Author: Gerry Cote

Categories
Aprilia Aprilia Shiver 900 Aprilia Shiver 900 review Gear Reviews Motorcycle Review Motorcycle Review Aprilia Shiver 900 Motorcycle Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 Review

#bearacer

As Naked Sport Bikes go, The Aprilia Shiver has been a contender since it’s launch in 2007 as a ride by wire 750cc machine. The 2008 Shiver SL 750 was reviewed by Web Bike World in August 2008.

This year, Aprilia gave the Shiver a new look and a new motor. An advanced traction control system was added to the Shiver as well as a state of the art 4.3” TFT Technology display.

The new motor represents a significant increase in power and torque.

I have been riding Harley Davidson bikes for the last twelve years and I felt it was time for a change. I had the opportunity to test out several new motorcycles this year and I really liked the handling of a naked sport bike.

I was at Blackfoot Motorsports in Calgary when the Shiver 900 caught my eye. I was in the market for a new bike and was looking at several different models. I sat on the Aprilia and I loved the way I felt on it. It spoke to me. I ended up trading my 2007 Harley Davidson FLHTCU on this new machine.

Aprilia Racing Logo

Specifications

  • Aprilia V90 Longitudinal 90 degree v-twin engine four stroke, liquid cooled, double overhead camshaft with mixed gear/chain timing system, four valves per cylinder.
  • 70 kW (95.2 hp) @ 8,750 rpm
  • 90 Nm (66.4 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm
  • Integrated Engine Management System with Ride-by-Wire.
  • Digital Electronic Ignition, integrated with the injection
  • 100 % Stainless Steel 2 in 1 exhaust system with three-way catalytic converter and oxygen sensor.
  • Chain secondary drive
  • Three predetermined driving modes (Rain, Touring, and Sport)
  • Multi-Plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated
  • Modular tubular steel frame fastened to aluminum side plates by high strength bolts. Dismountable rear frame.
  • Kayaba upside-down front fork with adjustable hydraulic rebound, damping, and spring preload.
  • Aluminum alloy rear swingarm with stiffening truss. Hydraulic shock absorber with adjustable extension and spring preload.
  • Front brake consisting of dual 320 mm stainless steel floating discs. Radial four-piston calipers.
  • Rear brake consisting of a 240 mm stainless steel disc, single-piston caliper, and metal braided brake hose.
  • Continental two-channel ABS system
  • 15L (3.96 US gal) Fuel tank capacity
  • Tires: 120/70 ZR 17 front and 180/55 ZR 17 Rear
  • Starting at CAD$ 9,995

First Impressions

My first impression of the 2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 was the way the styling of the bike makes it look aggressive yet refined. I loved the color and the stance. It was undeniably Italian and the attention to details was present throughout the motorcycle.

I sat on the bike and the seat was just perfect for me. I am 5’9” and the bike felt very comfortable.

The handlebars are in almost the perfect position for me. I did not feel like I was sprawled out on the tank and I also did not feel like I was sitting completely upright like on a cruiser. The seating position is very comfortable.

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 tank

The tank is incredible! I love the width. The design is perfect for your knees to tuck up and the vents on the front give it an aggressive look.

The seat is very nice. It is comfortable and the attention to detail is amazing. I love that the red stitching on the seat is the same color as the frame of the bike

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 seat cushion

First Ride From The Dealer To My House

On the street, the Shiver 900 is an amazing ride. The linear power band gives you the sensation of control at all times. It is very smooth and precise. I loved the stability of the bike and the suspension is absolutely amazing.

I left the dealer on a very cold rainy day and I decided that I would try out the rain setting of the three driving modes. The bike performed wonderfully during my ride home. I was able to do a bit of urban riding along with some back roads going home.

One of the things that I really liked was the sound of this motorcycle. The exhaust is designed in such a way that both pipes come out directly under and behind the seat of the bike. The exhaust note is unlike any other bike on the market… It is refined, yet it still has the growl of a v-twin.

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 v-twin

City Riding

As a city bike, the Shiver 900 is in its environment. It is nimble and able to perform in traffic the way a naked sport bike should. I was amazed at how well it handled as an urban commuter. It is extremely well balanced and this showed while riding at a slow speed. It was able to ride in traffic without any issues. It was very nimble when it came to avoiding potholes.

I was amazed at how nimble the bike is and how easy it is to ride.

The brakes are excellent on this bike. I really appreciate the level of responsiveness that the Shiver showed during city riding where you are required to brake on a regular basis whether to avoid another car or a pedestrian crossing the street. The front shocks are very well tuned and I did not feel the front end dip everytime I braked.

It was cold on the day I rode in the city; however, I am confident that the Shiver 900 will have no problem with overheating in the city. It is well equipped with an amazing cooling system.

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 cooling system

Country Road Riding

The Shiver 900 is an amazing bike for twisties. It is very well balanced and the rear shock eats up what the road throws at it. It is extremely nimble and it feels very stable. It requires very little countersteer to get it to do what you want it to do.

I was able to test the touring setting on the Aprilia and what a difference the setting makes. It performed like a champ. The acceleration was really good and the bike was very responsive.

Given the bike is still in the break-in stage, I did not want to push it too hard; however, I was able to get a good feel for the acceleration and the handling of the Shiver and it was great. For me, the Shiver 900 is right at home on a country road and this is the type of riding I enjoy the most.

I was amazed at the amount of torque this machine has to offer. It is simply a pleasure to ride this bike.

The exhaust note of this bike when you are going down a country road is like music. I absolutely love the sound of a v-twin engine and this engine is a testament to the engineering that goes into manufacturing an Aprilia.

Time For Some Highway Riding

It was cold, but I knew I needed to go test out the Shiver 900 on the highway. I had my gear on, three-layer Cordura jacket, Cordura pants, and new gloves. I set out to see what this naked sport bike feels like on the highway.

The Shiver 900 did not disappoint on the highway.

I set the bike to sport mode and set out on Stoney Trail, the ring road that goes around the city of Calgary.

The motorcycle was extremely smooth in its acceleration. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the Shiver 900 feels on the highway. The wind is very present as one would expect on a bike without a windshield; however, the design of the bike seems to reduce the amount of wind in the helmet area. It was not unpleasant or overly turbulent to ride at highway speeds.

Passing a tractor-trailer was not a problem. I felt confident and the motorcycle has no issues with power in the low end, the mid-range, and at the top end. The Shiver does very well in all situations.

Riding Position

I was very comfortable on the Shiver 900. The seat is comfortable and at the right height for me. The handlebars are in the perfect position for me. I felt like I was in a very natural sitting position.

The foot position was very comfortable. I felt like I was in control of the bike the whole time.

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900
2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 tank

Digital Instrument Cluster

The Aprilia Shiver 900 has an ultra-modern TFT technology display that features a large 4.3” screen that adapts to daytime and nighttime. The information is clear and easy to read. I like that the information is very clear and easy to read at a glance. The information was very visible during the day as well as in the evening.

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 tank digital instrument

Tires

The Shiver 900 comes equipped with Pirelli AngeI ST tires. 120/70 ZR 17 on the front and a 180/55 ZR 17 on the Rear.

These tires are designed for a sport touring application and I was really impressed at how well these tires performed on wet pavement. Especially given that they are brand new and have not been broken in yet.

These tires stuck on the road very nicely and I felt safe while riding on them.

Pirelli Angel ST tires

Brakes

The brakes on the Aprilia Shiver 900 are awesome. While riding, there were two situations that required me to apply the brakes with some force. On both occasions, the brakes functioned flawlessly.

The brakes on the shiver 900 consist of dual 320 mm stainless steel floating discs. Radial four-piston calipers on the front and a 240 mm stainless steel disc, single-piston caliper and metal braided brake hose on the back with a Continental two-channel ABS system.

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 vrakes

Mirrors

The mirrors on the Shiver 900 are great. They are fully adjustable and give a clear view of the back of the bike. I did not find that there was much vibration in the mirrors while riding.

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 adjustable mirrors

Earlier this year, I reviewed a Ducati Monster 821. I felt that the mirrors on the Monster were not very good and that an adjustable mirror is a must. I was glad to see that the Aprilia mirrors are indeed fully adjustable.

Front Headlight

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 front headline

The Headlight on the Shiver 900 is very bright and has no problems illuminating the streets at night.

Exhaust

The Aprilia Shiver 900 features a stainless steel 2-1 system with three-way catalytic converter and oxygen sensor.

The exhaust note is refined yet guttural and in my opinion sounds absolutely amazing.

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 exhaust

Conclusion

I like the Aprilia Shiver 900 a lot.

It is an amazing motorcycle and is a lot of fun to ride. The Shiver 900 is the quintessential naked sports bike. It’s light, nimble and has all the power you need. It has an aggressive look and comes with the pedigree of Aprilia’s 54 world titles. Price wise, it is an affordable motorcycle and very unique.

If I could change a few things about the Shiver 90, I would make heated grips a standard option. On a naked sport bike, the lack of a fairing makes it that your hands get extremely cold while riding. I mitigated this problem by adding a set of aftermarket heated grips to the Shiver.

The Shiver does have the option of installing a windscreen. The problem is that it is very expensive to purchase. I have purchased an aftermarket windshield to make my highway riding a bit more comfortable.

It comes with a 24 month, unlimited mileage warranty

I am fortunate to get the opportunity to ride different motorcycles on a regular basis for the purpose of reviewing. That being said, I chose the Aprilia Shiver 900 as my personal motorcycle. I love the look, the sound, the comfort, the performance and the handling of this bike and I would recommend this amazing motorcycle to my friends and family.

Aprilia Shiver 900 Image Gallery

2018 Aprilia Shiver 900


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 exhaust


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 front headline


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 adjustable mirrors


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 vrakes


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 cooling system


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 tank


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 tank digital instrument


Pirelli Angel ST tires


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 v-twin


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 tank


2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 seat cushion


Aprilia Racing Logo


The post 2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

Categories
Gear Reviews Motorcycle Glove Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review reviews Waterproof Glove Reviews Web Bike World

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves Hands-On Review

Introduction

For those of you who follow my articles, you may remember my review on the Ninja 1000 abs that I wrote last month.

I found myself reviewing a 2018 Ninja 1000 abs as well as an X Moto 2 jacket and pants. It was raining and right around freezing when I did this review. The jacket and pants worked excellently and I was not cold or wet – however, the leather riding gloves I was wearing were awful. After less than an hour on the bike, my left index finger started to feel weird. I stopped and checked my hand and my finger was actually starting to turn blue.

I decided to get a new pair of gloves. I decided to purchase a pair of ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves. Here is my impression of these gloves after testing at home as well as on the road on my 2018 Aprilia Shiver 900. Keep an eye out for the upcoming review at Web Bike World.

ICON was founded in 2002 in Portland Oregon. They list their core mission as protecting riders whenever and however they can.

Please note: I purchased these gloves and they were not provided for review.

First Impressions

I received my parcel containing the ICON Patrol Gloves and was quite eager to open it. At first glance, I immediately noticed how well constructed these gloves are. They are also very stylish. I loved the mix of waterproof textile along with the leather palm. The small reflective strip on the glove looks very smart and serves a purpose during low light riding.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves closeup of wrist and gauntlet design

Construction

The ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves are constructed of very good quality materials from the premium goatskin palms to the waterproof textile, These gloves are very high quality. Small features have been incorporated into the gloves to increase the comfort and performance.

For example, these gloves come with injected thermoplastic knuckles for hand protection, a shield wipe on the left index finger as well as a pre-curved palm and finger design to reduce hand fatigue as well as blisters.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves injected thermoplastic knuckles

One of the main reasons I purchased these gloves was the fact that my trusty leather gloves I normally wear left me with a touch of frostbite from riding in the rain at cold temperature. I wanted to make sure that the gloves were indeed waterproof.

I donned the gloves and headed to the sink. I ran the cold water and put my hands under the tap for a good 4 minutes. The water did not permeate the glove and I was very satisfied with the waterproofing claim that these gloves provided.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves are really waterproof

Protection

The ICON Patrol provides amazing protection against the elements. They are a level 3 waterproof glove which means that they feature a Hipora ® waterproof liner, taped seams and a cinch at the wrist.

In addition to protection in inclement weather, the Patrol gloves offer excellent hand protection. A co-molded knuckle offers protection to the back of the hand as well as leather fingertips will provide protection against abrasion in the event of a fall.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves leather fingertips

Finally, the gloves being gauntlet offers protection against the wind and the rain. As far as protection against the weather, the ICON Patrol gloves are constructed of superior heat retaining materials to keep the wearer comfortable in colder weather.

Sizing, Fit, & Retention

The ICON Patrol Glove fits small. I usually wear a medium glove, but with the Patrol, I was glad I ordered a large as a medium would have been a bit snug on my hand. I followed ICON’s sizing chart that prompted me to measure the width of my hand. I was surprised to see that the chart recommended a large glove but I was happy I did when I received the parcel.

All sizing aside, the gloves fit well… like a glove. I am quite happy at the fitment. The gloves have a natural curve in the palm and fingers. This is a nice feature as it already has the broken-in feel. The gloves feature a strap around the wrist as well as velcro straps to cinch up the cuff.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves wrist velcro strap

Once the glove is adjusted, the retention factor is excellent. It feels great on the hand and does not become a hindrance to tactile responsiveness.

My only complaint on the fit is that they feel a bit bulky. This may be because It is the first pair of gauntlet gloves I have ever purchased and I may need to adapt from a short glove to a glove that is designed to go over my riding jacket.

Road Testing

I wore the ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves on a cold day. It was 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) but I did not care, I needed to get out for a ride. It was early in the fall for a snowstorm, but nonetheless, Mother nature had her mindset and we got 18 inches of snow.

I was sure that my riding season was done. A week went by and the snow that was still very present on the front lawn of my house and the roof of my shed was nowhere to be found on the streets of Calgary… as mentioned earlier, I just purchased my 2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 and I wanted to go out for a rip… I got geared up and headed out for a ride.

The gloves were great. I did not feel like I was wearing a new pair of gloves. Although they were new, they felt like they were broken in from the factory. The gloves were very warm, even in this cold weather. I installed a set of aftermarket heated grips on my bike and I did not turn them on once during my ride.

I met up with fellow writers and riders Jim Pruner and Jennifer Angelina for a meeting and then off I went. I rode for a better part of the afternoon. I tried out the gloves in the city and on the highway. They performed very well. My hands did not get cold and did not get fatigued. I was able to use the controls on the bike without any issues and the grip from the goatskin in the palm of the glove really gave me the feeling of being in control.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves goatskin palm

A few days before finishing this article, the weather in Calgary changed again and it warmed up considerably. I rode into work at my regular job on Monday morning. It was 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit) in the morning and it went up to 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) in the afternoon for my commute home.

The gloves still felt comfortable; however, they were a bit warm. My commute is about 30 minutes, I rode a bit more because it was a very nice afternoon, so about 50 minutes on the bike from my work to my home. At the end of the ride, my hands were quite warm and were just starting to sweat.

Conclusion

I have very few negative things to say about these gloves.

They are very well constructed, very well priced, and they are made of good quality materials.

The ICON Patrol features construction choices that make it a worthy pair of gloves. The co-molded knuckles, the goatskin palm with added grip are a start. It also includes the shield wipe on the left index finger as well as the pre-curved design. All this comes with a 1-year warranty.

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves palm side up full view

The gloves look amazing. I love the aggressive styling and the use of different materials in the manufacturing process. They are available in multiple sizes from small to XXXL.

In colder weather, these gloves are amazing. They are designed to keep your hands warm and they do so very well. In warmer weather, they are a bit warm. I would not wear these gloves in the heat of summer. I believe that this would not be very comfortable.

The fitment of the gloves is good; however, make sure that you check the ICON website and check out the size chart before ordering. They fit a bit small, so be cognizant of that. I recommend these gloves. They are good solid gloves and you do get a lot for you money.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Stylish
  • Waterproof
  • Well Constructed
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Cold climate use only

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: ICON
  • List Price (2018): US $75.00
  • Colors: Black
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
  • Review Date: October 2018

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves Image Gallery

ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves palm side up full view


ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves closeup of wrist and gauntlet design


ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves wrist velcro strap


ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves leather fingertips


ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves


ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves injected thermoplastic knuckles


ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves are really waterproof


The post ICON Patrol Waterproof Gloves Hands-On Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

Categories
Gear Reviews Motorcycle Clothing Reviews Motorcycle Pants Reviews Olympia X Moto Olympia X Moto pant Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World

Olympia X Moto 2 Pants Hands-On Review

First Impression

My first impression of the Olympia X Moto 2 pant was very good. As with the jacket, the first thing that I noticed when I opened the box was the quality. Excellent material, awesome zippers, refined stitching. These pants look fantastic

I took the pants out of the box. I was really impressed with the construction of the pants. They are Cordura © fabric with leather on the inside of the pant. Really nice heavy duty zippers with nice pulls as well as belt loops.

The inside layer features a rain pant that is designed to be used inside or outside the pants.

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

webBikeWorld has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

RevZilla

Free shipping on orders over $40
30-day no-nonsense return policy
Excellent selection of all major brands
Awesome pricing

Buy These Pants on RevZilla

Amazon

Free shipping (with Amazon Prime)
30-day return policy
Excellent selection
Competitive pricing

Buy These Pants on Amazon

Pants Features

Olympia X Moto 2 Pants closeup

  • Constructed in 500 and 2000 denier Cordura® fabric in strategic areas.
  • Quality YKK Zippers throughout including full side leg zippers that extend to the waistband.
  • MVS Mega Vent Panel System in the thigh area and cool mesh airflow lining throughout.
  • Removable and adjustable height CE approved Motion Flex armor at the knees.
  • 3M Scotchlite © reflective piping from hem to waist.
  • Two side entry zip pockets and two rear flap pockets.
  • An 8” zipper is located at the back waistline to connect the pants with the Jacket. Washable leather reinforcement panel from the thigh to the hem bottom.
  • Zippers stop well before the bottom of the pant to allow for easy hemming of the cuff.
  • Built-in pocket for optional hip protection.
  • Pants do not come with the hip armor but foam inserts.

Olympia X Moto 2 Pants inner features

Rain Pants Layer

The fully functional rain pants can be worn inside or outside the main pant and consist of an AquaRes™ laminated fabric. The pants feature an elasticized waist with side waist slide buckles and belt loops.

Olympia X Moto 2 Pants rain layer

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

webBikeWorld has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

RevZilla

Free shipping on orders over $40
30-day no-nonsense return policy
Excellent selection of all major brands
Awesome pricing

Buy These Pants on RevZilla

Amazon

Free shipping (with Amazon Prime)
30-day return policy
Excellent selection
Competitive pricing

Buy These Pants on Amazon

Riding with the Pants

My first impression of riding with the pants on was how comfortable they are. The pants have a food flex to them and are warm. It was 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit) when I tried the pants for the first time.

I wore a pair of sweatpants under the X Moto 2 pants and I was not cold at all. I wore the pants with the rain pants on the inside. I was comfortable and did not feel the wind.

The following day, I wore the pants and the matching jacket while I was conducting a review of a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS. Again, it was 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit), but it was raining.

I rode in the rain for almost 3 hours and I was amazed at how dry I was at the end. I was not cold while riding except for my hands as my gloves were inadequate for the weather. I feel that the pants did not need the rain pants on the inside to keep me dry; however, I appreciated the rain pants added protection from the wind.

The pants were very forgiving while riding. I did not feel constricted at any time. I did feel extremely grateful that I was wearing such good gear during this ride. My only complaint in regards to fitment was that the snaps that keep the waistband cinched were not very secure. I have a bit of a belly and this had a bit of a negative effect on the snaps.

Final Impressions

Olympia X Moto 2 Pants side view

These pants are amazing. I highly recommend the Olympia X Moto 2 pants to anyone who is looking for touring styled protective gear.

The versatility of these pants will be greatly appreciated for anyone who rides in different conditions. They can be worn in cold weather, wet weather and opened up to expose the mesh for summer riding. The built-in adjustable knee armor is very comfortable.

My only complaint is the fact that the pants come with an area for hip armor only to find a piece of foam in the slot instead of CE rated armor. I would gladly pay the additional $25 for the added security and to avoid the hassle of having to order it separately.

Also, I would like to see a bit better retention at the waist. Either a stronger holding snap or a secondary fastener.

At the time of this review, the retail on this jacket was USD $349.99 & CAD $ 429.99.

Disclosure: Please note that I was provided the Olympia X Moto 2 Pants free of charge for this review.

Olympia X Moto 2 Pants rear view

Pros

  • Excellent materials
  • Outstanding build quality
  • Extremely versatile
  • Loaded with safety features
  • Very visible
  • Comfortable
  • Warm
  • Stylish

Cons

  • Hip protection is only foam and not CE rated
  • Snaps at the waist are not very retentive

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Olympia Motosports
  • Price (When Tested): 349.99
  • Alternative models & colors: Black or Pewter
  • Sizes: 30 to 44
  • Review Date: September 2018

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

webBikeWorld has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

RevZilla

Free shipping on orders over $40
30-day no-nonsense return policy
Excellent selection of all major brands
Awesome pricing

Buy These Pants on RevZilla

Amazon

Free shipping (with Amazon Prime)
30-day return policy
Excellent selection
Competitive pricing

Buy These Pants on Amazon

Olympia X Moto 2 Pants Image Gallery

Olympia X Moto 2 Pants inner features


Olympia X Moto 2 Pants rear view


Olympia X Moto 2 Pants


Olympia X Moto 2 Pants side view


Olympia X Moto 2 Pants rain layer


Olympia X Moto 2 Pants closeup




The post Olympia X Moto 2 Pants Hands-On Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

Categories
Gear Reviews Motorcycle Clothing Reviews Motorcycle Jacket Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World

Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Hands-On Review

First Impression

My first impression of the Olympia X Moto 2 jacket was very good. The first thing that I noticed when I opened the box was the quality. Excellent material, awesome zippers, refined stitching. This jacket looks awesome and the quality is undeniable.

I took the jacket out of the box and started checking it out. The outermost layer has the zip-in backpack with a built-in water bladder.

The Outer shell itself is very good quality Cordura fabric. The outer shell features built-in shoulder, elbow and back armor.

The inside layers feature a laminated rain jacket and thermal layer.

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

webBikeWorld has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

RevZilla

Free shipping on orders over $40
30-day no-nonsense return policy
Excellent selection of all major brands
Awesome pricing

Buy These Jackets on RevZilla

Amazon

Free shipping (with Amazon Prime)
30-day return policy
Excellent selection
Competitive pricing

Buy These Jackets on Amazon

Outer Shell

Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Outer Shell Front

The Outer shell is constructed in 500 and 2000 denier Cordura® fabric. The entire jacket features quality YKK Zippers throughout. It features a Mega Vent Panel System in the chest, back, and arm position. The Shell features removable CE approved Motion Flex armor in the elbows and shoulders area.

The back of the shell features a removable CE approved Motion Flex articulated back protector. The Shell features cool mesh airflow lining throughout. It has lots of adjustability in the collar, cuffs elbows, and waist. The collar features comfort neoprene. The shell features an 8” connecting zipper for the matching pants as well as side waist adjuster straps.

Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Outer Shell Back

The outside of the jacket features 3M scotchlite® reflective detailing at the front, sides, and back. There are eight storage pockets and the shell also features an oversized waterproof back storage pocket. The shell also features an integrated zip-off backpack that includes a 2-liter hydration bladder.

Rain Jacket

Olympia X Moto 2 Rain Jacket

The second layer of the jacket is an AquaRes™ laminated rain jacket that can be worn over or under the main outer shell. If worn inside, the rain jacket zips in and becomes a liner within the protective shell. The rain jacket features a stowaway hood with a rubberized neck gator. 3M reflective piping is located at the front, sides, and back of the rain jacket. You also find side entry pockets as well as an interior pocket for storage.

Olympia X Moto 2 Rain Jacket Rear

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

webBikeWorld has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

RevZilla

Free shipping on orders over $40
30-day no-nonsense return policy
Excellent selection of all major brands
Awesome pricing

Buy These Jackets on RevZilla

Amazon

Free shipping (with Amazon Prime)
30-day return policy
Excellent selection
Competitive pricing

Buy These Jackets on Amazon

Thermal Layer

Finally, the innermost layer of the X Moto 2 Jacket features a removable full sleeve thermal layer with Thermolite® insulation. It can be zipped into the main shell or the rain jacket depending on the weather.

Olympia X Moto 2 Thermal Layer

Zip-Off Backpack

The X Moto 2 Jacket also features a zip-off integrated backpack. The backpack features an integrated shoulder harness system as well as a 2-liter hydration bladder.

Olympia X Moto 2 Zip-off Backpack

Riding with the Jacket

My first impression of riding with the jacket on was an undeniable feeling of safety. The jacket is very comfortable to wear and the armor is extremely well positioned.

It was 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit) when I tried the jacket for the first time. I was not cold at all. I wore the jacket with all of the components. The thermal liner did a spectacular job at keeping me warm. In fact, It was perfect while riding, but a bit too warm to wear inside.

Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket test drive on the road

The following day, I wore the jacket and the matching pants while I was conducting a review of a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS. It was 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit) again, but it was raining. I rode in the rain for almost 3 hours and I was amazed at how dry I was at the end. I was not cold while riding except for my hands as my gloves were inadequate for the weather. I made a point of placing some tissues in various pockets to see if any of them would get wet. None of them did.

The jacket moved very naturally with my body while riding. I did not feel constricted at any time. I did feel extremely grateful that I was wearing such good gear during this ride. I did find that the collar of the jacket was a bit thick and my helmet seemed to rest on it a bit. It was not uncomfortable, but it did require me to make an added effort to conduct proper shoulder checks on the bike.

Final Impressions

This jacket is amazing. I highly recommend the Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket to anyone who is looking for an all-around riding jacket. The versatility of this jacket will be greatly appreciated for anyone who rides in different conditions. The multiple layers, the copious amount of storage and the CE rated armor puts this jacket at the top of my favorites.

The safety aspects of this jacket give you peace of mind knowing that you have a very high level of protection should you find yourself in an emergency situation.

At the time of this review, the retail on this jacket was C$ 719.99 US$ 479.99

Disclosure: Please note that I was provided the Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Free of Charge for this review.

Pros

  • Excellent Materials
  • Outstanding Build Quality
  • Extremely Versatile
  • Loaded with Safety Features
  • Good Visibility
  • Comfortable, Warm, & Stylish

Cons

  • Collar is a bit thick
  • Jacket is a bit heavy with all layers and backpack

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Olympia Motosports
  • Price (When Tested): $ 479.99
  • Alternative models & colors: Fatigue-Grey/Pewter, Pewter/Ivory, Pewter/Neon-Yellow
  • Sizes: SM – 4XL
  • Review Date: September 2018

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

webBikeWorld has worked closely with RevZilla over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

RevZilla

Free shipping on orders over $40
30-day no-nonsense return policy
Excellent selection of all major brands
Awesome pricing

Buy These Jackets on RevZilla

Amazon

Free shipping (with Amazon Prime)
30-day return policy
Excellent selection
Competitive pricing

Buy These Jackets on Amazon

Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Image Gallery

Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Outer Shell Front



Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket modeled by author Gerry Cote


Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket test drive on the road


Olympia X Moto 2 Zip-off Backpack



Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Outer Shell Back


Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Outer Shell Front


Olympia X Moto 2 Rain Jacket Rear


Olympia X Moto 2 Thermal Layer


The post Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket Hands-On Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

Categories
ABS Gear Reviews Kawasaki Kawasaki Ninja Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Motorcycle Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS Hands-On Review

#TeamGreen

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS is a sport touring bike that I was wanting to review for a while. I like the aggressive styling of the bike and after sitting on it in the showroom, I know I wanted to take this Motorcycle for a test drive.

I really like the way the bike feels when you are sitting on it. The handlebars are just back enough that you are sitting in a semi-upright sport touring position and it just feels right.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS in black at showroom

I would like to thank Blackfoot Motosports in Calgary, Alberta for giving me the opportunity to take this amazing machine out for a romp. Please check out their website at Blackfoot Online.

Specifications

  • Engine: 1,043cc 4-stroke inline four, liquid cooled, DOHC 16 valve with digital fuel injection
  • Front Brakes: Dual Semi-Floating 300mm petal discs with dual radial mount monoblock opposed 4 piston
  • Rear Brakes: Single 250mm petal disc with a single piston caliper
  • ABS Standard
  • Seat Height: 815mm (32.3 inches)
  • Fuel Capacity: 19 liters (4.2 gallons)
  • transmission
  • Wet Multi-disc Manual Clutch
  • Front Tire: 120/70-ZR17
  • Rear Tire: 190/50-ZR17
  • Maximum Power: 105 kW (140.8 Hp) / 10,000 rpm
  • Maximum Torque: 111.0 n.M (81.9 ft-lb) @ 7,300 rpm
  • Front Suspension: 41mm inverted fork with stepless compression, rebound damping, and spring preload adjustability
  • Rear Suspension: Horizontal back-link, gas charged rear shock with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
  • Curb Weight of 235 Kg (516 lbs.)
  • Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC)
  • Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS)
  • Power Mode
  • Kawasaki Corner Management Function (KCMF)
  • Final Drive: Sealed Chain
  • MSRP at time of review: C$14,299 US$12,199

First Impressions

My first impression of the Ninja 1000 ABS was that it was a very nice looking bike. It has the look of a racer and the feel of a touring bike. The bike has a very nice stance, I am 5’9” and the seat was perfect for me.

The handlebar position was not too far forward and did not feel awkward. The footpegs were well positioned and I did not feel like my legs would cramp up even on a longer trip. The seat was comfortable and provided adequate padding, and finally, the complete style of the bike makes it look much more expensive than it is.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

Pros

  • Looks Great
  • Excellent Safety Features
  • Good Power
  • Good Fuel Mileage
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Lack of basic “Touring” features such as Cruise Control
  • HAeated Grips
  • Windshield is not very good in the rain

First Ride From The Dealer To My House

It was not very warm in Calgary when I picked up the Ninja from the dealer. In fact, that morning, I woke up to snow on the ground. By the afternoon it had cleared up and the weather did not call for snow for the immediate future.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS frontal view

I picked up the bike at around 2 PM and made my way home. I took the long way back to my house and tested the Ninja in traffic. I was very pleased with the way this motorcycle handles itself in traffic. I had the power mode set on full power and I never changed it during the entire review.

The bike was amazing in traffic. It did not feel out of place and was extremely good at cornering in the city. In my opinion, this motorcycle would be a wonderful commuter. It was in its environment in the city.

I was a bit disappointed with how dim the instrument cluster is during the day. It is not very bright which is a bit annoying.

I made it home and was admiring the looks of it as I was taking pictures for this article. The lines are very aggressive, yet it still looks refined. I found myself going outside on several occasions to just stare at the bike and admire the lines.

A friend showed up and was quite impressed with the bike. He also loved the look of it and was very pleased when I started it up and he heard the exhaust note for the first time.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS side view from rear angle

Evening Riding

The lights on the Ninja are nice and bright. Illumination is not an issue with this bike at all. The LED headlight and tail light are crisp and clear. If only the signal lights were also LED.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS headlights on at night

At night, the instrument cluster was well illuminated and easy to read. It is simple with an analog tachometer and a digital screen that shows your speed as well as the other functions such as the power mode, traction control settings, fuel etc… A bit utilitarian, but not overly cluttered with information. If it was this bright during the day, it would be a winner.

The windscreen is adjustable. I set it up to the sharpest angle and took a ride on the highway. I was satisfied with the way it deflected the wind away from my chest and head. I did not feel any helmet turbulence at highway speeds.

Back Road Riding

Gerry and Jim of Web Bike World riding their bikes

I met up with my friend and fellow Web Bike World content rider Jim Pruner in the morning. It was very close to freezing at 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit) and raining. We had breakfast and finally decided to get some miles in…

We decided not to do our usual Alberta Route 1A as it had snowed quite a bit the last few days and we did not want to take the chance to get caught up in a snowstorm. We headed east.

The Ninja was excellent in this weather. Given that this was a demo bike with about 1000 Km on it from test drives, the tire was well broken in and the bike did not let the cold and damp stop it from doing its thing. I was amazed at how well the bike accelerated. The handling in the turns was excellent and the braking was very nice.

Gerry posing with 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

I was not overly satisfied with the windshield in the rain. It did manage to disperse some of the moisture, but not all of it. My visor was bombarded with droplets during the entire time we were riding.

We rode for about 45 minutes and stopped in a small town east of Calgary. I was testing out a new Olympia X Moto 2 Jacket and Pant combo and I was not cold; however, my gloves were not up to the task. My hands were drenched and it was a bit discerning to see my left index finger as blue as if I had been eating blueberry pie.

Jim and I discussed my predicament and decided to switch bikes for a while. He rides a Kawasaki H2SX SE and it has heated grips. My hands were able to warm up. Both bikes are similar, but the Ninja 1000 is nowhere near the H2SX when it comes to comfort and performance. I guess that is understandable given the difference in price.

We kept riding for another hour and made our way back to Blackfoot Motosports.

Brakes

Brakes on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

The brakes on the Ninja 1000 ABS are amazing. They stop this machine without any issues. I was very happy to see how well they performed in cold weather and in the rain. The ABS is smooth and has the Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-Lock Brake System (KIBS) gives you additional peace of mind in the event of an emergency maneuver.

Seating

Seating on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

The seat on this bike is comfortable. It is not as comfortable as some more expensive motorcycles out there, but I would be able to do a long distance ride on this bike without too much complaining. It was firm, but not hard. The cushioning was adequate for longer trips and excellent for a commuter.

Power

Engine on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

The Ninja 1000 has good power down low that continues through the midrange and starts to take on a more aggressive attitude around 7,000 RPM. it has a nice controlled feel to it and in my opinion, the Ninja has an excellent sport touring powerplant.

Riding Position

Handlebars on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

I was quite comfortable on the Ninja 1000 ABS. I found that the higher handlebars were a huge benefit. I did not feel like I was resting on my wrists at all. Once the wind pushed me back a bit, my shoulders and hands were very relaxed.

As much as I like almost everything about the H2SX, I find that for me, the comfort level is better on the Ninja 1000 when it comes to the bars and the seat position.

Tires

Front tire on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

The Ninja 1000 ABS comes equipped with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tires. They work well, I found that I had very good traction at all times on wet and cold pavement.

The Ninja comes with a 120/70-ZR17 tire on the front and a 190/50-ZR17 on the rear.

Rear tire on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

Conclusion

I rate the Ninja 1000 ABS a 4 out of 5 stars.

I feel that the Ninja 1000 ABS has the styling of a more expensive bike. It is in line with the look of the H2SX and the ZX-10R.

In terms of comfort, I have nothing but good things to say about this motorcycle. The seat position, the handlebars, the suspension are excellent.

It handles like a dream. As far as power is concerned, the Ninja has plenty of power to satisfy most riders. It is very refined and with the traction control set a bit higher, I did not feel at any time that this bike was getting away from me. I would love for it to have a supercharger, but I appreciate all it gives in this price range.

I was pleasantly surprised at how many features this bike actually has for the price it is. Excellent brakes with ABS and Anti-lock, traction control and corner management as well as power mode selection. These features make the bike a contender in its class. Also, the fuel consumption of this bike is very good. The bike averaged 55 Mpg during this review.

I was a bit disappointed in a few things. The display is very dim during the day. I wish it was brighter. It was difficult on a gloomy day to properly see the display. I can just imagine how hard it would be in the blazing sun.

Instrument Display on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS

The windshield did well when it was not raining. I was hoping that it would have been excellent in the rain; however, it was mediocre.

Finally, it was disappointing that something as basic as heated grips and cruise control is not included in this bike. I would almost like to see the price go up a bit and that these options would be included in the bike. In my opinion, if you are going to position a motorcycle in the sport touring category, these items are a must.

Despite these few things, I feel that the Ninja 1000 ABS is an awesome machine and it is a contender in the sport touring category.

I recommend this bike to anyone that is thinking of getting into sport touring. I would recommend that some of the options mentioned above be installed during the initial purchase of the motorcycle to make your experience that much more enjoyable.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS Image Gallery

Rear tire on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS


Front tire on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS


Handlebars on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS


Engine on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS


2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS headlights on at night


Gerry and Jim of Web Bike World riding their bikes


Gerry posing with 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS


Brakes on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS


Seating on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS


2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS frontal view


2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS side view from rear angle


2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS


2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS in black at showroom


Instrument Display on 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS


The post 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS Hands-On Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

Categories
Full-Face Helmet Reviews Gear Reviews Motorcycle Helmet Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World

NENKI NK856 Helmet Hands-On Review

The NK-856 is a full-face helmet, manufactured by Chinese Manufacturer NENKI Helmets. It has a safety designation that meets or exceeds DOT FMVSS-218.

Full-face helmets offer added security to the head, namely in the face area while riding. They also help keep road noise down, and protect you from the wind, debris, and bugs if your motorcycle does not have a windshield or fairing.

NENKI NK856 Helmet resting on Motorcycle

This article takes into account several factors used to evaluate this helmet in real application. I evaluate the way it looks as well as the way it performs during actual road use over a few days of riding.

I tested this helmet while reviewing a CAN-AM Spyder F3S. Check it out here.

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

webBikeWorld has worked closely with Amazon over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Amazon

Free shipping (with Amazon Prime)
30-day return policy
Excellent selection
Competitive pricing

Buy These Helmets on Amazon

Exterior Appearance and Finishing

NENKI NK856 Helmet with Visor up

The NENKI is an aesthetically pleasing helmet. The helmet I reviewed was the Matte Black and Green. The graphics on the helmet are very present and make a bold statement.

The helmet comes with an anti-fog chrome visor that has a shade of gold. The visor accentuates the matte black and green graphics of the helmet.

The finish inside the helmet consists of a neoprene-like material that is removable for cleaning. It fastens on the inside with snaps. These snaps seem to do a good job at retaining the liner in the helmet.

The chinstrap is covered with the same neoprene-like material and the helmet is secured by the use of a D-ring styled buckle.

The helmet has several ventilation ports that can be opened and closed. Also, the helmet has a drop down black sun visor.

NENKI NK856 Helmet side view with visor down
Fit and Comfort

NENKI NK856 Helmet on model with Visor up

I did not find the NK-856 to be overly comfortable. The neoprene-like finish on the inside is not very thick and does not provide much buffering from the hard EPS impact foam.

Also, in the ear section, the material was a bit low and forced my ear to bend down. I thought it would adjust itself after a bit of riding; however, after 5 days of riding, I found that the material stayed the same and my ear was a bit irritated.

NENKI NK856 Helmet view underneath

The Neoprene like material that is used to line the inside of the helmet is not very durable. A small velcro strip on my riding jacket managed to damage the underside of the liner within an hour of driving.

Unfortunately, even though the helmet was a good fit at the beginning of the review, after 5 days of riding, I felt that the helmet had lost some of its retentions and it felt like it wanted to shift on my head when riding at highway speeds.

At one point, while riding with fellow writer Jim Pruner, we switched bikes and I found myself on his Kawasaki H2 SX SE. The forward riding position made me feel like the helmet was not allowing me to properly open or close my mouth. The padding was very tight against my face and it felt like I was biting the inside of my cheeks.

The Nenki website lists the weight of this helmet at 1500 g (3.3 lbs). It felt light and the weight was not uncomfortable on my head.

NENKI NK856 Helmet visor down on model

I am a big fan of micrometric buckles. This helmet does not feature this option and relies on metal d-rings for retention. I found that the D-rings were not the easiest to use and had a tendency to flip up while donning the helmet.

One nice feature of the retention strap was that it was covered in neoprene-like material. This prevented the strap from being a nuisance while riding in the wind.

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

webBikeWorld has worked closely with Amazon over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Amazon

Free shipping (with Amazon Prime)
30-day return policy
Excellent selection
Competitive pricing

Buy These Helmets on Amazon

Airflow and Venting

NENKI NK856 Helmet frontal view on model
The vents on this helmet are adequate to allow fresh air to circulate around the head; however, I did not find that the vent on the chinstrap did much to prevent air from coming in when it was closed. A neoprene-like gusset under the helmet worked well to prevent too much air and insects from entering the helmet around the neck area.

NENKI NK856 Helmet rear view of vents and logos

The little latches to open and close the vents are very stiff and are not very rider friendly especially if wearing gloves. You are best to anticipate how you want your vents to be set prior to when you leave and making adjustments when you stop.

Noise

Noise is a major concern.

Wind noise is omnipresent while wearing this helmet. There is very little noise buffering in the ear area.

The wind has a tendency to howl around the visor. This appears to be due to the fact that a proper seal is not achieved when the visor is closed and the thickness of the visor makes it kind of flimsy.

Visibility

Visibility with this helmet was adequate, but far from great.

The NK856 does not allow for a full peripheral view. The visor edge is a bit forward and a visor lock that does very little in keeping the visor from opening or closing is always in the corner of your eye.

The anti-fog chrome visor did not live up to its name. The visor fogs constantly and required me to frequently crack open the visor to get fresh air to come in and assist in defogging the visor. The redeeming factor with this visor is that once it was on, it has a very nice blue shade that made the sky appear much nicer than the smoke caused by forest fires covering Calgary and the surrounding areas during the testing of this helmet.

Changing out the visors on this helmet proved to be a real task. The levers used to change the visors were extremely stiff. It took me quite some time to change the visor from Chrome to Clear.

The drop down black sun visor was surprisingly very nice. It went down far enough to provide protection from the sun, it was clear and did not cause any concern with the already tinted chrome visor. I did not feel like I needed any sunglasses while using this helmet.

NENKI NK856 Helmet visor visibility

Conclusion

The NENKI NK856 is a low-cost helmet and it shows.

If you are a fair weather rider, or if you just need a helmet to go out once in a while on a friends bike or a rental, the NK856 might be a good option. It is not in line with some of the premiere helmets; however, it does not claim to be and it has found its niche in the inexpensive helmet category.

In the box, the helmet is shipped in a protective fleece helmet bag and includes the instruction manual and a clear visor. The one I received also had a dark visor and a replacement chrome visor. The finish on the helmet is nice. I found the graphics to be a bit bright for my tastes. That being said, I am very conservative when it comes to my riding gear.

Interestingly enough, I did get several compliments from strangers on my helmet. At breakfast, a little boy (around 10 years old) and his mom approached my girlfriend and I and he wanted to compliment me on my helmet. I let him try it on and he seemed to like it very much.

I was disappointed at the lack of a Micrometric buckle, but happy at the neoprene-like material around the strap.

The helmet is very well priced at US$ 99.99 MSRP

I recommend this helmet, but not to a serious rider. It is best suited for a person that only rides a few times a year.

*disclosure: NENKI helmets provided the NK856 at no charge for the purposes of this review.

Pros

  • Nice design
  • Includes Replacement Lenses
  • Lightweight
  • Very Inexpensive

Cons

  • On-Road Noise
  • Comfort
  • Low-quality material
  • Lack of micro-ratcheting buckle

Specs

  • Manufacturer: NENKI
  • Price When Tested: $99.99 USD
  • Made in: China
  • Alternative Models and Colors: Matte Black/Green, Matte Black/Orange, Matt Black/Red, Matte Black/Yellow
  • Sizes: M, L, XL
  • Safety Designations: Meets or exceeds DOT FMVSS-218 certified
  • Review Date: August 2018

Shopping Now? We Recommend:

webBikeWorld has worked closely with Amazon over the years to provide our testers with products to review. In addition to being a great site to shop from, they’re also a great partner.

Amazon

Free shipping (with Amazon Prime)
30-day return policy
Excellent selection
Competitive pricing

Buy These Helmets on Amazon

NENKI NK856 Helmet Image Gallery

NENKI NK856 Helmet resting on Motorcycle


NENKI NK856 Helmet view underneath


NENKI NK856 Helmet rear view of vents and logos


NENKI NK856 Helmet side view with visor down


NENKI NK856 Helmet


NENKI NK856 Helmet visor down on model


NENKI NK856 Helmet visor visibility


NENKI NK856 Helmet on model with Visor up


NENKI NK856 Helmet frontal view on model


NENKI NK856 Helmet with Visor up


The post NENKI NK856 Helmet Hands-On Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

Categories
CAN-AM F3-S Spyder Can-Am Motorcycles Gear Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World

2018 CAN-AM F3-S Spyder Review

Saddle Up For The Ride Of Your Life

Spyder owners are very passionate about their ride. They love the feeling of confidence and freedom they have when touring on the open road. They feel safe and most of all, they feel like they are part of something bigger, something more significant – a family.

I was given the opportunity by Bow Cycles in Calgary to try out this very cool machine for a couple of days. I would like to thank Dave and Rachel for this awesome opportunity.

Specifications

  • Rotax 1300 ACE in-line 3 cylinders, liquid-cooled with electronic fuel injection and electronic throttle control
  • 115 hp (85.8 kW) at 7250 rpm
  • 6-speed manual transmission w/reverse or 6-speed semi-automatic w/reverse
  • Double A-arm with anti-roll-bar front suspension w/ Fox podium shocks
  • Swing arm rear suspension with SACHS Shock
  • Foot operated, hydraulic 3-wheel brake
  • 270mm disc front brake w/Brembo 4 piston fixed calipers
  • 270mm disc rear brake w/1 piston floating caliper with integrated parking brake
  • Stability Control System
  • Traction Control System
  • Anti-Lock Braking System
  • Dynamic Power Steering
  • Digitally Encoded Security System
  • Electronic Cruise Control
  • Dry weight of 899 lbs. (408 Kg)
  • 27L (7.1 gal) Fuel tank capacity
  • 4.5L(1.2 gal) Reserve fuel
  • Starting at CAD$ 25,799

First Impressions

My first impression of the 2018 F3-S Spyder was how different from any other motorcycle this machine is. I was drawn in by the aggressive stance and the matte black color of the paint. The seat looked comfortable and I immediately felt like getting on.

After a quick introduction to the features, My colleague Jim Pruner and I took a moment to go around the machine and discuss the stance, the belt drive, the tires, the size of the footpegs and more.

Once it was started, I listened to the ROTAX 1300 ACE engine bring life into this somewhat strange yet inviting machine. The sound of the exhaust note was very nice at idle and I was wondering how it would feel to ride this bike home in rush hour traffic.

First Ride From The Dealer To My House

I pressed the button that disengages the electronic parking brake and proceeded to put the F3S in gear. It engages in first gear with quite a loud clunk. I released my foot off of the brake and turned the throttle. I was quite impressed with the low-end torque.

The first thing I noticed was how different it was to turn with a Spyder. Having 2 wheels in front, it feels much more like riding a quad instead of a traditional 2 wheeled motorcycle. Once I was on my way, I noticed how responsive the steering is on this machine. It actually turns very smoothly. The dynamic power steering requires less effort than I thought it would to control the F3-S on the street.

It takes some getting used to only having a foot pedal for braking. After being briefed on how to operate the Spyder, the subject came out that it is easy to forget that there is no hand lever for the front brakes. I found myself reaching for this lever all the way home. Luckily, I almost always use both my front brakes and rear brakes when riding.

The same goes for the clutch. Not being used to a semi-automatic transmission, I reached for the clutch a few times to be met with nothing except the downshift button that I ended up pressing a few times.

Once home, I really appreciated that the Spyder has a reverse gear. I got off the bike as Jim was pulling in with my truck. I mentioned to him that it would take some getting used to the seat. It is much wider than a standard motorcycle seat and I felt it in my hip flexors.

Evening Riding

I waited for it to get dark and decided to go for a ride to try out the instrument cluster and the lights. I went through a residential area and then got on the highway for a bit. The lights were bright and illuminated the road very nicely. In an urban setting, I felt that there were no issues in having a clear view of the road.

The instrument cluster was well illuminated and easy to read; however, I did find it boring. It consists of two analog gauges on both sides of a digital screen. I know that the other models of Spyders do not use this cluster. I found that it did not have much of an impact on me. I found it very utilitarian and unsophisticated.

The other thing that let me down during my evening ride was the lack of a fairing. I understand that it is available as an option and that it is available as standard equipment on some of the other models; however, it was not present on the F3-S and the result was a copious amount of bugs hitting the face shield on my helmet.

The rear lights are bright and I felt like I was very visible to other drivers.

City Riding

As it turned out, I had an additional day off on the same Friday that i wrote this review. Jim Pruner and I had made plans to go riding on Saturday so I took the opportunity to try out the Spyder in an urban setting. I had some errands to run and I wanted to see what it would be like to use the F3-S as a daily commuter.

After going to the grocery store, the hardware store and stopping for lunch, I went for a haircut. What really struck me was the amount of attention a rider gets when they are on a Spyder. I had multiple people stop by asking questions about the bike.

CAN-AM F3-S Spyder full frontal facing view

Coming out of my haircut, a small congregation of women had gathered around the Spyder and were asking me questions. One lady even asked me for a ride. Most of them seemed to be attracted to the Spyder due to the fact that it is stable.

One woman pointed out that the F3-S looks like something that you would see Batman riding down the streets of Gotham.

And with that, even though I was not sporting a cape or a cool utility belt, I did have a new haircut and that was enough for me to feel like a superhero for the rest of the weekend.

Country Road Riding

Road Test on Route 1A

I met up with Jim on Saturday morning at the A&W. We sat outside and had breakfast before setting out for our ride. During our short time there, we had a couple traveling through on their way to Montana on a Harley Davidson Trike stop and ask about the Spyder.

To be on the fair side, Jim rides a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE. A fellow street bike rider did stop to talk to Jim about his ride as well.

After breakfast, we took off on Alberta Route 1A with a thick layer of smoke from the forest fires in BC made a canopy of grey over our heads.

Route 1A is an amazing stretch of road. It goes from Airdrie to Canmore. The road has multiple twists and turns surrounded by beautiful scenery through the Rocky Mountains.

The road has its hazards as it is a two-lane road in a region that is very active with wildlife. One has to be alert while riding this road as sharp turns and elk do not mix well with motorcycles. The experience of this stretch of highway is amazing and is very rejuvenating.

Adapting to the Spyder

It’s about one third in the ride on the 1A that I finally felt comfortable with the Spyder. I finally understood that in order to appreciate this machine, you have to completely tune out everything that is instinctive with having ridden motorcycles for a long time.

You MUST resist your natural instincts to countersteer. The bike turns like a quad or a snowmobile. Not like a regular motorcycle. Leaning does very little. It will not make the bike move. Turning the handlebars will. It takes a bit of practice; however, once you get the hang of it, it becomes a blast to ride.

Again, I felt like the lack of a fairing or windscreen was a concern. The wind has a tendency to get you in the chest and helmet area. If you are gripping the handlebars too tight as I was doing at the beginning, you really start to feel the strain in your shoulders.

Highway Pegs Instead of Footpegs

The footpegs are good in the city. They are comfortable; however, they are kind of a pain on a longer ride. Floorboards would definitely give you more flexibility in positioning your feet.

That being said, I was thinking about how nice it would be to have highway pegs on the F3-S. That thought got cut short when I realized that if your foot is not on the footpeg and you are required to brake, highway pegs would greatly reduce your stopping time as there is no brake lever on the handlebars.

Custom Brakes

Speaking of brakes, the custom Brembo brakes on the Spyder are spectacular. They will easily stop this machine faster than most motorcycles.

Seating

Once I got accustomed to the seat, I found that it was very comfortable for a long ride. The only limitation is that the footpegs on the unit I rode were not fitted for me. When purchasing a Spyder, adjustments can be done to custom fit it to your needs for an additional cost.

Power

I found that the mid-range power on this unit was very enjoyable. It has good acceleration both from a full stop and from a rolling start.

A Second Opinion from a Friend

At one point, Jim and I decided to switch bikes to get his opinion on the F3-S. I got on his H2 SX SE and he took the Spyder. Needless to say, It is not fair to compare the two bikes. I do have to say that I was quite impressed at the handling of the Kawasaki on Route 1A.

Jim did a mini review on the Spyder and as I suspected, he was not as enthusiastic about it as I was. He wrote up a short blurb which I have included:

“Here are my impressions from only a half hour ride.

Pros

  • Comfortable seat and riding position
  • Decent power
  • Fox shocks absorb bumps well
  • Good storage in the trunk
  • Good braking
  • Fun to ride and attracts women that want to talk about the Spyder

Cons

  • Relatively Poor fuel efficiency about 30mpg
  • Front shocks “roll” during hard cornering which is unnerving
  • Dash works fine but LCD is lame. Should be TFT at this price point
  • Turn signal indicator doesn’t show which direction has been selected. Looks like hazard lights are on
  • Expensive to buy

Overall I think I would buy the Polaris Slingshot or a Harley Davidson trike first.”

Stopping for Poutine

We went for lunch at this amazing little restaurant in Canmore called 514 Poutine. They serve traditional Montreal style Poutine. Low and behold, another group of people gathered around the F3S and asked questions, asked to sit on it. It was a blast.

When we got back to Airdrie, I went to the gas station as the gas light had turned on and I was almost out of fuel. I was really surprised at how low a gas economy I got from the F3S. We calculated the gas rating to about 30 Mpg.

Couples Riding

My girlfriend is not the biggest fan of riding on a motorcycle. I was very surprised when I asked her if she wanted to go for breakfast on the bike and she enthusiastically said yes. We decided to have breakfast at the Calgary Farmers Market as it has a wonderful assortment in the food court area.

This would also be a good time to try out the cargo area and see how many fresh vegetables we could fit it there. As it turns out, it’s quite a lot.

CAN-AM F3-S Spyder inner cargo area for storage

After the market, I stopped in an empty parking lot and got my girlfriend to try out the Spyder. She has never ridden a street motorcycle before and I wanted her impression. I quickly showed her the throttle, the brakes and how to shift using the semi-automatic position.

Instinctively, she was able to handle the F3-S like a seasoned rider.

After our ride, I asked her opinion on the ride. She enjoyed the seat, the suspension, and the stability. Also, when I asked if she would feel comfortable riding one on the street, she said that she would prefer it to a two-wheel motorcycle.

Riding Position

CAN-AM F3-S Spyder side view, with seating area and foot pegs

I was quite comfortable on the F3S Spyder. The seat is comfortable and the riding position is very much like a touring bike. This would be much better with a fairing or windscreen.

At highway speeds, the wind really hits you in the sternum and seems to make you tense up your shoulders. An alternative would be to have the handlebars lowered on this sport model and to have more of a sportbike riding position.

The foot position could be improved. In my opinion, floorboards would be a more comfortable option.

Instrument Cluster

The analog styled cluster on the F3S was adequate and utilitarian, but it was boring. It would be better to have a digital display as the one on the touring models. I found that I focused on the digital display and that the analog gauges on either side were of no use to me.

CAN-AM F3-S Spyder digital & analog instrument cluster

Tires

The Spyder F3-S comes equipped with Kenda tires. They work well, I found that I had very good traction at all times on warm and cold pavement.

The F3-S comes with 165/55R15 tires on the front and a 225/50R15 on the rear.

Closeup of Kenda tire on CAN-AM F3-S Spyder

I was concerned with the size of the tires on the spyder. They appeared to me at first to be an irregular size tire and that they would be difficult to find in a rural area. While these tires are not overly common, I was amazed that both sizes were available at Walmart.

Brakes

The brakes on the Spyder F3S are spectacular. There is no question that the Brembo brakes on this machine were designed to have you stop on a dime. I was surprised at just how efficient they are.

  • Front: 270 mm disks with Brembo 4 piston fixed calipers.
  • Rear: 270 mm disk with a 1 piston floating caliper with an integrated parking brake.

CAN-AM F3-S Spyder rear view of custom Brembo brakes

Conclusion

I rate the F3-S Spyder a 3.8 out of 5 stars.

It took me a couple of days to really appreciate the 2018 Can-Am Spyder F3-S. I was really unsure at the beginning, but I kept an open mind.

I am very glad I did. The spyder handles well, it accelerates well, it stops on a dime. I loved the stability of it, It does an excellent job at riding with a passenger and were it equipped with a few available options such as a fairing and floorboards, would make an excellent choice for touring.

I believe that the Spyder, in general, has a niche market. It is an excellent candidate for a rider that has difficulty with leaning into turns. Once you experience vertigo on a motorcycle, it makes it quite difficult to go out and ride.

It also caters to individuals that have difficulty holding up a touring bike because of decreased leg strength. It is a good candidate for an individual that is not looking to be on two wheels but enjoys riding on the open road.

It comes with a 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty with the option of adding an additional 12, 24 or 36 months with the B.E.S.T. Extended Service.

The price of the Spyder is subjective some find it expensive, some find it affordable. The Model I tested was listed at around C$24,000. Prices start at around C$20,000.

The biggest surprise I got from testing the F3-S was how difficult it was to give it back. I really liked the ride and would definitely consider this amazing machine as a touring bike for myself.

If you are new to the touring scene or have been riding for a long time and find it difficult to put in those long hauls due to stability issues, I recommend looking into the Spyder line of products. Keep an open mind, allow yourself to experience the ride. You might be pleasantly surprised.

The post 2018 CAN-AM F3-S Spyder Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

Categories
Full-Face Helmet Reviews Gear Reviews Helmet Review Motorcycle Helmet Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World Zox zox primo

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Hands-On Review

In this article, I will be reviewing the third of three ZOX helmets, the Primo C Track.

This is a full face helmet. A full face helmet covers the entire head, with a rear that covers the base of the skull, and a protective section over the front of the chin.

This type of helmet offers the maximum protection to the rider’s head in the event of a crash.

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Box Details

I tested this helmet using a Ducati Monster 821 provided by Bow Cycles in Calgary. Check out their website here.

Please keep a lookout for my article reviewing this amazing motorcycle in the near future.

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Back View

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Back View Closeup

I like the protection that a full face helmet gives me when I am on a motorcycle. In 2016, the United Nations published the motorcycle helmet study. This study determined that motorcycle helmets improve the chances of survival of a rider involved in a traffic crash by 42% and help avoid 69% of injuries to riders.

A PDF of this publication can be found here.

Diagram of impact areas on crash-involved motorcycle helmets

Source via the Dietmar Otte, Hannover Medical University, Dept. of Traffic Accident Research, Germany

The diagrams above show the impact areas on crash-involved motorcycle helmets. Note that 35% of all crashes showed a major impact on the chin bar area. This means that if you ride with an open face helmet, you are accepting only 65% of the protection that could be available to your head.

Appearance and Finishing

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Side View with Visor Down

The helmet is very good looking with clean lines and the finish is also very appealing.

The inside of the helmet is excellent. The material used was very good at keeping my head relatively dry. The interior liner is removable for cleaning. I removed the interior liner and reinstalled it without any issues.

The only thing lacking is a micrometric buckle to ensure that the helmet strap is properly fastened. The lack of a micrometric buckle made cinching the strap difficult with gloves as it requires the wearer to loop the chin strap through the buckle.

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Underside View

Fit and Comfort

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Fitted View on Model

I found the Primo to be very comfortable. ZOX’s patented conehead technology assures that the helmet provides excellent support around the head without having downward pressure from the top of the helmet.

I found that once the helmet was on, it wanted to naturally stay on my head, and once I was riding, in town as well as at highway speeds, the helmet did not feel like it was moving around at all.

This helmet weighs 1650 g (3.6 lbs). It is not the lightest helmet I have worn; however, because of the conehead technology, it was comfortable and did not feel like a weight on my head.

The inside of the helmet features communication ready EPS ear pockets. The added space of these ear pockets makes the helmet that much more comfortable.

Airflow and Venting

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Rear view on top of ZOX Box

The helmet has integrated ducts for maximum airflow and rear extractor that create a venturi-effect to keep your head nice and cool. It was approximately 26 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) when I tested this helmet. The ducts worked very well.

The front vent can be opened or closed using a lever incorporated in the vent. It provided ample airflow to keep the helmet from fogging up.

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Fitted View from Front on Model

Noise

The helmet worked very well at keeping the road noise at a low level. The Ducati Monster 821 has an awesome exhaust note, but it is not very loud. I found that the helmet did an excellent job at keeping road noise and wind noise to a minimum even at highway speeds.

Visibility

This helmet has excellent visibility. I rode with the visor up and the visor down (mostly down given I was on a sportbike). The visor is clear and is also scratch resistant. My peripheral vision was not affected by the sides of the helmet.

The design of the chin bar is such that you can still see your instrument cluster clearly without having to lower your head and using the mirrors did not require moving your head due to an obstruction.

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Fitted View from Side on Model

Exterior Visor

The exterior visor is very well constructed. It is scratch resistant on the outside and is fog resistant on the inside. I was able to remove the exterior visor and reinstall it without difficulty and without tools using the quick release visor fastening system. Should I need to replace it in the future, the process would be quite simple.

The functionality of the exterior visor is excellent with solid clicks as you lift or lower the visor from one position to another. A rubber gasket ensures that the visor seals to the helmet.

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet with Visor Up

Conclusion

The ZOX Primo C Track is a very good helmet at a very affordable price.

If you are looking for a premium full face helmet, this one is a great choice. A full face helmet is probably the most important piece of safety equipment you will ever own. I am confident that this helmet will meet or exceed most people’s needs. It is well built, it looks good, it is quite comfortable to wear and has a scratch proof, fog proof visor.

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet in protective fleece helmet bag on top of ZOX Box

In the box, the helmet ships in a protective fleece helmet bag. Included in the box is the owner’s manual and two ZOX stickers. The finish of this helmet in matte black is subdued and clean. It will go well with your leathers or with your kevlar jacket.

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet on top of ZOX Box

I recommend this helmet.

The lack of a micrometric buckle on this helmet reduces the ability for quick donning and doffing; furthermore, if you have gloves on, getting the strap through the buckle is a bit awkward. This does not affect the retention of the helmet on your head. Once the strapped is cinched, the helmet is secured.

The helmet is very well priced at CAD$199.99 MSRP

*disclosure: ZOX helmets provided the PRIMO C TRACK at no charge for the purpose of this review.

Pros

  • Aesthetically Pleasing
  • Good Quality
  • Comfortable
  • Affordable.

Cons

  • Lack of a micrometric buckle for the chin strap.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: ZOX Helmets
  • Where to Buy: ZOX Helmets
  • Price when tested: CAD$ 199.99 MSRP
  • Made in: China
  • Alternative Models and Colors: Matte Dark Silver, Matte White, Matte Hi-Viz. Yellow, Red, and Blue.
  • Sizes: XS, X, M, L, XL, 2XL
  • Safety Designations: Meets or exceeds DOT Safety Standards FMVSS 218, SNELL M2015, AMA Pro Racing, RACE, CMRC and other Professional Racing Standards
  • Review Date: July, 2018

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Image Gallery

ZOX Primo C Track Helmet on top of ZOX Box


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet in protective fleece helmet bag on top of ZOX Box


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet with Visor Up


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Fitted View from Side on Model


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Fitted View from Front on Model


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Fitted View on Model


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Underside View


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Rear view on top of ZOX Box


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Side View with Visor Down


Diagram of impact areas on crash-involved motorcycle helmets


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Back View Closeup


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Back View


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet


ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Box Details


 

The post ZOX Primo C Track Helmet Hands-On Review appeared first on Web Bike World.

Categories
Gear Reviews helmet Motorcycle Helmet Articles Other Motorcycle Blogs Web Bike World Zox zox helmet

Affordable Helmets by ZOX: Our Impressions

About ZOX Helmets

For over 10 years, ZOX helmets have been providing quality helmets at a great price. The philosophy behind the ZOX brand is to provide an affordable, safe, stylish helmet to the public.

ZOX has been involved in the Canadian racing community since the very beginning on a local, provincial and national level. They are involved in several charitable projects and support youth and professional riders across the country with helmets. They also sponsor numerous riders, races, and series.

Construction and Safety Standards

The helmets themselves are well designed and are constructed from the latest technology materials. The facility in which the helmets are manufactured in is state of the art and is certified to ISO 9001-2000 standards.

Testing of the products is rigorous to ensure compliance by meeting or exceeding DOT and Snell certifications.

DOT is the US Government’s Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT sets minimum standards that all helmets sold for motorcycling on public streets must meet. The standard is the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218) and is known commonly as the DOT Standard.

The Snell Memorial Foundation is a private non-profit organization that sets voluntary standards for motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets and auto racing helmets, as well as other kinds of protective headgear. Snell standards are the world’s toughest and demand quite a bit more protective capability in helmets than anybody else on the planet.

ZOX helmets offer a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase with proof of purchase.

ZOX has a great lineup of helmets for everyone regardless of what you ride. They have a product line of Street, Dirt and Snow helmets.

Street

The lineup of street helmets offered by ZOX includes Full Face, Modular, Dual Sport and Open Face categories.

Full Face

ZOX Full Face Helmet

In the Full Face Category, ZOX helmets start at CAD$ 89.99 for the GALAXY SOLID, all the way to C$349.99 for the ODYSSEY CARBON VIGILANCE.

ZOX provided me with the Primo C Track for review.

I found the helmet to be of excellent quality at a great price of C$199.99. This helmet was priced in the middle of the price range for ZOXs full face helmet line.

I tested this helmet on a 2018 Ducati Monster 821. I was amazed at just how well it fit and performed.

Modular

ZOX Modular Helmet

ZOXs Modular category has a good selection of helmets starting at C$139.99 with the CONDOR SVS SOLID all the way to the BRIGADE SVS VOYAGER at C$179.99.

I was provided a Brigade SVS Solid by ZOX for review.

I tested this helmet on my 2007 Harley Davidson FLHTCU. I was impressed at the quality of this helmet. It was comfortable, kept my head cool, was easy to put on and to remove due to the micrometric buckle on the chin strap.

The quality of the build was excellent. The buttons were easy to use with gloves. All in all, it proved to be an excellent modular at the affordable price of C$ 149.99.

Dual Sport

In the Dual Sport category, ZOX offers a product line that starts at C$149.99 with the RUSH SFX up to C$259.99 for the Z-DS10 STITCH.

I have not had the opportunity to review a ZOX Dual Sport Helmet yet, I hope to have the chance in the future.

Open Face

ZOX Open Face Helmet

ZOXs Open Face Category features a very comprehensive lineup of helmets to suit most Open Face helmet riders needs. From half helmets, traditional open face helmets with or without a visor to open face helmets with a face shield, ZOX has a helmet that will fit your needs.

Prices start at C$59.99 for a Classic Solid (C$ 49.99 Classic Junior Solid for kids) all the way to C$123.99 for the Mikro “Custom” Flare.

ZOX helmets provided me with a Mikro Old School Solid for review.

It tested this helmet on my 2008 Harley Davidson XL Custom Bobber. I usually wear a half helmet while riding my bobber.

I enjoyed the helmet a lot. It was very comfortable. It had a micrometric buckle that made it easy to put the helmet on and to take it off, even with gloves. The look of the helmet was very sleek. The helmet I reviewed was Matte Black that gave it a nice subdued look.

Also, the Mikro does not have a visor or snaps for a visor which I prefer in a half helmet.

Dirt

ZOX has a complete lineup of dirt bike helmets, both in the Motocross and Open Face categories.

Motocross

The Motocross category is well covered by ZOX. Prices range from C$104.99 for the Rush Solid to C$329.99 for the Matrix Carbon.

For Kids, there are three Rush Junior helmets available in Solid at C$79.99 as well as Sharpie and Code at C$89.99.

I have not reviewed any of ZOX’s Motocross helmets at this time.

Open Face

At the time of this article, ZOX offers two open face helmets for dirt applications. The Classic Camo at C$99.99 and the Banos STG Camo at C$109.99

Snow

ZOX helmets offers a full range of full face, modular and open face helmets for snow applications. I will not go into details on the snow line given that this article is focussed towards motorcycle riders; however, I was quite impressed at the selection of snow helmets available on ZOXs website.

Sizing Information for Maximum Protection

New riders sometimes get caught up in brand names and can end up with very expensive equipment that may not get a lot of use.

The important thing to remember when it comes to a helmet is in order for it to offer maximum protection, it has to fit properly. It should be snug and sized correctly. It should not feel too tight or too loose.

In order for a ZOX helmet to fit properly and fit comfortably, the helmet must be snug. It must be sized to your head correctly. The best way to check sizing is to put the helmet on and see that it feels snug equally all around your head.

The ZOX website offers a chart to use in order to ensure that your helmet will fit properly. Alternatively, any dealer that sells ZOX helmets will be able to help you find a helmet that is properly sized for you.

Conclusion

I am impressed with ZOX helmets. They are a progressive company with a mission to make safety affordable.

As an experienced rider, I have had many helmets in the past. I find that the quality of the helmets produced by ZOX to be very good. It is important to have good safety equipment while riding.

I feel that the price should not be a negating factor to ensure that your protective equipment is in good condition. ZOX helmets understands this and has been able to provide affordable safety without compromising quality.

The post Affordable Helmets by ZOX: Our Impressions appeared first on Web Bike World.

Categories
Gear Reviews Helmet Review Motorcycle Helmet Reviews Open-Face Helmet Reviews Other Motorcycle Blogs review Web Bike World Zox ZOX Brigade

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Hands-On Review

The Brigade SVS Solid is a modular helmet. A modular helmet is defined as being a hybrid between an open face helmet and a full face helmet. They are sometimes referred to as convertible or flip face helmets.

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet Box Details

I tested this helmet using my 2007 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. Please keep an eye out for an article on this wonderful touring bike in the near future.

I enjoy wearing a modular helmet when I am riding my touring bike. I go between a ¾ helmet and a modular depending on where I am going. I enjoy the modular for longer rides when I will be on the highway for prolonged periods.

I find that a modular helmet provides me with the extra protection with a chin bar while riding, with the convenience of an open face helmet when fueling or having a conversation with other riders when stopped.

Appearance and Finishing

This is a very sleek, very good looking helmet. The finish is clean and the lines of the helmet flow smoothly.

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet with Visor up

The helmet has three adjustable vents with molded rubber tabs in the front, two on the top and one in the rear of the helmet. The helmet features a control on the side of the helmet for the integrated sun visor and a one hand opening lever at the front to lift the chin bar.

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet Visor up frontal view

The inside of the helmet is very nice. The material used was very good at keeping my head relatively dry. I also liked that the chin strap is equipped with a micrometric buckle that makes donning and doffing the helmet very easy, even with gloves.

The interior liner is removable for cleaning. I removed the interior and reinstalled it easily without any issues.

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet closeup of interior

The helmet I reviewed was gloss black. The colors available are Gloss Black, Matte Black, Silver, White, Titanium, and Wine Red.

Fit and Comfort

I found it to be very comfortable. ZOX’s patented conehead technology assures that the helmet provides excellent support around the head without having downward pressure from the top of the helmet. I found that once the helmet was on, it wanted to naturally stay on my head, and once I was riding, in town as well as at highway speeds, the helmet did not feel like it was moving around at all.

This helmet weighs 1650 g (3.6 lbs). It’s not the lightest helmet I have worn; however, because of the conehead technology, it was comfortable and did not feel like a weight on my head.

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet Visor up as shown while worn

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet side view with visor up while worn

The Micrometric buckle was very convenient. I really like that this feature allows for easy on and off. I tried using the buckle with my gloves while donning and doffing the helmet. In both cases, the process was easy.

The inside of the helmet has communication ready EPS ear pockets. These pockets give your ear a bit more space for added comfort.

Airflow and Venting

The helmet has several vents and all have molded rubber tabs that make it easy to use, even while wearing gloves. The helmet has three vents on the chin bar. One in front of the mouth area and two on either side. Two vents are located at the top of the helmet and finally, there is one vent at the very back of the helmet.

I tried the helmet with the vents both open and closed. It was approximately 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) at the time of this review. The vents worked wonderfully at keeping my head cool.

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet rear view

One-handed Opening Lever

I was quite impressed with how smooth it was to raise the chin bar on this helmet. The lever is located dead center below the front vent. Even with gloves, it was easy to find and operate the lever. The chin bar raises easily and stays in place when up.

Lowering the chin bar is equally smooth and the mechanism that locks the chin bar in place is very tactile. There is no mistaking that the chin bar is latched.

Noise

The helmet worked very well at keeping road noise at a low level. I have a Vance and Hines aftermarket exhaust on my Ultra Classic and while the tone is quite pleasant, it is not by any means quiet. A seal between the visor and jaw as well as enhanced interior materials did a great job at protecting my ears from the road and wind noise.

Visibility

The visibility is excellent. I tried the helmet with the visor up and the visor down. The visor is clear and scratch resistant. I found that my peripheral vision was not affected by the side of the helmet. The design of the chin bar is such that you can still see your instruments without having to lower your head.

My only complaint is that when you lower the sun shield, the glare between the two shields can be a bit distracting, especially on a touring motorcycle with a tall windscreen.

The Exterior Visor

The exterior visor is very well constructed. It is scratch resistant on the outside and fog resistant on the inside. I was able to remove the exterior visor and reinstall it without difficulty. This is very handy should I need to replace it in the future.

The functionality of the exterior visor is excellent with solid clicks as you lift or lower the visor from one position to another. The rubber gasket does a great job at sealing the visor to the helmet. Even with all of the vents closed on the helmet, the visor did not fog up.

The Solar Visor System

In terms of functionality, the Solar Visor System works well. It has a good sturdy button on the side of the helmet that allows moving the visor up and down easily even while wearing gloves without having to lift the exterior visor. Removing and reinstalling the visor for cleaning is simple and requires no tools.

The visor itself leaves to be desired. The tint level is good; however, I feel that it would do a great job were just a little bit lower, or if the bottom of the solar visor was not cut at the angle that it is. I found that the way it is cut, it lets in too much light and I also find the shape of the cut to be distracting.

Also, as mentioned previously, I found that with a touring bike like mine with a tall windscreen, if the exterior visor and the sun solar visor are down at the same time, it created a glare that I was not comfortable with. I tried the solar visor out for a bit but reverted back to my sunglasses.

Conclusion

The ZOX Brigade SVS Solid is a very well-built helmet offered at a very affordable price.

If a good quality, fair priced modular is what you are after, I recommend this one. I find that a modular helmet is one of those pieces of kit that will get good use. If you are planning on doing any highway riding, the added protection and reduced noise will be greatly appreciated.

If you are riding in cooler weather, a modular helmet will keep you warmer; furthermore, this particular helmet will give you all of that at a price that won’t break the bank.

In the box, the helmet is shipped in a protective fleece helmet bag and includes the instruction manual and two ZOX stickers. The finish of this helmet in gloss black is quite sleek. It will go well with your leathers or with your Kevlar Jacket.

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet on top of Zox box

I was really impressed with the micrometric buckle. It was easy to adjust and very easy to use even with gloves.

As far as the Solar Visor is concerned, even though it did not go low enough for my needs, it might work well for individuals with different facial features. I would not let this one thing discourage me from buying this helmet. After all, I rarely leave the house without my sunglasses anyway.

This helmet is very well priced at $149.99 USD

*disclosure: ZOX helmets provided the Brigade SVS Solid at no charge for the purposes of this review.

Pros

  • Great Design
  • Very Good Quality
  • Comfortable
  • Well Vented
  • Very Affordable

Cons

  • Integrated Sun Visor

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: ZOX
  • Where to Buy: ZOX
  • Price when tested: $149.99 USD
  • Made in: China
  • Alternative Models and Colors: Gloss Black, Matte Black, Silver, White, Titanium and Wine Red
  • Sizes: Two Shell Sizes and Three EPS lining sizes, XS to 5XL
  • Safety Designations:    Meets or exceeds DOT FMVSS-218 and ECE 22.05
  • Review Date: July 2018

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Image Gallery

ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet on top of Zox box



ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet rear view


ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet side view with visor up while worn


ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet Visor up as shown while worn


ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet Box Details


ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet featured on Bike


ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet with Visor up


ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet Visor up frontal view


ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Helmet closeup of interior



The post ZOX Brigade SVS Solid Hands-On Review appeared first on Web Bike World.