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/

Held: German for Hero...

No, I'm not referring to the sequel of Jet Li's epic adventure, although I'm sure it would go straight to DVD. I'm referring to the German company dedicated to quality motorcycle equipment. This family has been making gloves since 1946. They started the Held brand in 1975, selling only motorcycle gloves. These guys know how to make some gloves.

I picked up a set of their Ninja model. They are sweet. They are priced just under $100, so are relatively affordable. I don't want to rewrite such a good review, so check out what they had to say at WebBikeWorld.





Anyway, Held literally translates to Hero. So I'm a Hero now. I can be YOUR Hero if you want me to be.

Now if only I can figure out how to attach this sword to my bike...

More gear on the way.

Poke all the fun you want, but more gear is on the way.







Icon Field Armor Vest, Icon Field Armor knee guards, and Alpinestars compression shorts to help protect my broken pelvis.

The total value of my gear just went up to a hair below $1k.

The Gear

How much is your hide worth?

Right now, mine is worth $792.74. I know it sounds expensive, but a wise rider once told me that anything between you and the road is money well spent. Chicks dig scars, but they don't dig skin grafts...

I think I'm still going to have to invest in some hip protection, and maybe some leather overpants. Until then, this is my gear:

Fulmer SS Helmet










Icon Motorhead Jacket

Icon Pursuit Gloves

Icon Hooligan Denim

Alpinestars Octane Riding Shoes


I know, I know, it's alot of gear. You'll recognize me on the road though. I'll be the one dressed looking like George in "The Dinner Party".