It’s a good time to be hunting for new motorcycle gear. Manufacturers have finally cottoned on to the fact that style and functionality need not be mutually exclusive—and riders are reaping the benefits.
From a D30-equipped bomber jacket to a waterproof riding hoody, this kit gets the job done while looking damn fine in the process. Happy shopping, and remember: it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.
REV’IT! Stealth Hoody It’s all in the name: this is one of the most incognito riding garments we’ve laid eyes on. But it’s also stacked with technical features.
The outer shell is a polycotton stretch denim, laminated with a waterproof membrane, and reinforced with the Dutch company’s abrasion resistant ‘PWR|shield’ in high-impact zones. There’s also CE Level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket for an optional back protector.
A few clever little details round out the $260 Stealth Hoody. The hood secures at the back with a press-stud when you’re riding, the front pockets have water drainage holes, and there’s a connecting zip to attach it to any REV’IT! pants. It’s available in blue too, but we’ll take black…obviously. [Buy]
Saint Bromley Flight Jacket We’ve been keeping a close eye on Saint; the Australian company’s doing interesting things with hi-tech fabrics, and their styling is always spot-on. But, until now, one ingredient’s been missing: armor.
The $600 Saint Bromley Flight jacket corrects that. It’s based on the classic 1947 US military-issue flight jacket, but it’s been brought bang up to date with a longer, fitted cut. The main body is a water and impact resistant waxed cotton canvas, with triple stitching and bound seams. All the right details are there—from the knitted trim to the minimal branding.
There’s a quilted liner too, adorned with artwork from Australian artist David Bromley. But the real draw card is the full complement of removable D3O protectors. D3O is CE-rated, but it’s also lightweight and flexible. So it doesn’t ruin the jacket’s classic silhouette, earning it max points in both the form and function departments. [Buy]
Biltwell Inc. Overland Goggles Vintage-flavored open face helmets are en vogue right now, and a decent pair of goggles sure beats riding in your shades. Enter Biltwell Inc.’s new Overlands. They’re packed with typical MX goggle features: a wide eye port, moisture-wicking padding and vents to cut out fogging. But they’re a lot more subdued than your average piece of MX kit. And at around $66, they won’t break the bank.
Colorways on offer include black and red, black and blue, and a yellow, orange and brown combo that would look right at home at a vintage hare scramble. Each pair ships with two impact-resistant, distortion free lenses (clear and tinted). [Buy]
Held Touch Gloves The German family-run company Held has been designing gloves for 70 years, and that experience shows in the premium $250 Touch gloves.
As the name implies, they’re touch-screen compatible—thanks to a special conductive leather used at the thumb and forefinger. Nifty. You also get knuckle protectors, a visor wipe, and a generous cuff with dual Velcro closures. There’s kangaroo leather on the palms for maximum abrasion resistance, with cowhide on the flipside for suppleness. Certain areas are perforated for ventilation, the palms are pre-formed for crease-free use, and there are elasticated panels in all the right places. [Buy]
Stylmartin Rocket Boots Stylmartin was one of the first companies to offer stylish riding footwear with modern levels of protection. And they’ve completely knocked it out the park with the new Rocket.
The Rocket’s styling is on point. It’s constructed from full grain, water resistant leather with a slightly longer work boot aesthetic. There’s a chic little leg strap to help you dial in the fit (and keep your laces tucked).
For around $200 you’re also getting a waterproof and breathable lining, an anatomic and anti-bacterial footbed and an anti-slip, oil proof rubber sole. And if fastening laces isn’t your thing, don’t fret: there’s a handy zipper on the inside of the boot for quick changes. [Buy]