Join us for an exclusive technical briefing with Halvarssons!

August 19, 2015 9:29 am / Leave a Comment /

Meet_Halvarssons_web

This Thursday (20th August) evening from 7.30pm, Halvarssons will be giving a full technical briefing to the Wey Valley IAM chapter.

They will be giving a presentation on the company and explaining how they go about creating clothing to meet the needs of the modern motorcyclist.
There will be a full exploration of all the technologies that the company uses in its garments; everything from Hi-Art and Dryway Plus, to Thinsulate, Outlast and TFL Cool.

If you’ve got any questions about motorcycle clothing in general, such as the benefits of a drop-liner over a three layer laminate construction, these are the guys to put you straight.

And, of course, if you want to know what the best Halvarssons products are for your own riding requirements, this is the place to be.

You don’t need to be an IAM member. We’ve still got about 20 to 30 spare places , so if you want to come along and join us for what should be an interesting evening, call the phone-room and book a place.

The venue is the Village Hall on the High Street in Ripley, which is just a couple of minutes from Junction 10 of the M25, where it crosses the A3.
The postcode for the venue is GU23 6AF, and if you want to join us, phone us on 0844 887 7788.

See you there!

While you wait, why not shop the Halvarssons collection, just click the banner below.

 

Halvarssons_August

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Interesting Skid Lids

August 13, 2015 3:29 pm / Leave a Comment /

Recently, in one of the motorcycle magazines, we read a review of the 10 most innovative helmets you can buy in the shops.

Well frankly we didn’t agree with their selection; in fact we didn’t agree at all. Maybe they mean the 10 most innovative helmets from brands that advertise in the title.

In only one case did we agree with their choice of helmets, so we decided to create a list of the helmets that we think are the most trick, most clever and most unique on the market.

So here’s what we think…..

 

THE SHARK SKWAL

The Shark Skwal

 

If there’s a helmet manufacturer out there that consistently pushes the boundaries, it is Shark. And the Skwal helmet that they launched earlier this year is a prime example of the way they think. Basically, you charge it up from a USB port, and this allows you to run with really neat LED lights both back and front. We’ve never seen anything like it on any other helmet, and if you ride a lot in the dark then this is a lid that might just give you the edge.

 

THE HARISSON CORSAIR

The harisson CorsairOkay, so the Harisson Corsair is not innovative in the way that a Shark or a Schuberth is, but it is still a very clever design. The look is very much in the vein of a fighter pilot’s helmet. The clever feature is the clip-in face protector that stops flies getting stuck in your teeth. But if you want to go completely ‘al fresco’, you can very simply clip the facemask onto the back of the helmet. The Corsair is unlikely to ever be your main helmet, but it is a lot of fun, especially if you’re after that Top Gun look.

 

THE SCHUBERTH C3 PRO

The Schuberth C3 Pro

The Schuberth C3 Pro is our favourite helmet. We know there are people who don’t like flip-lids, but we don’t understand why. When it’s on, it looks like any other full-face helmet. But because the neck roll is tighter on a flip-lid, the C3 can rightly lay claim to being the quietest helmet on the market. But it’s the comms. system that really sets the C3 apart.

It recesses neatly into the neck roll, so there are no boxes stuck on to the side of the helmet. The distance over which you can talk to another rider is huge, clarity is outstanding,you can take phone calls, and get instructions direct from your sat nav. And if you ever need to ask directions or buy petrol, the font can be raised in a jiffy. What’s not to like?

 

THE NOLAN N44 CROSSOVER

The Nolan N44 Crossover

Nolan is a European maker that produces a huge range of helmets, by and large, are pretty forgettable. But they have two jewels in their crown; a great value flip-lid called the N104, and this beauty that is as clever as it is funky. Out of the box it is a fantastic looking full face helmet you’ll ever find. But uniquely, the whole chin bar can be un-clipped, leaving you with a still good-looking open face helmet with a panoramic visor.

 

THE SHARK EXPLORE-R

The Shark Explore - R

This is one great helmet that is more like three different helmets than one. Unscrew the top mounted peak and clip in the visor, and this is a regular full-face helmet that you can wear on a sportsbike without any fears. Put the peak on, and run with either the full visor or the drop down sun visor and you have the perfect head gear for an adventure bike. But the Explore-R has one more trick up its sleeve. Take the visor off, and you can clip in the helmet’s custom-made goggles, for a totally cool look.

 

THE SCHUBERTH M1

The Schuberth M1

The Schuberth M1 is the most technically advanced open-face helmet there has ever been. It may look like a common-or-garden scooter helmet, but this is a helmet that wears its beauty under its skin. It comes pre-installed with speakers, and microphones in the cheeks that mean you can converse with another biker or a pillion without a microphone boom. The comms. system simply clips into the slot on the back of the lid, and you’re ready to go. It’ll Bluetooth to your phone or GPS, and the quality of the stereo sound is simply brilliant.

 

THE SHARK EVOLINE

The Shark Evoline

We are huge fans of the flip-lid helmet here at Motolegends. They’re quiet, and in town the ability to raise the front of the helmet allows you to keep cool and talk to other people if you so wish. But there is a problem with your average flip-lid, and that is that you can’t really ride with the front open. The Evoline overcomes that issue. Bring the front down, and this is a pukka full-face. Flip it over to the back and it locks into place, leaving you with a well protected, open-face helmet. It’s the choice of many European Police forces. And it’s easy to see why.

 

THE DMD 75

The DMD 75

Some makers innovate through technical progression; others through design. DMD is an Italian helmet company that creates some of the funkiest helmets we’ve ever seen. In fact, we’ll be featuring a range of DMD’s helmets in next month’s issue. This particular style, the 75, has a totally unique look. It is actually a replica of a famous Bell helmet that was released in 1984. That helmet was actually designed for BMX riders, but with its Kevlar and carbon construction, this one is pure motorcycle. Very retro. Very cool.

 

THE BELL BULLITT

The Bell Bullitt

Despite the fact that the appeal of Bell’s fabulous Bullitt helmet is unashamedly retro, we think the design is totally innovative. It’s not difficult to copy a classic helmet, but it takes real flair to do so in a way that is completely contemporary and technically sophisticated. But, that’s what Bell has done, and the result is a helmet that looks like no other. We particularly love the vents recessed into the front of the helmet, and the magnetic visor closure. Design doesn’t come much more interesting than this.

 

THE SHARK STREETFIGHTER

The Shark Streetfighter

The Streetfighter has been around a couple of years now, but we still reckon that it’s a totally unique bit of kit. From the earliest days of the open-face helmet, it was goggles that provided protection to the riders’ eyes, but Shark’s take on the genre is rather different. These goggles fit perfectly, and as they’re integrated into the helmet, they’ll never go missing. But the touch of genius on the Streetfighter is the removable face guard. Leave it in place, and not even the meanest of bugs are going to find their way through.



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Best motorcycle suit in the world?

July 27, 2015 12:00 pm / Leave a Comment /

Now that’s a question and a half! There are loads to choose from, a lot with all the high-tech features you would need in a reliable motorcycle suit. Pondering this question of late, the answer that sprung to my mind was the Prime Jacket and Prince trouser from our Swedish friends at Halvarssons. First and foremost, Halvarssons are great for a few reasons. Perhaps the most important being that their focus primarily lies with the protection of motorcyclists, making them a brand to trust.

The Prince are, in our humble opinion, the jewels in the Halvarssons crown. As you’d expect, these pieces have got all the company’s top bells and whistles. Things like their Hi-Art abrasion-resistant backing in vulnerable areas, that increases the strength of the fabric by no less than 500%. That’s a lot.

On both the top and bottom halves, you get a Dryway Plus waterproof, windproof and breathable drop liner. As well as a removable Outlast and Thinsulate, temperature regulating liner. Obviously, there’s CE approved armour in the elbows, shoulders, knees and hips. There’s also a pocket for a back protector.

PRIMEBoth halves have generous air vents that will come in super handy when the temperature starts to rise. Both also have volume adjusters to stop the fabric from flapping at higher speeds. The top and bottom can attach one to the other, although we have to say that we are big supporters of the braces that are also supplied with the Prince pant. Braces are just brilliant. They make riding so much more comfortable. A neat feature on the jacket is a zip-in, hi-viz panel. The jacket also comes with a removable neck warmer, whilst on the trousers you get a non-slip leather panel on the seat. But that’s the technical stuff, and what we would have to admit is that there are quite a few suits out there that have a similar array of features.

PRINCE

 

What makes this particular combination so amazing, however, is the way it fits.

With its unique elasticated and adjustable side straps, the Prime jacket seems to fit perfectly a huge array of shape and sizes; from the most petite to the much less petite! The ladies’ version, called the Electra, delivers an equally flattering fit. Just about everybody looks good in it.

The other factor that helps bikers get a perfect fit is that both the male and the female pants come in a long leg and a short leg. There’s even a version with an extra short leg. The bottom line, as far as we’re concerned, is this. In the real world, this is a combination that is going to be the perfect suit for 90% of riders in 90% of situations. We don’t think there’s anything out there that offers the same level of performance, protection, practicality and, of course, comfort.

The nearest suit in terms of performance and functionality that we know of costs about 40% more, so we also think the Halvarssons combo. offers pretty amazing value for money. All of which might just explain why we think it’s the perfect two-piece riding suit.

 

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New Find: Kevlar Lined Riding Shirt

July 14, 2015 2:50 pm / Leave a Comment /

We came across these great new riding shirts on a recent trip to Europe, and we think they are pretty impressive. On a blistering hot summers’ day, its not always ideal to kit up in all the gear if all we’re doing is popping down the shops to buy some burgers, sausages and a few beers for tonight’s barbie.

 

CRA002_1Which is where this brilliant shirt comes in. The plaid or checked fabric is made from polyester because it allows sweat to be wicked away from the body. It’s deliberately not made from cotton because cotton merely absorbs moisture. Inside its 100% lined with full-fat Dupont Kevlar. This, in turn, has a Polyester and Lycra lining for comfort. Extra ventilation can be created by using the armpit zips also.

Amazingly for a shirt, it comes with pockets in the shoulders, elbows and back for the fitting of CE armour (it will take Furygan’s D30 protectors). The result is a super-cool riding shirt that will protect you like no shirt you have ever owned; regardless of whether or not you decide to fit armour. You wouldn’t set off on a long journey wearing one; and it won’t keep you particularly dry or warm.

CRA001_1CRA001_2But it does have one other benefit. Wear it under any non-motorcycling jacket, and you’ll be able to ride knowing you’ve got the protection of CE armour, and a Kevlar lining underneath it. So even thought it is not practical for adventure rides, it is the obvious choice for short summer rides.

CRA002_2


 

 

 

 

 

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Shark Helmets- Evoline 3

July 13, 2015 11:45 am / Leave a Comment /

 

EVOLINE_2

The Evoline Series 3 is arguably the most versatile, all purpose motorcycle helmet you can buy.

In its full-face configuration, it ticks all the boxes. The visor is anti-scratch and anti-fog. You get a drop down sun visor, and channels that make it easy to wear glasses whilst riding. It has a micro-buckle closure, and a washable interior. It is set up to take Shark’s comms. system, and it weighs just 1715 grammes; pretty good for a flip lid.

It also has a 5 Star SHARP safety rating.But the Evoline’s USP, as they call it in the marketing world, is the way the chin bar rotates over the helmet to lock discretely at the back. Most flip-lids don’t do this, so they cannot be ridden in the open position.

Lock the chin bar away on the Evoline, however, and you’re left with a brilliantly protective open-face helmet with a really useful full-face visor. You really do get the best of both worlds; and changing the configuration can be done with one hand instantaneously.

In France, the Evoline is the preferred choice of commuters, those who ride adventure bikes and, of course, the Gendarmerie. In fact, throughout Europe it’s the number one choice of many police forces, where protection is a high priority but where, at times, there’s a need to be able to communicate with members of the public, particularly those who have been riding or driving somewhat too quickly. There are heaps of designs and colourways, but new for 2015 is a carbon version called the Evoline Pro Carbon. It weighs even less at just 1610 grammes, but in every other respect it’s the same helmet.

Right down to the five year warranty that every Shark helmet comes with.

 

EVOLINE_1

 

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The best leather jacket for the Adventure bike!

July 10, 2015 10:03 am / Leave a Comment /

We were intrigued recently to read what purported to be a serious article in a news stand motorcycle magazine about what the best leather jacket was for riding on an adventure-style bike.

Intrigued because, as far as we’re concerned, you just wouldn’t wear a leather jacket if you were serious about adventure riding. We love leather jackets; we really do. It’s probably the single most populitem we sell. But a leather jacket is all about looking good on the bike, and for when you’re not venturing too far from home. But that’s about it. Even the most technically sophisticated leather jackets are not all that hi-tech.

If you want all the bells and whistles, waterproof and windproof membranes , Thinsulate padding, Outlast, TFL Cool, Teflon coating and the like, you’re going to

ADVENTURE_1

We sell some of the best leather jackets out there, but a leather jacket will never be the warmest or the coolest, or the driest solution. Some leather jackets have a waterproof liner, but when the heavens open, the leather will inevitably absorb water like a sponge, and eventually it will make its way through to the body.And as far as the thermal properties of leather jackets go, forget it.There’s a reason why Sir Ranulph Fiennes didn’t wear leather when he walked to both poles, or when he climbed Everest!need a textile jacket

So, frankly, the magazine test we read was perplexing. If you buy yourself a big adventure bike, and want to go around the world, then leave the leather jacket at home. Of course, back in the day, when Ted Simons did his round the world trip, he wore a leather flying jacket, but technology has come long way since the seventies and, anyway, bikers were much tougher back then.

 Bizarrely, the jacket that came out top in the magazine’s product test was Segura’s lovely, café racer styled Retro jacket!

ADVENTURE_3

We love it; it’s a great jacket for wearing on your Triumph Bonneville, Guzzi V7, Harley Sportster, or Ducati Scrambler. But it’s about as app

ropriate a bit of kit for a BMW GS as a Bell open-face helmet is for the rider of Kawasaki’s new H2 superbike. At times, we can’t help but feel that magazines review products just to fill pages. The people who write these pieces have little knowledge and experience of motorcycle clothing, do little or no research, and totally lack the facilities to conduct rigorous scientific tests.

So, remember what your mum and dad told you; don’t believe everything you read in the papers!

 

Marlon Brando knew a thing or two about wearing a leather jacket. He understood that a black jacket made him look tough and cool.

Marlon Brando knew a thing or two about wearing a leather jacket. He understood that a black jacket made him look tough and cool.

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Motolegends sponsors Bike Shed

March 27, 2014 11:40 am / Leave a Comment /

Motolegends sponsors The Bike Shed BSMC III
May 24 – 25 2014 – Tobacco Dock, London E1W 2SF

Last year we attended the first ever Bike Shed Motorcycle Club event in Shoreditch. We loved it, but then who didn’t? It was like no other bike show event  we’d have ever been to. Super cool, classic, new wave, café  racer, brat and custom bikes. Folk who came along just to talk bikes. A chilled-out, lounge-room atmosphere. Proper coffee, and one of the best burgers I had all year. And not a pair of one-piece leathers in sight!

Bike Shed BSMC III

Bike Shed BSMC III

Well, this year the show has moved to Tobacco Dock. There’ll be four times more space, for loads more bikes. And lots more cool stuff to lust after. We were delighted to have been asked to come on board as the official 2014 motorcycle clothing sponsor. We’ll be adopting our most laid-back face. We won’t be selling gear over the weekend, but we will be bringing along our coolest vintage leather and wax cotton jackets, and our finest gloves and short boots. Not to mention some amazing new retro helmets that you won’t have seen before. We can’t wait. It’s going to be a great weekend. Come and see us.

Posted in: Articles

The Shark Explore-R helmet – A revolutionary new lid coming January 2014

December 4, 2013 4:20 pm / Leave a Comment /
The Shark Explore-R helmet

The Shark Explore-R helmet

The Explore-R is a new for 2014 helmet from Shark that is as versatile a lid as you’re ever going to find.

Basically, it’s an off-road/adventure riding helmet that, in a matter of seconds, can be turned into a fully practical sports riding helmet for the road, or even the track.

Let’s say you set off in the morning on your GS for a quick blast up the motorway to your favourite off-road trails, somewhere in the middle of nowhere. You’re travelling at speed and want to keep the noise down, so you configure your Explore-R as a road helmet, with its visor in place.

When you arrive, you simply pull the visor off, screw in the peak, and clip on the goggles. In less than a minute you’re in business.

For the way home, you might take the windy road, and leave the helmet in its adventure riding mode.

With the Explore-R, it’s up to you. This is a helmet that’s anything you want it to be.

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Posted in: Daily Diary

Roland Sands delivers its new limited edition Diesel glove colourways

November 25, 2013 5:14 pm / Leave a Comment /

Roland Sands is one of our favourite people on the custom biking scene, and his gear is probably the most stylish available.

One of our top selling gloves in recent years is the Roland Sands Diesel. Most motorcycle gloves look the same, but then most motorcycle gloves are not designed by Roland Sands. The flex ribbing on the back of these Diesel gloves makes them incredibly comfortable. They are pre-curved for riding comfort and come with extra reinforcement on the knuckles and in the palms. And with its top zip, no glove is easier to put on or take off. Different? You bet!

Until recently, this glove has only been available in either black, or sand. This week, however, we have received two brand new, limited edition colourways. One is ‘Oxblood and Black’ and the other is ‘Sand and Tobacco’. They both not only sound really cool, but look amazing as well.

As we say, both of these gloves are limited editions, so once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. Don’t miss out.

Click the images below to buy your pair now.

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Posted in: Daily Diary

Why I love BMWs – by Christopher Paul

October 16, 2013 8:42 am / 1 Comment /

Right now, BMW doesn’t seem able to put a foot wrong as far as the bike world is concerened.

Be it a huge V6 tourer, an extreme sports bike, or an off-road mile muncher, the company appears to be flavour of the month.

And we think the plaudits are much deserved. At a time when other manufacturers seem to have battened down the hatches and are content to play it safe, or copy the competition, BMW is prepared to push the boundaries and design new, exciting bikes that create, rather than follow, trends.

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