REV’IT! offers its Dominator GTX suit as year-round, round-the-world riding gear—a lofty aspiration! How fully do theyachieve this design goal?

REV’IT! chose three-layered GORE-TEX Pro fabric with 600-Denier nylon for the outer shells. The inner layers are GORE-TEX permanently bonded to the outer fabric—no separate liner is required when skies turn gray.A big advantage is that ventilation ports allow cooling air to pass without obstruction from a separate liner. The jacket features 10 zipper-accessed ventilation ports, each closure protected by rain gutters, ensuring waterproof integrity.

The large upper chest vent flaps may be unzipped and fastened open by means of powerful rare-earth magnets—easy even with a gloved hand—and two lower chest vents double as zippered pockets. I tested the system in 95°F city traffic and although the jacket clearly was no mesh garment, the vents suppled considerable relief, especially with forward motion.

Ever ride in heavy rain with water running up your jacket sleeve? The Dominator GTX jacket counters with removable “monkey paws” zippered into the sleeve linings at the cuffs to seal out the elements.

State-of-the-art SEEFLEX CE-2 panels conform to and protect the back, hips, shoulders, elbows and knees with ventilated, energy-absorbing construction. Other exotic materials enhance outer shell protection, notably three-layer GORE-TEX Talisman Pro on the shoulders, elbow-forearm area and knees. This textile incorporates a super ceramic fiber that’s said to minimize tumbling and subsequent injuries in the event of a crash. Additional upper shoulder and arm areas utilize GORE-TEX Armacore Pro, contributing to regional strength, stability and abrasion resistance. For additional protection, there’s a removable kidney belt that’s attached to the back protector pocket which stabilizes it when fastened to the rider’s waist. And the underarms and inside pant knee folds are covered with stretchy PWR Kevlar for flexibility and strength.

Various straps, belts and Velcro strips are deployable for shoring up the sizing and fitting. Good old fashioned leather panels between the knees and beneath the thighs provide thermal protection as well as a little extra grip against the tank and seat. And, a comfortable neoprene collar with a five-position post-and-loop fastener effectively seals out the elements. When the collar is open, a hook holds it open, preventing flapping in the breeze.

In addition to the lower front chest vents that double as zippered pockets, a couple of flapped front jacket cargo pockets are fleece-lined for double duty as hand warmers. Across the lower back is a compressible “rabbit pouch.” There’s two zippered interior chest pockets to keep things close and personal, and a ticket or identification card pocket on left cuff. And most intriguing—the jacket conceals a SECRET pocket! The trousers also have two zippered waterproof waist-level pockets, with two large flapped cargo pockets at thigh level.

While the REV’IT! Dominator GTX suit has several well placed reflectors, even greater visibility is available with an accessory high-visibility connector vest.To help keep your core cool, there’s an optional REV’IT! Challenger cooling vest.And the jacket comes ready for the REV’IT! Adventure neck brace for an even higher level of protection.

Clearly, REV’IT! uses exceptionally high quality materials with features favored by adventure riders. The Dominator is elite riding gear designed with track-day protection levels—an ensemble that sets a high bar for adventure riding apparel.
MSRP: Jacket- $1,249 Pants- $899 REVitSport.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Professional impact protection	▼ Pants could use more vents for hot weather riding
▲ Extreme wet weather construction
▲ High-quality materials with meticulous construction

 

Nine hundred dollars for a motorcycle jacket and six hundred for a matching pair of pants is a lot of money, especially for gear that you hope to get wet, dusty, muddy, and at some point possibly (and this is not hoped-for) ground into asphalt or gravel. But, what do you get for this price?

First, the Poseidon combo is the closest thing you’ll find o real four-season motorcycle clothing. True four-season adventure gear is one of those unattainable dreams—like finding Marty McFly’s self-adjusting boots from “Back to the Future” on the shelf at a shoe store.

It’s daunting to make a jacket and pants that can adequately ventilate your body at 97-degree temperatures in stop-and-go traffic, and then keep you warm and dry when you’re riding all day in a cold, torrential rain. This hasn’t stopped REV’IT from trying.

Using Gore-Tex’s newest high-end “3L” (three layer) waterproof/breathable membrane, fused to the inside of the 600D outer shell of the garments, with an inner bonded t extile liner next to your skin, water is effectively stopped before it can get to the inner liner, with no separate liner to trap water. In addition, the mix of two- and three-layer Gore-Tex, with the placement of Gore-Tex stretch fabric where necessary, adds up to a jacket and pants that are comfortable and not stiff.

Gore-Tex backs up their membrane technology with a lifetime warranty against leakage. The waterproofing pa t isn’t usually the issue—even $20 rain suits are 100% waterproof—it’s the ventilation (or lack of it) that can turn a waterproof jacket into your personal sauna. Gore-Tex is breathable, in addition to being impermeable to water, and REV’IT has made this gear even more breathable by adding seven vents to the jacket, with four vents alone just on the arms, and an exhaust vent on the back.

The large chest and pants vents are not mere vents, but VCS “Variable Climate System Aquadefense” vents. These watertight vents are the highlight of the system, using zippered flaps with powerful magnetic (REV’IT warns you to not wear this jacket if you use a cardiac pacemaker as the magnets might affect it) “FidLock” snaps. You can literally unzip the flaps while iding, fold them up, and just by positioning the magnet near the metal docking point, they’re held wide open—even your fumble fingered correspondent could accomplish this.

And the chest vents work. Riding in my trademark clumsy flop- sweat riding style on a demanding length of single-track trail on a warm day, I noticed I was starting to heat up, so I opened up the chest, arm, and leg vents, and continued riding. Even at low speeds I could feel cool air entering the chest vents. The four arm vents don’t stay wide-open when unzipped, so I can’t vouch for how much ventilation they actually allow, but the chest and leg vents work—no question.

I was basking in this new technology at a rest stop off the trail when a woman in my riding group said, “Those vents look like maternity nursing flap .” “Do not!” I protested. “Actually, they do,” said another woman. “This conversation is making me very uncomfortable.” I said. “They’re VCS vents, and they’re magnificent. Now, can we change the subject?”

Another feature of this jacket and pants system is excellent protection. The jacket and pants are supplied with CE-2 rated Seesoft elbow, shoulder, and knee guards. This unique material is soft and pliable, but during an impact the foam instantly stiffens, giving more protection.

Unfortunately, all you get for spine protection is a non-CE rated foam pad with the option to purchase an optional REV’IT Seesoft CE-2 spine protector ($49.99). For a jacket at this price point, an adequate spine protector should be included.

“Superfabric” coating (five times more abrasion-resistant than Kevlar) on the elbows, shoulders, and knees provides additional protection from road contact. The two front pockets of the jacket are fully waterproof, as is the rear. Although there are internal chest pockets in both the jacket and the thermal liner, I missed having an easily accessed vertical zip pocket on the front placket—I also missed a two-way main zipper.

Ample reflective material on the chest, back, shoulders, and lower legs keep you visible at night, and the waist straps and the straps on the arms of the jacket are infinitely adjustable versus the usual one or two positions dictated by conventional snaps. The Poseidon jacket also accepts the $50 REV’IT Challenger cooling vest(reviewed by Sr. Editor Paul Smith in the January/February issue).

The pants use the same ventilation technology as the jacket, with VCS vents on the legs. One great feature is the adjustable vertical positioning of the knee guards, and the common problem of knee protection floating around and shifting is cleverly and simply addressed by easily operated external straps that secure the guards.

Zippered leg closures let you easily adjust the pants over whatever style of boot you are wearing. Curiously, while pants are available in tall sizes, the jacket is not. MSRP: Serious price, serious gear. Jacket: $899.99/Pants: $629.99. RevIt.com 

PROS

▲ The closest thing to a real four season jacket that you'll find

▲ Waterproof

▲ Great ventilation, main vents adjustable while riding

▲ Knee protection adjustable and securable with external straps

CONS

▼ No real CE back armor at this price

▼ Tall size pants but no tall size jacket

▼ No two-way zipper

 

 

REV’IT! is looking for two riders to join its US Women’s Adventure Team in 2019. The search is open to woman adventure riders of any age and experience level residing in the continental United States, with the ability to share their gear experiences and a desire to expand female ridership in the ADV community. Interested applicants can visit www.revitsport.com to apply now through March 13, 2019.

Since 2017, REV’IT! Women’s Team members have played an integral role in product testing and brand representation in the ADV community, each through her own interpretation of “adventure riding”—whether that’s rugged, long-distance journeys to backwoods trail rides. The team underscores the brand’s commitment to the growing population of female motorcyclists, and works to highlight women’s contributions to the riding community, specifically the adventure segment.

“The REV’IT! Women’s ADV team has connected me with so many female riders across the country,” says Amelia Kamrad, who has been on the team since its inaugural year. “I now have a network of amazing women around the country advancing female participation in this sport, and helping to cheer each other on.”

Kamrad will return to the REV’IT! women’s team for the 2019 season alongside Erika Bean and Jenna West, for a team total of five (including the two new members). They will continue to represent REV’IT! at events across the country participate in its product testing program, one which has already yielded feedback to be incorporated into future REV’IT! women’s gear.

Erika Bean calls the team a vehicle for empowerment. “I have gained confidence not just as a rider, but as a female rider in a male dominated sport. Our team presence at rallies and events has contributed to a larger overall shift in attitude: Women are being acknowledged and accepted as adventure riders, too. I encourage all women riders with a passion for motorcycles and adventure to join us in the movement.”

Applications for the REV’IT! women’s team are open to residents of the continental United States identifying as women, now through March 13, 2019 at www.revitsport.com. For news and updates on the REV’IT! Women’s ADV team, follow along on the brand social channels, @revitadventure, #revitwomensteam and facebook.com/revit.

The Dutch company, REV’IT!, is a respected leader in adventure riding clothing. Their large assortment of designs covers a broad range of riding needs and styles specific to our genre of motorcycling.

Think of the Sand 2 jacket and pants system as a niche within a niche. Minus the double waterproof and thermo liners, it’s a remarkably lightweight and comfortable design that’s particularly well suited for desert riding. With various combinations of the liners, it can get you through three seasons. However, design sacrifices were understandably made to keep it lightweight and cool. The suit comes with minimal (but upgradeable) armor, and the outer textile shell is not waterproof or as abrasion-resistant as, say, GORE-TEX®. That said, those who’ve ridden 120°F plus deserts, or extensively in the world’s equatorial regions, will appreciate that a compromise is necessary. Full-on armor is just too heavy and hot to wear in these sweltering environments—a huge problem for most riders.

Prior to this review, I used the Sand 2 suit for about six months, getting to know it pretty well. From Death Valley, to north of Lake Superior, to the mountainous forest regions of Idaho, I lived in the suit for several weeks at a time, field-testing it in multiple climates and environments from late winter to mid-summer months. If the suit has an Achilles’ heel, it surfaces in heavy rains. While it does have a removable waterproof liner, the jacket itself soaks up the pissing skies and can take a day or more to dry out. In moderate rain showers it wicks away quickly after the skies clear and you ride on. But, in torrential fallouts, it’s a problem. As a result, I resorted to a Tour Master Defender (TourMaster.com) rain shell to stay dry. For all other situations, the suit was great, and especially appreciated across the scorching summer days, no matter where I was on the continent.

Speaking of which, I was absolutely blown away by the REV’IT! Challenger Cooling Vestwhich comes separately. This is something you have to try to believe. Essentially it’s a quilted sponge-like vest that attaches to the inside of the jacket’s shell. Soak it in water, then as you ride the wicking effect keeps your core cool—as in remarkably cooler than the outside temps—for hours! And, as the vest’s inner side is waterproof, you’re never wet, per se. When the vest is dry, it functions as another thermal layer. An ingeniously simple idea that I’d like to see on every riding jacket. RevitUSA.com

The Sand 2 jacket is actually part of a system that includes these optional add-ons:

Leatt® or MOVEO® neck brace ready, with the addition of a connection kit for seamless integration.

Hi-Viz Connector Vest for increased visibility when you want it, easily stows when not needed.

Sizes: Small to 4X-large/five color options

MSRP: $499.99 (jacket) $329.99 (pants)

PROS	CONS
▲ Lightweight	▼ Armor is marginal
▲ Excellent cooling, ideal for hot climates	▼ Outer shell not waterproof
▲ Comfortable fit	▼ Pants do not have loewr leg heat shields
▲ Very visable due to color coding and reflective patches

 Where to Buy:

Jacket:	Pants:

 

 

 

 

In the world of gloves, one size doesn’t necessary fill all. Although there are riders who’ll wear just about anything, if you’re like me, choosing a new pair can sometimes be a task. These days, with glove technology so advanced, it’s surprising that so many could be so uncomfortable.

Welcome to the Rev’It! Sand Pro Glove—my new favorite. These gloves don’t stop with their rugged off-road looks—the palm surfaces are constructed of goat skin for durability and sensitivity, while a hexagon-shaped injected flex knuckle is not only protective, it vents a huge amount of air to the top of your hands, keeping them cool in the summer heat. And, the upper section is both fully stretchable and breathable, making these some of the best venting gloves I’ve tried this hot season.

If you’re looking for a glove that stays true to that “Adventure” look, while still offering protection and comfort when it’s toasty outside, look no further. MSRP: $119.99 RevItUSA.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Lightweight and comfortable	▼ Price may be a factor for some
▲ Mega airflow
▲ Off road rugged looks

 

REV’IT! describes the Neptune GTX as the answer to a true multi-purpose suit. When offered the opportunity to wear and compare it to their ladies’ Sand suit [ADVMoto May 2015 edition], I was excited to see what REV’IT! had to offer.

One thing that makes REV’IT! suits stand out is that they’re designed by women, and the resulting product successfully straddles the delicate balance between functionality and fit. The pants form nicely to my figure, which is a rare thing in the motorcycling world. Not only do they fit and look good, they’re as comfortable on the bike as they are walking around. They don’t even have that swishing sound so common with riding pants. The three-layer construction allows me to easily mix and match according to the weather. The outer shell has a Teflon coating and is quite water-resistant, with small but effective ventilation zippers for those very hot days. The removable GORE-TEX liner is waterproof and breathable, and its PacLite Technology prevents sticking to the legs in high humidity environments. A removable thermal liner provides extra weather protection without adding bulk, which is one of REV’IT!’s most noteworthy design strengths.



The Neptune jacket is extremely comfortable, yet fits my form beautifully without loose areas, adjusting to varying temperatures and humidity with ease. REV’IT! has redesigned its removable GORE-TEX inner jacket so it can be worn independently from the outer jacket—a great touch that helps save space in the gear bag by not needing to pack an extra jacket. And there’s very little added bulk or restriction of movement when wearing both the thermal and waterproof layers.

The suit comes in two fitting options: Regular and Touring, with the Regular jacket noticeably short for long-torso women. It also does not come with a back protector. However, for $50 the REV’IT! Seesoft insert provides the same CE-2 protection and comfort to match the rest of the suit.

The number one thing I’d like to see are more usable pockets. REV’IT! has redesigned the external pockets to be top-access only for both jacket and pants. This does prevent accidental spilling of contents, but doesn’t allow me to walk with my hands in my pockets and makes it nearly impossible to access pockets while riding. The Neptune jacket has two snapped front pockets that are sized for a small wallet or a flip phone. The jacket does have an internal zipped pocket and two internal Velcro pockets for larger items, as well as the large horizontal lower back pocket.



Neptune pants have two slit pockets that are located exactly where the hip bends, providing a good place to keep cash or other soft items.

Overall, the REV’IT! Neptune is a truly appealing suit for the woman who rides in a variety of terrain and conditions, but also wants to stay comfortable when walking around town. It’s breathable, moves comfortably when riding off road, and stays cool during long, hot, on-road stretches on both my upright dual-sport and my forward-cant sport-touring bike. The REV’IT! suit still dominates over all other suits I’ve worn and remains my go-to suit for maximum versatility, comfort, and protection. MSRP: $570 (jacket) | $450 (pants) RevItSport.com

PROS	CONS
▲ A true four-season suit	▼ No excuse to buy any other riding gear
▲ Flexistrap allows for extensive adjustability on waist, arms, and back	▼ Small pockets
▲ Slim look and features	▼ Short in waist length for long-torso women
▲ Premium products effectively keep the rider warm, cool and dry	▼ Does not come with a back protector
▲ Comes in black	▼ Only comes in black

 

After the success of AGV’s AX8 off-road helmet and the growth of the dual-sport market, along came the AX8-Dual. AGV then improved on key features found in the AX8-Dual, making the AX8-Dual Evo one of the finest dual-sport helmets on the market. It’s comfortable and quiet, and the lightweight design gives both the Arai XD and Shoei Hornet DS series a run for their money.

The shell is constructed of a fiberglass-Kevlar-carbon material, making this one of the lightest helmets on the dual-sport market at 1,514 grams. To compare, the Arai XD4 weighs in at 1,642g and the Shoei Hornet comes in a little closer at 1,542g. Don’t let the light weight fool you, though. It’s DOT and ECE 22.05 approved so you’re not sacrificing safety when you wear this helmet.

Unlike most helmets on the market today, the Dual Evo has a “slight narrow” fit. This allows a wider variety of people to comfortably wear the helmet. That being said, those who have a n exaggerated “round” or “long oval” head shape may find the fit uncomfortable.

This helmet’s Integrated Ventilation System (IVS) is top notch, with a wide channel hollowed directly in the shell, improving airflow throughout. And believe me, there’s plenty of air flow with five air vents on the front, two adjacent air intakes, and two rear extractors.

The vent sliders have a very solid feel and are easy to operate with gloves. As ventilated as the Dual Evo is, it’s relatively quiet and warm in cold weather. The chin curtain on this helmet is the best one of any dual-sport helmet to date, keeping wind from blowing up the underside.

The curtain is quick to add and remove; however, it can be easily knocked out of place while riding. The inner liner is composed of a Dry-Lex material that’s completely removable and washable, including the flap on the strap. This liner is also used in the AX8 off-road helmet due to its quick drying ability and comfort.

Aerodynamically, the AX8-Dual Evo is very smooth and creates nearly no “dual-sport lift” or buffeting associated with most peaked helmets. The visor is easily removable and replaceable, and there is a tinted option available.

My only gripe with the visor is that it is hard to open and close. The tab is difficult to use with gloves on, and it requires quite a bit of force to lift (sometimes causing the helmet to lift instead of the visor).

There are three variations to wearing this helmet. For adventure touring and supermoto riding, you will ride with both the peak and visor. For MX and enduro riding, remove the visor to accommodate goggles. The street fighter style removes the peak but leaves the visor.

Overall, this is a quality helmet designed for the dual-sport enthusiast. The styling and comfort is something to brag about with the AX8-Dual Evo. Plus, at 20–30% off the cost of the top-of-the-line helmet brands, this is a more affordable option without sacrificing quality. MSRP: $399.95 Extra tinted shield $69.95 Store.AGV.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Large chin curtain that actually works	▼ Hard to open and close visor
▲ No wind buffeting with the peak	▼ Unable to crack visor slightly to let air in
▲ Lightweight	▼ Breath deflector is hard to keep in place

 

 

When first handed a Signet-Q Pro-Tour helmet for evaluation, I was struck by the appearance—all class, obvious fine fit-and-finish, and quality materials. Let me put that sucker on my head and go riding!

After fondling the headgear for awhile, and manipulating the several intake and exhaust covers, I tried it on—uh-oh, a little SNUG! Although the long oval profile welcomed my so-shaped head, things were a little tight, cheek-wise!

Not a problem; this design has peelable layers of foam on the cheekpads—a little layer peeling here, and—I have a really plausibly wearable helmet! The comfort pad in the crown has peelable temple pads also; I removed them for a little more headroom.

As to protection; not included in the evaluation—I’m NOT a crash test dummy! However, Arai has a convincing strategy and policy in the shock energy management department; I felt comfortable and confident this lid would take care of my noggin in the event of a crash, to the extent of today’s technology and design.

In the mid-30 degree (F.) temperature, with high humidity I rode around some. Surprise: No condensation on the clear face shield! The “Pin Lock” system, of two transparent layers with an air volume between them was doing its job. I even pushed the bike around while on foot for a block or so, huffing and puffing, but . . . my vision remained clear; no fog at all.

Riding down the highway, the “wide-screen” viewing angle was useful, checking for highway signs, other motorists, and obstacles like dead skunks in the middle of the road (was this Skunk Convention month?).

Riding in sunlight and in shadow, the “Pro-Shade” tinted visor system proved its worth. In its upright position, the visor works much like the peak on a moto-cross helmet—the head can be tilted to gain the advantage of some shadow, protecting from bright light, like the setting sun. When rotated downward, the darkened visor protects from harsh lighting and its consequent glare.

The tinted visor leaves enough clear visor surface at the bottom, useful, for example, when entering a tunnel on a sunny day—the severe contrast between bright sunlight and dark tunnel can be accommodated by simply tilting the head upward when entering the hole; when exiting, the shock of intense light can be modulated by moving the head to a more erect riding position, taking advantage of the light-filtering lens.

The ventilation system was tested only BRIEFLY, because—all riding was done in the mid-20 to mid-30 degree (F.) range. This test was adequate (well MORE than adequate!) to demonstrate a dramatic, free-flowing ventilation system, especially if all five intake ports, and all exhaust ports are opened. Not to say summer riding offers air conditioning, but—comfort level should be greatly enhanced, over helmets with less generous air circulation.

The vent openings are positive, and easily controllable, even with gloves on, once some familiarity with their location and function is achieved. On-and-off is easy enough, with a conventional twin D-ring strap fastening system.

The transparent shield snaps down with authority, and seals out drafts and dust effectively. NOTE: When riding, Arai helmets are designed to be worn with the shield DOWN, for maximum structural integrity and crash protection.)

I found road and wind noise considerably quieter than with my usual moto-cross style helmets; the cheekpad design and foam density chosen may account for the attenuation. While I had no Blue Tooth speaker to insert, a cheekpad cavity was waiting for one, when available.

Research from company public information, from both American and European distributors, as well as interviews with Arai Helmet (Americas) executives, provided the following content.

Protection:

Protection remains the driver in motorcycle helmet choice. Arai has this base covered, this square checked, with the Signet-Q Pro-Tour headgear, featuring both DOT and Snell Foundation certification. Arai goes beyond these helmet certification agencies’ requirements, applying Arai’s own test criteria to each helmet produced.

The governmental and institutional tests apply shock impact to one single point of each helmet under test, measuring G-force impact transmitted to the head area. But, Arai asks, how can the singular test impact area of interest of these tests be extrapolated to the actual critical impact zones of real-world incidents?

Where, exactly, might the guardrail, the footpeg, the concrete curb, or whatever obstacle encountered, strike the helmet of a motorcycle rider involved in an accident? Arai, accordingly, expands the test impact area to cover any point within, essentially, the hemispherical zone covering the entire top of the rider’s head.

Arai in-house certification, anvil force drop tests probe the entire upper coverage surface of each helmet design; each impact must transfer less than the allowable G-force to sensors in the head area for product acceptance. DOT, Snell, and ECE (European) certification tests use metal head forms striking flat anvils, measuring force impact but not penetration resistance.

Arai adds tests with pointed anvils to insure structural integrity from impact with angular objects. The Signet-Q Pro-Tour helmet’s rigid outer shell features high-density fiberglass and resin Super CLC (Complex Laminate Construction), with excellent strength-to-weight characteristics enhancing protection. The helmet weighs in at about three pounds.

The “Super” fiberglass of the Signet-Q was originally developed for aerospace and military applications. About the same density as ordinary fiberglass, its extension and bending strength is up to 40 % greater than that of typical fibers.

Helmet shells are hand-laminated (signed by the technician), with two layers of super fiberglass fabric sandwiching a layer of special composite fiber used to facilitate production. The thermally-cured fiberglass-and-resin shell’s exceptional strength combines with structural design to increase rigidity: A “Hyper Ridge” surrounds the head opening, stiffening the helmet with negligible weight increase.

Arai’s approach to managing head energy impact involves a “hard” outer shell, and a “soft” energy-absorbing interior layer. Front, side, and rear areas of the one-piece helmet inner shock-absorbing liners are made of different density materials, depending upon the preferred distribution of impact G-loads to various head regions. The geometry of the human head leads to this optimization of protective inner layer materials and design.

Fit:

Protection notwithstanding, no one enjoys wearing a helmet producing pain and discomfort from improper fit. Besides providing five different shell sizes, Arai approaches comfort fundamentally with custom interior sizing options. Further, the Signet-Q’s shell design is “Long Oval” in profile, an advantage to those with long oval head shapes, including me!

Arai’s “Facial Contour System (FCS)” assures a custom fit for each rider. The removable cheek pads have layers of cushioning, “peelable” if the headgear fits too snugly. Each helmet can be fitted to its wearer with these facial contour cheek pads.

Also, the comfort liner cushioning the crown of the head can be customized by peeling off a layer of cushioning in the temple area, if more head-room is needed. Further, cheek pads are available in different thicknesses, if customization beyond the peelable foam layers is needed.

Interior cheek pads, neck roll, and comfort layer can be removed for cleaning. Orange tabs on the cheek pads inform trained first-responders of access points for removing cheek pads without removing the helmet, if desirable during incident management.

Vision:

The Signet-Q Pro-Tour provides an extraordinarily wide field-of-view. Its SAI (“Super Access”) MAX-Vision shield combines the enhanced field of view of the SAI eye port (with 5mm more peripheral view at each side than previous models), with a full eye port cavity to accept the Pin Lock 100% Max-Vision™ lens for larger anti-fog field of view.

Face shield fogging is minimized by the “Pin Lock” lens system. A second transparent layer lies over the face shield, held in place by screws, trapping an insulating volume of air between the two viewing surfaces. This thermal isolation minimizes fogging, reducing the consequent safety compromise of occluded vision.

The chin vent of the helmet’s ventilation system helps dissipate breath condensation; Another shield fogging countermeasure exists in the “breath deflector,” an impervious strip above the wearer’s upper lip. This barrier deflects breath away from the shield and toward the mouth vent, where moist air can be expelled. This component is easily removable, if desired.

Additionally, the Signet-Q features its “Pro-Shade” system pre-installed, shielding the rider from excessive sunlight brightness. A tinted shield fits over the clear face shield, adjustable upward to a helmet peak position (similar to a “motocross” helmet profile), or downward as a sun visor.

Notches in the Pro-Shade plastics insure the eyebrow vents are clear to air flow, regardless of shield position. Pulled forward and lowered over the transparent shield, the wearer’s eyes are protected from sunlight and glare.

The transparent face shield fits the helmet opening tightly, limiting entry of dust, water, and wind. When the shield is opened, small “sliders” on the helmet lift the shield slightly, preventing scratches from shield/helmet shell contact.

Ventilation:

Five closeable air intakes (chin vent with three-position cover, two brow vents and two top vents) help cool a Signet-Q wearer’s head. Two venturi vents and a closable neck roll vent exhaust air from the rear.

All intake and exhaust vents may be closed in cold weather. The aerodynamic design of the inlets and exhausts provide a free-flowing airstream, helping keep the interior fresh and dry, with minimal wind noise. The helmet’s ventilation system also helps dissipate breath condensation.

Bottom Line:

The Arai Signet-Q Pro-Tour helmet will take the rider from the road, through track day, comfortably and safely. The combination of design, materials, testing and quality control produce a road helmet approaching the capability of GP headgear.

I found the deluxe features of the Pin Lock fog-fighting scheme, the fit-enhancing Facial Contour System, the ambient light-management Pro-Shade visor, and the free-flowing ventilation system all meaningful and relevant to a practical road helmet. MSRP: $749.95 AraiAmericas.com

PROS	CONS
▲ High-tech head protection	▼ "Learning curve" to manipulate vents
▲ Quality shell and interior materials
▲ Customized fit

 

 

There may not be any KLRs racing in Dakar but that shouldn’t stop you from making your Kawasaki look and feel a bit more rally-ready. The Dakar windshield from Bajaworxis a key component for those who demand the most from their KLR.

Aftermarket windscreens are usually one of the first modifications made to a new bike. Changing out the factory shield is a fast, easy way to dramatically change the riding dynamics of your motorcycle. Our project bike KLR 650NE has proved itself to be a capable machine both on and off the beaten path, but there’s always room for improvement.

One aspect where the KLR was lacking was wind protection, especially noticeable when passing tractor trailers on the highway. Being 6′3″ only exacerbated this issue, pointing me towards the tall Bajaworx Dakar windshield.

The Dakar is constructed of 1/8″ windshield-grade polycarbonate with a UV-resistant coating. It mounts using the factory hardware and holes, but requires trimming the stock headlight cowling to accommodate its vertical stance. However, I recommend taking a test ride with the Dakar windshield before trimming the cowling. Make sure it suits you, because the trimming is a permanent modification.

That said, after you try the Dakar it’s doubtful you’ll go back to the stock windshield. The amount of wind protection the Dakar offers over stock is staggering. Around town riding is extremely relaxed, comparable to constantly riding with a tail wind.

The highway is where the Dakar really shows its value. No longer must I be careful which way I tip my visor for fear of being pulled around by high winds. The Dakar punches a large hole and leaves a sufficiently sized cockpit of less turbulent air, even for my tall build.

Cruising long distances and commuting comfort are greatly improved with the Dakar windshield. Now the only thing is to add a sixth gear to make the engine as relaxed as I am on the highway. MSRP: $99.99 (clear) | $104.99 (smoke tint) Bajaworx.com

 

Tire repair and tire changing are huge in adventure motorcycle riding. We ride long distances over rough terrain in remote places. Getting a flat tire in the middle of your trip not only halts progress and puts a damper on the day but if you cannot fix the problem then you could be in serious trouble.

Best Rest Products makes nearly everything you could need for your motorcycle tires and more. They make products that work well (as long as you know how to use them) and get you out of undesirable situations quickly.

Initially I wanted to change my own tires to save myself the time of getting the bike into the shop. Later I wanted to be good at this process so that I could confidently repair or change tires in the backcountry under any circumstance.

I purchased the BeadBrakR kit along with the Cycle Pump before riding the Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route this past summer. I had done some research and decided that the BeadBrakR kit seemed like the right thing to put my mind at ease for the trip incase we had tire problems.

Thankfully we did not have to use it, because I don’t think I even removed the tools from the pouch before the trip. We did however use the Cycle Pump almost daily to add air to our motorcycle and Jeep tires.

It worked well whether we were using the SAE connection off a motorcycle or the jumper cable connections from a car battery. Not the fastest air compressor in the world but I don’t think you could find another in it’s size that would reliably inflate truck tires!

Having recently purchased a set of Heidenau K60 Scout’s for my KTM 690 I decided it would be a good opportunity to actually put my BeadBrakR  kit to use. I opted to watch the optional Tire Changes and Repairs DVD before getting started to try and save myself some frustration later.

The video content may not have been the most exciting but it was terribly informative. I highly suggest picking up a copy and watching before attempting a tire change or repair with one of Best Rest’s products.

The kit itself comes with almost everything you will need to complete the tire changing process short of the tools to get the wheels off and some optional aids. The mat works really well for keeping everything out of the dirt while you are working and in my case keeping my knees dry while I worked on wet grass.

Armed with the knowledge from the Tire Changes and Repairs DVD I made pretty quick work of the front tire, right up until I pinched the tube during installation. So I got the chance to repeat my steps again and get some extra practice on the front tire.

I took this opportunity to replace the stock tubes with a set of extra heavy-duty tubes from Moose Racing. Using only the tools provided in the kit it was difficult to stretch the fresh K60 over the rim but it was possible.  

I checked the tire for leaks and then used another useful product Best Rest offers: Dyna Beads; they continually balance the tire from within instead of using weights. Then I used my Cycle Pump to fully inflate the tire before installing.

Moving on to the rear required the use of the actual bead breaking tool and I was immediately impressed with how well it worked. Considering how many pieces collectively make up the tool I did not think it could possibly work as well as advertised but even with the force required to break the bead it did not seem unsteady.

It was pretty anti-climatic actually, which I guess is the way you want it to be. It took me a few times assembling and disassembling the tool before I could do it without referencing the instruction sheet but now it is more natural.

I am glad that I had some experience with the front tire before I stretched on the rear K60. Again using only the tools provided this was difficult but not impossible. Probably the more experience you have the easier this process will get.

The key I think to me being able to do this by myself on my first attempt was the tips and tricks shared by owner/inventor David Petersen in the Tire Changes and Repairs video. After inflating and mounting the rear tire I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I also felt confident that I could change or repair a tire on a trip if or when it was needed.

If I had not stopped in the middle of the tire change to go get another tube the whole process would have taken me just under four hours. Considering that with practice I think this time could easily be cut in half I don’t think that it is too time consuming at all. Chances are in the field you would just be working on one tire anyway so you could be back on the trail or the road in no time.

I think this is a great kit to have and it will be a permanent fixture in my gear setup. It is a bit of an investment but they are all well-built and thought out products. Also if you consider how expensive it is to have a shop change out your tires Best Rest’s Products can pay for themselves within a short period of time.

Ultimately I think it is worth investing in and carrying these products for the convenience and piece of mind they can offer. MSRP: BeadBrakR Kit-$215.00, Cycle Pump-$100.00, Dyna Beads-$20.00 BestRestProducts.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Good design and quality	▼ Takes practice to confidently use
▲ Keeps your bike out of the shop	▼ A bit heavy and large
▲ Piece of mind	▼ Expensive initial investement

 

 

It defies logic. How could a seat that is harder than my stock seat be more comfortable? Rocky (Bill Mayer III), of Bill Mayer Saddles (BMS), had been bugging me for over a year to test a saddle using his own newly minted version of the BMW seat pan.

I kept declining, since the stock seat of my new 1200 GSA was reasonably comfortable and, on long trips, I’d just add a sheepskin for additional comfort. Finally, I agreed to meet up with Rocky at his Ventura, CA shop, where he had a finished seat waiting for me.

When we set the time to meet, Rocky guessed my weight and inseam; he was spot-on, basing his numbers on a visual size-up from our last meeting at a motorcycle event. This information is important.

The finished saddle kept the author comfortable on a long day riding the interstates and back roads through farmland.Knowing inseam and weight, the crew at Bill Mayer Saddles will select one of five different foam densities to inject into their mold prior to carefully custom-contouring the output before the upholstery. If you are not local, BMS will have you fill out a form and send in photos of you and your bike so that the saddle can be custom-crafted to your fit.

Before I tested the seat, Rocky gave me a tour of their shop and a bit of their design philosophy. “If you sit down in the sand, you’ll create an impression of your butt. That’s natural and how we shape our saddles.”

He also referred to the old-fashioned stamped metal tractor seats, which also follow the contours of the human posterior, uniformly spreading the load. I mentally calculated that farmers had been sitting on these seats for millions of miles and that concept of shape must have merit.

Mayer starts with a molded foam core in a chosen density. It is then shaped to suit the rider and upholstered in a choice of vinyl or leather.The tour of BMS continued with a comparison of their new injection-molded seat pan for the R1200 liquid cooled bikes. Rocky commissioned a company to build the mold after a 3D laser scan of the stock pan was completed. The duplication is exact. 

This permits the owner of one of the new Beemers to buy a seat complete and not have to send in their existing pan, as some other makers require. Even though their turnaround time is only a few days, there is a convenience factor, well worth the $100 additional cost. Besides, when you decide to sell the bike, the purchaser might not be your size and could want the stock seat.

We put the new seat on my bike and I immediately understood what it was about. Rather than compressing the relatively soft foam of the stock seat until you got “settled,” which will make some spots harder than others, the Bill Mayer seat supported my butt with a uniform and mildly firm cradle of support.

A comparison of the stock seat pan (base for the seat), on the left and the Mayer unit for the R1200 liquid cooled bikes, on the right. Note they are identical.I got it—this concept makes sense. You don’t buy a one-size-fits-all pair of pants, so why use that concept for a motorcycle seat? I left a few days later for a quick run up to the San Jose area, 360 miles north. During the ride up and back, I realized the seat experience was remarkable in that I forgot about it. That meant that my comfort remained constant.

BMS will custom craft a saddle for virtually any motorcycle. They advertise “Any Bike, Any Butt” and have a gallery of photos, along with pricing on their website to back that up. Custom saddles are available in different colors or textures, vinyl as well as leather. Although not pocket change, it may well be the best investment you can make in your riding comfort. MSRP: $500 and up BillMayer-Saddles.com

PROS	CONS
▲ All day riding comfort	▼ Not cheap
▲ Qucik turn around time	▼ Your riding buddies will be jealous
▲ Holds you like a bucket seat	▼ Harder to stretch back

 

 

If you are looking to add some additional carrying capacity and functionality to your KLR then look no further than Back Road Equipment (BRE). The BRE Slider Rack for the KLR mounts in the stock location using raised hardware to give you the clearance necessary to fit the large 13x16 inch base over the rear passenger grab bars.

By raising the mounting location the Slider Rack allows more clearance to access the numerous additional tie-down points and the stock toolkit. Finished in a hard coat anodized charcoal grey and constructed of 3/16” 6061 aluminum the Slider Rack is much more rugged than the stock piece it replaces.

The most unique feature of the BRE rack is also its namesake. The slider function uses a simple but ingenious locking puck system to mount virtually any hard case you can imagine. Consisting of four pucks and their associated hardware, mounting and dismounting a top case is as simple as finding the right box for your needs.

For this review we decided to use a sturdy Pelican case to add some waterproof and crushproof storage on the bike. Attaching the slider pucks consists of removing the inner foam of the Pelican to access the hard outer shell. After taking some measurements and lining it up with the rack, drill the four holes through the case and attach the pucks. Use a dab of silicone around the washers if you’re paranoid about water intrusion.

Once the pucks are firmly attached to the case it is a quick maneuver to cinch it down to the rack which can be accomplished in less than ten seconds. This system allows the case to be removed without opening the box. Thoughtfully, the BRE latch features an integrated pad lock window so you’ll never have to worry about leaving the case on the bike overnight.

The major benefit of this rack is its versatility. Using the top case I can quickly load my basic kit and ride throughout the week to and from work. On longer excursions simply remove the case and you have a mounting base that will easily accommodate even the largest dry bags. MSRP: $149.95 BackRoadEquipment.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Huge baseplate and tie down surface	▼ Doesn't come with a case
▲ Can use virtually any hard case
▲ Quick mount and dismount

 

 

I admit it, I’m that guy—the one that likes to stop at gas stations just in case, even though the group just topped off fifty miles ago… you just never know. Well, those days are over!

Enter the Camel Tank v.2. This auxiliary fuel tank for the BMW F650/700/800GS that gives an additional seven liters (about 1.75 gallons) of fuel. And on a motorcycle that’s marketed for “adventure,” this is a much needed bolster to the paltry four-gallon stock tank. The even better news is the latest version fits even more pannier systems, including Hepco-Becker, Holan, SW-Motech, Wolfman and Mastech (test subject).

Installation will take about two hours if you take your time. Much of that will be removal of most of the tail section of the motorcycle. However, installation was a breeze. The directions are very thorough and deliver clear, concise procedures to mount the system. The guys at Camel Tank also provide an excellent, step-by-step installation video on their website, along with additional photo and text resources should the need arise. I would highly recommend watching the video before beginning your install.

My steed (BMW F800GS) employs the Mastech pannier system and we’re happy to report that the fitment went without issue. There is one tight clearance (pictured) at the cross brace, but with well over 1,000 miles on the Camel Tank, encompassing various terrain (road, fire trails, rock-infested double track, gravel roads, etc.), no issues of the brace contacting the tank have been noted.

It’s an A+ mod in our book. Even with the added fuel capacity, minimal handling woes were noticed, mainly due to the low placement of the tank. With the addition of the Camel Tank, the useable range for the BMW F800GS has soared to just over 300 miles, a notable improvement of the stocker. At $499 the Camel Tank is not cheap but if you must have that extended fuel range for peace of mind when stretching the boundaries of civilization, it’s well worth it. Camel-ADV.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Extended Range	▼ Price
▲ Build Quality	▼ Vulnerable without ppanniers
▲ Stealth presence

 

 

Dainese has been making quality Italian motorcycle gear since the early 1970s. What began with only fine leather has evolved into more contemporary materials better suited to modern adventure riding. Their latest adventure offering is the flagship D-Explorer jacket and pants.

The D-Explorer suit comes with Gore-Tex and a long list of features we’ve come to expect from high-end riding gear. It’s a modular design with both thermal and waterproof removable liners to keep out the elements. And the jacket and pants zip together so you won’t need to bust out suspenders.

The jacket has an abundance of storage options: Four waist pockets (two are waterproof), one inside chest pocket, and my favorite—a waterproof cuff pocket on the left sleeve—invaluable for keeping some things handy. I used it for a garage door opener—nice! The pants have similarly copious storage options, although not waterproof.

I found the waterproof lining and a light hoodie, combined with the outer layer, to be warm enough even on extended rides in 35°F weather. However, with all three layers plus the hoodie it was too warm for the upper 20°F weather. The only cold spot was around the neck, easily remedied with a balaclava.

The jacket’s fitment adjustability is one of its best features. Two waist adjustments snug up the midsection while an elastic hip drawstring closes the bottom. With sleeve compressors and an adjustable collar, it’s easily customized.

Expansion joints sewn into key stretch areas like the shoulders keep you comfortable when making quick maneuvers or standing. On hot rides I found the modular flap system on the chest, back, and thighs to offer plenty of airflow.

The D-Explorer comes with removable elbow, shoulder and back armor to EN 162.1 standards. Shoulder protection is also sewn into the outer layer. The entire suit is treated, so that it provides excellent water and oil repellence while still allowing it to dry easily. The pants have well thought-out ankle adjustments that make getting boots on and off a breeze, and there are waist straps for fitment.

It’s a versatile riding suit that performs well in the rain, heat, and cold. The only down side is packing the extra layers. Although the waterproof liner doesn’t take up much space, the thermal layers are a bit bulky and do require some planning if you are traveling light.

The Dainese D-Explorer is a versatile do-it-all suit. If you’re looking for one set of riding gear for the entire year, this is it. I would be confident in its abilities to keep me comfortable in all but the coldest weather. This set is certainly an investment, but like any good tool you get what you pay for. MSRP: Jacket-$899.95, Pants-$529.95 Dainese.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Easily adjustable fitment	▼ Liners are bulky to pack
▲ Waterproof pockets	▼ Collar button can catch helmet strap
▲ Year round versatility	▼ Pricey

 

The Dainese Veleta gloves do not disappoint. I have used them as my all around bad weather gloves. The X-Trafit technology makes for a much less bulky glove because the Gore-Tex membrane is glued directly to the outside of the internal glove liner.

I had just returned from a particularly wet ride over the top of Stevens Pass in Washington when I decided I needed a proper set of wet weather gloves. I was not as concerned with price as I was with the durability and reliability of a pair of gloves.

I found these gloves early on in my search and am happy to say that they have never let me down. I have been hard on them, both wearing them daily commuting and on several extended trips. Not to mention using them for snowboarding last season too!

After two seasons of riding they do show a bit of wear to the silicon strips on the inner ends of the left hand fingers, and the elastic wrist band is fraying slightly. Yet they are still as waterproof as the day I got them.

Now might be a good time to point out the advantages of  “waterproof” over “water resistant”. Those water resistant gloves might get you through the spring season or the occasional summer shower but you are going to be cursing yourself for not spending the extra money on  the waterproof gloves the first time you are a few hundred miles or more from home and all you can see are black rain clouds.

Gore-Tex products are “guaranteed to keep you dry” and I have never found this to be untrue. Back to the gloves: They are loaded with protective features including Techno inserts, metal mesh on the knuckles/fingers, and Distortion Control on the little finger.

Even with all of the protection I don’t think they are too cumbersome or hard to get on or off. I would say after a week of heavy riding they were perfectly broken in. With my set of Smart Wool liners I have rode for hours in sub freezing temps and still been comfortable.

They are conveniently able to be worn over or under the cuff of your jacket and fit true to size. I think they are the perfect compromise between short gloves and gauntlets. I have found that these gloves do not breathe well enough for me on warmer days but as cold and wet weather gloves they are great.

The Dainese Veleta X-Trafit gloves make for excellent wet weather equipment. They have worn well and kept my hands dry even in torential rainfall. These gloves have taken a ton of abuse and performed flawlessly. Just be sure to pack a pair of breathable gloves for long trips or warm weather riding.  Sizes: XS-2XL, MSRP: $159.95 Dainese.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Sleek and stylish	▼ Do not breath
▲ Plenty of protection	▼ Showing some wear
▲ Waterproof	▼ Require break in period for comfort

 

 

Put simply, the Denali DX Xtreme lights are amazing! They provide a concentrated spot beam that is almost four times brighter than the stock high-beam. Visibility is good for almost an eighth of a mile down the road when the sun drops.

They come with dual intensity technology which allows you to wire them in a couple of different ways depending on your preferences, including full or half intensity options. Even at full power they draw only 10 watts per light.

There’s no denying that in urban settings, they make other vehicles very aware you are there, but you can turn them off when they’re not needed. And just in case that river crossing goes wrong, they’re enclosed in an aluminum waterproof housing submersible in up to three meters of water.

The Denali DX Xtremes come with very easy-to-under-stand wiring diagrams and only take a few hours to install. Twisted Throttle's bike-specific mount is a very clean design and adds to the look of the bike while holding the lamps securely in place. The DX's are about as large a lighht unit you could fit in the mounts.  Much of it's size comes from the solid body and generously sized reflectors which helps it to cast long beams.

The custom mounts are only $72, but at nearly $400 the lamps are on the expensive side. Nevertheless, the ability to see twice as far in front of the bike is well worth the cost.  MSRP: $389.99 DenaliElectronics.com.

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I got the opportunity to do a review on a set of DirtRacks HD Side Racks for the KLR650. After a 2,400 mile week long trip that covered eight states, these side racks were put through a pretty rigorous test. The racks arrived very well packaged from Canada.

Although no instructions were provided, the installation was pretty straight forward. Take the supplied hardware and put it in place of the stock bolts. The side racks really only fit one way, and that way is perfectly.

From start to finish, I had the racks on in less than 5 minutes. I can’t remember the last time an install went this smoothly. I had planned on using the racks with a set of Nelson Rigg Survivor Edition dry bags. I was concerned with the amount of space between the exhaust and the luggage.

I really didn’t need to be. There is plenty of clearance and I had no issue with the bags coming in contact with the exhaust. One thing to note, is that the helmet lock really become useless once the left side rack is installed. From what I’ve seen, this is the case with most racks.

After installing the bags, right away I noticed the racks seemed to have been made for these bags. The attachment points for the bags lined up perfectly with loops on the bottom corners of the racks.

I mentioned this to the guys at DirtRacks and they said the Nelson Rigg bags were the bags they were thinking of when they came up with this design. From what I understand, the racks are also designed to accommodate a set of Rotopax cannisters.

The welds are solid and the powdercoating is flawless. Even though these racks are at the lower end of the price scale, they haven’t skimped on quality. The bike was laid down several times with the bags attached and removed.

As far as I can tell, the racks haven’t budged. They are just as straight as the day they were installed. I highly recommend these racks, especially if you are planning on using the Nelson Rigg dry bags or Rotopax. 

MSRP: $119.00 DirtRacks.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Easy Install	▼ No installation instructions
▲ Sturdy construction	▼ Obstructs helmet lock
▲ Universal fit for soft bags

 

 

Fenix Lighting makes products that put other flashlights and headlamps to shame. Once you start looking into the specifications and features of the different models and compare them with other brands within the same price range, it’s really a no brainer.

The HL50 headlamp weighs in at just 2.5oz (with battery) and produces a maximum of 365 lumens (burst mode). To put it in perspective how impressive this is you have to compare it to similar headlamps:

-The Petzl Tikka XP 2 weighs in at 3.1oz and it puts out only 80 lumens.
-The Black Diamond ReVolt weighs 3.4oz and its max output is 130 lumens.
-The Princeton Tec Apex weighs a whopping 8oz, its max output is a respectable 260 lumens.

This all might seem a little silly but a headlamp is an important piece of equipment on a backcountry trip. Whether you are using it to read by the campfire, repairing or making adjustments to your bike in low light conditions, or using it to chart out your next days route.

The HL50 handles all of these tasks with ease and then takes its usefulness one step further by also being a stand-alone flashlight. This is great because you no longer have to pack both a flashlight and a headlamp.

Another important factor on extended trips is runtime: how many extra batteries are you going to have to carry? In mid mode the HL50 will run for just shy of ten hours and on the low setting it can last up to a claimed one hundred and fifty hours.

Can’t find CR123A batteries on your trip? No problem, the HL50 can use AA batteries instead by simply threading on the tube extension. Something else that makes this unit stand out from its competition is that it is waterproof up to two meters and impact resistant from one meter.

The HL50 is small, lightweight, puts out a ton of light and is reasonably priced. I think it is the best bang for your buck on the market by far. MSRP: $49.95 FenixTactical.com

PROS	CONS
▲ More light than the competition	▼ Gets hot on high settings
▲ Waterproof and shock resistant design	▼ Battery life could be better
▲ Compact and lightweight	▼ So small it can be easy to lose

 

 

I’m not usually a fan of budget-minded, multiple-layered riding gear, but Fieldsheer has done a far better than average job with their Adventure Tour Suit. The outfit is comfortable with good armor and has a number of well-placed reflective Phoslite panels for visibility, lots of useful and properly positioned pockets, good quality zippers, and some of the best venting around.

Waterproofing normally means an overly hot and sweaty environment for the rider, but Fieldsheer is using something new called Nanomax and Rainguard for its liners. In addition to being waterproof, what’s unusual is how well the material breathes. Even in our California sun it wasn’t unbearable.

I’ve tested the suit in rain, near-freezing temps, and blistering hot environments and it performed extremely well. Even in the heat, the venting does a surprisingly good job. Riding at high mountain altitudes in our “winter” conditions the thermal layer was effective, but it’s bulky enough to make the rider feel a little like the Michelin Tire man.

I’ve never been a fan of thermal layers, they’re usually too thick and it’s often more efficient to pack a jacket that serves double uses. Same with the pants, I’ll wear jeans underneath rather than use the thermal layer.

But when it’s really cold, where hypothermia is possible, the thermal layers are superior. The alternative is using far less bulky (but VERY expensive) electrically heated liners. By no means is that a reason to dismiss this suit, it’s just that depending on where you live, or where you intend to ride, the use of the detachable thermal layers will vary.

Fieldsheer has paid an impressive amount of attention to armor. In addition to generously-sized CE-approved inserts, there’s additional memory foam padding sewn into key abrasion points throughout the suit—in case of a crash or being hit by flying objects, you’re well protected.

But, one thing that’s missing, and this goes for almost all manufacturers, is chest armor. You can get around this, somewhat, by inserting hip pads into the breast pockets—a technique I use on all my riding jackets. I’m particularly impressed with the pants—they’ve become my go-to for most rides. Not only are they comfortable, but the design incorporates more and better armor than most. They fit well over bulky riding boots, too.

For added safety I chose the hi-viz jacket. Jacket color (and reflective panels) are a curious thing. Over the years we’ve gone from highly invisible black (because it was fashionable?) to this new and wiser trend of actually being SEEN! And it’s remarkable how the cagers react to such a visible object. It’s THAT noticeable! MSRP: Jacket $440 (black, blue, gunmetal or hi-viz) | Pants (black, blue or silver) $330 Fieldsheer.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Better than average armor	▼ Bulky with all layers attached
▲ Lots of effective vents
▲ Excellent size selection

 

 

Green Chile Adventure Gear (GCAG) is a start-up company out of New Mexico that’s committed to making heavy duty, lightweight, and innovative adventure gear for motorcycles. I recently had the opportunity to test their new soft rack system and believe me when I say that no corners were cut when designing the Uprising Luggage System.

The nylon webbing and cam buckles used to construct this rack are so heavy duty that it’s almost overkill for this application, and ensures this rack will hold up for years to come. I recently came across an online video where a rider hung his KLR650 from a tree using the soft rack system! And by the way, in the event of a defect, GCAG provides a lifetime warranty on their products.

Installation of the Uprising Soft Rack was a breeze and can easily be done in minutes. The cam buckles lock down tight on the straps, ensuring the system stays tight after it’s mounted. And flaps under the buckles make sure they do not cut into your seat or scratch the bike’s finish.

The Uprising Luggage System comes with such a variety of straps and tension loops that the possibilities for securing gear are endless. No matter how many combinations of gear or bags you may try there always seems to be a way to secure it all down snug. GCAG provides a gallery on their website showing some of the endless variations and luggage configurations on most manufacturers’ bikes.

GCAG offers Wolfman products as well as NRS Tuff Sack Dry Bags to round out their luggage systems. GCAG continues to add new products to their line so make sure you check out their latest offerings online. MSRP: $256.00 GreenChileADV.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Ease of instalation/removal	▼ Could use larger buckle protector strap
▲ Excellent durability
▲ Variety of colors available

 

 

I’ve been waiting for years to have a proper all-weather riding suit. Being a humble wage earner, I’d been getting by with a cheap outfit. You know, the shapeless, over-stuffed, non-breathing material kind that repels rain on the outside, but creates a new “jungly” climate inside. About a year ago, they finally melted away when my trusty XT225 landed on me (for the umpteenth time!) just in time for the release of ICON’s Raiden line.

Knowing I’m both a dirt rider and a resident of the Pacific Northwest, ICON was excited to get me into Raiden gear. Advised to downsize from my regular “small,” I was wary about the fit until I slipped on my new bib and jacket for the first time. Perfect! The gear was so comfortable; I strutted around ICON’s headquarters clad in Raiden for the remainder of our meeting. Plus, the women’s line is cut really well—slim but not tight or awkward.

Prior to taking the Raiden attire for a spin, I attempted to read up on reviews. What I discovered was… nothing. The gear was so brand-spanking-new it appeared I’d be the first. And test I did. On a week-long trip through Washington’s backcountry roads and rocky beaches, the gear went through every possible weather scenario Washington could throw at it.

The days were jam-packed with off-road dirt, gravel and moss riding. I rode up and down mountains, through water, over big branches, into and out of ruts, around boulders—and sideways along edged cliffs. Through all this magnificent bunker hunting and all-round misbehaving, I wore the Raiden gear the entire time—and it endured plenty of spills, too.

When I became sticky (read: sweating my butt off), the vents kept me way cool. On breaks I could easily slide in and out of my kit. Zipped back up with liner in the Raiden gear kept me warm enough, despite wet hair and a well vented helmet. No teeth chattering, just a vague awareness of my temperature. This I consider a win.

My only complaint was the liner of the DKR gloves. Although the DKRs are uber warm, cozy, surprisingly flexible, and kept my chilled fingers toasty, when I sweated heavily the liner glued themselves to my hands. Every time that I needed to remove them for a photo, to fiddle with my phone, etc., the liners slid almost all the way out and bunched up heavily, making them difficult to fit back into the glove shells.

Overall, testing was a huge success. The gear held up and surpassed my expectations. The little details are a reminder of ICON’s strict attention to consumer needs and growing knowledge of the industry: the goggle wipe; the water bladder pocket with router for the hydration hose; the pouch for a music player with a secure path for headphones; compartments you can attach, detach, and get to without opening your jacket… the list goes on.

What ICON is doing with the Raiden line is taking the best of what’s already out there, then testing it BIG TIME adventure-style—a great formula that I’ve just experienced on a rambunctious dual-sport escapade through the Pacific Northwest. MSRP: Jacket $395 | Pants $285 | Gloves $55 IconRaiden.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Lightweight with good ventilation	▼ Wrist gaiters snag when removing
▲ Space for Hydration bladder	▼ Knee armor placement is a bit off
▲ Waterproof

 

 

After a few thousand miles inside the new Icon Variant Raiden Carbon Helmet it’s my duty to report on the latest ADV hooligan headwear.

If you’re picky and detail-oriented like me, you shouldn’t fret over purchasing this helmet. It comes with the nicest helmet bag I’ve ever seen, a second blacked-out visor inside its own bag, a shield replacement tool, a spray bottle with cleaning cloth, and the most serious chin curtain (or for those of us so lucky, beard retainer) ever.

Stuffing your head into the Variant is a welcoming experience. The premium HydraDry liner is just that—premium. With its long-to-intermediate oval head shape your cheeks won’t be scrunched up. The eye port is one of my favorite features—it’s huge. Sealing out the incoming air is Icon’s 3D molded shield—a game-changer as far as shields and optical clarity go—and the detent positions are spaced well, working properly with just the left hand’s index finger and thumb.

The price-swelling feature of the helmet is the carbon fiber shell. Weight savings come in at an impressive four ounces. The added benefit of the carbon fiber is the killer look, with its matte Rubatone clearcoat over the fiber weave, and the black “airbrushing” around the neck roll is a nice touch.

Many are concerned with wind noise, or getting their heads ripped off by the beak at highway speeds. From experience I can tell you that all ADV-inspired beaked helmets are louder than street-oriented helmets, and the Variant is no louder than others (we should all be wearing ear plugs, anyway).

However, the Variant’s beak, along with the rear spoiler, is better than most at resisting buffeting. Six-hour rides at 80 mph with a cut-down fairing on an ADV bike make for slight discomfort. But remember, the tradeoff for the beak these helmets offer is the much improved field of vision, key when you’re scoping out your line in the dirt.

When off road and in the nasty stuff, having a lighter helmet with superior field of vision can help. If you drop your bike or struggle in a rough section, your helmet can feel like a tight place (complete with tunnel vision-inducing adrenaline) and you’ll need all the field of view you can get.

Does the Icon Raiden Variant Carbon Helmet check all the boxes of other premium helmets? Yes, but remember, it’s not about the helmet you wear, but the size of the beard you hang out the bottom. MSRP: $550 IconRaiden.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Handles highway speeds well	▼ Can get foggy with heavy breathing
▲ Large viewfinder	▼ Goggles will not fit
▲ Premium guts

 

 

Sometimes the best kit upgrades begin with a story, and my switch to Jesse Luggage Systems  is no exception. As I was happily cruising along an incredibly twisty highway, I stopped for a quick victory photo only to discover that somewhere along the steep cliffs above a fast flowing river my OEM BMW aluminum pannier had jettisoned, never to be found again.

Jesse Luggage Systems is a small company based just north of Phoenix, AZ, and only a day’s ride from where I was. So I called to see if they had anything in stock that would fit my steed. They were extremely helpful and sympathetic to my predicament and put aside a set of panniers. Adding to that, the receptionist stayed late to wait for my arrival, while the shop techs pre-assembled some of the mounting hardware to help out.

Installation

The install was speedy and everything bolted up cleanly and effortlessly. It was so simple that I didn’t need to look at the directions (typical guy) until mounting was completed, but only to ensure there were no mistakes. The racks look clean with the bags off and hug the bodywork. It only takes minutes to pull the racks off if you want to run soft luggage without them, or just want a “rack free” bike for commuting. Jesse is about to release a soft bag option that is compatible with its rack system too—sweet!

Al Jesse stopped by to check on my progress and make sure everything was working out okay. He gave me a hand finishing up and even tuned the bike’s quick-mount system for me. After the install he gave me a personal tour of the shop and their product development department. All I can say is WOW! They have some really neat stuff in the works that we’ll tell you about in the near future.

Features and Function

Jesse Bags are designed for single-handed operation for getting them on and off. The locking mechanism is a single handle spin lock that can be locked on or loosened with one hand. The security locks double as handles for carrying the bags when off the bike. 

There’s a spring-loaded retaining rack in the lid of each pannier that can be used for clothing, riding gear or kit and it can also be operated with one hand. The lids have a resistance feature built into the hinges so the bags can be opened and will stay partially open.

This means you don’t have to fully expose the contents to the elements. Bags are fully welded and completely waterproof. These are the narrowest (at 39″ vs. 42″ for BMW aluminum panniers), yet the largest volume luggage system I could find for my BMW F800GS.

One benefit for Jesse Bags customers is they manufacture and stock all the parts for the racks and bags, so if anything wears out you can quickly order replacements. They’ll even make repairs.

The lid locking mechanisms are the easiest latches I’ve ever used (one-handed, of course), and the fit and finish is top notch. My travel partner and I are now are both outfitted with Jesse Luggage for South America, and I’ve decided to add either the 45-liter trunk or the 35liter “pizza box” (a short version of the full size trunk) for the added security instead of a duffle on the back seat.

Every customer that buys from Jesse Luggage Systems has their order recorded with the lock number, so replacement keys are easy to obtain, and if you later order a trunk they’ll automatically send it keyed to your side bags. In my case I plan to order a new key/lock set to re-key my riding partner’s bike so we’ll have the same key for both bikes.

Living with Jesse Bags

I’ve now been using Jesse Bags for several months and have come to love everything about them: size, looks, operation, and weatherproofing. Jesse Bags are fully welded with lots of seams and creases that make them the sturdiest aluminum panniers on the market. They’re a premium luggage system that’s extremely resistant to denting and damage.

The flip side is the difficulty of field repairs. OEM BMW panniers and many other aftermarket systems use lighter material designs that will bend much easier. This also takes much less effort to hammer back into shape with a rock or tool on the side of the road. The other thing is that once the bags/racks have been tweaked they can get in the way of the gas cap on the F800GS as it has an under-the-seat fuel tank—a non-issue for most other motorcycles.

I’ve become spoiled with how these bags look, the ease of how the lid latches work, how easy it is to get the bags on and off the bike, and how narrow they are. I love these bags and would say they’re near perfect for most ADV riders looking for a large capacity luggage system. However, if you’re planning on crashing a lot then you may want to consider a soft luggage option (Jesse now offers these, too) or panniers that are more pliable for field repairs. MSRP: $1,080-$1,380 JesseLuggage.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Largest capacity with narrow profile	▼ Internal mount requires space to detach
▲ Lids open partially and hold position	▼ Some models have odd internal shapes
▲ Very attractive for "boxes	▼ Rugged design makes repairs difficult

 

 

 

Always in search of out-of-the-mainstream companies, we picked up and tried a MOD (Motorcycle Overland Development) V2 skid plate for the F800GS/F700GS. This small company, based out of B.C. Canada, engineers and builds their own products locally and currently only markets protection products for the BMW F800GS/F700GS.

Although simple in design, the MOD skid plate is well constructed, with nice details. The mounting bolts are recessed to avoid damage to the mounting bolts and use OEM BMW mounting hardware. And, the front support bracket is a milled piece of aluminum and performs perfectly.

I mounted the well-built MOD skid plate and took it out to put it to the ultimate test, racing it on my F800GS during the Desert 100 (a 100-mile single-track desert race held in Washington State)—where only 17% of the bikes in the ADV class ever see the finish line. Not only did my F800GS roll across the finish line with the top riders, but the skid plate made it through in surprisingly good condition.

Given the full weight hits it took, I was impressed that it even resembled the original shape! With all of the important bits on the bike still in good condition, and only a minor dent in the header, all thanks to the protection of the well-built MOD skid plate, it was time to straighten out the plate for the next adventure. The plate came off with ease and with a little motivation from a large hammer looked as good as new.

The MOD skid plate drives home the point that sometimes simple is better. I like the lightweight and simple construction and will be keeping it on the bike for my next big trip. As a traveller I’ve acquired an appreciation for products that fall on the side of simplicity over complexity. Fewer moving parts often mean fewer potential fail points. Two thumbs up for this one! MSRP: $281.99 MotoOverland.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Lightweight	▼ Boxy appearance with little flare
▲ Coverage includes catalytic converter	▼ Can flex into header if hit hard enough
▲ Can take a beating	▼ Not compatible with all crash bars

 

 

Let’s face it, products in the adventure travel world tend to leave you thinking, “If it only did this” or “I wish it had,” referring to the shortcomings of features or designs. The designers of the Mosko Moto soft luggage system had those same thoughts when they designed what seems to be, one of the most well thought-out soft luggage systems on the market.

The Mosko Moto pannier design blends the convenience of hard luggage with the flexibility of a soft bag system. Using high-strength polymer plastic, the pannier uses a unique “wedge mount” system that can be attached to most existing luggage racks.

The mounting pucks are designed to fit up to 20 mm luggage racks, square or round. I tried them on both my KTM luggage rack and my Wolfman racks with success. Once the wedge is mounted, the pannier easily slides down on to the wedge, creating a tight seal secured with a butterfly latch.

The pannier construction is first-rate. Sewing is neat and heavy duty, as are the materials. The pannier comes with a waterproof inner bag that can be removed or left in place held by hook and pile. Five straps allow for items inside to be securely compressed with another unique feature dubbed “the beaver tail,” a reinforced outer flap that evenly compresses items inside the bag. The beaver tail also acts as an outer pocket for easy access to items such as a rain jacket or a map book. 

For accessory pockets, one is sewn directly to the outer rear of the bag and will easily carry two large fuel bottles (or two bottles of wine). The other is the M.O.L.L.E. system sewn throughout the outer bag. M.O.L.L.E is a mounting system adopted by the military for its functional and versatile accessory attachment. The optional accessory bag, which is large enough to carry a one-liter water bladder, mounted with ease to the pannier and feels extremely secure.

In addition to the panniers, I ordered the 40-liter duffle bag. It features a double-ended roll top and an overlapping beaver tail system which allows you to run your straps through the bag for extra security. The beaver tail allows for easy access, the same as the pannier, without having to open the bag itself. The duffle features hideaway shoulder straps and can be used as a backpack.

To test the system, I packed the bags as if going on a globetrotting expedition. Clothes, kitchen, sleeping bag, tent, tool kit, and spares were all present. Even after packing everything, I still had room for food and souvenirs.

I managed to take the bags over every bump, stump, ATV trail and corrugation I could find. I even managed to have a few get-offs over some slick red clay. The bags took the hits well, and at the end of the day my two wine bottles remained intact.

These bags were obviously designed by riders who have been through a series of other brands and in the end decided they could build a better system. They might have actually developed the best system to date. MSRP: $169.99 Duffle, $599.99 Pannier MoskoMotoGear.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Hardback mounting system	▼ Must have existing luggage rack
▲ Reinforced outer shell waterproof inner	▼ Non-lockable
▲ Built in outer pockets

 

Opinion polls on the comfort of stock dual-sport motorcycle seats would suggest their kinship with medieval torture devices. Stock saddles are generally too narrow, with inadequate padding for comfortable support, especially on long rides.

Enter the Amphibious Softseat self-inflating cushion. This pneumatic pad effectively cushions the stock seat providing soft coverage of the bends, dips and humps common to many factory saddles. The pad absorbs shock and attenuates vibration otherwise transmitted to the rider. And on cold mornings, it provides insulation from a chilly saddle. Two adjustable plastic straps fasten the pad to the saddle; the straps are flexible enough to locate the pad as far fore or aft as the rider prefers.

Operating the Amphibious Softseat is similar to high-end tent camping sleeping pad in that it automatically inflates when the nozzle is opened. And it can be deflated completely, folded, and rolled up for storage in its mesh carry bag. The package takes up about the same space as a pair of goggles.

How well does the Amphibious Softseat work? I used the cushion over 3,000 miles, through sub-freezing to 90°F+ temperatures, through rain, snow, and sleet, off road and on dirt and gravel roads, as well as on interstate highways, mainly on rides of continuous stretches longer than 200 miles. The cushion provides a comfortable perch and doesn’t slip around. It wasn’t scarred by exposure to weather, and it’s easy to clean.

On long rides without the Amphibious Softseat, there’s a tendency for my legs to “go to sleep” from inadequate circulation, and I need to stand and stretch early and often. With the Amphibious Softseat, I found long haul rides more pleasant with less cramping, allowing me to comfortably ride longer distances between breaks. Riding off road, the cushion wasn’t obtrusive. Standing on the pegs, then sitting down, wasn’t an issue either.

Bottom line: The Amphibious Softseat self-inflating cushion civilizes the factory dual-sport motorcycle saddle. Riding with and without the pad is comparable to lying on an inflatable sleeping pad vs. the bare ground. MSRP: $89.95 (Large); $79.95 (Small) MotoMachines.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Effective padding	▼ Storage bag is a bit snug
▲ Absorbs shocks
▲ Attenuates vibration

 

 

 

When you’re on the road a tent becomes your home between stays with global family and local accommodations. That’s why I like to get behind companies run by forward thinkers. Enter Cam Brensinger, Founder, President and CEO of Nemo Equipment, who has a background placing him on the forefront of cutting edge outdoor products.

His adventuresome spirit and experience helping design spacesuits for missions to Mars, are what keeps Nemo Equipment pumping out some of the most futuristic and high quality tents out there. I put Cam’s award-winning and bestselling Nemo Losi 2P to the test on a solo ride up the west coast.

It’s a three-season tent that boasts some features I prefer for streamlining my solo kit. Both the tent poles and footprint corners use snap ball and socket fasteners that attach and integrate with the feet. Together they’re a unit that allow for improved fabric tensioning with the bonus of making the tent easy to move and reposition.

The two main structural poles are joined in the center with a scissor connector for simplifying one-person setups. The two large side doors make climbing into and out of the tent a breeze, and the vestibule areas on either side provide larger storage areas to keep gear out of the elements.

I was lucky enough to find some rain along the coast of Washington at the fabulous Grayland Beach campground to test waterproofing and venting. No water made its way past the fly, and the large proportion of mesh on the tent body kept ventilation flowing nicely to avoid condensation on the single-walled ends.

The roominess from the nearly vertical walls and extra tall head space sets this tent apart from all others. And, who wouldn’t want to stretch out in any direction at the end of a long road day? MSRP: 389.95 NemoEquipment.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Weighs only 4.4 pounds	▼ Lots of mesh that can let dust in
▲ Roomiest two person tent available	▼ Need a warmer bag for cool nights
▲ Compression style roll storage

 

 

Every now and then I’m laying in my tent in the woods and start missing my hotel room where it's easy to plug in my phone, GoPro, laptop and every other electronic that makes its way into my kit. After discovering the Rockford Pocket Power Jump Starter on the tool truck at work, I can now easily bring enough power to charge all my devices while riding.

Due to the advancements of lithium ion battery technology the battery pack itself is quite small, dimensions are 6” x 2-7/8” x 1” with a weight of .9lbs. What caught my attention the most was that this tiny battery could supposedly jump start a motorcycle.

The kit comes in a soft case that holds all the connectors to charge everything I have and many things I don't. It has five total ports. One input for charging the power pack (14v:1A) and three outputs for charging (12v:10A, 19v:3.5A) including a USB port (5V:2A).

The fifth port is for jump starting (200A with a peak of 400A) vehicles using the special adapters and built in resistors to prevent the battery from getting damaged. The kit includes a wall charger, car charger, iPhone charger, micro and mini USB, and a bunch of others that I have no clue what they go to. The Pocket Power comes with an assortment of round plugs for laptops too.

Another great feature is the LED light bar that tells you the overall charge status. There is a built in LED flashlight that wasn't very useful, but is still better than nothing in a pinch. Because the Pocket Power is advertised to be able to jump start my bike, I thought I’d really test that theory by jumping my car. If it could jump start a car then a bike should be easy.

After disconnecting the battery in the car the Pocket Power charger was hooked up as a replacement. It actually worked and jump started and ran on just the Pocket Power. I was able to jump start the car four times before the battery finally got too weak to turn it over.

If I was camping and had a weak battery, this power pack could at least get my motorcycle started and back on the road to find a new battery. The Pocket Power does come with a car charger adapter allowing you to charge on the go if your bike has a standard car charging port.

I’ve had the Pocket Power for about seven months now and have been able to put it through a good trial period. I can get one full charge for my laptop for one charge of the power pack. Without the laptop, I can get eight charges on my phone or a few miscellaneous charges for my other electronics such as my GoPro and camera batteries.

It is light weight and doesn’t take up much room when travelling on the bike. Storing it in the tank bag allows for easy access charging on the go. Because there are an excess amount of little connectors included, I don’t carry them all with me. They are small and can be easily misplaced so I only carry what I need.

Overall I’ve been extremely happy with the Pocket Power. Although I haven’t had to use it in an emergency jump start situation where my motorcycle wouldn't start, I have used it weekly for charging my electronics on trips.

It’s been slowly becoming something I carry with me in my daily bag. Personally I don’t always want to carry the whole bag with me so I tend to just carry what I need. The adapters are small enough I can fit what I need in an eye glasses case with the battery in my tank bag. MSRP: $159.95 BestBuyAutoEquipment.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Can actuallly jump start a bike!	▼ Adapters are small and easy to lose
▲ Comes with every adapter you will need	▼ Flashlight can accidentally turn on
▲ Super compact and lightweight	▼ Charging unit from a bike is difficult

 

 

As the world catches a huge wave of technology expansion, Powerlet gives us solutions that allow our two-wheeled machines to keep up. With our ever-growing menagerie of devices, why not harness the bike’s own generator/battery power to keep them charged while on the road?

Now with Powerlet’s rugged Electrix product line, riders can run heated gear while charging phones, cameras, and iPads, all tucked away out of sight in tank bags or luggage. No more unplugging equipment to take it with you, while you duck into the gas station or store. Talk about freedom.

On long adventure rides, I have been plugging my phone, camera, or net- book into an SAE adapter off the battery for several years. But more recently, I upgraded my DRZ stator RaceTechElectric.com to run heated gear off a separate coax cable, and then my other electronic devices simultaneously through Powerlet’s waterproof luggage Electrix pass-through port mounted in the side of my Wolfman Rainier tank bag.

With the SAE to “cigarette lighter” socket cable, I attach my 150w Enercell power inverter that has a three outlet option (a 110–120v outlet, USB port, and additional cigarette socket).Powerlet ensures that these products are designed and manufactured to meet the rugged requirements needed by riders in the elements.

When we push ourselves and our bikes to the limit we want our gear to be up to the task. That’s why quality products that withstand water, vibration, UV rays, and oil/gas make it to the final cut on our beloved machines. Luggage Electrix cable pass-through port MSRP: $16.95; SAE to cigarette lighter socket cable MSRP: $16.95; Powerlet to dual USB adapter MSRP: $49.95; Cigarette lighter insert to Powerlet socket metal adapter MSRP: $19.95. Powerlet.com

PROS

▲ Can charge up to two devices at a time

▲ Pass-through port has easy DIY mounting instructions

▲ Multiple connector packages available for every motorcycling need

CONS

▼ Depending on your bike it may be wise to plug in after starting the engine

▼ Need extra cigarette light socket adapter to use the dual USB adapter

 

 

Tired of stalling your F800GS off road or fighting for traction on rough surfaces? Rekluse is now manufacturing the EXP 3.0 auto-clutch for the BMW F800 series—a product many riders need to know about.

A few months ago I was invited to try out some preproduction versions in my big dually, and am now running the final production version in the ADVMoto F800GS test bike without issue. Not an auto-clutch fan to start with, I was hesitant about using it in the F800. However, I’ve come to really enjoy its advantages.

In stop-and-go or low speed riding I can simply use the throttle rather than constantly working my clutch hand. In normal street riding, at engine speeds above idle, it’s invisible and works like a standard clutch, allowing me to work the clutch for wheelies or sketchy traction, yet still providing compression braking for downhill runs.

The Rekluse EXP 3.0for the BMW F800GS series is a hybrid of their EXP Core package that would otherwise require a specially designed clutch basket and side cover. This holds the cost near the entry level EXP using all of the factory mechanical parts and springs with the benefits of the high-end EXP Core—including smooth engagement and a lighter clutch pull -- while still behaving as a standard clutch when needed.

It’s awesome in heavy traffic, too, especially in states where lane splitting is not permitted. Although off-road is where the auto-clutch really shines. I took the auto-clutch-equipped BMW on a 5,000 mile tour to include backcountry travel through CA, AZ, UT, OR and WA, and it was immediately obvious that I had an advantage over the other riders.

I used less energy riding and never had to worry about stalling, as the clutch simply begins to slip at stall speeds. I worked far less than the other riders during hill climbs and on questionable traction surfaces.

After my test trip was over, I stripped down the F800GS and entered the Desert 100 race in Washington State (a grueling 100-mile desert race). Only 17% of the ADV bikes that entered the race finished. As one of the top two BMW finishers, it is notable that both F800GS's were equipped with the Rekluse EXP auto clutch (no R1200GS finished the race).

Install was quick and simple and took less than 20 minutes. Check out the detailed installation video above. Rekluse clutches are available for most popular KTM, BMW, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha adventure bikes. MRSP: $659.00 Rekluse.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Never stall again	▼ Expensive
▲ Easy to install	▼ Overkill for weekend street riders
▲ Invaluable during hill climbs	▼ Requires periodic inspections

 

 

Living in the south the heat can become unbearable. Within minutes of walking outside the sweat can become too much and the thought of riding a motorcycle becomes daunting. A car with air-conditioning quickly starts to look more gratifying for that ride to Starbucks.

Searching online I came across the Cooling Vest from REV’IT.  It seemed to show the best bang for my cool hard cash. I wanted something simple, clean, not bulky with no major moving parts. It fit all my requirements. Not only is staying cool a comfort thing, but also a safety thing. If the body gets too hot, fatigue will set in slowing your reaction time and reducing alertness. So I pulled the trigger.

My first impression when receiving the Cooling Vest was how extremely simple it was and the quality of the material was better than I was expecting. It features a convenient side zipper for easy on and off. The Cooling Vest does run a little tight so I’d recommend ordering the next size up. It is a snug yet comfortable fit.

Wearing a base layer soaked in water definitely took some getting used to. But more I used it the more comfortable I found it. REV’IT recommends dunking the vest in water and soak it. Then allow the vest to dry completely to allow all the fibers to fully open.

After completing step one, I went for a ride around town for about 3 hours. With a temperature of 96F degrees out the Cooling Vest I found did well. One thing to note while using the Cooling Vest, it does not work when dry. It felt like it retained heat. For the vest to work properly rinse it under cold water until soaked, then wring it out. 

I attempted with room temperature water which worked fine, but cold water worked best. When riding I did feel noticably cooler. It was as if I had on a cold wet T-shirt on, allowing the vapors to keep me cool. According to REV’IT the Cooling Vest should last up to six hours. Personally to me it felt more like 5 hours but then again here in the south the humidity is very high and although the thermostat may read 95F degrees outside it may actually feel more like 120F degrees.

After travelling on the bike for multiple days I learned the most important thing is to just keep the vest wet. With all my jacket vents open the vest worked great cruising down the highway. At night I’d recommend rinsing out the vest to prevent it from smelling.

Overall I thought the Cooling Vest from REV’IT did a good job cooling me down. It has made my rides more comfortable and along with drinking plenty of water, helped cut down on fatigue when riding. It has made it to the packing list for a must have during any hot summer day riding adventure. MSRP: $130.00 REV'IT.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Easy care and maintenance	▼ Runs snug
▲ Doesn't restrict movement	▼ When dry it holds eat
▲ Definitely cools you down	▼ Only comes in one color

 

 

No riding suit can do it all, but the women’s REV’IT! Sand suit is as good as it gets. It’s a great combination of breathable and waterproof, and I’m currently using it as my daily uniform while traveling from Canada to Argentina. So far I’ve spent 20,000 miles in the Sand suit, taking it through a wide variety of weather conditions during some very long days.

REV’IT! loaded the Sand jacket and pants with details to make it a true traveler’s suit. It comes with a removable Hydratex membrane that zips in/out, and also a cold-weather liner that fits snugly for colder rides.

REV’IT! gear is European-sized, so go with a couple of sizes larger to ensure a fit. The pants looked particularly wide with the included hip padding, which I chose to remove. The pants and jacket sleeves are both long, though the jacket is short in the torso.

The Sand is a form-fitting two-piece suit that’s so comfortable it seems to “disappear” while riding. It can also be worn just as comfortably off the bike. The armor stays put, even while walking, and the pants don’t have that heavy swishing feel that’s so common with all-weather gear. It’s also undoubtedly female, with a perfect hourglass shape that lets everyone know that a woman is riding ahead.

As for crash protection, the Sand suit comes with the quality of armor one would expect in a top-shelf garment—it’s soft and malleable, and performed quite well during several unplanned dismounts in the dirt, and one unfortunate collision with a BMW SUV in Panama. The suit did its job beautifully, and I walked away with only a few minor tears and a bruised ego. Note that it doesn’t come with a back protector, so be sure and order that if you want full coverage protection (I strongly recommend it and am glad I did).

There are several vents in the jacket, which do a nice job at providing air flow—two vertical chest vents, one vertical vent along each arm, and a horizontal zipper across the back. The legs have one small vertical vent along each thigh that perform well when standing, doing a surprisingly good job at providing airflow when the temperature rises.

The Hydratex membrane works extremely well at keeping an even temperature inside the jacket. I’m comfortable riding at highway speeds at temperatures between 55–80°F with the liner in, whereas with other suits I use there’s a much smaller temperature range. However, the liner has a saturation point in the seat area where rain tends to accumulate (the same as my Gore-Tex-lined suits) which gets uncomfortable during long, wet rides. Installing the liners requires removal of the jacket/pants and can take several minutes—no fun while standing in a rainstorm.

Spend time with something long enough, and you’ll always find room for improvement. For this suit I wish it had better pockets. They’re quite small. Great for a slim look and feel, but the zippered pockets on the jacket are just large enough for credit cards and a set of keys.

The inner part of the jacket has two larger pockets, but they only close with a small rectangle of Velcro. During one border crossing all my documents fell to the ground while I was holding the jacket. There’s a large zippered pocket on the lower half on the back of the jacket that serves well to hold larger documents securely.

The Hydratex membrane has an amazing zippered inside pocket, but after carrying my passport for two weeks, the glue gave way and the passport ended up on the sidewalk. There are three pockets in the pants—two zippered on the front and a deeper one on the left leg. The front pockets are secure, but again can only hold very small items, and the Velcro on the leg pocket doesn’t always contain items when the pants are removed.

Overall quality control on this suit is top-notch and I have only minor complaints. I’m extremely happy with the versatility, quality and the many options of the REV’IT! Sand suit and know it was the right choice for my four-month trip. I recommend it to others and look forward to seeing what REV’IT! has to offer next. MSRP: Jacket $450 | Pants $330 RevitUSA.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Top shelf quality	▼ Tiny, non waterproof pockets
▲ Form fitting and attractive	▼ Crotch leaks when water pools on seat
▲ Comfortable enough for all day use	▼ Sizing is difficult online

 

 

Ricochet has been in the business of producing skid plates for many years, and it’s easy to see why—they’re good at it! I acquired one for my KTM 950 Super Enduro and was immediately impressed with its many “smart design” features.

It is made from a single piece of aircraft quality 3/16-inch aluminum with multiple dual-radius bends and seams that are all welded on both sides. We often see skid plates that are sharp and angular in shape, looking more like they belong on a battleship rather than a motorcycle.

By using dual-radius bends, Ricochet produced a skid plate of factory-fit quality that looks like it belongs on your bike. It is also equipped with an additional guard to protect the clutch cover area, along with a convenient oil drain access hole. And, more smart features were identified when it was time for the install.

Welded to the mounting brackets are “distorted thread” style locking nuts that make for easy removal and installation while servicing or cleaning. The zinc-plated mounting brackets are smartly positioned to offer maximum support and bracing during impact or skidding.

For durability, button-head Torx bolts are used for the underside mounting hardware that are often subjected to the abuse of skidding. Button-head bolts are less likely to be damaged than hex-head or socket-head bolts, and the Torx drive reduces the chance of stripping.

Overall, the installation was smooth and we were pleased with the fit and the black anodized finish. Ricochet has produced a well-engineered and OEM-looking skid plate capable of protecting the very vulnerable oil tank and engine case of your KTM 950SE. MSRP: $179.00 Ricochet-Off-Road.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Smart design	▼ Adds weight
▲ Excellent mounting system
▲ Tight fit and compact shape

 

 

Back Support 101: Even with good posture, spending hours in the saddle can create significant stress in the lower back. Muscles have to work hard to maintain an unsupported position and will fatigue over time, leading to inevitable discomfort.

Stubborn riders like myself are not usually willing to give in to a little pain, so we start to compensate by slouching or leaning forward, adding to the fatigue by further tensing the lower back muscles and stressing the spine. The likely end result is fewer miles, more frequent stops, and potential back problems.

Good news! There is a remedy—Sargent’s EM-5 backrest. Made specifically for the liquid cooled BMW R1200GS. this handy accessory adds pilot lumbar support, relieving muscle tension in the lower back while keeping the spine naturally curved for greater comfort during your journey.

The EM-5 backrest was easy to install and didn’t interfere with the operation of the OEM split seat. The product matched the stock seat and blended well with the GS styling. It was remarkably adjustable for height as well as forward extension—all through two opposing rubber knobs on the main control unit.

Once dialed in, I found the added support while riding was more noticeable than I expected and was definitely more comfortable. Being six feet tall with a 34-inch inseam, the backrest did position me slightly more forward on the saddle than I normally ride.

My leg position was less comfortable and felt a little crammed at times. Once I established my settings, I felt limited from being able to move around on the seat to combat butt fatigue. However, while standing on the pegs, the backrest did prevent me from adequately shifting my weight back during hill descents.

Overall, I recommend the product for road use but would suggest removing it when leaving the pavement. MSRP: $350.00 SargentCycle.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Exceptional quality and materials	▼ Inteferes when standing on pegs
▲ Greatly enhanced comfort while seated	▼ Hydration packs will not fit
▲ Easy to remove for off road riding	▼ Limited ability to shift around

For years, the idea of a motorcycle intercom seemed to be for the rider and his pillion to discuss the next rest stop on their big cruiser bike with a couple of plug in wired headsets. With the advent of Bluetooth technology, the concept of rider to rider communication has spread throughout the motorcycle universe. If you’re still wildly waving your arms at your buddy when it is time for a pit stop, it is time for a leap into current technology.

Dual sport and adventure riders on individual bikes will reap huge benefits from being able to communicate with their buddies. It is not just about where and when to stop for a burger and gas, but once off the pavement, sending warnings about rocks and ruts or being alerted when the guy in the back goes down makes a huge difference in the riding dynamics and sharing the fun.

Although there are a number of decent intercoms out there, the newest top of the food chain is the SENA 20S. It comes with a whole host of features, but the ones that puts it at the top of the list is its connectivity with the SENA Prism action camera and the ability to talk with non-SENA intercoms.

We’ve all see some of the motorcycle action videos that have flooded the internet; perhaps you’ve even posted some of your own. It is part of our sport to be able to relive the moments and laugh at our get-offs. GoPro has dominated the action camera market since its introduction.

Using the Prism in single photo mode, this 5MB shot shows great detail even directly into the sun.

Although a great product, it currently lacks the ability to provide voice-over on the go. The Prism camera, combined with the 20S, provides this feature with flawless HD video and real time voice-over video; and it can all be controlled with a simple tap of your headset.

The heart of the system is the 20S Bluetooth communicator. Available in either single or dual unit packaging. Its electronics platform is built around the new Bluetooth 4.0 format which yields longer battery life and better connectivity. There is now the ability to pair up to 8 headsets in a communications group.

A major advance for SENA is the ability, with the 20S, to pair to non-SENA devices. In the past, this meant that if you had a SENA and your buddy had a different brand, you couldn’t talk to each other. The SENA software creates a work-around this lack of compatibility with Bluetooth black magic by seeing the other intercom unit as a cell phone.

The 20S also functions with a cell phone, allowing you to answer calls by a simple touch to the jog wheel on the side of the helmet; if you have music on your phone, that can also be connected. If you have an MP3 player, or wired iPod, there is a port for the included cable on the device. If you like FM radio while you’re riding, there is a receiver built in as well that can be preset to 10 stations.

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In this photo we see the the 16:9 aspect ratio of the PRISM offers a wide viewing angle.

Unpacking the box, you’ll first be asked to plug in to the ‘net and update the latest firmware. Once that is done, you’ll probably notice that the box does not include a simple 120 volt transformer for the somewhat ubiquitous 5 volt 1 amp battery charging duty. Use the one from your iPhone or your computer USB port; or buy a couple from the nearby convenience store.

The next step is helmet installation. The box includes various bits for different helmets and even a stick-on plate if your helmet doesn’t permit the clamp on mount. Once set up, the next step will be to pair the unit to other intercoms that you’ll be talking with.

There are three input devices on the unit; two buttons and a jog wheel. One button is uniquely assigned to allow ambient noise, such as when you’re at a gas station and don’t want to remove your helmet. The second button and the jog wheel are used in various combinations for talking, pairing, answering your cell phone, playing music, and turning on and off the recording function of the camera; as well as setting the camera functions.

In our experience, unless you change things constantly, you’ll need to keep the instructions handy as the variety of combinations and alternate control functions are substantial, but easily absorbed. We quickly learned that if we pressed the jog wheel (about a second) it would try to find another intercom, but if we quickly “tapped” the wheel, as per the instructions, it would complete our expected task of turning the camera on and off. The device is smart enough to know that when your phone rings, that same tap will answer the phone so you can make your call through the intercom.

The included handlebar bracket and housing makes mounting the PRISM a breeze. For best results use the helmet mount to avoid engine vibration.

The Prism is similarly loaded with features. In addition to stunning high resolution 1080p video, the camera can shoot stills in different aspect ratios and resolutions; shoot burst sequences; and best of all, be operated with that intelligent jog wheel while recording real-time voice-overs.

We found that the best recordings where when the camera was mounted to our helmet and the internal microphone was shut off; otherwise there was too much vibration and camera movement to produce a smooth video and the voice over was competing with the sound of the engine.

The Prism includes plenty of other mounting options. Another unique feature of the Prism is its ability to record in two field of view modes; either 90 degrees or 137 degrees. The battery is rated for 2 hours of recording, but we found it to be somewhat less during our use. The storage is on Micro SD cards that will allow up to 8 hours on a single card in low res mode or 4 ¾ hours using a 32GB card in 1080p Hi-Def.

The 20S is priced at $299 while the Dual pack is $549. While intercoms can be had for less than half of this cost, the features and quality of this model make it a worthwhile investment in your smiles per dollar. When combined with the Prism action camera, at $249, the combination just simply leaves the competition in the dust! SENA.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Simple setup	▼ Jog wheel controls all functions
▲ Supports between intercoms	▼ Bike mount vibrates excessively
▲ Voice over video capabilities

As a comparatively adventurous adventure rider, I require boots that will protect my ankles when I drop my loaded F800GS, but that also provide enough flex and comfort for a hike or an impromptu rock scramble. Not unlike a dual-sport tire where the consumer is caught between the on vs. off-road capabilities, I’m caught between the on bike protection and off bike comfort.

I began adventure riding with high-end motocross boots, as I spent more time falling than riding. Now I spend substantially less time underneath my bike, so I’ve opted for a bit more flexibility in my boots. After looking at the options available to women, I decided to give the SIDI Stinger a try.

The Stinger is sold as a youth boot. However, SIDI only makes five boots specifically for women, and none are for off-road. So, in order to delve into a boot with more protection, her feet must either be an EU size 40 or larger and fit into men-sized boots, or the limited choice of two youth-specific boots.

Pulling my new Stingers out of the box, I was impressed by the functional beauty SIDI puts into their products. The boots are solidly built and it is a simple process to adjust and snap SIDI’s cam-lock buckle system into place, eliminating any future adjustments when putting on the boots.

The Stingers fit like other SIDI boots I’ve worn, which for me means adding an inexpensive insert to nestle my heel comfortably into the heel well. I have a somewhat wide foot for a woman, and found the Stinger to be about right, giving me just enough room to wiggle each of my toes. The boots fit one European size smaller than my women’s SIDI street bike boots.

They’re constructed in two parts—a lower boot that the foot easily slides into, and an upper that wraps around the calf. The lower boot is joined to the upper by SIDI’s Flex System, allowing ankle movement to have an immediate “broken in” feel. The Flex System allows the rider to either stand or sit while riding, without excessive pressure in the front of the ankle. And for a field test, I climbed 300-plus steps at the Mt. St. Helens National Park in Washington where the Flex System worked as intended.

The downside to the Flex System is that the boots are loud. Loud enough to silence shoppers at a local mall when I squelched by. It wasn’t until my riding partner squirted WD-40 directly into the Flex System that the noise subsided. For a short time, anyway.

The metal toe cap is a good feature for off-road riding, but the cap also provides a little unexpected excitement for women on tall dual-sport bikes who are unable to completely flat-foot their motorcycle when stopped. I managed to skate helplessly across the garage in a useless, yet quite amusing, attempt to push my motorcycle while sitting atop it as the steel tips clacked away in search of traction. 

Stopping at stoplights is equally hazardous where I often hear a distinctive “clink” of the two metal plates touching the ground leaving me to pray neither slips. I recommend removing the toe cap, it’s a simple process of removing a few screws.

While riding, the Stinger is a great boot that feels solid on the pegs and provides ample feedback when shifting or braking. The boot is tall enough to keep from getting caught on the underside of the pegs when lifting my feet off the ground, too. The rubber sole is built for youth weight, and is uncomfortable on my wide off-road pegs after about fifteen minutes of standing. However, for hiking, the rubber sole provides good purchase on rocks.

The Stingers are not produced in SIDI’s premium Italian factory, but its Romanian factory, taking advantage of the lower production costs and keeping this boot at a better price point. Some of the cost-cutting is evident in the dye used in the fabric that wraps around the calf, leaving me with temporary dark circles on my legs after sweating all day in the sun. The boots are comfortably lightweight due to no Gore-Tex liner, and breathable mesh panels.

Women with smaller feet have very few choices when it comes to high-end off-road protection, and the Stingers are a great step in the right direction. I would rate the Stinger at 40% protection and 60% flexibility, making them my go-to adventure boot when I ride easier off-road routes and also have non-riding adventures planned. But in order for companies to make more options for women, we just need to get more women out riding! MSRP: $300.00 MotoNation.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Lightweight	▼ Less protection than a mens boot
▲ Flexible	▼ Noisy to walk in
▲ Solid on pegs with good feedback	▼ Uncomfortable to stand on pegs

 

 

When imagining options for a crash bar compatible to the BMW F800GS, most likely a “cage” that protects the front end of the bike comes to mind. A new company by the name Staubwolke has taken the existing crash bar model and turned it on its head, starting with its looks. Upon first hearing about the product I thought of Easy Rider and the crash bars typically seen on cruiser bikes.  

The Staubwolke bar arrived thoughtfully packaged and installation instructions were well conceived and easy to follow. My bike had existing crashbars already on it, but after they were replaced with the Staubwolke's I was pleasantly surprised by how much cleaner my bike looked. I’d say the overall installation is of “moderate” difficulty due to the fact that it calls for a torque wrench, and having a second person to help with alignment made the job much easier. 

The Staubwolke bar is robust in materials and design, utilizing a solid, single crossbar that is not bolted in the middle like other brands. The welds are minimal and clean, and I like that the “load”, should you have a crash, is absorbed by five solid screw points on each side, attaching directly to the engine and frame and without small sheet metal tabs. I sheared off the lower engine bar bracket on my old bars at the attachment “tab”, simply by dropping the bike. Another advantage is access to the bike. No more removing the crash bar for routine and service maintenance! The bar also comes with two sets of rubber sleeves. I’m not quite sure what purpose they serve, but depending on the colors of your bike, they could be a nice accent. I chose to stick with black.

On a recent West Coast to East Coast trip, I experienced no problems with clearance while riding off road (the bottom part of the crash bar is about level with the foot pegs and shift/brake lever). I didn’t ride any tight single track or really deep ruts to note if the Staubwolke would affect the performance. The bar was not high-speed crash tested, but I did drop the bike numerous times while on the ride.

The outside width of the bar matches the width of the handlebar, and due to the position of the pivot point (most outside point of the bar), the bike never comes close to the ground. If it falls past that pivot point the outside edge of the handlebars do hit, but the levers are safe from the fall. I am a woman rider, and though physically fit, lifting a 500lb bike with gear is no simple feat, especially in deep sand where I generally fall a whole lot. Even with proper technique, after a few dumps and subsequent lifts, I’m done for and thankful for a helping hand. The pivot point of the Staubwolke bar makes uprighting the bike many times easier.

I tried lying down under the bike as if caught – and found plenty of clearance to get myself out. One thing I didn’t try was dropping the bike downhill – but I feel that the pivot point created by the bar would allow one to spin the bike into a better position for getting it upright. My glee over the ease of picking up my bike had me lay it down and pick it up 6 times in ten minutes, just to prove the point. This alone is enough for me to switch from my old bars to this “out of the box” design solution. As a smaller person, the ability to somewhat easily and quickly lift my own bike without struggle gives me more confidence when travelling alone, especially when it comes to off road adventures. MSRP: $649 Staubwolke.com

Note: Staubwolke says they are developing a bag that integrates into their crash bar system. This is a point of interest for sure, and something to look forward to.

PROS	CONS
▲ Simple, non-obtrusive design	▼ Still expensive
▲ Aids in uprighting the bike after a fall	▼ Fits only 2013 and newer F800/700
▲ Price comparable to other existing systems with lower and upper side protection	▼ Questionable clearance for deep ruts and singletrack
▲ Easy access to bike for service
▲ Choice of colored accent sleeves for customization
▲ Protection of handlebars and levers

UPDATE on May 18,2022: Continental Issues Recall on Popular TKC80 Adventure Tire — According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Continental Tire has issued a recall of certain TKC80 adventure tires and three other motorcycle tire models, including the CONTIGO!, K62 and LB.

According to a May 6, 2022, NHTSA release detailing the recall, these tires can develop cracks longer than 3/16 of an inch in the tread grooves that “can lead to tread separation, increasing the likelihood of a crash.” The release says tire owners should receive official notification from Continental in June. 

Continental did not respond to a request for comment for this update.
The recall affects nearly 70,000 tires in 46 models and sizes. Check the official NHTSA release to see if your tires are part of this recall.

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Being a daily commuter and a regular off road rider I have been trying to find the best balance for my bike when it comes to tires. Usually I ride TKC80’s both front and rear, but this has been an expensive commuting option with my heavy 2013 BMW R1200GSA. The TKC80's certainly look and perform the part but I was in search of something a bit more commuter friendly.

On my previous bike, a 2008 R1200 GSA, I had been riding mainly using a Heidenau K60 Scoutrear, where I would see around 10K miles of riding. With a Continental TKC80 on the front getting approximately 6-7K miles of use. I always liked this setup as it gave me both on and off road riding flexibility. 

The Scouts are a nice intermediate tire for longevity, however they are stiff and can be challenging to mount with hand tools. I also found these tires to be a little twitchy in wet weather giving you a reminder occasionally to take it easy.

When I got the new liquid cooled boxer in August 2014, Heidenau didn't yet have a tire for the new size (170/60/17). I needed to find a tire with a longer tread life and started to read about the newly released Continental TKC70. My expectations were high but the tire wouldn't be available until the beginning of 2015 in the US.

So I decided to take a trip across the pond. I purchased a TKC70 rear tire in the UK around October 2014 and carried it by plane back home. I believe this was one of the first tires in the US as they weren't available anywhere at that time. Once home I purchased a new TKC80 for the front to try out my new combo.

The first 500-600 miles was interesting and it made the bike search a little in the rear when doing over 65-70 mph. I wasn't sure if I had made the right tire choice. After those first break in miles though it disappeared completely and it only became better. I have now driven 6000 miles with the rear TKC70 and the front TKC80, approximately 4500 on road and 1500 off-road.

This has been a great combination in most of the riding circumstances I've encountered including gravel and rocky terrain. The only place where the rear TKC70 compromises is getting into deep wet mud, but it is worth the on road civility for my commuting needs.

Living in the Seattle area, having both tires handle the rain extremely well was a necessity. I have been impressed with the wet weather stability that the rear TKC70 provides compared to the old Scout. The compound of the TKC70 is relatively soft like the TKC80 and sticks nicely to the road.

Both tires wear evenly, as long tire pressure is maintained. I have been running 35 PSI on the front TKC80 and 42 PSI on the rear TKC70. Off-road I deflate the front to 26 PSI and the rear to about 34 PSI, which handles the bike nicely on the trails.

At this rate I should get about another 2000 miles of riding on the rear and probably the front as well. The front is showing its first signs of cupping but on the road I haven't noticed any appreciable deterioration in performance. Off-road riding will depend on the circumstances.

Running a TKC80 on the front has given me excellent grip and linear steering control both on and off road, while the rear TKC70 has improved my on road manners. I don’t see a need to run a matching set of TKC70's for this reason. 

All in all, this TKC70 is a good intermediate alternative for big bikes giving sufficient flexibility and tread life compared with the Scout. I would recommend this setup for big dual sport bikes, especially for those who want to be flexible in a variety of terrain and get the mileage they need. MSRP: $197.17 (Rear) Continental.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Great all around performance	▼ Not so great in deep wet mud
▲ Excellent tread life	▼ Gets noisy after 5,000 miles
▲ Easy to mount

Where to Buy:

TKC70	TKC80

 

 

 

 

 

When Touratech released their line of DriRide seats I may have been one of the most skeptical consumers out there. I thought that the technology could not possibly be worth the price of admission and that it certainly wouldn’t be as comfortable as other aftermarket or custom seats, considering that these are the first seats Touratech has brought to market. I could not have been more wrong.

It was apparent from the first time I took a test ride on my KTM 690 that I was going to need an aftermarket seat. I had done copious amounts of research before I even took delivery of the bike and I just kept circling back to the Touratech DriRide seat because of all the claimed features.

With a busy summer riding season approaching I decided to “pull the trigger” on the most expensive upgrade to my bike thus far. Only one problem… there was a lot of talk and speculation about fitment issues on the 14’ and 15’ KTM 690. To find out for myself I visited the Touratech USA headquarters in Seattle where they bent over backwards to ensure that the seat fit my bike. (One of the perks of living in Seattle and Touratech having an awesome staff.)

I was in love at first ride, sounds so sappy but I instantly knew it was what I had been looking for in a seat. Easily more comfortable out of the box than any other aftermarket seat I had purchased in the past. Even with my bike being as narrow as it is they managed to shape the foam in such a way that you feel like you are sitting in a “dish” with even weight distribution instead of on an egg with all the pressure on the tail bone.

Touratech utilizes their Ergo-Response Long-Distance foam in all of the DriRide and Comfort seats. It reminds me a lot of a Temprapedic mattress with less sinking in. They claim “The longer you ride the better it feels” and I think it's true. What stood out to me immediately was that the seat absorbed a noticeable amount of vibration from the engine making highway travel much more enjoyable on my thumper.

I rode 1,830 miles in four days on my way to the Overland Expo West and I believe that this would not have been possible without this seat. I was able to enjoy the long days instead of dreading more saddle time as had been the case for me on previous long trips.

One of the main selling points for me on this seat was that it is waterproof. Nothing worse than crawling out of your tent first thing in the morning to find that it rained during the night and that you would now be spending a good part of the day with a cold and or wet hind section.

Touratech uses it’s Rain-Block fabric to make the DriRide seat completely waterproof while simultaneously allowing it to breath. Water droplets form and roll off the seat but air still gets through somehow. The technology seems pretty similar to that of Gor-Tex and that is what I equate it to. Even after 48 solid hours in heavy rain and snow, the seat was not saturated with water.

Quality control is phenomenal with precise attention to detail. Nothing short of what I would expect of an aftermarket seat at this price point. It has dealt with temperatures at both extremes of the weather spectrum with ease.

Performing exceedingly well in hot dusty conditions. (Imagine a nice breeze from the inside of your seat right where you need it the most!) The cover is a bit slippery but it suits my needs as a short rider with a tall bike having to slide off to find the ground. I never noticed this as an issue while riding in a seated or standing position off road though. It has held up well to my muddy boots, sharp keys and general abuse.

It might seem like an absurd amount of money to spend on a seat but if you really boil it down it’s about safety. When you are not comfortable on your motorcycle you aren’t focusing your full attention on riding or having fun for that matter.

I have been nothing but impressed with the Touratech DriRide seat. It makes grandiose promises that it gladly fulfills and allows me to really enjoy all of the time I spend on my motorcycle. If you are looking for an aftermarket seat that will last the life of your bike and thrive in any conditions while still being extremely comfortable then look no further.

It is clear to me now that Touratech isn’t trying to expand it’s brand for greater profits but because they legitimately have quality products and technology to offer. MSRP: $686.00 Touratech-USA.com 

PROS	CONS
▲ Comfortable	▼ Expensive
▲ Waterproof	▼ Slippery
▲ Breathable

 

 

Most motorcycle riders will admit that they started with the basics. Probably a bicycle then moving up to a small dirtbike and so on. We’ve all hit a rock or a bump with the handle bars turned sharp while we fell, with the forks trying to spin in the frame. The difference is now our bikes have engines, go faster, and are more expensive.

If we drop our bikes now the handlebars can turn too sharp causing some major damage to the frame, forks, as well as wiring and brake line hoses. While I was browsing the Touratech catalog like many of us often do, I came across a steering stop that bolts to the front telelever arm on my BMW.

It looked rather simple in design, making me think at first it was a farkle that looks good but has no practical purpose. Well I found out later that summer I could have used it. I was on a trail when I found a soft spot in the dirt and down I went. My front wheel dug in turning sharp while the handle bars went with it, as I fell off the motorcycle.

The handle bars turned further than I thought they could. Although there was no damage, if the fall was any faster or harder I could have seen a damaged front fork.  After that trip I decided to purchase the steering stop. When I received the steering stop I noticed it’s made of thick aluminum. It felt very sturdy like it would actually add beneficial strength to the front telelever arm.

There very few pieces of hardware making it extremely easy to install. It may have taken me 10 minutes total. After installation I then went lock to lock on the handle bars with the rubber mounts helping keep about a full inch between the front forks and telelever.

Now during a fall if the handlebars twist hard fast, instead of a substantial impact it now has a rubber bump stop to help prevent damage. This is beneficial when riding on road or off. I don’t notice any obstruction from the steering stop in tight maneuvering. Even though it is bright yellow I don’t even notice it on the bike. 

I have had the steering stop for over a year now. It has over 20,000 miles of off-road and on-road abuse and use. The finish is still nice and the rubber stops still have not torn or ripped off. I have noticed when I drop my bike off road with a tank bag it doesn’t dig into my tank bag as far either. For such a small guard it actually does a fantastic job protecting the bike. I would've never thought $130.10 could offer so much piece of mind. Touratech.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Lightweight	▼ No replacement bushings at this time
▲ Easy to install
▲ Peace of mind

 

 

Motorcycle GPS units have become synonymous with adventure riding. As technology and displays continue to advance it has become an obvious addition to many riders essential gear list.

Placement is key for the ease of use of a GPS. It’s imperative it be positioned so you barely divert your eyes from the road to see the screen. The SW-Motech Quick Lock Vibration Damped GPS Mount is centered right on top of the bike’s display and won’t obstruct the view.

Attached using the same mounting holes as the windscreen, the mount is tidy and compact. This position also takes advantage of the most weather protected real estate available on a bike. The damping feature does cut back vibrations on the road but don't expect any miracles while riding off the beaten path.

The SW-Motech Quick Lock Vibration Damped GPS Mount is a huge improvement over handlebar mounted setups and will certainly make your rides into unfamiliar territory less stressful. MSRP: $89.99 TwistedThrottle.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Strong and Simple Design	▼ Could be higher for larger GPS units
▲ Adapters available for many units
▲ Vibration damping design

 

 

 

Riding styles evolve. The purchase of a bike with better off-road capabilities, the addition of new friends who take you off your beaten track, or the experience of a particularly well run dual-sport ride, can significantly change what you’re asking from your tires.

A few thousand dual-sport miles after purchasing a Tiger 800 Roadie for touring, I had evolved into an ADV rider and was in search of a more aggressive tire than the Heidenau K60s Scouts. 

I needed a tire designed specifically for taking large adventure bikes off road and also comfortably handling pavement. I’d heard a whisper about the Vee Rubber VRM-401 40/60 (on/off-road) tires on AdventureMotorcycle.com and managed to get my hands on a set to test.

The first thing I noticed was how light the VRM-401s were, compared with the K60s. This is a direct result of the Kevlar belt carcass (specific to certain sizes) designed specifically for heavy loads and the higher horsepower of large adventure touring bikes.

I also noticed that the knobbies have more space between each tread than the TKC80s, which means improved off-road traction, front end bite, and self-cleaning capabilities—especially in mud. And the rubber compound used in these tires is softer than Kenda’s Big Blocks, which gives more confidence during on-road riding.

On my first scrub-in ride I couldn’t believe how smooth and quiet they were on the highway. This is due in part to the block spacing and multiple shapes and sizes of the tread blocks, which convinced me that this tire has been developed with more thought than the standard format of “one big block then one small block; repeat.”

Both front and rear tires have four different rows of knobby sizes and not all are square. I was comforted that the rear tire doesn’t wobble or follow cracks on the road at high speeds like the Heidenau’s, but with any knobby in wet conditions, riding requires an extra dose of caution.

I was impressed by the back tire hook-up in loose gravel, and was able to navigate slippery winter mud without incident. The front tire cut through mud, and feels well planted in sand. It dug in right away with any losses of front end traction being predictable and savable compared to less aggressive tires—you won’t find yourself worrying about getting stuck in mud or a loss of forward momentum on an uphill (within reason). These tires perform even better than I expected off road.

After 800 miles I’m still impressed by the technology. The overall feel and feedback is far better than I thought possible on a 500+lb ADV bike. The pattern gives the tires an aggressive look and they definitely stand out against non-knobby tires. The first 200 miles seemed to wear the rear tire faster than I expected, with power slides in the gravel quickly wearing out the very front edge of the center knobbies and taking off the knurling on the bigger lugs.

The next 600 miles showed little further change and I’m optimistic that the rear tire will wear well. The front shows virtually no wear at 800 miles but my riding style asks very little from the front tire on or off road.

With the heavyweight ADV tire market becoming more crowded and increasingly scrutinized this is one tire that should be on your short list. MSRP: TBA. Sizes: 110/80-19, 90/90-21, 130/80-17, 150/70-17, 140/80-18, 150/80-18, with other sizes on their way. VeeRubber.com

PROS	CONS
▲ High load ratings	▼ Less traction on pavement
▲ Excellent grip in sand and mud	▼ Slippery when wet
▲ Good road manners for a knobby

 

 

Warm & Safe is on the cutting edge of first-to-market superior electrically heated clothing for motorcyclists -- a pioneer approach to heated gear that caught my attention and now makes my kit more streamlined and efficient. Why is this one piece of heated gear worth its weight in gold? Because it can provide you with a lengthier riding season and the necessary warmth for quicker reaction times.

I tested their liner over the course of a couple of weeks in the high peaks of Colorado with snow on the ground and freezing temps that dulled the senses. It fit well under my tight BMW Santiago moto jacket. The pocket-in-pocket design hides the remote “Heat-troller,” a cable to the bike in the waist pocket, and another to the heated glove liners in the wrist pockets. A remote dual-controller mounts with hook and loop fasteners and can be attached to the bike’s dash, allowing for effortless temperature adjustments, even with thick gloves on.

On the road, the jacket liner provides toastiness within a minute. Warm & Safe’s innovative system distributes varying amounts of heat throughout different sections of the liner. And there are five selectable settings, providing emphasis on the chest, followed by slightly less heat for the arms, neck, upper back, and lower back.

A handy waterproof hood zips away in the collar, giving the jacket liner the dual purpose of providing heat on the road, and dryness throughout the journey. Side panels allow for a nice streamlined fit that keeps the warmth snug against the body.

And the comfort of the new high tech Gelanots waterproof breathable fabric, that’s known for its light and extremely soft attributes, has me using this jacket around camp in the evenings. That’s efficiency that will be staying in my kit for the long haul. MSRP: $289.95 WarmNSafe.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Five heat levels, controlled heat zone	▼ Remote dials are not backlit
▲ Lengthens your riding season	▼ Hot spot with short sleeve base layer
▲ Dual remote to attach to any dash	▼ Womens jacket neck is tight

 

 

Comfort and protection of our hands is essential for maintaining dexterity and responsiveness. That’s why gloves are like the best of our riding apparel—when they’re doing their job, we don’t notice them at all. And that includes riding in various weather conditions.

Racer Gloves is taking notice of the rise in the women’s market, providing smaller-sized gloves while addressing the most important features: comfort, durability and protection. I was impressed by their Queens gloves.

The high quality stitching of these goatskin gloves has proven durable after a year of use. Goatskin is known for its abrasion resistance, although I’m happy to say I haven’t tested that feature of the gloves.

What I did test recently was water resistance and cold temperatures when I got caught in a snow blizzard high atop of the Tioga Pass out of Yosemite Valley on my way to the Suzuki Dealer Show in Vegas. Temps plummeted from 60° to 30° within an hour, where, without heated glove liners, I was able to give these gloves a true workout.

The waterproof POLYMAX membrane held up well to keep my hands dry throughout the entire life-and-death situation as rain turned to sleet—then to pelting snow and ice along the wind-torn ridge. My hands stayed warm enough with the fleece liner and ISOSOFT insulation through the higher 48° and up range, but started to chill from 45° and below.

Racer’s Women’s Queens gloves answer all demands of a mid-weight glove, and are amongst the most comfortable out there. That’s why they’ll stay in my kit all year round, along with heated glove liners to help them reach more extreme temps. MSRP: $89.99 RacerGlovesUSA.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Easy pull sing wrap wrist closure	▼ Leather eventually gets waterlogged
▲ Five year waterproof warranty	▼ Could have additonal palm protection
▲ Goatskin shapes to hand quickly

 

 

Bomb Proof, that is the best way to describe the Rolie dry bags and the Expedition dry duffel from Wolfman Luggage. I have used and abused these bags for the past two years logging thousands of miles on and off road.

The large version of the Rolie bag is like the Swiss Army Knife of adventure luggage. It works well on top of hard cases, as a stand-alone tank bag, tail bag or used as a saddlebag. The only real limitations to its uses are your imagination and maybe the amount of straps you have.

The medium size Expedition dry duffel works well on rear racks, across passenger seats, on top boxes and as a great suitcase! The Expedition has served me well from the Tokyo airport to the beaches of Mexico. One Expedition bag fits my sleeping bag, bag liner, sleeping pad and my down pillow.

The other Rolie bag can fit all of my clothes and toiletries. Leaving the Expedition duffel for my tent, camp chair, cooking kit and tools. I have never had to crawl into a damp sleeping bag or worry about wet clothes using these bags.

The only real drawbacks to these bags are the buckles and the limited accessibility. The webbing for the straps is sturdy and has never failed me but the buckles are specific to Wolfman Luggage.

So when you order a bag it is a good idea to order some extra buckles so you don’t end up short one male buckle on the morning you are ready to leave for your next adventure. Ask me how I know.

The price for these bags being so reliably waterproof is the difficulty of accessing the contents when they are lashed to your bike. If you pack smart this shouldn't be a real issue. If in fact you keep packing the same small thing you need late in the day at the bottom of one of the bags you will get frustrated. Again ask me how I know.

These bags are my go to whether I am headed across the country or just day tripping. Both the Rolie bags and the Expedition dry duffel come in three different sizes to suit your needs and in a few different colors as well.

There are several different mounting systems available also. Well worth the initial investment and I have a hard time believing they will not outlast my need for them. MSRP: $77.99-$138.99. WolfmanLuggage.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Waterproof beyond a doubt	▼ Hard to get in and out of when mounted
▲ Endless packing configurations	▼ Wolfman specific buckles
▲ Durable	▼ Can't put stickers on them

 

 

 

Right out of the box, there’s no doubt the craftsmanship and solid construction of the new RPHA MAX exceeds the SY-MAX III. HJC really went to town making sure the new triple composite (carbon fiber, aramid fiber and fiberglass) PIM shell technology, was up to snuff against the competition. The lightweight (1,600g or 3.5 lb), firm and beautifully molded exterior is finished off with a brilliant white pearl metallic paint. To add to the RPHA MAX’s safety and rigidity, they’ve incorporated a new 360 degree closing mechanism in the chin bar, as well as higher quality male locking posts near the cheeks, providing highly positive latching. Lifting the chin bar is an easy one hand “pinch and lift” job. The RPHA MAX’s new shape and construction tally up to the quietest modular helmet ever made by HJC and we’d say just as silent as higher priced units. Inside, the one piece removable liner’s quick dry fabrics feel silky smooth when sliding it over your noggin and remain comfortable regardless of how much sweating goes on inside the helmet—which is unfortunately a fair amount.

Unlike the Shoei Neotec and Schuberth C3, the MAX’s ventilation won’t give you the breezy feeling you might want at this price point. While it does use a similar top air scoop to the Shoei, the ports themselves are still covered in pop-up style covers which restrict intake airflow to the otherwise generously sized chimney vents. Inside the EPS liner, circulation channels are present but proved to be ineffective during our testing on warm and cool days. The front chin vent, while nicely designed and easy to operate also lacked the eyeball drying air flow we found on other top end modular, and we couldn’t figure out why. The internal opening below the center-latch primary visor is large enough, and the front port was tall (although a little narrow), but the visor took longer to clear on cool mornings. Fogging wasn’t a problem with the Pinlock insert installed. Although this sounds like an overwhelmingly negative summation of the MAX’s ventilation, it’s only fair to note the circulation is an improvement over the SY-MAX III, but falls short of its slightly higher priced competitors.

Drop down sun visors have become de rigeur in modulars and, while complicated to design, are extremely useful when properly executed. Like the SY-MAX III, the RPHA MAX actuates its sun visor by sliding a top track forward, and visor retraction is accomplished with a one touch release button. Our test unit proved to be noisy and stiff to actuate and, probably most disappointing, is the sun visor didn’t retract all the way up. When down, the sun visor provided excellent coverage but exhibited a fair amount of optical distortion, further adding to the “bargain bin” feeling which wasn’t consistent with the general high quality of the shell.

In summary, modular users demand more gizmos and accessories, but at the same time want it all to be weightless and affordable. With a class leading light weight, beautiful styling and quality shell construction, the RPHA MAX is a great first shot at entering the high end modular helmet category.

Despite the many clear improvements over HJC’s previous offerings, we felt the overall package was let down by using accessory parts from their lower end lids. Designing a good modular helmet is arguably the most difficult to accomplish and eagerly await HJC’s refinements. Looking ahead, the benefits of HJC’s new PIM shell technology mean gigantic payoffs in models which don’t require all the modular moving bits. ADVMoto is testing the RPHA X dirt helmet which has quickly become a favorite model of the office and is poised to shake up the market with superb ventilation, a strong shell, amazing light weight and an affordable price point. Look for the RPHA X review in the upcoming issue. MSRP: $419.99 HJChelmets.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Lightweight	▼ Accessories from less expensive models
▲ Very quiet	▼ Priced high for overall package value
▲ Quality shell construction and styling

 

Kawasaki’s Versys-X 300 was one of our favorite bikes introduced in 2017. It brings new riders into the world of adventure motorcycling and offers enough performance to keep experienced riders entertained. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our full review of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 by clicking here!

Since the bike is fairly new, it’s slim pickins’ for aftermarket goodies. Twisted Throttle (TwistedThrottle.com) let us borrow their Versys-X 300 project bike that came equipped with SW-Motech Crash Guards, Denali lighting, DrySpec luggage, and a few more upgrades. We searched the internet for a proper skid plate for the little Versys and one of the only results that came up was an offering from Ricochet Off-Road, a company formally known for creating crash protection for dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and SUVs.

Ricochet Off-Road’s skid plate oozes with raw ingenuity. Cut-outs help shave weight, increase airflow, and give the bike a custom look. There’s even a cut-out for the drain bolt. The oil filter is now easily accessible without having to remove bodywork. Our version came anodized in black, but brushed aluminum is also available.

Since it doesn’t have a cradle type frame, the Versys-X 300 requires a bit of creativity to mount a skid plate. Front and rear steel brackets (included in the kit) use motor mount bolts to give the plate enough mounting points. While the installation is straight forward with basic tools, the job is easiest with a second set of hands, or an impact driver.

Many are wondering if this skid plate will work with SW-Motech center stand and crash guards. I’m happy to report that everything integrates well. The crash guards use the same front motor mount bolt as the skid plate, so I’d recommend installing these at the same time. The skid plate bracket takes up some real estate on the motor mount bolt, so to get through the nut on the other side of the frame you’ll need a slightly longer bolt. Or shave down the SW-Motech spacers by 3/16".

Engine noise does reflect back to the rider, but that’s to be expected with any skid plate. Ricochet thoughtfully included rubber dampers to reduce the chance of metal-on-metal rattling, and our bike doesn’t resonate any weird sounds at throughout the rev range. There’s a good amount of clearance between the plate and engine and clearing out mud and rocks is easy with a hose. The front side features a tall rise, deflecting rocks and offering protection for the headers.

To put the Ricochet Off-Road skid plate to the test, we rode the Versys-X 300 to a national park. The fire roads we rode snake up and down the mountains, and the Versys is perfectly capable of handling the terrain. A few downed trees and a rock staircase were enough to show how important a quality skid plate really is. Although the plate made contact with a few rocks the 3/16" 5052 H032 aluminum plate looks almost as good as new. A few scrapes indicate that the bike’s exhaust would’ve taken a direct hit if not for the skid plate. While coasting in gravel, you can hear pebbles “ricocheting” off the plate that would otherwise be hitting the headers and oil filter.

Installation does require the removal of the plastic engine shrouds which does expose a sensor (probably oil pressure) on the right side of the bike. The wire and sensor look inset enough to avoid snagging against brush, and so far I haven’t had any issues, but having the stock plastic work with the skid plate would have added some peace-of-mind (and aesthetics for those who care for it).

This armor does cost more than most other skid plates from Ricochet Off-Road, but that’s because of the bracketry required to mount it. However, it is an essential upgrade for anyone who plans to take their Versys-X 300 across anything more technical than groomed dirt roads. MSRP: $229 RicochetOffRoad.com

---

PROS	CONS
▲ Looks great	▼ Requires removal of stock "engine guards"
▲ Sturdy build quality
▲ Retains access to oil plug and filter
▲ Simple installation

Soft luggage is a popular preference over hard bags, especially for dirt bikes and smaller dual-sports. They’re lighter, easier to install, cost less, and are arguably safer in the event of a crash. Most have a wide range of adjustability, so if you own multiple bikes, chances are one system could fit all of them. With a plethora of options on the market, there are more than a handful of soft systems most riders would be happy to strap over their motorcycles.

Only a few criteria need to be met to make good soft bags. They need to be extremely durable, as they take the brunt of the impact in crashes and tip-overs, not to mention bouncing off trees and rubbing against brush. Water resistance is a must. They also need to fit snugly and securely to the bike so they won’t flop around.

Nelson Rigg has been making storage options for motorcycles for over 40 years and their Rigg Gear Adventure line-up specializes in rugged systems for ATVs, UTVs, and now adventure bikes. The RG-020 Dual-Sport Side Bags are UV-treated and made of water-resistant 1680D Tri-Max Ballistic Nylon. They feature reverse coil zippers to keep outside elements from getting in and oversized pulls for easy access while wearing gloves.

The RG-020 is an expandable system, increasing from 12- to 15-liter capacity per side. And a unique tool pouch under the main compartment helps keep tire irons and dirty wrenches from bouncing around with the rest of your luggage.

Installing the RG-020 is straightforward and takes only minutes. The self-fastening Velcro top straps adjust to the width of your bike. Metal hooks wrap around the bottom of the rear fender to prevent the bags from rotating. Optional straps for dual-sports are included to tether the system to rear fender brackets, like DOT reflector mounts. As you’d expect, the more straps used, the more stable the system becomes. Front straps need to be secured to the frame or another secure point on the bike.

Be mindful to tether these straps away from the exhaust pipe. Dual-sport and dirt bikes have exhaust systems that run high. It would have been nice to see Rigg Gear offer heat protection for the bags in areas close to the exhaust.

A down side to soft side bags is limited weight capacity. A clever feature on these bags is the side cinches that help support weight and prevent the bags from sagging under heavy load.

Simply wearing a backpack might yield similar results, but the RG-020 Dual-Sport Bags can be the sensible solution to hauling more gear and taking the weight off your shoulders. MSRP: $134.95 RiggGear.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Durable	▼ Heat protection would be great
▲ Easy to install	▼ No waterproofing for the tool bag pouch
▲ Cinching straps prevent bag from sagging

Don’t you just love when it’s time to change out your motorcycle grips? The process gives you a great forearm workout, and if you did it for a living, you could look just as fit as Popeye. Installing new grips exfoliates the garage dirt from your hands and can even leaving you with fun filled blisters. On top of that, grip glue is always a pleasure to work with and it smells wonderful!

If you disagree with any of the above, good news! Risk Racing offers a kit that makes grip installation a quick an easy process. The Fusion 2.0 Grips offer an innovative bonding strip that sticks to your handlebar and throttle tube. A spray catalyst lubricates the strip, making it easy for the grip to slide right on. When the strip dries it bonds the grip to the handlebar, eliminating the need for grip glue.

While Risk Racing recommends at least 30 minutes to let the kit dry, instead I let the bike sit overnight. In the morning I was surprised to see how well the grips had bonded. The hardness of the dual compound rubber and an even bond gives an OEM, new bike-in-the-showroom feel. I’m usually a safety wire kind of guy (I’ve got the scars on my hands to prove it), but this time I decided there was no need for the extra security.

The Fusion 2.0 grips look great, especially on ADVMoto's custom CRF 250 Rally bike. There’s no glue seeping out between the grips and the switch housings because we didn’t need to use any. We did have to mill out the ends for our hand guards to fit and if Risk Racing could offer an open end version of the grips, they’d be perfect for the enduro/dual sport market. The grips are available in green, blue, orange, yellow, and red.

After almost a thousand miles of mixed dual sport riding, the grips haven’t budged at all. Because we chose the dual compound version, the grips show little wear and we expect to get very good mileage out of them. Unlike the previous grips we had installed on the CRF, I didn't notice any fatiguing or blistering. Traction is more than adequate although they're a tad slippery when they get mud on them. For wet conditions, Risk Racing also offers Mud Grips that slip over your existing grips.

If you’re in the market for new grips, be sure to try out the Risk Racing Fusion 2.0 kit. For the racers out there, Risk Racing also makes a soft compound grip. MSRP: $20 RiskRacing.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Innovative, quick, and easy installation process	▼ We'd like to see an open end option for bikes with hand guards
▲ No movement and minimal wear after extensive riding
▲ Look and feel great

See the ADVMoto CRF 250L Rally Replica review here!

More Mods:

Rally Replica Fairing Kit and Tower
Galfer and Bel-Ray Brake Upgrades
IMS 3.1 Gallon Tank
Dobeck Performance EJK Fuel Controller
AntiGravity 8-Cell Battery
Race Tech Suspension

In today’s modern world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to put down our smartphones. With the features that nearly all devices have nowadays, there’s good reason to always have your phone by your side. For motorcyclists, however, the cell phone becomes a little more important, as it functions as a safety device and for many, as their primary navigation device. 

Neatly packaged and logically designed, the Rocky Creek Designs Motoplug Phone Holder is a breeze to mount to any tubular surface on your motorcycle. Namely, your bike’s handlebars, but the creative user could probably mount the Phone Holder to the base of a mirror stem if desired. Although instructions of any kind are omitted from the package, the user can readily identify the process by which you secure the Phone Holder to your bike.

The mounting process is straight-forward: simply select a location to mount the Phone Holder, select the appropriate combination of different sized spacers included in the package, and tighten the aluminum locking ring with the included Allen key. The Phone Holder, with its assorted spacers, is capable of being mounted to any handlebar between 22 and 32mm. It should be noted, however, that selecting a combination of spacers too large for the width of your handlebar may result in stripping the threads within the locking ring mechanism.

Proper positioning of the Phone Holder on your handlebars is critical, and may require some trial and error, as your tank bag can obscure the view of your phone’s screen. The process of determining what location is going to work best for you will require some time and a few test-runs around the block.

Charging your phone with other conventional phone mounts on the market today requires feeding your power cord through a series of adapters, and then somehow securing the cord itself from whipping around in the wind. This is where theRocky Creek Phone Holder differs from the competition – the Phone Holder features an integrated charger, discretely embedded within the mounting surface itself. To power the Phone Holder, the user simply connects the main power line to their motorcycle’s battery. The Phone Holder even comes with a shortened USB power cable, which has incorporated into it, both Android and iPhone plugs.

For many adventure riders, expense is a large contributing factor in deciding what “farkles” to adorn their pride and joy with. The Phone Holder comes in at roughly half the price as other popular phone mounts available to riders today. Dedicated GPS devices are expensive and sometimes difficult to learn how to operate. Rocky Creek Designs’ Phone Holder, paired with the downloading of a GPS navigation app, can turn your phone into a do-it-all alternative to fronting the cash for a stand-alone motorcycle GPS.

In terms of phone security while at speed, the Phone Holder cradles your expensive device against its swiveling mounting face with the help of rubberized surfaces and a threaded guide rod that the user can adjust to their desired pressure. On all motorcycles, engine vibrations reverberating throughout the bike itself pose a real threat to all bolts. At no point over the course of approximately 3,500 miles on asphalt and 500 miles off-road, were there any signs of screws self-loosening or vibrations distorting the display image.

Coming in at a highly affordable price point, Rocky Creek Designs’ Phone Holder couldn’t get much better. However, buyer beware – the temptation to check your email and text messages while riding increases significantly with every notification being displayed in front of you while riding. Placing your phone on airplane mode will allow users to still access their GPS andmaintain a distraction-free cockpit. Always use better judgment in using your device while moving.

MSRP:$37.46

RockyCreekDesigns.com

PROS:

• An inexpensive alternative to buying a dedicated GPS
• Quickly change music or alter your route with a few swipes
• Robust and vibration-proof phone attachment method

CONS:

• Bright blue is your only color choice
• Any screen on your motorcycle is a distraction

Whether you’re in the Colorado backcountry with a bent rim and punctured tire, or in the parking lot of your local coffee shop with a flat, having a tire pump tucked away in your bike’s panniers can make the difference between a ride to remember and a ride you wish to forget. In situations such as this, a reliable, portable, and dependable method of tire inflation is a necessity. Although there are a variety of tire pump options available, perhaps none is more straightforward and painless to operate than Rocky Creek Designs’ Motopressor Mini Pump.

Simplicity comes to mind when examining the Motopressor Mini Pump. The adventure riding manufacturing community tends to have a bad habit of overcomplicating things, but Rocky Creek Designs has successfully created a tire pump that is, dare I say, easy to use! As adventure riders, we pride ourselves on our self-reliance and the ability to solve problems. The Motopressor Mini Pump makes this a little bit easier.

The pump is rugged and easy to operate. Measuring only 4.92 x 4.13 x 2.17 inches, and taking up minimal space, it can be left in your luggage and forgotten until it’s needed. The pump weighs a modest 18 oz. The front side features only four buttons, essentially making its operation foolproof. Missing from the digital display are complicated and distracting symbols found on some other tire inflation devices on the market.

So how does it work? Even without instructions, using the Mini Pump is intuitive. Simply attach an included power lead to your bike’s battery, secure the braided nylon inflation hose to the tire valve, pick the preferred pressure measurement units, indicate the desired tire pressure, and hit the on switch. In a few minutes, the Mini Pump will automatically shut off, and you’ll be back to riding, with the newfound confidence that your adventure machine is performing at its maximum level. The Mini Pump is capable of inflating a standard front tire to 36 psi in three and a half minutes, and a standard rear tire to 40 psi in just over six and a half.

Along with a convenient and compact carrying case, the Mini Pump comes with a variety of power lead attachments, such as the classic alligator clips, an SAE quick-disconnect cord, and a standard battery cable with rings, for easy attachment to nearly all modern motorcycle batteries. With the exception of a crescent wrench, few products in the adventure riding accessory market compare in terms of reliability and simplicity. Rocky Creek Designs’ Motopressor Mini Pump makes a great addition to panniers everywhere.

MSRP: $58.95 RockyCreekDesigns.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Extremely lightweight	▼ No cons, but a smaller Pocket Pump is also available.
▲ Idiot-proof with only four buttons
▲ Comes with a protective carring case
▲ Enough included power leads to provide NYC with electricity

Rottweiler Performance specializes in air intakes for KTMs and has developed a reputation as the one-stop shop for both practical and performance modifications. They are tireless with their research and development on new models while continuing to produce functional fixes and aftermarket parts support for even earlier model KTMs. When it comes to the air your KTM breathes, Rottweiler Performance has you covered.

The Rottweiler kit for the 690 replaces the stock air box with a new space-saving filter housing that is easier to access and much easier to service. Tapping into their extensive experience with big KTMs, Rottweiler crafted the new 690 intake with a redirected induction air path through one of their proprietary velocity stacks, resulting in both optimized intake tract length and velocity. The bell mouth of the velocity stack is also designed in such a way that it helps prevent water from entering the throttle body. (Helpful when a water crossing is a little deeper than you bargained for.) The filter element is easily removed without tools by loosening two “quarter turn” screws. The multi-layer foam element is a lifetime filter made tough to withstand years  of collecting dirt and being washed.

The installation of the kit was simple and did not require any special tools, cutting or rewiring, nor did it interfere with the bike's normal operation or ECU (Electronic Control Unit). It was actually much more complicated to remove the stock air box than it was to install the new Rottweiler set-up. The estimated install time on this kit was one hour and that’s realistic. With prior experience removing your air box the install time should be even shorter. Rottweiler did a fantastic job putting this kit together, from top-notch fasteners and materials to bulletproof step-by-step instructions with large color pictures.

Once the intake is installed and without further modification you are ready to ride with AFR (Air Fuel Ratios) that are safe across the entire RPM range. The real fun begins when you tune your ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or add a fuel programmer like the DynoJet Power Commander V. With one of these methods you are able to manipulate the motorcycle's AFR and/or ignition advance to truly unlock the power of the Rottweiler Intake. When paired with a DynoJet Power Commander V using one of Rottweiler’s custom maps (free with purchase of intake) the results of this kit are undeniable with a claimed 12.1 horsepower/12.7 lb.-ft. torque gain.

I installed this kit along with a Power Commander V utilizing Rottweiler’s custom map, which alters the air fuel ratio along with the ignition advance. The difference in performance from stock is drastic and very apparent from the first time you twist your right hand. This is saying a lot because a stock KTM 690 is no slouch in the performance department. The end result of this combo is a wheelie-popping, tire-smoking good time. Not that any of that power is actually needed in the dirt but it does help out with the general “ride-ability” of the bike. Throttle response is immediate with no lag and the idle is smoothed out considerably. The bike also cruises better at highway speeds with a more consistent feel from the throttle and passing power for days. Rottweiler guarantees to add “more smiles to your miles” with this kit and I have found that 110% accurate.

Testing this intake set-up started with a 3,000 mile off-road adventure from Mexico to Canada up the Continental Divide. Sixteen days of hard overland riding in extremely dirty and dusty conditions, and there wasn’t the slightest sign of contaminants on the inside of the filter housing when I finished. I have put over 8,000 miles on this set-up in total and it has been nothing short of phenomenal. Removal of the filter could not be easier and I am much more confident on extended off-road trips that my engine is only sucking clean air. With the Rottweiler Intake being considerably smaller than the original it has opened up a large storage area forward of the filter and directly above the engine that I fondly call the “burrito warmer.” I use this space for a Wolfman Luggage Enduro Tool Pouch that holds an extra tube and a few other consumables. Another advantage of the Rottweiler kit is that it makes accessing the valve cover much easier for those pesky valve checks. I think this is one of, if not the best, upgrade I have done to my 690 so far.

Why gamble with the air your motorcycle breathes? Especially if you are riding your KTM like it was intended to be—OFF ROAD. Even if you are not looking to get more power out of your KTM you can still rest easy with the knowledge that nothing is making it past your air filter to damage your engine. This kit is essentially the only common sense upgrade for your bike that also happens to be a killer performance modification. This is a well designed, properly executed kit that is well worth the money. 
MSRP: $349 RottweilerPerformance.com 

PROS	CONS
▲ Performance!	▼ Sounds like a loud vacuum cleaner on the highway
▲ Peace of mind from knowing that only clean air makes its way into your engine	▼ Filter comes in contact with the underside of the seat
▲ 30-second filter changes	▼ Must be paired with a PCV or tuned ECU to truly unlock performance
▲ Extra storage space freed up by removing stock air box

 

Need more mod ideas for your 690R? Check out ADVMoto's Project 690 Enduro R!    

Can you fit all your motorcycle tools in the palm of your hand? "Yes", says Gordon East of RRR Tool Solutions. “I’ve created the Modular Moto Wrench Tool Set for riders who prefer to have a complete tool set on the go, but do not want to pack half their garage on their bikes. The Modular MWT Set contains 90% of all the tools you’ll ever need on your ride – and it all fits into a small pouch the size of your hand”, - East explains.

For the owner of RRR Tool Solutions, motorcycling is all about freedom. “I got my first bike when I was eleven years old, and this was my only connection with the outside world: we lived on a farm, so my bike was my only way to visit friends or attend ball games. Although life has changed in so many ways, motorcycles will always be about freedom for me”, - East says. “And that’s precisely why I came up with the mini Modular MWT Set. It packs everything you need for your bike, fits into a small space, and gives you the freedom to go wherever you want”.

The Modular Moto Wrench Tool Set packs a complete toolbox worth of tools in a small case and includes 16 hand wrenches, 32 combo wrenches, 19 hand, nut and screw drivers, 20 90-degree drive handle tools, 17 heavy duty 90-degree drive handle breaker bar tools, pliers, and a sparkplug socket. The tools are custom-manufactured, extra-strong, and durable. “You’ll break any machine before you break my tools”, - East explains. “The Modular MWT Set has been in development for more than two years. We’ve designed, built, tested, refined, and then covered the tools with two different Patent filings. We’ve successfully designed and sold over 40,000 different tools to date, and we’re so thrilled about this new set!”.

Modular MWT Set is currently trending on Kickstarter. Find out more and grab your own set here: Modular MWT Set Kickstarter

At one time or another most of us end up experimenting with different seat styles, especially if you’re a long-hauler spending weeks or months of day after day in the saddle. There’s a dizzying array of choices out there—everything from DIY reskinning of seat pans to full-blown plush upgrades. Nevertheless, given the myriad of upgrades and bolt-ons available, is the investment in a better seat warranted, or should the money go elsewhere?

One such option we’ve been testing for several months is the impressive Saddlemen Adventure Tour. Saddlemen makes variations of this seat for BMW, KTM, Ducati, Triumph, Yamaha and Suzuki adventure bikes. For our test we used a BMW R1200GS Adventure.

The Adventure Tour is a gorgeously crafted seat where clearly the build materials, stitching and fit are serious business. After nearly 20,000 miles I’m impressed with the seat’s resilience— it still looks new. Even with thousands of “boot-overs” from my Sidi Adventure Rains scraping across it, something that would easily have damaged a lesser saddle, there’s not a scuff or a tear. That’s durability!

Durability aside, most riders are looking for comfort. When it comes to ponying up the dough for a new seat, it has to feel right. Spend 10 or more hours in any saddle and you’ll have a good idea. Do the math on how that same saddle will feel after 10 solid days or months, and the answer should come pretty easily.

The Saddlemen is constructed from a gel core, surrounded by progressive density foam with “comfort gel channels” that conform to where the butt makes contact. It’s covered with marine grade vinyl, allowing the rider to shift around easily without over-gripping.

Seat contours are another matter, not just for fit, but also for practicality. Almost every manufacturer has their own take (or multiple takes) on saddle forms and shapes. However, the couch-like design preferred by so many long-distance Wing and Harley riders isn’t an option for adventure riders. It’s a tricky compromise, especially because a mixture of sitting and standing are very much a part of the genre. The Adventure Tour is sculpted so that the thighs are free while sitting, and provides plenty of leg-shifting room with minimal contact while standing.

If the Adventure Tour has a downside, it would be its heaviness. On the GSA it’s about twice the weight of stock. Because the GSA is already a monster, for me the sacrifice of weight for greater comfort is a good trade.

The Saddlemen Adventure Tour is aptly named because not only is it brutally tough, its comfort is also unparalleled. Ultimately, seat preferences come down to individual taste—ride on enough seats and eventually you’ll discover what’s right for you. But I’m more than satisfied with the Adventure Tour, and with it my search is over. Saddlemen.com

MSRP: $549 (plus low profile and heated options)

PROS	CONS
▲ Exceptional quality construction	▼ Heavier than stock seat
▲ Top of the line comfort	▼ Pillion section's D-rings are of questionable value
▲ Mounts with metal, not plastic, parts

 

 

Few farkle decisions are as much of a pain in the butt as saddle upgrades. Until now, the range of available options for adventure bikes was rather slim. Every year more custom saddle makers dot the horizon, each offering their own versions of saddle-sore salvation. Most of them will re-skin your existing seat pan, and while this makes for a very cost-effective solution, downtime and lack of a fallback stock saddle when you’re done will deter some. The only other option is to buy a saddle from a company that makes their own seat pans, although this route is often more expensive.

If you’re able to spring for the extra two hundred dollars for a new seat, we recommend getting one with a new pan. With this option you’ll still be able to compare the upgrade over stock right away. Also, aftermarket pans allow the most flexibility in changing seating surface properties from seat shape (width and depth) to stiffness. Although well known for high quality saddle re-covering, Sargent Saddles lacked a custom seat pan—until now that is. With the introduction of Sargent’s World Sport platform, they’ve stepped into the ring swinging with their Carbon Tec seat pans.

Aside from foam and vinyl or leather, the heftiest part of any saddle is the pan itself. Corbin’s saddles, known for being very comfortable, are often very heavy, and most of this weight comes from their custom-molded seat pans. Since saddles sit high on the bike, saving weight directly under your tush goes a long way in minimizing handling changes to the bike when rowing through corners, or in situations where you must pick up a fallen bike. One great feature about Sargent’s Carbon Tecseat pan is it’s not much lighter than the usually flimsy stock seat pans, but is much more rigid providing a more supportive seating platform.

Sargent’s Super Cell Atomic Foam optional built-in heated elements, and first-class craftsmanship, make the World Sport Performance saddles a definite consideration for your dual-sport adventure bike. The rear seat is also wider and flatter, which got rid of the crown that causes sores for passengers and tippy luggage on our Versys demo bike. We can feel a huge reduction in sore spots after a few hundred miles on the Versys—known for a notoriously uncomfortable stock saddle.

While we love the look, construction and light weight of the World Sport line, we wish our sample had deeper, more level platform often found on Corbin and Saddlemen designs. The dishing, or widening, was wonderful and a great improvement over stock, but we sometimes prefer more bum cuddling for extended rides. This may or may not be a problem on your particular bike, but the Versys has a particularly aggressive forward slant we would like to have leveled out for greater long distance comfort.

Available for most popular adventure dual-sport bikes (such as KLX250s to KLR650s to Yamaha Super Teneres and BMW1200GSes) and they probably have one for your mount, too. From the custom seat pan to the supportive foam and improved rider, pillion and luggage comfort, Sargent’s World Sport Performance saddles are definitely worth checking out. Do your butt a favor. MSRP: Approx. $429.99 SargentCycle.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Beautiful custom pan design	▼ More expensive than competition
▲ High quality material and finish	▼ Could take more risks with deeper designs
▲ Comfortable foam
▲ Nicely widened while complementing bike's lines

I knew this would be a long day. A few more miles and I will hit 1,000. Most times, it wouldn’t be a problem on my BMW R1200GS, but the last two hours have been in a blizzard. It’s 24°F and dark. I have to make Tuba City, Arizona, tonight or risk being stuck on icy roads, short of my goal. My body is losing heat despite my electric jacket running on high. And THE SEAT—I almost forgot that my Sargent World Performance Saddle is heated! I reach down with thick gloves, find the 10-position controller and punch the button. I am soon comfortable again, despite what it looks like through my frosty face shield....



Difficult problems are often solved with the simplest methods. An adventure bike saddle must, like the rest of the machine, be versatile. It should allow room to move without restriction, yet have enough grip to hold the rider in position. It needs to look good and, most of all, it must be comfortable.

Sargent has been in the business of making folks comfortable since 1935 when they first entered the automotive upholstery business. Motorcycles joined their repertoire a little over 20 years ago. All that experience comes together in the World Performance Plus Saddle and Pillion. Sargent’s firm but pliable Atomic Foam is their own design. Rather than using gels or fancy soft foam that collapses too soon, they rely upon a sculptured contour to provide comfort, and it works. Their adjustable dished seat pan leaves space for the foam to flex, preventing hot spots common to riders who do extended road miles, and includes a storage compartment and flashlight. Rugged, waterproof DTX fabric is complemented by a choice of accent colors for the welt. Quality double stitching is well placed to prevent chafing and a hidden channel down the center relieves pressure on the perineum.

Passenger comfort is equally important. During a prior scouting trip, retracing the trails of the Comanche Indians, my wife logged more than 1,500 miles on the pillion without a complaint.

... my well-deserved bed at the Tuba City Comfort Inn sure feels good as I lie back and recap the day. I am amazed that nothing hurts... not even my butt. MSRP: $899.95 SargentCycle.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Honest, all-day comfort	▼ Pricey
▲ Micro wires heat saddle to 125°F
▲ Shape and accent color choices look great

Prior to receiving the Scaggs Aluminum Billet Rack at our office, ADVMoto’s Project CRF 250L was equipped with an eBay rack (yes, sometimes even we use cheapo parts). The problem was that it mounted to the bike using the same bolts that held on the seat. The off-brand kit came with spacers that would fall out of place every time we needed to access the battery or fuel controller. While the eBay rack offered great rigidity, it was overkill for our needs and the thought of having to chase those spacers around the garage kept us procrastinating to do maintenance that involved us getting under the seat.

Initially we were looking for a rack that was smaller and simpler in design, but what we received was something much more refined. The Aluminum Billet Rack by Scaggs Moto Designs is offered in two sizes – big or slim. We opted for the slim mainly because how sleek it looked on Scaggs’ website. Initial impressions of the rack were extremely positive and the finish is laser precise. In fact, the rack is so visually appealing that it’s almost a shame to stack luggage on top of it. There’s a rough finish to the mount, but that doesn’t really matter since it’ll sit under the tail fairing, out of sight. The entire kit weighs a feathery 1lb 9oz, much lighter than our previous system.

Scaggs provided us with simple and clear directions for installation, including a “tape-on” template of where to drill through the tail fairing. Modifying bodywork means installing this rack takes a commitment to keep it on, or be left with holes in your fender. However, once it’s installed, the low weight, form fitting dimensions and beautiful design nullify any reason to take it off.

The project CRF is already equipped with an aftermarket tank and auxiliary tank that helps us get 300 miles between fill-ups. It’s nice to know that if we needed to extend that range, the Scaggs rack is pre-tapped to accept RotoPax mounting for quick and easy removal (the big rack will also accept Givi’s Monokey Top Case). If you’ve got a Wolfman Peak Tail Bag, you’re in luck -- the two are practically made for each other.

Besides the CRF 250L, Scaggs Moto Designs currently makes luggage racks for Yamaha WR250R, Suzuki DR250/350/650, Suzuki DRZ400S and SM, KLX250S and SF, with more designs on the way. If you’re looking for a durable luggage rack that that won’t detract from the styling of your bike, the Scaggs Aluminum Billet Rack is your best bet at achieving both form and function. MSRP: $130.00 ScaggsMotoDesigns.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Beautiful build quality and finish	▼ Drilling through perfectly good fairings
▲ Extremely light weight
▲ Rotopax ready

More Project CRF 250L Mods:

Rally Replica Fairing Kit and Tower
Galfer and Bel-Ray Brake Upgrades
IMS 3.1 Gallon Tank
Risk Racing Fusion 2.0 Grips
Dobeck Performance EJK Fuel Controller
Anti-Gravity 8-Cell Battery
Race Tech Suspension

Sena recently introduced a dynamic duo for ADV riders, a feature-rich 20S intercom system and their foray into the “GoPro” market, the Prism. We’d need a book to cover all the features and benefits, so this review will focus on only a few of the less discussed, finer points of using the combo.

Both devices are the first of their kind to utilize advanced Bluetooth 4.0 technology. The 20S, in particular, responds noticeably faster than previous Sena intercoms, and features such as sound playback and recording quality are substantially improved. Cool smartphone apps make it easy to set and adjust these devices. And even better, the Prism can be run in remote mode through the 20S.

In remote, the Prism delivers informative voice prompts for video, burst or still shot modes, and voice declarations for such actions as when it’s recording video, taking a photo still, in standby, or about to run out of battery power.

Controlling the Prism via the 20S comes in handy not only when the camera is attached to the helmet but also from a distance. It’s an especially useful feature for solo riders, making it easy to get oneself into shots, do ride-bys, and execute many other creative possibilities when there’s no one around to act as cameraman. I’ve used the remote function up to about 50 feet from the camera. Step outside that range and a voice prompt states the camera is disconnected—step back in and it automatically reconnects.

Both products come with an array of mounting options. In the boxes are several helmet attachment choices and, in the case of the Prism, a weatherproof case and alternative mounts for the bike. Unlike the GoPro, the Prism’s lens is on the narrow side of the camera, like larger video cameras, making it more aerodynamic with less tendency to get in the way, protrude where it could get damaged, or catch as much bug splat.

Recording sound is an area in which Sena clearly excels. The Prism has a built-in microphone, that’s a given. But running through the 20S mic the features expand considerably, including full duplex communication with other riders, noise cancellation and Ultra HD Recording mode. You still have to be careful about how and where the mics are set to prevent wind or engine noise, or the crackle of other riders’ mics that are improperly shielded, but it’s a quantum leap ahead of what we’ve had in the past.

An innovative and extremely useful feature of the 20S is the “Ambient Mode Button.” Press it and the helmet’s internal mic switches to and amplifies what’s going on outside the helmet. If the Prism is in remote mode, it’ll capture the external audio, too.

One of the great joys of the 20S is that it audio multitasks. Intercom feeds are no longer cut off by, say, navi voice instructions—easily one of the most annoying issues with older systems. Meanwhile, the Prism can be recording it all (stereo music, cell phone conversations and intercom chatter)—providing an ongoing narrative of the ride, capturing the experience, and making it so much easier to remember what was going on at any given moment for later editing.

A sample still from the Prism camera.Both devices were engineered to be user firmware upgradeable. This essentially means that when Sena comes up with bug fixes or new features, they only have to be installed through a PC-based app. For example, the 20S may also be controlled through a rich set of voice commands, but a similar ability for the Prism is still in beta—a likely implementation for upcoming releases. We’re also expecting Sena to provide the much-needed ability to view what the camera sees through the smartphone soon.

Indeed, not being able to preview exactly how the camera frames and what’s being captured in real time is the only major issue with the Prism—preventing it from more professional uses. But again, we know that Sena is on this and it should be resolved soon. The other issue is more subjective: It’s a complex rig with many commands, variations, and ways to access them. It can take quite an effort to commit everything to memory. I don’t see any way around this, it’s just the nature of the beast—but well worth the effort to master.

Sena has been focusing heavily on the adventure motorcycling community, really listening to us, and it’s clear they’re doing an excellent job. I rarely come across other intercom-using riders who don’t use Sena products. The 20S all by itself is an outstanding piece of engineering, but in combination with the Prism, there’s little reason to look elsewhere. MSRP: 20S: $225 | Prism: $360 SENA.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Bluetooth 4.0 is brilliant	▼ Needs preview system
▲ Ease of use	▼ Prisms brackets can be flimsy
▲ Both come with a plethora of mounts	▼ Needs better manuals

Where to Buy:

SENA 20S Intercom	SENA Prism Camera

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The SF Series was designed to give riders the exact features they need for their ideal riding scenario. The SF1 allows for a single Bluetooth connection to a smartphone, MP3 player or GPS while both the SF2 and SF4 offer Intercom functionality. All SF models include brand new capabilities such as Audio Overlay, Quick Charging and microphone mute option features. The SF Series boast a a sleek and low profile design that will fit on almost any helmet.

Whether you’re commuting to work or primarily ride solo, the SF1 has you covered. The SF1 was created to give solo riders all of the awesome Bluetooth features that they need, without the ones they don’t. The SF1 pairs to your phone allowing for music streaming, taking and making phone calls, and hearing turn-by-turn GPS directions. The SF1 also allows VOX Phone commands.

For riders looking to communicate with their passenger, the SF2 provides simple Rider to Passenger 2-way intercom communication up to 800 m (880 yards) in open terrain. For those who ride in small groups, the SF4 is equipped with 4-way intercom over 1.2 kilometers (0.8 miles). Both models let riders enjoy smartphone connectivity. Riders can listen to music and use the intercom simultaneously using the Audio Overlay feature. Please note that Audio Overlay works best with Android devices, while iOS offers limited functionality.

For easy attachment the new SFR version requires no clamps or screws to connect the device to your helmet. Simply use the hook & fastener or double-sided adhesive tape to securely attach the SFR Bluetooth device. Plus, the SFR has quick charging capabilities, so you will be ready to start your ride in no time.

Linking the SF1, SF2, or SF4 with the Sena SF Utility App (for iPhone and Android) allows you to configure device settings and access our quick guide at the click of a button. The SF Series devices can also easily connect to the Sena RideConnected App to intercom with a virtually limitless amount of riders over an infinite range, so long as you are connected to a mobile network.

The SENA SF Series is available now! MSRP: SF1 $139 | SF2 $159 | SF4 $219 SENA.com

Where to Buy:

SF1:

SF2:

SF4:

We’ve been testing a pair of Sena SMH10 units for the last few months. Whether you’re already using an intercom or considering it, there are several solid reasons to acquire these Bluetooth 3.0-based devices for interconnectivity with a navi, listening to iPod/MP3 players, communicating with a riding partner(s), or as an interface to cell/smart phones.

Group riding has its own demands, and the ability to chat with others is a game-changer. Imagine being able to coordinate traffic moves and upcoming stops, or warn of nefariously bad drivers, debris on the road, and other hazards. It’s clear that an intercom can be a safety device when used this way, but you’re just as likely to discuss experiences along the road, or whether it’ll be pasta or tacos around the campfire tonight.

On solo rides, where the bike is packing a navi, I prefer to communicate with it via a Bluetooth 3.0 vs. a wire, because it’s less distracting. In the past I haven’t been pleased with most in-helmet speakers. What is it about being loud enough to hear at highway speeds that’s so difficult to understand? Not with the Sena. This is the FIRST intercom I’ve used where that’s never been an issue. The controls are idiot simple, too. Just a big-ass button (that doubles as a big-ass dial) and a single aux phone button—that’s it. K.I.S.S. engineering. Setting it up was a breeze. So was updating the firmware and everything else with these units. I kept anticipating difficulties, or at least some reason to have to call tech support, but was happily disappointed through the entire installation and learning process.

The package contains components that ensure the units will attach to most helmets. There are two microphones, a boom-style for open-face or flip-front helmets, and a small alternative wired mic that can be more permanently attached within the helmet. For full-face helmets, I prefer this method because it’s more “set it and forget it.” But you’ll need to pay particular attention to where the microphone is attached to minimize wind/road noise.

The single complaint is the hands-free on/off feature that’s intended to automatically use voice cues—it seemed to malfunction constantly. So, we switched to, and preferred, the manual mode where all you have to do is touch the big-ass button to turn the intercom on or off. In this mode the intercom will wake up when another rider wants to chat.
Volume levels are set for each device connected to the Sena. Battery life is also exceptional. And unlike so many other units, the Sena can be recharged while you’re riding.
Without a doubt, this is THE BEST headset and intercom I’ve used to date. It’s simple, the package contains everything you need to wire up almost any helmet, it works flawlessly, and interfaces easily with other Bluetooth systems. Sena.com

MSRP: $219 (single unit, with multiple unit discounts)

PROS	CONS
▲ Worls over a relatively long distance	▼ Microphone can pick up wind noise
▲ Simple, glove-friendly controls	▼ Auto on/off is problematic
▲ Excellent battery life
▲ Easy to set up

 

 

When I got the Shark Kage truck ramp my first impression was that it was big, bulky and would take up a bunch of bed space. I was wrong, but that's a bit ahead of the game. The heavy duty aluminum loading ramp is intended to provide added safety when loading a motorcycle into a truck bed by attaching to the tailgate. But let's get to the install. The directions are clear, well laid out and very easy to follow. I opted to take my measurements three or four times before drilling, a good general rule simply because incorrectly drilling into a tailgate is permanent.

Total installation time took about an hour and a half. One word of caution, don't overtighten the threaded insert tool, it will distort the inserts and possibly break off. If your truck is equipped with a plastic bed liner, make accommodations by adjusting the location of the base bracket which attaches to the tailgate. I found I had to offset the tailgate bracket just a bit to allow for the bed liner.

After the install it was put to use. The Shark Kage can certainly hold a load and is rated to 750 lbs. I used it for loading everything I had from my vintage enduro to my lawnmower, with complete ease. But the Shark Kage has many other uses. After the install I tackled a tire change. Following the instructions I set the Shark Kage up as a work table and was able to change two tires at standing height not bending down or leaning over. This made for a much easier afternoon. With the optional poles the Shark Kage can even turn into a nice spot to get out of the elements as a small but usable awning. The tool box feature works well, however it can only be used if the bed is closed.

I like the Shark Kage. Yes, it is big and, yes, it does take up some bed space even when not in use. But if all you have is a truck you're going to need a ramp to haul your bike, so why not get a ramp that can do more than one thing? I really appreciate the safety and security of having a dedicated secured ramp that won't fall off the tailgate when I'm loading bikes. MSRP: $299 SharkKage.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Safe, secure way to load bikes	▼ Short beds run out of space
▲ Won't rust all aluminum construction	▼ Ramp hangs off back when loaded
▲ Multiple uses

 

 

The Honda CRF250L has been stateside since 2013 and hasn’t been revised since. With speculations of an OEM rally replica version hitting dealer floors in 2017, ADVMoto thought to try and beat Honda to the punch. We know what you’re thinking, “Why go all out on this little red bike? Why not a blue, or an orange one?” Truth be told, the CRF has been our commuter/back-up bike that we use mainly for product reviews. It works just fine for short stints on the highway, and it’s a perfect bike for a buddy to throw a leg over when he or she visits from out of town. Over time the mods keep getting tacked on and before you know it the total cost of farkles is half the price of the bike! Strange, how quickly and easily that happens….

In the quest to put more make-up on the LRP we met a Canadian rally racer named Patrick Trahan, who competes using a Honda CRF250L. It’s been his goal to produce this model specific, HRC-inspired rally kit to the open market. Many hundreds of hours have gone into planning and hand fabricating his project, which has helped Pat earn more than a few followers who are eagerly awaiting the product’s release. After months of collaboration, we got him down to our office in Virginia, where he installed a prototype onto our project bike.

Each kit will include: fiberglass side panels, polycarbonate windshield, rally tower, frame adapter and all necessary hardware and bracketry. Lights and graphics are sold separately. Installing the kit is a Sunday project, with moderate difficulty. The most labor intensive step is in drilling the heads off the bolts holding the ignition on the stock triple clamps, a procedure Honda established as a theft deterrent. Denali lights were sourced from Twisted Throttle, with modified connectors that plugged into our stock wire harness. The front brake line may, or may not have to be re-routed depending on your handlebar set-up.

One of the most unique features of the Rally Kit is that the bike can easily be converted back to stock, thanks to a CNC’d adapter mount that attaches to the frame. The tower is beefy and strong enough to support Pat’s full weight (see pic below). A modular top section can be easily removed for better off-road visibility. Our kit came with the “Adventure” top attachment that utilizes two Ram mounts and two USB power outlets. Pat will also offer a “Rally” attachment that accepts a roadbook.

The tower relocates the stock dash, ignition and turn signals. The bars are now freed of this weight, although in the end, the kit adds 6.9 lbs. to the bike. I didn’t notice the weight difference beside it being a little harder to do wheelies (but that’s probably because I suck at doing them). It did take some getting used to, having all that hardware and electronics taking up the lower field of view—a trade-off for fast data acquisition and the increased wind protection is worth it. The CRF450 Rally Replica windscreen makes standing up at highway speeds possible, as long as I’m crouched a bit. I may have never raced in a rally before, but blasting down fire roads behind a tower paints a pretty gnarly picture.

The finish on our Rally Kit is a bit raw, but that’s because ours is the original prototype. In fact, at the time of writing this article, this is the only custom made CRF 250L Rally Replica in the world, since Pat pulled the kit off his own race bike after fabricating it. Everything fits snug, nothing rattles, and weird sounds don’t resonate from the tower at any RPM. It’s a serious, ready to bolt-on, ready to race rally kit, born from schematics designed by HRC. Will we race it? Possibly. But for the time being our 250L project bike will make its way from event to event, pretending it’s an HRC CRF450 Rally, as we’ll pretend we’re Joan Barreda. MSRP: $650 CRF250Rally.com | TwistedThrottle.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Solid construction	▼ More weight on an already heavy bike
▲ Looks "Decepticon" cool	▼ Model specific (for now)
▲ Dramatically increased wind protection

Check out our interview with Patrick Trahan below:

See the ADVMoto CRF 250L Rally Replica review here!

More Mods:

IMS 3.1 Gallon Tank

Race Tech Suspension

Dobeck Racing EJK Kit

Antigravity Battery

Risk Racing Grips

Galfer and Bel-Ray Brake Upgrades

The dual-sport tire market is as wide and varied as the people who ride on those tires. If your need falls into the category of 40% on road and 60% off road, I highly recommend you take a serious look at the Shinko 804/805 Adventure Trail tires.

Shinko was established in 1946 as a manufacturer of bicycle tires and tubes in Osaka, Japan. In 1998 they purchased motorcycle tire technology and molds from Yokohama Rubber Co. and began production under the Shinko Tire brand. Today they produce approximately 200,000 motorcycle tires per month from their South Korean manufacturing facility.

The 804/805s are reasonably priced and available in modern dual-sport sizes (110/18/19/21-inch fronts and 150/17/18-inch rears). Their very aggressive large blocks look like they’ll rip through asphalt, but I was impressed with how smooth they rode. I didn’t get that bump-ity, bump-ity, bump-ity feeling, nor did I get the audible hum that full knobby tires produce. Unexpected and very nice.

Testing the tires during my 80-mile commute to work, I found the tires to be pleasantly boring -- exactly what I want from a street tire. Grip is consistent at different lean angles and provides excellent rider feedback. But, if you push them too hard into a corner you can feel the sidewall beginning to flex and the side knobs folding, giving a mushy feel, a signal that you need to back it down. At highway speeds I did manage to find the hum, but in no way was it displeasing or overbearing.

With the ABS disengaged for off-roading on my 2012 Suzuki DL650, I was able to test the traction in multiple situations from shallow mud to dry hard pack, some gravel, and even snow. I’m extremely impressed with the confidence these tires inspire; they are predictable and don’t do anything unexpected. The amount of traction remains consistent through all lean angles and when they’re going to break loose, you know it’s coming. I also found them to be excellent under heavy braking. Stopping a 475-pound motorcycle requires a lot of things to go right at the same time, and the bite the 804/805s provides is excellent. Especially in the front, it maintained a “point-and-shoot”/”look-where-you-want-to-go” attitude, not the drift and slide of some smoother, street-oriented tires.

The Shinko 804/805 Adventure Trail tires are an excellent value. Solid street performance and outstanding off-road prowess add up to a versatile 40/60 tire for the street rider who also demands performance off road. MSRP: E-804 front $99.95 | E-805 rear $131.95 ShinkoTireUSA.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Solid all-day street performance	▼ Lacks side knobs for more technical riding
▲ Outstanding off-road traction both front and rear
▲ Predictable under braking

Where to Buy:          

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The world’s most evolved motocross helmet has evolved. Long overdue? Perhaps. But world-class engineering and quality take time. Fully loaded with next-level performance, safety, style and progression, the all-new DOT and SNELL approved VFX-EVO proudly boasts the SHOEI-exclusive Motion Energy Distribution System [M.E.D.S.]—strategically engineered to reduce rotational acceleration energy to the head in the event of an accident.

Completely reimagined and re-engineered without sacrificing an ounce of the quality and performance that have given SHOEI motocross and off-road riders championship-worthy confidence for nearly a decade, the all-new VFX-EVO has finally arrived. Worth the wait? We thought you’d agree.

Motion Energy Distribution System [M.E.D.S.]

The proprietary, SHOEI-exclusive Motion Energy Distribution System [M.E.D.S.] features a dual-layer, multi-density EPS liner that—in addition to preserving the lightweight, impact-absorbing characteristics of SHOEI’s traditional EPS systems—has been specially engineered to reduce rotational acceleration energy to the head in the event of an accident. Anchored by a larger center column, the inner layer of the dual-layer system swings during impact, allowing its three strategically-designed perimeter columns to absorb the energy. The end result is a significant reduction of rotational forces to the rider’s head without sacrificing an ounce of quality or performance.

Dual-Layer / Multi-Density EPS Liner

In addition to absorbing and reducing rotational energy thanks to the all-new M.E.D.S. technology, the VFX-EVO’s dual-layer, multi-density EPS liner provides enhanced impact absorption by utilizing varying densities of foam in key areas around the rider’s head. Channels between the EPS layers allow cooling air to travel unrestricted through the helmet, further enhancing the VFX-EVO’s superior ventilation characteristics. In addition to enhanced impact absorption and ventilation, the precise placement of multi-density EPS liner material yields a more compact, lightweight design.

Multi-Ply Matrix AIM+ Shell

Few characteristics of a motorcycle helmet are as critical as its first-layer of defense, which is precisely why the all-new VFX-EVO features the SHOEI-exclusive Multi-Ply Matrix AIM+ Shell construction. Combining fiberglass with lightweight organic and high-performance fibers, the VFX-EVO’s proprietary AIM+ Shell provides optimal impact-absorption, strength and elasticity, and is available in four shell sizes to ensure a custom fit for heads between the sizes of XS-XXL.

Shell Design

Through a new state-of-the-art shell forming technology exclusive to SHOEI, the VFX-EVO incorporates the aerodynamic advantages of a spoiler into its shell, and consistent shell thickness guarantees the proper strength and weight of each and every helmet. The large eyeport allows for a greater peripheral field of vision and facilitates oversized goggles. Additionally, the shell-integrated goggle channel has been optimized to form a perfect goggle retention system.

Ventilation Performance

Racing environments can be extremely hot and fatiguing, which is precisely why next-level ventilation performance was a top priority when SHOEI engineers conceptualized the VFX-EVO. Boasting sixteen (16) intake and exhaust vents in total [1 additional intake and 2 additional exhausts than the VFX-W]—all strategically shaped and located to maximize airflow and negative air pressure suction to the rear of the helmet—the VFX-EVO’s ventilating prowess is second to none. Along with optimized shell aerodynamics, cooling air channels in the VFX-EVO’s dual-layer EPS liner further enhance its world-class ventilation performance.

V-470 Visor

The all-new V-470 visor has been specially designed to flow with the styling and functionality of the VFX-EVO’s aggressive new shell shape. With a massive field of vision and optimal roost protection still top priorities, the V-470 has been engineered to utilize the highest point of adjustability as its standard “home” position. Though aligning seamlessly with the shape of the shell when at the highest point, the V-470 also features a new flange mechanism to easily find the home position, and also helps to prevent unexpected movement during aggressive off-road riding. Made of a high-grade polycarbonate, the V-470 screws are extremely durable, yet capable of sheering off in the event of an impact to help prevent unnecessary forces to the rider’s head.

Mouthpiece & Chin Bar

Wind tunnel-refined and featuring larger openings to optimize the ability to pull cooling air in through the chin bar of the helmet, the VFX-EVO’s mouthpiece is equal parts style, functionality and safety. Reinforced by a strategically-placed strip of AIM+ shell material, the mouthpiece also features an aluminum mesh screen and a removable, washable foam filter to help prevent roost, rocks, mud and dust from entering the helmet. The entire chin bar of the VFX-EVO features high-quality EPS liner material for enhanced impact absorption.

3D Max-Dry Interior System

The VFX-EVO is equipped with a fully removable, washable, replaceable and adjustable 3D Max-Dry Interior System. SHOEI’s exclusive Max-Dry liner material absorbs and dissipates sweat and moisture twice as fast as traditional nylon interiors, and in combination with the VFX-EVO’s superior ventilation system, keeps racers and aggressive riders alike cool and dry during intense riding sessions. In addition to the Max-Dry material utilized on the forehead and cheek area, a soft yet durable fabric is applied to the lower part of the cheek pads for a plusher overall fit and feel.

The VFX-EVO’s 3D center pad components are three-dimensionally shaped to match the contours of a rider’s head, allowing for an extremely comfortable fit while maintaining the firm hold necessary for distraction-free, aggressive riding and racing. Additionally, the VFX-EVO’s 3D center pads and multi-layer cheek pads are available in different thicknesses for a customizable fit.

Emergency Quick Release System [E.Q.R.S.]

Borrowing technology originally developed for SHOEI’s groundbreaking VFX-W and X-Twelve racing models, SHOEI equipped the all-new VFX-EVO with its exclusive Emergency Quick Release System that allows emergency medical personnel to easily remove the cheek pads from an injured rider’s helmet. With the cheek pads removed, the helmet can be safely lifted from a rider’s head without creating unnecessary strain in the neck area.

Visit SHOEI's website to view the full line-up of styles and colors available for the VFX-EVO. MSRP: $539 - $739 SHOEI-Helmets.com

Where to Buy:

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Keys in hand to a shiny new KTM 1190 Adventure and orders to put enough miles on the new Shoei Hornet X2 to give it a true tried and tested review. YES, SIR! One month later, spanning two countries of dirt, street, rain, fog and even some sun, and I am ready to share. After 2,600 miles I can say Shoei addressed nearly every complaint I ever had about the original Hornet.

I’ve always been a Shoei fan, but was less than excited with the first generation Hornet, which I wore for several years. The fit and function of the new Hornet X2 are what I would expect of a premium lid. The new Hornet fit perfectly from the first time I put it on and addressed virtually every issue I’ve had with not only my first Hornet but ADV-style helmets in general. Not to say I don’t love my Arai XD but “perfect” is a hard target to hit and Shoei is shooting for the top slot.

By the nature of adventure and dual-sport riding we have to straddle two sides of motorcycling, and that means compromise. Off road, the helmet needs high ventilation at lower speeds and an opening large enough to accommodate goggles. It should be lightweight, with a visor to protect vision. However, on the road it needs to be quiet, have a clear, optically correct visor, a quick-access visor release for swapping or cleaning visors, good ventilation to keep from fogging up, and the aerodynamics to minimize wind noise and neck fatigue.

Shoei seems to land slightly to the road side of the equation but with a nice balance of both. Noise levels were louder than my Shoei road helmets but this is the quietest ADV-style helmet I have ever used. Airflow was impressive both on the road and during slower trail work. The chin bar is flatter than most ADV helmets, making it ideal on the road but not giving as much “heavy breathing” room when things are going slow; a minor complaint at best. Fit and finish are top notch and the PinLock system worked flawlessly. I did an intercom install so I could chat with my riding partner and the precut pockets swallowed up the speakers, making them undetectable until I heard voices. The most impressive ADV helmet feature is that the helmet visor has an almost undetectable amount of lift and is still long enough to work as a visor should. The original Hornet had a visor too short for shading where others are almost as long as motocross visors. This helmet is truly the Goldilocks of the ADV helmet world.

My one big regret is that at the end of the testing period I was not able to sweat enough to stink up the liner so they would refuse to take the helmet back and instead just tell me to keep it. MSRP: $594.99–$715.99 Shoei-Helmets.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Quietest of the ADV helmets I've tested	▼ Not as quiet as Shoei's dedicated street helmets
▲ Finally, a quality ADV helmet with a quick release shield	▼ Off-roaders may desire more airflow at low speeds
▲ No noticeable lift from the bill
▲ Shorter profile that does not catch wind when looking side to side
▲ Top notch fit and finish
▲ Odor resistant lining
▲ Traditional Shoei fit
▲ Good field of view
▲ Anti-fog shield liner works well with venting
▲ Very good optically correct shield

 

When it comes to choosing a riding boot, what’s most important? For me, it’s safety first. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why anyone would sacrifice safety for any other consideration, especially “fashion.”

When choosing a riding boot, you’ve got to consider a crash scenario: Thin, ankle-high, “comfortable,” or fashionable boots don’t belong on motorcycles where even a tip-over can mean crutches. One needs to be aware of exactly what can happen when flesh meets the road, especially at high speed. Making the right decision could mean the difference between a few bruises or being crippled for months (or life!).

I’ve been a big fan of Sidi riding boots for over a decade. And although my job has had me in a variety of other brands it’s always the Sidi adventure-style boots I come back to because I feel safest in them.

Last year Sidi replaced my ancient Adventure Rain (the original version) with the new Adventure 2 GORE-TEX model. I’d completely worn out my old boots, and even had them resoled once in an attempt to salvage them for another season. But there were issues, such as the smaller and narrower toe box that I was never in love with. The Adventure 2 GORE-TEX is clearly an upgrade in several ways, but the most obvious is in the huge toe-box, which makes these boots infinitely more comfortable.

Sidi’s adventure boots borrow much from their off-road designs. Not quite as high, or as mechanical, but sort of a hybrid boot that’s the perfect combination of safety and comfort for most ADV riding needs, on or off road.

One thing that the Adventure 2 seems to have inherited from the Rains is the very noticeable squeak when you walk. It’s one of those issues that you’ll also find comments and attempted solutions for on the forums. Personally, I don’t mind it, but others will inevitably comment whenever I’m trudging around. These boots are made from several high-end materials that must move and articulate together. So, I don’t see any way around the “squeaking” issue.

I also find it necessary to wear tall socks as the top edge of the boots tends to chafe the shin just below the knees. But I often spend days in mine and although walking is more like trudging, I don’t find it overly annoying. These boots have slogged around creeks and my feet have remained dry. Waterproof boots are notoriously clammy. However, the large toe box seems to dramatically help with air circulation.

Over the years I’ve worn out several generations of Sidi riding boots and have also experienced their evolution from the relatively thin and armorless original versions to what they are now—essentially hybrid enduro-style, true four-season, waterproof boots. As I’m always shopping and comparing brands and build quality, it sure seems that the Adventure 2s are more armored and likely to protect the lower gams in the case of a crash.

I also find that the foot compartment is large enough to accommodate products like Dr. Scholl’s insoles, which radically improve comfort and endurance. I do hope that Sidi will come up with an improved buckle system. Although it’s far from a deal-breaker, the existing buckles do occasionally snag on an object and come undone. This, too, has improved over the years, but there’s still room for improvement.

It’s taken generations for ADV boot styles to get to this stage of safety and practicality. The funny thing about Sidi is that although I’m often offered other brands, I pass, because perfection is hard to beat. MSRP: $495 Motonation.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Serious safety and support	▼ "Squeeky" to walk in
▲ Waterproof but breathable
▲ This is a quality boot!

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On a budget but still need a boot that's waterproof? Check out our review of the SIDI Deep Rain Boots HERE!

Looking for motocross-level protection? Read our thoughts on the SIDI CrossFire 3 SRS MX Boots HERE!

Ladies - SIDI makes excellent motocross boots for you too! Learn more about the SIDI X-3 Women's Boot HERE!

The new X-3 is Sidi’s most cost effective way to experience professional level boots. And now it is available with a sole that you can replace at home! Made with the same laminated Technomicro, it features the same cam lock buckles, Cambrelle® inner lining, heel and insole, and the revolutionary sole replacement system as the higher end boots.

The Sidi X-3 SRS features a sole replacement system, usually found on higher end boots.

• Laminated Technomicro is used as the base material.
• Sole replacement system can be replaced with a flathead screwdriver.
• Nylon insole no dangerous steel shank!
• Removable arch support.
• Inner heat shield.
• Internal malleolus plastic guard with ergonomic closed cell foam padding internally to enhance protection of those tender small foot bones.
• Toe area covered in protective plastic.
• Rigid, shock resistant, anatomically shaped heel for maximum protection.
• Replaceable micro adjustable cam lock buckle system with memory straps.
• Lower buckle protected against opening because of an impact by a guard.
• Cambrelle® lining.
• All bolt-on parts are replaceable.
• Slim, cool non-bootie design.
• Single Flex System upper.
• MSRP: $395 Motonation.com

Where to Buy:

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I couldn’t help but notice their fine Italian quality immediately as the SIDI Deep Rain boots came out of the box. From the embossed, anti-wear heat panels to the Trockenfuss (dry foot) antibacterial/absorbent liner, SIDI pays a lot of attention to detail. The boots look attractive in a rugged way but are, at the same time, subtle. Little accents like reflective heel pieces and logos help achieve an elegant look.

As I tried the boots on, I was reminded of Christmas morning. Mom always gets me socks, which I’ve come to appreciate as I've grown older. The SIDIs give me the same satisfyingly snug, perfect fit and warm feel. And, walking around them was a surprise. Have you ever tried to walk around in a stiff new pair of motocross boots? Your ankles feel constricted and every time you enter a room, your loud, heavy footsteps make people think you’re looking for Sara Connor. And of course they’re hard to shift with. This is not the case with the SIDI Deep Rains. They come soft from the factory and weigh a feathery 2.2 pounds each, making them comfortable and quiet. I’ve even spent full days at the office wearing them, never needing to swap for work shoes.

There are small, functional features that make these SIDIs a breeze to get in and out of, with two adjustable buckles, as opposed to four on motocross boots. I counted nine “motions” in order to open or close one of my motocrossers, while the Deep Rains only require three. They fit snug on my slender, skinny feet. Those with wide or tall feet might feel a tad constricted, so if you’re playing the “American to Euro-Size guessing game,” consider a size up.

One of the key factors in producing quality dual-sport/ADV gear is versatility—comfort for the street and protection for off road. If I had to rate the Deep Rains in a way similar to dual-sport tires, I’d say they are 60/40, more oriented toward the road. These boots could use some ankle rigidity to help prevent the feet from rolling off the pegs; however, the sturdy heel cup and beefy sole absorb the impact from dabbing in rocky terrain or bouncing off tree stumps. With a little more protection, the Deep Rains would be great 50/50 off-road touring boots.

On a casual dual-sport run that consisted of highway, backroads, gravel, and double-track, my ankles and feet were never uncomfortable. The SIDIs offered adequate traction on the pegs and the ground, wet or dry. The overall thinness of the boot gives the rider a lot of feel, making it easy to find the pegs, brake and shifter. The Deep Rains passed the waterproof test through a few deep water crossings. You can even stand in shallow water, as the interior gaiter extends to the top of the calf. If they can survive this, they can handle any type of rain you’ll ride through. The trade-off, as usual, is ventilation. The boots do get a little toasty in hot weather, which is less noticeable while moving.

The name “Deep Rain” is a bit of a mystery to me. Yes, they could probably help your feet withstand riding through a hurricane, but they offer so much more than that. From daily commuting and touring to off-road excursions, your feet will be comfy, dry and protected. These Italian kickers need a more fitting name, like “TerraTour,” or “AdvenTurisimo.” Whatever you decide to call them, just know they could easily become your favorite pair of riding boots. MSRP: $295 Motonation.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Italian styling and build quality	▼ Feet get baked in hot weather
▲ Easy to get in and out	▼ Could use more side-to-side rigidity
▲ True water resistance

Where to Buy:

Searching for a protective and functional off-road boot is tough when you are a woman. There are few options out there that are tailored specifically for a female foot. Often, we are left wearing overly bulky men’s boots, which do the job, but only while wearing the thickest pair of socks available. SIDI stepped up this year, offering the Women’s X-3 Lei – a motocross inspired off-road boot that provides extreme protection, comfort, and versatility.

This is the first time a company has taken a top-level men’s boot, and redesigned it for a female foot. The X-3 Lei is adapted directly from the men’s X-3. The women’s boot has a slightly narrower toe box, heel, and ankle to ensure that the boots fit snug and don’t move around too much when riding. Dual-Stitched TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) reinforcement covers nearly the entire boot, giving it a 10 out of 10 on rigidity - this boot is not designed to “break in” as many leather riding boots are. The ankle hinge system provideslimited movement, without allowing hyperextension. The blade system keeps the rear of the ankle and Achilles tendon protected and moves with the boot and rider.The interior of the boot uses Cambrelle lining to wick away moisture and keep your feet dry. These are not waterproof boots, however they do keep you dry when splashing through water crossings. I would imagine that submersing the boot would leave you with soaked socks, but I am not one to try it out unless I must.

The X-3 is by far the most protective women’s off-roading boot on the market. Even after lots of use the boot is still very rigid and that is what hardcore off-road riders need. The X-3  Leis are perfect for the serious off-roader, but may not the best for those who like to travel unless you are willing to give up some comfort when walking for the extra protection while riding.

Replaceable components give you the ability to ride in these boots for a considerable amount of time compared to other boots on the market. The X-3 Lei comes with the TA (enduro style) soles installed, but you can swap them out to the MX style sole for about $30 and a visit to your local cobbler. The metal buckles and connecting straps are also replaceable just by removing a few screws. Currently, the white, pink, and blue pair you see here is the only color option. Personally, I hope SIDI plans to offer another colorway soon that may appeal to more riders. MSRP: $325 Motonation.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Designed to fit a women's foot nicely	▼ Current color option limited to pink/blue
▲ Exchaneable parts make replacing wear components easy	▼ Stiffness after breaking in can make ADV riding in these boots challenging
▲ Top level protection
▲ Most aggressive MX style boot on the market for women

Where to Buy:

   

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Never heard of SIIMA MotoWear? Neither had we until a few months ago. Based in Nicosia, Cyprus (an island in the Mediterranean) the company has been around since 2014.

A little birdie from across the pond asked us to check out SIIMA’s Sibirsky Super Adventure Jacket. It was love at first sight for me. The jacket looks sporty, with enough durability for protection and low frills for a comfortable ride. As much as I love premium adventure suits, sometimes they can be overkill and expensive.

Online photos don’t do the product justice. Considering SIIMA is a one-man company, we couldn’t help but be thoroughly impressed. The asymmetrical exterior design of the Sibirsky, made of 600D ballistic textile, gives a simple but down-to-business feel. Several of the zippers are semi-tucked away, keeping the jacket looking clean. Around the back, you’ll find more beautiful styling, as well as an integrated pocket for a hydration bladder (not included). I’ve always considered too much reflective material to be a bit gaudy, but SIIMA did a great job integrating the reflectors into the design without overdoing it. Company founder, designer, and manufacturer, Giorgios Evripidou, tells us that custom colors can be produced with an order of 20 or more jackets, but at the moment, the single-color production keeps costs down.

The SIIMA Sibirsky is a true four-season jacket at a competitive price point.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the Sibirsky before heading out on your first ride, especially the standout feature—a 360° removable lower, outer shell. The system uses four zippers to release the bottom half of the outer shell, including the bottom halves of the arms, leaving you with a primarily mesh jacket for hot weather riding. Since it can’t get much more ventilated than mesh, this is easily the most breathable jacket we’ve ever tested and a prime choice for summer riding. For fair weather riding, the front rib section can be opened and buttoned down for moderate ventilation. SIIMA offers matching Sibirsky pants, too.

The waist and arm adjusters are of average quality, but they are easy to manage with gloves on. Stretchy material on the elbows decrease restriction on the slim fitting jacket. The Sibirsky also comes with an extended (and removable) collar, which I appreciated during rainy and cold weather. This can be stuffed into a rear rabbit pouch, which is also removable.

The hydration pocket will hold a 3L bladder [we’re currently testing the Geigerrig systems (Geigerrig.com) that come with pressurized reservoirs and work well in this jacket]. Four large water resistant pockets are on the front, and one is waterproof. On the inside, a waterproof pocket is on the center seam, along with two Velcro pockets toward the bottom.

The innovative 360 degree removable lower shell makes the Sibirsky the most ventilated ADV jacket we've tested.As excited as I was about the exterior of the Sibirsky, I couldn’t help but feel a little let down with the interior. There was some fabric fraying around a few messy cuts, and in some areas the stitching seems a bit tacky. The inner pockets also need additional stitching support to keep them from flopping around. The thermal layer is pretty basic and attaches to the shell with buttons. It’s not one of those base layers you could wear standalone, and it doesn’t zip closed, although you can wear the waterproof layer separately and it even comes with pockets and a hood. Cold weather riders will need an additional warm base layer for anything under 30°F. The armor in the Sibirsky is nothing to rave about either, and feels quite rubbery, although it is CE Level 1-rated. I’d recommend swapping it for Forcefield Body Armor to make the jacket truly comfortable for off-road riding.

However, these minor flaws are easily overshadowed by the versatile performance of the Sibirsky. The fit is on par with most European manufacturers. If you intend to wear thick base layers with this jacket, order a size up. Otherwise, expect it to fit like a well-tailored suit. The cuffs are a bit on the narrow side so I’d recommend short gloves in the summer and over-the-jacket gauntlets in the winter. (Speaking of gloves, Giorgos gave ADVMoto some insight on a new glove design for 2018. While we can’t release the details just yet, we can tell you that it’ll have the same versatility as the Sibirsky jacket.)

I’ve tested the jacket through varying temperatures—as high as 90°F and as low as 40°F—over the last couple of months. As long as the weather is fairly consistent, using the Sibirsky day to day is comfortable. Despite the rough interior quality, everything has held up. Of all the jackets I own, this is one of the few that feels airy enough for brisk trail riding and is the least restricting. Even with the waterproof layer removed, the jacket did an adequate job of keeping me dry in light drizzle. Store the rain liner in the rabbit pouch when not in use – you’ll need it for moderate to heavy rain. If you’re riding in situations where the weather jumps back and forth from cold to hot, installing and removing the 360° lower shell can get tedious, compared to other jackets with simple zip-open vents, but the trade-off for max ventilation is unparalleled. I reserve removing the lower shell for only the hottest conditions, since doing so also removes most of your pockets. In “max vent mode”, the Sibirsky feels like a completely different jacket and during the summer it was my prime choice.

SIIMA offers innovative features, slick styling, and excellent value, especially at its price point. To sweeten the deal, SIIMA is offering a promotion for ADVMoto readers. If you purchase the Sibirsky jacket and pants combo, use coupon code “ADVMoto17” at check-out to save 20% off your jacket (the promotion is available for the first 20 customers). We’ll continue to test the jacket throughout the winter, but we’re impressed so far and hope to see more SIIMA products make it to U.S. shores in the near future. MSRP: €289.99 SIIMAJackets.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Beautiful exterior styling	▼ Only one color available
▲ Highly versatile for all weather riding	▼ Subpar interior quality
▲ Innovative Features
▲ Most ventilated ADV jacket we've tested

 

 

Want to protect your precious iPhone on rides? I mean, do you REALLY want to protect your iPhone?! If the answer is yes, then you owe it to yourself to check out the latest phone case from Snow Lizard. The SLXtreme 5 takes security to a whole new level.

Designed for the iPhone 4/4S & 5/5S, this case offers much more than just rugged protection. We’ve used the SLXtreme 5 on numerous rides and have had the opportunity to test both its shock absorption as well as its claims for being waterproof. We’re happy to report it passed with flying colors!

Features include the tang on the bottom, allowing you to clip a lanyard on the case. With a quick girth wrap of your handlebar, extra security is instantly achieved on bumpy roads and trails. There’s also a built-in solar panel (wait… what?!) that came in handy a number of times on longer rides.

This panel will recharge the SLXtreme’s auxiliary battery, which is capable of charging your phone up to 1.5 times its battery capacity. Simply mount your phone with the panel facing up and it starts recharging the auxiliary battery when it senses the sun. Very nice indeed!

This is a HUGE relief when you are far from any electricity source. Unlike other rugged case products on the market, your iPhone slips in and out of the case in seconds. No tedious and time-consuming process of taking the case apart… just a quick flip of a lever and your phone is out. We are extremely pleased with the SLXtreme 5 from Snow Lizard. It has provided much- needed piece of mind on long adventure rides as well as daily use and abuse. 

MSRP: $129.99 snowlizardproducts.com

PROS

▲ Rugged

▲ Durable

▲ Peace of mind (particularly battery life)

CONS

▼ A little pricey

▼ Hard to hear speakers

▼ Size (large)

 

 

When traveling light, getting multiple usages from your gear is important. The Snow Peak SnowMinor headlamp and lantern design is great for those who spend a good amount of time in tents or are active outdoors at night. An expandable white silicone rubber diffusor changes the SnowMiner’s light pattern, depending on position, and is the core of its unique design. In the headlamp position, a small plastic lens, situated in the center of the hemisphere-shaped diffusor, magnetically sticks a plastic lens to the main LED which focuses its 80 lumen output, in a usable beam, good for 30–40 meters in clear conditions.

The SnowMiner’s light output in headlamp mode is more than adequate for most duties, but we noticed the diffusor will still create peripheral nighttime glare if worn without a baseball cap. The bulb unit pivots for aiming but no matter where we put it, glare was an issue. Despite that, we liked the simple glove-friendly operation and large single on/off/mode button.

While we’ve used other headlamps with higher output in a more compact body, the SnowMiner starts to set itself apart from the competition in lantern mode. A built-in hook on the main strap allows you to hang the lantern from almost anywhere in the tent, and gives you a 180 degree spread for ambient light. The impressive spread of light is accomplished by expanding the rubber bulb into its fully extended position, gathering and diffusing the LEDs output in all directions. Besides the handy hanging hook, the beauty of this design is tents with light-colored interior panels make the most of the light cast inside. Finding or organizing items, not to mention reading, is generally much easier on the eyes when objects are evenly illuminated and hard shadows are reduced.

To extend this benefit even further, the lantern has a setting which cuts the output down to two lumens, and allows all night illumination, which won’t blind you should you need to make a hasty tent exit when nature calls. What’s more, if you’re in a campfire-free area, the strobe setting comes in handy when trying to locate your site on night walks.

While brighter and more compact headlamps exist on the market, the Snow Peak SnowMiner is truly one of the most versatile and elegantly designed units out there. Construction is top quality and if you spend a lot of time motorcycle or backpack camping, this is a very handy unit to have around. Alone or with friends and family, there’s always a demand for versatile light sources and the SnowMiner is definitely a step in the right direction. MSRP: $55.95 SnowPeak.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Fun, versatile and useful features	▼ Diffusing bulb creates glare in headlamp mode
▲ Light-weight	▼ More bulky than competition
▲ Smart energy saving design

 

Available in three color options (black tan, grey), Speed and Strength’s casual Black 9 over the ankle, leather upper boots offer a bit more protection than standard off the shelf boots. Though the sole doesn’t come with a shank, what makes them protective is the molded toe, heel and ankle reinforcements not normally found in standard casual riding boots. They also boast an anti-slip rubber sole, and to keep your laces from coming undone a proprietary under cover lacing system. So, if you’re looking for over ankle moto shoes check out these stylish yet protective set of kicks.

 Expect them to be a bit stiff at first but after breaking them in, they ease up and offer good comfort along with the protection.

 

 PROS:

• All-day comfort
• Decent protection
• Three colors to choose from

CONS:

• Initially rather stiff
• Non-water resistant

SSgear.com 
MSRP: $99.95

Where to Buy:

SPIDI Armakore cleverly combines the most advanced adventure touring features, including SuperFabric® inserts, Coolmax® lining, and three layers Extra Tenax, to create an unmatched motorcycle jacket. The removable H2Out membrane and the Step-In-Clothing technology make it suitable for use at every latitude.

Being a jacket conceived and developed for the most extreme expeditions on two wheels, it was mandatory for SPIDI to rely on the most extreme materials available. SuperFabric® technology takes a fabric and overlays it with tiny plates in a specific arrangement, designed to deliver a range of performance features such as abrasion resistance, stain resistance, quick drying, weight reduction and more. The key to this remarkable material is the fact that locally, the guard plates are hard. Globally, the plates allow full motion which gives SuperFabric® a feel similar to traditional fabrics; these guard plates are ready to fend off rocks, ice, brush, debris, scuffs, and scrapes. Moreover, SuperFabric® materials won’t snag like knit fabrics and it’s highly resistant to stains from mud, dirt, grease, and liquids such as oil. This amazing fabric is coupled to SPIDI’s proprietary Extra Tenax and Flex Tenax panels, so to create a flexible yet durable exoskeleton to protect the rider while enhancing his riding comfort and sensibility; all these panels are selected and strategically placed based on accurate biomechanics researches performed on thousands of Kilometers on two wheels.

Elements’ protection is provided by the world famous H2Out membrane, which is the result of years of research performed with Toray (Japan) to create a motorcycle specific waterproof/windproof/breathable membrane, with such a microporosity to guarantee maximum comfort, taking into account the specific use for the motorcyclists, while huge vents and air intakes are cleverly placed where needed the most, without ever sacrificing the safety features. A removable thermal lining, useable as a standalone down sport jacket, extends the riding season to 365 days-a-year.

On the safety side, EN1621-1 certified Forcetech protectors help reducing the damages in event of a crash, while the EN1621-2 Lev.1 and Lev.2 certified Warrior Back protectors and the prEN1621-3 certified Warrior Chest and Thorax Warrior can be added as optional features; all these protectors have been designed, tested and produced by the Italian SPIDI Safety Lab, under the supervision of MotoGP technicians.

Once again, SPIDI’s on-field commitment created a masterpiece of motorcycle technology. MSRP: $599.90 SPIDI.com

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I’ve always been interested in Spidi, a company that makes top-notch riding suits that typically don’t follow the norm. Even though my job with ADVMoto allows for these dalliances, I take product testing seriously and invest a lot of time and miles with new gear before even thinking about offering up opinions.

These days, riding suits are generally similar in many ways except fit and nuances, which is where one needs to look. Spidi is no exception, and their Armakore H2Out jacket’s details are what make it a great choice for four-season riding. The first thing you notice is that it’s well put together, no stray threads or sloppy touches. Spidi seems to adhere to the Euro fit, which is somewhat slimmer and taller than the North American “standard.” And there’s a lot of attention placed on the suit’s comfort when the rider is seated on a bike vs. standing or walking around.

There’s plenty of attention to venting, too. With variable front, back and arm zipper-over-mesh vents it’s easy to regulate, on the fly, most airflow into and/or through the jacket. Sizing and fit can be snugged up at multiple points via pull straps and cinching belts. The jacket also connects with the pants via a zipper, which you’ll appreciate in a hard rain. And, for added windbreaking, there’s a pair of “stirrups” that quick-snap to the jacket and which may be slung around the crotch to help stave off drafts. On super windy or rainy days, you’ll be glad to have that feature.

Pockets are smartly placed and practical. There’s a zippered and waterproof “safety” pocket inside the front left, two deep zippered pockets on the front, a really large zippered pocket in the back (good for stuffing jacket liners and as an added cushion for seating), and a couple of larger quick pockets along the front that aren’t zippered but are practical locations for holding loose items like Kleenex, cravats, buffs, etc.

The rear vent panel also doubles as a holder for an optional Hydroback Touringhydration pack that attaches to and threads through the jacket to the front. It’s practical to leave it in the jacket even without water—making it readily available when it is needed.

Where this jacket excels is in armor. We’re just beginning to see breastplate armor (finally!) in more riding jackets. And it’s about time. Those who’ve made it through spills usually experience some kind of rib or chest injury. The H2Out jacket comes with the option of a fairly comfortable Warrior Chest Protector (two types available) that easily snaps into place. It requires a little more work when suiting up, but is a wise time investment. The jacket comes with excellent shoulder and elbow armor; however, the stock version of the back armor is a little (in my opinion) skimpy. You’ll therefore want to spend a few more bucks for the Warrior L2 Inside Back Protector. It covers a lot more surface area and I just feel a lot safer with it. I also chose the hi-viz exterior because we need to be seen!

As is standard in many jacket systems, there’s the outer jacket, a thermo liner and a rain liner. The thermo liner is made in such a way that it can be worn separately—and that’s a bonus because so many makers only take their designs halfway, and don’t allow for that. I find that the rain liner serves double-duty as another barrier against the cold (and effectively, too!). And it’s thin enough that it doesn’t bulk up the jacket. I often wear the thermo liner in daily use. It’s seen a lot of wear over the last six months and is holding up unusually well. And we all know the value of a piece of riding gear that has multiple practical uses.

The 4Season H2Out pants are equally well made and comfortable. With excellent armor in the knees and better-than-usual armor in the hips (an area many others fail to properly protect), the pants are relatively lightweight and can be arranged to be either tucked into the riding boots or worn outside. If the latter, they snug perfectly with minimal air drafting. Venting is good, too.

The suit’s shell isn’t waterproof, but it does repel light rain. I’ve also taken to spraying textile suits with Nikwax (Nikwax.com), a product for waterproofing garments, which helps to take them to the next level before one needs more drastic measures.

The H2Out jacket isn’t as bulky as most when “fully loaded” with all layers. After an initial break-in period, I found it extremely comfortable, warm and practical as far as storage and venting tweaks. That’s unusual for a jacket with this much (optional) armor. Personally, I cannot consider armor “optional” and suggest going with the best Spidi has to offer. Pardon the cliché, but it’s the cheapest insurance you can buy. And for what it’s worth, I continue to receive compliments on the jacket, something I’d attribute to the Euro cut and fit.

You can’t go wrong with Spidi’s H2Outline. It’s a suit I’ve found to be practical, safe and comfortable—a combination that’s unusual, to say the least. But it’s not as loose-fitting as many North American brands, especially if you’re not Euro-slim.

MSRP: Armakore H2Out Jacket—$599.90 | 4Season Pants—$399.90

Options:Warrior Chest Protector—$59.90 | Warrior L2 Inside Back Protector—$69.90 | Hydroback Touring (bladder)—$64.90

Spidi.com

PROS:

• Well thought-out armor system
• Great ventilation
• European fit

 

CONS:

• All multi-layered suits can be a little bulky

Evotourer is a motorcycle leather jacket designed for the touring and cruiser bikes’ world. Crafted by SPIDI using the finest Italian cowhides, it offers a high level of comfort over long distances, thanks to the extensive Flex Tenax and accordion leather panels.

As for the motorcycles that this jacket will be used with, SPIDI Evotourer is meant for long range rides and tours; the revolutionary construction developed in the Safety Lab combines the elasticity of the proprietary Flex Tenax fabric with wide stretch leather, crafted by the firm’s MotoGP experience. The same racing backgrounds led SPIDI to equip this jacket with EN1621-1 Lev.1 certified Warrior Lite protectors on shoulders and elbows, with the possibility to add the optional EN1621-2 Lev.1 and Lev.2 certified Warrior back protectors using the velcro attachments.

The main goal of the Safety Lab has always been focused on finding the best combination of comfort and safety. After a long time of experimentation on track, software simulations and tests in the urban environment, engineers of the SPIDI community created Warrior Tech, a new technology with a careful study of biomechanics and ergonomics, able to protect the rider in the most vulnerable areas. Thanks to its modular design, it adapts perfectly to the natural shapes of the human body. Its most innovative aspect focuses on the design of its structure to enhance the potential offered by polymers to allow the industrial production of a protector with an impact absorption capacity never achieved before. With the application of the Warrior Tech, the safety of the rider reaches a level with no equal, covering an important role as part of the vanguard in technical sports and opening new scenarios in mobility safety, that go far beyond the world of motorsport.

Thanks to the Step-In-Clothing technology, SPIDI Evotourer can even be upgraded with the optional thermal lining and the optional H2Out waterproof/breathable membrane (both wearable as a stand-alone) and paired to the matching Evotourer Pants it’s able to offer the riders a trustworthy and stylish option to the traditional textile combos.

Evotourer Pants are SPIDI’s are the ideal match with the Evoutourer jacket. Tailored using premium quality Italian tanned cowhide, they’re equipped with EN1621-1 certified protectors on hips and knees, adjustable in height, and a perimetric zip to join SPIDI’s leather jackets range. Learn more and see SPIDI's latest collection at SPIDI.com. 

Euro Sizes: Jacket 46 – 58 | Pants 46-60
Colors: Jacket - Black, Brown | Pants - Black
Price: North America Jacket - $599.90 | Pants - $499.90

 

Modular is a modern waterproof and breathable jacket, developed by SPIDI Safety Lab. The Step-in-Clothing technology allows to simultaneously use both the H2Out membrane and the thermal quilt, allowing the rider to mix and match the layers as needed. The ErgoFit system actively contributes to the perfect fit in all the weather conditions.

Designed and developed in the SPIDI Safety Lab (Italy), Modular has been conceived as an all-around travel companion. The Step-In-Clothing technology is the main feature of this model, and that means the jacket can be easily adapted to better face changing riding conditions, whether it’s toasty hot or below 0°.

The external Extra Tenax fabric, coupled with Flex Tenax inserts work as a reliable and sturdy exoskeleton, featuring EN1621-1 certified Forcetech protectors on shoulders and elbows, with the possibility to insert the EN1621-2 lev.1 and lev.2 certified Warrior Back Protectors and the prEN1621-3 certified Chest Warrior protectors.

The many vents on the chest, arms and back ensure a proper airflow.

On the inside, the removable H2Out waterproof and breathable membrane offers protection to rain, snow and chilly winds, even at higher speeds, and the taped seams ensures that not even the smallest droplet will ruin the adventure.

Furthermore, a removable and casual looking thermo liner isolate the body from cold temperatures, and create a cozy sensation regardless of the weather conditions.

The great thing about Step-In-Clothing technology is that each liner can be worn alone, letting the rider choose how to mix and match the three different layers.

Among the main features of Modular jacket there are:

• High tenacity Extra Tenax triple twisted Nylon 6.6
• High tenacity elastic Flex Tenax Nylon 6.6, extreme abrasion resistance
• High tenacity polyester fabric
• Reflective zones for night-riding
• Arrangement for Warrior Back protector certified Lev. 1 and Lev.2
• Arrangement for Warrior Chest protector certified Lev. 1
• Force-Tech removable protectors EN 1621-1:2012 certified on shoulder and elbows protectors
• Removable waterproof, windproof and breathable H2Out membrane
• Removable 100gr. thermo lining
• Step in Clothing: layered clothing system
• Waterproof outside pocket
• Vents
• Zip fastener to join jacket/trousers
• Integrated ERGOFIT SYSTEM
• Adjustable waist fastening
• Straps to adjust and fasten CE protectors
• Adjustable drawstring tightening
• Adjustment and EST fastening on the neck

Sizes: S – 4XL
Colors: Black, Grey/Black, YellowFluo/Black, Sand
MSRP: $499.90

Lean more about this jacket and the matching Modular Pants by checking out SPIDI's website. SPIDI.com

Where to Buy:

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Spidi Netrunner Jacket

Spidi Netrunner is a new, technologically advanced design that was developed to offer excellent protection to motorcyclists operating in warm and tropical climates. Significant ventilation is offered by the large mesh panels on the mid-chest, upper chest, arms and back, allowing air to flow directly to cool the rider without compromising on safety.

The main chassis is a high-tenacity Extra Tenax triple twisted nylon 6.6 offering excellent abrasion and puncture resistance. The Netrunner jacket has CE certification to the Pr En 17092-3:2017 Class AA standard, and it comes with ForceTech removable protectors in the shoulders and elbows, that are CE certified to the EN 1621-1:2012 standard. The jacket also come with a waterproof H2Out liner that can be used either inside or outside, It has a water-repellent barrier at wrists and bottom to offer excellent water resistance even in the heaviest of downpours.

There are 3M® Scotchlite® reflectors for excellent nighttime visibility and there’s a jacket-to-pant zipper connection for additional safety. In order to ensure that the jacket can be tailored to fit perfectly, it has the Spidi integrated adjustment Ergofit System, with an adjustable E.S.T. fastener on the collar. For those unexpected rain showers, there’s a waterproof outside pocket, offering double protection when you have the waterproof H2Out liner on the outside. MSRP: $349.90

• Sizes: S to 3XL
• Colors: Black/Grey, Sand, Fluo Yellow

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Spidi Netrunner Pants

The Spidi Netrunner Pants are a technologically advanced design that was developed to offer excellent protection to motorcyclists operating in warm and tropical climates. Large punched mesh panels on the thighs and lower legs allow cooling airflow, and the removable waterproof H2Out liner can be worn on either the inside or outside of the pants. The main chassis of the Netrunner is made from high-tenacity Extra Tenax triple twisted Nylon 6.6, an exceedingly abrasion and puncture resistant material.

Spidi have integrated 3M® Scotchlite® reflective zones for night riding, and accordion stretch panels to stop the pants from bunching and becoming uncomfortable. For additional safety there’s a pants-to-jacket connection zipper, that works well with the matching Spidi Netrunner jacket. Each pair of Spidi Netrunner Pants comes with removable Warrior Protectors (certified EN 1621-1 Level 1) in the knees and hips, and the pants have been CE certified to the Pr En 17092-3:2017 Class AA standard. MSRP: $349.90

• Sizes: S to 3XL
• Colors: Black/Grey, Sand, Fluo Yellow

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Where to Buy:

 

To learn more about Spidi and their wide offering of ADV-ready gear, visit their website - Spidi.com

The new SPIDI NK-6 Gloves are among the most technologically advanced motorcycle touring gloves on the market. Each pair has the hard to attain EN13594:2015 KP safety certification, meaning they’re among the safest gloves in the world. SPIDI developed the NK-6 as a three-season gauntlet glove that can both cross continents and cross the city on your morning commute. The glove has a full H2Out lining which makes it waterproof, windproof, and breathable – this is paired with 200gr Primaloft® insulated padding and a micropile lining for warmth and all-day comfort.

The primary chassis of the NK-6 is made from Hi-Fit goat leather (0.6mm to 0.8mm) around the hand and fingers, with advanced SuperFabric® around the wrist – a tear, cut, and intrusion resistant material.

Importantly for any modern motorcycle glove, the NK-6 has touchscreen-friendly pads – allowing you to use GPS units, smartphones, and other devices without needing to de-glove first. This is a vital feature for those who plan to ride in inclement weather and frozen/icy/snowy conditions.

A secure, adjustable cuff fastener keeps the glove firmly attached while an adjustable drawstring closes the gauntlet over the cuffs of your jacket for a weather seal.

For additional safety the SPIDI NK-6 has armor on the knuckles and outer palm, with additional padding on the finger backs. A shield wiper is fitted to the thumb, this allows you to wipe rain, snow, mud, ice, and other debris from your helmet quickly without needing to pull over.

SPIDI have integrated reflective zones into each glove for better on-road visibility when riding at night and in low light conditions, and there are flexible panels on the hand and finger backs to allow a comfortable full range of movement without bunching or chafing.

Specifications

• EN13594:2015 KP safety certification
• 200gr Primaloft® insulated padding
• Micropile lining
• H2OUT lining – waterproof, windproof, breathable
• Armor – Knuckles and outer palm
• Touchscreen pads on the index and thumb
• Hi-Fit goat leather (0.6mm to 0.8mm) chassis

Sizing & Colors

• Sizes: S to 3XL
• Colors: Black colorway with red highlights
• MSRP: North America $159.90, Europe €129.90

For more information, visit SPIDI.com.

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A proper moisture wicking base layer is essential to keep you cool and comfortable on your ride. The problem with many options on the market today is that after you take off your riding jacket, base layers are styled in a way that make you look like you’re going to (or coming from) a hot yoga class. Sometimes we just want to wear something casual when we ride to meet up with friends for dinner. If all this sounds familiar, Sprocket Apparel might have a solution for you.

RideDry Tees are made of breathable, moisture wicking, 100% microdenier polyester. Only American fabrics are used and the shirts are constructed in North Carolina. They feature a long back and Sprocket Apparel uses reflective ink for their modern graphics. 

ADVMotogot to sample the RideDry Tees over the summer. As expected, the shirts performed just like many of the cool base layers we already have in our wardrobes. What surprised us is how often we wore the shirts when we weren’t riding, casually around the office and out running errands. The long backs stay tucked-in and shield innocent eyes fromm the “dark side of the moon”. On or off the saddle, the RideDry Tees breathed extremely well to keep us as cool as possible, even during our Virginian heat waves. 

Sprocket Apparel is a relatively new company, and we hope to see their brand expand with even more shirt styles like polos, long sleeves, and button-ups. If they’re able to make this happen, we’ll have to find more space in our closets.
MSRP: $35 SprocketApparel.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Cool and casual	▼ Only T-Shirt style (currently) available
▲ You'll wear it more than you think
▲ Made in America using American made materials

Like many off-road and motocross riders, my weekends consist of getting the motorcycles dirty, pressure washing, and a WD-40 soaking to help prevent rusty looking fasteners, foot pegs, spokes and unfinished two stroke expansion chambers. The problem with that solution is as soon as the bike is ridden in mud or water, the protection is removed.

I decided to try Star brite Ultimate Corrosion Blocker with PTEF on my son's new KTM 85sx from day one. Corrosion Blocker is applied with a spray bottle and quickly dries to form a protective invisible barrier. The PTEF polymers bond to the metal and help to repel dirt and moisture. Once dry, the protective layer remains unless you scrub it off.

Star brite Ultimate Corrosion Blocker

Every KTM motocross bike I have owned looks great when new, but eventually the foot pegs and fasteners’ original silver color starts to turn a rust color. On the KTM 85sx, the pegs and fasteners are still a nice silver color after a season of racing. The bike did not need to be re-treated after every power wash. Since the protective film is so durable, the coating needs to be scrubbed off. I now treat all of my off-road motorcycles with excellent results. The spray has not stained or damaged any of the surfaces I have sprayed it on.

Ultimate Corrosion Blocker works so well I decided to treat the Method race wheels, Fox aluminum bodied shocks and other suspension components on my truck before Winter. Throughout the cold months, road salt and grime was easily hosed off of the wheels and suspension components. There was no corrosion anywhere the spray was applied. One thing to note is when I decided to remove the coating from the wheels, it took quite a bit of scrubbing to remove. There may be an easier method of removal that I am not aware of, but the protection during the Winter was worth the labor required to remove coating. MSRP: $19.99 Starbrite.com

 

PROS	CONS
▲ Excellent corrosion protection	▼ Difficult to remove from some surfaces
▲ Easy to apply ▲ One application lasts several washings	▼ The nozzle will clog during storage if you do not pump the bottle upside down until all of the product is removed from the nozzle

Where to Buy:

Now that summer riding season is here, don’t forget to make sure your riding gear is ready for adventure.

Star brite’s Ultimate Fabric Guard is the easy way to restore water-repelling action to gloves, jackets, pants, bike covers, gear bags and tents. It is safe for use on canvas, GORE-TEX® and all other outdoor fabrics. Ultimate Fabric Guard helps block UV rays that cause fading, but won’t affect the color, feel or breathability of treated fabrics.

Features

• Helps restore water repelling action
• Helps block UV rays that cause fading & weathering
• Won’t affect color, feel or breathability
• For use on all outdoor fabrics

Directions

Clean surface to be treated with Star brite® Ultimate Fabric Clean as Step 1. Fabric must be clean and dry. Apply Star brite® Ultimate Fabric Guard by thoroughly wetting the top side of the surface. Avoid/wipe off overspray or drips from surfaces not being treated. Allow treated fabric to dry for 6 hours before use. Do not fold or store treated fabric until it is completely dry.

ADVMoto will be testing Star brite's Ultimate Fabric Guard on a 3-year old, machine washed, mud crusted, crash tested and sun beaten adventure suit equipped with GORE-TEX. The suit currently no longer repels water, but we're hoping this product can change that. Stay tuned to our review, coming soon! For more information, go to www.starbrite.com or call (800) 327-8583. MSRP: $23.99

It seems that goggle manufacturers these days are always trying to one up each other. I’m sure you remember when $20 got you a decent pair… but not these days. Top of the line goggles now reach into the triple digits. So, why would somebody pay $160 for a set of goggles? I know it would have been a difficult decision for me—until I tested Oakley’s “Airbrake” units.

What makes the Airbrake stand out from the competition? The Airbrakes are cut much lower at the bottom of the frame, opening the vertical field of view. Combine this with a lower profile, which sits closer to your face, and peripheral vision is increased a noticeable amount.

Oakley is also changing the game in lens material, and how we switch out lenses. Molded Plutonite (Oakley’s proprietary material) is used in place of the standard, Lexan. Plutonite is stronger and much more rigid, which in turn offers more protection. And, the “Switchlock” lens interchangeability is a revolutionary new way to change out your lenses. Two tabs on each side of the goggle lock and unlock the lens from the frame, taking only seconds to perform a swap.

Another reason to be excited about the new Airbrake is the increased peripheral vision. If you like to wear dirt helmets with goggles on the street, these new Oakley’s will give you the widest, and safest— field of vision of any goggle on the market. MSRP: $160 Oakley.com

PROS	CONS
▲ Top notch material used	▼ Price a little high vs. traditional goggles
▲ Tons of color options
▲ Best fitting goggle I have ever used

Racking up miles on your adventure bike can be fatiguing, especially as the terrain gets tough. Arm pump reduces reaction time and could potentially lead to a crash. But now there’s a way to take pressure off your arms with a functional product that's easy to install and it protects your gas tank!

TechSpec now offers GRIPSTER Tank Grips for popular ADV bikes. These high quality tank grips are ideal for aggressive off-road riding, but also increase comfort for casual ADV touring as well. By gripping the tank with your legs, you will improve overall control of your body motion, weight, position, and posture, as well as take some stress away from your arms.

GRIPSTER Tank Grips help eliminate sliding in the seat, especially during hard braking or accelerating. It starts with vibration absorbing TechSpec C3, a gummy rubber that allows your knees to sink into the material, almost like memory foam. They mount to the gas tank using Resealable Adhesive, making them easy to remove for replacing or cleaning. Users have an option between two different grip surfaces.

Grip Options:

• XLine is a 3M, microfiber grip material, laminated to TechSpec’s C3 rubber. It offers optimum traction and is used by several racers in world-class road-racing.

• Snake Skin is a thin tank grip with a low profile diamond pattern. The rubber padding properties increase comfort for extended rides 

TechSpec offers GRIPSTER Tank Grips for popular dual-sport and ADV models, including KTM 1090/1190/1290R, Honda Africa Twin, Kawasaki KLR, BMW R1200 GS, and more! Pannier lids and custom applications are also available. To see if TechSpec has an application for your bike, visit Tech-Spec-USA.com!

 

Where to Buy:

   

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What better way to test an ADV suit than a ride in East Africa’s Great Rift Valley. That’s what I did with REV’IT!’s Horizon 2 jacket and pants.

I soon learned two things: Riding from Nairobi into Kenya’s interior provides about every ADV condition imaginable: highways, traffic, sand, mud, mapped dirt roads, and off-grid trails. And, second, the Horizon 2 jacket and pant combo, complemented by the Sand 3 gloves, offer the right technical features to handle it all, including waterproof and breathable Hydratex material, a Ventilation Control System (VCS), and patented SEEFLEX protective inserts.

From a simple use perspective, the Horizon 2 suit scored high marks across four categories:

Comfort:

At first wear, the overall feel of the jacket and pants is comfortable. This extends to walking, sitting down for a meal, getting on and off the bike, and, most importantly, riding. The Horizon 2 suit is flexible with a hint of stretch. The combo has a snug fit—yet doesn’t make you feel like a mummy—and embodies that look, feel, and function that make you eager to ride once donned.

Functionality and Versatility:

REV’IT!’s Horizon 2 suit is well designed for use and needs. There are several front and inside pockets in which I was able to store my wallet, iPhone, and GoPro without feeling encumbered. And two front stash pockets allowed quick accessibility, which I tested when pulling my camera out to capture wildlife shots of zebras and giraffes.

The Horizon 2 suit is also set up to handle a wide range of temperatures. For cold weather, both pieces come with detachable thermal liners. I took these out for the Africa ride, but found another welcome level of versatility in REV’IT!’s VCS zipper and panel system. Temperature spreads on my 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. trek from elevated Nairobi into Africa’s Great Rift Valley ranged from low 60°s F to mid-80°s. When unzipped, the Horizon 2 suit’s four ventilation panels on the jacket and pants can be easily opened or closed (even when riding) using the fidlock magnetic fasteners. I opened them when it was hot and closed them in the cool and was always comfortable.

The Horizon 2 jacket and pants offer additional versatility through several Velcro, snap, and strap options to loosen or tighten the fit in the sleeves, side, waist, knees, and boot areas.

Quality:

I mentioned the Horizon 2 material is flexible, but it also feels very durable. The overall design and quality of the jacket—the sturdy, large-tooth zippers, buttons, double stitching, and magnetic fasteners—are excellent.

Protection:

Fortunately, I didn’t have to test the limits of the jacket’s or pants’ outer layer, but both are made of REV’IT!’s high melting-point tear- and abrasion-resistant PWR shell 1000D and 500D material.

And for even more protection, the Horizon 2 jacket and pants come with the company’s SEEFLEX protective inserts in the knees, shoulders, and elbows. You can add a SEEFLEX back insert to the jacket for around $50. The inserts are lighter and more supple than other armor I’ve felt and provide a more flexible fit.

If there’s one drawback to the REV’IT!  Horizon 2 kit it would be daytime visibility. The gear’s color options of black or slightly lighter anthracite black are pretty dark. The jacket and pants do have six points of reflective material for nighttime riding.

Overall, I give REV’IT!’s Horizon 2 suit high marks. It performed well through varied weather and terrain in East Africa while enabling me to explore exciting new expanses on a motorcycle. That’s exactly what an ADV motorcycle suit should do. MSRP: Jacket—$429.99 | Pants—$329.99 | Gloves—$109.99 RevitSport.com

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PROS	CONS
▲ Comfort and durability	▼ Night-time visibility
▲ Versatility for changing weather and terrain
▲ Quality, functional design

Where to Buy:

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On the ADV industry stage, some players have been around longer than others. Many of us who’ve been riding for more than 10 years remember the days before the internet dominated retail shopping and catalogs still ruled the roost. We kept them for wish lists and passed them around for discussions about the latest gear and gadgetry.

To make the most of this format, one company wisely made their catalogs more than just a listing of their products—Aerostich/Riderwearhouse. Dating back to 1996, their catalogs have historically played an important role in promoting not only their excellent riding suits, but all kinds of practical and hard-to-find adventure motorcycling gear.

Catalog advertising can be much more effective when it’s both entertaining and unpredictable, and that includes having fun with what’s on the cover—all areas where Aerostich excels. Since inception, their covers have featured a collage of Aerostich-wearing customers, a tradition that continues to this day. Moreover, some prominent figures have graced their covers, from Malcolm Smith and Ted Simon to astronauts, actors and even the head of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Helpful articles and even imaginary products for fanciful items like force fields, inflatable snakes and an app that turns an iPhone into a side-stand plate, helped add unpredictability, not to mention a good dose of humor, to the pages. And, interesting and informative content for the riding community continues to this day with their latest: Zero Below Zero: Electric Motorcycle Everyday Commuting All Winter in Duluth Minnesota.

If you’re new to riding, or haven’t seen their catalog in a while, Aerostich continues to offer a catalog chocked full of quality tested products—both in print and digital versions. Get a print or PDF version of the catalog sent to you for free online at Aerostich.com.