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SHIFT Women's Siren Leather Motorcycle Jacket
SHIFT Siren Women's Leather Jacket $399.95 Colors: Black, White Sizes: XS - XL
SHIFT asked me to review a couple of their women's jackets, but sadly they just didn't fit me right, so I can't do a full review. But I would like to share a couple of pictures so you can see these up close. I also received the Viper and will do a separate post on that as soon as I take some pictures.
The Siren is a lightweight leather jacket. The fit is European, long and narrow in the torso, similar to REV'IT, but just a little more room in the arms and shoulders. The chest is very very narrow. So I probably wouldn't recommend an XS or S for anyone with more than a 34 inch bust. I really like the look of the Siren, I just wish it wasn't so long on my short torso. I also am cut a little wider in the waist and the XS was just too small. If I tried a Small, the sleeves would've been far too long. The cut just isn't ideal for my body type. I just won't be growing any taller anytime soon.
I think this jacket would be a perfect option for spring/summer weather riding. Since the removable vest liner is rather light, I think this would be perfect for city riding. There are 2 vents in the front and a large vent on the back. Another feature that I think is pretty useful is the black sleeve that extends out from the cuff. With the right pair of gloves, they would probably help keep the wind from blowing up your sleeve in cooler temperatures. Unfortunately the Siren doesn't have a zipper to connect it to pants, but there is a button snap that you could use to connect to your belt loop.
I know that white isn't the easiest color to keep clean, but there's something about the color and style that I find so pretty. I never thought I would be a fan of white but when you put it on, it's hard to deny how amazing it looks. I think it would definitely turn heads and make people ask you where you got it everywhere you went. I like the detailing on the back as the SHIFT logo is very subtle and stitched in a pretty cool gray color. The rear hip zips should provide a little flexibility if you have a curvy waist and need a little more room.
Overall, I would recommend the Siren as an option to consider if you're looking for a lightweight, summer or spring jacket.
Motorcycle Helmets for Women
I have often come across the term "women's motorcycle helmet". Is there such a thing? Do manufacturers categorize helmets that way? The simple answer is no, not really. Technically, every helmet is a woman's motorcycle helmet. The same goes for motorcycles, in my opinion. Every motorcycle is a woman's motorcycle.
So what kind of helmets are best for women? How do you make that decision? Some manufacturers have tried to do that for you by creating cute, pink helmets to distract you from the reality of how to properly choose a helmet. And, they're pretty good at it. Let's face it ladies, we're attracted to cute things. Pink! Glitter! Gold! Flowers! It can be overwhelming at times. But, when it comes to protecting ourselves, it's crucial to find a helmet that's real, has proper DOT and Snell or ECE certifications to show that it's been properly tested to ensure that it's going to save your head from serious injury.
I posted awhile back with a few full face options that were a little 'softer' in design and made to appeal to women riders/consumers. A couple of these might be discontinued designs, but manufacturers are continually trying to come up with more that women might like.
http://www.gearchic.com/blog/?p=621
Another one I want to add to this list is the Arai RX-Q Oriental. It's a gorgeous helmet with a very unique design. Arai seems to be getting back to more complex designs and this one is far more beautiful in person.
Remember that although many women do have smaller heads, not ALL women do. I've had to put a few women in Large and XLarge sizes before. For the most part though, I will say that the majority of helmets I've had to fit for women are between XXS and Small (and one time, XXXS). It's all about fit and shape. Any helmet that fits the shape of your head will be your helmet! Hopefully that manufacturer will have color schemes that fit your styles and color choices too. But if not, I hope that won't keep you from buying 'the one'.
(The helmet pictured above is a Shoei X-12 Vermeulen)
Such an awesome story. The Nor...
Such an awesome story. The Norton Project. Such an awesome story! http://youtu.be/82iVMONcwss!
