Gloves
Knox
Urban Pro
The urban pro glove from Know is very much like their other urban pro items, made for urban riding in the summer. It’s also designed to be comfortable and uses an interlocking plastic blocks to provide knuckle protection, this allows for flexibility over a more rigid hard plastic or carbon knuckle protector. The gloves are vented to allow for good air circulation during those hot summer rides.
Pro’s – Cost, Light Weight
Cons – Limited protection
Rating – 8.5/10
For more information click Here
Handroid
The Knox Handroids Mk3’s seen here have been used by Juicey for approx the last 4 years and he’s covered the best part of 30,000 miles in that time. Not only are these the coolest gloves on the market because they make your hands look like something out of the Terminator but they are also great quality with the exception of the little plastic piece on the back of the glove as this has a tendency to come off.
That really is the only fault with these gloves, as with the Orsa’s below they are a real class act but for this you will have to part with over £200 for a pair but if they last like Juiceys that equates to less than £1 per week which is totally worth it.
Pro’s – The coolest gloves on the market as they make you look like some sort of robot. Now superseded by the Mk4
Cons – Expensive
Rating – 10/10
For more information click Here
Orsa OR3 Textile
The game love these gloves so much so both Bulby and Babee Gee have them. Super quality and comfortable fit from the off make these gloves a winner. The guys can’t say enough good things about these gloves, costing under £100 at the time they were brought you can wear these gloves all day and are perfect for those hot summer days as you travel through the southern regions of Europe. So where’s the catch, well there isn’t one unless you think you’ll wear them in the depths of wet and cold winters as that’s not what these gloves are for, used as a summer glove they are just perfect.
Pro’s – Fit and feel, look, vented, cost as under £100
Cons – Nothing
Rating – 10/10
For more information click Here
Richa
Ghent GTX Gortex
Relatively new, Bulby purchased them for the 2021 seasons tours of Scotland and Wales these are a short waterproof glove that offer protection against some of the worst weather you’ll likely to ride in, however make no mistake these aren’t a thermal glove so while the Gortex woven into these gloves will help provide protection against wind chill they are still relatively thin (compared to winter gloves) and as such will still allow your hands to become cold.
Richa is a make the crew don’t have a lot of experience with so it was a journey into the unknown. First impressions have been positive with the gloves retaining a decent amount of feel (something you lose as gloves become thicker) and their protection against water was put to the test on the trip to Wales where the countries reputation for rain didn’t fail to deliver yet these gloves made sure Bulby’s little pinkies stayed dry and warm.
Pro’s – Gortex so waterproof, not to thick so retain decent feel while riding
Cons – Less fell due to the glove thickness
Rating – 8.5/10
For more information click Here
RST
TracTech Evo
The Trachtech gloves from RST are known for being both a very comfortable fit but also very good quality. They come with level 2 knuckle protection and are made using both Kangaroo leather as well as cowhide. They have perforations to allow for decent airflow however this acts against keeping the water out when it rains although these gloves are not said to be waterproof. Being a longer glove they secure around the wrist and forearm using Velcro fasteners which are tried and tested
Pro’s – Quality, Comfortable fit, Strong Construction, Cost Approx. £100. Colour variations
Cons – Not much other than the look isn’t to everyone’s liking
Rating – 9/10
For more information click Here
Rukka
Worsley (Leather)
As with all Rukka gear these Worsley gloves have a great quality feel to them. With hard knuckle protection this short leather glove is non vented which provides some warmth in the sun up to spring or Autumn. The lack of perforations mean we can imagine it’ll get warm in hotter conditions however its perfect for the not freezing/boiling hot conditions. Further updates will follow as they get used more and hoping they wear in as currently still have that new glove tightness.
Pro’s – Quality
Cons- Not the cheapest at £150
Rating – 8.5/10
For more information click Here
Rytmi (Leather)
The Finnish company Rukka are renown for quality bike clothing and is widely regarded as the best on the market when you are looking a textile touring suit that’s going to keep you warm and dry and the quality of these gloves shows through. This particular model has now been superseded however Bulby has used these for over five years and even though he’s retired them now to just occasional use they are still holding together really well.
Fantastic comfort and fit from the off these none Gortex gloves did a great job of protecting the hands and held up well against both temperature, wind and rain ingress. they are an everyday glove that you can utilise for the best part of 7/8 months of the year with only the the wettest, coldest winter months requiring something more substantial.
Pro’s – Comfort, Quality
Cons – Not Gortex
Rating – 9.5/10
Fore more information click Here
Boots
Alpinestars
Chrome
The Chrome is a lovely looking urban riding boot from Alpinestars seen here in a striking black and white with red accents, Interesting with these boots is a new elastic band at the top to allow for easy tightening of the top of the boot however Bulby found this restrictive so wears them with out this being done up. Sizing is decent and on par so a 9 is a normal 9 so unless you want to wear them with thicker socks go for the size you’d normally wear
Pro’s – Look, Price, Comfort
Cons – Elastic top fixing ( felt it pulled the boots to tight at the top) Limited ankle protection and no shin protection due to being a short boot designed for Urban riding
Rating – 8/10
For more information click Here
J6
As part of their urban range the J6 is Alpinestars take on a trainer that you can use on your bike (most of the crew having either these or something similar that they use when away). Now don’t be mistaken with these boots into thinking they are going to give you the same protection as a full on boot like the SMX, they just won’t and that should be obvious due to their size and construction, these are designed with street/urban riding in mind. These boots are great for where you get to where you want to go and then you’ve got a short ride then a day walking round ( que the trips to Assen with a short ride to the track from the Hotel then a day walking round) or zipping around the town with your crew.
These boots offer all day comfort for walking in while still providing some protection and they are waterproof, think, a step up from wearing trainers on a bike which we don’t recommend. Quality, fit and finish are really good and what you’d expect from Astar and are available in two colours this brown/tan and a black version. Pricing wise they aren’t cheap at approx £130 but you get a trainer boot for that will last.
Pro’s – Look, Quality, Comfort, Waterproof
Cons – Lack of protection you get from a normal boot, Cost
Rating – 8.5/10
Fore more information click Here
SMX-6 v2
The SMX 6’s are a really nice boot to wear, comfortable and waterproof they are a boot you can spend all day in riding. Although with a tilt to a full on race boot with the changeable toe slider and the hard plastic shin protector they are a more relaxed fit so don’t leave you dying to get out of them. They are the normal quality you’d come to expect from Alpinestars with a side zi[ covered with a velcro flap for added protection
Pro’s – Price is reasonable at approx £250, Alpinestars quality, all day comfort with race boot looks
Cons – None
Rating – 10/10
For more information click Here
SMX S Waterproof
The SMX S waterproof boots from AStars are a great boot at a decent price (£199), Juicey got these as the boots he had were hurting his feet and wow what a revelation, so comfortable and withstood torrential rain to keep his feet dry. Early days yet as only used a handful of times but will update with more feedback the more he uses them but them come highly recommended by ride magazine
Pro’s – Waterproof, Comfortable, Price
Cons – Nothing
Rating – 10/10
For more information click Here
SMX plus
One of the areas Bulby hasn’t spent lots of money on is in the boots section, he believes it’s important to find a boot that looks good while being able to provide all day comfort and the SMX plus due just that. It’s not an out and out touring boot and with it’s replaceable toe sliders gives a nod to its sports bike siblings within the Alpinestars range. The plus is a waterproof boot and has an inner tongue system (not removeable) which utilises a pull string type system to give a firm , comfortable fit while the exterior of the boot is secured using a side zipper and ratchet buckle system. This is a really good do anything type boot that Bulby can’t recommend enpough
Pro’s – Comfortable, look and design, quality
Cons – Inner tongue can be a bit fiddley
Rating – 9/10
for more information click Here
Tech 5
Alpinestars Tech 5 boots review to follow, now these are in the colours you’d expect for a KTM but anyone who knows Bulby knows he loves a bargain and these were so he’ll be using them on his Yamaha.
Pro’s – Quality, fit and feel, Cost
Cons – Nothing other than the colour
Rating – 10/10
For more information click Here
Tech 3
Continuing with Alpinestars the Tech 3 is the companies intro into the world of moto cross boots, like its bigger brothers (Tech 5 and 7) you still get the companies renowned quality, fit and feel. As with all motocross boots due to their nature and the environment they are used in the Tech 3’s have four large buckle type fastenings to keep they securely on your feet. You could use these on the road if you liked the look particularly if you like adventure type riding however these boots aren’t waterproof and there would be more comfortable alternatives on the market.
Pro’s – Look (even in stormtrooper white seen here) Quality
Cons – Small sizing (buy a half size up), not waterproof
Rating – 9/10
For more information click Here
BMW
GS KAWIR GTX
As with anything BMW the name brings a price tag to match and their GS KAWIR GTX Gortex riding boots are no different with the latest ones coming in at a costly £310 before any sale or deductions. However with the price tag comes a quality boot which appears well designed and well made and rather than the standard lace ups which you get with many sneeker type riding boots these have a side zipper and a ratchet tightener on the front to make getting in them and tightening up easier.
Pro’s – Design, Style & Quality. All day comfort, BOA System
Cons – Cost, Water getting over the top which is the same for any shorter boot. Lacks shin protection
Rating – /10
For more information click Here
Dainese
York Air
These Dainese York air boots are stylish and comfortable with the normal Dainese quality. These are the air version which means they have ventilation on the front which is great to add air flow on those hot summer days. Unfortunately in the UK however these types of days are limited so it does mean you either need a second pair or be ready for cold and wet feet as the ‘Air’ also means they lack water proofing
Pro’s – Price currently only £99
Cons – vented so not for colder weather, not waterproof. Limited protection on ankles and no protection on shins
Rating – 8/10
For more information click Here
Falco
Arrakis Touring
Full review to follow
Pro’s – Look, Cost, All day comfort, Waterproof using D30 technology. Mid height boot, Easy to get on and off. 2 Different colours
Con’s – Not Gortex. Water getting over the top which is the same for any shorter boot. Lacks shin protection
Rating – /10
For more information click Here
Klim
Outlander GTX (Gortex)
Review to follow
Pro’s – Klim quality, Range of colours to suit, Gortex, All day comfort, BOA System- why ever have boots with tie up laces ever again
Cons – Expensive Price (£300) Water getting over the top which is the same for any shorter boot. Lacks shin protection
Rating – /10
For more information click Here
Merlin
Sierra D30 Gortex
The Sierra D30 boots are a nice looking offering from Merlin that brings the functionality of a Trekking boot to the motorbike scene, so we decided to give these boots the title of Trikes (Trekking crossed with bike). Great feature of the Sierra’s as they have a real nice feel to them, they are Gortex so should keep your feet dry ( as long as your waterproof trousers don’t expose the top of this short boot) and as which is almost a must have the BOA lace system. In bike reviews of this boot they score highly however these were brought by Bullby and although he liked the looked and feel he could get the fit right so has changed them out. Price is reasonable at approx £185 as we wrote this.
Pro’s – Boa system, Gortex, Look
Cons – Couldn’t get the fit to feel right
Rating – 8/10
For more information click Here
Sidi
Vertigo 2
These are the current boots of choice for Juiceman and these boots provide ample ankle support with being easy to get on and off. A full side zipper opens the boot and unlick the SMX Alpinestars there’s no inner sock/string to worry about. The Sidi’s are a lovely looking boot that gives a nod to the race boot with it’s interchangeable toe sliders and Sidi logo’s emblazed over them in such a way to be attractive and not garish. coming in at a cost around the £250 mark they really are fantastic value for money.
Pro’s –Comfortable, Water resistant, Good ventilation, easy to get on and off with good ankle support and movement. They don’t squeak
Cons – Tight on the toes if wearing thicker sockets, not waterproof
Rating – 9/10
For more information click Here
Clothing
Alpinestars
Halo Drystar Jacket and Trousers
This is a jacket and trouser combo from Alpinestars that comes loaded with features that make it an outfit for any riding across 3 seasons. The jacket has detachable sleeves which seems like a great idea if you are off-roading or in very hot conditions were you wear extra elbow armour however we would not recommend this for road riding as it leaves your arms unprotected. other things we really like about the jacket is the large pocket in the front, one in the rear and the offset main zipper. The trousers to come with some big useful leg pockets which make it ideal for those longer trips away. When it comes to thermal and waterproof protection both have removable liners and as you can see in the pictures the jacket has a waterproof liner which can be worn either under or over the jacket. Price is mid range with the combination coming in at around £500-£600 and while the jacket is available imn 2 colours the only option for the trousers is black.
Pro’s – Very Versatile, Removable arms, Ventilation, Cost
Cons – Limited to two colours
Rating – 8.5/10
For more information click Here
Chrome Ignition Hoodie (Black/Yellow)
For those of you wanting an urban look or a jacket you can wear as a normal hoody when off the bike the Alpinestars is a super comfy jacket that has a good amount of stretch so doesn’t feel to restrictive when you’re on or off the bike. The jacket is also airy and stylish for those warm summer nights at the pub carpark meets. This isn’t a jacket for high speed long distance rides as it would be questionable how well the armour /fabric would stand up to an off in these type of conditions but use it for what it’s designed for and you won’t go wrong
Pro’s – Cost, Style, Lightweight, Detachable Hood
Cons – Not Waterproof
Rating – 8/10
For more information click Here
Dainese
Helka Abshell Suit
The latest offering from Italian firm Dainese is the Helka Abshell Pro 20 adventure suit. Available in both grey (seen here) and an olive green colour this top of the range adventure suit comes with a vast array of features. From the mesh front pocket that can be used for putting gloves in, the selection of differing pockets including two large internal pockets to the snap lock waterproof pocket. The jacket also has multiple ventilation slots that have been designed to use using one gloved hand with the twin rear vents having a strap to assist with opening. The trousers come with big waterproof leg pockets that we’re sure will be handy for those long trip adventures. Both the trousers and jacket come with removable thermal liners with the jackets being a soft shell type that can be worn on its own, a great feature when you need to travel light due to space. The big question is how waterproof is the laminate pro shell compared to Gortex and only time will tell once we’ve experienced some wet weather riding….. to be continued
Pro’s – Design, Pockets, Removable Thermal Jacket
Cons – Not Rukka, Did let water in eventually on the crotch trouser area
Rating – 9/10
For more information click Here
Racing 3 D-Dry Jacket
This jacket was brought by Bulby as the zipper went on his last casual wearing jacket ( yes some would say it went under the strain of his weight gain) and although expensive at nearly £300 it really does have a great feel to it. As with Dainese’s Italian design sizes are normally on the smaller side but the design and style is really good. It comes with a detachable inner liner and good ventilation and is waterproof so you can use it in any weathers. Only down side is ne of the loops in the sleeve to secure the inner liner broke mean the sleeve pulls out when taking it off otherwise it’s mint.
Pro’s – Design/Style, D-dry liner making it waterproof, ventilation
Cons – Cost. Hops in sleeve for thermal liner
Rating – 9/10
For more information click Here
HF D1 Leather Jacket
As with any Dainese items that you may purchase when you get them you can see and feel the quality and this jacket is no exception. The Italian brand has had long time connections with Valentino Rossi and what multiple world champion would want to be linked to a name that isn’t at the top of the game.
The HF D1 has a real retro look to it with the soft cowhide leather being really comfortable straight off the peg, the eye catching design makes it really stand out and leaves no one wondering if it’s a Dainese, Bulby was really taken by the design and colour. The jacket has the standard 2 external hand pockets and an internal pocket to keep everything safe. The only downside is after approx. 4 years the jacket has started to look a bit worn however in this retro look that only adds to it’s character.
Pro’s – Great quality and feel
Cons – Not much, not waterproof
Rating – 8.5/10
For more information click Here
Sports Master (Gortex)
Bulby brought this jacket and the trousers for the tour of Scotland as he was expecting to get wet at some point however due to an amazing weeks weather he didn’t need this jacket to keep him dry although in the later tiny tour of wales it did exactly what it needed to do, The sport master crosses more of a sporty style with everything you need from a textile jacket. great ventilation in both the front and back via zipper compartments keep you cool in warm weather, 2 main lower pockets which are waterproof, inner pocket for those essentials. What Bulby really likes is that Dainese use the gortex technology which stops the water entering the jacket (unlike the Carve Master which uses a waterproof removable membrane) and which means the jacket doesn’t get heavier as it gets wetter. The jacket also comes with thumb loops which stop the sleeves riding up and a padded internal removable thermal layer.
Pro’s – Everything
Cons – Expensive
Rating – 10/10
For more information click Here
Carve Master Jacket
The Carve-master from Dianese is a great jacket and trouser suite for touring in, with the quality you expect from the Italian company with a nice fit and style. The jacket as four pockets on the outside, two of which are waterproof and the others well designed for change for tolls etc, a large map pocket on the back and internal pockets as well. The range has a removable gortex liner however the downside over the more expensive ranges that have the gortex in the fabric is that when it rains the suit does take on water which means that it does become heavy, that said it does a great job of keeping you dry. At about £1100 for both jacket and trouser its not the cheapest but also half the price of some top of the range suits and for the money we think it’s a really good option for those of you planning longer trips away.
Pro’s – Comfortable, Quality, Pockets
Cons – Removable waterproof membrane means the jacket gets heavy as the water goes into the outer material. Ventilation flaps in the front have velcro to hold them open which doesn’t work very well
Rating – 9/10
For more information click Here
Carve Master Trouser
The Carve master trousers come with the same quality feel that you get with the jacket and that you’d expect from Dainese. Using the same system as the jacket there is a gortex removeable insert, the one downside with this system is it does let the outer layer soak in water which does makes the clothing heavy after a downpour. The trousers have two front zipped pockets and zipper vents which alow for cooling during those warm summer months, all in all with it zipped to the jacket you know you are weraing quality kit
Pro’s – Quality, Comfort
Cons – Snug fitting
Rating – 9/10
For more information click Here
Klim
Overland Jacket
The Overlands jacket is more towards the budget level of offerings from KLIM but that doesn’t mean that you should expect less in terms of the fit, feel and quality of this jacket. The jacket is designed to be a three seasons jacket and has some nice features however it’s not really an adventure jacket and suffers with a limited number of pockets which are also on the small size. As with Klim sizing in general it does seem to be on the small side so you may want to try a next step up if you want their kit ( and alot of people on KTM’s seem to). The jack comes with the shoulder and elbow protection that you would expect and we liked reflective flashes. The jacket is not a laminated jacket but does come with a Gortex liner as a lot do in this price range however with this type of rain protection the jacket can get very heavy when wet.All in all it’s a nice jacket for the money but as we’ve said for others that have a Gortex lining we’d recommend saving up the extra for a jacket that is laminated
Pro’s – Cost Approx. £375- £450.
Cons – Pockets both size and number
Rating – 8/10
For more information click Here
Knox
The Action Pro mk2 is more of an armoured shirt that a jacket and although designed so that it can be worn on its own it probably suits being worn under a hoodie or a jacket better. It does have both elbow, shoulder and back protection in place and the jacket itself is made of abrasion resistant material so does offer some protection even if it is only of the lower classes. As with most Knox stuff it does feel well made and durable however what we’re not fans of is the fake external pockets, either make them pockets or don’t have them, it’s pointless otherwise. The AP mk2 does have two internal pockets which are a decent size for carrying stuff. Ideal for riding in warmer weather (tried in a temp of 9-10 degrees and it was ok) but anything cooler than this we’d recommend something over the top of it and of course it isn’t water proof so you don’t want to get caught out in any wet weather with only this
Pro’s – Cost, look, Quality
Cons – Abrasive protection, External Fake pockets
Rating – 8/10
For more information click Here
Rukka
Voyage R
Rukka is arguably the best bike gear money can buy however with that quality and reputation comes a hefty price tag with their top of the range two piece laminated suit costing the best part of £3k which puts it out of reach for a lot of bikers. The Voyage R is the companies more accessible range ( particularly seen here with a big discount) and still offers the laminate waterproofing and quality which you would expect but has cut some of the top of the range features.
Pro’s – Quality, Fit & Feel, The best money can buy
Cons – Cost
Rating – 9.5/10
For more information click Here
Kingsley
Full review to follow of Rukka’s top of the range laminated Kingsley Jacket and Trouser combination.
Pro’s – Best money can buy
Cons – Very Expensive at a Cost of £2500
Rating – 9.5/10
For more information click Here
RST
Jacket
RST are known as a manufacture that offers reasonable quality gear for a decent price and seen here is their Pro series adventure jacket used by Baby Gee for a number of seasons. The jacket is dual layered and comes with all the protection you would expect ( Shoulders, Elbows and back) and has multiple pockets which are all needed for those long days in the seat touring and exploring. It is relatively light and comfortable to wear for long periods and offers a decent amount of ventilation to the rider. As with all jackets that are not laminated it can get heavy when wet but did offer a suitable amount of protection before water managed to find it’s way in. Priced at around the £375-£450 mark it’s a lot of jacket for the money but in our opinion you’d be better saving the cash until you could afford a laminate equivalent
Pro’s – Looks good, Fit, Lightweight, Cost
Cons – Not Laminated, Water will get in
Rating – 8/10
For more information click Here
Santa Monica Trousers
Review to follow
Pro’s –
Cons –
Rating – /10
For more information click Here
Spada
Expedition Jeans
The Expedition jean by Spada is a nice looking and nice fitting bike jean, seen here in black it is also available in blue. Fitment comes in a variety of waist sizes as well as short, regular and long leg lengths, the jeans have the standard two front pockets and the two rear. As these have only just been purchased, durability will be reviewed about going forward
Pro’s – Price, these were purchased for £99 with prior sale price being £179. Fit, feel and look.
Cons – None as of Yet
Rating – 9/10
For more information click Here