Summary
Passion Moto and the MotoVlog YouTube channel .[br]Just last week, I just learned that a guy from my college died on a motorcycle, at my age, leaving a wife and two children. Don't mess around with this, and the safety of your equipment should be the PRIORITY consideration. Style and fit come later, never before.HELMET
First purchase, the helmet. In this domain, it is obvious that an integral
Here is my selection:
Premier Trophy helmet, in the purest vintage racer style
Bell by RSD headphones, with an added custom touch.
Bell Custom 500 helmet, a classic.
Nolan 21 helmet, ideal for vespa or small 125
DMD 75 helmet, directly inspired by cross helmets from the 80s
AT WHAT PRICE ?
I advise you not to go cheap on the helmet, it is definitely the most important element. Stick to known and reputable brands : DMD, Bell, AGV, SHOEI, Arai, HJC… Price-wise, it’s 100 euros minimum for a jet, but more like 150 euros. And up to 250 euros for limited edition or hand-painted models. For a full, the range goes from 250 euros to more than 600 euros, the average price being 300/450 euros.
The carbon versions are more expensive, but up to twice as light. For example, the basic vintage DMD is sold between 180 and 220 euros and the carbon version between 350 and 400 euros. And the Bell Bullit costs between 350 and 450 euros for the basic version, 600/650 euros for the carbon version.
The helmet is obligatory for the motorcyclist and his passenger, attached with a chin strap or locked. It must be compliant. Either to the European standard, with a white label, which is increasingly common (letter E followed by the indication of the country which approved the helmet and the approval number). Either to the French standard, which tends to disappear, indicated by a green NF label. In all cases, it must be equipped with reflective devices.
Furthermore, it is essential to attach it correctly: 20% of helmets are ejected in the event of a serious accident, due to a size poorly suited to the user's head, a chin strap
Finally, never buy a second-hand helmet : a crack, an impact that is not even necessarily visible, would weaken the structure and therefore the effectiveness. But also for hygiene issues. The lifespan of a helmet is 5 years, even without a fall.
GLASSES, MASKS AND VISORS
To complete a look, just like a casual outfit, accessories are also important. If you ride with a jet/cross, the solution of a mask or glasses is strongly recommended to protect you
Masks often come with different types of glass, smoked or white. It is convenient. Knowing that the glasses are also sold at retail. Here is my selection:
Nanini Ride mask, superb
Deus Ex Machina Barstow more imposing (be careful it does not always fit on certain full-face helmets)
The Biltwell mask, which fits almost all types of helmets.
Leon Jeantet Aviato, the reference
The DMD Ghost mask, specially designed to fit the shape of helmets from the same brand
Forget Rayban Aviator glasses for real trips, because of handling you will break a pair every year. Instead, choose the Randolph/American Optical with their bayonet temples.
AT WHAT PRICE ?
It costs 40/60 euros for a Biltwell, 70/80 euros for a DMD Ghost, 100/150 euros for a Barrufaldi. Finally the two big references: Aviator Léon jeantet between 130 and 180 euros, and around 100 euros for the Deus Barstow.
The other very simple, low-cost solution (€20-30) is attaching a visor to the helmet snaps. There are really ways to have fun, both in terms of looks and comfort. Just avoid adding one with a mirror effect, it's already 70's enough as it is, instead consider taking a yellow one to make it easier to roll at night.
The visor is a good alternative to masks or glasses.
THE JACKET
Then comes the choice of jacket which will require taking your time because the investment can be significant. But it's also the most enjoyable part.
Leather, by nature, will protect better from abrasion but will be heavier and more expensive than a technical mesh/cordura textile jacket lined with Kevlar. That said, we can now find perforated leathers to allow air to circulate better in summer. Anyway, I really advise you to go to the store to try on several models.
RSD clash perforated, when leather breathes.
Waxed cotton jackets are a good compromise in terms of look and weight, in addition to generally being more elaborate in terms of style. The Pure Motorcycle range from Belstaff, for example, offers jackets in the purest 70's style, very successful with almost invisible protections.
Or the Merlin Bike Gear brand, whose products are really top-notch from a technical point of view (Reissa membrane, waxed cotton from Halley Stenvenson Scotland, Outlast Regulating technology, etc.). Techwear fans will appreciate it and the prices are rather competitive!
Merlin Atlow...Nice isn't it?
Generally, all jackets whatever they are have protections already integrated into the elbows and shoulders , a place for a back protector (rarely provided however, count between 40 and 100 euros) and sometimes also a removable lining.
Some are simply "Armor Ready", meaning they have no protection but pockets provided for it. It's up to you to install one or not.
D3O protections are at the top of the technology, they harden in the event of impact, are flexible and almost invisible.
Here is my selection:
The Rev'It Pilot takes its inspiration from the classic bomber jacket.
This vintage black jacket (available in brown) Segura Retro has elbow and shoulder protectors, as well as a pocket for a back protector.
This vintage Dainese Washington jacket is ideal for riding in summer, on sunny days, because it is not waterproof.
Signed by the French brand Helstons, the Fuel Dirt Track includes all back, shoulder and elbow protection. It also exists in black.
The Concorde Original Diver jacket, in the center of the photo, adjusts to your size using snap buttons.
AT WHAT PRICE ?
The price of a leather jacket is at least 200 euros for small budgets, but I recommend spending a little more. For example the Segura Retro, Dainese Legacy, Helstons Master k rag which can be found at 300 euros (CE and PPE approved like practically all quality products like Dainese/spidi/Helstons/Rev'it). The average price fluctuates between 350 and 500 euros and rises to 600 euros at RSD for the Clash or Ronin models. In this price range, Helstons offers very high quality leather jackets. In the case of Vanson or Belstaff, we approach 1,000 euros.
Much more affordable, textile jackets start at 100/150 euros (the Kenya from Furygan or the De Race from Helstons). The Segura maddock in olive green is
Note from Benoit: The Inventive Citi case.
What technical clothing, as simple as possible, can I choose for riding two wheels? This is the question that guided the creation of Inventive Citi , which makes very sober and elegant clothing for mopeds, waterproof, warm and with protective inserts.
It's full of good ideas (discreet pockets, iPad pocket, removable hood and lining, etc.).
I regret that the brand's website is so poor in information, and I hope that they will quickly expand it.
Please note , a reader informed me that the anti-abrasive properties of the fabrics were no longer effective above 60 km/h. It's a great choice for the city, but a little less so if you follow the country roads.
SHIRTS/OVERSHIRT
Now (finally!), we are seeing more and more overshirts that do more than just the job in terms of looks and integrate all the features necessary for safe motorcycling (Kevlar lining, armor or pocket(s) provided ( s) on the shoulders, elbows, back, etc.), perfect in summer so as not to feel the sauna effect of leather.
You can even find a fully technical Hoodie or sweatshirt with great looks and prices... ideal for riding a custom, a Harley 48 or Indian Scout style bobber.
Here is my selection:
The RSD-Roland Sands Design- Bronson denim jacket will be ideal this summer.
The Rokket Wax Cotton Jacket, in waxed cotton, with pockets to hold protections.
Under this look the Ashley Watson Hockliffe jacket hides protections on the back, shoulders and elbows. The arms are reinforced with Dyneema, said to be fifteen times more resistant to abrasion than steel.
Lumberjack style for this Resurgence Riding overshirt, which will be your ally for short distances.
Rev'it opted for Denim Cordura® for its Traver shirt, a good compromise of the look and feel of denim cotton, while being more robust and more resistant to abrasion.
The Rev'it sweatshirt, ideal for two-wheelers
AT WHAT PRICE ?
For example, overshirts range from 150 euros for the Overlap Jared, 180 euros for the Rev'it Tracer or even 200 euros for the Rsd Bronson, to reach 350 euros with the Rokker Wax Cotton Overshirt.
THE PANTS/JEAN
As with jackets, no more big, unsightly flashy logos. There are "chino/cargo pants" which look exactly like ordinary pants and are completely suitable (Kevlar reinforcement in sensitive areas, removable protections, etc.)
Motorcycle jeans have also evolved. While the big brands generally offer random cuts and rough washes, if you look around you can find a very simple rough, even Selvedge sometimes.
If you feel like it, there are of course leather pants but here, you clearly have to wear the look (hello Ross!) and tolerate the heat in summer.
On the other hand, abrasion level is a must, but as for the jackets, it's good for the circuit.
Here is my selection:
The Bolid'ster Hipster pants
The Resurgence Cafe Race Motorcycle Jean
The Jean'ster from Bolid'Ster
The Torpedo cargo from Spidi (which has a wide choice of motorcycle chinos)
Here, the detail of the reinforced areas on the Bolid'ster Hipster model is no joke!
AT WHAT PRICE ?
Prices vary from simple to double: from around 140 euros for a Spidi Cargo to 300 euros for the Bolid'ster Hipster.
THE SHOES
When you ride 2 wheels, nothing prevents you from doing so in Converse/Stan Smith/Air Jordan/Margiela but in terms of safety it's not great (!). Imagine a standard 200 kg bike on your ankle? It's not a pretty sight... There are a multitude of possibilities but the reinforcement of the malleolus is a real plus.
In terms of looks, also having a reinforcement for the selector is still better so as not to ruin your beautiful “made in England” brogues. And if they are waterproof, even better.
The brands Helstons, Stylmartin, Tcx, Rolands Sands have everything you need, even sneakers with a rather nice look for more comfort without compromising on safety.
To tell you that streetwear has even conquered the motorcycle world, look at the Converse x Neighborhood collaboration.
These Converse for bikers are very desirable, but they are out of stock!
Here is my selection:
Ideal for the city, the Alpinestars Oscar Monty do not completely protect, only the malleolus, but display a fairly discreet style. They are also available in black.
Cowhide leather, reinforced upper, shifter reinforcement and hi-grip sole by Vibram™ resists oil and chemicals for these RSD Mojave boots, which are also waterproof.
The Stylmartin Rocket boots, with its selector and malleolus side reinforcements, its waterproof and breathable leather.
These Helstons Urban leather 1/2 boots are easy to wear around town. But no reinforcements on the program.
In cowhide leather, the Rev'it Regent are equipped with reinforcement to be protected at the gear selector.
AT WHAT PRICE ?
Overlap, Alpinestars, Rsd, Stylmartin, Helstons... the offer is plentiful for boots, at prices ranging between 140 and 250 euros. At Belstaff, you have to count
GLOVES
Wearing approved gloves has become compulsory since November 20, 2016, even for the passenger.
Everyone complained, but in absolute terms you will never see bikers without gloves so you just have to choose a model with the little pictogram that fits well.
Good news, generalists such as Spidi, Helstons, Segura or Furygan offer some pretty cool things at not crazy prices. For winter, a pair of lined gloves is highly recommended, even downright recommended with heated handles.
Just avoid big logos and big carbon things everywhere, but you already know that.
© Credit 4H10
Helstons Bostons gloves are a good choice
AT WHAT PRICE ?
Gloves cost between 40 and 100 euros. Spending more seems pointless to me, unless you compete on the circuit. Just check that they have the pictograms and the CE standard.
THE FINAL WORD
Let us salute the efforts of equipment manufacturers, even the most general ones, to listen to consumers by offering innovative products. While the time of super sports cars and large Japanese roadsters of the 90s/2000s is coming to an end (road repression, desire to ride for pleasure, restriction to 47.5 HP for A2 licenses, etc.), the time of fluorescent green overalls and garish colors will disappear in favor of more discreet and more versatile, vintage-inspired products. And that’s whether you’re riding a Vespa 125, a Royal Enfield, a Triumph or a Harley. That's a pretty good sign.
For my part, I recommend having two outfits:
- Stylish but 'bulletfroof' equipment with waterproof lining, good shoe with protection for the malleolus and full face helmet for long distances. Best for the big, rhythmic walk with friends when it's medium-gray-rain, just to be safe but stylish all the same.
- Lighter, less heavy, less expensive equipment like: overshirt, waxed cotton jacket, jet helmet, Red Wing shoes to go to a restaurant, a little fun trip with your sweetheart at 70 km/h, going to work 5 km away.
Essential sites:
http://chazster.com
https://the-cafe-racer.com
https://www.revzilla.com
https://www.motoblouz.com
https://vintage-motors.net
