Tag Archives: riding

News

New Cardo Update Offers Easy Bluetooth Connectivity with Other Brands

If you enjoy using Bluetooth communication devices when riding with friends, then you’ll be pleased to know that Cardo Systems has announced an exciting update. Starting from July 11, 2023, Cardo is releasing a new over-the-air software update that is compatible with all current 2023 Cardo devices, except for the Packtalk Slim.

So, what’s the good news? This update fulfills a major request from many users: one-touch Bluetooth connectivity between your Cardo device and Bluetooth communication units from Sena, Midland, and Uclear. With this update, frustrating and complicated pairing processes will be a thing of the past.

In a statement, Cardo’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dan Emodi, said, “In a recent survey conducted with motorcycle communicator users across the globe, Intercom connectivity with other brands was one of the most popular suggestions from respondents when asked what could be done to improve their communication experience. We’ve always strived to offer our own customers more and with this update we’re able to offer more independence for our users and friends using devices from other major brands, giving much greater choice, freedom, and flexibility.”

Riders can now freely choose any current-generation Bluetooth communicator without sacrificing phone connectivity, navigation, or connectivity with other Bluetooth devices. The only restriction is that music sharing won’t be possible over this connection. Nevertheless, this update is a significant step forward compared to the previous limitations of cross-brand Bluetooth communication.

To get the update, all you need to do is download the latest software through the Cardo Connect app on your smartphone if you have a current-gen Cardo communicator. Once installed, you’ll be able to pair your Cardo unit with your friends’ devices, as long as they are using current-gen comms from the compatible manufacturers.

When Bluetooth communication units first gained popularity, it seemed like a great idea. However, it quickly became frustrating when riders had to spend a significant amount of time trying to pair devices from different brands. Riding motorcycles is about enjoying the experience, not dealing with compatibility issues. Thankfully, with this update, Cardo is directly addressing the problem of Bluetooth connectivity and making it easier for riders to communicate with each other.

News

French Gear Label Helstons Releases The New Monaco Air Summer Jacket

Riding a retro-style motorbike often means embracing fashionable riding gear. Fortunately, gear manufacturers now offer retro-inspired gear with modern technology and safety features.

One brand that stands out in this genre is Helstons, which was one of the first to cater to the retro-themed market. Their apparel collection is designed for riders of scramblers, cafe-racers, classic bikes, cruisers, and modern classics. Adding to their impressive selection of gear, Helstons has recently launched the Monaco Air jacket, a mesh jacket designed for maximum ventilation while still maintaining a classy and sophisticated look.

French Gear Label Helstons Releases The New Monaco Air Summer Jacket

Despite its stylish exterior, the Helstons Monaco Air jacket is packed with tech and safety features. The abrasion-resistant synthetic fabric ensures durability and protection. Breathable mesh panels on the chest, back, and arms improve airflow and keep the rider cool and comfortable. The jacket also has a full interior mesh lining for added comfort. CE protection on the elbows, shoulders, and back is removable for further safety, and the jacket is certified according to the EN 1621-1 standard.

In addition to style and safety, the Monaco Air jacket offers practical amenities that make it suitable for daily use. It has two zippered pockets inside the lining for safe storage of personal items. A zippered wallet pocket on the front adds convenience. The jacket also features four exterior zippered pockets for easy access to essentials while on the move. With its blend of elegance, technology, and functionality, the Helstons Monaco Air jacket meets the demands of riders seeking style, safety, and usefulness.

The Helstons Monaco Air motorcycle jacket is available in various fashionable colors, including blue, white, and red, allowing riders to customize their look. It comes in sizes ranging from S to 4XL, ensuring a comfortable fit for riders of all body shapes. Priced at 199 Euros ($219 USD), this jacket offers a combination of quality, design, and features at an affordable price.

News

Fastway Unveils The Men 191 Plaid Motorcycle Shirt

When it comes to riding gear, we all have our own style and preferences. While some riders prefer racing-inspired protective gear, others opt for a more casual and laid-back look. Fortunately, gear manufacturers have been bridging the gap between gear and fashion, creating versatile pieces that cater to different styles. One such example is the Men 191 riding shirt from Fastway.

Fastway, a brand owned by German distributor Louis Moto, is known for its budget-friendly gear options. The Men 191 riding shirt features a classic lumberjack design that resembles a regular dress shirt rather than a motorcycle-specific garment.

Fastway Introduces The Men 191 Plaid Motorcycle Shirt

Despite its casual appearance, the Men 191 shirt is packed with protective features. It is made of a blend of polyester and aramid fibers, with aramid fibers making up 60% of its composition. Aramid fibers are known for being lightweight, breathable, and highly resistant to abrasions. The shirt also features safety seams certified ISO 4916 on impact points.

In terms of impact protection, the Men 191 comes with removable and height-adjustable Safe Tech level 1 protectors for the shoulders and elbows. For enhanced protection, you can upgrade these protectors to Xelion Level 2 for the shoulders and elbows. Additionally, the shirt has a built-in pocket at the back that can accommodate a Super Shield back protector.

On the comfort side, the Fastway Men 191 riding shirt features a front zipper and press-stud flap for a clean and secure fit. The cuffs have press studs for a snug fit around the wrists. Two exterior pockets and two interior pockets provide ample storage space. The shirt is available in red and comes in sizes ranging from S to 3XL. It is priced at 179.99 Euros or approximately $196 USD.

News

Introducing Baja Designs’ Dual S1 Kit for Suzuki Dual-Sports

When it comes to adventure and dual-sport riding, having proper lighting is crucial, especially when navigating trails. It’s easy for time to slip away when you’re an avid adventurer. Before you know it, night falls, and the trail ahead becomes a daunting challenge. This is particularly true if you ride a dual-sport bike rather than a full-fledged adventure motorcycle.

Dual-sport bikes often come with mediocre lighting systems, typically using halogen headlights with limited visibility. While some dual-sports are equipped with LEDs, they still can’t compete with the advanced lighting systems found on today’s top adventure motorcycles. However, the aftermarket is here to save the day. If you ride a Suzuki DR650 or DR-Z400 and plan to hit the trails until exhaustion, you need to check out Baja Designs’ headlight kit.

Check Out Baja Designs' Dual S1 Kit For Suzuki Dual-Sports

Baja Designs, a well-established player in the off-road and dual-sport market, has developed the Dual S1 headlight kit specifically for Suzuki DR650 and DR-Z400 motorcycles of all generations. According to the company, this kit fits bikes ranging from 1990 to 2023. The headlight comes with a high and low adapter harness that easily connects to the factory headlight plug. You can replace your stock headlight in just minutes with this plug-and-play setup.

The Dual S1 features a pair of Cree LED lights, each offering an impressive 2,320 lumens of output. One light serves as a spotlight, while the other has a wider field of view, ensuring excellent visibility of the trail even in the darkest conditions. Together, these lights emit a blinding 4,640 lumens combined. Keep in mind that you should check your local regulations to ensure this setup is street-legal.

Check Out Baja Designs' Dual S1 Kit For Suzuki Dual-Sports
Check Out Baja Designs' Dual S1 Kit For Suzuki Dual-Sports

The Dual S1 kit includes one S1 Spot LED clear bulb, one S1 Wide Cornering LED clear bulb, an S1 Amber Wide Cornering Lens, and a Dual S1 Faceplate to give your bike an OEM-plus look. The package also includes a wiring adapter and all the necessary mounting hardware. The price for this comprehensive lighting setup is an attractive $314.95 USD.

News

HJC Presents The New V31 Retro-Style Jet Helmet

When riding our bikes in the city, it’s acceptable to dress down in terms of gear, provided that we also temper our riding style. This is especially true if your daily commuter is a cruiser or scooter. Oftentimes, we see scooter and cruiser riders hitting the road in much more laid-back attire. That said, this doesn’t mean that gear manufacturers don’t throw in cutting-edge tech when it comes to safety.

For example, HJC, one of the most popular helmet manufacturers in the world, has just released a new jet helmet specific for city riders. It’s called the V31, and it ties in nicely with the rest of HJC’s new retro-modern range. The V31 is a jet helmet, or a three-quarters helmet that’s ideal for use in the city thanks to its practicality and ease of use. It features retro styling in the form of a rounded shell and drop-down visor, reminiscent of aviation helmets of yesteryear.

HJC Presents The New V31 Retro-Style Jet Helmet

Underneath its charming aesthetics, the V31 incorporates thoroughly modern technology. Instead of a basic thermoplastic shell, the V31 employs a fiberglas composite shell offered in three sizes spread across seven helmet sizes. The drop-down visor is adjustabe in three positions, while three snap-buttons on the upper portion of the helmet allow you to install a variety of accessories. Meanwhile, on the back, there’s a strap for you to secure a pair of goggles.

On the inside of the helmet, the classic cues continue. The helmet features a stitched leather and suede interior that’s removable and washable for extra longevity. HJC has thoughtfully included grooves for glasses, making the V31 eyewear compatible. The helmet is secured via a standard Double-D ring buckle, and is compatible with all mainstream helmet communicators. It’s certified under the latest standard: ECE R22.06.

In terms of pricing and availability, the new HJC V31 jet helmet is offered in a wide selection of colorways consisting of black, grey, matte black, white, yellow, red, green. As mentioned earlier, it’s offered in seven sizes ranging from XS to XXL, catering to folks of all shapes and sizes. The helmet is priced at 199.90 Euros, or approximately $218 USD.

News

New REV’IT! Kick Keeps You Safe And Stylish On The Street

When it comes to fashion, street-oriented riding gear often takes inspiration from the world of skating. This is especially true for shoes, pants, and jackets, where motorcycle-certified gear has a casual and laid-back style similar to skateboarding. Motorcycle sneakers, in particular, have a mid-cut design, a flat sole, and a lace-up closure.

However, it’s important to note that motorcycle sneakers are constructed to higher standards and come with necessary safety features for certification. Dutch motorcycle gear and equipment brand REV’IT! is known for its sporty gear for the street and track, as well as its touring and adventure-ready apparel. With the introduction of the REV’IT! Kick riding sneakers, the brand expands its range of street gear.

New REV'IT! Kick Keeps You Safe And Stylish On The Street

The REV’IT! Kick sneakers take design cues from skating shoes. From a distance, they may be mistaken for shoes from Vans’ collection. However, upon closer inspection, it’s evident that these casual shoes offer serious protection. The Kick features an oiled and waxed suede exterior, providing both street aesthetic and abrasion resistance. The interior boasts an OrthoLite X40 Hybrid insole made of recycled fibers.

The Kick’s heel and toe areas are reinforced for durability, while REV’IT!’s proprietary Seesoft protectors are inserted in the ankle and malleolus regions to prevent injuries in case of accidents. The sneakers have a standard lace-up closure with the laces conveniently tucked under the tongue to avoid entanglement with the bike’s controls. With these features, the REV’IT! Kick sneakers meet the PPE certification standards set by EN13634.

The REV’IT! Kick is available in two colors: black with a white sole and green with a khaki sole. Sizes range from 39 to 47, and the sneakers retail for 159.99 Euros, or approximately $175 USD.

News

French Gear Label Ixon Presents The Vortex GL Racing Gloves

Riding on the street and riding on the track require different gear to optimize performance and protection. French brand Ixon has released its newest race-spec gloves called the Vortex GL, designed with technology from MotoGP. These gloves are favored by top racers like Alexi Espargaro, Miguel Oliveira, and Takaaki Nakagami.

Franch Gear Label Ixon Presents The Vortex GL Racing Gloves

The Vortex GL gloves have a full gauntlet design suitable for the track and are designed to keep hands cool in hot weather. They feature lightweight and durable goatskin panels that offer excellent tactile response. The gloves have pre-shaped hand construction to reduce fatigue and accelerate the break-in process. They also have ventilation through perforations in the leather and an internal mesh lining with moisture-wicking properties.

In terms of safety, the Vortex GL gloves have top-shelf features including reinforced leather on the palm, aramid fiber reinforcements at the back of the hand and fingers, a TPR palm slider, and extra TPR protection on the cuff. The joints and fingers have overmolded reinforcements with ventilation for added comfort. These gloves are certified under the EN13594:2015 Level 1KP standard for personal protective equipment.

The Vortex GL gloves provide comfort with a partially elastic Velcro tab on the wrist, a double-Velcro system to tighten the cuff, and a pull-on tab for easy wearing. The index finger even has a tactile insert for using touchscreen devices. These gloves are available in three colors – black, black/white, black/white/red, and sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. The retail price is 259.90 Euros or about $284 USD.

Franch Gear Label Ixon Presents The Vortex GL Racing Gloves
News

REV’IT! Presents The Outback 4 H2O Adventure Jacket

Adventure riding requires not only the right bike and proper skill to handle the terrain, it also requires the best gear to keep you safe and protected in ever-changing weather. Indeed, when embarking on long-distance rides, the weather can change from one region to the next, and being caught out in the cold and rain without the proper gear can be a recipe for disaster.

Dutch gear and equipment specialist REV’IT! is no stranger to adventure. In fact, a lot of the gear it has in its collection is specifically designed for adventure-touring. Its newest jacket, the Outback 4 H2O, is a good example of this. Now on its fourth iteration, REV’IT!’s Outback jacket has been designed to offer a customizable fit, and more ventilation than before to provide extra comfort. Of course, REV’IT! doesn’t skimp out on protection, offering some of the best technology when it comes to safety in this jacket.

REV’IT! Presents The Outback 4 H2O Adventure Jacket

The all-new REV’IT! Outback 4 H2O is available in both men’s and women’s sizes, giving you plenty of options for a perfect fit. Even the elbow guards are adjustable, and there are several hook-and-loop straps on the lower and upper arm. Because the cuffs are adjustable, you can wear your gloves inside or outside depending on your preference and the season. Furthermore, the jacket’s collar and waist can be adjusted to fit your demands.

As standard, the jacket has SEEFLEX CE-level 2 protection for the shoulders and elbows. It also has SEESOFT CE protection inserts on the back and chest. To round off your ideal travel ensemble, add the Neon Connector vest for visibility or the Challenger cooling vest for comfort. Reflective patches are built into the fabric to enhance visibility in all lighting conditions. These reflective portions are fused to the fabric using a welding procedure, which eliminates seams and improves the overall protection and longevity of the jacket.

REV’IT! Presents The Outback 4 H2O Adventure Jacket
REV’IT! Presents The Outback 4 H2O Adventure Jacket

The jacket’s thermal lining has an interior pocket for keeping personal belongings. There is also an easy-access internal Napoleon pocket, a rear patch pocket, two hand warmer pockets, two internal pockets, two front patch pockets, and one waterproof internal pocket. The integrated ventilation sections offer excellent airflow, efficiently keeping you cool while riding.

News

Stay Cool This Summer with Bering’s Squadra Jacket

Choosing the right riding gear depends on the weather conditions of your region. With summer in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s time to keep yourself cool and comfortable. French manufacturer, Bering has just the right product for you. The Squadra jacket is one of the latest offerings from the brand, boasting a stylish appearance that belies its protective features. The fitted design of the jacket makes it appear like a regular street jacket. However, it is made of Twiltex polyester fabric and features recycled fibers for the interior mesh lining, offering both comfort and protection.

French Gear Maker Bering Suits You Up For Summer With The Squadra Jacket

The removable Alpha CE Level 1 adjustable elbow and shoulder protectors make the Squadra jacket a perfect fit for all body types. The jacket also has a dedicated pocket for CE back protectors and is PPE certified in accordance with the EN17092: 2020 standard, classified as class A, thanks to the as-standard elbow and shoulder protectors. The trousers connection loop in the jacket allows for safe and secure attachment of compatible trousers, making it a complete ensemble for riders. The jacket has two external pockets, a shoulder pocket, and a wallet pocket, offering convenient storage. Ribbing at the hips enhances the jacket’s fit and comfort.

Reflective inserts in the jacket improve visibility and promote safety for low-light riding conditions. Available in Khaki and Navy Blue colors, the jacket price is €169.99, or roughly $183 USD. With a wide range of sizes from S to 4XL, the Squadra jacket is perfect for all body types. Lastly, with all these features, the jacket offers competitive value for quality to its riders this summer season.