides. The designers at Diesel really helped craft an open face that has its own unique, cafe rider feel. The helicopter pilot style, lightweight, fiberglass shell gives off an awesome shine that will have riders feeling confident as they go for a ride every time.
Looking at the guts, you'll notice before even getting into the helmet that it uses a quick release buckle that allows riders the ability to take it on and off with one hand while still wearing a glove. The helmet is equipped with a concealable visor that is offered in a variety of different tints that lets the helmet adapt to each rider's specific need. The internal padding is constructed out of Dri-Lex fabric that helps pull sweat away and feels nice against the skin. The liners are completely removable and washable. You'll notice the Diesel branding all over the 3D internal comfort liner that wraps around the top of your head. This liner is weaved to help flow some air through the helmet, but because this is an open face there are no vent holes.
So if you're looking for an original and unconventional helmet that won't go unnoticed, the AGV Diesel Hi-Jack may just be the choice for you! Easily one of the most attractive open face helmets currently on the market, this puppy screams fashion and gives its rider a unique look.
Be sure to check out some comparable choices in our Open Face Helmets section.
The Cardo Scala Rider G9 is the latest addition to the Cardo family that includes significant updates from its predecessor the G4. One of the most innovative bluetooth communicators out there for motorcyclists, the G9 utilizes advanced technology that really packs a punch with all its great features. Check out our Cardo Scala Rider G9 Review:
Starting off with the construction of the device itself, you'll notice right off the bat the larger buttons on the console which provide for easier navigation while wearing gloves. This is a big advantage to those that want to have convenience while riding and don't feel like fiddling with their gloves as they try to talk to their moms or set up music. Another great thing about the design of the Cardo G9 is that it comes with two microphone options. You can use a boom microphone that wraps easily under and into the helmet or you can simply set up a wired low-profile microphone directly on your helmet if you're going to be using it over and over again.
Now let's go into some of the technical features of the G9. The system allows for up to nine people at once to be paired together. This is great for those of you riding in larger packs, but the system only allows for up to four riders to be able to talk at once in conference mode. It comes with a solid talk time of 13 hours and a standby time of a week just like the G4. The G9 is also capable of making mobile phone conference calls that allows the caller and both the rider and passenger to talk. The pairing system is really a breeze because it uses flash technology where you simply bump or touch the devices together and they automatically sync to one another. One of the more interesting features I found was the ability to find other G9 users and set up social groups based on a location or riding group through the social networking options.
Riders should be aware that the G9 system does come with all the great features of the G4 system, and if you currently own a G4 you can upgrade your current system to match the G9. Some of the features of the new G9 include A2DP and Mp3 connectivity for stereo music, a built in FM radio with RDS smart scan, a noise cancelling microphone for clear conversations, a weather and dust resistant design providing ultimate functionality, a range of up to 1.6km in normal terrain, and upgradeable firmware for any system updates Cardo may put out in the future.
In the end, if you're looking for a good, large or small group bluetooth communicator the G9 will cover all your needs and deliver much more. The makers at Cardo keep updating their systems and each time we like the improvements we've seen and can honestly say you won't be disappointed with this investment.
The Interphone F5 Bluetooth 3.0 Intercom is the latest addition to the Interphone family and delivers a powerful package in comparison to its predecessor and competitors. What you're going to get is an Intercom system that provides great coverage and compatibility with a wide range of other Bluetooth devices.
Designed to be used for motorcyclists who like to travel in either pairs or groups, the F5 provides excellent conference communication for over 6 users. A great selling point to the F5 is its compatibility with other devices. You'll be able to link up with other Interphone F5 users, your cell phone, a GPS Bluetooth navigator, stereo music through the FM radio, and IPods or other MP3 players thanks to the 3.5 mm jack hook up. A nice feature to the radio is that it will automatically mute when a phone call is received giving the rider the ability to listen to music, but still be in touch with the outside world while riding. You're also going to be able to save up to 8 stations in the F5's memory for easy access to all your favorite music.
The range for the intercom system is going to change depending on how many riders you have at once. With a full conference of 6 riders on 6 different motorcycles you'll have up to 1.49 miles of communication, but with only two riders in conference mode you're restricted to a little less than a mile. (At the bottom is a detailed chart that goes over the range of communication per rider.)
The F5 has Voice-Activated commands when using your mobile phone functions which enables you to call, answer, or reject without having to hassle with any buttons while on the move. This provides a lot of convenience for any rider who wants to have complete hands-free control over their communication system.
Some other key features to the F5 are the Bluetooth 3.0, it's installable on any helmet, includes software that can be updated through a computer as Interphone releases them in the future, and provides 11 hours of talk time with a standby time that lasts over 700 hours! The F5 itself only takes about three hours to charge completely and comes with a chargeable lithium battery and battery charger.
Available for sale as a Single Unit or a Twin Pack, the Interphone F5 offers a lot to riders looking for the best communication system.
The e-Tint AX-10 & e-Tint MX-8 Tint Faceshield Inserts both offer great protection while riding from the glaring sun. Developed by the Air Force for use on Fighter Pilot Visors these LCD visor inserts are the world's first motorcycle insert that allows for electronic tint on demand. The difference between the two models is that the MX-8 is all manual, but for a little more the AX-10 comes with the ability to automatically adjust on and off with changing light scenarios.
The Tint system comes with 15 through 20 hours of usage time. You're only using power when the Tint is on and once the charge is used up the visor comes with a fail-safe that will revert it to the clear vision as opposed to leaving the tint up. This we found to be more ideal because you wouldn't want to be caught in a situation where your visor died in tinted mode near night time.
Diving into some of the construction and design of the e-Tint Inserts, you'll see that it is a two person installation. You're working with a thin LCD screen that will stick to your visor, but you have to be careful because any crinkle can damage the screen, but once it's on you're ready to rock and roll. The UV Protection is going to cut down on the sun's harsh glare and makes riding on a sunny day a breeze. The lithium battery is rechargeable through USB which it comes with. The system really couldn't be easier to operate. Simply click the one rubber button to turn the tint on or off. If you have the AX-10, you can just switch to the auto and let the visor take over for you.
Something riders should be aware of though is that this system will not work in all helmets. The MX-8 is not compatible specifically with the Arai, HJC RPS-10, and Shark Evoline helmets. The AX-10 is not compatible with the HJC RPS-10 or Shark Evoline, but you can order the AX-10 Arai for Arai helmets and the AX-10 Universal for all others. The HJC RPS-10 and Shark Evoline both use anti-fog coatings on their visors that actually reacts with the sticky side of the e-Tint making it unable to adhere to the helmet.
A thing to note about the AX-10's auto feature is that our riders did notice that it was a little sensitive and if you're riding through an area where sunlight is broken up such as through a forest or city the flickering of the tint turning on and off can become a bit distracting. If this happens, it's easily corrected by simply turning it to manual and either leaving it on or off as you see best.
When it comes down to it, the e-Tint AX-10 & e-Tint MX-8 Tint Faceshield Inserts are very impressive and offer a solution to riders who don't feel like dealing with sunglasses or multiple visors. It's a purchase you'll find convenient every time you climb on your bike and the sun is glaring down on you.
At first glance, the Dainese R-Twin flaunts a style popularized decades ago that we've recently seen make its way back in the motorcycle world. What you won't see at first glance is all of the motorcycle functionality we've come to expect from Dainese. It's certainly there, but it's done in a subtle manner that doesn't take anything away from the R-Twin's aesthetic appeal. Beyond the premium vintage cowhide leather used in the construction, you'll see S1 stretch panels along the inner arm for flexibility and airflow, in addition to microelastic inserts at the shoulder blades. Dainese's new Microelastic technology is elasticity that is woven into the leather, enabling you to maintain the strength and abrasion resistance of leather while providing flexibility and range of motion.
For protection, there is Dainese's proprietary CE rated armor at the shoulders and elbows, and there are pockets in the back for both the Dainese Air Shield and Wave CE rated back protectors. Inside, there is a removable thermal liner for the colder months which can be removed, and two open/close chest intake vents to flow some air in warmer times of the year. Adjustments are found at the neck and waist, and there is a full 360º zip to connect this jacket to pair a Dainese leather pants. There are two standard handwarmer pockets on the outside, a pocket on the thermal liner, and an inner liner pocket. The inner liner features Dainese's sanitized treatment to keep the funk out of this jacket in the long term.
