Motorcycle gear inspiration - BikeBrewers.com https://bikebrewers.com/category/motorcycle-gear/ Europe largest directory Cafe Racers, Scramblers, Bratstyles & other Custom Bikes. Tue, 20 Feb 2024 19:53:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 Gear Review: Rusty Stitches https://bikebrewers.com/gear-review-rusty-stitches/ https://bikebrewers.com/gear-review-rusty-stitches/#respond Sun, 11 Feb 2024 15:14:37 +0000 https://bikebrewers.com/?p=4035 It was a first for the BikeBrewers team. As a concerted effort four members tested a great variety of Rusty Stitches gear and gave our honest and unadulterated opinion. Pictures paint a 1000 words and video does the rest. We decided to go Full Monty on this one with ‘both unboxing and review videos. Don’t watch those, we're awful at video's!

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Intro

It was a first for the BikeBrewers team. As a concerted effort four members tested a great variety of Rusty Stitches gear.

The manufacturer was keen to have riders test their apparel in all kinds of circumstances and asked us to give our honest and unadulterated opinion.  They shipped us a broad selection of their gear and we had some fun with it all over Europe and the Middle East. 

Pictures paint 1000 words and video does the rest. We decided to go Full Monty on this one with ‘both unboxing (Ron&Yvanka, Casper) and review videos (Ron: Jari V2 & Neill, Adnane: Cooper & Carl Thomas, Yvanka & Ron: Cliff, Joyce V2 & Claudia, Casper: Jari V2, Zack, Paolo). Don’t forget to check them out. We hope you will enjoy watching them as much as we had fun producing them.

International!

Yvanka took the Joyce jacket, Gloria V2 trousers, and Kathy gloves all the way to a Kawasaki press event in Italy. After some rides in his home country the Netherlands, Adnane shipped the Dorian and Cooper jackets, and the Johnny gloves to Dubai where he is currently residing. 

Casper had scheduled a roadtrip from his home in Berlin all the way via Italy to Wheels and Waves in Biarritz, donning the Jari V2 jacket, the Zack gloves, and the Paolo shoes. Ron decided to take the Cliff suit to go storm chasing, ending up in torrential rains in Belgium and France. Fortunately he managed to find some sunny weather to enjoy the Jari V2 caferacer jacket later. 

The Joyce V2 Women’s Jacket Review (Yvanka)

The jacket has a very flattering, lightly tailored fit. It has some very feminine yet tough looking stitching on the back. I received the black version with the pink patches on the shoulders and the yellow and blue stripes on the upper arm. In all honesty, I would never have picked that colour myself. 

So it was quite a surprise when I opened the box (check our unboxing video). But it grew on me, the more I wore it. It has a girly ring to it. But that does not have to be a bad thing, of course. And it actually matched quite nicely with the titanium coloured Indian Chief Bobber I rode at that time. I also took the jacket with me on a trip to Italy, where I got invited by Kawasaki Italia to ride their complete motorcycle line-up. We rode for hours. And while you would think of sunshine and warmth, when you think of Italy, well… we were not that lucky. It rained, almost the entire time. Mostly drizzling rain, mixed with some heavier downpours every now and then.

And that might have been the biggest surprise about this whole Rusty Stitches outfit: it actually kept me dry! This is something I really did not expect. I guess the wind while riding was enough to keep it sufficiently dry to not leak through. And I did not get cold either. So, that was a huge plus for the Joyce V2 jacket.

Pros: Styling, fit, surprisingly weather proof
Cons:

(Photo by Patricia Sevilla Ciordia,  http://pscfoto.net)

Jari V2 Men’s Jacket Review (Casper & Ron)

I (Casper) got ‘lucky’ enough to test the Jari V2 in all types of weather, heat, cold, sun and show. By now I have worn the jacket for over 5000 km, between 2C and 35C, and from sunshine to torrential downpours. The leather is soft and supple, and the fit is excellent (185cm, 70kg, size Medium). The jacket offers sufficient mobility on the bike and simultaneously creates a feeling of safety in case you inadvertently find yourself coming off the bike. It comes with elbow and shoulder protection and of course there is the internal pocket for a back protector. 

It is big enough to fit even the thicker Forcefield armour. The ventilation on the chest and back are functional without compromising the styling. Similar to any unperforated leather jacket, avoid traffic jams in the peak of summer. 

(Photo by Cäthe Pfläging)

When you find yourself in fresher weather or out late, pull the liner out of your bag! It packs small for easy stowage and zips in easily. And if you catch an unexpected rain shower, this jacket will hold up for a bit. In all, it is a true three season jacket! 


(Photo by Vincent Burger)

What can I (Ron) add to my fellow BikeBrewer? Having led a motorcycle life for many decades I have been able to try out many different jackets in all sorts of styles, materials, fits etc. Rusty Stitches would not have been my first ‘go to’ brand for a street cred cafe racer jacket, until I received it and put it to the test.

Yes, it has everything Casper has claimed above, but also, the reactions I got from fellow riders while wearing it, gave me the confidence to state that Rusty Stitches have done a pretty good job.

Pros: Styling, fit, CE level 2 protection, three seasons.

Cons: Limited ventilation in the peak of summer.

Rusty Stitches Dorian Men’s Jacket Review (Adnane)

The Dorian jacket from Rusty Stitches is a blend of vintage style and modern functionality. The matte finish exudes a high-end feel, appealing to classic bikers with a contemporary fit. The 100% soft cow leather construction provides a luxurious touch, while the satin lining makes it exceptionally comfortable. 

The CE-approved elbow and shoulder protectors, coupled with the universal back protector pocket, prioritize safety without compromising comfort. The adjustable features at the hips and wrists, along with the modern fit, enhance the overall riding experience. The jacket’s four pockets, both inside and outside, offer practical storage. The Snap Claws add a nice touch to the design.

Pros: Stylish matte finish, high-quality leather, comfortable satin lining, CE level 2 protection, adjustable fit.
Cons: Limited ventilation for warmer days.


(Photo by Vincent Burger)

Singing in the Rain in the Cliff suit (Ron)

It was an early summer morning. Very early actually.
I had to be way down in Belgium at 8AM that morning. A three-hour ride for which I had to be on the road way before commuters were having their breakfast cereals. 

With over 40K+ motorcycle kilometres annually I am used to all kinds of weather and the forecasted rain looked perfect to test the Cliff pants and jacket. After all it is advertised as “The ultimate adventure jacket for a fair price.”

Humming the Cliff Richard song ‘Summer Rain’ I set out for my trip. After an hour the rain set in and it ended in a nightmare of torrential rain for the remainder of the trip. Water splashing down from the black clouds and washed left and right from spray coming from trucks ahead and while passing them.

The suit was brave and the membranes managed to keep me quite dry for an hour and a half. After that it just gave up and let it go. Honestly, there was no other way. Even suits twice the price will give you a similar experience. 

So kudos to Rusty Stitches for being able to give more expensive brands a run for their money. It is a very good package for the price you pay.


(Photo by Vincent Burger)

Pros: Definitely water proof for ‘normal’ rainy circumstances. Very good membrane and both the jacket and pants have easily removable layers for warm weather. Good ventilation options

Cons: The waterproof membrane did not have elasticity at the wrists. Taking the jacket off resulted in tearing off the little loops with clips on the inside of the jacket sleeves to keep them in place. Those loops could also be a bit sturdier by the way.


(Photo by Vincent Burger)

Rusty Stitches Cooper Men’s Jacket Review (Adnane)

The Cooper jacket seamlessly combines retro aesthetics with contemporary safety features. Crafted from 100% Buffalo leather, it exudes a nostalgic charm. The removable thermal-padded polyester lining ensures versatility in varying weather conditions. CE Level 2 protectors for elbows and shoulders provide robust safety, and the option to upgrade with a D30 back protector enhances the jacket’s protective capabilities. The adjustable features at the waist and wrists contribute to a customized fit, while the seven pockets offer ample storage space, including a dedicated phone pocket.

Pros: Retro look, CE level 2 protection, versatile thermal liner, upgradeable back protector, adjustable fit.

Cons: Limited breathability in warmer weather.

Rusty Stitches Ruben Review (Casper)

This mesh jacket is an absolute dream and comes highly recommended when the quicksilver passes 25C! The ventilation is excellent, as expected, and the fit is adjustable at the hips and wrists due to the velcro straps. The upperarm width is adjustable with two press studs, the underarm width unfortunately is not. This results in a shift of the position of the elbow protectors.

Rusty Stitches Claudia Trousers Review (Yvanka)

The fit of the Claudia V2 pants is a bit difficult for me. I have a small waist, but slightly stronger legs. So they are a bit tight around my thighs, but fit really well around my waist. They look good and accentuate your female curves. Which is always nice. 

We female riders may actually look like women on the bike, every now and then. Oh, and these pants are quite warm. A bit too warm maybe, for 30+ degrees ride outs in summertime. But very pleasant during normal European temperatures. 

The only ‘bad’ thing I have to say about the whole outfit, is that the stitches of the Claudia V2 pants are a bit, well… ‘Rusty’? Maybe it is because the pants are a bit tight around my thighs. But the seams opened up, and the stitches broke. It is not that I have to squeeze myself in them, they are not that tight. Just slightly, which should not have been enough to wreck the stitches. This is really the only thing I can think of, in terms of future improvements. 

Rusty Stitches Kathy Gloves Review (Yvanka)

My first impression: the material feels really, really good. The leather is of very high quality and even the gloves feel luxurious when you put them on (we think they are VERY sexy – other team members-). 

The design of the Kathy gloves has a ‘less is more’ look to it, and it definitely is more. They literally fit like a glove, which can be really hard with a pair of motorcycle gloves. They also look tough and feminine while wearing them. I am extremely picky when it comes to gloves. They play such a big role in the connection with the handlebars and therefore your motorcycle. Luckily, Kathy gloves and I were a match straight away.

Rusty Stitches Johnny Gloves Review (Adnane)

The Johnny motorcycle gloves exemplify Rusty Stitches’ commitment to style and comfort. Made from soft leather, they are ideal for riders seeking a retro or classic look. The Velcro closure ensures a snug fit, and the leather double-layered palm adds durability. The stretch at the wrist enhances comfort during rides, making them suitable for summer. The outer seams provide extra comfort, and the unique colours add a touch of individuality to the overall outfit.

Pros: Stylish retro design, comfortable fit, adjustable wrist closure, durable double-layered palm.

Cons: Limited insulation for colder weather. Not water-proof


(Photo by Cäthe Pfläging)

Rusty Stitches Zack Gloves Review (Casper)

Comfortable straight out of the packaging! They look cool, tough, and classic, and the leather is supple. Plus, the fit is excellent. There is minimal room for improvement, from great to perfect, perhaps? 

In terms of ventilation, I think that the perforations could be relocated to the sides of the fingers, rather than on the top and bottom. When you are gripping the handlebars, the air does flow in, but it cannot flow out, whereas perforations in between the fingers could improve airflow. In addition, the seams at the thumbs are exactly at the point of contact with the handlebars, which was a bit uncomfortable on the longer riding days. In short, excellent price quality ratio!

Pros: Design, fit, comfort
Cons: Stitching and limited ventilation


(Photo by Cäthe Pfläging)

Rusty Stitches Paolo Shoes Review (Casper)

Capable riding shoes that look good! Nice suede that does not require a break in period. I got the lighter coloured variant, which was rather quickly marked with the characteristic gear lever grease stain on the left shoe. They are rather thick, which makes them pretty warm in summer, great in spring and autumn, and hopefully rather safe in the event of a slide. Lastly, they are comfortable on and off the bike! 

Overall conclusion

Rusty Stitches impresses with their jackets and gloves. The blend of style and safety, along with the thoughtful features like adjustable fits and quality materials, sets these items apart. Despite the daily 130km commute, the extended tours, and the abuse of rainy weather, the gear exhibits durability and reliability. 

What is truly commendable is the affordable price point, making Rusty Stitches a standout choice for riders who prioritise both quality and budget. Whether you are partial to the vintage-inspired jackets or the classic gloves, Rusty Stitches delivers on style, safety, and value for money.

They are still a young brand, and we have been testing their gear since the beginning. We believe they are headed in the right direction. Keep an eye out for them if you want to look stylish for a comfortable price. 

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Rusty Stitches commission – Honda Monkey Z50 by Moto Adonis https://bikebrewers.com/rusty-stitches-commission-honda-monkey-z50-by-moto-adonis/ https://bikebrewers.com/rusty-stitches-commission-honda-monkey-z50-by-moto-adonis/#respond Fri, 04 Nov 2022 11:51:15 +0000 https://bikebrewers.com/?p=3304 The Monkey and the Ape By now you should have a pretty good idea about who Rusty Stitches are and what they are all about. They are the David to the motorcycle riding gear industry’s Goliath. And they’ve been growing recently…fast! Although their mascot is a big hairy ape, the Rusty Stitches management team thought [...]

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The Monkey and the Ape

By now you should have a pretty good idea about who Rusty Stitches are and what they are all about. They are the David to the motorcycle riding gear industry’s Goliath. And they’ve been growing recently…fast! Although their mascot is a big hairy ape, the Rusty Stitches management team thought it would be a good idea if the giant ape had its own ride. And what better bike to start with than a Honda Monkey!

If you want to get technical about the difference between a monkey and an ape; a monkey has a tail and is relatively small by size, and an ape has no tail and can grow much larger than a monkey. This is the story of the ape and the monkey!

The Honda Monkey was first introduced to the public in 1961, after increasing popularity as a children’s ride at a Japanese amusements park. Originally it was a 100cc minibike called the Z100 but quickly gained popularity amongst people in its 50cc trim as the Z50 a.k.a. “the Monkey”. Not a bad name considering it is one of Honda’s longest produced models in the company’s history. We’re not going to bore you with performance specs. What we can say is that people who owned them, loved them! It was an ideal vehicle to take on a trailer or on a camper. It’s lightweight, small, frugal with fuel, and easy to work on.

Cult status

The Honda Monkey has gained something of a cult status. In 2018 the late Beatles singer John Lennon’s old Honda Monkey Z50 was auction for a whopping $80,000! Not bad for a bike that initially cost about $250. What also increased the popularity of the Monkey is the availability of aftermarket parts. You can turn a standard 50cc Monkey into a fire-breathing, tire smoking, little ripper, capable of serious speeds.

Moto Adonis

This is where part 2 of the story begins. Enter: Moto Adonis. The Dutch based team consisting of Arthur Renkema and Job Leussink have been dabbling in the world of customization for some time now. As far as Rusty Stitches were concerned, Moto Adonis the go-to guys to get their custom Honda Monkey built. It was clear from the beginning which direction they wanted to go with this little bike. It had to look a lot meaner than the original Monkey, and they knew exactly how they were going to do that.

The little Honda got stripped of all its parts and received a complete rebuild from the ground up. One thing that wasn’t changed was the engine displacement. The reason for this was that the Honda will serve a promotional purpose only, travelling around to various Rusty Stitches dealerships and motorcycle shows. Besides, increasing the displacement would also mean going through a series of mandatory tests and complete re-registration; quite pointless for what is intended. What the engine did receive was a dry-ice vapor blast treatment, and a complete respray in black and white. Other than that, very little was kept of the original Monkey.

The original wheels were removed and saved for later. Instead, a pair of 12” oversized wheels were added with Maxxis NSR knobbly tires. To accommodate for the wheels, the front shocks were replaced as well as the triple clamps for wider units. Both front and rear shocks now have an increased travel. A round LED headlight was mounted using a unique set of custom brackets. Using an LED light was made possible by upgrading the original 6 Volts system to a more modern 12V power supply. A black aluminium handlebar is now in place, coupled with a beautiful set of white Biltwell grips to stay with the black & white theme. The front brake has been beefed up with a 2-piston caliper and bigger disk brake.

More than just a few parts…

Moving to the rear we can see an extended and widened aluminium swing arm. The little drum brake from the rear has also been replaced with a 2-piston disk brake conversion kit. The final drive was changed to a bigger rear sprocket. The subframe has been custom built and houses a café racer style hump seat. The seat has been custom made by Miller Kustom Upholstery. Look closely and you will notice the white stitching and lettering. We love such craftsmanship! It is worth mentioning that the entire rear seat was built from scratch.

There are 2 other real eye-catchers on this little Monkey: the tank and the exhaust. Let’s start with the tank. It is the original Honda tank but it received a fresh coat of black paint. What makes it special though, is the pin-striping that was applied by hand; an art form we don’t see much anymore. It was done by Huid & Staal’s very own Frank Bouwmeester. The other eye-catcher is the exhaust system, which was built from the ground up by MAD Exhausts. We have heard this Monkey in real life, and it sounds more like a Gorilla than a Monkey!

Trailer

That’s it then, right? Wrong. Remember the original wheels that were saved for later? They were repurposed to be used on a custom-made trailer. Built to resemble a giant banana box, the trailer was completely built from nothing to serve as a prop. That also means that the Monkey has a trailer hitch, and we think that it’s the cutest thing we have ever seen. The little engine that could…

Photo credits: Rob Willemsen

Builder details:
Moto Adonis
Website
Instagram
Facebook

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Pando Moto – Husky Cor 01 Sherpa Trucker Jacket Review https://bikebrewers.com/pando-moto-husky-cor-01-sherpa-trucker-jacket-review/ https://bikebrewers.com/pando-moto-husky-cor-01-sherpa-trucker-jacket-review/#respond Mon, 14 Feb 2022 06:22:11 +0000 https://bikebrewers.com/?p=1971 Underdog We have had the pleasure to extensively try and test Pando Moto motorcycle gear the past couple of years. It is great to see the Lithuanian based company grow and develop new products along the way. Compared to the bigger, international brands, they are an underdog. However, if there is one thing the automotive [...]

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Underdog
We have had the pleasure to extensively try and test Pando Moto motorcycle gear the past couple of years. It is great to see the Lithuanian based company grow and develop new products along the way. Compared to the bigger, international brands, they are an underdog. However, if there is one thing the automotive industry has taught us, it is to never underestimate the underdog. Just look at how Tesla shook the auto-industry to its core. What sets Pando Moto apart is the quality of their products and the competitive pricing. Don’t believe us? Just head over to their website and have a looks for yourself.

Different sizes
Not so long ago we shared our thoughts about the Boss Dyn 01 jeans that Pando Moto sent us for extensive review. And extensive reviewing we did! Our conclusion then was that if you are in the market for motorcycle jeans that look casual but offer full protection, you MUST consider trying a pair of these jeans. Ron (editor) who wore the Boss Dyn 01 jeans has a slender figure, in other words he is tall and has thin legs. However, I have a slightly different…ahum…shape. Let’s just say that I enjoy eating and I should be working out more often. Truth is, chances are that most bikers out there will most likely have my body shape, and that’s OK! Isn’t that how the world works? Bikers come in different sizes and shapes. So while Ron tested the jeans, I got my hands on Pando Moto’s sherpa trucker motorcycle jacket called the “Husky Cor 01”.

First impression
When I got my hands on the Husky Cor 01 it instantly reminded me of the 1980s. I remember my brother having a similar jacket, albeit in denim colour. No matter how badly I wanted to be able to fit that jacket, it was just too large for me and I hated that! I nearly forgot about that jacket, until I first saw the Husky Cor 01. Don’t you just love it when nostalgia hits you hard? During the course of 3 months I wore the jacket almost on a daily bases. Everybody that sees the jacket, immediately loves it. Even my brother wanted one! I took it with me for a weekend of riding in Barcelona (Spain), and it was just perfect. I’ve listed the specs below, but what the spec sheet won’t tell you, is how this jacket feels. It is truly the most comfortable motorcycle jacket I have ever worn. Period!

Taking a closer look
My jacket came in a size XXL (I warned you) and was a little loose around the shoulders. That may look like an undesirable thing, but in reality it meant that I could wear a warm sweater underneath it, and not feel pinched when reaching for the handlebars. Now if I would wear this jacket purely casual and not on a motorcycle, I would probably have wanted to try a smaller size. The material that is used on these jackets is 12oz comfort-stretch CORDURA® denim. This has two major benefits: 1. given the nature of the stretch material it goes without saying that it increases comfort levels. 2. Cordura is known for its abrasive resistance capabilities. It isn’t waterproof, but it is most certainly water repellent to a certain extent. This isn’t something Pando Moto advertises with, but it did become clear during a moment of light rain whilst I was riding the mountains around Barcelona.

Classic features
“For the most authentic denim look and feel, choose this Iconic Sherpa Trucker jacket, made with 12oz comfort-stretch CORDURA® denim. Real style is all in the details with the HUSKY COR 01 – back waist tabs guarantee an optimal fit, high-quality Sherpa is used for the collar, sleeves inner cuffs, and front of the jacket. The collar has additional strap fastening and the front closure features a metal YKK zipper and high durability rubberized snaps. Abrasion-resistant fabric gives you peace of mind on the road, while quilted padding with MEIDA® thermal insulation/liner makes this jacket perfect for colder rides.” Pando Moto

On a motorcycle
The Husky Cor 01 sherpa jacket comes with a thermal liner, which has been a blessing in these cold months. At the moment of writing the outside temperature is around 4 degrees Celsius. I regularly take my bike out for 30-40 minute rides and still I find the Husky Cor 01 offering enough protection against the cold. It didn’t come with any impact protectors, but I have does laying around at home from other jackets, and they slot in nicely into the protector-pockets in the back, shoulders and elbows. If there is one tiny thing that I would love to see next time it would be tabs or a zipper on the side pockets, and maybe a more heavy duty main zipper.

Verdict
Like most clothes you need to make sure that you get the right size. Pando Moto offers great service and will help you in the case you need to swap the item you bought for one with a different size. I will continue to wear the Husky Cor 01 as my go-to jacket. It looks great, it feels comfortable, and for only €249,- it is probably the best bang for buck you will get anywhere!

Manufacturer details

  • Iconic Sherpa Trucker Motorcycle jacket design
  • 12oz comfort-stretch CORDURA® denim
  • Quilted padding with MEIDA® thermal insulation suited for colder rides
  • MEIDA® THERMO INSULATION thinner, lighter and with the higher thermal insulation properties (CLO) which are compared to the efficiency of down or cashmere
  • Sherpa material used for collar, sleeves inner cuffs and front facing
  • Back waist tabs for an adjustable fit
  • Abrasion resistant fabric (performance level A in accordance with EN 17092)
  • 16 meters slide distance or 2.5 seconds sliding time
  • Collar with additional strap fastening
  • Front closure with metal YKK zipper and high durability rubberised  snaps
  • Chest pockets with high durability snaps closure
  • Optional – elbow and shoulder armors EN1621-1:2012 CE approved (not included)
  • Optional – back armor EN1621-2 CE approved (not included)

www.pandomoto.com

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Product review – Fly Racing cooling vest https://bikebrewers.com/product-review-fly-racing-cooling-vest/ https://bikebrewers.com/product-review-fly-racing-cooling-vest/#comments Sun, 14 Nov 2021 09:55:45 +0000 https://bikebrewers.com/?p=1955 New 'kid' in town We are very proud of the constant growth of the BikeBrewers team. Recently we published the first part of the report from our NYC based correspondent Daan Stafhorst on his trip to Alaska. To keep things in balance we wanted someone to share his adventures based in the Southern Hemisphere. We [...]

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New ‘kid’ in town
We are very proud of the constant growth of the BikeBrewers team.
Recently we published the first part of the report from our NYC based correspondent Daan Stafhorst on his trip to Alaska.

To keep things in balance we wanted someone to share his adventures based in the Southern Hemisphere. We were lucky enough to have a good friend who was back moving to Brazil a little while back.

New Zealand born and a biker in every fiber of his big frame. It is with great pride and pleasure we introduce the one and only Jonathan Rattray Clarke a.k.a. ‘Captain Kiwi’ or ‘Kiwi-Moto Menace’.
His wife being a Brazilian diplomat, they have lived all over the world. When they were about to move to Amsterdam in 2017 we connected, helped him find his feet and together we set up the Amsterdam community for the Classic Riders.

Many adventures rides later duty called and they shipped all their belongings to Brazil. Once properly settled in, Jonathan replaced the Triumph Thruxton he left behind in Amsterdam, with a spanking new Royal Enfield Interceptor.

He is currently working on that bike to customize it to his taste and will share reports on progress of this build with us.

In the meantime Summer is setting in and there is riding to be done. While we are bracing ourselves for the cold, Jonathan’s first report is a review on a cooling vest.

Enjoy.
BikeBrewers editorial team

Brazil calling
Brasília is the federal capital of Brazil and seat of government of the Federal District. The city is located at the top of the Brazilian highlands in the country’s center-western region. It was founded by President Juscelino Kubitschek on April 21, 1960, to serve as the new national capital. Brasília is estimated to be Brazil’s third-most populous city. As my wife is a diplomat, this is the city we now use as our home base for the time being.

Riding in the heat
I am a self-confessed moto maniac, and I love living in the tropics in the middle of the savanna and love those long rides without a pre-set goal. .

After a three-year stint in New York we moved to Amsterdam. The climate of these two cities is comparable and very different from Brazil. Yet as much as I love the warmth and the endless sunshine, the heat when riding here can take a toll on your energy levels. Riding your bike in this climate you need to stay alert. Keeping it cool is not limited to your head, but you need to take care of the rest of your body too.

Keeping it cool
So I began my search for a product to help remedy that situation. After an in-depth investigation, I finally settled on a “Fly Cooling Vest“, paid my money and anxiously waited for my order to arrive.

When Fly’s product finally landed on my doorstep I was eager to give it a proper test. Was it as good as my research had led me to believe, or was it just a piece of, you know what?

Yet after my first ride out wearing the garment, I am delighted to say riding now is like sitting in my own personal air conditioner. I found the solution to my fatigue in this excellent moto-wear item. This is undoubtedly the best $49.95 I have ever spent on motorcycle apparel!

It really is a brilliant bit of kit; all I need to do to activate its outstanding cooling properties is soak it in a bucket of water, allow the vest to absorb all up the water, and put it on to wear under my mesh riding jacket.


The Fly Cooling Vest works by process of evaporation and wicking as the hot tropical air blows through my jacket to create the most relaxing and comfortable cooling effect as I ride. It even keeps me cool just standing around and chatting with the moto bros shooting the breeze, and talking bull at a lunch stop or a photo-op on the way across the savannah.

I am now geared up and ready for my task as southern hemisphere correspondent working alongside BikeBrewers buddies around the globe. I highly recommend this product if you are living in those hotter riding zones of our wonderful planet.

Off to a great start and I look forward to sharing many motorcycle adventures with all you BikeBrewers afficionados!

Product details:
Item:
Fly Racing Cooling vest (SKU #477-6023S)
Product details:
-Hyperkewl® polymer embedded fabric uses a safe and natural method to keep you cool
-Evaporative-cooling process
-Outperforms competition by keeping you more relaxed for longer due to the larger evaporative surface area
-Quick 2-minute activation
-Remains hydrated for up to 10 hours

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Unboxing SA1NT gear https://bikebrewers.com/unboxing-sa1nt-gear/ https://bikebrewers.com/unboxing-sa1nt-gear/#respond Wed, 23 Jun 2021 16:37:36 +0000 https://bikebrewers.com/?p=1930 Don't try this at home, we are professionals The BikeBrewers' team members are becoming true experts in 'unboxing' stuff in all shapes and forms. Recently we had received a box filled with gear from the guys and girls at SA1NT. Obviously we were anxious to see what Pandora was hiding and decided to share the [...]

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Don’t try this at home, we are professionals
The BikeBrewers’ team members are becoming true experts in ‘unboxing’ stuff in all shapes and forms.
Recently we had received a box filled with gear from the guys and girls at SA1NT.
Obviously we were anxious to see what Pandora was hiding and decided to share the unboxing with you all by video.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/mpZF6ImCoEA” width=”800″ title=”Unboxing SA1NT”]

HOT TIP!!
If you like SA1NT gear and you are looking for a good deal:
USE THE CODE ‘BB20‘ for a whopping 20% discount* on our behalf!
*European residents only

From down under to the top of the world
SA1NT originated in Melbourne Australia and, as with many other apparel brands it is designed for riders by riders. Which makes sense as riders know exactly what we need to protect ourselves.
Their team are passionate about motorbikes, but they grew tired of compromising looks for safety, or safety for fashion.

SA1NT apparel claims to delivers great freedom and form, with world first single layer protection. With no bulky layers or liners.
They boast about providing the very best in strength and impact abrasion resistant denim, while maintaining a classic style.

That made us very curious.

In their own words
“We create world first single layer protection by stretching, spinning and blending ballistic, industrial and military application threads with wearables like merino and cotton.
We are designing milling, weaving and knitting the latest impact abrasion resistant fibers with motorcycle denims, drills and base layer fabrics.

Designed to be worn all day and all night, our apparel allows the freedom to look as good on your bike as you do off it and most importantly stacks the odds in your favor when things go random.”

Hunter S. Thompson
They SA1NT team are inspired by a quote from this great writer who happens to be one of our all time heroes.
Part of the quote can be found on the SA1NT website, but we think it deserves to be presented to you in full glory:

“But with the throttle screwed on there is only the barest margin, and no room at all for mistakes. It has to be done right … and that’s when the strange music starts, when you stretch your luck so far that fear becomes exhilaration and vibrates along your arms. You can barely see at a hundred; the tears blow back so fast that they vaporize before they get to your ears. The only sounds are wind and a dull roar floating back from the mufflers. You watch the white line and try to lean with it … howling through a turn to the right, then to the left and down the long hill to Pacifica … letting off now, watching for cops, but only until the next dark stretch and another few seconds on the edge … The Edge … There is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over. The others — the living — are those who pushed their control as far as they felt they could handle it, and then pulled back, or slowed down, or did whatever they had to when it came time to choose between Now and Later.

But the edge is still Out there. Or maybe it’s In. The association of motorcycles with LSD is no accident of publicity. They are both a means to an end, to the place of definitions.”

― Hunter S. Thompson, Hell’s Angels

*Source: Wikipedia:
Hunter Stockton Thompson (July 18, 1937 – February 20, 2005) was an American journalist and author, and the founder of the gonzo journalism movement.
He first rose to prominence with the publication of Hell’s Angels (1967), a book for which he spent a year living and riding with the Hells Angels motorcycle club to write a first-hand account of the lives and experiences of its members.

Thompson remains best known for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971), a book first serialized in Rolling Stone in which he grapples with the implications of what he considered the failure of the 1960s counterculture movement. It was adapted on film twice: loosely in Where the Buffalo Roam starring Bill Murray as Thompson in 1980, and directly in 1998 by director Terry Gilliam in a film starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro.

If you have not yet seen that movie, we strongly advise you to make up for this omission in your life.

Not just for boys!
It may not come as a surprise that SA1NT does not only produce cool gear for men.
They take good care of the ladies too.

Here are some examples of their female rider gear (jacket, pants)

Photo credtis:
‘Nubbs’ Sugrue
Pien Meppelink (riding shot – courtesy of Royal Enfield and Royal Enfield Benelux)
Female rider: Caroline Westendorp

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