I was very reluctant to purchase a helmet from an online retailer, without trying on the model in a local store first.  I had decided, after much research, that I would opt for a modular, or flip-up style for this next one.  The fact that they seem to cater a bit more toward people who wear eye glasses (I lost my glasses after riding away with them somewhere on the seat, after removing them to put on my helmet!) made this an appealing choice.  Also, I wanted to make sure that whichever model I chose had a built in sun visor, so that at a moments notice I could shade my eyes from summer sun.

I read a ton of reviews, from a variety of sources.  The website Web Bike World has a very extensive collection of real world reviews, and they in no small part aided in my decision.  I finally settled on the EGV Miglia II, an Italian made modular helmet, which scored very high on comfort, weight, noise and price factors.  The problem is, there are no local shops that carry it, so I would be basing the purchase solely off reviews, and the hope that comfort would be adequate, based on what I read.  I can now say emphatically, I should have listened to my gut, and insisted on buying something I had tried on.  I know, I know,  but it’s hard to pass up the online discount of about 25%.  I ordered it from Motorcycle Superstore, a company I had dealt with before.  They got it to me quick, and it arrived safely packed away in protective double boxes.

I anxiously removed the helmet from the packaging, to find a very space age looking design.  Very different from my current, typical full-faced helmet.  Not exactly my speed, but I hoped the advantages would outweigh the style.  I immediately read all the instructions, quickly attaching the included sun visor, which if preferred, remains on the helmet at all times instead of having to swap your clear visor for a tinted one on sunny days.  Install complete, I was ready for a test fit.  Man, it felt weird!  First, you need to open the chin bar (the part that raises to make this a “modular” unit) before putting the helmet on.  The part of the helmet below your ears curves in toward your neck tightly, which makes me feel as if it is a bit safer, but there is no way to put it on without opening the chin bar.  Once on, lowering the chin bar is a snap, and I sat in my apartment, full space suit vibe, trying to get a feel for the thing.  It felt a little strange, but I tried to keep in mind that my other helmet felt strange too, when I first donned it in the store.  I needed some real world tests, so off on the scooter I went…

The good: I really have to say that the modular helmet style is a blessing.  Although flip-ups are said to be heavier, due to the added mechanism that allows the movement of the front panel, this helmet doesn’t feels heavy to me.  Barely heavier than my cheaply constructed, full-faced helmet, it is completely manageable.  The ability to flip up the face, while waiting at a light or getting gas, is heaven.  So much more air flow.  The helmet feels very secure on my head, and I feel as if the fit, although still new, is going to be fine.

The sun visor is where this choice really shines.  I have been able to utilize it several times now, and being able to quickly pull the visor down to avoid “the sun’s harmful rays” is amazing.  This helmet offers the sun visor on the outside, which is not the type I preferred (many more expensive brands offer it internally inside the clear visor, with a switch mechanism that drops it), but this one works well.

The liner is removable, which my current helmet doesn’t have, hopefully improving the “freshness” level and longevity.  There is also an area outside the ear position that is hollow, which seems like it could make installing communication speakers or an earpiece very easy and comfortable.

The last feature I will point out is the chin strap.  It is a quick release buckle type, instead of the classic D ring attachment, which makes getting it off with one hand possible.  It also has a nice padding under the strap (supposedly) for comfort.

The bad: The first thing I need to mention is this quick release buckle.  Although considered a bonus, and many people pay more for it, it sits uncomfortably under my chin, hitting my adam’s apple.  It may be able to be moved around, but currently it bothers me tremendously (should have tried it on in a store!!!!).  Pulling the strap forward a little offers a fix to this – and it’s something I think I can monkey with and get used to.

It’s DOT approved, which is required to sell in the United States, but like all modular helmets, it is not Snell approved.  Currently no flip-up helmets have been submitted to Snell for testing, so it’s not that it failed, it’s just has never been tested.   There are independent organizations that have put quite a few of these style helmets through the Snell type testing, and they seem to pass with adequate safety numbers.

The instructions emphatically insist you not put any stickers on the helmet.  I would have liked to put a few reflective stickers on it for night riding.  The manufacturer claims this will compromise the integrity of the shell.

The most disappointing feature is that I have not figured out a way to put on or remove the helmet with my glasses on.  Not sure if this is common for all modular helmets, but for all the reviews I read mentioning glasses, I am REALLY disappointed.  Maybe I just haven’t figured out the trick?

The other thing that is quite annoying is the internal noise.  Although this helmet was rated as one of the most quiet, of all the modular type reviewed, this thing is LOUD!  I would hate to hear what the noisier ones sound like.

Lastly, did I mention I look like an alien?  Well, I do!  And although I always tout function over fashion, this may be taking it a little too far….

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Burnt Vespa. Photograph courtesy of Igor Clark, Flickr.

Back in October of last year, I wrote a review of a jacket I purchased, a nice leather job, found at a very affordable price.  It was high time I got a warmer, winter jacket, and the one I found has come in quite handy.  It handled the cold weather admirably, and at only $100, I feel it was one of the best purchases I have made for my scooter adventures.  With the weather the way it was this year, it seemed the winter would never end, and I kept wearing that winter jacket, right up until last week, when the weather suddenly decided to become Summer.  It took all of what seemed like 30 minutes for the season to change from Winter to Summer, and I was caught unawares, wearing my heavy, padded, sweat inducing leather, on a ride in the sweltering heat.

I found myself out on a fairly long ride, heading down to south Brooklyn, from my home up in the north tip of the borough.  Caught in the heat, when the clouds finally parted that day, I found myself in a leather jacket, sweating and very uncomfortable.  The problem this created, was that I found myself thinking WAY too much about my discomfort, and WAY too little about the road.  At each light, I was concentrating on complaining to myself, instead of keeping an eye on the traffic around me.  I found myself thinking about being home, rid of this heavy layer, and not about the errant driving of the livery cars.

These choices are not to be taken lightly.  This overheated ride pointed out to me that our comfort level, on our scooters, is paramount.  We ride this type of bike for several reasons: cool factor, convenience, easy to park, great getting in and out of traffic, and last, but not least, because they are far more comfortable than riding the typical motorcycle.  The sitting position that we have on a scooter is a great advantage over the hunched stance of a sport bike or cafe racer, and what’s not to love about comfort.  But that day in the sun, I threw that advantage out the window, when I failed to recognize that what I was wearing was discounting all the advantages of comfort that a scooter can offer.

So, obviously it was time for the switch back to the lighter, vented jacket I had originally purchased, when I first got my scooter.  It’s not pretty, and it makes me look like I should be riding a crotch rocket, but the difference in comfort level, in the heat, is immense.  Function over fashion, right?  Upon returning home that day, I hung the leather in the closet, and retrieved the summer jacket from the basement storage.  Man, what a difference.  I hopped on the Vespa, and off for a ride, to feel the new found freedom of the lighter, more comfortable apparel.  What a difference!  I was back to concentrating on the road, on the traffic around me, and enjoying the ride.  I felt downright lighter!  Ready to take an adventure again, now that the discomfort was gone.

I know I have preached the function over fashion line before, but this time, once again, it really just comes down to safety.  Why risk the distraction?  Enjoy the sun!

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Elvis wears the Harrington (then "G9") in King Creole.

The Harrington Jacket has been an affordable staple among Mods, Skinheads, and Scooterists for many years, and with the introduction of Ace Face’s Tonic Harrington, it feels like a good time for a short history lesson on this icon outerwear.

The official name of the Harrington is actually the G9 which was first manufactured by British clothing company, Baracuta in the Thirties. The jacket has been in constant production ever since, and is still available from Baracuta who continue to make clothing.

The King of Cool, Steve McQueen wearing the Harrington.

The Jacket was first produced in 1937 by the Baracuta founders and brothers, John and Isaac Miller. Shortly afterward, the jacket gained it’s famous tartan/plaid lining in the form of the Fraser tartan when the then Fraser Clan chief, the 24th Lord Lovat at Beaufort Castle gave his permission for it’s use.

The lightweight jacket gained ground in the US in the fifties, particularly among golfers, when it was seen as an informal, and practical alternative of formalities at the time.

Elvis Presley made the Baracuta G9 famous beyond golfing when he wore it in the 1958 movie King Creole, but the nickname, the Harrington didn’t come until the 1960s when the jacket was popularized by Mods after being worn by prime time soap opera character, Rodney Harrington played by a young Ryan O’Neal, in the US soap Peyton Place.

Harrington’s became typically paired with either a Fred Perry polo shirt or Ben Sherman Oxford shirt.

The Harrington jacket has been copied many times over the years by many manufacturers and was worn by a number of stars in its seventy-plus years.

In 2007, Baracuta even released a limited edition version of the G9 with quotes by Elvis, Steve McQueen and Frank Sinatra, all of whom were frequent G9/Harrington wearers. The jacket went through a recent wave of popularity thanks to wearers such as Oasis’ Liam Gallagher, Blur’s Damon Albarn and James Bond’s Daniel Craig.

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Martin Freeman wears the Ace Face Tonic Harrington

We’ve posted in the past on the Ace Face Clothing Company from England, and their fantastic Tonic Suits. Now the company is back with the swinging sixties equivalent of peanut butter and jelly – two Mod icons brought together into one piece of must-have apparel – the Tonic Harrington.

The Harrington has been an iconic piece of Mod, Skinhead, and Scooterist’s clothing for almost as long as there have been scooters. Similarly the Tonic (Mohair) suit has held the crown as the Mod’s go-to suit since the Sixties so I guess it was only a matter of time before the two became one.

We’ve put together a companion post on the history of the Harrington jacket, but for those in the know – let’s get down to what makes this one unique:

While mimicking the classic cut of the Harrington, the lads at AFCC have coated the jacket in the infamous two-tone tonic mohair cloth giving it your choice of either the blue-gold or copper-blue shimmering effect that makes a Tonic a Tonic. Really pushing the jacket over the top in the Face department is the replacement of Harrington’s typical tartan lining with a gold paisley that screams Carnaby Street and discretionary income.

Ace Face have had their share of celebrity owners including members of Madness and The Specials, and it would seem that the Harrington is not without it’s fans, with Britain’s Martin Freeman modeling the jacket for Ace Face. Freeman rose to fame in the original UK version of The Office, and will soon no doubt be made an international star, when he plays Bibo in the upcoming movie version of The Hobbit.

Head on over to Ace Face’s website, or friend them on Facebook to make your purchase or for more information. The jacket is currently available for international orders at 200 pounds sterling.

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In particular, we’re fans of the Vespa Jacket and the gaudy 80′s style Vespa Sir Bag, both shown below. The bag makes me want to dig through eBay for as many 1980′s white plastic embellishments as my Vespa will carry. Headlamp grills anyone?

The Adidas Vespa Jacket

The Adidas Vespa "Sir" Bag

Finding Vespa apparel on Adidas.com used to be a nightmare, with lousy search and shop functionality. Now, we can thankfully give you the one click you need to all Vespa goodies at Adidas.com. Click on through for plenty more Vespa themed goodies.

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Photograph by Francesca Tronchin, Flickr

I have written in the past about the impending weather, and how that might change the way I ride my scooter.  Paul has recently posted about some of the dangers on the road that we face with the increasingly cold temperatures, but today I find myself thinking about the fun of riding, and whether that will continue now that the real winter is upon us.

When the weather first started to change, I was excited to notice how little I changed my riding habits.  Sure, I put on more clothing, but I still had a blast hopping on the scooter and getting to those places I need to go, in style and with a bit of excitement.  But that was through November, and now, as we approach the new year, the temps have been sitting near 35 degrees for a couple weeks, and those same clothes don’t offer the same kind of protection.  As I feared, my mind tends to drift toward “just getting there” instead of really enjoying the route I take, and the places I see along the way.

I wasn’t happy with this change in my attitude, so I decided to see if I could stretch out this ‘comfortable’ riding season, to wring a bit more fun out of the vintage Vespa, and limit the amount of time she sits lonely under the tarp.

My first step was to figure out how many layers I could don without hindering my ability to ride safely.  I knew controlling the cold was a priority, but unlike getting bundled up and walking the streets, I need to be able to have mobility, to twist around and check traffic.  Also, I don’t want to be thinking about my clothes, or the discomfort they might cause.  I need to keep all my attention on the road and the surrounding traffic.  The challenge is to be warm AND safe.

This means thin layers, which should keep me warm while eliminating the bulk.  I knew I wasn’t going to sacrifice my padded, protective leather jacket, so all the attention is focused on the layers beneath.  First step was to purchase a set of under garments.  Around these parts, we call these Long John’s.  I ran to the local ‘workman’s clothing shop’ (Pop’s Popular Clothing on Franklin Street in Greenpoint) and grabbed a pair of thermal pants, which only set me back $8.  Feels like a good bargain for the warmth I will gain.  Also at Pop’s, I grabbed a pair of Carhartt flannel lined dungarees.  I have always ridden wearing blue jeans, in hopes that the thick material would help protect me in the event of a crash.  But these seem even thicker, if not a tad stiff, but the added lining is comfortable and just what the weatherman ordered!  The rest of the gear I have already, and I think I have a winning combination of clothes to protect me from the elements.

Here is how it all panned out…

Upper body: T-Shirt, thin wool sweater, thermal shirt, thermal lined sweatshirt (with hood for when the helmet comes off at my destination!), leather jacket which has a lining that I haven’t even had to use yet.

Lower Body: Long John’s, Flannel Lined Dungarees.

Feet: I was in need a new pair of Doc Martens (13 years of hard service finally took it’s toll), so I went ahead and bought a pair of the “lumberjack” type which has both a lining and steel toe.  Warm socks.

This combination has given me the peace of mind for safety, as well as the warmth I need for temperatures in the 30′s.  I know that the wind will get more severe, and the temperatures will drop, but for now I am scooting along in relative comfort.  This has given me more time with my baby, and I hope that I can stretch the riding season at least a couple more months….

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The City Rider Jacket. Photograph courtesy Armadillo Scooterwear.

Seems we’re not the only one’s putting UK’s Armadillo Scooterwear through it’s paces right now. The Scooter Review have just gotten their hands on the company’s City Rider jacket which is a lighter alternative to the Parka while still providing wind and rain protection.

In short, the folks at TSR find a lot to like about the jacket and it’s D30 armor except a minor niggle over the fussiness of the zipper, something that it’s worth noting I have begun having problems with on the Parka jacket we reviewed a couple of weeks back.

Click here for the full review.

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The Track Motorcycle Biker Armor Leather Jacket at Jackets4Bikes.com

One of the first things we discussed during the Motorcycle Safety Course, was the need for good quality, protective apparel.  In addition to the legally required helmet, wearing gloves and over the ankle boots were also mandatory on the school’s riding course.  The instructors also discussed the advantages to riding with a padded, protective jacket.  There are many options out there, they come in all styles and colors.  The thing that sets these jackets apart, making them rider specific, is the added protective armor, that typically resides in the area of the elbows, shoulders and often the back.

When I first purchased my scooter, I chose one that I found both attractive, and that would fill my needs as a rider.  As a new rider, I promised myself that I would forgo fashion for function, and be sure to always protect myself with the best possible protective gear available. But let’s be honest, we all want to look good, while being protected too.

My first purchase was a full-faced helmet. It certainly provides the best protection of all the helmet styles, but cuts off air-flow, making hot days less than pleasant.  ‘Safety trumps comfort,’ I continue my shopping…

The next purchase was a mesh jacket.  I got the scooter in the midst of the summer heat, and the idea of riding with a heavy, leather jacket, promised to kill any joy I would have riding around the city.  So I found an inexpensive, padded number.  It had all the protection I needed, and the mesh provided ventilation, allowing me to remain cool on rides.  The problem was, it made me look like I was about to hop on a Ninja sport bike, and race off down the BQE, popping wheelies that just don’t end.  ‘Safety trumps fashion,’ I continue my shopping…

Gloves were next on my list, and I quickly found some decently priced, black mesh hand protection.  In the event you are thrown from your bike, it’s almost guaranteed the first thing to hit the ground will be your hands.  I knew that these gloves would be important, and I was fortunate to find a pair, that not only protects against impact and abrasion, but didn’t look all that goofy.  In fact, next to the jacket, they looked downright classy.  ‘Safety meets…sorta fashion.’

So I found myself accepting that the protective clothing I would wear would be somewhat funny looking, but assuaged my ego, knowing I would be much safer with these items wrapped around my body.   I promised myself that when it was time to find a winter riding jacket, THAT would be the time to spend a little money on something both safe, and good looking.  I had some time to shop, and would make sure that whichever one I chose would satisfy both safety and vanity.

It didn’t take me long to find a nice leather, winter jacket on the internet.  It is great looking, and has the safety padding that most 2-wheel specific riding jackets now offer.  As a bonus, it has reflective stripes to make me more visible to traffic at night.  Perfect!  Problem was, it was $359!  Here’s the thing…there is no one that would ever peg me for having any sense of fashion.  I have not changed my look in 25 years (t-shirt and jeans, add a sweater in the winter…done!)  Although this jacket seemed like it could put me in the ranks of the “Wild Bunch,” I couldn’t justify spending that kind of money in the name of fashion alone.  I continued to look around the internet, but always found myself back at the same site, coveting this jacket.  Damn it!

Finally, one day I stumble upon a site that caters only to jackets for 2-wheelers.  Figuring this might be the place to find safety, and hopefully something decent looking, I begin the tedious chore of combing through five pages of just leather riding jackets.  And there she was….  A real beauty, that frankly looked almost identical to the model I originally wanted.  Padding, reflective stripes, leather, air vents and .01 mm thicker than the fancy one.  This one has to be expensive too.  How can they possibly offer it at a reasonable… wow.  $99.  Yes!!!  I have just found the KMART of leather riding jackets.  I love this site.

I email the company, to ensure the size I order will jive with my build (or lack thereof).  They are quite nice, and promise to ship me out my very own, fashionable protective wear, in the morning.  And it’s free shipping!  Three days later it arrives, and presto, it fits.  Great buy, and proof that not all protective gear needs to make you look like a droid.  There is no question that we all should be wearing the best possible gear, to protect us in the event of an accident.  But everyone knows that fashion can dictate our decisions about clothing, and finding a combination of the two can be tedious.  I found that spending a little time, can offer results that satisfy both needs.   Check back soon for a review of the jacket, after I break it in, and test it on the means streets of the city.  Away we go, safe AND secure.

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Photograph courtesy of Corazzo.

We’ve featured reports on Arlene Battishill’s GoGo Gear line of woman’s scooter wear over the past year so are always happy to hear she’s getting great press for introducing a much needed apparel to the business.

Hot on the heels of our Armadillo Parka review it seems everyone’s attention is turning to scooter apparel as we enter the Fall and the LA Times is no different. LA Times motorcycle reporter Susan Carpenter connects with Battishill and Corazzo founder Bradford Duval and discusses the need for scooter specific wear and business growth in a tough economy.

You can read the full interview here.

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During the nasty weather days of this past week, I have found myself scouring the web for information on repairs I plan for the Vespa, and tales of great rides that people in my area have found.  Also, I am trying to keep myself of all the safety options that are out there.  Several posts I have come across discuss riding in the inclement weather.  Because I am new to all this, I have been keeping it extra safe, and have been wondering if I will ever feel completely comfortable riding in the rain or cold weather, or whether I will be strictly a sunny day rider.

Obviously the danger involved with riding the streets of the greater NYC area increase with bad weather, and I find them to be fairly challenging already.  I am trying to decide if the wet roads would impact a cab driver at a stop, when they don’t come to a full stop on DRY roads.  Will I get to a confidence level that will make traveling in the rain less intimidating?  Not sure, but for now, I have decided that if the streets are wet, I will keep off the roads.  I have also decided that I will take certain precautions, to ensure I have the best protection available.

Besides the required helmet, I have purchased several motorcycle specific safety items, some of which make riding on a nice sunny day… a little less nice.  I chose a full-face helmet for the obvious reason, it offers just that much more protection. This is my first time riding on two wheels in over 20 years, so I also prepare for each ride by donning an Xelement padded mesh jacket (which makes me look like something out of Mad Max), padded riding gloves, a pair of blue jeans and over-the-angle leather boots.  I could tell that some of my friends felt I was being a little paranoid, and I’m sure most consider my look somewhat ridiculous.  Fact is, they are correct.  I AM a bit paranoid, but I’d like to think it’s not in an unhealthy way.  I am taking precautions, and if that makes me look and feel somewhat uncomfortable, so be it.  This is NYC, and the dangers that the streets possess are real.  Fashion be damned!

Which brings me to the next season change – which will involve dry streets, but cold temperatures.  In my neck of the woods, the wind in the winter is quite robust. There is an intimidation presented by the oncoming winter months, making me wonder whether I will be confident riding in the cold.  This seems less daunting than riding in the rain, but still presents a set of challenges.  Can I dress warmly enough, yet still feel loose enough, to ride safely?  Will I be so focused on how cold I am, that I will lack concentration, and therefore an element of safety?

All these questions will be answered when the weather finally turns to chill, and I am hoping that I find myself refreshed by the cold, and not limited by it.  I know that my enthusiasm level is high right now, because this is all so new to me, but I can’t imagine not riding the scooter for several months this winter.

One thing I do know, I will not be doing donuts in the snow!

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