Category Archives: Misc

Misc

Design for Bikers – the coolest outfits

Importance of proper design in biker outfits

Design plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and protection of bikers while on the road. Biker outfits need to be designed to offer maximum protection to the rider in the event of an accident. This includes using materials such as leather, kevlar, and other synthetic materials that have high abrasion resistance and can withstand impact. Proper design also involves incorporating features such as armour and padding in key areas like the shoulders, elbows, and knees. The importance of safety and protection cannot be overstated, as it can mean the difference between life and death in a crash.

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In addition to safety and protection, design also plays a critical role in ensuring the comfort and convenience of bikers. Biker outfits need to be designed to provide maximum comfort, especially during long rides. This includes features such as breathable fabrics, moisture-wicking properties, and stretchy materials that allow for ease of movement. Additionally, biker outfits should be designed to provide convenience, such as pockets for storage and easy-to-use zippers and closures.

Finally, style and aesthetics are also essential factors in biker outfit design. Bikers want to look good while on the road, and their outfits should reflect their personal style and taste. Designers have responded to this demand by creating a wide range of biker outfits that are not only functional but also stylish and aesthetically pleasing. From leather jackets to vintage band tees, there is a wide range of options available that cater to different tastes and preferences. Ultimately, the best biker outfits are those that seamlessly blend safety, comfort, and style, making for a truly enjoyable riding experience.

Key components of biker outfits

Usually custom MX Graphics are important. But Helmets are the most important component of a biker’s outfit, providing essential protection for the head in the event of an accident. While safety is paramount, helmets can also be a stylish accessory, with many options available to suit different tastes and preferences. Full-face helmets offer the most comprehensive protection, covering the entire head and face, while half helmets provide a more minimalist look. Some helmets even come with graphic designs or unique colors to make a statement on the road.

Jackets and vests are another key component of a biker’s outfit, providing both protection and style. Leather jackets are a classic choice, offering durability and a rugged look. However, there are also many textile options available, providing a lighter and more breathable alternative for warmer weather. Some jackets and vests even come with added features such as armor padding or reflective material for increased safety. For those looking to add a personal touch, custom jackets and vests with club embroidery or logos are also available.

Pants and chaps complete the biker outfit, offering protection for the lower body and adding to the overall aesthetic. Leather pants and chaps are a popular choice, providing durability and a classic look. Textile options are also available, offering increased breathability and flexibility. Chaps come in a variety of styles, from full-length to half-chaps, and can be worn over jeans or other pants. When choosing pants or chaps, it’s important to consider factors such as fit, comfort, and protection from the elements.

Popular designs in biker outfits

Traditional leather jackets and vests have been a staple in biker fashion for decades. These classic designs are timeless and offer both style and protection for riders. Leather jackets and vests are often adorned with patches and logos, showcasing a rider’s affiliations and personal style. Brands like Vanson offer 50s and 60s style motorbike leather jackets, bringing back the classic days of Marlon Brando and Peter Fonda. These jackets are made from high-quality leather and are designed to last for years, making them a worthwhile investment for any biker.

Modern textile jackets and mesh gear offer a more lightweight and breathable option for riders. These designs often feature unique elements like asymmetric zippers and ventilation panels, making them both fashionable and functional. Brands like SA1NT offer tips for finding the perfect balance between safety and style, ensuring that riders can ride with confidence and look cool while doing it. The Summer Riding in the City buying guide also offers a variety of protective and highly ventilated summer motorcycle jackets, catering to the needs of riders in warmer climates.

Custom designs and personalized outfits allow riders to showcase their individuality and style. Brands like The Jacket Maker and Backyard Design offer custom-built leather jackets and dirt bike graphics, respectively, allowing riders to create unique and one-of-a-kind outfits. Custom cycling apparel, including jerseys, shorts, and bibs, is also available from brands like S3 and Jakroo, catering to the needs of cycling enthusiasts. Custom motorcycle jackets and vests with club embroidery and logos are also available from brands like Leather Skin Shop, offering riders a chance to showcase their club affiliations and personal style.

 

Misc

Are Electric Bikes an Option for Beginners?

Whether you’ve passed your CBT or you’ve been riding for years, we all love to keep an eye on the development of the latest motorcycles. Often the subject of much debate, the Electric Motorcycle has yet to firmly stamp its mark on the motorcycle industry.

That being said, they’re certainly on their way there, with major manufacturers such as Harley Davidson, BMW and Triumph throwing their hat into the ring there are a whole host of electric motorcycles currently on the market to choose from.

There are many advantages to electric bikes, (despite what the naysayers will have you think) if you’re looking for a simple bike to get you from A to B or perhaps something to make the morning commute a little easier they’re certainly worth checking out.

Whilst a lot of the ‘big’ electric bikes out there come with a fairly hefty price tag, that’s not the case for a lot of the beginner friendly electric vehicles (EV’s) out there. So we ask the question, are electric bikes an option for beginners?

Twist and Go
To start with, all electric motorcycles and scooters, big or small, are twist and go! So if you’re just starting out, you don’t need to worry about mastering changing gears. Just hop on, twist the throttle and off you go.

There is Very Little Maintenance Involved
Unlike their petrol counterparts, EV’s require very little upkeep as all their components are completely self contained and a lot of the parts you would need to replace on a service such as Oil filter, Air filter and spark plugs simply don’t exist on an electric bike.
You will of course have to keep an eye on things like brakes and tyre wear, but overall there’s a lot less to worry about.

They’re Silent
If you’ve ever ridden an electric bike you’ll know it can be quite a bizarre sensation with no engine vibrations or sound. You can ride along at 30mph and hear the birds chirping and people talking. From a beginners point of view this enables you to be much more aware of your surroundings without any distractions enabling you to simply focus on riding.

It should be noted that the other edge to this sword is other road users may not hear you coming but just follow what you learnt in your motorcycle training and leave yourself plenty of time and distance to react.

They’re Much Cheaper To Run
First off, you don’t need to pay any tax on an electric vehicle. If you live in central London then you will be pleased to know you are exempt from the new ULEZ charges and congestion charges.

Secondly, they’re much cheaper to recharge than it is to refuel. Zero reckon their Zero S costs under £3 for a full charge and they state that £3 will get you 120 miles which you can’t deny is pretty impressive.

Granted we’ve recently seen energy prices increase but EV’s still come in way under when compared to a petrol bike.

They’re Kinder To The Planet
Climate change is a huge topic of discussion at the moment, including the importance of reducing carbon footprint. The government has announced that petrol motorcycles will no longer be sold in the UK from 2035, with that in mind electric vehicles are the only way forward!

Aftermarket, HM Quickshifter, Industry News, Latest News, Misc

Illuminate The Pit Lane With HM LED Pit Board

Alongside saving laptimes on track with its range of quickshifters, HM Quickshifter is now saving team mechanics time (and errors) with its innovative new LED Pit Board. With adjustable brightness, full QWERTY keyboard and built-in lap timer, it’s the ultimate accessory for professional race teams, club racers and trackday addicts.

When you want to look professional and likable, being able to present yourself and your gear in an alluring manner will help people pay more attention to you and what you have to show. That’s exactly why the LED market is so popular nowadays, Custom Neon, an LED neon sign maker can help give you the attractive appeal that your life may be lacking, allowing you to gain more confidence in yourself, your home and your gear as you show it off with pride. When you are working with LED you will get a lot of attention, which is necessary when you want to help market yourself out there.

Ahead of the 2019 race season, HM Quickshifter is excited to launch its innovative LED Pit Board. The two row board features adjustable, high visibility LED lights which have been tested to ensure clear vision no matter the conditions. With a full QWERTY keyboard on the reverse side, lap timer and five memory settings, team members no longer need to worry about trying to get the right numbers into a traditional board before the rider completes the lap. With the ability to write out any word, as well as use emoji’s, the board allows teams to convey much more info to riders than with a traditional one.

Trialled in race paddocks throughout 2018, including the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and No Limits Racing series, the board is now available to purchase from HM Quickshifter and costs £499.99 (Plus VAT).

HM Quickshifter General Manager Ben Varley explained “Having spent a lot of time in race paddocks around the world, we know just how hard team members work and the pressure they’re under. Our new LED Pit Board will help them convey crucial messages to riders, help speed up the process of imputing the data and also ensure the rider can clearly see it, thanks to its high visibility.” 

 

For more information on the full range of HM Quickshifter products see   http://hmquickshifter.com/