Apparel and Gear Buyers Guide
Show Your Shoei ColorsThe Shoei Helmet Back Pack features heavy-duty dobby nylon, matte nylon, and Rip-Stop nylon construction with an extra PVC layer for durability. This backpack’s ergonomic shape is augmented with adjustable chest and waist belts and mesh-covered ventilation grommets to keep the interior cool. This pack comes with a heavy-duty helmet shield case and a detachable mobile phone pocket, so it is truly a rider’s pack. A zippered expansion panel allows the pack to expand to accommodate the largest Shoei Helmet models and extra stuff while out riding. The Shoei Helmet Back Pack is available in either red or black.
For more information, contact your local Shoei dealer, Dept. HB, (800) 421-7247.
Leather EyesThe handcrafted frames and temples of Classic Goggle’s LeatherSpex line are made out of the world’s oldest organic material: leather. Using only 100-percent vegetable dyes that have been hand-rubbed to a smooth and rich finish, the frames are light, flexible, and adjustable for a loose or snug fit and have a leather slider that works as a retainer. LeatherSpex are offered in two styles, vintage brown and the popular black. Both styles are unisex and will fit wide or narrow faces. Their wrap-around design gives maximum protection against the elements, including wind and sun. The lenses are high-impact-resistant ANSI Z87.1-rated with defogger coating and 100-percent UV protection. Each LeatherSpex kit includes three interchangeable lenses: clear, yellow, and grey, along with a microfiber cleaning cloth and case.
For more information, contact Classic Goggles, Dept. HB, (845) 856-4896, www.classicgoggles.com.
Walk All Over YouWalk on clouds in Custom Chrome’s Teknic Freestyle boots with suede-effect cowhide outer shell and padded airmesh lining interior and reinforced toe. Riding has never been safer, thanks to the Freestyle’s heavy-duty injection-molded sole, ratchet buckle ankle-support system, reinforced rubberized gear-shift pad, and instep and out-step heel plates made of impact-resistant nylon.
For more information, contact your local Custom Chrome dealer, Dept. HB, (800) 729-3332, www.customchrome.com.
Electric ChestsOne of the challenges to the efficiency of electric vests is the problem of conducting heat from the elements to the rider. Traditionally, this has meant a closely tailored (and often uncomfortably restrictive) garment for maximum heat transfer. The Kanetsu AirVantage solves this comfort-versus-function dilemma by being adjustable. In other words, by using more or less air in the insert, the overall closeness and consequent warming efficiency of the garment can be adjusted. Also, because air is an effective insulator, the passive warmth of the vest is greatly improved, as the air alone extends the temperature range, which doesn’t require using power for heat.
For more information, contact Aerostich.com, Dept. HB, (800) 222-1994, www.aerostich.com.
Open DigitsThese fingerless gloves from J&P; Cycles feature gel-padded palms for extra comfort, protection, and shock absorption. They’re made of goatskin with a stretch-fit wrist and fully closed back with leather hook-and-loop closures.
For more information, contact J&P; Cycles, Dept. HB, (800) 397-4844, www.jpcycles.com.
Gaze on the Wild SideWild Side Eyewear by MDK Designs introduces the Venom model to its line of aluminum sunglasses. They are available in polished or powdercoat finish with an adjustable frame and interchangeable lenses. The Venom fits men and women with full wrap fit.
For more information, contact MDK Designs, Dept. HB, (360) 835-7768, www.wildsideeyewear.com.
HardheadedUsing its proprietary high-pressure laminating system, ACC makes motorcycle helmets from a hybrid of carbon fiber and Kevlar, achieving the strongest, lightest shell available. The interior is lined with an energy-absorbing Ensolite liner for maximum protection and comfort. The helmets are available in a variety of styles and colors, as well as in DOT and novelty styles.
For more information, contact ACC Motorcycle Helmets, Dept. HB, (800) 300-9813, www.carbonfiberhelmets.com.
Torque JacketMen and women can liven up their leather collections with the new Torque Leather Jackets from Harley Davidson. Both jackets offer riders action-back construction for increased mobility, while the men’s jacket also features power stretch at the back waist for improved comfort and fit. Torque Leather Jackets have pre-curved sleeves, zippered cuffs, hand-warmer pockets, and two-way front zippers. Body-armor pockets located at the shoulders and elbows fit FXRG body armor, and, for additional relief in warmer conditions, the men’s jacket also offers venting. Race-inspired graphics and orange stripes decorate both jackets, creating an updated retro look.
For more information, contact your local Harley-Davidson dealer, Dept. HB, (800) LUV-2RIDE, www.harley-davidson.com.
Men Need Not ApplyThe Tour Master’s Trinity Jacket for women features a 400-denier nylon dobby shell that combines with a Rainguard waterproof/breathable barrier to protect the rider from the road and rain. Zippered chest vents, sleeve vents, and rear exit vents provide true flow-through ventilation, and the two-way main zipper closure is reinforced with dual wind flaps to seal out the elements. For protection, the Trinity has removable, CE-approved armor at the elbow and shoulder with an articulated triple-density back protector. The Trinity also includes Tour Master’s women’s Z.O.Q. (zip-out quilted) liner, which features a comfortable iridescent taffeta material. For attaching to pants, there is a jacket/pant zipper attachment with the pant-side attachment included.
For more information, contact your local Tour Master dealer, Dept. HB, (800) 421-7247, www.tourmaster.com.
Buffed and ShinedBuff Performance Headwear is headgear designed to be worn as many as 10 different ways. It changes its use in seconds-from scarf to cap, headband to balaclava, and hair band to neck gaiter or pirate-style cap-allowing people to address changing weather on the go. On a cold morning ride, Buff Headwear might serve as a neck gaiter or face mask, only to be switched to a moisture-managing helmet liner as the day warms. Morphed into a pirate-style cap, it also works as a helmet liner or simply as a style component. Buff is made of microfiber, so it offers the same performance benefits that athletes expect from their other performance clothing.
For more information, contact Original Buff, Dept. HB, (707) 782-1939.