Winter Is Coming, Rev'it Neptune GTX Women's Jacket

I'm super excited to update my old Legacy with a warmer, newer version. The new Neptune Jacket has a heavier outer shell, and some really nice updates that make wearing it more comfortable. 

2 Way Sleeve Zippers

2 Removable Liners

Easy Open Vents

With the Gore-Tex liner OVER the jacket!

I'm just happy that its keeping me warm without my heated jacket liner when it's 55F out. This time around, the Neptune unlike it's predecessory (Legacy) has two removable liners. One is Gore-Tex and one is a thermal, insulated liner. What this does is give the jacket a little more flexibility for summer riding. If it starts raining and it's hot and humid, the Gore-Tex jacket is wearable on the outside :) 

Hip gusset for alllll the hips

What I want to mention is the fitment. They've loosened up the chest, hips and arms on this model compared to previous versions. I have a 36" bust and a 37" hips. So I have absolutely no hips or butt. I need a really straight cut. When I have the hip gussets closed, there is still a good ~1-1.5 inches (with all the liners in) of room left that could fill it out. Not a dealbreaker for me, but I knew that going in. I'm wearing a Euro 36. I can't size down because of my shoulders. With the liners in, my shoulders are too tight in a 34 while in riding position so I need the 36. I really think a Euro 36 could fit someone with up to a 39" chest and up to a 40" hip for a snug fit with all the liners. I would say this is a curvier cut than Dainese or Alpinestars. The hips flare out even when they're zipped shut on me. Although I admit, I have NO hips/butt. 

The impact that this has on me is warmth. Because it's not fitting tight in the chest when I learn forward, I get a chilly draft. If I wore my windstopper North Face vest I could eliminate that. But then wearing that with the thermal liner is too much.

What I need is a bigger chest! :P This is where layering is crucial. If I wear a thick baselayer (smartwool or Polartec fleece shirt or something along those lines) then I think it would minimize the draft on my chest.  

I'm going to take this jacket on a chilly weekend ride in a couple weeks and then I'll do a full review. Stay tuned! 

For more details on the Neptune, find all the detailed specs on Revit's website. 

New Monster 821 Oooooooh Aaaaaah

New 2018 Ducati Monster 821, a Throwback to the 900

I was never a huge Ducati person, although I really love the classic 900: 

Ohh I love how that Trellis Frame stands out against the red tank. 1993 Monster 900

It's the 25th Anniversary of the 900 so Ducati decided it was time to pay homage to this beauty with the new 821. I never liked the newer generation of 600s-700s-1000s that have come out in recent years, but mostly because of superficial reasons. I didn't like they way they looked! :P 

But what I do love about the classic 900 is the Ergonomics. Sitting on one of those fits my body so much better than a newer generation Monster. Since it was so skinny, I almost flat foot the old 900. Twins are certainly easier to flat foot (if you want to). 

If the 821 fits anything like that, it might jump back in my top 10 bike list (sorry, currently living in my brain).  Certainly the technical upgrades like ABS, Traction Control and a full Electronics Package makes it a nice update. Also the 100+hp makes it even better. Looks like we won't see it until 2018, and I'm guessing that cost won't be released until EICMA in a couple weeks on November 5th. 

Full Press Release:

Ducati unveils its updated Monster 821: the most balanced version of the iconic Monster range.

October 17, 2017

• The 821 is inspired by the famous Monster 900, whose 25th anniversary is celebrated this year
• Slim design and performance always under control thanks to the Ducati Safety Pack
• The Monster 821 is the first of five new models in the 2018 Model Year

Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy),  October 17, 2017 - Providing a sneak peek at 2018, Ducati presents the first of 5 new models for the coming season: the Monster 821. The iconic naked motorcycle from Borgo Panigale is offered in an updated version to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original model - launched at the Cologne Show back in October 1992. The 821 inherits all the character and charm of the first Monster 900, the model that injected new life in the naked racers' segment - by successfully combining high performance, agility, and rider-friendliness.

The Monster 821 changes its shape by adopting the design and functional features introduced in the Monster 1200: a sleek, streamlined design with completely redesigned tank and tail end, inspired by the 1992 version. A new racing silencer and headlight - both classic and contemporary, are also part of the new design. For a clear, immediately readable view of all necessary information, on the mid-size Monster, a color TFT display is also making its debut - provided with selected gear and fuel indicators. The Ducati Quick Shift up/down and the Ducati Multimedia Systems are now available as accessories, to further enhance the already excellent riding experience offered by the 821.

The Monster comes back in the historic Ducati Yellow color that charmed so many Monster fans in the past. This color, available for the 821 only, completes the Red and dynamic  Matte Black color range.

The 109 HP and 9250 rpm of the liquid-cooled twin cylinder Testastretta offer rider-friendly thrills; thanks to its 8.8 kgm (86 Nm) torque at 7750 rpm, the 821 guarantees exciting performance, comfortable riding and unmatched fun.

The Monster 821 also features the Ducati Safety Pack, which comprises Bosch ABS and Ducati Traction Control, both of which have adjustable intervention levels. The Riding Modes ensures easy adjustment of ABS, DTC and Power Modes (controlling peak power and type of delivery), transforming the 821 into three different motorcycles, each with a distinct personality.

Completing the impressive equipment on the Monster 821 are the Brembo brakes, with dual 320 mm discs and M4-32 monobloc radial calipers at the front. The suspension system includes 43 mm forks at the front and an adjustable shock absorber at the rear.

The impressive standard equipment, extended maintenance intervals, and a rich catalog of accessories make the 821 a perfect riding partner.

The new Monster 821 is just the first of the Ducati 2018 new range. The Ducati World Premiere, to be streamed live on Sunday, 5 November at 9 p.m., will unveil four more new models designed by the Italian manufacturers, which will later be presented to the general public at EICMA - scheduled from 9 to 12 November at the Rho fair.

The complete press kit of the new Ducati Monster 821 is available for downloads at Ducatipress.com

Oooooo Rizoma Farkles

A snapshot of my friend's Street Triple R with Rizoma goodies like these lovely axle frame sliders. Goldie is dying for some upgrades next season. 

For those of you who have been lusting after Rizoma farkles (okay I've been lusting after Rizoma farkles) an exciting announcement from our friends at Rev'it. whoop!

Rizoma USA and REV'IT! USA form exclusive North American partnership

Ferno, Italy and Oss, Netherlands, October 3, 2017. Rizoma USA and REV’IT! USA have formed a partnership that gives REV’IT! USA exclusive distribution rights for the premium Italian parts and accessories brand in the United States and Canada, effective October 1, 2017. The alliance will create a position for Rizoma to more deeply penetrate the US and Canadian markets, and to deliver the highest level of service and support to its dealers.

REV'IT!, a global leader in protective motorcycle apparel, will migrate all operations for Rizoma US to its East Coast headquarters in Brooklyn, as of October 1. Strategic sales and marketing synergies are expected to help broaden both brands’ growing dealer networks across the North American motorcycle parts and accessories markets.

Of the deal, Managing Director at REV'IT! Sport International Ivan Vos says, "This partnership highlights a shared passion for design, performance and innovation, and pushes forward our mission of delivering premium products to our retail partners in North America. We feel that there is excellent potential for both brands via this partnership.”

Fabrizio Rigolio, CEO of Rizoma, says “For some time we have wanted stronger market penetration in the US and Canada, with the aim of optimizing both our presence and service for our dealers. As with all our projects, we want to achieve the best possible result without compromising on our core values, and to do so, we must align with the best partners. This partnership was born through the sharing of this vision, with the aim of bringing Rizoma USA a new step towards the future.”

Paolo Bacchiarello, REV’IT! Sport USA VP of Operations adds, “We are happy that Rizoma has trusted us to develop both markets further. Our organization continues to grow strongly in the USA and Canada and Rizoma’s excellent brand recognition and quality focus are assets to the current portfolio."

Dealers looking for more information on Rizoma retail opportunities may contact the new Rizoma US office at 718.624.2162.

Download the press release in a Word file. 
 
PRESS CONTACTS
The Americas: Tracy Motz / E: tracy.motz@rizoma.com / T: +1 718 624 2162, ext 3
Europe: Thomas Bagnaschi / E: Thomas.bagnaschi@rizoma.com / T: +39 0331 242020


ABOUT RIZOMA
 
Driven by the visionary enthusiasm of its founders, in just over 15 years Rizoma has come a long way. Founded in 2001 as a small workshop near Milan, it is now recognized globally as a leading brand producing cutting-edge technological solutions in the bike and motorcycle industries, with products that stand out for their unique style. Rizoma is distributed worldwide. www.rizoma.com
 
 ABOUT REV’IT!
 
Since 1995, REV'IT! has redefined industry standards, with a mission to create the most innovative, functional and stylish motorcycle apparel on the market. Countless hours of research and development have resulted in gear perfect for riders’ diverse needs, from finding the perfect line on the track, to tackling the city streets, to braving the paths less traveled. REV’IT! is headquartered in Oss, The Netherlands, with its North American operations in Brooklyn, New York. www.revitsport.com 

A List of OnRoad and OffRoad Motorcycle Training Resources

I've updated my Resources page for you to include recommended intermediate/advanced training courses for street and offroad riding. 

These include schools that offer highly attentive, full on training (not just open track days) on and off the racetrack, on the dirt or in the woods.

I'm trying to make this list valuable for anyone riding on the street or the dirt. So you get the idea.   

http://www.gearchic.com/beyond-basic-training/

So after you've taken your Basic Motorcycle Safety Class which teaches you the *very* basic skills to get started, these classes are for after you've maybe ridden 2-3,000 miles on your own and now it's time for more training. 

Or, you've ridden for 5-10-15-20 years and you're looking to refresh your riding skills. Because you know that we tend to get a little complacent with our riding as we get older ;) If you don't retrain every so often (~3-5 years) you may find yourself falling into bad habits or losing some of your mojo. I recently did a track day and it was absolutely amazing for my street riding skills. 

Track days mean a lot of things to a lot of people, so I hope you will read my blog post about the class I took, and how it affected me on the street. As well as my list which includes really great classes to help you with street riding, NOT necessarily competition level racing.