The technology and style of our machines marches on, and following in lockstep are the companies that protect our always vulnerable bodies.
Bred on the MotoGP and World Superbike circuits, Gaerne’s new G-RS boots (www.gaerneusa.com) combine comfort, protection, and innovation for high-performance on the road or track. A rear-entry design sets the G-RS boots apart, and premium features such as aluminum buckles and titanium toe sliders, plus an upper pivot protection system, extend the sense of quality. Well-placed vents help with cooling in the heat of competition and a gel ankle and anti-vibration sole aid comfort; the rubber inside boot-guard helps your foot stay in contact with the bike.
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From right: Gaerne G-RS, Sidi
Streetfighter, Harley-Davidson Heritage, Red Wing women’s 1671. (Click image to enlarge)Sidi’s upcoming crossover Streetfighter boot combines attributes of Sidi’s racing and street shoes (www.motonation.com). Designed for casual street use, the Streetfighter boot utilized top grain leather, the Tecno-II buckle system, replaceable and adjustable aerodynamic nylon/ceramic toe sliders, and an external ankle brace system—all features for serious riding. For comfort, there is a dual compound sole, removable arch support, DuPont polymer toe shift pad, a closeable air vent, and perforated Teflon-treated nylon lining. The Streetfighter will be available in February 2008.
It is difficult to one-up Harley-Davidson when it comes to
heritage, and Harley-Davidson Footwear’s (www.stepintoalegend.com) new
Heritage boot pays suitable tribute to the Motor Company. Most striking, of
course is the embroidered Harley-Davidson Eagle and Bar & Shield detailing
on the boot’s full-grain leather upper. Further, Harley-Davidson is engraved on
the foot and calf buckles, leaving no question about your brand choice.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Spidi’s Granturismo Pro jacket and
Simpson’s Street Bandit helmet are an innovative pair. (Click image to enlarge)
According to Red Wing Shoes (www.redwingshoes.com), its new
1671 women’s boot "eats blacktop for breakfast and grown men for lunch." We
haven’t seen this stylish boot accomplish that inelegant claim, but they are
certainly eye-catching. The oil- and slip-resistant rubber Diamond Patch sole
have safety in mind, and quality is assured by the boot’s full-grain
water-resistant Black Scout leather.
The Street Bandit is not a new helmet—and it is certainly a
back-to-basics design—but the newest paint job offered by Simpson
(www.simpsonraceproducts.com) is a certified head-spinner. Called the
Rattlesnake graphic treatment, the reflective metalflake paint changes color as
your eyes’ perspective on the helmet shifts, turning the helmet into a
mesmerizing flow of red and green.
Raising the textile touring adventure jacket bar to a new
height is the Spidi Granturismo Pro (www.motonation.com). Created from an
abundance of high-tech materials, the Granturismo Pro utilizes Spidi’s superb
H2OUT waterproof membrane and Windout lining. Adjustable for comfort in
sub-freezing and egg-frying temperatures (and everywhere in between), the jacket
also has important safety components—Biomechanic armor, spine guard, kidney belt
and an innovative removable chest protector. Like the Sidi Streetfighter boots,
it will be available in February 2008.
Riding motorcycles has just become a bit more stylish and
comfortable, as well as safer.