Looking the part is a big part of riding a cruiser, but who says you can't be well protected? You don't really want to ride around in one of those biker-issue novelty helmets and a black Harley-Davidson T-shirt anyway, do you? Do you?
Since taking delivery of my long-term XR1200 last summer, I've delved further into the world of cruiser wear than I'd ever dared delve before. Given the XR's heritage, an Icon Daytona Flat Track jacket ($470-$500; www.rideicon.com) is a natural. Constructed from heavy-duty, 1.2-1.4mm-thick cowhide, it features a stout metal zipper backed by a leather storm flap, zipper-closed expansion panels, pockets, vents and wrists, plus CE-approved armor in all the right places. And it certainly looks the part with its orange-and-black unofficial Harley Racing livery and sponsor patches. The depiction of a broad-sliding dirt-tracker on the zip-out liner and the St. Christopher (patron saint of travelers) medal tucked inside the breast pocket are thoughtful touches.
About a year ago, I got a pair of motorcycle gloves from the people behind Louisville Slugger baseball gloves (think batting, not catching). The Bionic motorcycle gloves ($69.95; www.bionicgloves.com) have since become my favorites for casual cruising. Designed by an orthopedic surgeon, these are far and away the most comfortable gloves I've ever worn. Impact protection is likewise superb, although abrasion resistance is a bit lacking due to the thinness of the very supple (and machine-washable) sheepskin from which they're made.
Shift's Fuel shoes ($99.95; www.shiftracing.com) appeal to me for much the same reason: They're the most comfortable motorcycle boots I've ever worn. In fact, I wear them even when I'm not riding! Originally offered in black suede, they now come in black (or white) leather so they look less like sneakers. That should prove more durable, though I have to admit I preferred the suede for its casual coolness. Lower-leg protection is obviously non-existent, but there's decent ankle protection and the flexible soles make for comfortable hoofing.
Riding jeans are a fairly new phenomenon, but Diamond Gusset's Defenders ($115.95; www.gussetclothing.com) were among the first and still among the best. Though they look a lot like Levis, they're backed with abrasion-resistant flexible woven Kevlar in the knees, hips and seat, and have Velcro ankle closures. The company name derives from the diamond-shaped gusset in the crotch, which is not only more durable than traditional stitching, but is more comfortable on a bike. And unlike most other riding jeans, you can specify your waist and inseam sizes for an exact fit.
I hadn't worn an open-face helmet since the days of motocross face masks, and thanks to the Scorpion EXO-900 ($269.95-$279.95; www.scorpionusa.com), I don't have to unless I want to. Dubbed the Transformer, this helmet lives up to its name in that the chin bar/face shield assembly flips up or comes off completely; another plastic piece with a built-in sun visor snaps in its place. Though sized small (my size-XXL lid fit our Wide Glide-riding IT guy Will's size-L noggin perfectly), it's a quality helmet with good ventilation, an integral flip-down sunshield and a Comm Door that's compatible with communications devices. As an added bonus, Scorpion's AirFit system allows for pneumatic cheek-pad adjustment at the touch of a button (relocated to the back of the helmet instead of in the chin bar as on the pioneering EXO-1000).
But never mind the name of that helmet. The best thing about this gear is I don't look like a Transformer while wearing it!
By Joe Neric
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