#CE-approved leather motorcycle trousers

[lleatherjacketsnyc]

Men’s KTM RedBull Motorcycle Racing Leather Jacket RedBull Motorcycle Leather Jacket

This incredible KTM Jacket boasts style, confidence, and is guaranteed, will turn people’s heads on and off the racing track. The premium quality leather and perfect stitching warrant comfort, durability, and an amazing racing experience. Do not settle for imitations!

Create your own style with this Brand-New leather jacket that guarantees style, comfort, safety and performance for high-performance bikers. The high-quality leather and safety features guarantee top safety for the bikers. Features top quality cowhide, waterproof YKK Zip, lining and a design that improves fitting and ergonomics, CE certified protectors on shoulders, back and elbows, waistline zip fastening to link Trouser. Your Own Logo/Name, can be Stitched & Color Changed According to your Choice

1. Men’s RedBull Motorcycle Racing Leather Jacket 2. KTM RedBull Motorcycle Racing Leather Jacket 3. Top quality A-Grade Pakistani Leather 4. Stretchable, soft & lightweight 5. Made with biker’s safety standards 6. 1.2-1.3 mm thick drum-dyed leather 7. CE approved removable armor protections at back, elbow & shoulders 8. Embroidery and leather badges as per design requirements 9. Zips on jacket sleeves 10. Logos and badges are in leather & embroidery 11. Original heavy duty YKK zips 12. 8″ rear zipper for pant attachment 13. 100% water resistant & windproof 14. Suitable for all weather conditions 15. Double stitching 16. Custom sizes available (additional charges apply) 17. Twin pockets inside (standard & mobile pocket) 18. Mesh lining inside 19. Made on custom demand 20. Custom Color Changes option is available 21. Customized Size option is available 22. Custom Design option is also available 23. Custom Logo can be placed on the jacket if required. 24. Custom Name can also be written on the back of the jacket

[motorcycleleather-jacket]

Men’s Suzuki GSXR Yellow Leather Motorcycle MotoGP Racing Jacket

MEN’S SUZUKI GSXR YELLOW LEATHER MOTORCYCLE MOTOGP RACING JACKET

Look like a pro and feel like a pro! This unique Motorbike racing leather jacket, used by most top racers in MotoGP, is unique in its style and feel. It is hand made to perfection to the smallest detail and is fully protected for racing.

Create your own style with this Brand New leather jacket that guarantees style, comfort, safety and performance for high performance bikers. The high quality leather and safety features guarantee top safety for the bikers. Features top quality cowhide, waterproof YKK Zip, lining and a design that improves fitting and ergonomics, CE certified protectors on shoulders, back and elbows, waistline zip fastening to link Trouser.

* Top quality A-Grade Cowhide Pakistani Leather (Don’t be fooled by split leather on low price liker other seller from same pictures) We use Cowhide only * Stretchable, soft & lightweight * Made with biker’s safety standards * 1.2-1.3 mm thick drum-dyed leather * CE approved removable armor protections at back, elbow & shoulders * Embroidery and leather badges as per design requirements * Zips on jacket sleeves * Logos and badges are in leather & embroidery * Original heavy duty YKK zips * 8″ rear zipper for pant attachment * 100% water resistant & wind proof * Suitable for all weather conditions * Custom sizes available (additional charges apply) * Twin pockets inside (standard & mobile pocket) * Mesh lining inside * Made custom demand

Please Note. Motorcycle Racing Jackets with tight fittings, Please order with care accordingly.

[motogp-leatherjackets]

Men’s Suzuki GSXR Yellow Leather Motorcycle MotoGP Racing Jacket

MEN’S SUZUKI GSXR YELLOW LEATHER MOTORCYCLE MOTOGP RACING JACKET

Look like a pro and feel like a pro! This unique Motorbike racing leather jacket, used by most top racers in MotoGP, is unique in its style and feel. It is hand made to perfection to the smallest detail and is fully protected for racing.

Create your own style with this Brand New leather jacket that guarantees style, comfort, safety and performance for high performance bikers. The high quality leather and safety features guarantee top safety for the bikers. Features top quality cowhide, waterproof YKK Zip, lining and a design that improves fitting and ergonomics, CE certified protectors on shoulders, back and elbows, waistline zip fastening to link Trouser.

* Top quality A-Grade Cowhide Pakistani Leather (Don’t be fooled by split leather on low price liker other seller from same pictures) We use Cowhide only * Stretchable, soft & lightweight * Made with biker’s safety standards * 1.2-1.3 mm thick drum-dyed leather * CE approved removable armor protections at back, elbow & shoulders * Embroidery and leather badges as per design requirements * Zips on jacket sleeves * Logos and badges are in leather & embroidery * Original heavy duty YKK zips * 8″ rear zipper for pant attachment * 100% water resistant & wind proof * Suitable for all weather conditions * Custom sizes available (additional charges apply) * Twin pockets inside (standard & mobile pocket) * Mesh lining inside * Made custom demand

Please Note. Motorcycle Racing Jackets with tight fittings, Please order with care accordingly.

[motogpleathersuits]

Honda Moto GP Motorcycle Riding Leather Suit Biker Custom Suit

Honda Moto GP Motorcycle Riding Leather Suit Biker Custom Suit

High quality cowhide 1.3 mm thickness and drum dyed leather. The Suit has fully removable CE approved armor protections at back, elbow and shoulder. Internal Velcro pockets for removable Armor padding. Velcro Straps for side adjustments. Original Heavy Duty YKK Zips. 8″ rear zipper for Pant/Trouser attachment. Complete 360 degree rear zipper is available on request…. (If two Piece Suit) 100% Water Resistant & Windproof, suitable for all weather conditions. Suitable for road and track day usage. Available in inverted colors. Fixed Lining. Removable lining also available on request.

Runada Jackets has earned a distinct reputation in manufacturing and selling the high Quality leather jackets. With loads of eternal appeal and versatility, Leather Jacket Mall has always been adaptable and inspirational. The look of the leather is timeless; one can make a bold fashion statement and a wise investment at the same time. So if you are willing to make a fashion statement or a dashing entrance, just do it with only of its kind outfit-courtesy.

We have our on infrastructure and trained staff we use Grade A quality leather and also the imported other stuff used in making of jacket

We are expert manufacturers of leather clothing more than 20 years experience. All our clothing is manufactured by us in our factory with great care, to the highest standards of workmanship. Choose from our range of high quality men’s leather jackets, women’s leather jackets, celebrities’ leather jackets and motorcycle jackets. All our clothing is exceptional for design & high street slim fit, quality to last. We use A GRADE high quality cow hide leather and top quality soft sheep leather for fashion jackets, Quality to last for a lifetime

[olivereliott]

Design Your Own Custom Motorcycle Gear

You don’t need to be a rocket surgeon to know that one-offs float our boat around here. So why stop at the bikes? What about suiting up in custom gear, to go with your custom bike?

Today we’re looking at ways to get unique gear, and the companies that will make it for you. Find out how to create your own one-off motorcycle jacket, how to get leather pants as unique as a snowflake, and how to get a helmet that fits like a glove. It’s a cookie cutter world out there, so let’s stand out.

Custom motorcycle jacket by 55Collection I can barely draw a straight line, let alone stitch together pieces of animal hide. And yet I now wrap myself in a custom leather jacket of my own design. Of course I had help turning my muddled inceptions into a wearable result—but that process was easy. And the finished product, in my own humble opinion, is pretty damned sweet.

Barcelona-based 55Collection is a small but highly skilled collective of leather experts. On top of their own in-house collection of jackets, they have also developed a ‘Custom Works’ program for creating bespoke and tailored examples.

Since I don’t have a degree from Central Saint Martins, I leaned on the work of others to communicate my likes and dislikes. I sent over a few images of jackets that had styling elements I liked, and we morphed things together to develop a design direction.

Personally, I’ve always wanted something similar to Brando’s iconic Schott Perfecto from The Wild One, but wanted mine to have a more modern cut and added functionality. I spitballed ideas back and forth with company founder Aitor Gonzalez and, after a few emails, received a rendering based on 55Collection’s RCK jacket. It ticked my boxes, so I sucked in my gut and asked wifey to wield a measuring tape.

During the construction of my jacket, Aitor checked in with a few ideas and comments. We discussed pocket locations, zippers, textures and finishes, and made a few slight alterations along the way. Roughly six weeks later, my jacket was delivered and I was floored by how well it turned out. It’s since spent most of its time since on my back.

I realize that the design I chose [below] may not work for everyone. Chris thinks I’ve got an Adam Ant thing going on—which may or may not be a compliment—and Wes has stayed uncharacteristically mum. But that’s the beauty of Custom Works: you’re free to let your freak flag fly, as they say.

Personal aesthetics aside, 55Collection are making a stellar product. The stitching, inside and out, is strong and resilient. The leather is supple, smells amazing and feels thick enough to shrug off some rash.

The fitment is near perfect: I would have liked extra length in the arms, but that error falls solely on me. And even with the included D30 armor, nothing looks boxy or out of place. The break-in period was almost non-existent, and it’s stood up well in a myriad of weather conditions—although I did experience a wee bit of the oxblood dye bleeding after a mild soaking.

In the saddle, the sturdy YKK two-way zipper (Aitor’s recommendation) keeps the jacket nicely in place while the added brass snaps at the collar keep me from being smacked at speed. The pockets can be readily accessed with a gloved hand, and the shoulder area has great articulation to allow full range of movement.

The jacket’s insides are covered with a swanky, red satin liner that makes sliding in and out an absolute breeze. The only downside is that the liner is not removable, so things could get warm in summer months—unless you opt for perforations, like I did.

The armor pockets—two at the elbows, two at the shoulders and one at the back—seal with Velcro fasteners. They would be better if they were full length, but D30 bits come as standard for all spots, save for the back.

At roughly US$700 (€600) a custom jacket from 55Collection isn’t exactly inexpensive. But it does fall in line with other, off-the-rack, premium brands. And even if a bespoke design doesn’t interest you, there’s something to be said about wearing a motorcycle jacket that’s been tailored to fit. If you’re in the market, put 55Collection at the top of your list. [Buy]

Custom leather motorcycle pants by El Solitario I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; leather pants aren’t for everyone. But a bespoke set of Rascals from El Solitario M.C. can be pretty sweet.

Unlike the jacket option from their countrymen at 55Collection, the customization process here is limited. If you want something even rarer than the standard Rascals, your task is to sort out the materials (leather or suede) and color ways that float your hide-lined boat. Then they’re applied to El Sol’s tried and true design. Your Pantone choices are near limitless, so it’s good to have something referential if a true color match is your goal. But, as you’d expect from the minds behind The Impostor BMW R nineT, nothing is considered too wild.

The goat hides used throughout are 1.4mm top grain Nappa leather, which delivers a flexible yet durable finish to these retro-inspired riding strides. A small Spanish atelier that runs operations in the neighboring Portuguese woods constructs each pair. A fact that should only be spread sparingly, to secure the finest of drink and wildest of hearts.

The zipped exterior armor pockets at the knees run a touch small for my D30 stuff but readily accommodate other CE-rated curves, and the hips feature additional padding. The leg openings are zipped as well, and finish high enough above the ankle to comfortably fit into a full height boot. Or easily slide over six-inch Red Wings. (If you’re like me and have longer limbs, make sure to ask for added length from the standard sizing.)

There are two zippered, diagonal pockets large enough to stash cash and EDC essentials, and a waistbelt to fine-tune the fit. Also included with the Rascals, whether bespoke or not, is a set of leather suspenders that I find to be the perfect accompaniment for these trousers.

Since the Nappa hides will eventually stretch out a bit, the suspenders should ensure continued fit. And, if you’re like me and find your waistline fluctuating from season to season, it means you can loosen the belt a notch or two without dropping trou.

In warmer climates, the quilted liner may prove to be a little steamy, but ever since fall arrived here in Toronto, I’ve been glad to have them. When the Rascals were first released, that liner was a classic Barbour-style tartan design that I wish still remained, but it’s since changed to plain navy. If you speak up in the early stages of construction, you may be able specify the tartan.

I can’t speak highly enough about the quality of materials used throughout the construction of the Rascal pants. The leather is absolutely flawless, with no variation in tone or texture. And the suede I had chosen for my side panels is as soft as a wolf cub’s belly. These are great leather pants that should last a lifetime, bespoke design or not. [Buy]

Vanguard FF helmet I wasn’t expecting much when I first slid my head into the Vanguard FF helmet. When something is designed and executed to look this pretty, performance usually takes a back seat. And while I won’t be shelving my ICON Airframe Pro or Schuberth anytime soon, I was pleasantly surprised.

Right off the hop and out of the packaging, this thing is gorgeous. The manufacturer is Veldt, based in the Isle of Man, and the Vanguard treatment on my Aluminum loaner model was exceptionally pretty. The carbon fiber shell was clearly visible through the glossy candy-coat, and the ‘aluminum’ portion is actually a metallic paint—but that isn’t a bad thing. Mixing mediums would compromise the structure, and the shell is extremely light as is.

The custom options for the Vanguard FF come in two different forms. First of all, you can adjust the fitment via removable pads in different sizes. If you need more support in the cheeks, front, back, or top of your head, this can be adjusted quickly and deliver a decent feel.

I say ‘decent’ only because my tester unit was an XL/XXL shell size—which is at least one ‘X’ and maybe even an ‘L’ bigger than I typically wear. Despite this, I was able to load up on padding to find a comfortable and stable fit. But make no mistake: that padding is for fine-tuning only. If you’re adding one to the collection, make sure it’s properly sized.

The more visible customization comes from the fact that the FF can go from a full-face to a three-quarter design, by simply unscrewing four titanium Allen bolts. Unlike Wes, I’m not a fan of letting my beard breathe freely at speed, so the modular appeal wasn’t big on me. But there are plenty of riders out there who would enjoy two options with one lid. And if you’re worried about safety, the Vanguard FF is both ECE and DOT approved.

The face shield is also removable, but I have reservations about its performance. It too attaches to the shell via titanium bolts, so the hinged area is not affixed to, well, anything. Those metallic rounds just kind of float in space, and avoid marking the shell thanks to soft touch padding below. The visor design also misses out on having a ratchet-action of any kind. That means it’s either up or down—and once you start moving at speed it’s down, whether you slam it or not.

This made me think the Vanguard FF was going to be noisy and cause lift at high speeds. Well—and here’s the surprising part—it isn’t noisy, and it didn’t lift. At least not compared to other similarly-styled lids. As a benchmark, I rode with my Bell Bullitt for a couple of hours before donning the Vanguard FF. The new kid on block was quieter, and I found less rattle coming from that shield too.

Venting was adequate, with eight different holes cut into the shell design. Those vents can’t be closed though, and even though the visor features a Pinlock design, you may experience fogging issues, depending on temperatures.

As an added option the Vanguard FF can be outfitted with an internal Bluetooth headset from Fusar. My demo unit was so equipped and, despite the lack of lows and mid-range common to most of these devices, the sound was decent. Even on my Thruxton, riding on the highway with its British Customs 2-into-1 race system.

The accompanying handlebar mounted remote is a nice touch, too: otherwise, control comes from buttons on the boom mic, which can be a bitch to get to on the roll.

Pricing on the Vanguard FF starts higher than just about every one of its peers, which may stop many of you in your tracks. But if you see the Vanguard FF (or its Veldt variant) as two helmets, that pill is a touch easier to swallow. If you also opt for the additional Fuser kit, things fall inline a little bit more.

If you’ve been thinking about a Bell Bullitt but haven’t yet pulled the trigger, give the Vanguard FF a second look. It may surprise you as much as it did me. [Buy]

Images: Supplied, Matt Neundorf and C. Merey.

[motorcycleleather-jacket]

Men’s KTM Red Bull Motorcycle Racing Leather Jacket

MEN’S KTM RED BULL MOTORCYCLE RACING LEATHER JACKET

This incredible Red Bull Motorcycle Leather Jacket boasts style, confidence, and guaranteed, will turn people’s heads on and off the racing track. The premium quality leather and perfect stitching warrant comfort, durability, and an amazing racing experience. Do not settle for imitations!

Create your own style with this Brand New leather jacket that guarantees style, comfort, safety and performance for high performance bikers. The high quality leather and safety features guarantee top safety for the bikers. Features top quality cowhide, waterproof YKK Zip, lining and a design that improves fitting and ergonomics, CE certified protectors on shoulders, back and elbows, waistline zip fastening to link Trouser.

Your Own Logo/Name, Can be Stitched & Color Changed According to your Choice

* Men’s Red Bull Motorcycle Racing Leather Jacket

* Red Bull Motorcycle Racing Leather Jacket

* Top quality A-Grade Pakistani Leather

* Stretchable, soft & lightweight

* Made with biker’s safety standards

* 1.2-1.3 mm thick drum-dyed leather

* CE approved removable armor protections at back, elbow & shoulders

* Embroidery and leather badges as per design requirements

* Zips on jacket sleeves

* Logos and badges are in leather & embroidery

* Original heavy duty YKK zips

* 8″ rear zipper for pant attachment

* 100% water resistant & windproof

* Suitable for all weather conditions

* Double stitching

* Custom sizes available (additional charges apply)

* Twin pockets inside (standard & mobile pocket)

* Mesh lining inside

* Made on custom demand

* Custom Color Changes option is available

* Customized Size option is available

* Custom Design option is also available

* Custom Logo can be placed on the jacket if required.

* Custom Name can also be written on back of jacket

[motogp-leatherjackets]

Men’s KTM Red Bull Motorcycle Racing Leather Jacket

MEN’S KTM RED BULL MOTORCYCLE RACING LEATHER JACKET

This incredible Red Bull Motorcycle Leather Jacket boasts style, confidence, and guaranteed, will turn people’s heads on and off the racing track. The premium quality leather and perfect stitching warrant comfort, durability, and an amazing racing experience. Do not settle for imitations!

Create your own style with this Brand New leather jacket that guarantees style, comfort, safety and performance for high performance bikers. The high quality leather and safety features guarantee top safety for the bikers. Features top quality cowhide, waterproof YKK Zip, lining and a design that improves fitting and ergonomics, CE certified protectors on shoulders, back and elbows, waistline zip fastening to link Trouser.

Your Own Logo/Name, Can be Stitched & Color Changed According to your Choice

* Men’s Red Bull Motorcycle Racing Leather Jacket

* Red Bull Motorcycle Racing Leather Jacket

* Top quality A-Grade Pakistani Leather

* Stretchable, soft & lightweight

* Made with biker’s safety standards

* 1.2-1.3 mm thick drum-dyed leather

* CE approved removable armor protections at back, elbow & shoulders

* Embroidery and leather badges as per design requirements

* Zips on jacket sleeves

* Logos and badges are in leather & embroidery

* Original heavy duty YKK zips

* 8″ rear zipper for pant attachment

* 100% water resistant & windproof

* Suitable for all weather conditions

* Double stitching

* Custom sizes available (additional charges apply)

* Twin pockets inside (standard & mobile pocket)

* Mesh lining inside

* Made on custom demand

* Custom Color Changes option is available

* Customized Size option is available

* Custom Design option is also available

* Custom Logo can be placed on the jacket if required.

* Custom Name can also be written on back of jacket

[leatheroutletus]

Kawasaki Men Racing Biker Leather Jacket

kawasaki leather motorcycle jacket

kawasaki leather motorcycle jacket

Featured: Thick Top-grain Cowhide Genuine Leather for excellent abrasion resistance. Pre-curved sleeves for the smooth and comfortable riding position. Genuine durable YKK zipper on Front, Cuffs and Trouser Ankle to Shin. External CE approved knee Sliders. Stretch Material used in the crotch, behind Calf, and under sleeves for maximum stretch. Velcro for attaching Knee Slider is sewn. Dual stitched main seams for Excellent tear resistance

Jack Leathers has earned a distinct reputation in manufacturing and selling the high Quality leather jackets. With loads of eternal appeal and versatility, Leather Jacket Mall has always been adaptable and inspirational. The look of the leather is timeless; one can make a bold fashion statement and a wise investment at the same time. So if you are willing to make a fashion statement or a dashing entrance, just do it with only of its kind outfit-courtesy a

[leatheroutletus]

Alpinestars Spx Racing Leather Motogp Jacket

ALPINESTARS SPX RACING LEATHER MOTOGP JACKET

Alpinestars Spx Racing Leather MotoGP Jacket. Instant comfort: Part leather and part textile, the body of the SPX Air motorcycle jacket is 4-way stretch material with mesh paneling. The result  A lighter weight leather jacket with an extremely adaptable fit and instant comfort! Perfect for the sporty leisure riders who want a something with all the benefits of textile, but the protection you get from leather. Featured: Thick Top-grain Cowhide Genuine Leather for excellent abrasion resistance. Pre-curved sleeves for the smooth and comfortable riding position. Genuine durable YKK zipper on Front, Cuffs and Trouser Ankle to Shin. External CE approved knee Sliders. Stretch Material used in the crotch, behind Calf, and under sleeves for maximum stretch. Dual stitched main seams for Excellent tear resistance

[lleatherjacketsnyc]

Alpinestars Blue Croes Celer Leather Motorcycle Jacket. The coat accompanies all the vital wellbeing highlights. You can discover a CE covering hang giving you choices; a separable polyester warm midriff drift liner and delicate cushioning on elbow and shoulder territories. To build evening permeability; the coat accompanies intelligent stripes on the sleeve regions. The Alpinestars Faster Style Leather MotoGP Jacket is accessible in various intense hues, for example, red and blue. You can browse an extensive variety of men’s sizes here.

Featured:

Thick Top-grain Cowhide Genuine Leather for excellent abrasion resistance.

Pre-curved sleeves for the smooth and comfortable riding position.

Genuine durable YKK zipper on Front, Cuffs and Trouser Ankle to Shin.

External CE approved knee Sliders.

Stretch Material used in the crotch, behind Calf, and undersleeves for maximum stretch.

Velcro for attaching Knee Slider is sewn.

Dual stitched main seams for excellent tear resistance

[olivereliott]

Road tested: Gear from Biltwell, REV’IT! and Stylmartin

If I ask riders why they don’t wear All The Gear All The Time, most cite one (or all) of these reasons: style, comfort and price. Motorcycles are becoming less of a lifestyle choice, and more of a lifestyle accessory. A lot of riders simply want ‘casual’ gear that looks good, feels good, and doesn’t break the bank—while still being reasonably protective and functional.

So for this review, I’ve picked out three items that tick those boxes: a technical hoody, a retro full-face helmet, and a pair of everyday riding boots.

REV’IT! Stealth hoody I’m not really a hoody guy, but when new jacket time rolled around, I wanted something low key and protective. Something I could wear with anything, on any bike, all day long. The specs of the REV’IT! Stealth hoody promised a denim finish, waterproofing and slim armor. And it was available in black, so I added it to my cart. (Yes, I paid for it with my own money.)

As the name implies, the Stealth is supremely understated. A cross between a bomber jacket and a hoody, the aesthetic is more akin to technical apparel than motorcycle gear. The chassis itself is multi-layer affair featuring a polycotton stretch denim outer, REV’IT!s proprietary Hydratex® waterproof membrane, and their abrasion-resistant PWR Shield fabric stitched into key impact zones.

That denim shell looks absolutely killer out the box, and feels amazing too—both to the touch, and when it’s on. (The manufacturer suggests tossing it in the wash before wearing it, to rinse out any leftover dye, and the second I did I got a taste of how it’s going to fade over time.) It’s trimmed with a heavy-duty ribbed fabric at the cuffs and bottom edge. While the Velcro on my gloves did occasionally stick to the ribbing, the fabric is tough enough to avoid fraying.

A chunky zipper up front gets you in and out, with a neat leather pull-tab for gloved operation. There’s a storm flap behind the zip too, and drawstrings for the hood (for if you actually use it). The rest of the layout is basic: hand warmer pockets, with snaps to keep them closed while riding, a small zipper stash pocket just inside on the right breast, and a larger document pouch inside on the left. There are reflective strips on the backs of the elbows, but they’re oh-so-subtle. Even the branding is tasteful—a blacked-out REV’IT! logo on a rubber patch, placed on a slightly larger Velcro square on the sleeve. Bizarrely, the patch is actually stitched to the Velcro—so I unstitched it to be able to run my own patches.

Thanks to the denim’s stretch properties (and relatively low weight), the Stealth’s the most comfortable motorcycle jacket I’ve ever worn. According to REV’IT!’s size chart I’m on the cusp of XL and XXL—but years of craft beer and bacon roll appreciation have left me with a bit of tubby belly, so I sized up. The fit is spot on, and although I would have preferred the XL’s shorter sleeves, the built-in flex means I have room to breathe, without the jacket feeling baggy or bunching up.

It also makes for excellent freedom of movement while riding—aided by REV’IT!’s remarkably slim and lightweight SEESMART™ armor. It’s pretty exceptional stuff—virtually undetectable, yet CE Level 1 approved. The hoody ships with elbow and shoulder protectors, but you’ll need to pony up a bit extra if you want to kit it out with a back protector. Like fellow EXIFer Matt Neundorf, I’d rather see manufacturers include back armor as standard—and I’ll happily pay a little more. But since that’s not the case here, I ordered a SEESOFT™ protector and popped it in. Or rather, massaged it in with much fiddling and cursing; it’s a tight fit in the jacket’s back pocket, which also means that it won’t accept anything other than the recommended item. It’s obviously also not as featherweight as the SEESMART™ stuff—so it’s more noticeable when fitted—but it’s still pretty flexible, and hasn’t bugged me yet.

A few extra details add to the hoody’s overall comfort while riding. For starters, the actual hood is kept from flapping at speed via a press-stud on the back. I did find that my backpack had a tendency to push up against and disengage it, but even then I didn’t notice anything unruly behind my head while riding. Out back, there’s a short connecting zipper inside that you can hook up to some of REV’IT!’s trousers (or a special belt that they make). But there’s also a feature I wish all jackets would have: a small elastic loop with a press-stud, which can anchor the hoody to any belt or belt loop. No one likes a jacket that rides up at the back, so this little consideration is one of my favorite touches.

As for weather, I’ll be keeping the Stealth on hand for at least three seasons. Despite the moisture-wicking mesh liner, it can get a little toasty on hotter days, but for spring and fall—and winter with an extra layer—it’s spot on. Unfortunately I haven’t been stuck in a downpour with it yet, but it’s shrugged off light rain without fuss, so I’m pretty confident it’ll fare well. And if it does come down, it even has nifty little drainage holes built into the hood and front pockets.

Honestly, if I could change one thing it would be to ditch the hood in favour of a ribbed collar. (REV’IT! do have a jacket in that style, but it’s not available in black and it’s not waterproof.) At around US$250 for the Stealth hoody (plus a little more for a back protector) it’s pretty good value though, so I can’t complain. In fact, if we dished out stars around here, I’d give it five. [Buy]

Biltwell Inc. Lane Splitter helmet The retro helmet market is pretty crowded these days, but Biltwell Inc. have been doing it for longer than most. Their gear always looks great, with an authentic, no-frills vibe. In the case of their latest offering—the Lane Splitter—that approach is both a strength and weakness. I’ll tell you why, right after I bore you with the basics.

The hot rod-inspired Lane Splitter is Biltwell’s second foray into visor-equipped helmets (after the Gringo S). Let’s be honest—it looks a lot like the iconic Simpson Bandit, but it’s pretty badass in its own right, so I’ll give it a thumbs up. More notably, the Lane Splitter’s ABS outer and EPS inner shell earn it both DOT and ECE approval—something we haven’t seen on Biltwell helmets before.

I ordered my Lane Splitter in Metallic Bronze, and decided to go all-in with an extra mirrored gold visor (it ships with a clear visor). As I’ve come to expect from Biltwell, the finish is sublime—the metallic bronze pops like crazy in sunlight, and I was instantly chuffed with my selection. The brushed lycra liner is pretty plush too, with a classy hand-stitched diamond pattern inside. It’s removable, and Biltwell have even included pockets in the ear recesses for comms system speakers. There’s also a padded chin curtain—something you don’t often see on retro helmets. A standard D-ring strap system keeps it on your head, with a snapper for stowing excess strap.

My melon measures in at 62cm, which makes me an XL in Biltwell’s world. The Lane Splitter fits me true to size, sitting snug without squashing my face. I have noticed one or two stiff spots in the liner, but they’re not hurting me, and I expect they’ll break in a little more over time. I can cram sunglasses in there if I want to, but it is a bit of a squeeze. The chin section caught me by surprise too; it’s a bit shorter than it looks in photos, and if I don’t pull the helmet down just right, my (admittedly large) nose does occasionally touch the tip of it.

As for that no-frills vibe, Biltwell have taken a bold, old school approach to many of the Lane Splitter’s features. It has vents on the chin—and exit vents on the sides and back—that work really well… except you can’t close them. (It’s winter in Cape Town right now, and I’ll be covering my face for this weekend’s riding.) It’s also pretty noisy at speed, and with no Pinlock insert to prevent fogging, I find myself cracking open the visor at traffic lights.

You can see these as negatives, or you can see them as compromises. I choose the latter—the Lane Splitter is intentionally retro, and that means if you buy one, you’ll need to live with some of its quirks. Call me a hipster if it makes you feel better, but I don’t think Biltwell are targeting BMW R1200 RT or Yamaha R1 owners here. Their target market is guys on choppers, bobbers and hooligan Sportsters.

The visor is an area where I think Biltwell could improve the Lane Splitter. On the up side, the eye port is massive, and visibility through the injection-molded visor itself is perfect, with no distortion. And aside from looking totally off-the-wall, the mirrored gold tint hits that sweet spot between dark enough and total eclipse.

On the down side, I find the visor’s locking mechanism fiddly. It’s basically a brass peg on the helmet that corresponds to a hole in the visor, with a small tab to lift it. Sometimes it’ll snap into place with an audible click, but sometimes I won’t feel it engage—and other times it won’t lock, no matter how hard I try. It’s also locked too well before, and I couldn’t open the visor until I stopped and used both hands to fettle it. The whole setup also sits too far to the left, making it hard to reach quickly.

Like most helmets, the visor moves up and down in increments, albeit pretty vaguely. Once it’s up though, it stays there. And once it’s down, it keeps out wind and water. My only other gripe is that I noticed a little rubbing on the paint just above the brow, where the visor seems to be connecting on the way down.

Swapping visors is straightforward, but a bit of a chore. It involves unscrewing an actual screw on each side, removing a small disc and plate, lining it all up with the new visor and then screwing it back together (a coin works too). Biltwell suggest adding some Loctite each time—I didn’t, and found that after a couple of weeks the screws needed some tightening. Again, it’s a compromise; there’s no denying how cool the hinges look, and it’s not something you’re likely to do often. You can also ditch the visor altogether and run goggles, if that’s your thing (and you don’t mind the exposed mounting plates).

I have to hand it to Biltwell though. For around $250 they’ve built a retro full-face with a visor, plus those all-important DOT and ECE stickers. And it looks so good, I find myself reaching for it time and time again. [Buy]

Stylmartin Red Rock boots Each season seems to bring with it an avalanche of new gear, but there are some standbys that have sold for years on end. Icon’s Elsinore boots are one example, and Stylmartin’s Red Rocks another. I’ve had my Red Rocks for just over two years now; in that time I’ve used them around town, toured in them and taken them on multiple press launches. I’ve put them through some light flat tracking, flown in them, done the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in them, and even used them as casual wear.

With full-grain leather uppers, the ankle-high Red Rocks are styled like everyday work boots. They’re waterproof too, and even have gussets alongside the tongue to keep muck out. The leather itself is pretty cool—it discolors easily wherever it’s rubbed or scuffed, so the boots look better the longer you abuse them. And if you’re fashion conscious, the boots ship with two sets of laces (brown and red).

There’s a Vibram anti-slip sole underneath, which means you can get them resoled at any self-respecting cobbler. (Mine still look pretty fresh, even after two years of regular use.) Even though my Red Rocks have broken in nicely over time, they’re still pretty stiff. So I generally won’t spend an entire day walking in them—but they work well on the bike, and don’t tire my feet out.

As for protective features, they’re devoid of hard toe and heel cups, and Malleolar protectors—so I’d place them a step up from a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers on the safety front. And at $200, they’re a cheaper option too. [Buy]