andrave
07-09-2007, 05:22 PM
I've been wearing most of these pieces since last summer so its time for a check in to see how everything has been holding up and how satisfied I am.
KBC VR-2 Helmet:
I was extremely happy with my VR-2 when I first purchased it. I still think that for the price it is an excellent helmet (available for around $200-300 at cycle gear depening on finish and under $200 at many online retailers). However, I have several gripes with it that have developed after extended use. First off, the visor mounting system is, I feel, poorly designed. I have had to replace the "base plates" (the plates that contain the hinges and catches for the visor) and the visor itself several times. There is a little plastic tab on the visor that clicks onto a toothed semi circle on the baseplate. This ALWAYS breaks off (yes even on my brand new 2 week old visor), making the visor impossible to adjust anywhere between fully closed or fully open. In addition, the forehead padding above the visor is disappointingly thin, resulting in irritation at my scalp line on rides of 8 hours or more. Finally, the vents on the front are simply inadequate for hot weather riding, especially at low speeds but also even at 40 or 50 mph. I often ride with the visor up (risking my eyesight to mosquitos and pebbles) just to get some additional airflow over my head.
For cold weather riding I prefer the style of my other helmet, an AFX, which comes with an integrated skirt at the bottom to block out a bit of wind and noise. However, that same skirt irks me at times when it traps in heat and and when it flaps against my neck, especially when stuck behind trucks and dealing with the associated backwash. Since I could have purchased a a removeable skirt for the KBC, I can't fault them for not including it, but I did think it was nice that it came with the AFX (though it would have been appreciated more had it been removeable).
Overall I would give the KBC VR-2 3 out of 5 stars, mainly because it is very comfortable, relatively light weight, and represents an excellent value. If you often ride in hot weather and need larger vents, or you find yourself on longer rides or have an easily irritated scalp, you may want to shop elsewhere, though these faults are in line with those I've experienced with most other cheaper helmets. My advice: save up and get yourself a shoei or arai and buy it someplace like cycle gear that lets you try it for a little bit and still return it if you are unhappy.
http://www.cyclegear.com/images/StreetHelmets/kbc_vr2blu_310x310.jpg
Icon TI-Max 2 Mesh Jacket with removeable liner:
At full retail the TI max 2 goes for something like $279.99. At that price, you certainly don't see too many out on the street, since the competitors from shift, joe rocket, and others are over $100 less. I found mine for around $190 at an online retailer and I must admit I was sold on its intimidating appearance. After receiving it, I was happy with it, but after the first month the loops that attach to your belt proved less than robust; one of the fronts ripped in half, the other front's rivet came lose, and the rear strap tore about halfway through. Well, its a year later and I've had no other problems with the jacket. The rear loop hasn't torn any further, though I rarely use them anymore. The jacket has proved comfortable and robust in its contruction, though I have yet to experience any Andrew to asphalt contact. The collar is very comfortable and doesn't chafe my neck even after 12+ hours in the saddle (this is the ONLY jacket I've owned that I could say that about). The removeable liner is water resistant and warm, keeping me comfortable on sub 30 degree mornings, and fitting under my passenger seat that evening for the 70 degree ride home. I like the full sleeve design of the liner as well, keeping me relatively dry on rainy days unlike some competitors, which only have a vest style liner.
My only gripes with the TI-max 2 are the lack of zippered vents. Because the mesh is a much thicker, finer mesh than other mesh jackets I've tried, at low speeds or in traffic it can get a bit stuffy. The only pockets are on the inside of the chest, which are impossible to get to with gloves on while riding (I know, I shouldn't be fumbling for things in my pockets while riding, but realistically there are 100 times during normal riding that you need to get our your cell phone or wallet or toll ticket quickly. When you have to pull over and take your gloves off and unzip your jacket to access these things, its just a huge pain in the ass). Finally, the jacket comes in a variety of colors but all of them have the big black "dinosaur" spine protector, which absorbs heat and roasts your back and neck. That back protector is vented in sections, but during most riding these vents don't allow a lot of airflow. However, should I ever drop the bike, I'm sure I would appreciate the heavy padding it offers my spine, so its a mixed blessing.
Overall I would give the Icon TI-Max 2 jacket a 4 out of 5 stars. The lack of outside pockets/vents and its high price are the only things keeping it away from perfection. I highly recommend it, especially if you can only buy one jacket, because its mesh construction and full zip out liner make it suitable for year round riding. Check online to find it a little more cheaply, or check with local retailers and see if they will price match online stores.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/photos/300/g23208.jpg
Icon Pursuit Perforated Gloves
These are the gloves I wear nearly every day. While they are perforated for ventilation, my hands have remained comfortable at temperatures well under 50 degrees (though obviously not for longer rides). Their ultra soft sheepskin leather is so comfortable I can wear these all day every day and have never experienced any chafing or blistering. They are also thin enough to dial a phone or count out money while wearing, making them great for tollbooths or convenience stores since you don't always have to take them off.
I wore these while riding a dirtbike supermotard style on asphalt and hide-sided, and I slide 5-10 feet on my palms and knees. Some of the blue dye was worn off leaving white marks where I slid, but all of the seams held up and the leather didn't tear or wear through, even at the perforations (which was a concern I initially had). I still wear the same pair everytime I ride. Their short cuff design, foam padding, and thin leather construction means you'll probably want to look elsewhere for trackday gloves, but for extremely comfortable street gloves I haven't found a better pair anywhere. Be careful wearing them in the rain, like all full natural leather gloves, they can become somewhat slimy and slick when wet, and they will expand and then contract when they dry, but I've survived several monsoon style downpours in them with no adverse effects (though they did turn my hands blue after the first rain).
At $50 they represent an excellent value as well, leaving money for a gauntlet style glove for colder or rainier days.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommended (to all of my friends, several of whom have bought them and also love them)
http://www.motoemporium.com/icon/gloves/blue.jpg
Teknic Rage kevlar reinforced riding jeans
I wear these when I got out for rides and I know I'll be riding hard on the street, but when the heat and bulk of my leather pants is just too much to bear. When I ordered them they came with a much longer inseam than regular street jeans. While on the bike this is ok, since your legs are bent at the knees and the padding in the knees lines up right where you would want it, but since most people wearing kevlar jeans will have on boots anyway, I would prefer a slightly shorter/tighter cut below the knee. This would make them fit better when I wear them to the mall or to dinner, and reduce their flapping against my shins on the freeway. I like that the rear pockets and nice and deep, to hold any papers or wallets far enough down that there is no concern of them falling out, but the front pockets suck. They are not lined with denim or with kevlar, just thin cotton, so there is nothing to stop them from ripping out should you go down on your front side. They are rediculously shallow as well. My Krazer phone nearly sticks out of the top of the pocket while riding. They are good for change and maybe holding a set of keys but not much else.
Given that I have worn them so frequently over a year, they have held up very well. There are a few little spots where the denim is starting to wear, and the cuff on the bottom has worn where I step on it while walking, but compared to normal levi's, these things are bullet proof, and I was wearing these during the supermotard dirtbike demonstration I mentioned above. When I picked myself up off the asphalt and my right knee was aching after sliding it 5-10 feet, I thought for sure I'd be needing a new pair of pants. But I looked down and the denim looked good as new, and the thin padding in the knee protected my knee and made what could have been a day ending injury just a little soreness and a red bump. Excellent protection. I paid about $50 for mine though retail is around $90 dollars. I would recommend trying them on before you buy a pair because of the extended length below the knees.
Overall I would rate them 4 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend to them over wearing normal jeans, but I would also like to try out some other brands of kevlar jeans (like the offerings from draggin jeans, joe rocket, and icon) to see if they have a more comfortable fit and perhaps better pockets.
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/ec0283/ragedj-den.jpg
KBC VR-2 Helmet:
I was extremely happy with my VR-2 when I first purchased it. I still think that for the price it is an excellent helmet (available for around $200-300 at cycle gear depening on finish and under $200 at many online retailers). However, I have several gripes with it that have developed after extended use. First off, the visor mounting system is, I feel, poorly designed. I have had to replace the "base plates" (the plates that contain the hinges and catches for the visor) and the visor itself several times. There is a little plastic tab on the visor that clicks onto a toothed semi circle on the baseplate. This ALWAYS breaks off (yes even on my brand new 2 week old visor), making the visor impossible to adjust anywhere between fully closed or fully open. In addition, the forehead padding above the visor is disappointingly thin, resulting in irritation at my scalp line on rides of 8 hours or more. Finally, the vents on the front are simply inadequate for hot weather riding, especially at low speeds but also even at 40 or 50 mph. I often ride with the visor up (risking my eyesight to mosquitos and pebbles) just to get some additional airflow over my head.
For cold weather riding I prefer the style of my other helmet, an AFX, which comes with an integrated skirt at the bottom to block out a bit of wind and noise. However, that same skirt irks me at times when it traps in heat and and when it flaps against my neck, especially when stuck behind trucks and dealing with the associated backwash. Since I could have purchased a a removeable skirt for the KBC, I can't fault them for not including it, but I did think it was nice that it came with the AFX (though it would have been appreciated more had it been removeable).
Overall I would give the KBC VR-2 3 out of 5 stars, mainly because it is very comfortable, relatively light weight, and represents an excellent value. If you often ride in hot weather and need larger vents, or you find yourself on longer rides or have an easily irritated scalp, you may want to shop elsewhere, though these faults are in line with those I've experienced with most other cheaper helmets. My advice: save up and get yourself a shoei or arai and buy it someplace like cycle gear that lets you try it for a little bit and still return it if you are unhappy.
http://www.cyclegear.com/images/StreetHelmets/kbc_vr2blu_310x310.jpg
Icon TI-Max 2 Mesh Jacket with removeable liner:
At full retail the TI max 2 goes for something like $279.99. At that price, you certainly don't see too many out on the street, since the competitors from shift, joe rocket, and others are over $100 less. I found mine for around $190 at an online retailer and I must admit I was sold on its intimidating appearance. After receiving it, I was happy with it, but after the first month the loops that attach to your belt proved less than robust; one of the fronts ripped in half, the other front's rivet came lose, and the rear strap tore about halfway through. Well, its a year later and I've had no other problems with the jacket. The rear loop hasn't torn any further, though I rarely use them anymore. The jacket has proved comfortable and robust in its contruction, though I have yet to experience any Andrew to asphalt contact. The collar is very comfortable and doesn't chafe my neck even after 12+ hours in the saddle (this is the ONLY jacket I've owned that I could say that about). The removeable liner is water resistant and warm, keeping me comfortable on sub 30 degree mornings, and fitting under my passenger seat that evening for the 70 degree ride home. I like the full sleeve design of the liner as well, keeping me relatively dry on rainy days unlike some competitors, which only have a vest style liner.
My only gripes with the TI-max 2 are the lack of zippered vents. Because the mesh is a much thicker, finer mesh than other mesh jackets I've tried, at low speeds or in traffic it can get a bit stuffy. The only pockets are on the inside of the chest, which are impossible to get to with gloves on while riding (I know, I shouldn't be fumbling for things in my pockets while riding, but realistically there are 100 times during normal riding that you need to get our your cell phone or wallet or toll ticket quickly. When you have to pull over and take your gloves off and unzip your jacket to access these things, its just a huge pain in the ass). Finally, the jacket comes in a variety of colors but all of them have the big black "dinosaur" spine protector, which absorbs heat and roasts your back and neck. That back protector is vented in sections, but during most riding these vents don't allow a lot of airflow. However, should I ever drop the bike, I'm sure I would appreciate the heavy padding it offers my spine, so its a mixed blessing.
Overall I would give the Icon TI-Max 2 jacket a 4 out of 5 stars. The lack of outside pockets/vents and its high price are the only things keeping it away from perfection. I highly recommend it, especially if you can only buy one jacket, because its mesh construction and full zip out liner make it suitable for year round riding. Check online to find it a little more cheaply, or check with local retailers and see if they will price match online stores.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/photos/300/g23208.jpg
Icon Pursuit Perforated Gloves
These are the gloves I wear nearly every day. While they are perforated for ventilation, my hands have remained comfortable at temperatures well under 50 degrees (though obviously not for longer rides). Their ultra soft sheepskin leather is so comfortable I can wear these all day every day and have never experienced any chafing or blistering. They are also thin enough to dial a phone or count out money while wearing, making them great for tollbooths or convenience stores since you don't always have to take them off.
I wore these while riding a dirtbike supermotard style on asphalt and hide-sided, and I slide 5-10 feet on my palms and knees. Some of the blue dye was worn off leaving white marks where I slid, but all of the seams held up and the leather didn't tear or wear through, even at the perforations (which was a concern I initially had). I still wear the same pair everytime I ride. Their short cuff design, foam padding, and thin leather construction means you'll probably want to look elsewhere for trackday gloves, but for extremely comfortable street gloves I haven't found a better pair anywhere. Be careful wearing them in the rain, like all full natural leather gloves, they can become somewhat slimy and slick when wet, and they will expand and then contract when they dry, but I've survived several monsoon style downpours in them with no adverse effects (though they did turn my hands blue after the first rain).
At $50 they represent an excellent value as well, leaving money for a gauntlet style glove for colder or rainier days.
5 out of 5 stars, highly recommended (to all of my friends, several of whom have bought them and also love them)
http://www.motoemporium.com/icon/gloves/blue.jpg
Teknic Rage kevlar reinforced riding jeans
I wear these when I got out for rides and I know I'll be riding hard on the street, but when the heat and bulk of my leather pants is just too much to bear. When I ordered them they came with a much longer inseam than regular street jeans. While on the bike this is ok, since your legs are bent at the knees and the padding in the knees lines up right where you would want it, but since most people wearing kevlar jeans will have on boots anyway, I would prefer a slightly shorter/tighter cut below the knee. This would make them fit better when I wear them to the mall or to dinner, and reduce their flapping against my shins on the freeway. I like that the rear pockets and nice and deep, to hold any papers or wallets far enough down that there is no concern of them falling out, but the front pockets suck. They are not lined with denim or with kevlar, just thin cotton, so there is nothing to stop them from ripping out should you go down on your front side. They are rediculously shallow as well. My Krazer phone nearly sticks out of the top of the pocket while riding. They are good for change and maybe holding a set of keys but not much else.
Given that I have worn them so frequently over a year, they have held up very well. There are a few little spots where the denim is starting to wear, and the cuff on the bottom has worn where I step on it while walking, but compared to normal levi's, these things are bullet proof, and I was wearing these during the supermotard dirtbike demonstration I mentioned above. When I picked myself up off the asphalt and my right knee was aching after sliding it 5-10 feet, I thought for sure I'd be needing a new pair of pants. But I looked down and the denim looked good as new, and the thin padding in the knee protected my knee and made what could have been a day ending injury just a little soreness and a red bump. Excellent protection. I paid about $50 for mine though retail is around $90 dollars. I would recommend trying them on before you buy a pair because of the extended length below the knees.
Overall I would rate them 4 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend to them over wearing normal jeans, but I would also like to try out some other brands of kevlar jeans (like the offerings from draggin jeans, joe rocket, and icon) to see if they have a more comfortable fit and perhaps better pockets.
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/ec0283/ragedj-den.jpg