RoadRUNNER's 2023 Spring Gear Guide
Spring is in the air, which means rubber is hitting the road. Before heading out to ride, be sure you have the latest gear to keep you warm, dry, and safe this riding season!
Bell Bullitt
Bell revolutionized helmets in the 1960s with the Star’s full-face design that set a new standard for helmet safety. To pay homage to that first Star, Bell has created the Bullitt, a retro helmet that retains the original simple design, yet is infused with modern elements to ensure 21st-century standards of comfort and crash protection.
The shell is made of low-profile fiber composite with a multi-density EPS liner, meeting DOT regulations. A micro-suede liner and leather trim add class while metal mesh vents and a rear exhaust improve ventilation.
The interor is removable, washable, and anti-bacterial, and the helmet features a padded chin strap. The faceshield employe a Magnefusion closure system. A retro bubble shiel is sold separately.
All of this adds up to a retro-style helmet that functions in the modern world. The Bullitt also pays homage to another star—Steve McQueen—taking its name from his character in the movie Bullitt.
Bell Bullit is available in black and white in sizes from XS to 2XL. It retails for $439.95.
Icon Elsinore 2 CE Boots
An Iconic boot paying homage to an iconic race, Icon’s new Elsinore boot is named after the famous grand prix. This retro-style off-road buckle boot retains a classic moto look while incorporating a host of modern elements.
Reinforced shin armor and internal D30 ankle inserts provide full CE -rating protection for your lower legs, ankles, and feet. Meanwhile, five strong, impact-resistant nylon buckles allow snug fit to personal preference.
Side zippers allow you to easily pull the boots on and off. Engineered for rigidity, the Elsinore 2 CE boots are also designed with comfort in mind, utilizing cushioned, hi-rebound EVA foam insoles for all-day wearing.
The upper is high quality leather which is mated to oil and slip-resistant outsoles for a stylish, functional look. There’s a reinforced overlay on the left boot for the shift lever.
Available in black or brown. Icon Elsinore 2 CE boots retail for $225.
MRA X-Creen Tour Variable Windscreen Spoiler Blade
Designed to let the touring motorcyclist tailor their ride, the MRA X-Creen spoiler blade adds additional protection to a stock windscreen. The high setting grants maximum wind protection at highway and freeway speeds.
The unique locking switches of the pivot arms allow for convenient and easy lowering for off-road riding or urban trekking when wind protection is less of an issue, easily and quickly folding the screen out of the eyeline. The entire system has undergone testing at autobahn speeds to ensure the spoiler stays in the desired position.
The screen is 15 inches wide an six inches tall. Available in clear or light smoke coloring starting at $152.99. Includes all the necessary hardware to install.
Helite E-Turtle 2 Airbag Vest
As airbag systems become more common, the technology is leading to more effective and user-friendly products. Helite has evolved its E-Turtle 2 airbag vest with autonomous inflation of its wireless and electronically activated airbag.
Algorithms monitor the rider’s movements, with sensors detecting loss of control and accidents where the rider may not fully separate from the motorcycle. The Helite E-Turtle 2 provides vital protection, with its shape designed to absorb shocks, stabilizing the wearer’s body from head to tailbone.
The E-Turtle 2 incorporates a SAS-TEC level 2 back protector, which distributes impact forces over the entire airbag for maximum protection. There is an optional fork sensor, allowing the vest to be paired with up to five fork sensors.
This vest has a soft neoprene collar for comfort and an interior textile 3D mesh for optimum circulation of air. It is 100% polyester and the airbag is 100% polyurethane.
The vest has an exterior pocket and reflective stripes for visibility. It is comfortable and lightweight, and designed not to interfere with freedom of movement.
Reactivating the system is quick, requiring only changing the e-cartridge. The battery provides 25 hours of life at full charge.
The E-Turtle 2 Airbag Vest is waterproof and has straps to ensure individual adjustment and fit for optimum comfort. Available in black and hi-viz yellow from $779.
Dainese Dry Suit
Leave it to the Italian gear manufacturer Dainese to provide year-round riding comfort with its Dry Suit. The Dainese Dry Suit is made of 80% Dryarn, 15% polyamide, and 5% elastane—environmentally-friendly fiber materials designed to wick away moisture.
The suit keeps the wearer dry while maintaining optimal body temperature in varying weather conditions and temperatures. Constructed without seams, the recyclable suit is designed for comfort and protection, with armor padding in major contact areas.
The Dainese Dry Suit allows for maximum breathability, with active moisture management. It is bacteriostatic, hypoallergenic, and anti-odor.
The unique press structure optimizes muscle compression for a snug fit without constraining movement. Abrasion and tear resistant, the Dainese Dry Suit has anti-pilling technology to improve comfort and make it as un-noticeable as possible to the rider.
The Dainese Dry Suit is available in sizes ranging from XS to 2XL at an MSRP of $145.95.
Firstgear Rogue XC Pro Jacket
The Firstgear Rogue XC Pro jacket is a rugged adventure jacket made from ballistic nylon with a 100% waterproof construction. The reflective weave increases visibility for safety.
Fidlock magnetic intake vents help to adjust air flow while storm flaps repel moisture. The sleeves are lined with a premium mesh for coolness.
The shoulder, elbow, and back armor pockets are adjustable, allowing the wearer to tailor placement to personal taste and needs. The intake and exhaust vents are zippered to allow tailored regulation of airflow.
The Rogue has SAS-TEC level 2 shoulder, elbow and back protection. It integrates seamlessly with other Firstgear heated items, incorporating a left-hand pocket with a passthrough grommet to facilitate a heated gear controller.
The waist, forearm, and biceps have hook-and-loop adjustments, and there’s also an adjustable collar for comfort. There are two exterior hand pockets and one internal splash pocket to keep things safe and dry.
The Firstgear Rogue XC Pro jacket employs an ergonomically sound jacket-to-pant zipper for quick and easy joining.
Available in black or gray in sizes S to 2XL. The Firstgear Rogue XC Pro jacket retailes for $599.95.
Cortech Manix ST V2 Gloves
Stylish and functional, the Cortech Manix ST V2 gloves have an all-business track look. Made from perforated goat leather, the gloves breathe naturally and give exceptional feel for the controls.
The gloves show their track pedigree with TPR and TPU knuckle protection and palm sliders, with additional overlays at the palms and the ever-vulnerable pinky. Accordion stretch panels provide flexibility while the fingers are touch-screen sensitive.
The fingers are sensibly pre-curved for proper riding fit and the throttle hand has an anti-slip guard to prevent unwanted slippage. The neoprene cuff and hook-and-loop TRP closures ensure snug fit.
Available in black, black & white, red/hi-viz, and red & white at an MSRP of $64.99.
S&S Black Nine Moto Flannel Shirt
Speed & Strength present a stylish accoutrement to your riding gear with the Nine Moto shirt. The flannel long-sleeve shirt is made from a cotton/poly blend fabric with Kevlar-lined impact zones in an eye-catching plaid design.
Behind the front chest snaps is a hidden YKK main zipper to help the shirt stay closed against turbulence, while the snap-down collar helps keep it from flapping at speed. An inner mesh panel adds a layer of protection and helps wick away moisture.
The S&S Black Nine Moto flannel can be worn with a jacket or on its own. Available in sizes S to 3XL in black/white, blue/black, brown/black, and red/black for $99.95.
OgioNo Drag Mach 5 Backpack
The Ogio name is synonymous with aerodynamic backpacks, their effective design having found favor with motorcyclists’ never-ending search for smooth airflow. The Mach 5 is Ogio’s top-tier backpack, featuring a pocket for shoes, a helmet carry strap, and a nifty fleece-lined pocket made especially to accommodate electronics.
The Mach 5’s streamlined shape and molded exterior shell—made from carbon weave, ballistic Nylon, and polyester—helps resist drag and buffeting at speed. The unit is easily expanded from its 22-liter capacity to gain an additional two liters by opening the U-shaped zippered gusset.
There are chest and waist straps, both removable, with the hip belt boasting an off-center attachment to prevent scratches to your precious gas tank. The dedicated laptop compartment has been designed to accommodate most 15-inch laptops and there’s a protective iPad compartment as well—all in a water-resistant shell. There’s also a compartment for your helmet with a padded visor protector.
The backpack has an adjustable divider to allow you to evenly distribute weight. The back panel is padded for comfort and accommodated a hydration pouch. Reflective piping and logo provide 360-degree visibility. There’s also a concealed, aerodynamic carrying handle.
The Ogio Mach 5 backpack weighs in at 3.7 pounds when empty. The unique shoulder gasket conforms to the body for secure fit and comfort.
The Stealth Black backpack retails for $229.99.
Cardo PackTalk Neo Headset
The quality of connected communication between riders has improved exponentially over the years, evident with the new Cardo PackTalk Neo headset. The Neo replaces the Bold headset, becoming the Edge’s counterpart.
Whereas the Edge has a magnetic “air mount,” the Neo employs simple click mounting. The new Neo connects to all Cardo units through Bluetooth pairing.
The headset uses powerful 40mm high-definition JBL speakers with an improved music processor and three redesigned audio profiles. Natural voice operation eliminates the need to press buttons—simply say “Hey Cardo” and tell it what you want.
With Cardo’s second-generation Dynamic Mesh Communications (DMC) system, grouping with up to 15 other riders is quick and easy. The DMC intercom allows you to add and subtract riders on the fly. There’s even a personal chat channel that allows you to speak privately with specific individuals in your group.
The estimated maximum range between riders is a full mile. The Neo connects to your phone and GPS at the same time.
The system is waterproof and uses a USB-C cable, with a two-hour charge giving a full 13 hours of talk time. Cardo provides over the air software updates.
Cardo PackTalk Neo retails for $649.95 as a duo pack.
Leatt Moto Hydradri WP 2.0 Hydration Pack
The Leatt Moto Hydradri WP 2.0 hydration pack combines hydration with carrying capacity. The lightweight outer shell is fully welded and waterproof to protect the five-liter interior capacity, while its Cleantech bladder—in a stretch mesh pocket—holds a full two liters of liquid.
The bladder is equipped with an auto shut-off bite valve. The feed tube has a choice of routing—either over the shoulder or under the arm.
A lightweight chest and waist strap disperses the unit’s weight over a large body surface. The unique Airline ventilation system lets air flow between the bag and the rider, reducing sweating.
The Hydradri comes with a removable tool roll for you to fill with your choice of personal tools in anticipation of issues on the road. There are multiple storage pockets, including one dedicated to your cell phone, and a heat reflective inner liner is integrated to keep liquid cool or hot. The unit is CE certified as impact protection.
The Leatt Moto Hydradri WP 2.0 is available in Cactus Green or Titanium Gray for $169.99.
Tour Master Select WP Half Cover
The same sun we crave for on our rides has the power to fade and age the important components of your cherished motorcycle when parked. To help prolong the life of your paint and essential operating elements, Tour Master offers the Select WP motorcycle half cover.
The cover packs down into a small, manageable roll that’s easy to carry. It unfolds quickly and easily to be placed over your motorcycle.
With a medium-duty waterproof construction, the half-cover is made from UV-treated 150D polyester fabric. The heat-reflective coloring keeps the seat, grips, and gauges cool—a real blessing when summer heat hits.
The seams are double stitched for strength and longevity, with an elastic hem and an anchor strap for secure fit once draped over your bike. The unit has an easy-access windscreen extension and comes with a storage bag to make stowing simple and clean.
Tour Master Select WP half cover comes in sizes MD (500cc-1000cc sport and standard), LG (sport and standard up to 1300cc), and XL (touring bikes with fairing and bags). Pricing starts at $34.99.
BikeMaster Flat Repair Kit
The very first thing, aside from proper riding gear, that needs to go with you on your ride is a tire and tube repair kit. The BikeMaster Tire and Tube Flat Repair Kit is designed to keep the necessary tools for repair easily reachable and organized.
The zippered pouch has compartments to separate an assortment of patches and plugs. It also features a plug insertion tool, a hole preparing cleaner, glue, a pressure wheel, a surface prep tool, and a knife for trimming the plug.
The kit has the items to repair either tubed or tubeless tires. Nestled in the pockets are four CO2 cylinders with an accompanying air valve designed to connect directly to the tire valve. A flexible line accommodates hard-to-reach valves.
The BikeMaster Flat Repair Kit measures just 6.5 inches at its largest dimension.
Cruz Tools RoadTech M3 Tool Kit
Intended for heavy cruisers, the Cruz Tools RoadTech M3 Tool Kit is equally applicable to virtually any type of bike. Cruz Tools has combined their EconoKit and MiniSet metric tool kits into one unit, presenting it as a roll-up for convenient storing.
The tools that make up the kit are engineering-grade and include combination wrenches in 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm. There’s an eight-inch adjustable crescent wrench and a mini ratchet wrench with an additional two-inch extension for getting at hard to reach places with the 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm sockets. The kit also includes a 6-in-1 screwdriver and hex keys in 3mm-6mm sizes.
The two-in-one spark plug socket covers either 5/8-inch or 13/16-inch plugs. The kit includes a gap gauge, a pair of locking pliers, assorted cable ties, mechanic’s wire, and even duct tape.
Rounding out the content are a threadlocker and a tire pressure gauge. All of this rolls up into a 3.5-inch by 9.5-inch polyester pouch.
A smart addition to your other gear, the Cruz Tools RoadTech M3 Tool Kit is worth its weight in reassurance. The MSRP stands at $119.95.