Category: Motorcycle Jeans

This week, we’re looking at a high-end pair of riding jeans, an entry-level helmet, and a stylish military-style jacket that sits in between. Let’s dive right in.

Urban Helmets BigBore helmet

The basics: Retro full-face design; removable visor; DOT approved; $189.95

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to retro helmets, with plenty of options at both the high and low ends of the affordability scale. Urban Helmets’ BigBore full face helmet won’t cost you an arm and a leg—but its premium look suggests a much higher price tag.

The general vibe is classic race helmet, with a narrow eye port and a high jaw. It’s close to Biltwell Inc.’s popular Gringo, but with more curves, and with a couple of extra details.

The narrow mouth vent, and round vent holes across the top, are more than just a little reminiscent of Bell’s Bullitt. And the removable visor is much like the one on the Nexx XG100—attaching to the shell via elastic straps, with press studs.

Out the box, the BigBore looks and feels great. The gloss black finish I opted for is downright classy, with a slick chrome trim along the eye port and bottom. It’s finished off with nifty details like an Urban Helmets logo up top, and faux leather trim just below it and at the back.

There’s even some contouring on the side that serves no purpose, other than to reinforce the throwback race helmet vibe. Compliments abound whenever I wear it.

A few flaws reveal themselves under really close scrutiny though. The chrome trim on my helmet isn’t perfectly straight in at least one section, a bit of plastic on the mouth vent hasn’t been trimmed properly, and the small dot-shaped vents up top don’t sit 100 percent flush. (And they’re just for show, since they don’t actually seem to let any air in.)

Popping the BigBore on reveals a plush interior and a true-to-size fit. It’s comfy out the box without any pressure or friction points, and cinches down with a run of the mill double D-ring strap. The liner features an neat contrast-stitched diamond pattern, and there’s a spare set of cheek pads in the box.

With that high chin bar though, anyone with a longer face is going to have their chin either flush with, or sticking out, the bottom. That’s me, but it’s really down to your personal head shape. (I have the exact same problem with the Biltwell Gringo.)

I do have one big gripe with the BigBore though, and that’s its visor. When it’s ‘on,’ it actually seals pretty well, thanks to a strip of rubber that runs around the eye port. No helmet of this type’s going to block wind noise on the open road, but the visor does make it a touch quieter.

Here’s the rub: it’s impossible to get the visor on and off with one hand, and when it’s off, there’s no decent place to put it. It seems natural to push it up like a regular visor, but after just one ride of doing that, the ‘vents’ will scratch the daylights out of it. And at any sort of speed, the wind starts picking it up. What’s more, I regularly have to re-align the rubber trim on the visor itself, which has a habit of popping off.

Without the visor attached, your only option is a pair of shades, because no goggle’s going to fit into that narrow opening. Granted, most of those issues plague any visor system like this. But I reckon this is one feature that deserves a little more time on the drawing board.

That aside, when you weigh the BigBore’s attractiveness and general comfort against its relatively low price, it’s worth considering. [Buy]

Pando Moto M65 jacket

The basics: single-layer, military-style riding jacket; Knox CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor; EUR379.

Based in Lithuania, Pando Moto’s forté is designing extremely stylish gear. But does their gear actually function well too? I donned their new M65 jacket to find out.

As its name implies, the M65 is inspired by the classic military field coat—but with a few moto-specific features. It’s a traditionally longer, four-pocket design, made from 16 oz canvas woven with Dyneema (an ultra-strong fiber that adds abrasion resistance).

Camo isn’t usually my deal, but it’s subtle enough here that I actually like the aesthetic. And while the jacket isn’t overly heavy, it does have a great, robust feel to it.

It’s really well made too, with some really slick details in the mix. The collar and cuffs are lined with a plush, corduroy-like fabric, and both the collar closure and velcro cuff adjusters are made from really heavy duty nylon.

The cuffs even include triangular flaps that are held back by a velcro patch, and can be deployed to cover the gap between your gloves and jacket. They only work well up until a certain speed, when the wind just pushes them back into place.

Branding is virtually non-existent, and the small inner pocket and velcro strip above the breast pocket (for attaching your name to) are both nice touches. Minimalism reigns supreme; there’s just one layer to the M65, with no built-in or removable liner.

It ships with Knox elbow and shoulder armor, which is quick and easy to pop in and doesn’t add much bulk. There’s a pouch for a back protector, but the actual pad’s not included.

Given the styling, I was expecting the M65 to be an oversized affair, like a camo parka. But it’s cut a lot slimmer than it looks. I’m what you would call ‘cuddly,’ so I picked an XXL based on Pando’s size chart. It fits, but it’s a tight squeeze; if Pando made an XXXL, I’d get that instead.

It’s not a problem if you’re in decent shape—but if you’re on the cusp of two sizes, carrying a little extra padding or want a roomier fit, check the chart, then go one size up.

Despite the sizing, the M65 was supremely comfortable in the shoulder area. That’s because Pando have included a feature we see way too little of: bi-swing panels. (They’re basically gusseted shoulder blade sections, with elastic bits hidden inside the jacket to increase mobility.) They’ve also added adjustment tabs at the sides to cinch the jacket down.

I wish the M65 came with better press studs though. They’re small and fiddly, and tricky to use with gloves on. I’d also build in hand warmer pockets, and I’d ditch the drawstring along the bottom. (The brass clasps on it have a nasty habit of jingling against your fuel tank.) I’d love to see Pando address those niggles, and maybe cut the M65 a little roomier.

But even as it stands, the M65 might just become my go-to for ‘tweener seasons—both on and off the bike. Provided I lay off the pies, of course. [Buy]

Saint Model 2 armored jeans

The basics: single-layer Dyneema chassis, CE-approved knee and hip armor, AU$350.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve been a long-time fan of Saint’s riding jeans. It’s true, they’re a bit on the pricey side—but their mix of style, comfort and protection is tough to beat.

The Model 2 is an upgrade on the Model 1 that I reviewed some time ago. It’s a subtle overhaul, but the differences are notable. The Model 2 still uses the same material; cotton woven with UHMWPE (basically, Dyneema).

If you want to run the numbers, Saint use 66 percent UHMWPE in high impact areas, and 10 percent in low impact areas. It’s a single layer construction that avoids the need for extra protective layers. And that means all-day comfort.

The cut is best described as a relaxed straight fit, similar to a good pair of work pants. I prefer slim, tapered jeans, but we all have different tastes—and the wider cut makes the Model 2s easier to slip over bulky boots.

I grabbed the same size as I would for any other denims, and the Saints fitted perfectly right off the bat. I wish Saint offered them in different lengths though; they only come in a 36 leg, which is long even for my six foot frame.

The Model 2 ships with CE level 1 knee armor, and level 2 hip armor. To keep things comfy, Saint have added accordion panels above the knees, and at the back, above the pockets. It’s a slightly different layout to the Model 1, but it cuts a much cleaner silhouette.

The knee pads slip into mesh pockets, with high and low settings. It’s not the best design I’ve seen—the armor tends to sit a little off to the side, and on really hot days the mesh eventually irritates my skin.

As for the hip pads, the pouches for those are made from the same hardy fabric as the regular pockets, which seems like a strange approach. A softer fabric in both areas would make a huge difference.

Admittedly, I’ve never been a huge fan of armored riding pants—even if they are safer. So having a pair on hand that can almost pass for regular denims in both look and feel, is a bonus. [Buy]

Images by Devin Paisley.

Today I’m breaking down three pieces of gear that have very quickly become staples in my closet. Say hello to the helmet that’s converted me to modern lids, a jacket that I’d wear to meetings, and my new favorite jeans.

Let’s dive right in…

Shoei RYD Helmet I’m a dyed-in-the-wool retro helmet guy. Call me a hipster or a slave to fashion, but I really like simple, stylish helmets in classic styles, and I think they suit the bikes we feature here more than modern lids do.

Here’s the problem though: retro helmets are great for cruising around on scramblers or cafe racers. But on faster bikes, or over longer distances, they pretty much suck. They’re noisy, not very aerodynamic, and often don’t vent well. So when I got an invite to tour Eastern Europe on a bagger, I knew none of the old-school helmets in my humble collection were going to cut it. Luckily Shoei Helmets UK came to the rescue, hooking me up with the new Shoei RYD (sold in the US as the RF-SR, with a breath guard).

Let’s get this out the way immediately: I love this helmet, and I’m not ashamed to admit that that’s fifty percent down to its looks. Shoei kept the RYD’s aesthetic subtle and understated, with a lack of excessive contours, and proportions that are vaguely reminiscent of old racing helmets. So it cuts a neutral silhouette that complements my Kawasaki W650 as much as the Ducati Monster 797 I was hooning around on the other day.

The RYD comes in at £350, and is only available in solid colors. I opted for the matt blue metallic finish paired with a tinted visor, and was floored by how good it looks in the light of day. The combination of metallic paint and a matt finish is every bit as stunning as it sounds, and the overall build quality is stellar. (But be warned—that matt finish is a real pain to keep clean.)

The other half of my love for the RYD is all about how good it feels. My pip measures 62cm, which puts me at an XL for most manufacturers, including Shoei. Straight out of the box the XL RYD fit snug and comfortable, with no hotspots and no need to break it in. The interior might not feature the sort of quilted leather touches that you’ll find on high-end retro helmets, but it has marshmallow-like levels of plushness.

It’s also removable and washable, and the cheek pads have a quick release system to help medical personnel get your helmet off safely in an emergency. I don’t use a Bluetooth comms system myself, but it looks like there’d be enough space to fit one, and I can get my sunglasses on without much fuss.

The outer shell uses Shoei’s ‘Advance Integrated Matrix Plus’ design, which is basically just a mix of fiberglass and organic fibers, but makes for a pretty svelte helmet at a hair under 3 lbs. There’s also a multi-density EPS liner, and it’s probably worth noting that Shoei use four shell sizes across the size range, which is reassuring for riders with smaller heads. Keeping the helmet in place is a standard issue double D-ring system, padded for comfort and kitted with a press-stud for stowing the end of the strap.

Plush and light are two major boxes to tick, but the RYD also scores high in other areas. It’s pretty quiet, even on naked bikes, with little to no buffeting at speed. It’s well ventilated too, with three front vents (one at the chin and two up top) that are all easy to operate with gloves, and two ‘spoiler’ exit vents at the back.

Noise levels are obviously a touch elevated with the vents open, but not unbearably so, and there’s a little chin curtain too to help keep things peaceful.

The visor is another standout feature: It’s the same CWR-1 shield used on Shoei’s RF1200 and NXR helmets. The eye port is nice and wide, there’s zero optical distortion, and the anti-fogging Pinlock system is highly effective, even when stuck at traffic lights.

The visor goes up and down in incremental clicks, and clips closed via a neat carbon fiber notch on the left. It also forms a pretty tight seal: there’s a clever spring-loaded hinge system that ‘hugs’ it against the helmet. Swapping shields is insanely easy, and as a bonus, the base plate that the shield attaches to on each side is carbon fiber.

Any nitpicks? Yes, one: I don’t like the look of the top vents. I think the aggressive ‘V’ shape messes with the RYD’s subtlety. But that’s my only gripe, and it hasn’t stopped the RYD from becoming my go-to helmet on any bike. [Buy]

Aether Apparel Rally jacket Aether’s approach to motorcycle gear is the same as its technical apparel. The LA-based company makes high-tech, highly functional stuff, with minimalist styling. And that philosophy is in full effect in their new Rally jacket.

It’s fully waterproof and armored—as you’d expect at $550. Fortunately everything feels primo, right down to the packaging. My Rally came neatly folded in a suit bag, wrapped in black tissue paper, with the relevant paperwork and Aether’s ‘Journal’ stashed in a zippered pouch. I realize this might seem frivolous to some, but it makes for a wicked first impression. Other cute touches included an emergency whistle, and a small aluminum key ring stash tube with a pair of earplugs.

More notably, there was also a full complement of D3O® armor in the box, including EVO XT elbow and shoulder pads, and a Viper ST back protector. Aether did a great job with the pockets for these, and getting everything in (and out) was a cinch. Also included: Aether’s lifetime guarantee, something you seldom get with bike gear.

The Rally jacket’s outer shell is a three-layer abrasion-resistant nylon. It’s seam-sealed to be fully waterproof and wind-resistant without the need for any additional liners. (Since Cape Town’s currently experiencing a drought, I haven’t yet been able to test the Rally in adverse conditions, but I’ve put many rainy miles into Aether’s similar Skyline jacket and it’s held up for the most part.)

The overall styling is best described as urban workwear with a hint of adventure riding influence (hence, ‘Rally’). It’s a slightly longer cut than usual, with a slight drop in the tail for maximum coverage when riding. The main zipper is a heavy-duty, two-way affair—so you can open it from the bottom if the extra length bugs you while riding.

There’s a storm flap behind the zip, and an outer flap that seals up via press-studs. The attention to detail here is next level—each press-stud has a ‘loop’ behind it that helps you get a gloved finger in to snap it in place, and the outer bits are rubberized to prevent tank scratches.

Aether tend to cut their gear for a more athletic build, so the Rally has a pretty slim fit, with no waist adjusters to tailor it. I sized mine according to my chest measurement, so it sits a little tight around my podgy gut, forcing it to pull up at the back a bit. If you’re pear-shaped like me, you might want to size up or consider other options.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing some more give around the waist with some basic adjustment, but my guess is that Aether wanted to keep the overall layout as uncluttered as possible. A belt loop attachment—similar to the type REV’IT! supply on their Stealth hoody—would also be useful.

The outside of the Rally features a chest pocket, two zippered hand warmer pockets, and two press-stud pockets that seem to be purely for decoration. There’s a zippered Napoleon pocket on the inside too. Each pocket is lined with the same fabric as the main jacket body—a plaid cotton that not only looks amazing, but is ridiculously soft to the touch.

That little bit of extra refinement and comfort means that my Rally might even end up doing casual duty from time to time. It also doesn’t hurt that there’s barely any branding on it.

So it’s stylish, functional and comfortable—if you stay off the pies. But how many months of the year is it useful? My money’s on most, if not all, of them. Aether have kitted the Rally with long, dual zipper armpit vents (with tabs to make them easier to grab with gloves), and two exit vents at the back.

Spring has sprung down here, and I’ve already had the Rally out in some pretty toasty weather—as simple as the vent setup is, it’s highly effective for directing fresh air where you need it. And on colder days, I’ve found Aether’s claims of wind-resistance to be valid, simply adding a layer when temperatures really dropped.

Best of all, the Rally comes in three colors, one of which is black. Which, as we all know, goes with everything. [Buy]

Saint Stretch jeans We’ve profiled Saint jeans a few times here on Bike EXIF, and keep coming back to the Australian brand for one simple reason—their denim. Let’s recap: instead of layering their jeans with ballistic materials like Kevlar, Saint use a denim woven with an ultra-strong fabric called Dyneema. The result is single-layer (read: supremely comfortable) denim that’s highly abrasion-resistant.

Now they’ve taken the concept a step further, with a new stretch version of their ‘Unbreakable’ denim. By adding 2% Elastane to the mix, the jeans now have 180-degree stretch, but the fabric is still CE Level 1 approved. The claimed slide time/distance is four seconds/50 meters (160 feet). The jeans aren’t armored, so you’ll need to figure out where impact protection lies on your priority list.

These jeans are cut to a very specific style that won’t appeal to everyone—and that’s OK. But stretch denim, generally speaking, is ridiculously comfortable. My go-to jeans are a pair of black stretch Levi 511s, and I’ve long wished for riding pants that felt the same. Like some genie from Down Under, Saint granted my wish.

The fit is slim but not too skinny, with a standard five-pocket layout, a tapered leg, a mid-waist and low rise. That last part means that they hang lower in the butt than what I like when I’m riding, but since the alternative is high-waisted dad jeans, I’ve learnt to just tuck in my T-shirt and get on with it.

Size-wise, I’m a 38 in just about any jeans and these are no exception—except that Saint only make them in a 36 length, which means you’re going to end up cuffing them. They also break in quickly, and stretch almost a half size within the first few hours of wear, so consider sizing down if you’re on the cusp of two sizes.

If you like geeking out over denim, this next bit’s for you. Saint use 12 indigo and two black dye baths to dye the Stretch jeans, before washing each pair. They call the finish Jet Black Indigo which, in the flesh, looks exactly like you’d imagine: a really, really, really dark blue. I’ve been putting the hours into my pair on and off the bike, and I can already tell that they’re going to fade beautifully over time. General details are subtle, with minimal branding and a nice Saint ‘wing’ embroidered on the back pocket.

There are a couple of things bugging me though. I’ve already had to snip a few renegade threads, none of which have caused anything to unravel. But more concerning is that the zip has felt snaggy from day one, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to replace it sooner than I should need to. Considering the AU$399 price tag, I’m hoping these are just early run niggles, and not indicative of Saint’s overall quality.

That aside, Saint’s Stretch jeans are fast becoming my new go-tos. I’ve worn them more off the bike than on it, and when I am on the bike, their stretch qualities make for riding jeans that are supremely comfy, all day long. I think of them less as riding jeans that can pass for casual wear, and more as a great pair of denims that will hold up when things go random. [Buy]

Note: Saint will have these in two women’s cuts soon as well.