The 50 Most Iconic Bikes in Motorcycling History Part 1

They are equal parts simple and complex, a mechanical interpretation of form meeting function with attitude to spare. Whether it’s chrome glimmering in the sun, the artful engineering behind a single-sided swingarm or their ability to outrun just about anything, motorcycles are more than just simple transportation. They strangle attention. Ride one down the street and watch as babies point and smile mid-whimper, dogs chase joyfully, angsty teens fight the curling in the corners of their mouths, old biker types in leather nod with supreme comprehension. There are countless combinations of weapons-grade speed, sex, beauty, design and freedom found between two tires, sure — but these fifty, specifically, are the icons hand-picked by Gear Patrol as our favorites of all time.

Ducati 916

Seeking improved aerodynamics and faster tire swaps in the pits, Massimo Tamburini unwittingly penned a squinty-eyed racer with an underseat exhaust and single-sided swingarm that exuded sex — the Ducati 916. Powered by a Desmodromic L-twin engine, this new Duc was down on power compared to the Japanese inlines, but its omnipresent torque made corner exits its bitches and left everyone behind to admire a beautiful back-end. Not only did the Ducati 916 capture four of five World Superbike Championships in the late ‘90s, it also beat out Pamela Anderson for poster space on many a teenage wall. The Ducati 916 was also featured in The Art of the Motorcycle exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum. Bellissima!

Learn More: Here

Honda Super Cub

The Honda Super Cub is the most popular selling motorcycle in the world. A 55-year production will do that. So will a bulletproof single-cylinder engine and a low cost of ownership. Found everywhere throughout Asia, Africa and South America and available in multiple iterations, the Super Cub has been compared to the Ford Model-T and Volkswagen Beetle for its influence on motorized transportation. The Cub is currently produced in fifteen countries around the world and won’t be disappearing anytime soon — to help celebrate its 50th anniversary, Honda churned out its 60 millionth unit.

Learn More: Here

Brough Superior SS100

So exacting was the individual tailoring of each Brough Superior SS100 that they gained explicit permission to be dubbed the “Rolls Royce of motorcycles”. A marvel of craftsmanship and engineering, each SS100 was guaranteed to hit 100 MPH — no great feat by today’s standards, but this was in 1924. By 1928, the Brough Superior SS100 would hit 130 MPH in the standing kilometer with George Brough in the saddle. T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, owned three Brough Superiors in his life and famously died due to head injuries sustained when swerving to avoid two young cyclists. Lawrence’s death would eventually lead to the requisite use of crash helmets for motorcyclists.

Learn More: Here

Honda CB77

The CB77, or Superhawk, is sportbike genesis for Honda. The 305cc parallel twin powering the CB77 could freely rev to nine grand and easily send riders over the ton (100 MPH) set by the British big twins. It was the Honda’s reliability, however, that established and cemented the Japanese manufacturer’s reputation in the Western world. The frame was crafted out of tubular steel rather than pressed, with the motor doubling duty as a stressed member, thereby shedding precious pounds and making the CB77 incredibly flickable. The Honda Superhawk is also the ride of preference for Robert Pirsig during his philosophical journey documented in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Learn More: Here

Ducati Monster

Not content to solely cause drooling with their fully faired offerings, Ducati decided to get naked with the Monster. Originally intended as an effort to give Bar and Shield buyers a different destination for deposits, Ducati inadvertently created a whole new segment. Twenty years of production later and the Italian marque has put more sultry nudes within the grasp of mere mortals than Hefner and Google combined. The Testastretta-powered S4RS is the most lust-worthy in our eyes. And much like every Playmate since 1953, the Monster’s most recognizable assets have remained constant and in full view since their debut; the exposed and slender trellis frame, aggressive yet welcoming stance and European allure all combine to deliver a complete package that anyone would be pleased to call his own.

Learn More: Here

Harley Davidson Sportster

The Sportster is the best selling bike branded with the Bar and Shield and has been on the market since 1957. Originally intended for flat-track racing, the fast and nimble Sporty found favor with riders seeking speed over the comforts usually afforded by Milwaukee’s finest. Harley Davidson has smartly done very little with the Sportster recipe. Power has always come in the form of a 45-degree V-Twin which was, until 2004, rigidly mounted to deliver its signature responsive ride. With a factory-forged variant to suit almost every style (five different versions are currently available) and Harley’s typically limitless catalogue of bolt-ons, the success of the Sportster should keep thundering on.

Learn More: Here

Honda Gold Wing

You may not believe that the Honda Gold Wing started life without fairings or saddlebags, but it did. Since its spartan beginnings, however, the Gold Wing has gone on to become one of the most luxuriously appointed and recognizable bikes in the world. Integrated GPS, heated seats (front and rear), airbags and even a reverse gear can be optioned to create the ultimate in on-road comfort. Powered by a 1.8-liter flat-six and tipping the scales at just under 1,000 pounds, the big Honda is surprisingly agile and swallows interstates like Joey Chestnut does hotdogs. Over one million Gold Wings were assembled during its thirty-year run in Marysville, Ohio before production moved back to Japan in 2012.

Learn More: Here

BMW R1200GS

The BMW R1200GS was designed to handle any terrain. Long travel suspension, wide, flat foot-pegs and an upright seating position mated to BMW’s punchy boxer twin combine to create the ultimate getaway tool — this is the swiss army knife of bikes. It’s also the Motorad division’s best seller. Ewan and Charlie may have helped move some extra metal, but BMW’s GS bikes have long been a favorite for riders of paths less traveled. This potential alone makes it a bucket-list bike for most of us around the office, and its take-no-prisoners looks don’t hurt either.

Learn More: Here

Kawasaki EX500 (Ninja)

Crotch-rocket looks and gutsy performance in an inexpensive, rider-friendly package: this is the Kawasaki EX500. An easy choice for new riders and veterans alike, the entry level Ninja even spawned its own racing class that still clips apexes today. The 498cc parallel-twin developed a broad and usable powerband to propel the bikini-faired Ninja into a market of its own. Comfortable ergonomics, a wide, flat seat and amazing fuel economy meant long days on the road were a relatively painless affair; it even had a six-speed transmission. Sadly, this little Ninja disappeared in 2009 — undoubtedly to avenge a master’s death.

Learn More: Here

Triumph Bonneville

Icons cannot be killed. Production of Triumph motorcycles has ceased three times and yet the Bonneville thrives. Whether it’s an early Triumph Engineering effort, a Norton Villiers Triton, a Devon Bonnie or a new model from Hinckley, the Bonneville oozes cool from every angle. Brando, Dean and, of course, McQueen have all swung legs over this plucky Brit, escalating a status originally earned at the track. Its parallel-twin engine has grown from 650cc to 865cc and carburetors have given way to injection, but its silhouette remains as constant as our desire to be seen riding one.

Learn More: Here

Watch Jeremy McWilliams Embarrass Some Journalists at the Track While on a KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Judging from how the KTM 1290 Super Duke R stacks up against its competition (like the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS, BMW S1000R, and Ducati Monster 1200 S), the Austrian’s were right in calling the new Duke “The Beast” in their pre-launch marketing.
With 180hp coming from its 1,301cc v-twin engine, and 106 lbs•ft of torque (74 of which start at just 2,500 rpm), KTM has built a road-eating monster in the new Super Duke R.
Taming that beast is no easy task, though luckily the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is one of the Austrian company’s first motorcycles to get traction control. But as our friend Iwan learned at the international press launch in Spain, the Super Duke R still packs quite the punch.

KTM’s tame motorcycle racer, and development rider for the Super Duke R, Jeremy McWilliams was on-hand for the press launch as well. Unfortunately for McWilliams though, there appears to be something wrong with his race-spec Duke, as the front wheel has trouble staying attached to the ground. He should probably have the boys take a look at it.

EICMA hangover and analysis- CMG Part 1

It’s that time of year, when all the manufacturers drop their new models … like this hot-rodded FZ-09 from Yamaha.

The staff from Canada MotoGuide.com prepared a very good overview of the EICMA 2013:

With the big guns all having fired their loads at Milan’s EICMA show this week, we thought it would be a good time to take a look at what was released and what that tells us about the industry.

THE SMALL UNS

Since we’re all huge fans of smaller displacement rides here at CMG, the continued growth and evolution of this segment is good to see. But, it seems we’re already  seeing a shift up in CCs with Honda unveiling their new CBR300 which we assume will come to Canada (though it is yet to be confirmed) and so push out the 250. You can blame the increase in size on Kawasaki, who cunningly refused to hit back at Honda in the 250 fight, instead making their own new category, the 300, with the launch of the Ninja 300 earlier this year.
Obviously Honda seems to think that this is where it’s at with their CBR300 move. But, will big-boring their single-cylinder to 286 cc and changing the bodywork be enough to take on the twin Ninja? MSRP is still to be released, and we suspect that is where you’ll see the Honda attack. If they can keep MSRP difference to about $800 with performance at least close to the Ninja, then we’d have a real fight on our hands.

Here’s Honda’s CBR300, a shot over the bow of the Kawasaki Ninja 300.

We have to wonder if the move to 300 was just the first in the sadly typical cycle of bumping up capacities, until what you thought was small is now mid-range. But with Honda already having the 500s it would seem like there’s a natural barrier, and besides, there are other players entering the fray too …

The KTM RC390 splits the difference between the 250 class and the 500 class.

KTM has maybe made the biggest splash in this market with a trio of new small capacity sport bikes. These include a race-styled RC125, RC200 and RC390 and although we very much doubt all three will appear here, we’re betting that at least the 390 will (and maybe the 390 Duke naked bike as well). After all, it was KTM’s Canadian importer who accidentally posted info of the 390 last week and took all the thunder out of its intended EICMA launch.
This move effectively splits the 300 and 500 class down the middle. It’s also going to add a lot of spice to smaller bikes as KTM is a dominant power in the Moto 3 (250 class) world racing series, so they know how to get a lot of power out of a small bike. Don’t expect it to be priced to compete with the CBR and Ninjas though.

Triumph introduced a few new big models, like this Commander, but they are also working on a 250.

Let’s not forget Triumph. Up ’til now, they seemed to believe bigger was better, reinforced with its presentation of new Thunderbird models at EICMA. But then up popped a slide of their new 250 Daytona. Okay, it was only a sketch, but apparently the motor is in the metal and they seem to think that they have to let everyone know it’s coming at this early stage, so we should see something around this time next year (although it may be a 300 or 39o by then!).

Yamaha’s introduced their SR400 to western markets again.

Oh, and can you add Yamaha’s SR 400 to this fray? We think so, especially since it’s a bike that has effectively been around since the seventies and so likely comparable or slightly lower power than any of the others. The interesting thing about the SR is that it’s a real retro small bike (even going so far as to only have a kick starter with no electric boot to help) and so likely will be in a class of its own. Judging by the responses to it on the CMG comments section, if Yamaha do decide to bring it here and don’t knobble it with an unrealistically high price, Canada’s streets should have a lot of SRs booting about in the near future.

OTHER NEW SURPRISES

If we hadn’t seen the leaks about the new Harley 500 and 750s, then they’d have stolen the show, representing the first all new bikes to come out of Milwaukee since the V-Rod hit the scene back in 2001.The new bikes are actually made in India at Harley’s new plant, only to be shipped and assembled in Milwaukee, to keep some Made in America aspect. Whether this is enough for the faithful remains to be seen, but it can be argued that these bikes are not aimed at the faithful anyway, but instead a sensible move by the Motor Company to start people off on their machines rather than try and convert them once they’ve already begun.

This Hog – or is that a Piglet? – is Harley-Davidson’s first all-new model since the V-Rod.

Styling cues seem about right and Harley-Davidson even released a sound file so you can hear the potato-potato sound that is a defining attribute to the brand. It remains to be seen whether they will replace the 883 Sportster or whether the riding public will embrace the new Indian angle. Who knows, maybe it’s a cunning plan to piggyback on the new Indians that are coming from Polaris, though those are made in the US of course?

The new CBR650F is a return to practical sport bikes.

Honda have continued on its push to grab market share with yet another big release of new models. We’ve already covered the CBR300 but the new CB(R)650Fs deserve a look at.
If you remember the old CBR600F4, then the CBR650 will remind you of the days when 600 sport bikes had a modicum of practicality to them – somewhat comfortable seats, higher bars and rearset footpegs that are actually for the passenger, not the rider. Honda has boosted capacity a little from the old 600 and produced two versions – a sporty CBR  and a semi-naked CB. Honda Canada hasn’t confirmed whether we’ll get either, but the CB would make a good replacement for the ailing CBF600 that is currently being listed on Honda Canada’s site with a hefty $2,500 discount, and the CBR is good competitor for the very similar Yamaha FZ6R and Suzuki GSX650F. 

The MT-07 looks fun, but likely won’t come to Nord America.

But what of the mid-range twin class, currently occupied by Kawasaki’s 650 Versys or  Suzuki’s Gladius? Enter Yamaha’s new MT-07. Yamaha continue to mess with other-than four cylinders with last year’s FZ-09 triple (known in Europe as the MT-07) and now this year’s new MT-07  inline twin (likely to be badged an FZ-07 if it comes here).  Styling is similar to its FZ-09 bigger brother and at a claimed 178Kg wet it’s a good 25 kilos lighter than the competition. Alas, supposedly it’s not coming to North America, sigh.

The new CTX1300 takes the ST1300′s motor and puts it into a cruiser chassis.

Other new bikes include Honda’s CTX1300 cruiser-tourer that uses the aging but solid ST1300 motor in a CTX styled chassis and a bit of F6B thrown in for good measure. We’re not sure if the CTX styling is something that Honda should be adopting, but it’s an easy way to add a new tourer to the line up. Then there’s BMW’s naked S1000RR; the S1000R (losing one R with all the plastic) is BMW’s new streetfighter coming in with a whole lot of power and $3,000 less than its double R’d father (@$14,700). Keeping with sport bikes reinvented, Ducati released a new 1200 Monster onto the world that uses the Panigale’s 1198 cc Testastretta motor, replete with 135 hp (at 8,750 rpm) and 87 ft-lb of torque. Who needs fairings anyway?

Here’s the new Turismo Veloce. It’s got adventure-touring lines.

And finally, small but inventive Italian company MV Agusta seems to be finding their stride and launched a sport-touring Turismo Veloce. It uses the same three-cylinder 798 cc motor that MV Agusta has in the F3 800 and Rivale but comes with taller suspension and hard bags and is directed at bikes like Ducati’s Multistrada. The bike will be coming to Canada but may take a while to get here.

EICMA hangover and analysis CMG- part 2

We are continuing the article prepared by the Canadian MotoGuide team about the EICMA 
First part here.  
All these new bikes will be presented also in Birmingham starting 23 Nov until 1st of Dec at Motorcycle Live. We will be present there- keep looking here for more updates and coverage

AND THE UPDATES

The R1200T gets BMW’s new water-cooled boxer motor.

As one would expect from a german company like BMW, updates come in a very logical manner, at least when it comes to the R range. New Boxer motors always appear in the flagship GS but then trickle down the range over the next few years before reaching the end, and then up pops a new motor. Second in line in the R throne is the R1200RT tourer which now comes with the new liquid cooled motor and has a new hill starting doo-dad and electric gear shifter for those too lazy to do either.
Honda has also been busy, with an update to the CBR1000RR (does anyone remember when those were happening every two years?) that boasts more power. What’s more surprising is their new track-orientated SP version with Öhlins suspension, four-piston Brembo monobloc brake calipers, a revised frame and new top and bottom steering yolks with less flex. There’s also a long-awaited update to the VFR800 which essentially has remained untouched since the V-TEC addition in 2002. No word on whether the V-TEC remains but there has been a boost in power and a significant drop in weight of 10 Kilos. Might be a good opportunity for Honda to bring it back into Canada.

The Z1000 is back, with new looks.

Kawasaki also updated their Transformer styled Z1000 to make it even more Transformer-like, Yamaha added some tweaks to the motor on its Super Tenere as well as a ZE version with some additional trinkets including electronically adjustable suspension. Oh and as we mentioned earlier, Triumph made some more variations of its big cruiser Thunderbirds.

LET’S NOT FORGET THE ELECTRICS

The Zero SR has more range and more power again. Their bikes get more and more competent.

The knock against battery bikes has always been limited range. Zero continues to tackle this problem; now, they’ve announced updates to their lineup (an optional add-on battery pack) that will enable riders to get a claimed 275 km of city riding; combined city and highway riding will get you as much as 210 km. Cruising around 90 will get you a 170-km range, and cruising around 110 will get you around 140 kms of range.
At least, that’s what Zero claims – we’ll wait until real-world users start posting their results before we get too excited. Still, this is an important step forward. Every year the Zero lineup adds a few kilometres of range, and hopefully one day they’ll be competitive with gasoline bikes, as long as costs are reasonable.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT?

Sure, the upcoming 2014 models are exciting, but what’s coming down the pipe long-term? Well, a couple interesting concept machines were shown off at EICMA, including a new supermoto from Husqvarna.

The Husqvarna 701 prototype shows the company hasn’t forgotten their supermoto models.

Husky’s future in street bikes was in doubt after their sale to KTM president Stefan Pierer, but the company appears to have a return to basics in mind. For years, the only street bikes they made were supermotos, and the new 701 concept follows that vein. Sure, it’s got trick bodywork, LED headlights and other trick parts, but it really appears to be a dirt bike with street tires at heart.

The Yamaha Tricity scooter concept will make it to production.

Will the 701 make it to market? It’s tough to imagine Husqvarna not bringing their supermoto lineup back, especially after seeing this, although we’re sure the street-legal models will be neutered versions of the concept, as always.
Yamaha had the other most interesting concept, the Tricity scooter. Basically, it’s a leaning three-wheeler, similar to existing machines like Piaggio’s MP3, but cheaper and lighter with a 125 cc motor. Yamaha actually says they’re going to bring this to market, with a projected cost of 4,000 Euros across the pond.

And let’s not forget the quirky Brits! Some firm has decided to resurrect Brough Superior, with an undated Steam Punkesque interpretation of the SS100, all for a mere 100,000 Euros, and British car makers and Formula 1 race team, Caterham, has decided to try its luck with bikes, introducing three models, one gas-powered and the other two electric.
While they’re all on the quirky side, we haven’t seen any real quirkiness since the market went south with everyone’s cash. Surely a sign that good times are a coming, even if they’ll likely never go on sale in North America.

The Caterham Classic E-Bike has a faux V-twin motor and a very short range.

 

Five Great Bikes That Are Made In India

he 2014 Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 500 appear to be made in India and assembled in America. So what?

The Subcontinent knows how to make a fantastic motorcycle. Here’s five great bikes that are made in India.

2014 KTM RC390

2014 KTM RC390
There is seriously not one other bike coming for 2014 that I am personally more excited about or more likely to buy. With the possible exception of the last bike on this list… The RC390 pairs a very low weight with a high performance motor, a race-bred chassis and purposeful design. And, because it’s made in India, all that is likely going to be available for between $6,000 and $7,000.

KTM 390 Duke

2014 KTM 390 Duke
Prefer an upright naked? It’ll probably make more sense in the city. Very similar to the RC390, the Duke should be a little lower-spec, but likely a little cheaper too. Again, a uniquely appealing bike, especially considering it’s likely $5,000 to $6000 price.

Royal Enfield Continental GT

Royal Enfield Continental GT
You’re not going to find a more faithful recreation of the original cafe racer theme than you will in this new Royal Enfield. The 535cc, single-cylinder will go on-sale in the U.S. next year for an expected price close to $6,000.

Royal Enfield C5 Desert Storm

Royal Enfield Bullet C5 Desert Storm
Dubbed “Desert Storm” for its matte khaki paint, there’s a ton of visual appeal in this classic bike. And we do mean “classic,” Royal Enfield has been knocking these out in India since the 1950s, updating them with electric start, unit engines and good reliability along the way.

KTM 390 Dual Sport

KTM’s Future Dual Sport
“…we’re also developing a so-called dual-purpose or dual-sport version of [the Duke],” stated KTM boss Stefan Pierer in April. “I would say it’s a mix between supermoto and enduro. These will appear next, all made at the Bajaj factory in Chakan [India].” Expect similar specs to the 390 Duke and RC390 — 324 lbs (wet), 44 bhp, solid reliability and low maintenance requirements.

First appeared in rideapart.com 

Confederate Motorcycles R131 Fighter

Not a new one- but definitively an impressive one..

Custom motorcycle maker Confederate Motorcycles has unveiled its latest limited-edition model, the R131 Fighter. Built strong but light from aircraft-grade aluminum, the bike weighs only about 460 lbs, and combined with its sleek black and silver finish, lives up to its aircraft namesake. Equipped with a larger than average for its class 2146 CC engine, the motorcycle features a fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons, a 5-speed transmission, and carbon fiber wheels with 4-piston Brembo brakes. Limited to a production of only 10 models, each hand-built model costs $100,000 USD and is available for special order through the maker’s website.

Officine RossoPuro ‘Eroica’

Most of the leading custom builders work on commission—they get a brief from a client, a direction is agreed upon, and a motorcycle starts to take shape. Compromise is inevitable, whether it’s around budget or aesthetic direction.
But every now and then, as you can imagine, it’s good to get free rein. And that’s how Filippo Barbacane of Officine Rossopuro created this machine—a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP that he effectively built for himself.

“I wanted to make a very classic motorcycle,” he reports. “One that looks simple and clean. A bike that’s both slender and ‘long’.” Filippo wanted the color to look elegant too, so he selected a green hue from Moto Guzzi’s racing heritage.
The 1000 SP arrived in exceptional condition, with only 24,000 km on the clock—an unusually low mileage for a 1982 bike. And with a broad, torquey powerband, little work was required on the engine.

The highlight is the hand-crafted aluminum bodywork, a huge improvement on the somewhat chunky, squared-off standard paneling. The wheels are now spoked, rather than alloy, and adjustable Bitubo shocks are fitted to the rear. The front brakes have been upgraded to twin 300 mm Brembo discs, retaining the excellent standard linked braking system.
The bulky 1000 SP instrument panel has gone, and Filippo has flush-fitted a simple, single analog instrument into the custom headlight. The bowl is painted green to match the new bodywork, and is topped off with a hooded chrome bezel.

And why the name ‘Eroica,’ meaning ‘heroic’? “It’s to remember the past,” says Filippo. “When bikes were ridden by heroes, lying down and stretched out, the chin a few inches from the tank.” An apt name for a long, low machine like this one.
‘Eroica’ is now for sale; interested parties should make contact via the Officine Rossopuro website.



First appeared on Bike EXIF 2013. The world authority on custom motorcycles.

The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles

• 

Offering a look at 100 of the world’s most coveted motorcycles, Assouline‘s The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles pays tribute to the engineering and design breakthroughs that define motorcycle history. The luxurious oversized book looks at the evolution of the iconic two-wheeler, and follows its development from a vehicle merely used for transportation into a sleek symbol of speed, freedom and architectural mastery. Priced at a clean $695 USD, the book is currently available atAssouline.

Best Moto Leather Jackets Under $700

There’s nothing like a good leather motorcycle jacket. The style speaks volumes to who you are and the wear marks and scuffs speak to where you’ve been. Here are some of the best motorcycle leather jackets available on the market.


Dainese Avro Leather Jacket – $699.95
With co-injected shoulders with aluminum inserts, back and thorax/chest protectors, and composite protectors at the elbows, the Avro is about as safe as it gets without wearing a full race suit. The Avro saves you few dollars, but adds a few ounces, by using cowhide leather in combination with S1 elasticated panels to provide a contoured fit, which aided by adjustments at the neck and waist. The Avro comes with a removable liner, as well as reflective inserts to increase visibility, and soft inserts to increase padding should you have a fall. We’re big fans of the Avro’s sporty looks and fit.


Dainese R-Twin Leather Jacket – $699.95
Every time I post a picture of this jacket, I either get called out for being a bad role model (wearing a fashion jacket while working as a moto-journalist) or asked what model it is. Well, for you haters, it’s actually made of wonderfully thick cowhide that is treated with resin to give it that vintage look while still offering abrasion resistance, and it has composite protectors at the shoulders and elbows plus a pocket for a back protector. The elasticated panels help give this jacket a nice fit, and the removable thermal lining does a good job at keeping me warm when the temps drop. I’m a little too long and lean for Dainese sizing, but if you aren’t as freakishly made as I am, this should fit you quite nicely and look amazing in the process.


Alpinestars Black Shadow Hades Jacket – $699.95
Alpinestars call this minimal branding and maximum cool. We agree on both accounts…. sort of. The branding isn’t actually all that minimal, but the jacket is pretty cool. 1.3 mm full grain premium leather, anatomically designed torso and sleeves for improved fit and to minimized fatigue, and CE-rated armor at the shoulder and elbow, plus the option to add a Bionic back and chest protector, make this jacket as safe as it gets. Alpinestars have also added their fancy new dual-density TPU sliders on the shoulders to improve abrasion resistance and help protect your collarbone in a crash. Look for a more in-depth review of this jacket coming soon.


ICON 1000 Chapter Jacket – $600
The ICON 1000 line is simply fantastic, and the Chapter Jacket is no exception. It’s constructed from 1.1-1.3 mm antique finish Brazilian cowhide, and then padded with D30 armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back. It comes with a removable, quilted liner. We’re big fans of the tobacco version as the red zipper on the black version just kind of ruins that one for us


Roland Sands Ronin Jacket – $590
The Roland Sands Ronin Jacket, especially in the tobacco color, is my favorite looking motorcycle jacket, period. A friend has had one since the first run, and it gets better looking every single day. 1.2 mm washed and waxed cowhide, pre-curved sleeves, and a dropped back length, this thing is vintage levels of cool, even when you’re in a riding position. The Ronin comes armor ready, with pockets in the shoulder, elbows, and back. Just a warning though, we’ve gotten some of the latest production run and it seems their fit has gone wide. We’re looking into getting the one they sent us tailored, with a more in-depth review on the way.


Vanson AR3 Armored Model A – $550 est. (Official pricing not released yet)
The people have spoken and their desires have been heard! Vanson released news at the AIMExpo a few weeks back that they would be releasing a production version of the AR3 they made especially for RideApart’s own Wes Siler, complete with armor. Competition weight leather that will last you your entire life, now with CE-rated armor stock from the factory. Go down in it and all you have to do is send it in for repairs, the only downside being you’ll have to put in all that hard work again to get it broken in just right.


Alpinestars GP-R Leather Jacket – $449.95
The Alpinestars GP-R Leather jacket is a 2011 Revzilla product of the year winner which, at it’s lower price point than the other jackets on our list, speaks volumes about it’s quality. It features 1.3 mm full-grain perforated leather combined with Aramidic stretch panels in the shoulders and arms to allow for a better fit and better range of motion. It has removable and adjustable CE certified Bio Armor in the shoulders and elbows, and padding in the chest and back that can be upgraded to a Bio Armor back protector and Bionic Chest Guards. It also has a waist connection zipper, so you can connect the jacket to Alpinestars leather or textile pants.

Originally posted in rideapart.com



I will also add my Jacket- a Vulcan Men's VTZ-910 Street Motorcycle Jacket

I bought it from ebay.com (for Europe from here  ) It was fast and provided from the factory that are producing them for US market. It was 120 Euros and shipped with DHL



 A very nice matte leather (black) with orange accents, it a very comfortable and fashionable. Provide with fully CE protection
The Vulcan VTZ-910 Motorcycle Jacket is made of premium cowhide leather. It features advanced design with underarm zippered vents that drop heat and reduce sweat. Its elastic panels on elbows and armholes allow for maximum comfort in riding position. Along with its many other feature are bright orange stitching, YKK zippers, high-visibility reflective stripes, and removable CE approved armor.
PS- I have NO commercial interest in the seller on ebay :) I just shared my positive experience