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The importance of good riding gear cannot be overstated. It’s what separates my skin from the pavement and my extremities from performing unnatural origami. Not only that, it has to handle whatever Mama Nature sends my way. The human body simply isn’t designed to handle the wind chill — let alone the slides and impacts — that pose a constant risk while straddling a motorcycle on the open road. Thankfully, some of the best minds in material design have made riding a less risky affair by doing what evolution never could, and for my six-month test of living on an electric Zero DS, I reached out to some of the best in the industry to protect my ass. And the rest of me.
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With seven easily accessible pockets in total, I’ve never been without a place to stash my stuff.
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Waterproof, YKK zippers on each side line up perfectly with my pants pockets so I can grab anything that didn’t get transferred to the outside.
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Two velcro patches are ready for optional window pockets, great for maps, scrawled directions, or an electronic toll collector.
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Reflective panels adorn the legs, arms, front, and back, with beefy TF3 impact armor pads on the knees, shoulders, and elbows.
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The full-length zipper extends from the suede collar down the left leg, with large fasteners that are easy to tug with gloves on.
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An optional TF3 back pad provides even more piece of mind, extending low enough to provide some padding for my tailbone.
No other suit has spent more time on my body than the Aerostich Tactical Roadcrafter. It’s been my go-to suit for the past few months, allowing me to slip in and out in less than 30 seconds, all while wearing my street clothes underneath. The Aerostich’s one-piece design is made of 500 Denier Cordura Gore-Tex, there are absolutely no gaps in protection, and it’s brimming with thoughtful features from head-to-toe.
All photos by Alex Washburn
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The Super Speed Pelle’s ergonomics are beyond reproach, with just enough movement to be comfortable and a body hugging form that feels ballistic.
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The aerodynamic spoiler below the neck flows air over the helmet when I’m hunkering down at extra-legal speeds, and provides a bit more protection up top.
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The adjustable knee pucks can be moved thanks to some super-grippy velcro. I was worried they could come off at first, but it takes two hands and a strong tug to get them to budge.
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The Delta Pro Pelle’s legs fit tight up against my calf and ankle, perfectly slipping into a pair of boots for an added level of comfort and protection.
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Straps allow for instant adjustability, forming the DSkin heavyweight leather and S1 fabric around by body for a perfect fit. No other suit makes me feel this safe or this invincible.
Dainese is defined by innovations in racing. They were the first brand to develop knee sliders, one of the first to use carbon fiber and kevlar in their suits and gloves, and pioneered the advancement of back protectors — one of the most important safety innovations for riders. And they count none other than The Doctor, Valentino Rossi, as one of their top racers. So when I wanted to try a proper racing suit, there was only one choice. I went with a two-piece for some additional freedom, and the combination of the Super Speed and Delta Pro has been the perfect backroad companion. It’s protection perfected, with leather and armor that could take a 100+ mph slide without shrugging, and makes me feel like a leather-clad superhero on or off the Zero.
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Zippers abound! This thing has more pockets and vents than a Lamborghini Aventador, and they’re just as functional, allowing easy access and ventilation while wearing bulky gloves.
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An endless array of straps, buttons, and velcro allow the Sand 2 to fit as tight or as loose as you’d like, all of which can be adjusted with ease on the fly.
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I normally carry a bag while riding, but the Rev 2 negates it. It has nearly a dozen pockets, including one on the rear that’s large enough to fit a full-sized iPad and a MacBook Air. Not that I would, but I could.
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Under the arms are adjustable straps that work in unison with the venting zippers to blow just the right amount of air inside the suit to allow my body to naturally cool itself.
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One ultra-thick layer attaches to a slightly thinner moisture-wicking layer, both of which can be removed and replaced with an optional cooling vest.
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The adjustable covers at the bottom of the pants mean any boot in any shape can be tightly conformed around your ankles, making wind and water nearly impossible to get in.
Riding a Dual Sport bike means trying some dual sport kit, and RevIt delivers with one of the most comprehensive cold and warm weather suits available. The outer shell is made of abrasion resistant 600D polyester, and combined with Lorica microfiber panels that mimic leather and a waxed 1200D coating, it’s more than up to the task of a high-speed brush with the pavement. It features not one, but two removable liners, taking it from cold weather protection to warm weather comfort in a matter of seconds, and with a zipper at the bottom of the jacket and the top of the pants, it goes from two pieces to one with a quick zip. If there’s a comprehensive suit in our arsenal, this is it.
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