http://bmwsuperbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=19503
Definitely worth reading, take a few minutes and see what can happen.. all because of a sofa! A freaking sofa!
Stay Safe My Friends.
Sadface. Another one bites the dust.
I am sad. Very sad. It's difficult finding top of the line women's motorcycle gear. Especially finding GORE-TEX motorcycle gear for women.
REV'IT released the Legacy GTX suit in the Fall of 2011. Just 2 seasons ago. I guess they didn't sell enough suits to keep offering this line. Which is really unfortunate. Given the price point, I guess I can't say I'm totally surprised.
But its really difficult to say exactly why women weren't buying this suit. I've recommended it to quite a few people and I know of 3-5 offhand that purchased it because I recommended it.
Both piece retailed for a little under $1100 total. Do you know any women who would spend that much on the best motorcycle suit? With the best abrasion resistance, great fitment and the main feature of an integrated GORE-TEX membrane?
Sadly I think most women wouldn't. What women do you know that spend more than $100 on themselves for anything these days? I dont know the answer to that. And I might just be thinking outloud. But I'm getting tired of hearing the same argument, that the women's gear isn't as good as the men's. Well, it WAS. Up until this suit went away. That's what sucks the most. I know that the products are out there and available for women. No, it's not the same number of options yet, for every 1 women's jacket there at least 10 others for men from various manufacturers.
But this is what I've been saying all along to everyone who tries to argue the case that there aren't enough options for women. There ARE. If I opened a store with Every line of women's gear in the shop, I'd probably need a few thousand square feet of floor space, if not more.
The real problem is that most shops only carry a fraction of what's available. How are women supposed to shop and buy more gear if 'more' isn't there to choose from? And that's the vicious cycle. Yes, the options are all online. But it's nearly impossible, and downright difficult to shop for gear online. Some sites have made a conscious effort to sell women's gear as best as they can, and that's great but not enough. So that brings me to another issue. If there's all these options online and most women are shopping that way, then why didn't this particular suit sell?
At this point, it has to be price point. But the problem is that you have to really see a suit like this in person to make it worth it. Seeing is believing and especially with more expensive motorcycle suits. It all looks the same online. Until you walk into a store, try it all on and see/feel/touch it for yourself. It works for me more often than not, and that's why I'm able to help so many women who come to Scuderia. You'd never think of jumping online and spending $1,000 until you put that suit on and feel the difference. Doesn't work for me every time, but it definitely does more often than not.
That's the key to selling more women's gear, more shops must carry more options. But more importantly, shops have to CARE about carrying more options. And they have to be invested in apparel specialists, training, informing and educating their female customers.
But it's a two way street. If you have all these options in front of you, you must be willing to SPEND more than $100 on your body! Come on, be honest for a minute. When's the last time you spent $500 on One piece of gear? I don't think enough women are willing to spend the $$ on themselves, either. Spending $500 on a new pair of shoes and an iPhone? NO problem. $500 on a helmet or a jacket to fully protect your body? Oh Hell NO. Way too expensive. WTF kind of logic is that?
/endrant
Something we all need to be reminded of.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xNouiE7f4uA
The Colorado Department of Safety (CDOT) released this video showing what the potential is for injury when you aren't wearing any gear. CO doesn't have a helmet law in place, which would certainly help.
I just wish the end comment by the guy in the video included the rest of his body.
(video seems graphic, but it's fake)
Sportbike Touring on an SV650S
I'll admit, it's not that comfortable. But here are 3 inexpensive ways to instantly improve your sanity while riding over 350 miles/day.
1) Tech Spec Gripster Tank Grips
I have a fully stock set up on my 2003 Suzuki SV650S, as far as bars/seats go. One of the best $40 investments (I got a special price at the Tahoe Adventure Rally) I spent last summer was on a set of Tech Spec Gripster Tank Grips. You can see all 3 pads on my tank above. They're an absolute necessity on ANY sportbike. Not only do they help you grip the tank better but they just make longer rides a little easier. The more you can grip your tank, the better you can hold your position squeezing the tank. And if you've used your body position to lean harder, you know how important it is to have a solid place for your opposite knee. :D
They make grip pads for many makes/models of bikes and even sell the material in sheets so you can make your own if necessary. They come in two different compounds and the one I have is the "C3 Grip" ($51.95). They aren't just pads, to protect your tank, but they provide so much more comfort on a long distance ride. I have a much easier time holding my body in place.
If you ride a sportbike, why don't you have these???
Where to Buy: Tech Spec (online), Scuderia West (San Francisco)
Cost: Starts at ~$45 depending on the compound you choose. They're having a daily contest to get yours free, but it's not clear on their website or Facebook page as to how you can win.....
2) Seat Pad / Custom Seat
I forgot to bring my trusty sheepskin seat pad. How did I forget something so crucial??
A few years ago I bought a sheepskin pad from Alaska Leather Online. I didn't start using it until last summer when I went on a ton of long weekend trips, riding over 250 miles/day. I don't kno why I forgot about it this time! I just know that it would've brought me much comfort on this 990 mile weekend. For $65 your butt will thank you! At least, that was the cost for my bike. Since they don't make one specifically for the SV, the Pillion seat worked perfectly.
Where to Buy: Alaska Leather Online
Cost: ~$65 (for an SV, other bikes may vary)
3) Tank Bag
It seems obvious but having something right there for you to lean on is such a huge relief. Especially if it's magnetic. I can reposition the tank bag by shifting the magnets forward or back. Since I've only ever had magnetic tank bags, I'm not sure how else this would work with a strap mount tank bag since you have to preposition the straps. (this photo is pre TechSpec)
I usually stuff mine pretty full (not extended) but full enough for me to push forward so I can lean in. Here's another shot of the pic above so you can see how perfectly placed my tankbag is.
Givi T470 Tank Bag - I believe this is discontinued but there appear to be some other versions on Givi's website. Also check TourandRide.com
Also, if you're wondering about the vest I'm wearing it's from Spectrum Ultra Sports.
