Jeff Kerkove said at 5:41 PM
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Fall Freeride
Motorcycle Racing
Motorcycle racing is a very exciting sport that many people love to watch. The three main types of motorcycle racing include dirt bikes, street racing, and drag racing. Each offers motorcycle enthusiasts the opportunity to race their motorcycle at breath taking speeds against the best in the sport. Those who have proven to be among the best are able to secure sponsors to help cover the cost of their racing activities. While some of the biggest payouts are in motorcycle street racing, this is very illegal. Dirt bike racing is generally called motocross or supercross. Motocross racing involves a dirt track with some tight turns. Supercross is mainly done indoors in arenas or event centers. This type of racing involves some spectacular jumps and moves to get an edge over the competition. This type of racing is very fast paced and exciting to watch. The race track is often made of dirt and sometimes there are mud pits as well for added difficulty and entertainment for the crowd. One main difference with this type of racing is that all of the racers start at the same time, so you often have 25 or more racers jammed together at the start. Getting a good start in this type of racing will give you an edge over the competition. Many of the racers get jumbled together in the first turn, making it hard to pull ahead of other racers. Drag racing involves racing at extremely high speeds for a short distance on straight pavement. The distance is generally either a quarter mile or a half mile. There are two types of drag racing for motorcycles. The first is called bracket racing. This involves time trials and then attempting to get as close to your dial in time without breaking out. This type of racing is more about being consistence than racing other competitors. In heads up drag racing, the competitor?s race against each other and the first one to reach the finish line wins. Motorcycle street racing is illegal, but a very popular past time for many in California and Florida. There is a great deal of money to be made in illegal street racing so there are always plenty of participants. There are also spectators who enjoy the thrill of this type of racing. While police work hard to prevent such racing from taking place it is still taking place. Strict penalties are being put into place as a deterrent for those who continue to participate. Some other popular types of motorcycle racing include hill climbing. This involves a motorcycle racing to the top of the hill. While each rider has the entire track to themselves, their times are ranked against those of other riders. Rally racing involves competitors on a geographical racing trail, with various checkpoints along the way. Motorcycle racing is a sport many people love to participate it. There are many spectators who enjoy the fast pace and action taking place throughout the races as well. Some people participate in motorcycle racing as a hobby or for entertainment. For others, it is a way of life. They have worked hard to earn sponsors and follow the racing circuit from one racing event to another. They also put countless hours into learning new techniques on their motorcycles to stay in the top positions over the competition. 
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Kawasak Motorcycles
Kawasaki motorcycles were introduced in 1954, and have made quite a name for themselves when it comes to high performing motorcycles. Many Kawasaki models have been designed over the years for dirt bike racing. They are powerful yet lightweight, giving the rider an edge over the competition. The bikes are also known for offering a sturdy frame, great suspension, and being affordable. Many people aren?t aware that Kawasaki manufactured motorcycle engines for years before they decided to make complete bikes. This allowed them to enter the competition knowing exactly what to build and how to build it. In 1960, Kawasaki bought out Megero Motorcycles, who had been in the business since 1937. They took a brave move by offering every type of motorcycle at the same type across the board. It was a strategy that would make or break them. It was a wise investment as they were able to steadily sell everything from a 50 model to the powerful twin 650CC as well as everything in between. This was the beginning of Kawasaki making out of the box decisions that influenced their competitors. Rather than being a follower, Kawasaki choose to always be a leader in the developments taking place in the motorcycle industry. While this was risky, it definitely gave them an edge over the competition. In 1965 Kawasaki decided it was time to start exporting their motorcycles to the United States. The models sold better and faster than anyone had anticipated. The Z1 model was introduced in 1972. It was initially only marketed to the United States to meet consumer requests and demands. The most well known Kawasaki motorcycle is the ZZR-R1100. This model was introduced in 1990 and lead the industry in sales for five years. Kawasaki made history in 2000 when it introduced the ZX-12R, a super bike featuring a unique frame that could out run any dirt bike on the track. Most everyone is familiar with the lime green color, representing Kawasaki racing bikes. These models some in a variety of sizes and with various power behind them. Kawasaki racing bikes are known in the industry for being extremely fast as well as light weight. The Ninja series is one of the top selling models in motorcycle history. When it comes to cruiser bikes, the Kawasaki Vulcan model offers everything you could ever want and more. The are versatile, long lasting, and easy to maneuver. They also come in a variety of sizes with many different power ranges behind each one. What makes the Vulcan so original is that it can be considered a comfortable tour bike, yet it has the power of a racing bike behind many of the models. This is a classy looking motorcycle with two comfortable seats and saddle bags to hold your necessities. The 2007 models are very stylish and are anticipated to sell very well. Today, Kawasaki continues to be a leader in the motorcycle industry, offering consumers a variety of products to choose from. Each one offering distinct features but all of them offer great quality, lots of power, and a very reasonable price. They are also known in the motorcycle industry as being the leader in providing the necessary parts to repair any of their models. You will find Kawasaki dealerships all around the world, ready to assist you with the perfect motorcycle for you.
What You Can Do To Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are frequently found on our roads, especially during the warmer months of the year. With the high price of fuel, it isn?t surprising that the number of motorcycle riders out there is significantly on the rise. It is everyones job to do all they can to prevent motorcycle accidents from happening. What can you do while you are on the road to prevent them?
For motorcycle riders, the answer starts with being responsible. Make sure that you always wear the proper safety equipment. Don?t exceed the posted speed limit or ride your bike in adverse weather conditions. If you aren?t confident of your riding abilities then don?t take that motorcycle onto a street that is busy or onto a highway or interstate. Doing so will only put yourself and others at risk of an accident.
Always make sure everything on the motorcycle is in excellent working condition and that you can safely reach all of the necessary controls on the bike. Drinking and driving is not acceptable for anyone behind the wheel of a vehicle, and that includes a motorcycle. Unfortunately, there are numerous motorcycle accidents that involve the bike operating consuming alcohol. Motorcycle operators have the responsibility of watching all the other vehicles on the road. Many vehicle operators don?t stop to consider a motorcycle may be behind them or in a blind spot. You always have to be on top of such issues as you are riding. Make sure your motorcycle has everything it needs to be operational at night. This includes a working headlight.
More experienced motorcycle riders are less likely to have an accident. This is because they understand the rules of the road in greater detail. They are also more relaxed as they are enjoying cruising on their motorcycle. However, a seasoned motorcycle operator can still end up in a accident if they aren?t paying attention. Always keep an eye on obstacles that may be in the road ahead of you. While most vehicles can run over a board or other debris without problem, it can be a major threat to a motorcycle. Motor vehicle operators need to become more aware of the potential that a motorcycle may be in back of them or trying to pass them. The easily fit into a mirrors blind spot so take the time to look a couple of times before you make any moves. Always use your signal lights so that the motorcyclist can be watching what your actions will be as well. Keep in mind that older models of motorcycles don?t feature turn signals. The motorcycle operator should be using hand signals to indicate right and left hand turns as they need to. You should pay close attention to motorcycles at night as well. That one head light you see in the distance may be a motorcycle or simply a vehicle with one light out. Be prepared for either one. Keep your distance from the back end of a motorcycle. Should another vehicle have to stop suddenly in front of you, a rear end crash isn?t going to be as likely to injure someone as it will if that person is on a motorcycle. Rear ending one can cause the operator to loose control or to even fly off of the bike. Keep in mind that motorcycle riders are not as protected as those in an enclosed motor vehicle. It doesn?t matter if you are a new motorcycle rider or someone with years of experience, being involved in an accident can happen at any time. While it is impossible to eliminate very type of hazard, you can do your part to ensure your riding adventures are as safe as possible. For those who operate motor vehicles, keep in mind that you are sharing the road with motorcycles and pay extra attention to their whereabouts. Working together, motorcycle accidents and motor vehicle accidents in general can be eliminated.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Sidi Fusion Boots Review
Sidi Fusion Boots Reviewby Bill C. for webBikeWorld.com
Photos by "Burn"
More: wBW Reviews Home | wBW Motorcycle Boot Reviews Listing | Owner Comments (Below)
Summary: The Sidi Fusion Boots are a good bargain in an entry-level sport boot for all-round street wear and occasional track days. Sidi quality and reputation, made in Italy and plenty of protective features.
Background
The most enjoyable and memorable journeys are those that start with a minimal plan and where the sojourner simply allows fate to play its hand in direction, speed and destination.
That has been the case with what is now an irregularly scheduled webBikeWorld series on Sidi boots. Even with all the Sidi reviews that have been published here within the last couple of years, we've only just touched on the extensive Sidi boot lineup. Sidi gives birth to new versions of boots faster than Mendel bred peas, so this is one journey that hopefully will continue for many years.
This time, I'll describe the latest offspring of the Sidi breeding program for 2010: the Sidi Fusion boot. Good timing or good planning must have spanked this one to life; the Fusion boots are a relative bargain but they still have all of the strong Sidi genes and characteristics found in their purebred brothers and sisters.
And after all, that's the purpose of the breeding program; create newer, stronger, better and, hopefully, cheaper versions for future generations to enjoy. That the Fusion has much of the race-bred goodness of specimens like the Sidi Vortice (review) at a price designed for a flaccid 2010 economy illustrates genius of foresight.
Hmmm... I never thought I'd be able to stretch an analogy this far, so I better give it up before it gets stale!
The Sidi Fusion boots are part of the Sidi "Race" boot family. In addition to the Vortice mentioned above, this includes specimens like the very popular Vertigo line (Vertigo Corsa (review), Vertigo Corsa Air and Vertigo Rain and the Vertigo Lei (review) for women); the Sidi B2 (review) and the Strada.
Motonation, the U.S. distributor for Sidi (also AGV Sport and Vemar) uses the "Sport On-Road" designation for these boots, which includes all of the above plus the street-oriented and very comfortable Sidi Doha boot (review) for men and women.
The list prices in this category range from $170.00 for the Doha boots all the way up to $500.00 for the Ultra-Glam Sidi Vernice boots, a high-gloss blingy version of the Vortice. If you show up with those dudes on your feet at track day, you better know what you're doing!
The Fusion boots are very reasonably priced at a list of $200.00. They're probably most similar to the Sidi Strada Evo (review) boots, which I haven't tried but were reviewed by another webBikeWorld contributor. (Editor's Note: The webBikeWorld Sidi boot reviews have been published over several years and were authored by different evaluators, so it's not always possible to compare and contrast every item in every review.)
The Fusion boots also forgo the removable and replaceable parts featured on the high-end Vortice and B2 boots, although the plastic toe sliders on the Fusion boots are easily replaceable. For street and sport use and the occasional track day, the Fusion boots are fine.
In fact, I liked them so much, I bought a pair of my own. They're a perfect replacement for the old TCX SS Performance 2 boots (review) I inherited after a webBikeWorld review and which frankly don't have the quality of the Sidi boots and have pretty much been beat into submission during due to my use and abuse.
This has been mentioned before on webBikeWorld but I think most new motorcycle riders, at least in the U.S., start by buying a helmet (I hope), then maybe gloves and/or a jacket. Once they get serious, it's time for a good pair of pants and then boots. A good argument can and has been made by webBikeWorld readers for buying the best boots you can find and not relying on street boots to do the job. Believe them.
Of course, a good pair of heavy leather work boots is better than a pair of sneakers, but the minimum requirements are toe, ankle and heel protection and the Fusion boots offer that and more.
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The Fusion boots have a full range of features that are certainly much more protective than any street boots one could wear. This includes very sturdy toe and heel cups, a sewn-in panel on the back that is designed to protect the Achilles tendon and another stiff panel in the front to protect the shins.
The boots also have both an inside and outside ankle protector, which consist of plastic armor circles sewn under the leather. Just in front of the inside ankle protector is a vertical slit with a narrow piece of elastic material underneath. I wasn't sure what its purpose was but it seems to provide some flex for the ankle at that point.
The construction of the boots and the outer and inner composite sole provide a very stiff feel. The soles have very little lateral movement, which is another protective feature. Sidi says the outer soles have a dual-compound rubber feature and so far they have provided a lot of traction when I'm holding the bike up with my feet on the ground, or backpedaling to get into a parking spot. Traction is an important factor in motorcycle boots because it can be dangerous to be slipping and sliding as you're trying to push a heavy motorcycle backwards into a parking spot or the garage.
Overall I'd say that out of the box, the Fusion boots feel much sturdier than the TCX boots ever did. The leather on the Fusion isn't leather, it's Lorica, a synthetic leather which in my experience is an excellent material. It's supposed to be more abrasion resistant than leather and it feels very thick and secure but there's really no way to tell the difference between it and the real thing. Plus, it seems easier to clean and it won't become decomposed over time.
Other features include a heavy shifter pad over the inside of each toe. I have a little laugh whenever I see boots that come with a shift pad on the right boot, a nod to the past. I wonder how many right-hand shifting bikes are still on the road -- or how many motorcyclists other than us old-timers realize there were bikes that had right-hand shifters?
Finally, the Fusion boots have a mesh lining with a thin layer of foam padding underneath. It's not a thick liner, which I think is good, because I'd rather have the room inside and a minimal amount of padding between me and the outside of the boots to give me a better feel.
The Fusion boots sent over by the Editor were a size 44 which, according to the Motonation size charts, are equivalent to a size men's 10.5 US. They felt more like a size 10 to me, which I think is what most size 44 boots convert to. The size 44 just felt a bit too tight for me overall.
I haven't actually measured my feet in a shoe store for some time, but Motonation has a good set of instructions on how to do this. I ended up with a 10.5 foot size, according to their instructions, which should fit in the 44 but the size 44 just felt a little too tight for me and I wasn't sure if they would ever stretch out enough considering the thick-feeling Lorica and overall out-of-the-box stiffness of the boots.
I usually take a slightly larger than size 10 anyway, depending on the boot and the cut of the toe, so I ordered a pair of 45's for myself. Motonation says that a size 45 Euro translates to a 10.75 US, which I think is consistent with other brands. The 45's seem just a bit loose, which often happens with boots made in European sizing -- the jump from 44 to 45 seems larger than an increment of 10.0 to 10.5 in U.S. boots.
One thing that all of us have noticed on the last few pairs of race boots or taller boots that we've reviewed is that there seems to be a trend of making them tighter at the top of the boot -- a trend I'm not in favor of. The Fusion boots do seem to me to be more snug at the top than I'd like, which makes it difficult to insert the legs of a pair of leather pants.
Maybe most owners are now wearing the boots inside their pants or jeans, and this is the positive factor in having a narrower upper part of the boot -- they can fit under even a modestly wide pair of jeans or other motorcycle pants.
I found that there isn't much expansion room at all at the top of the Fusion boots. They have a flap at the top that covers the top of the zipper when it's fully raised, and what looks like an expanse of hook-and-loop material for the flap to adjust, but there's almost no adjustment at all for width.
So potential owners who feel they might have thicker than normal calves might want to try these on first. My legs seem pretty thin and the top of the boots feel snug. I can barely stuff a leather pant leg inside but would like to have about 25 mm or more width adjustment.
As I mentioned, this is an issue that we've found on several different brands lately, so my suggestion to motorcycle boot manufacturers would be to make sure you figure out a way to add more adjustment.
The snug fit doesn't seem to affect movement or walking in the Fusion boots though and there is a safety factor in having the boots fit tight enough that they won't go flying off during a crash. The boot itself narrows at the ankle, which keeps the boot tight when it's zippered up. The rear protector has a hooded cover at the lower edge, which gives added flexibility at the back of the foot but still protects the Achilles tendon.
Race-style motorcycle boots are not made for walking anyway, but bouncing around in the garage or walking out to the bike in these isn't a problem and there are really no moving parts to squeak like there are on the more extensively equipped full race types.
The full-length zipper on the side of the Fusion boots makes it very easy to put the boots on and take them off. I have no trouble at all doing this and they're probably about the easiest to use tall race-style boots I've tried.
? Sidi Fusion Boots Slide Show ?The Fusion boots are not claimed to be water resistant, but with no openings other than the small vertical expansion panel mentioned earlier, the boots are fairly waterproof in light rain or an occasional splash.
Motonation said that the Fusion boots will soon be available with an upgraded Lorica outer and a Fusion "Rain" version that will be waterproof. Perhaps an "Air" version is also in the works? The standard Fusion boots shown here don't seem to be unusually hot, but it would be nice to have some venting for summer use...although that would probably alter any water resistance.
UPDATE: Motonation has confirmed that a Fusion Rain version will be available at a list price of $225.00 in December 2010 and an Air version will indeed be available (February 2011) at the same standard Fusion list price of $200.00. All Fusion boots will also get an upgraded upper material with no price increase (although the uppers are so nice on these, I'm not sure what "upgraded" means!). They also mentioned that the Fusion is Sidi's best-selling sport boot in the USA.
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The boots have what has become the standard race-boot type styling and these -- at least in the all-black shown here (they come in black and white also) -- look good without being too loud. I could probably do without the Sidi logo on the outer part of the heel, but after all, these are sport boots and touring or adventure riders have more demure Sidi styles to choose from.
The toes feel slightly wider than the TCX boots, which is also good. I like big, wide, boxy toes but that is usually not possible on a motorcycle boot where there may be minimal room for the toes in and around the shift and brake levers.
The toe sliders on the Fusion boots are very generous and the sort of make the boots look a bit strange when you look down at the toes, but the sliders are highly functional. Otherwise, the boots are impeccably made without any flaws that I can see.
Conclusion
The Sidi Fusion boots are an excellent choice for street and sport riding. They have a full array of safety features, other than the torsional ankle bracing system found on boots costing about twice as much.
The styling is modern and the boots can be worn under just about any type of motorcycle pants. I wish there was more adjustment at the upper part of the boots, but hopefully mine will loosen up over time.
At a price of $200.00, I'd much rather spring for a pair of Sidi brand boots than others, because of their reputation and the quality. Besides, both the size 44 and 45 were made in Italy, which is a bonus!
wBW Product Review: Sidi Fusion BootsColors: Black or Black/White (Europe only)Publication Date: October 2010Comments: Boots provided by Motonation for this review per our review guidelines.
Note: For informational use only. All material and photographs are Copyright ? webWorld International, LLC - 2000-2010. All rights reserved. See the webBikeWorld? Site Info page. NOTE: Product specifications, features and details may change or differ from our descriptions. Always check before purchasing. Read the Terms and Conditions!?Reader Comments and Owner FeedbackPlease send comments to Comments are ordered from most recent to oldest.
Not all comments will be published (details). Comments may be edited for clarity prior to publication.
Final preparations.
Final preparations are complete. Saturday was a harder 3.5 hour tempo with the mtb on the road chasing the Colorado State Cycling Team...on their road bikes. Legs felt fantastic! Today (Sunday) was a quick trip down to Boulder to ride with Sonya and to give our Claro Brasil Ride race bikes one last shake-down ride. The ride was a nice mellow tempo. Good thing for these test rides, as my freehub body on my rear wheel started to go out. If it would have happened in the race, we would have lost a lot of time!
For the next few days the rides will be short and precise. I am also getting the rear wheel fixed, as well as packing everything up for the near 21 hour flight to the southern hemisphere.
Jeff Kerkove said at 7:08 PM
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Rev'it Ignition Jacket Review
Rev'it! Ignition Jacket Reviewby "Smalls" for webBikeWorld.comMore: wBW Reviews Home | wBW Motorcycle Helmet Reviews | Owner Comments (Below)Some motorcycle gear is more show than go, but not REV'IT! The Ignition jacket is a great combination: the protection of leather and the breathability of mesh. High-end ProLife CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor, usually found only in full race gear and a perforated Temperfoam back pad offer additional protection.
A removable Rev'it Hydratex waterproof liner and thermal vest add a great degree of versatility for riding during three seasons. And it's available in both a men's and women's version! The Ignition jacket is a perfect match for the Rev'it Marryl women's leather pants reviewed as part of this series.
I wanted to get my hands on some REV'IT! gear for some time to see for myself if their products lived up to the reputation. Because I've drooled over their gear for the last year, I had to make sure my anticipation did not taint my review. I can honestly say that it has not.
I do my best to always provide an unbiased, honest opinion. When I opened the box of REV'IT! gear my initial impression was "quality". And after a thorough evaluation and inspection of the gear, my opinion remains unchanged.
As the saying goes, "You get what you pay for" and my thought is that the gear I reviewed is worth every penny. The REV'IT! Ignition woman's jacket has LOTS of detail, so let's get started.
Rev'it! Ignition Jacket - Sizing and FitREV'IT! is a European company and European sizing is generally narrower or slimmer than U.S. sizing. Rather than using the REV'IT! size equivalent charts (EU size to US size), I ordered using my body measurements based on their measurement charts and had success the first time.
The REV'IT! Ignition women's jacket size 38 fits me perfectly. While there is a little more room in the shell with the liner and vest removed, the jacket still fits appropriately and the armor stays in the right place. The men's version of the Ignition jacket is available in sizes ranging from 48 to 58 (U.S. sizing).
Pre-curved sleeves work with -- rather than against -- the rider. An accordion stretch panel above the elbow permits freedom of movement and the rider can cinch in the sides using Velcro straps at the hem.
The jacket has a regular or "tour" fit that looks right at home on cruisers, standards, and even sportbikes. This jacket is probably the most comfortable one I have reviewed; the armor is hardly noticeable and I think it fits my shoulders better than some other jackets I've tried, which felt like the armor was pressing down on my shoulders.
The Ignition women's jacket is not just a smaller version of the men's jacket; it is specifically designed and cut for women, like all of the REV'IT! women's motorcycle clothing. For instance, the women's version of the Ignition jacket has princess seams (rounded seams in women's tops) that hug a woman's curves and eliminate the boxy shape found in similar men's jackets.
REV'IT! Ignition Jacket Details - Slide ShowThe REV'IT! Ignition jacket is constructed of leather, Dynax mesh, and the famous Rev'it "Hydratex" waterproof shell. High impact areas on the outside of the jacket, such as the shoulders, elbows, and sides, are leather.
The chest and back are mesh for good breathability. The jacket has stretch material incorporated behind the shoulders, under the arm, and inside the arm for comfort and flexibility.
By the way, this is not a loose-weave mesh; the tight weave appears almost like a regular woven fabric. What's great about this mesh is it is more resistant to tearing than a looser weave but it still permits massive amounts of airflow.
The shoulders and elbows have removable ProLife CE approved armor and the jacket also has a removable Temperfoam back pad. The armor is pre-shaped so it conforms to the body without being uncomfortable.
Safety stitching strengthens high impact seams that can be prone to tearing open in an impact. This process involves sewing a strip of leather to those seams for reinforcement. The upper back of the Ignition jacket features a "REV'IT!" logo in reflective material, which not only looks good but increases night-time visibility.
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The Ignition jacket has a removable liner and thermal vest which give this unique leather and mesh jacket versatility for three-season use. Directly under the shell, the first layer is a Rev'it Hydratex three-layer breathable membrane, claimed to be 100% waterproof.
This long-sleeved liner has micropores that keep water drops out while letting moisture escape. The seams on the Hydratex liner are also taped to prevent moisture from getting in through the seams. The Hydratex liner has elastic cuffs and a zippered closure with flaps that cover the zipper to block air flow and water when the rider wants to stay warm and dry.
The liner is thin but does a great job blocking wind without adding bulk to the jacket. The Hydratex liner is easily removed and installed using snaps along the zipper and cuffs and it can be worn in the Ignition jacket with or without the detachable thermal vest.
The second removable layer -- a thermal vest -- can be worn in the jacket with or without the Hydratex liner installed. The vest attaches to either the Hydratex liner or directly to the jacket with zippers and snaps. This is similar to the system used in the Rev'it men's jackets reviewed on webBikeWorld and it provides versatility.
Wear either layer, or both, depending on the temperature and your needs. On hot days, wear just the shell for maximum air flow through the mesh panels and unzip the vents over the biceps for even more air flow. Incidentally, the jacket has a permanent 100% polyester mesh lining which finishes the inside of the jacket nicely.
I was able to evaluate the versatility of the Ignition jacket this fall on multiple rides which started in cool temperatures and warmed up during the day. Wearing just a T-shirt underneath, I was comfortable in 62 degree weather (16 Celsius) with both the Hydratex liner and thermal vest installed.
As the weather became warmer, I removed the thermal vest and later the Hydratex liner. At temps of 85 degrees (29 Celsius), the mesh and stretch panels and vents kept me cool.
I have also worn the jacket down to 54 degree weather (12 Celsius) with two long sleeved T-shirts underneath. It was a bit chilly for me, but I get cold easily and others might be warm enough in those circumstances. My belief is the REV'IT! Ignition women's jacket would still be comfortable into the 90s (32 Celsius).
This is definitely the most versatile jacket I've tried; I like the combination of leather and mesh. The mesh keeps me cool on hot days and I have peace of mind that the leather and the ProLife armor will protect me if needed.
The collar is 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) tall at the center front, and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) tall in the back and the top edge of the collar has padding for comfort. Two snaps on the collar also provide adjustability.
Spandex in the cuff under the snap closure expands for ease in getting in and out of the jacket. No worry about your hands getting stuck! The inside circumference of the cuff is 8 inches (20.3 cm).
The tapered sleeves should fit under most gauntlet gloves and are just large enough to fit over the short cuffs on the REV'IT! Airvolution women's Gloves (review).
The Ignition jacket is longer in the back than the front and has both long and short connection zippers and the short zipper easily attaches to the REV'IT! Marryl Pant (review)
Speaking of zippers, they are all made by YKK.
The removable thermal vest has two inner pockets on the left -- a zippered pocket 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide and 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) deep and a slit pocket 5 inches wide and 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) deep.
On the right is a cell phone pocket with a Velcro closure. The shell has one inner zipped pocket that is 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide by 7 inches (17.8 cm) deep and two outer pockets, which measure 5.5 inches (14 cm) wide and 5.5 inches deep.
Note that there are no pockets in the removable Hydratex liner. REV'IT! offers an extensive line of gear designed specifically for women so there are plenty of choices of jackets, gloves, and riding pants to mix and match for most riding conditions -- hot, cold, or that glorious 75 degree weather (23 Celsius) smack in the middle.
If you love the look and protection of leather, but want the comfort and flexibility of textile, REV'IT! has done a great job designing the perfect combination. The Ignition jacket easily adapts for use during three seasons thanks to mesh panels and a removable waterproof liner and removable thermal vest.
Throw the ProLife shoulder and elbow armor and a back pad into the mix and you end up with great protection and versatility. For those ladies who want a feminine cut but nothing too "girly" looking?the styling of the Ignition jacket fits the bill!
wBW Product Review: REV'IT! Ignition JacketColors: Black, Black/Silver (shown in photos)Sizes: 34-44 Women's. 48-58 Men.Note: Item was provided by a retailer, distributor or manufacturer under these Terms and Conditions. Note: For informational use only. All material and photographs are Copyright ? webWorld International, LLC - 2000-2010. All rights reserved. See the webBikeWorld? Site Info page. NOTE: Product specifications, features and details may change or differ from our descriptions. Always check before purchasing. Read the Terms and Conditions!?Reader Comments and Owner FeedbackPlease send comments to Comments are ordered from most recent to oldest.
Not all comments will be published (details). Comments may be edited for clarity prior to publication.
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