Icon 1000 has just updated their massively popular Elsinore retro motocross boot—so we’ve taken them for a spin. Plus we review the Nexx X.Vilitur modular helmet, and a trio of handy accessory packs from Velomacchi.
Nexx X.Vilitur modular helmet A lot of my riding is short trips: heading out on the Svartpilen 701 every other day to pick up supplies or run errands. Having to take off a full-face lid gets tiresome, so I’ve been using this Nexx modular for the past couple of years.
After a good 10,000 kilometers of use, I’ve grown to appreciate this Portuguese-made helmet. The build quality is good considering the $550 MSRP, and nothing has broken.
The ‘Latitude Sand’ colorway of my example is understated, and the shell design is subtly aggressive without being too over the top. But if you want something more extrovert, Nexx has plenty of other options, including graphics.
The fit of the X.Vilitur is ‘medium oval’ and even after four hours on the bike, I’ve had no complaints. It’s not amazingly light (there’s a $650 carbon version if that matters to you) but it’s quiet when the vents are shut.
There’s also a drop-down sun visor, which is a godsend. It’s operated by a sliding mechanism on the side of the helmet, and doesn’t reduce the quality of vision from the (optically correct) main visor too much. You can upgrade to a Pinlock visor if you wish, but I’ve rarely had fogging problems.
The X.Vilitur has a wide field of vision, if a little shallow, and ventilation is nice and breezy. There’s a big intake vent on the chin bar, and another one on the crown of the lid. At the back are two exhaust vents, but these are fiddly to operate—it’s best to set them before putting the helmet on. And the chin bar needs a firm push to click closed: it’s not a one-hand job.
On the upside there are three shell sizes, minimizing the chance of a bobble-head look. And on a more personal note, I much prefer the ratchet-style chinstrap to D-rings.
As a bonus, the Nexx meets the ECE 22.05 safety standard in both open and closed positions—which means it’s perfectly legal in Europe to ride around with the chin bar raised, if you wish.
Tested by Chris Hunter | Riding photo by Brijana Cato | More
Icon 1000 Elsinore2 boot Icon 1000 is known for its commitment to style and safety, and the updated Elsinore2 stays true to that mission. They’ve updated the popular boot with buttery leather uppers, oil- and slip-resistant soles, D30 ankle inserts, impact-resistant nylon buckles, and a reinforced shin plate.
They look like they’d be a real pain in the ass to get on and off, but the YKK zippers on the inside allow you to make quick work of it. They also look like they’d be stiff and limit your mobility, however, this isn’t the case. They’re surprisingly easy to maneuver in and have plenty of articulation, so you won’t walk like you’re wearing a pair of downhill ski boots.
Depending on what you’re riding, the height of the boot can make it difficult to fit your foot between the shift lever and the foot peg, so If you’re not on a dirt or adventure bike, you should anticipate adjusting your shift lever to make room.
The Elsinore2 is comfortable though—like a plush masculine slipper. We tested these boots at the end of the riding season and they were great for cooler weather conditions and off-road. We didn’t get a chance to give them a go on a scorching day, but we’d be willing to wager that you might want something more minimal unless you’re heading off the beaten path.
From a purely aesthetic perspective, the $225 Elsinore2 (also available in black) combines the look of a classic MX boot with Icon’s signature near-future apocalypse vibe, which we dig. And even though they’re comfy and break in quick, they’re a thick, tall, and sturdy boot—and that means safety. Safety from the elements, the machine, and, God forbid, a spill.
All those buckles and heavy-duty zippers are keeping these brutes on your feet if the worst case happens. Though we can’t promise what the rest of you will look like, at least your feet will live to dance another day.
Tested by Gregory George Moore | More
Velomacchi accessory packs I’m a big fan of Velomacchi’s motorcycle bags, and have used and abused their 28 l Speedway pack and 50 l Speedway duffel for a few years now. But I’ve also got some of the Oregon-based company’s smaller accessory pouches and cases.
They’re well made, good looking and practical, and great options if you’ve run out of gift ideas for the holidays.
The humble Speedway tool/medic pouch is the simplest piece of gear I own, but it gets the most use. I have the smaller $19 version, which measures 9” x 6”, but you can also get a slightly bigger one (13” x 6”) for $25.
The pouch is built robust, with a ballistic fabric at the back, a transparent mesh-lined panel at the front, a YKK zipper with a pull tab that’s big enough to grab with gloves on. It’s designed to slip into the side pouches of Velomacchi’s bigger packs, and there’s a TPU-reinforced handle to make it easy to yank out.
I mostly use mine to stash camera batteries, memory cards and a microfiber cloth, or loose bits like power banks and cables. But it’s good for just about anything that needs a home—small tools, medical supplies, toiletries and even snacks.
The $39 Speedway Impact case is designed as a catch-all for a wide range of electronic bits and pieces. The shell uses a ballistic nylon fabric, with some foam padding built in and a quilted panel up top. The zipper’s a tough YKK part, and the inside is lined with a microfiber fabric, with stretch pockets to stash stuff in.
Measuring 11″ long, 8.5″ wide and 2″ high, it’s ideal for carrying around power banks, cables, batteries and compact SSD drives. It’ll even take a pair of over-ear headphones—if they’re the foldable kind.
Velomacchi’s Speedway tool roll looks neat and compact from the outside—but roll it out, and it’s remarkably spacious. Made from a ballistic nylon fabric with the same aesthetic as the company’s larger packs, it features a pair of straps and aluminum hooks for tying down to your motorcycle.
Once opened, there’s a cover flap held down by a pair of press studs. Open that up, and you have a generous surface area to keep tools and parts out of the dirt while you’re doing roadside repairs. It also has extra press studs that ‘pinch’ the corners and turn it into a makeshift tray, and a small magnet to keep tiny fasteners (or a 10 mm socket) from running away.
The actual tool pockets are numerous, and vary in size to suit a multitude of applications. There’s also a transparent pocket at one end, accessible via a YKK zipper, for storing loose items.
Tested by Wes Reyneke | More
