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BikeExif cafe racer Custom Motorcycles Diamond Atelier Ducati Ducati cafe racer Ducati Monster Other Motorcycle Blogs

Gold standard: A Monster 1200 R with 24K Gold Accents

A Ducati Monster 1200 R with 24K gold accents, by Diamond Atelier
The Ducati Monster 1200 R is a brutal machine—and I mean that in the best way possible. With 152 hp and 125 Nm at the ready, backed up by Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes, it’s a damn near perfect hooligan machine.

Visually, it’s also surprisingly true to Miguel Galluzzi‘s original M900, even though the line is 25 years old this year. And just like the original Monster, it responds well to mild tweaking. A little Rizoma here, a little Termignoni there, and hey presto, you’ve got a really special machine on your hands.

A Ducati Monster 1200 R with 24K gold accents, by Diamond Atelier
But what happens when you leave it in the hands of a young, motivated and innovative crew of custom builders? If the crew in question is Munich’s Diamond Atelier, good things happen.

They’ve thrown a tasteful selection of trick bits at this 2017-model Monster, mixed in a few one-off touches that push it over the edge, and wrapped the frame in gold. A brave move.

A Ducati Monster 1200 R with 24K gold accents, by Diamond Atelier
The commission came from an existing Diamond Atelier customer in Frankfurt. He’d given the guys free rein on a previous build, and was so chuffed that he was willing to do it again.

“There was basically no brief,” Diamond’s Tom Konecny tells us. “Only a wish to make a great bike even better. That’s what we tried to achieve.”

A Ducati Monster 1200 R with 24K gold accents, by Diamond Atelier
There’s a lot on the 1200 R that looks exceptionally good out the box. So Diamond kept the iconic Monster tank, and parts like the front fender and headlight. But the entire tail section went in the bin, pronto.

In its place is a custom-made tailpiece, designed using CAD software before being 3D printed. A hand-stitched cowhide leather seat sits on top of it, and the whole arrangement is perched on a custom-built subframe.

A Ducati Monster 1200 R with 24K gold accents, by Diamond Atelier
Of course, reworking the rear end meant a whole lot of wiring components suddenly had nowhere to go, so Diamond had to relocate them. “But that was actually quite easy, compared to other bikes we’ve dealt with,” says Tom.

At the pointy end of the Ducati, Diamond have fitted a custom top triple clamp, along with a set of CNC’d clip-ons from Gilles Tooling. They’ve trimmed the headlight cover to accommodate them, and sunk in a set of Motogadget turn signals.

A Ducati Monster 1200 R with 24K gold accents, by Diamond Atelier
Out back, a set of discreet LEDs doubles up as turn signals and taillights. They’re supplemented by Rizoma goodies, namely the CNC-machined clutch and brake reservoirs, rear license plate holder and engine covers.

The rearsets are from Ducabike, the levers are Ducati Performance parts, and the exhaust can is a Remus slip-on.

A Ducati Monster 1200 R with 24K gold accents, by Diamond Atelier
The rework has given the Monster an even more aggressive and compact stance than before. But it’s the paint scheme that really sets it off. Diamond have cleverly redone select bits in olive green, then added not only gold leaf striping—but also a layer of 24K gold to the frame.

“One of our employees—Korbinian—is a trainee gilder who was practicing his art before joining the Diamond team,” Tom tells us. “And since a little bling-bling never hurt anyone, we were happy to test his skills on the Monster frame.”

A Ducati Monster 1200 R with 24K gold accents, by Diamond Atelier
Tom mentions that the Monster 1200 R is pretty rare in Germany, which should make this gem even more rare. And the Diamond boys plan to keep it that way. When we heard the tailpiece was 3D printed, we automatically assumed they were planning a limited production run of Monsters (like they’ve done with their Mark 2 series).

“No, this is a classic ‘DA#’ build,” Tom replies, “so it’ll stay absolutely unique, with no similar bikes planned. We are happy to take commissions on similar Ducatis though, as we have a ton of ideas which popped into our heads while we were building this.”

If we had a 1200 R in the Bike EXIF garage right now, it would already be in a crate and en route to Germany.

Diamond Atelier | Instagram | Facebook | Photos by Lukas Magerl

A Ducati Monster 1200 R with 24K gold accents, by Diamond Atelier

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2018 Indian Scout With Crusher Maverick Slip-On Mufflers Video

Videos

Take a listen to how the Indian Scout sounds with these new Crusher pipes

Our video series Sound Off plays an audio of different motorcycle exhaust systems. In this one, we listen to Crusher’s Maverick slip-ons.
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BikeExif BMW cafe racer BMW motorcycles BMW R nineT cafe racer Custom Motorcycles Other Motorcycle Blogs

Ghost Dog: A BMW R nineT with Samurai style

Ghost Dog: A BMW R nineT with Samurai style from Smokin Motorcycles
After three years and several cracking custom builds, the Rotterdam-based duo behind Smokin’ Motorcycles are parting ways.

That sounds like bad news, but it’s not. Rob van der Heijden and Maarten Timmer aren’t downing tools for good, they’re just not working under the same banner any more.

Ghost Dog: A BMW R nineT with Samurai style from Smokin Motorcycles
A great partnership deserves an epic send-off. So here’s the last official Smokin’ Motorcycles build: a brawny BMW called ‘Ghost Dog.’ It’s based on the stunningly popular R nineT, which has helped BMW increase its motorcycle sales for seven years in a year.

Cinephiles will recognize the name Ghost Dog: it’s a nod to Jim Jarmusch’s 1999 crime flick, starring Forest Whitaker as a hitman who follows the ancient code of the Samurai.

Ghost Dog: A BMW R nineT with Samurai style from Smokin Motorcycles
It’s a bizarre connection for a motorcycle, but it’s also the favorite movie of the owner of this nineT. So Rob and Maarten were compelled to draw inspiration from it.

It was clear from the get-go that the modern Beemer needed a brutal and muscular stance. So Smokin’ started by swapping out the tank for a custom-made unit.

Ghost Dog: A BMW R nineT with Samurai style from Smokin Motorcycles
The design started as a sketch, and then became a 3D CAD render. Based off that, Marcel van der Stelt at Custom Factory then produced a one-off aluminum tank.

The team cleaned up the tail end of the bike next, by ditching the nineT’s removable passenger support subframe. The cast aluminum side pieces that normally sit under the seat at the tank junction are gone, replaced by a tidier set of black CNC milled ones.

Ghost Dog: A BMW R nineT with Samurai style from Smokin Motorcycles
It’s created a much cleaner line from tank to tail. Up top is a custom-made saddle, designed to strike a balance between comfort and cafe racer style. Tijger Leathers handled the upholstery, finishing it with a combo of suede and leather with a Smokin’ logo stitched into it.

The BMW’s right-side air duct was ditched too, in favour of a carbon fiber arrangement. Smokin’ also modded the intake to accept a K&N filter up front, for a more aggressive vibe. There’s a carbon throttle valve housing cover on the left side to match things up.

Ghost Dog: A BMW R nineT with Samurai style from Smokin Motorcycles
There’s a host of small details tying everything together. The cockpit features a cleaned up top yoke, clip-ons, and a slim Motogadget speedo. The footpegs, license plate holder, fluid reservoir covers and turn signals are all from the Rizoma catalog.

And then there’s that beefy exhaust system. Out back are two Spark MotoGP mufflers, connected via a custom-designed manifold. RvD Exhausts painstakingly put the system together, and the guys tell us it sounds “deep and warm.”

Ghost Dog: A BMW R nineT with Samurai style from Smokin Motorcycles
When it came to final finishes, Smokin’ turned to Lisa Ottevanger of Dutch on Wheels for some Japanese-inspired graphics. She laid them down over a crystal pearl white metallic, shot by their painter of choice, Lars. When all was said and done, Lars wrapped it in six layers of crystal clear coat.

That sort of consideration is everywhere—like on the front forks, which were stripped, refinished in black and built up again. Little bits like the cylinder head guards, fender brackets and CNC machined exhaust brackets all got the black anodized treatment.

Ghost Dog: A BMW R nineT with Samurai style from Smokin Motorcycles
It’s a custom R nineT with the perfect stance and lines, and not an aesthetic hair out of place. It’s an appropriate send-off for this Dutch outfit, and it has us itching to see what Rob and Maarten get up to individually.

If you’re as curious as we are, keep Robbies Motorcycles and Timmer Motorcycles firmly on your radar. We’ll be watching too.

Smokin’ Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Photos by Mark Meisner

Ghost Dog: A BMW R nineT with Samurai style from Smokin Motorcycles

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Harley-Davidson Vista Ridge Boot Review

Harley-Davidson Vista Ridge Boots

A step above basic but a comfy, good-looking option for everyday riders

A step above basic but a comfy, good-looking option for everyday riders…
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BikeExif Custom Motorcycles Hazan Motorworks KTM Other Motorcycle Blogs

Getting Personal: The KTM Max Hazan Built For Himself

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
There’s a definite style to a Hazan Motorworks bike: a hint of steampunk, lots of beautifully twisted and burnished metal, and impossibly elegant proportions. It’s an expensive endeavor, and Max operates in the same rarified atmosphere as Ian Barry of Falcon and the Japanese moto-artist Chicara Nagata.

Luckily, there are collectors and museums that have the funds to commission bikes like this, so the rest of us can enjoy them vicariously. But what happens when Max builds a bike for himself, with his own money?

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
This KTM is the answer. It’s a far cry from his previous KTM build, the supercharged 520 that now resides in the Haas Motorcycle Gallery in Dallas. But it’s a killer track machine, and just the thing Max needs when he wants to blow off steam.

“I’ve always wanted to build a liter-powered supermoto, and the KTM LC8 provided the perfect platform,” Max tells us. “The engine layout is a ‘V’ as opposed to the many L-twins out there, which lent itself well to this project.”

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
“Also, with the LC8 being a dry-sump motor, I was able to make a 1000cc supermoto that looks and feels like a 450—until you twist the throttle.”

Surprisingly, ‘950SMR’ is the first bike that Max has built for himself. So it was done in the down time between the projects that pay his bills. (“I completely lost track of how much time went into it.”)

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
The base is a 2005-spec 950 SM. It’s a tall bike—which suits Max’s lofty physique—with around 98 horsepower in stock trim, 17-inch wheels, and a dry weight of just 191 kilos (421 pounds). Contemporary road testers raved about the performance and fun factor.

“It’s possibly the ugliest bike KTM made with that motor,” Max admits. “But the bones were there. The KTM was carbureted from the factory, which let me simplify the design by avoiding EFI parts.”

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
Stylistically, it’s no flight of fancy: just a well-sorted bike with terrifically simple bodywork and a sophisticated warm grey and white paint scheme. “I wanted the bike to look ‘factory’,” says Max.

“I wanted it to have fenders and bodywork, and not look like a KTM that was chopped. With almost everything being rearranged, it was a lot more work than it looks like. But I guess that was the idea.”

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
From the wheels up, Hazan’s famed attention to detail is present and correct. “I love Marchesini 10-spoke wheels,” he confesses. “I would put them on my toaster if I could. There’s something about them wrapped in a set of slicks that just rubs me the right way.”

Since Max was building the KTM out of his pocket, he plumped for a set of magnesium Marchesinis from a CBR1000 race bike. The sizes are 17 x 6 and 16.5 x 3.5, and Max has machined the hubs, carriers and cush drive to squeeze them into the swingarm and forks.

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
The 950 SM frame and swingarm are mostly stock, but Max has relocated the top shock mount forward and downward to raise the rear of the KTM by 2.5 inches, reducing the rake. Pretty much everything else has been modified or built up from scratch.

“The biggest things to eliminate were the massive tanks that KTM adventure bikes use, holding fuel on either side of the frame,” says Max. “So I made a load-bearing fuel cell that took the place of the rear subframe. It holds about 2.5 gallons and also houses the electronics.”

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
New radiator cores were modified from the oversized units from a 520, which Max tweaked to work with the twin’s cooling system—aided by air ducting.

The oil tank on a 950 SM is located in front of the engine, below the radiator. Max has made an aluminum replacement that sits where a normal fuel tank would be, and although it looks small from above, it holds more than the stock tank.

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
The new bodywork is crafted from 6061 aluminum alloy. “It’s a simple design, but it took about five tries to find the right shape for each part,” Max reveals. “I’m a big fan of ‘simple and clean,’ but it can be one of the hardest things to do right.”

The exhaust was one of the easier components to make. “I knew where I wanted it to end up, and what characteristics it should have,” he says. “It’s thin wall 1.625” stainless steel, merging into 1.875” before flowing through an Akrapovič silencer.”

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
“I really wanted a system that sounded and performed well. So all the welds were back-purged and the transitions smoothed. Both primary tubes are (almost) equal length.”

The 950 SM was famous for its good handling, so Max has retained the stock WP suspension. “I just played with the valving, lowered the forks, and used stiffer springs and oil. But I went way softer on the shocks—the bike has shed a lot of weight and doesn’t need to support two-up riding any more.”

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
It might be hard to believe, but Max has pulled around 100 pounds—45 kilos—off the 950 SM. (“It was built like a tank.”)

So what’s it like to ride? “It has a huge amount of engine braking,” he says. “It’s geared for about 120mph in sixth, and was in need of a slipper clutch to smooth out downshifts in the lower gears. But I just found myself ‘backing it in’ wherever I was going, as soon as I installed it.”

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself
Everything about this KTM screams ‘track machine,’ but it’s actually 100% street legal. “It’s wired for lights and turn signals, and has a full setup that can be taken on or off in a few minutes,” says Max. “But I just prefer looking at it like this.”

It’s certainly a looker. But unlike many customs from premier league builders, Max’s KTM offers visceral as well as visual pleasures. We can’t imagine Max releasing a kit version of these mods, but if you have one of KTM’s big supermotos in your garage, there’s a ton of inspiration to be gained right here.

Hazan Motorworks | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Shaik Ridzwan

Getting Personal: The KTM 950 SM that Max Hazan built for himself

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Custom 2018 Harley Street Bob Playing In The Twisties [Video]

street bob
Bikes

Running our customized 2018 club-style Harley-Davidson Street Bob project one last time on our favorite road

Our accessorized, club-style Dyna version of the 2018 Harley Street Bob is finished, so in this video we take it out for some fun before saying goodbye.
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Gear Reviews Motorcycle Clothing Reviews Motorcycle Pants Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review ROR Pants Rukka ROR Pants Web Bike World

Rukka ROR Pants: Perfect Anywhere

First Impressions

“So unbelievably lightweight and soft to the touch. How can these be riding pants, suitable for on and off-road protection?”

Stylish and clean looking design with obviously waterproof pockets that zip shut and/or have a velcro flap over them for added security of the contents.

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They FIT ME!!

I’ve worn and reviewed several sets of riding pants and none have properly fit my admittedly difficult-to-fit frame. I have a Hobbit-like 26.5” inseam, a 34” waist and 42” hips. I’m short, stocky and have some “junk in my trunk”. To put it bluntly, most pants that fit in the waist and legs want to violate my wedding tackle and private parts in ways I don’t appreciate or want to get into.

It’s been a battle my whole life to find pants that fit… until I tried on these size 50 Short Rukka ROR pants! Finally, I don’t look like I’m borrowing my big Brother’s pants. It’s so undeniably refreshing that I may overrate these pants just based on that comfort and satisfaction factor alone.

Just kidding, they really are that good overall, my personal satisfaction notwithstanding. You can get them in regular, tall and short sizing additionally.

Adjustability

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The waist has a velcro strip on either side of the zippered fly allowing about a 3 or 4-inch span of adjustment. It also has an elastic area in the backside region to keep a little tension on your hips and thus stop the pants from drooping on someone built like me. Thank you Rukka!

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There’s elastic material hidden on the inside of the knees, crotch, and backside to help keep everything where you want it.

You’ve probably also noticed the large zipper running along the waistline used to connect the pants to a jacket if that’s your cup of tea. I tried it and think I prefer leaving them separate.

Rukka Air Cushion System

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During the testing, I noticed that my nether region never sweated much. I was always quite dry and comfortable, in fact. I attributed that fact to the two air vents in the thighs, but then I read about the Air Cushion System incorporated into the crotch and backside and realized how effectively it worked. Especially off-road when things can get pretty active and hot due to lower speeds.

Wide Openings For Boots

The lower part of the pants flares out when unzipped to at least twice the diameter needed, making it a struggle-free experience putting tall boots on underneath.

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A YKK zipper runs most of the way up to the knee with velcro on the flaps to make cinching everything up tight to the boots quick and dirty.

I found that it worked best to leave the zipper undone about 1.5” above the end of the line because there’s an extra tab of velcro housed there that can be used to really tighten the very bottom of the pants around the ankle on your boots.

Pick Your Size Carefully

A snug fit is always appreciated in motorcycle gear, but one caution I would give is not to err on the side of caution when you gauge the sizing you need. Go on the bigger side if you are in between sizes. The ROR is supposed to fit loose in order to accommodate really heavy duty aftermarket armor underneath.

I initially ordered size 48 pants and they fit perfectly without armor in them. Once I installed hip and knee armor I couldn’t lift my leg high enough to swing over a bike and I had to exchange them for a size 50.

Armor

The feature setting these pants apart from others is the loose fit and extra room to wear really heavy duty off-road armor underneath for serious off road adventure days.

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Unfortunately, I don’t own anything like it so I opted instead to go with the Rukka D30 Air Level 2 pads that can be installed in the hip and knee pockets. Everything went in nicely and didn’t significantly increase the weight of the pants or limit my mobility or comfort.

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I tested the armor by jumping up in the air and landing on my knees a dozen times. The armor is very effective! All the noise brought my wife and kids running to investigate out of concern for the floor’s welfare I would guess.

The honeycomb design of the Rukka armor lends itself well to providing good airflow and evaporation of sweat despite the fact it’s about an inch thick. Rukka really has put a ton of careful thought into these pants and made them easy to pick for on and off-road riding.

Ventilation

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Of crucial importance in any waterproof garment is breathability. Rukka wisely puts in two vents on the front of the thighs in just the right place to be effective even in 86 degree weather that I was riding off road in during some of my testings.

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These vents in the ROR pants combined with the Air Cushion System succeed beautifully together and I never found myself uncomfortably warm. In fact, I found my whole body was an even temperature thanks to the quality of the textile shell. I’ve never worn anything better on a bike that’s for sure.

Waterproof Testing

I’m a “show me don’t tell” me kind of person, so when a company makes a claim I need to see it work myself.

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For that reason, I subjected the pants to my waterproof torture test involving my wife hosing me down with the chilly garden hose water at 5 paces for 5 minutes. We go out of our way to aim tons of cold water at any part of the test subject we feel could leak.

The ROR pants didn’t even blink. I placed strips of paper in each pocket to measure whether even the slightest bit of moisture came through. Nothing doing.

This stuff is really good at limiting the transfer of cold through it too. I could tell the water was quite cold through the shell, but it wasn’t bothering me one iota.

Thermal Liner

These pants would be perfect 4 season appropriate with a thermal liner in them. I think Rukka took the easy way out by saying that the loose fit allows for one to be worn underneath of the owner’s choosing.

This is the only thing I would improve on them really. Come on Rukka, just include a removable liner with the pants.

Rukka pants usually come with suspenders too, but not so for the ROR pants. Too bad I was looking forward to walking around with my thumbs tucked in behind them while winking at people like I see the some of the creepy old men in my town sometimes do.

Final Verdict?

What do you say when you put hundreds of miles worth of riding on and off road into something and basically find yourself speechless and stumped with regard to finding anything to complain about?

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These are expensive pants, but they’re totally worth the price. No question. They seem a little on the fancy side to take through mud and dust while riding off-road, but I can’t deny how suitable they are for that and any kind of riding for that matter.

The mud and dust brush off them like nothing, and if you want you can just spray them off with the hose when you get home to make them clean again. Man, these are good.

Are They Klim Good?

Here’s the million dollar question of course: how do they stack up against a known adventure favorite Klim comparable pant like the Carlsbad?

The Klim Carlsbad pants are $40 cheaper and come with Level 1 armor. They are made of the same 500D textile and are a proven performer that have great ventilation properties too.

The Klim doesn’t have the range of sizing options the Rukka ROR does, the same amount of pockets, the Air Cushion System, as large of opening at the bottom for boots or quite the quality of adjustment in the waistline the ROR pants do, or the room to house heavy duty armor underneath.

The Carlsbad lacks the refined styling of the ROR. Some people prefer a simple and plain style though.

Especially for short riders, the ROR is overwhelmingly the way to go over the Klim pants, and that’s saying a LOT! Klim is the standard everyone is measured by in the adventure gear world.

Overall, it’s Rukka by a landslide in this comparison.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Rukka Oy (Luhta Sportswear Company)
  • Price (When Tested): $549.00
  • Made In: China, Designed in Finland
  • Alternative models & colors: None
  • Sizes: Normal leg lengths from 46 to 62, with longer leg lengths in sizes 48 to 58 and with shorter leg lengths in sizes 48 to 58.
  • Review Date: May 22, 2018

The post Rukka ROR Pants: Perfect Anywhere appeared first on Web Bike World.

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Gear Reviews Motorcycle Clothing Reviews Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Rukka ROR Jacket Web Bike World

Rukka ROR Jacket Hands On Review

Something Better, Something Different

Rukka has rolled out this jacket (and matching pants) for the adventure rider that rides in multi-season, hotter weather doing serious off-road work. That much is immediately clear when you look at how thin, really lightweight and breathable it is designed to be.

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First Impressions

“Is this a windbreaker or really high quality off road riding gear?”

When I first picked up the ROR jacket I wasn’t sure what I was holding. The 2-layer, 200 SPL laminated, Gore-Tex polyester shell is very soft to the touch (similar to microfleece, in fact!).

Even the double thick patches of Cordura 500D on the forearms, elbows, and shoulders is smoother and softer than any other jacket I’ve handled. The whole thing almost feels like it could be rolled up into a tight ball and stored in your pocket. I’m exaggerating but not by a lot.

How can this possibly protect me in a slide down a patch of asphalt, let alone taking a wicked tumble off a dirt bike out on the rocky trails I ride on?

Fit And Finish

At the risk of sounding a little too fanboy, I’ll testify that this jacket exists on a higher level when it comes to the way it fits and feels to wear.

The first jacket sent to me was a size 48. It fit like it was molded around my 40-inch chest tapering down seemingly perfectly to my 34-inch waist. Sounds good in theory, but the ROR is supposed to fit loose in order to accommodate heavy-duty aftermarket armor underneath it.

There was no way I had the room to add the Rukka D30 CE Level 2 armor I had ordered for the jacket, let alone the old Forcefield stuff I usually wear (shown in the photo below). Back it went to Revzilla to be exchanged for a size 50 instead, which when I received it fit perfectly even with the Forcefield or Rukka armor installed underneath.

Revzilla’s Hi-Viz Brian himself handled the transaction and was a great help in getting me the correct size. Many thanks for making it right!

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Armor

As a second option to using my usual Forcefield armor, I got the Rukka D30 armor with the jacket to try out. The bright orange, CE Level 2 armor fit into the shoulder and arm pockets easily and actually were thicker and lighter than the Forcefield armor I’ve tested very thoroughly over the years on several occasions and know works well.

The sleeves are a little long for my short 26” arms, but as you can see in some of the photos wearing my Forcefield armor underneath caused the jacket sleeves to hang up on them a bit and the cuff sat where I wanted it to as a result.

Velcro Closures

Speaking of the adjustable cuffs: they are so satisfying when it comes to cinching them down tightly against gloves. The velcro strips on the cuffs are about 3 inches long and grab better than average. I was able to tighten it completely shut against even the shortest and thinnest gloves I own. You can really crank them over to the point it starts to cut off your circulation. Not quite to tourniquet levels of tight, but close.

All of the velcro on this jacket whether it be on the cuffs, flap that covers the zipper or on the collar are a cut above what I usually find on other jackets. The grip is vice-like even at the slightest contact with its equal opposite.

Reflective Material

The reflective material on this jacket is so tastefully integrated that you don’t even notice it until it flashes to life brilliantly in low light encounters with headlights.

Rukka ROR Jacket

There are two thin pipes running across the top of the chest area from the armpit area to the flap covering the zipper in front. The same piping runs in a single band across the shoulder blades in back.

The large ladder-shaped reflective emblems on the bicep area of each arm are classy along with the 6”x6” one in the middle of the back. It’s just the right amount overall to light the jacket up like it’s Christmas in low light situations.

As shown above, there is a high visibility version of the jacket available if you aren’t satisfied with the badging and piping.

Neoprene Collar

The collar has a layer of supple, high-quality neoprene about an inch tall that creates a snug seal around the wearer’s neck. It is just the right amount of connection not to chafe or annoy and works well in keeping water out (more on that later).

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The velcro patch used to hold the collar shut can be doubled back on itself to keep the collar from closing if you get hot and want airflow to enter instead of keeping it out.

Zippers

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There seems to be high-quality YKK zippers everywhere on this jacket. There are 12 in total, in fact. Each one has a 1” long, foam tag hanging off it for easy gripping with the brand name Rukka embroidered on it.

  • Each of the 3 exterior pockets has a rubber sealed zipper.
  • 2 vents on the chest, 2 going up the sides, 2 two-way zippers up each arm vent and one on the back vent all are rubber sealed.
  • Both inside chest pockets have zippers, but these two have small metal tabs on them
  • One ESO zipper on the lower part of the jacket to connect with the matching ROR pants

None of them snag and all are fairly easy to slide up or down, although I find the pull tabs on them a bit small to manage while wearing gloves compared to some other jackets, to be honest.

Adjustment For Fit

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Each side of the waistband has a velcro adjuster in the back for waistline adaptation post-Thanksgiving meals and the sleeves have three position, rubber-coated snaps to shrink or enlarge the diameter of the material around your arm armor.

What really impressed me about donning this jacket is how when you slip your second arm down the sleeve and drop it down afterward, the two front halves of the jacket fall together so naturally that the velcro strips on either side automatically connect. Basically, the jacket almost does itself up without your help.

Venting And Airflow

Here’s the really important part as far as I’m concerned with this and any jacket that is waterproof: How does it breathe?

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Not all GoreTex seems to breathe all that well, but the ROR sure does. Even while I wore it standing still out in the sweltering sun and 80-degree heat I didn’t sweat much. On the bike with all the vents open in front, on the arms, sides and back it’s a veritable wind tunnel of movement through the jacket.

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One slight irritation I had with the two chest vents is that there’s no snap or mechanism to keep them open other than the wind hitting on your chest. If you have a tall windshield on your bike like I do on my KTM it can inhibit flow a bit, but surprisingly I found it cooled sufficiently all the same.

Waterproof Torture Testing

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The ROR jacket was subjected to my ridiculous brand of waterproof testing. It involves my wife unloading ice cold water from the garden hose in the yard at 5 paces for 5 minutes covering every inch of the jacket.

We deliberately drenched the jacket hoping to expose an opening in the armor of the jacket and gauge how keenly the cold water is felt through the layers of the jacket additionally.

We stick strips of paper in every pocket to measure moisture intrusion too.

The Results Were As Expected, Yet Surprising Too!

There’s no way I would have accepted that an expensive jacket like this let even one droplet of water through the exterior shell without trumpeting it from the rooftops. No worries though as the ROR lived up to that expectation with ease. All the Gore-Tex pockets kept the strips of paper inside perfectly dry. It was toying with us clearly.

Nothing to see here folks, move along.

Rukka-ROR-motorcycle-jacket-pants-130

Hold up a minute, though. In my eagerness to get blasted with the water hose I forgot to close the air vent on the back of the jacket. It was totally unzipped while my wife unknowingly aimed the hose right at it. I only realized it was still open throughout the water testing after I took it off to hang dry.

I don’t quite understand how no water came through, but it didn’t. It should have I think, and I can only guess that the spray hit just right to push the zipper shut and so prevent water intrusion.

This is noteworthy because I’m sure anyone could and will eventually forget to close the back vent when it suddenly starts raining on them while out on the road.

See Through Sleeve Window

On the left sleeve at the wrist, there’s a small pocket with a see-through, plastic window on it that is used by riders to house their credentials or whatever else floats their boat I suppose.

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A word of warning about that pocket: it’s not waterproof at all. It more closely resembled a hydration pack than anything else after our waterproof testing was completed.

Warmth Without A Thermal Liner

The cold water torture test was informative in more than one way. I noticed despite the fact the ROR has no thermal liner I still felt comfortable after enduring a five-minute deluge from the garden hose. I wouldn’t venture to say I felt totally insulated from the cold because I could tell it was cold water hitting me, but it didn’t bother me at all in that short time.

I haven’t been able to find a proper cold day to test the gear on at this point with the coldest temperature I managed being a balmy 65 degrees during which I felt totally fine at highway speed.

Why Rukka? Why not include a simple thermal liner with the ROR to zip into the inside of this wonderful jacket?

I don’t have the answer to this valid question. Perhaps next year’s jacket will have it?

Riding Off Road

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I tested the jacket on road extensively of course, but since the name of this jacket is the Rukka Off Road it demands to be tested properly out in the bush as well.

I borrowed my friend Alex Firth-Wilson’s Husaberg 570 dirt bike and went for a trip down a beautiful trail in the nearby foothills of the Rockies. The scenery was breathtaking as always and it’s a rider’s paradise out there amid thousands of miles of trails as you can see from the photos.

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It was a sweltering 86 degree day with bright sunshine. I thought for sure I would be drenched in sweat after spending any amount of time throwing a dirt bike around so I opened all the vents fully on the jacket to deal with it.

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I’m not sure what impressed me more: the mind-numbing power of the Husaberg 570 off road or the fact that I stayed comfortably cool in the ROR riding gear.

Yes, I was warm but it was very tolerable levels and I wasn’t drenched in sweat when I removed the gear after the ride. It’s clear to me the Gore-Tex on this jacket breathes well when combined with the venting.

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The fitment of the ROR is so light and comfortable that I felt no freedom of movement issues and didn’t notice I was wearing full armor protection underneath. Rukka has fully met all my expectations off road with the ROR jacket and pants. I’m 100% satisfied with its performance.

Rukka-ROR-motorcycle-jacket-and-pants-300

The ROR is almost too handsome for this environment to be honest. Off-roading this gear is like wearing a tuxedo to dine at McDonald’s. Playing in the mud and dust on the trail seems ridiculous in a way, but it certainly works. I found the mud and dust didn’t cling to the jacket thanks to the quality of the outer textile and even if it did I could hose it off instantly without any worry to clean it up.

The Final Word?

I’m a very observant and critical person with an eye for detail… to a fault really. So much the case that some people have accused me of being a pessimist at times.

I’m not negative, I’m straightforward and blunt when it comes to giving feedback or opinion. With that in mind, I really can’t find anything legitimately wrong with this jacket after a few hundred miles of testing it on and off the bike. It’s THAT good.

Rukka-ROR-motorcycle-jacket-pants-138

It’s expensive and could benefit from a thin thermal liner to be a four-season, all-weather jacket, but that’s really grasping at straws to find something to care about.

The Competition

The Klim Badlands Pro jacket costs almost twice as much as the Rukka ROR and isn’t NEARLY as comfortable to wear because of how stiff and thick the exterior nylon shell is on it. I easily prefer wearing the ROR over the Badlands in every way except I would like to have the Superfabric found on the Badlands on the ROR jacket elbows and shoulders.

I’m certain the Klim would fare better in a crash and slide scenario due to its really heavy duty design, so if you’re planning to ride around the world on an adventure bike I freely admit that’s still the way to go when it comes time to pick your jacket. All hail Lord Klim!

Having said that, the ROR doesn’t give up a lot to the Badlands when it comes to protection or quality and the rider will be able to move around a lot better in the ROR’s flexible and ultra-light carcass.

Rukka-ROR-motorcycle-jacket-and-pants

Another comparison could be made to the Klim Carlsbad jacket. It’s a favorite among off road riders and similar to the ROR as well.

It lacks the same level of venting airflow, size adjustment features, tailored fit and finish, dashing good looks or the room to wear really heavy duty body armor underneath. The Carlsbad is almost $100 cheaper though and comes with Level 1 armor included.

I’d choose to pay more for the ROR and be exquisitely happy since I’m vertically challenged, but if you’re a really tall person I’m told the Klim will likely fit you better as it’s built for a typically larger North American sized consumer.

If however, you’re more of an average adventure rider who wants to be comfortable and likes to do some serious off-road riding in addition to your road riding and don’t want to buy a second set of gear, the ROR is a perfect fit for that application.

Rukka has given us a terrific option in a jacket with the ROR. Be sure to read my review on the matching ROR pants in addition to this one. Spoiler alert! The pants are just as good.

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Specs

  • Manufacturer: Rukka Oy (Luhta Sportswear Company)
  • Price (When Tested): $649.00
  • Made In: China, Designed in Finland
  • Alternative models & colors: Hi-Viz Yellow
  • Sizes: 46 to 62

Review Date: May 22, 2018

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Categories
Clare Ladies Jacket Gear Reviews Hands On Review Motorcycle Clothing Reviews Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World

The REV’IT Clare Ladies Jacket: Hands On Review

A Great Leather Jacket

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The new REV’IT Clare women’s jacket offers a great look and style for riding or just to wear around town. The protective armor that is included is certainly concealed well enough for this to pass as simply a stylish leather jacket. The short waist and slim fit make it very comfortable to wear when riding or even driving.

From a customer care perspective, this jacket arrived in perfect condition and was packaged very carefully which is not always the case with motorcycle gear. I guess that the manufacturers assume that the stuff can take a beating so the packaging is usually minimal. But the Clare arrived wrapped in plastic and with tissue paper covers on all of the zipper pulls.

The Clare is offered in three colors dark brown, black and red. The size ranges from 34 to 44. I have never worn any of the REV’IT ladies jackets so I referred to the sizing chart and determined that I should try a size 42 to accommodate my waist size. My concern was that with no expansion panel or spandex at the waist, anything smaller could have been too tight.

I am 5’10” and weigh about 155. The 42 is a good waist size for me as I wear a 32. The shoulders and the arm length are also good but the chest and collar area are a little large. In addition, the arms are cut fairly narrow so the upper arm is a bit snug.

Pricing

The jacket sells for $549.99 with the Seesoft CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow protection but no back protection. A Seesoft back protector insert can be purchased for an additional $49.99. Being in the $550 to $600 range or more depending on the additional armor that you select, the Clare is on the high end of the spectrum with regards to cost but it is also on the high end of the quality spectrum making it a good value even at the $500 plus price range.

The Clare – Full Features

Fit and Comfort

The Clare is a very classic design on the cafe style or vintage motorcycle jacket but with the twist of being cut to fit a woman. This style can be very challenging for women as the full leather jacket has no Spandex or Polyester expansion panels. So the jacket will either fit you or it will not, there are not a lot of ways to snug here and extend there to customize the fit.

Taking that into consideration, following the REV’IT sizing guide is very important if you have not had the opportunity to try on the jacket at a local store. And even when following the guidelines, REV’IT clearly includes a disclaimer below the chart.

NUMERICAL SIZE ALPHA SIZE DRESS SIZE (IN) CHEST (IN) WAIST (IN)
Numerical Size 34 Alpha Size – Dress Size 4 Chest 31-32 Waist 25-26
Numerical Size 36 Alpha Size – Dress Size 6 Chest 32-34 Waist 26-27
Numerical Size 38 Alpha Size XS Dress Size 8 Chest 34-35 Waist 28-29
Numerical Size 40 Alpha Size SM Dress Size 10 Chest 35-37 Waist 29-30
Numerical Size 42 Alpha Size MD Dress Size 12 Chest 37-38 Waist 31-32
Numerical Size 44 Alpha Size LG Dress Size 14 Chest 39-40 Waist 32-34
Numerical Size 46 Alpha Size – Dress Size 16 Chest 40-41 Waist 34-35

Note: Sizing information is provided by the manufacturer and does not guarantee a perfect fit.

Leather is a unique material in that is actually improves with age and proper care. A thick piece of leather will be slightly rigid when it is new but with wear, it will soften to be much more pliable and comfortable. Though the Clare is definitely constructed with thick leather, the fact that it is 70% Iceland Buffalo allows it to be more comfortable from the first time that you put it on.

The remaining 30% is made of goatskin. The perforated goatskin panels are located on the sides of the jacket and the underside of the arms to allow for additional airflow. I was very pleasantly surprised at the comfort and flexibility from the moment I slid the sleeve on my arm.

Key-Fit Areas – Top to Bottom

The collar of the Clare is a little large for me but not so loose that I found it to be uncomfortable. In addition, the weather was warm and I was only wearing a t-shirt. In cooler weather, there is certainly room to add another layer and still fit well without feeling too snug. The collar, which is not quite 2 inches, is a rigid but ultra soft solid band of leather with a heavy duty snap closure. There is no adjustment so this is one area that either fits or does not fit.

The shoulders of the Clare are cut generously for a woman’s jacket. I have relatively broad, square shoulders and was glad to find that I could easily put the jacket on and take it off without it binding on my shoulders. I was also impressed that I had a complete range of motion in this slim cut leather jacket. Again the shoulders are not really adjustable in that the back of the jacket is solid leather and there are no expansion pleats. If you fall in between sizes and have larger shoulders, I would recommend going up to the larger size to have better mobility.

The bust area is also solid leather and offers no expansion pleats or Spandex panels. This area is not an issue for me but ladies who are more well endowed could feel a little cramped or confined. And having large shoulders and a larger bust could make this jacket feel very confining. Another factor to consider is that adding a thicker back pad is also going to shrink the bust area by about an inch so keep that in mind when making a size selection.

The sleeves on the Clare are very true to the old style biker jacket with the long narrow cut and the precurved elbows. I have fairly long arms and the 24 inch long sleeves work perfectly for me. I am often frustrated when I find a perfect jacket only to reach forward toward the bike grips and have the sleeves fall several inches short of my wrists. But that is not the care with the Clare.

What I did discover is that the upper arm area was snug. I have about a 12-inch bicep, slightly larger than the “average” woman but by no means huge. The sleeves are still functional when I am in a t-shirt but a sweatshirt makes them very tight. With the liner in the jacket, the sleeves are also bordering on too tight.

The cuffs are a simple finished leather and have no fabric or elastic material. There is a 6-inch metal zipper that is very easy to use and has proven to be very durable during my testing. Inside the zipper is a full 2-inch flap of leather to protect your skin or a shirt sleeve from the zipper and to block any cold air that might permeate the zipper fabric. A single large snap completed the cuff closure tab. When zipped and snapped the circumference of the cuff is almost 9.5 inches and will accommodate a small glove. In very cold weather, a larger lined or insulated glove would fit very well over the Clare cuff in a more gauntlet style.

The waist of the Clare is solid leather 2-inch band with a single snap closure tab. Again, there are no fabric or adjustment tabs so the size you order is just what you are going to get. I measured my size 42 and the waistband is almost exactly 42 inches. Knowing that this is a short jacket and that a true waist measurement is taken around the top of the hip bones at the navel will help you to determine which size to purchase. Even though I am tall, I am short waisted so this jacket naturally sits lower over my hips more than at my true waist. I chose to order a little large so that the jacket waist can easily settle down over my hips and not be too tight and bunch up at my waist when I am riding.

Inside the waist are also two jeans loops and an 8-inch connection zipper to attach the jacket to riding pants. I also want to point out that the back of the waist area is scalloped to a little over 3 inches in the middle of the back. This extra inch or so is just enough added length to keep your lower back or pants waistband covered even when you are leaning forward in an aggressive riding position.

Pockets and Storage

The Clare offers the traditional slit hand warmer pockets on the front with zipper closures. The zipper is almost 7 inches long and allows for easy access to the pockets as well as a decent amount of storage for a phone or other items. The external chest zipper pocket has a smaller opening at not quite 5 inches but would easily accommodate a license or other small item. The inner pocket is secured with a single snap and measures 6 inches across by 7 inches deep. For a slim fitting minimalist design, the Clare offers very functional pockets and storage space for necessities such as a phone, wallet and even a glasses case.

The Liners

The entire jacket offers a 100% polyester liner which is perforated for airflow. The finish is very soft and makes it easy to slide into the jacket. The liner is also thick enough that it provides a good layer of protection between your skin and the seams of the jacket. I never had any issue with abrasion or discomfort from any seams

The detachable thermal liner is also 100% polyester. It is a full sleeve liner and the main body portion is quilted. To secure the liner in the jacket there are 16-inch zippers on each side as well as a snap loop at the back of the collar and color-coded snap loops at each cuff. Inside the thermal liner are two additional pockets so you will still have storage space in cold weather. With the liner installed this could easily be a winter weight jacket.

The Armor

The protective armor in the Clare is very well concealed. The shoulders and elbows hold their shape because of the Seesmart pads but if you did not know they were there you would never guess that this is a motorcycle specific jacket. Seesmart CE Level 1 protectors for the elbows and the shoulders are included with the purchase of the jacket. All of the included armor is removable so you do have the option to upgrade it or to remove it to wear the jacket when not riding.

The jacket also has a back protector pocket, which measures not quite 8.5 inches at its widest point by 17 inches long, for the Seesoft CE Level 2 Type RV back protector which is sold separately for $49.99. It is also important to note that the Seesoft back protector is offered in 3 sizes which correspond to the size of the jacket so refer to the chart to order the correct size.

  • Type RV / Size 03 fits 34 – 36
  • Type RV / Size 04 fits 38 – 44
  • Type RV / Size 05 fits 46 – 48

The Seesmart elbow and shoulder armor is a very unique design using a grid of hexagonal pieces to provide impact protection. The grid systems allow the armor to be very flexible and to allow a huge amount of airflow. In addition, I think that in the event of a slide this armor would add some solid abrasion protection. I must admit that at first glance I was very skeptical of the Seesmart but after a few rides, I definitely see its benefits and function in a hot environment.

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The Ventilation

Living in Phoenix, Arizona I am always looking for gear that is going to offer great ventilation and allow air to continue to circulate. The Clare is advertised as, “fully perforated panels at the sides and under the arms let the wind flow through to keep you cool during warm rides”.

I have to say that is the only thing about this jacket that I question.

I wore it in 65 degrees with only a t-shirt and could not feel any air circulating or flowing through the goatskin inserts. At 80 MPH, I still felt no air moving and as the temperature began to creep up near 80 degrees I found that I was getting pretty hot.

Being a desert dweller, I have investigated other perforated leather jackets because I like the idea of the added protection of the leather. Not only is abrasion an issue in the event of an accident but so are burning from the excessive temperature of the asphalt. It is not uncommon for the road to reach a surface temperature of over 140 degrees. To put that into perspective, an egg fries at 144 degrees and 131 degrees cause second degree burns to the skin on contact.

Leather provides much better protection from asphalt burns than any mesh I have found. Most of the other jackets that I have looked at such as the Alpinestars Faster Airflow and the several Dainese perforated selections all have visible perforations. I feel that these offer a better airflow and might be better suited for really hot climates.

But even with questionable perforations and air flow in triple digit temps, I am still a big fan of the REV’IT Clare when I want a classic leather jacket that is cut to fit a woman’s body shape.

The Competition

There are a few other jackets out there with a similar cut and style, however, I believe that the Iceland Buffalo leather really is superior to the bovine leather being used by other manufacturers.

With that said, the Alpinestars Oscar Shelley is a comparable price and style but only offers a flannel vest liner making it less versatile. The Dainese Racing 3 jacket is also the same style and price range but is geared more for racing and does not include a thermal liner. And all of these jackets offer a back protector pocket but do not include any protector with the initial purchase.

The Verdict?

I am a huge fan of the simplistic and classic design of the REV’IT Clare women’s leather jacket. It offers a slim fit and a short-cut which makes it very comfortable when seated on a bike.

In addition, REV’IT took the time to find a great leather that offers durability and amazing comfort even before the jacket is truly broken in. I also like that they found a way to offer ample packet space to eliminate the need to wear a backpack for items such as glasses, wallet, and phone.

And finally, I have a new appreciation for the Seesmart armor that I was introduced to in the Clare. It is certainly functional and I will consider trying it out in some of my other summer jackets because of the great airflow.

If I were to be able to request a change or improvement in the Clare, it would certainly be to have larger perforations in the goatskin panels. For me, that would truly make this a jacket with the potential to be worn year round. And at over $500 I would have liked to have gotten the back protector included, especially considering the fact that the back protectors are size specific for this jacket.

Being that the Clare is made from very high-quality leather, I look forward to continuing to wear it as it continues to break in and become even more comfortable. I have no expectation of finding any issues with the durability or longevity of this product. My expectation is that this would be a one time purchase that will never need to be replaced if it is properly cared for. And in the event of an accident, I feel like the Clare will provide all the abrasion protection that I need a good level of impact protection thanks to the Seesmart armor.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: REV’IT
  • Price (When Tested): $549.99
  • Made In: India
  • Alternative models & colors: Red, Black, and Dark Brown
  • Sizes: 34 / 36 / 38 / 40 / 42 / 44
  • Review Date: May 2018

Pros

Cons

  • Thick, high-quality leather
  • Thermal Liner
  • Inner pocket
  • Chest pocket
  • Slit hand pockets
  • 8-inch waist connection zipper
  • Seesmart CE Level 1 armor at elbows and shoulders
  • Multiple stitching in impact areas
  • Covert style for everyday wear
  • Arms are very narrow
  • 3 season jacket
  • Poor airflow
  • No back protection included

 

 

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Gear Reviews Ladies Vented Textile Jacket Motorcycle Clothing Reviews Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Textile Jacket Web Bike World

Motonation Metralla Ladies Vented Textile Jacket Faces 100 Degrees In The Desert: Hands On Review

A Pleasant Surprise

I was really eager to get my hands on this jacket and test it out. I was trying to manage my expectations but I had really high hopes of finally finding a jacket that was cut to fit a woman while still offering protection and great airflow. As soon as I opened the box I was pretty excited that the coat actually had the shape that looked like it was going to fit me.

Before I get too much more into the jacket itself, I want to talk just a little bit about the shipping from Motonation. The box was well taped and made it through the shipping process very well. And when I opened the box I was very happy to see each item was carefully folded, wrapped in plastic and carefully packed in the box.

It really looked like someone took a minute and cared about packaging my items so that they would arrive in perfect condition, which they did, and I appreciate that. Just one step in the customer service process but one that Motonation handles very well. As a company, they have been superb to work with which is not always the case with online orders.

The Jacket

Anyway back to the Motonation Metralla Ladies vented textile jacket. The jacket looks great in a very basic black and white color scheme. I am normally not a fan of black gear due to the added heat in my area of Phoenix, Arizona but the black front and back panels are very functional.

My textile jacket is all white and it looks a little grungy most of the time from bugs and other spots. The white along the sides of the jacket and the sleeves give it a crisp look but in a more protected location that doesn’t show the dirt as much as a full white jacket. The accordion fabric Spandex panels on each side grabbed my attention. Holding the Metralla up by the shoulder pads I could easily see the slight hourglass shape of the coat, which made me both excited and a little apprehensive. I was hoping for a great fit but also hoping that I wasn’t too fat for this great jacket.

A few other features jumped out at me as well even before I tried on the jacket. The zippers are heavy duty and appear to be durable which is a big plus for me. Nothing is worse than a jacket that you love but are forced to retire because of low quality or poorly designed closures. Another small detail but one that caught my eye was the hook and loop collar tie back. It allows you to leave the collar open for better airflow without the tab beating against your throat or chin at speed.

Overall I was pretty wowed by the Metralla even before I tried it on!

The Moment of Truth

After a quick once over, I was off to try on the Metralla in front of a mirror. I hate to admit it, but I care about both how it fits/feels and how it looks. I kind of hate to include this but I feel like its a part of my job so I will add that I am 5’ 10” tall and weigh 153 pounds to give readers a frame of reference for my size. Sliding my arm in, I was very happy with the roominess of the sleeves and the length. I have fairly long arms for a woman and that often is the reason that a jacket doesn’t fit me.

In addition, the shoulders fit me very well which is also rare. I have been told that I have broad shoulders and I guess I agree. Once while shopping for a dress to wear to a wedding, a sweet older lady who was helping me politely whispered that I should stay away from sleeveless dresses as they made me look like a linebacker. Brutally honest advice but helpful. I rarely buy dresses but I think of her each time I try on a ladies jacket and hope the shoulders are cut more generously.

Zipping the jacket was really easy as the large zipper and added pull tab make it simple. I felt the body of the coat become a little snug around me but it never felt too tight or constricting. I was really happy that no diet would be needed before the actual testing could begin.

Standing in the mirror I did the usual motions of raising my arms and twisting to see how the jacket felt and if it would move with me or bind. I was happy to find not a single place that was uncomfortable, tight or cutting into me in any way. Next, I adjusted the waist straps and the sleeve gathers for a perfect custom fit.

The Motonation Metralla was my first experience with any Motonation jacket so I was forced to rely totally on the sizing chart in the catalog. My waist measurement is in the 32-34 inch range and my chest is right about 37 inches. Knowing that the arm length and the shoulders are always difficult for me, I opted to err on the side of larger rather than smaller and ordered a large to accommodate the linebacker shoulders. My reasoning was that the waist was adjustable but the shoulders are a set size.

Also, I was fairly sure that I would be adding additional back protection so that would require a little extra space. The cut might be a little on the small side but not any huge discrepancy. The large is working great for me and allows me a really great range of motion sitting upright or crouched on my Ducati 959.

USA

Sizing

Alpha

Sizing

Chest

(inches)

Chest

(centimeter)

Waist

(inches)

Waist

(centimeter)

8 XS 34-36 86-92 30-32 76-81
10 Small 36-37 92-94 32-34 81-86
12 Medium 37-39 94-99 34-36 86-91
14 Large 39-40 99-102 36-37 91-94
16 XL 40-42 102-107 37-38 94-97

Bargain Pricing

The jacket sells for $119 which is far less than almost all of the other options on the market. Many ladies jackets including those in the $200 plus range only offer a foam back pad so even after adding a back protector this jacket is priced very competitively. Revzilla offers the Alpinestars Stella Wake Air for $199.95 and the Amok Air Drystar for $319.95 which offer comparable ventilation but only a foam back pad as well. I added an Icon D30 Viper 2 Back Protector which runs about $45 on Revzilla and the total cost is still far less than most other ladies mesh options.

Features from Top to Bottom

The Collar

The collar of Metralla is very comfortable thanks to the microfiber lining and neoprene used in the construction. The snap on the collar appears to be a little oversized compared to many that I have seen on jackets but I look at that as a huge plus in the durability category. And as I mentioned earlier, the collar tie back is an awesome feature that I think every jacket should offer. The loop is a thick rubber and the hook is hard plastic so the durability should be pretty reliable.

Motonation Metralla

Shoulder And Elbow Armor

The shoulder armor is made of a high impact CE approved dual-density pad. Each pad has a nice curve and is very flexible to accommodate a full range of motion. They are also designed with channels and openings to allow some airflow into the padded areas of the jacket. The protectors are inserted into fairly standard shoulder pockets that are secured with hook and loop tabs.

Riders can elect to upgrade to a more protective CE1 or CE2 level armor if desired. The elbow armor is the same material as the shoulder armor and also fits into a hook and loop secured pocket. CE1 and CE2 level armor is also available for the elbows.

A Simple Yet Awesome Addition

One of my favorite features on the arms of the Metralla has got to be the sleeve gathers. These are hook and loop secured 1-inch straps that allow you to custom fit the arms of the jacket. This is the simplest solution to flapping jacket arms but one that many manufacturers overlook. What I like is that it lets me tighten the sleeves when I am wearing just a t-shirt or loosen them a bit if the weather is cooler and I have inserted the liner or a sweatshirt.

Zipper And Cuff Closure

The finishing touch for the sleeves are the 2-way YKK zippers and the cuff closures. The extra long pulls on the zippers make them easy to grab and use even with gloves on. And the 2-way feature allows you to fit the cuff over any set of gloves that you can imagine.

In addition, you can open all or part of the zipper area to allow a great amount of airflow up the lower arm area. And again, the neoprene and microfiber are included in the cuff for supreme comfort when securely closed with the hook and loop 1.5-inch tabs.

Added Attention to Detail

There is a line of reflective piping for added great night visibility that runs from the collar down to a few inches shy of the cuff on the front and back sides each sleeve. In addition, there is a half inch wide reflective stripe stitched onto each sleeve between the shoulder and elbow and a 1-inch sash from the armpit to the mesh fabric on the front of the jacket. Multiple stitching is also used throughout the shell in all high impact areas to reduce the potential for tearing and skin abrasion.

The Body of the Jacket

Motonation used huge pore mesh to provide amazing airflow through the arms, chest, and back of the Metralla jacket. I would estimate that the jacket is about 75% Polyester mesh and the remaining portion of the shell is 600 denier Polyester fabric. The entire jacket is then lined with a 100% Polyester anti-bacterial mesh lining which is finer than the exterior mesh fabric.

The jacket includes a removable waterproof, windproof and breathable lining. This full lining can be zipped into the jacket and secured in the sleeves with the color-coded tabs at the wrists. The front of the jacket is finished off with two front hand warmer pockets with zipper closures. These pockets are not huge, about 6 inches square, but they are big enough to hold an iPhone.

The waist also features 1.5 inches wide hook and loop straps to allow for custom fitting the waist over clothing or when the jacket is attached to a pair of riding pants. This strap runs across the expansion at the waist but is certainly long enough to accommodate having the panel stretched without compromising the ability to secure the hook and loop fasteners.

Motonation Metralla

Expansion Panels

What makes this jacket a standout design for the ladies is the accordion inset on each side of the jacket. The spandex panels run the full length from the armpit to the waist, and each is about 3 inches wide when contracted. But as needed, these panels can actually double in size to a full 6 inches each. This offers a great amount of flexibility when sizing the jacket for additional clothing or to achieve that much desired perfect fit.

The panels are also soft enough that they are comfortable when bending or leaning sideways as they give a little, unlike other fabrics. And finally, this is the feature that allows the chest area to be comfortable for ladies of varying sizes and proportions.

Motonation Metralla

On The Inside

The inside of the Mertalla features a 7 by 3.5-inch cargo style pocket that expands to almost an inch thick. The pocket is secured with a ¾ inch wide strip of hook and loop on the closure flap. An additional waterproof interior vertical zip pocket is also provided in the shell and is about 6 inches square. The capacity is enough for a phone, wallet or even a glasses case as long as you are comfortable with items stowed in the chest area. And finally, there is an 8 Inch YKK waist connection zipper to attach the Metralla to pants for a full suit feel.

Motonation Metralla

The Liner

The Metralla includes a windproof, waterproof liner that is made of a breathable material called Reissa. This liner zips in over the interior mesh liner. The Reissa liner is full sleeves as well as the body of the jacket which is not always the case with liners. The sleeves of the liner have color-coded snap tabs to secure the sleeves near the wrists for added comfort and a great fit.

I have never been a fan of zipping in liners but found this one to be very comfortable. It is roomy enough that you still have a full range of motion and the breathable material helps to eliminate the sticky feeling that occurs with some liners. Adding the liner is great for wet conditions but it also adds an additional bit of function to the jacket as it can be used to eliminate the airflow and serve the same purpose as a heavier textile jacket, making the Metralla an even better bargain.

The Back Pad

The only aspect of the Metralla that I would even begin to consider a downfall is the 8mm thick memory foam back pad. The pad measures about 15.5 inches from top to bottom and is around 9.5 inches at the widest point, so not only is it thin but it is rather small. I prefer to have a little more protection for my back not only for impact but also to endure more abrasion should I be forced to slide.

I removed the memory foam pad and replaced it with an Icon D30 Viper 2 pad which offers CE Level 2 protection. The D30 is slightly larger, 16 inches by about 10.5 inches so it was tough to get into the back pad pocket and is slightly curved when in the pocket. But it functions well and is comfortable as the curve wraps around my back and shoulders a bit. And for $45 it was an easy fix to make this pretty much my perfect summer weight jacket.

Motonation Metralla

Final Thoughts

I have worn this jacket quite a bit since it arrived. I liked it from the first ride and am finding that I like it even more as I continue to use it and enjoy the great airflow and comfort that it offers. I hope that I never need to put the armor to the test but I am very confident that it will do its job as well. I have worn a lot of big name jackets over the years including Icon, Joe Rocket, and Dainese and I have paid a lot more for each of those jackets than the very reasonable cost of $119 that Motonation is asking for the Metralla. But I have never been as satisfied with any of the big name, expensive jackets as I am with this one.

The Verdict?

I’m a huge fan of the Metralla. It is well worth the price and I would venture to say that it is even worth twice the price.

The Metralla is a great design for ladies and offers great ventilation for riding in hot weather. The option to add the waterproof and windproof liner also makes this a very versatile jacket that can meet the needs of a summer riding or even cooler spring and fall weather.

This is a great jacket for ladies who are new to riding as it offers great protection and is affordable but it will also meet the needs of the more experienced riders who are willing to spend more on a jacket. Don’t waste the money, buy the Metralla and get a great deal and a great jacket.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Motonation
  • Price (When Tested): $119
  • Made In: Pakistan
  • Alternative models & colors: None
  • Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL
  • Review Date: May 2018

Pros

Cons

  • Great air flow
  • Accordion Spandex panels
  • Hourglass Shape
  • Microfiber lining
  • Heavy duty zippers
  • Hook and loop collar tie back
  • Quality construction
  • Double stitching
  • Several pockets
  • CE shoulder and elbow armor
  • Excellent customer service
  • Only one color- no choice
  • Small back armor pocket
  • 8mm thick memory foam back pad

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