All-weather, all-season riders are a growing breed. However, to ride a motorcycle every month of the year doesn’t necessarily require perverse determination, or a constitution as tough as old boots. The only resolve needed is the will to wear the best equipment available. After all, everyone knows that there is no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothing.
For nearly three decades BMW Motorrad has been one of the industry’s leading clothing innovators. Now, with a fashionable collection of garments that embrace every aspect of advanced textile technology, BMW also produce clothing suitable for every climate and all weather conditions. Testament can be seen in the number of motorcyclists that don’t ride BMWs but do wear the company’s Rider Equipment.
High-tech Schoeller-PCM material is used in many of the garments in the current collection. The material – originally developed for aerospace applications – counteracts the wide range of temperatures that motorcyclists experience when riding. Undergarments, in particular, remain comfortable even in extreme climates.
Here is a brief summary of some of the items recommended for to keep you warm when riding this winter.
Streetguard 2 SuitThe Streetguard 2 is one of motorcycling’s iconic riding suits and has changed little since it was launched. However, for 2008, BMW has added a new colour – Tobacco (which is obviously, this year’s ‘black’).
Incorporating a three-layer GORE-TEX XCR laminate, allied to the uniquely developed TFL Cool System technology, the Streetguard 2 is an extremely versatile riding suit. Highly protective, it is a durable, stylish and comfortable choice for riders who need a suit that is adaptable to all seasons and all weathers.
The incorporated wind and water resistant GORE-TEX XCR layered fabric is a breathable laminate that disperses water more efficiently. It is protected by watertight ventilation zips in the arms and has a connecting zip for trousers and jacket. A detachable thermal lining and removable storm collar afford extra warmth in bitterly cold conditions. These design features keep the rider warm, dry and comfortable, aiding concentration and making winter riding safer and more enjoyable.
The tough, impact absorbent and flexible shell of Cordura and Armacor is enhanced by a number of safety features that include strategic areas of reflective material to improve rider visibility at night. Removable elbow, shoulder, back, knee and hip protectors also provide essential impact resistance and are fully EU approved.
Incredibly during summer months, the innovative technology employed in the Streetguard 2 ensures that it is equally good at keeping riders cool. The BMW-developed TFL Cool System Technology reflects the sun’s rays away from the garment and reduces temperature to an acceptable minimum.
ProWinter Gloves BMW’s ProWinter gloves also feature GORE-TEX for wind and waterproofing and to ensure that the wearer is almost impervious to the once freezing misery of cold and wet weather riding. A soft lining offers comfort when gripping the bars but also ensures that the hands are warm and dry and able to operate the machine’s controls safely and precisely. For night riding, the ProWinter gloves feature a durable, high visibility reflective area.
Phase Change Functional Jacket The Phase Change functional jacket is stylish and fashionably sporting. The sleeves are detachable so that the jacket can be converted into a waistcoat for off-bike activities – such as town wear during warmer weather. The jacket can be worn under a variety of Rider Equipment garments such as the Savanna, Airflow and Rallye. It also has a number of practical features that include a mesh pocket pouch, side pockets for small items, and a high, windproof collar.
The high-tech Schoeller-PCM material maintains body heat across a wide range of ambient temperatures and is an ideal jacket for winter riding, snow sports, karting and other outdoor activities.
Thermo Functional Underwear BMW’s range of Thermo functional underwear is recommended as the perfect undergarment for a collection of winter riding equipment. The full-length sleeves, long body and flat shoulder seams of the vest – plus the high-cut pants – provide excellent rider comfort. The smooth finish of the material also makes it easier to pull on outer clothing, or leathers.
Thermo functional underwear conducts perspiration away from the skin and the 100 per cent fibre material is hypoallergenic, breathable and antibacterial. The extensive BMW Rider Equipment range of underwear is unisex-designed and available in a wide variety of sizes.
The technical and comprehensive BMW Rider Equipment range is available for almost every shape and size of rider and offers a high-tech clothing solution to keep riders warm and safe in winter.
Prices:Streetguard 2 jacket - £495
Streetguard 2 trousers -£355
ProWinter gloves- £65
Phase Change functional jacket- £120
Thermo functional underwear shirt- £43
Thermo functional pants- £28
The new 2008 Rider Equipment collection will be launched on the 22 November at the International Motorcycle Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
