Harley-Davidson Women’s Enthusiast 3/4 helmet with Flip-up Face Shield.  

Harley Davidson delivers the women’s enthusiast helmet as a well-crafted ¾ helmet that functions as good as it looks. It features a polycarbonate shell with two back exit vents, which are well placed to allow just enough airflow. The flip-up ¾ face shield provides just the right space to comfortably wear sunglasses as well as offer protection from the perils of the road. I tested it at speed and was pleased that it didn’t have wind flutter or wind noise. The oversized, tinted visor is a removable option. The chinstrap fastens with the usual double D-ring, which stayed put and tested well. The neck curtain is removable, as well as the inner liner, which is   also washable. The top-level graphics are well done and rendered to last the life of the helmet. Meeting DOT requirements, this helmet provides a solid feel and comfortable fit. It’s a well done functional helmet  that functional and  embraces the legendary Harley Davidson styling. For more information visit: www.harley-davidson.com

The Triumph Bonneville SE delivers… two wheel fun!

 I doubt you will ever read anything less than excellent about this motorcycle.

 Throwing a leg over the Triumph Bonneville SE feels like your traveling back in time to the glory  days of British Twins that paved their way into the history books. The 20^th Century incarnation channels  the soul of the past with current technology and modern engineering that’s been refined over years of  development to a classic design that will never goes out of style.

 I specifically chose this bike to review because of its upright riding position and obvious high emotional   content in its styling. I needed a machine to lift my spirits, bring back my “moto mojo” and to remind me that the best stress fighter is a damn good, fun motorcycle. This bike did just that and more…

Named after the Bonneville Salt Flats, the site where Triumph broke numerous land speed records in the 1950’s the 2012 version is dialed in with a fuel injected 865cc parallel-twin engine and electronic fuel injection actually hidden inside what appears to be a pair of old style carburetors that appeared on the model years gone by. The engine, being a traditional vertical twin with a 360 crank, has the strong, flat torque curve of the “old” bike, but without the vibration thanks to two balance shafts. While looking very much like the old twin, inside are hidden two overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. There is even a “dummy” push-rod tube in front of the two barrels which serves as a drain for the valve gear on top. Such a perfect example of modern engineering bowing to “old school” feel.

The seat, handle bars and foot pegs are essentially positioned in the same places as the original model, but have been moved in small increments over the years to improve rider comfort.

The wheels, tires and suspension also maintain that classic Triumph look, but have been updated to provide nimble, confidence-inspiring handling that makes the bike a joy to ride regardless of your experience level. I like the lightweight 17 inch alloys, matching tacho and speedo, polished engine covers and traditional chrome tank badge. It’s offered with the traditional two-tone paintwork with a hand painted pin striping, megaphone silencers and short mudguards.

I had the opportunity to connect with Greg Heichelbech, CEO,Triumph North America and get his observation on women riders. I was told the feedback from ladies was extremely positive and he affirmed, “They really enjoy the Bonneville for its classic design, comfortable riding position, ease of use, and confidence-inspiring ride. It’s a bike that’s great fun to ride whatever your skill or experience level happens to be. We’re hearing the same thing from women riders about the Triumph America, which is a more traditionally styled American cruiser that’s similar in size to the Bonneville.”

He expressed overwhelming support for women joining the sport and is thrilled that they’re connecting with what Triumph has to offer.

I then inquired as to what direction Triumph is headed in and tried to get a glimpse into where they’re headed in the future and he explained, “Triumph will continue to develop and make motorcycles that women find aesthetically appealing and fun to ride. In addition to our Bonneville and America models, women who prefer sport bikes like our Street Triple streetfighter and Daytona 675 supersport models. The ergonomics of these bikes, especially the Street Triple, fit women quite well, and the three-cylinder engines provide power smoothly for an enjoyable riding experience.”

The new Bonneville SE delivers all of the “emotion” of the old ride, but without the bite of compromised engineering of the past or oil on your socks. It offers an agile package, superb handling and a timeless style of unique two wheel fun appealing to both new and experienced riders. For more information:  www.triumphmotorcycles.com

Triumph Bonneville SE - US Specifications/Technical Details
Engine and Transmission

Type Air-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin, 360º firing interval

Capacity 865cc
Bore/Stroke 90 x 68mm
Fuel System Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI
Exhaust Stainless steel headers, twin chromed upswept silencers
Final Drive X ring chain
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 5-speed
Oil Capacity 4.5 litres (1.2 US gals)
Chassis, Running Gear and Displays
Frame Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm Twin-sided, tubular steel
Wheel Front Cast aluminum alloy 7- spoke 17 x 3.0 inch     
Rear Cast aluminum alloy 7-spoke 17 x 3.5 inch

(Whoo hoo! Rollin Fun!)  

Brenda fox women riders, women motorcycle, chicks on bikes, lady riders, sexy women on bikes, pretty women motorcyclist, woman rider, woman riders, woman on motorcycle

7eye by Panoptx Performance eyewear

Motorcyclists need the ultimate protection from the perils of the road and effective, functional gear is a must. 7eye by Panoptx’s delivers maximum protection for premium eyewear.  In addition to the protection the eyewear offers all motorcyclists, a huge plus is that they also are available as prescription motorcycle glasses. 

For over 15 years 7eye has been serving the needs of those leading active lifestyles. Their shatterproof styles, anti fog, UV protection offered in a slew of lens options have been embraced by the motorcyclist community.  

The name 7eye by Panoptx’s is based off the 7 colors of the visible spectrum. With wind, irritants and dry eyes a concern for riders, gone is the days of the much-needed goggles. Slick fitting eyewear that performs well has now evolved to exceed the benefits offered by goggles.

One of several styles offered is their AirShield line.     It encompasses a sealing element and was crafted to offer maximum protection using a patented orbital seal. Removable foam gaskets seal off your eyes from outside elements, wind, and precipitation and they are designed to fully encase the eye for protection. The airflow venting allows for just enough air to reduce or eliminate fogging of the lens. With the gasket eye cups designed to be removable the rider also has the option to use wear their glasses as a well styled pair of sunglasses.

Another style offered is a slimmer, low profile styles called the AirDam. They wanted to address the needs of   

various fitting helmets and riding styles. They contain a fixed thinner padding and offer venting between the frames and face which knocks down most wind and glare.  Managing the amount of air that comes through air vents on top and escapes out the bottom is key. Too much circulating air will dry out your eyes; too little circulation will suffocate them.

When sealing out wind and dust isn’t a problem, they offer an Active Lifestyle collection. This is a selection of quality, well fitting, good looking glasses.

Frames designs are tested for peripheral vision and developed to eliminate a distracting top, bottom and side as well as adding another layer of wind protection. Much time and money was spent researching the best frame material to use. The commonly used polycarbonate was not up to their standards.  7eye found a nylon-based material called TR Grilamid, which is lighter, stronger, and more flexible for comfort and won’t break as easily.

As riders we have must have optimum vision and there is so much that goes into lens technology. They offer light management system lenses, which encompasses a variety of good lens choices. High contrast, bright sun and glare elimination have been addressed to accommodate riding vision needs. Photochromic lenses, which are the popular transitional lenses that darken or lighten depending on light exposure are offered. For years there has been fee desirable options for those in need of  prescription motorcycle eyewear.  

 Now hi quality options are offered to suit the needs of corrective lens wearers. Rx lens with just about any feature the rider  needs including bifocal and progressives are available. An asset for all motorcyclists is the100% UVA+UVB protection offered. Decentered lenses maintain the best optical clarity in their wraparound glasses.

Whether you putt around the neighborhood or suffer from a dry eye condition the benefits of good eyewear can increase the  amount of time you comfortably ride in the wind.

F or more information check out:  www.7eye.com

Ride testing the Icon Women's Hella Leather Pants
 

 Finding a good pair of leather motorcycle pants can be quite the challenge for a lot us ladies.  I’ve tried on everything from the  “unflattering boxy butt” to the “stiff as a board” get me out of these types and I’m sure I’m not alone. The women’s Hella leather pant from Icon is a refreshing good find. On and off the bike we found it to be a comfortable, which strange as it may sound was not the   case with others. Its crafted with stretch paneling and premium leather which fit and function quite well and then added rare factor they look good on. Icon’s description is a “women’s sport fit” which we interpret as room to move and be active without feeling constricted. The “cut-to-length” design is a welcome option. This is one of the few ride gear pants we've tried that wasn't too short and the flexible leather knee panel was actually flexible. Nothing worse than riding and having your pants pull against you, the Hella’s felt fine and we tested them on cruisers and sport bikes. We didn’t have any issue with “low riding”, however we all know not all pants fit on every bootie the same. We always recommend to try ride gear on and off the bike. We like the quality leather, which offers reasonable protection, comfort along with style.

Our overall assessment is that Icon’s Hella leather pant will not disappoint. We find in the small pool of function leather pants that look good this one is at the top of the list. Retail is in the ballpark of $235.00. Try on a pair at your local dealer. To find a dealernear you go to: www.rideicon.com

Staying covered with UV/ Sun Protective Clothing Winter and Summer Riding.

While winter weather puts a dampener on motorcyclists in colder climates, our friends in Florida and most of California enjoy riding year round and then when summer hits we all have to deal with protecting ourselves from the sun.

Rob Alcalay, owner of www.riding2hot4u.com noticed while living and riding in the sunshine state of Florida the concern and consequences of sun exposure effecting motorcyclists. Rob was born in a family of garment makers, loves the outdoors and riding his 2007 Road King offering a perfect combination for him to develop sun-protective clothing geared toward motorcyclists.

Rob tells me, “Leather jackets are a “big no” during the 8 hot months of the year. Sunscreen, dust and sweat are a greasy combination. So to deliver proven protection with comfort I went on to develop sun-protective clothing that blocks ultraviolet rays.” He explained, “sunlight sustains life on our planet, warms our days and helps our bodies produce vitamin D, however it does present several risks. With the decrease in the earth’s natural protective ozone layer more UV rays reach the earth and our bodies. These invisible UVB rays cause sunburn, skin dryness, peeling, pigmentation spots, premature aging, and some types of skin cancer. UVA rays are related to premature aging, some types of skin cancers and eye damage (macular degeneration and cataracts)”.

When you go out on your motorcycle you should be wearing protective clothing to decrease UV exposure.

If sunlight travels through your regular clothing, per example, a white cotton T-shirt has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of around 5; a black heavy weight T-shirt, maybe 20. We developed a sun-protective fabric that meets the industry standard of UPF 50 and is very light, stretchy and made with Peruvian cotton and American high tech polyester yarn that holds the technology to block UV rays, absorbs sweat and dries quickly and still has odor control. Since these properties are inherited in the yarn, they don’t “wash out” during your regular home washes.

They way we measure and test out clothing to be sure its protective from the UV rays is thru the system developed thru the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. It’s called AATCC Test Method 183-2004 and used by all outdoor clothing brands.

Our product has performance cotton, which works best under hot weather with high UV rays. We wanted to provide comfort at times when people were hot and sweaty so the weather might be “too hot for you”, but not for me which is how when came up with our company name.”

Remember even in the winter season the effects of UV rays are harmful. Keep yourself protected and keep yourself enjoying the open road for many years to come. For more information check out: www.riding2hot4u.com.

Ride safe, ride well, ride often!

Brenda Fox