Gear Upgrade

One of the most overlooked pieces of motorcycle gear is the back protector.

There are many out there, they all look cool, but some ARE better than others. I have recently acquired what I consider to be the best back protector on the market. After all sorts of research* I KNEW I was going to get a Forcefield back protector.










Construction:
The back protector is made of a foam pad covered by hard rubber triangles. Rumor has it that the immense strength of the triangles was discovered during the making of the Epcot Center Dome. See the resemblance?

This back protector is very heavy compared to most back protectors. On the other hand, it is does not limit mobility as much as it's competitors, and molds well to your body when it gets warm. Speaking of warm, this back protector seems to hold in less heat than the Icon Field Armor. This works wonders for longer rides.

Twins Separated at Birth?


Forcefield actually makes the Joe Rocket Speedmaster. Why Joe Rocket does not scream this from the rooftops, I don't know. Especially since the MSRP is about $25 less for the Joe Rocket labeled piece. So if you are pinching pennies, there is an immediate bit of cash to be saved by purchasing the JR piece. Personally, I think the Forcefield piece looks more exclusive.

Availability:
The Forcefield pieces are available at SuperBikeStore.net His prices are the same as the only other dealer, the Johnson Leather Company in San Francisco. The Joe Rocket version is available pretty much everywhere, including the online store I spend most of my money.



I'm glad I stepped up from my old Icon...






*Extra Research Material:
WebBikeWorld Review:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/back-protector/tpro-bohn/

RiDE Original Test 2006:
http://www.proaccessories.com.au/documents/forcefield/Ride_back_protecto_reviewr.pdf

Motorcyclist 2007 Article:
http://www.proaccessories.com.au/documents/forcefield/Motorcyclist_back_protector_2007.pdf

RiDE 2008 Article:
http://www.proaccessories.com.au/documents/forcefield/Ride_June_2008_Best_Buy_Back_Protector.pdf

Crash Tested:
http://www.livestrong.com/health-article/tpro-forcefield-body-armor-reviews_53cf12be-c83a-5145-ff93-dcd9c95f822b/

Two up

I've been wanting to ride two up for a while now. At first, I wasn't comfortable enough on the bike. I spent all my time getting more comfortable, and wanted to wait before I took a chance on putting Tristen in danger. It's one thing to put yourself at risk, another to risk the life of someone you love.

Now the issue is money. I won't let her ride with me without a jacket, gloves, helmet, and pants or chaps. Call me paranoid, but I call it prepared. Once I get some money aside, I'll buy her some gear. We'll start with the "lesser" brands, and if she loves it as much as I think she will, we'll get her some new gear.

And then we'll travel. :)