Textile, leather, helmets and accessories

Posted on by admin

Table of contents

Textile, leather, helmets and accessories
Cavalieri

clothing

Textile, leather, helmets and accessories

Textile, leather, helmets and accessories
Trendsetter in motorcycle clothing

Protectors, as seen here, should definitely be part of the rider’s equipment. But what can men and women wear over it this year? MOTORRAD shows what you are well and safely dressed with in 2008.

Jorg Lohse

03/01/2008

Motorcyclists love function and quality. A survey by MOTORRAD, in which the editors asked the major suppliers of the clothing scene for statements on the buying behavior of German bikers, can be reduced to this key statement. Who else buys a leather suit, what is left in the store, how cool is avarice really? The use of textile suits has continued unabated for years. On average, only every fourth customer buys a leather suit. But that could tip. In the high-price league in particular, motorcyclists are increasingly interested in leather. Will this also come with new functions? for example in a waterproof design ?? offered, demand could continue to rise. Functionality is the magic word when it comes to motorcycle clothing. The low-priced product line in particular is coming under increasing pressure in this regard. “The motorcyclist”, a product developer told MOTORRAD, “expects more and more from his suit? also in the inexpensive version. «Just a pleasing look is not enough to convince the biker: Targeted and well-informed inquiries are made about which protectors are used or how the quality of the material is.

Design is mentioned in the same breath as function. Although the fashion trade is still lagging behind by years on this point, awareness is growing: in the future, functionally equipped streetwear that offers a “mix of style and safety” will gain in importance. And the hunt for the bargain? Many agree that this is a thing of the past. The quality awareness, so it is said, has increased significantly, the pure cheap offer in the specialist trade is falling sharply ?? or get picked up at discounters like Aldi, Lidl and Co..

Accessories In & Out


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


Revit

Revit rain jacket: Passive safety definitely doesn’t fall into the water here – matching trousers (together 85.98 euros) are included.

That has to come:
-Wrist hook and loop fastener with cover as a must for gloves.
-Boots with useful, practical width adjusters on the calf.
-Well ventilated protectors.
-A clear plus in signal colors and reflectors.

That can no longer be:
-Back protectors with protective surfaces that are too small.
-Boots without heel and ankle protectors.
-Gloves in which the lining is not fixed.
-Boots with soles that are too smooth and without heels that do not find a hold on the pegs.

accessories


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


Spidi

Spidi Defender: back protection with additional breastplate. The well-known off-road principle is therefore roadworthy.

Gloves, boots, protectors. In addition to many design gimmicks, a number of evolutionary steps can also be observed.

Protector vests could become a real best seller in 2008. The offer is rich, the prices are moderate. Combined solutions with breastplate or joint protectors are particularly interesting. The latter are particularly suitable for wearers of textile suits due to the protectors that are fixed close to the body. Another topic this year: the airbag in motorcycle clothing. Models controlled by rip cord have been around for a long time. But the Dainese project of a processor-controlled full-size airbag is far more innovative. After a racing driver version (MOTORRAD 1/2008), the version for road drivers is currently being developed. 2008 saw a flood of new manufacturers with new models and designs in the boot trade. And with the waterproof gloves, a new processing technique is intended to improve the feel on the handle.

Conclusion: New concepts for boots, gloves and protectors, plus eye-catching designs. The year can be sure.

Accessories shopping guide 2008


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


hero

Hero Shakai: a waterproof glove with a good grip? This works when the palm and the palm are glued directly to the membrane.

Better two than one: The “Level 2” protection class, which has been tested according to stricter limit values, has established itself as the standard for back protectors. Make sure that you have a sufficiently large protective surface when buying.

Better glued than laid: Xtrafit is the name of the technology in which the waterproof Gore-Tex membrane is glued directly to the outside and inside of the glove. This noticeably gains grip. Is now offered in many models from different manufacturers.

Better light than shadow: A program item for 2008 is a clear plus in passive safety. Rain suits are available in extremely eye-catching color combinations, textile jackets can be expanded with over jackets in signal colors or can be equipped with a battery-operated light unit on the back (Spidi Safety Lamp).

Helmets In & Out


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


Nolan

Nolan X-lite X 801 RR Replica Legend: Nolan’s premium brand X-lite is relaunching legendary designs in 2008. It’s not just the Hailwood that looks good. The replica versions by Cecotto, Uncini and Lucchinelli are also great.

That has to come:
-Light helmets: The weight should be reduced by an average of 15 percent.
-Fog-free visors must finally be part of the helmet standard.
-Significantly increase passive safety by means of reflective surfaces.
-A much better dampened wind backdrop.

That can no longer be:
-A complicated visor mechanism that makes changing unnecessarily difficult.
-Fiddly ventilation slides that cannot be operated with gloves.
-A non-removable helmet lining. Because some hygiene should be possible.
-Pull in the eye area due to visors that do not close flush.

Helmets


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


manufacturer

Givi X01: The chin bars can be changed depending on the season. Cost: 295 euros.

Multifunctionality: This year, new crossover concepts dominate head protection.

The bad news first: The issue of “helmet weight” is out for manufacturers in 2008. It would make sense to devote significantly more attention to this. Because light helmets are always more comfortable to wear, and the low weight also has advantages in the event of a fall. Carbon helmets are superior to the competition in this regard. But in the MOTORRAD comparison test (issue 25/2007), of the seven models currently available, only three performed well or very well. Let’s hope that new lightweight helmets will be presented at Intermot. Multifunctional helmets are currently “in”, which can be quickly adapted to different needs (highway chasing, gravel road, city cruising) or weather conditions (summer, winter, rain, sun) by simple modification.

Conclusion: a helmet for many occasions? that is the core message of many new models. But anyone who is interested in the subject of “easily and safely” will have to search a long time.

Helmets shopping guide 2008


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


Uvex

Uvex Enduro: a helmet that works both off-road and on-road. Umbrella and visor can be removed depending on the purpose.

Youngtimer: 2008 is the year of heroes. At least with the helmet decors. Those who like old masters but don’t want to do without modern helmet technology will find what they are looking for at X-lite, among others. Great decors from Mike “the Bike” Hailwood to Johnny Cecotto.

Multitasking: one for all. Many manufacturers (including Arai, Caberg, Givi, Shoei, Uvex) are dedicated to this motto. The range of helmets that can be quickly converted is enormous, with prices ranging between 200 and 450 euros, depending on the model. But be careful. Many an avoidable full-face helmet is actually only homologated as a jet helmet.

Faded out: The subject of sun visors has gained momentum in many helmet collections. The concepts range from simply plugged in to fully retractable. Sun visors make more sense than classically tinted visors, especially for alpine tourists. A MOTORRAD test will follow shortly.

Leather in & Out


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


manufacturer

Icon Team Merc Stage II Lady: One of the most extensive collections for women who ride a motorcycle comes from France.

That has to come:
-The back protector in series? in all price ranges.
-Neatly fitted, height-adjustable protectors that are pressure-free.
-Neatly sewn lining that makes it much easier to get into the station wagon.
-Smart transitions from the trouser legs to the boots.

That can no longer be:
-The waiver of abrasion-resistant textile stretch made of Kevlar.
-Sports suits with gross flaws that make the driver immobile.
-Finely toothed plastic zippers that get caught or even break out after a short time.
-Sleeves cut too long and too wide? Standard error in many station wagons.

Textile In & Out


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


Spidi

Spidi Admiral E-Type: The waterproof one-piece can be opened completely and put on comfortably like a coat.

That has to come:
Neatly positioned, tight-fitting and therefore non-slip protectors.
Infinitely adjustable collars, which encircle the neck tightly but without pressure.
All outside pockets are waterproof.
Waterproof transitions from the sleeves to the gloves.

That can no longer be:
Zippers that get caught in the fabric when pulled shut.
Unfixed lining in sleeves and legs that can get tangled up.
Short Velcro straps that practically cannot be closed
Lots of designer and decorative seams, but no practical cut.

Leather shopping guide 2008


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


IXS

IXS Firestroke: attractively priced and visually attractive leather suit that is reinforced on the outside with impact-absorbing shells.

Weather protection: leather is safer than textile. Now, with the Gore-Tex leather, there is also weather protection. In addition to Rukka, other manufacturers will be offering waterproof leather suits by the Intermot trade fair in autumn at the latest. Then prices go down.

Abrasion protection: kangaroo leather is the first choice for sports riders. Abrasion and tear resistance are great, combined with a supple fit and low weight. Our tip: try the revised combination recommendations from Spidi and Ixs from the MOTORRAD comparison test (18/2007).

Protection money: Particularly in the highly competitive price region between 600 and 800 euros, manufacturers come up trumps with many new and particularly attractively furnished leather combinations. Those who negotiate well can get discounts or a bonus in the form of a suitable back protector.

Textile Shopping Guide 2008


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


hero

Held Arco: smart concept for cold and warm days (199.95 euros). Airy mesh fabric is hidden under the removable outer jacket.

Nanotechnology: More and more suppliers are equipping their textile suits with dirt-repellent surfaces (first test in MOTORRAD 19/2007). If you love color, you shouldn’t do without this feature. Practical jackets are available from 200 euros.

All-weather protection: dry through the rain, heat-free through the summer. That is the strength of the new composite jackets, which can be quickly adapted to the weather thanks to the removable outer fabric and button-in membrane inner jackets. Costs from around 200 euros.

One-piece: Practical like a rain suit, but put on much faster within seconds. In addition, it is much better equipped with abrasion-resistant fabric, protectors and climate membrane. In 2008, one-piece textile suits, which are offered by Alpinestars, Revit and Spidi, among others, are very popular.

Textile


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


Reusch

Reusch Nanosphere S2: A white motorcycle jacket? Only works if it is dirt-repellent. For example at Polo for 399.95 euros.

More features, clear design, new target groups. When it comes to textile clothing, the focus is on utility.

For years, all-weather textile clothing has overtaken the classic leather combination. The industry speaks of a three-to-one distribution in favor of synthetic fibers. The German biker particularly appreciates the textile suit because of its comfort in bad weather. He accepts the disadvantages of a fall approvingly. Because in terms of protection, textiles still have to admit defeat despite many evolutionary steps towards high-tech fibers. Even high-priced suits in the 1000 euro league rank at the level of a cheap leather combination when it comes to abrasion. In addition, the protectors pose a major problem, as they can slip in the mostly wide-cut combinations in the event of a fall and expose the joint to be protected. Here, product developers are called upon to develop new concepts as much as possible.

Conclusion: The 2008 textile vintage presents itself in a pleasantly simple design. When it comes to equipment, people are increasingly relying on comfort in midsummer. But nothing really revolutionary is in sight so far.

leather


Textile, leather, helmets and accessories


Rukka

Rukka Lancelot: The first leather suit with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane comes from the textile specialist Rukka. Jacket (1200 euros) and pants (999 euros) are available individually.

Get off the siding. There is particularly strong rotation in leather clothing this year.

The leather industry has slept through the last few years. Hardly any innovations and also little happened in terms of cutting. No wonder that the mass of buyers has migrated to textile suits. But that can change. In terms of safety, leather still has unbeatable advantages over textile fabrics. This needs to be underlined and also spiced up with useful features instead of just new decorative seams. Like the leather suit in a waterproof design. In 2008 there is a brand new leather laminate from climate expert Gore-Tex. This is so convincing that the textile specialists at Rukka are the first in the world to offer the Gore-Tex leather suit. Also welcome: Many manufacturers finally have a very independently styled women’s collection in their range. The cut specifications are actually ladylike and no longer scaled down to “36 to 42” men’s sizes.

Conclusion: 2008 can be the year of the leather suit. In a waterproof version, it stands up to the textile suit. There is also a refreshing variety of designs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *