If you’re a biker, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Viking. They’re a leading name in motorcycle gear, making some of the best coats, packs and much more. Did you know they also make the best motorcycle rain gear?
Riding motorcycle in the rain comes with a host of problems, not all of which have to do with road safety. I you live in an area that runs the gamut of climates and weather, and you like to depend on your bike for transportation, you need to be prepared.
When it comes time to buy your motorcycle rain suit, you want the best motorcycle rain gear you can get, and unsurprisingly, that’s going to come from Viking – who else?
What is Motorcycle Rain Gear?
Rain gear for motorcycle riding consists of one or two components – at least a jacket/top, and often, a pair of easily-removed pants. The material used is water-resistant, often nylon or poly-synthetic in nature, capable of sloughing off the built up water, and helping to fight the cold, damp wind you’ll be plowing into at high speed.
Not all rain gear for motorcycle riding is made equally, and Viking, already known for their excellent jackets, pants and packs, have combined art and material sciences to produce the best rain suit for motorcycle riders that money can buy.
Not only will it keep you warm and dry, but it’s remarkably easy to clean – count on mud and dirty tar-laden water splashing on you if you’re interested in riding motorcycle in rain.
OVERVIEW
Is it Lame to Wear Rain Gear on a Motorcycle?
You like to be respected by your fellow bikers, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re going to ride, you want to ride in style and comfort. This has led some motorcycle riders to leave rain gear for motorcycle riding out of their repertoire in the past.
However, there is nothing lame or uncool about rain gear – the dirty water flying up off the road, and the rain itself, will ruin a leather jacket or a good pair of pants, and the high wind can result in you catching a cold, or even the flu or pneumonia.
Besides, the best motorcycle rain suit designs are quite stylish, matching any rider’s taste in bike and in the rest of their ensemble.
You don’t want to arrive at your destination soaking wet, as wet clothes is one of the most uncomfortable things one can imagine. On a colder, rainier day, you can become very ill if you allow yourself to get wet like this, and the wind will chew right through you as well.
Safety on a motorcycle isn’t just about riding properly and wearing your helmet. It’s about protecting your whole body from the elements, and that includes rain.
OVERVIEW
Viking Cycle Rain Gear offers you the freedom and comfort of movement for every biker’s needs in heavy rainy weather. The color options are bright for stronger visibility, along with reflective striping on the jacket to make sure you get to and from each destination safe and sound. Soft polyester outer shell with PVC packaging; our jacket has a Full-Length Zipper with a Velcro Strom Flap as well. In addition, we’ve added a head shield on the calf for added comfort and safe riding.
Ride through the rain while keeping yourself warm and dry by using these quality rain suits. While using this Viking Cycle Rain Suit you’ll be able to ride during heavy rain while knowing that your leathers under the rain suit will stay nice and dry. This rain suit has built-in reflective fabric on the pants and jacket to give you better night time visibility, keeping you dry and safe while you ride during bad weather.
What is the Best Motorcycle Rain Gear?
Viking’s rain suit for motorcycle riders is a top of the line, two-piece design. The stylish exterior is made of the latest in hydrophobic materials, sloughing off water, even gritty, muddy water from the road. The adjustable sleeves and collar of the jacket make it a one-size-fits-all solution that anyone with anybody build can wear comfortably and with pride.
The pants fasten to the jacket easily, creating a complete seal against the elements. With Velcro, it can easily be adjusted while providing a snug, closed fit that will never jam, rust or corrode.
The advanced material also breathes, with an advanced two-way thermal lining that can keep heat in against the cold, while also allowing breathing so summer rains don’t cook you in your own sweat and heat.
With an attractive gray/black style, it provides a timeless look that’s anything but lame or unfashionable, matching any bike, and any rider, be they young or old. If you’re interested in riding a motorcycle in rain, this is definitely the gear for you. Now you can enjoy those cross-country rides and be prepared for any weather this beautiful country can throw at you, and know you’ll arrive safe, dry, and feeling just fine.
To learn more about Viking’s other awesome biking gear, or about riding a motorcycle in the rain safely, subscribe to my YouTube channel today. I have some awesome things I want to show you, and this is just a taste!
TECHNOLOGY
Viking Cycle’s Rain Gear Fabric is a 100% 600D Polyester coated by PU (polyurethane). The 600D Polyester coated by PU, is also wind and water resistant so it will provide great protection against cold wind and rain and it will not sag and creates less wrinkle overtime. The fabric is light weight but highly resilient against abrasions to provide more resistance between the body and the road for your protection, and also stands against wear and tear for product durability.
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How To Install A Voodoo Slip-On Exhaust
There are multiple reasons that people want to replace the stock mufflers that came installed on their motorcycles and replace them with aftermarket exhausts. Whether your muffler has become worn or you simply want to upgrade to a better-performing exhaust, replacing it is something that is commonly done by motorcycle owners everywhere. Here is how you can install the Voodoo Slip-On Exhaust.
1. Read the instructions until you understand them
Before you get started, make sure that you read the instructions and that you understand them. You shouldn’t dive in until you are certain that you understand what you are doing. Then, gather together the tools that you will need to install your new exhaust.
2. Loosen the joint where it connects
The way in which your muffler is connected will depend on the motorcycle that you own. You may be looking for a gasketed flange joint or a band clamp. When you find the joint, loosen it so that you can get ready to remove your old muffler.
3. Loosen the bracket for the muffler
After you have loosened the connection joint, you will next need to loosen the brackets for your muffler. You will need to make certain that you provide support to the muffler while you are loosening its bracket. If you don’t, the muffler may strike other parts on your motorcycle and cause some damage.
4. Take the old muffler off of your motorcycle
While mufflers for motorcycles are called slip-ons, removing your old muffler may still require you to use some force to dislodge it from your bike. After you have taken the old muffler off, store it somewhere safe.
5. Take your new muffler and slide it over your header pipe
You will be doing the same steps that you just completed when you install your new muffler, but you will be doing them in reverse. If you find that you are having trouble, stop and think about what you are doing.
6. Securing your new muffler
You will secure your new Voodoo exhaust by attaching it with band-style clamps or with brackets. If you have band-style clamps, they will work by tightening around your muffler to hold it in place. Brackets attach to both your motorcycle and your muffler. Make certain that you familiarize yourself with the instructions before trying to secure your muffler. If you have brackets, try tightening them with your fingers first so that you are less likely to damage the parts. After everything is in its proper place, reattach the gasket clamps, flanges or springs that you need to attach the muffler to your head pipe. Make sure that you do not use too much torque.
7. Wipe your new exhaust down
Before you hop on your motorcycle, make sure that you wipe your new muffler down to remove the oils that you left behind during the installation. If you don’t, it may be stained when it runs with the oils on the surface.
8. Look for leaks
Turn on your motorcycle and let it run while you look at it for leaks. You should check the top of the headers and the base of your slip-on exhaust.
Legal issues
Make sure that you understand what the law in your area requires for modifications to your motorcycle’s exhaust. Some modifications are only allowed off of the highways in some states.
Installing your new Voodoo Slip-On Exhaust is a relatively straightforward process. If you make certain to read the manuals and that you understand the laws in your area, you can soon have a great-looking and sounding muffler on your bike.
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HJC IS-17 Motorcycle Helmet Review
The HJC IS-17 helmet is one of the most popular in HJC street helmets, made of advanced polycarbonate composite and with a new 3D face shield design. It is kind of a mixture of the HJC FG-17 and the HJC CL-17, although the FG-17 has a fiberglass composite shell and the IS-17 has a different fit than both the CL-17 and FG-17. Although the IS-17 has a comfortable fit and a sun visor that provides excellent coverage, it does not have good ventilation and the internal sun visor means it does not have Snell certification.
HJC IS-17 Motorcycle Helmet Overall Quality
All the parts of the IS-17 move together well despite the fact that the recommended retail price is around $162. Despite the cost, the paint and finish are good quality and comparable to helmets that are similarly priced, although it should not be compared to higher priced helmets like Arai or Shoei. The chin curtain, like the CL-17, is an option, although for a few extra dollars, it could be included as standard. The pinlock insert is also an option, although it is not as critical as the chin curtain. The clear plastic face shield has some waviness and clouding that could result in a visibility problem. In addition to the face shield, the fact that 85 percent of the vent holes are blocked is an issue. Very little air flows through the vents to the rider and the fabric liner across the top blocks the top vent.
Click Here For HJC Helmets 2017 Catalog
Helmet Fit, Internal Shape and Liner
The sizing seems slightly off in the IS-17 with an “XL” fitting more like an “L” and the internal shape feels mostly “neutral” rather than “slightly round” like other HJC helmets. This may be due to the sun visor at the forehead which gives a feeling of less room inside the helmet and a snug fit. The interior is nicely padded and the fabric comfortable. You can remove the cheek pads and liner for washing. There are also optional cheek pads in sizes that range from XS, at 40 mm thickness, to XXL, at 25 mm thickness.
HJC IS-17 Face Shield, Outward VisibilityThe face shield operation in the IS-17 is exactly the same as the FG-17 with a center locking lift tab that works fine on the helmet. The center locking lift tab also allows you to adjust for city positions or for an initial defogging. It does have waviness that could affect visibility and which some riders may find unacceptable. The eye ports seem to be slightly better than average despite the sun visor. Once the shield is locked shut, it seals tightly around the eye port gasket. Water drains away from the rider along the top of the gasket and along the sides through a rotating mechanism. The face shield is easy to remove and can be replaced with optional mirrored or tinted face shields.
Helmet Ventilation and Air Flow
Ventilation and air flow in the helmet is one of the biggest problems. The top vent looks as if it should draw in a lot of air but the holes through the lining do not come close to lining up with the vents. In addition, the fabric liner blocks the vent holes to the point that even if air came into the helmet, you would not feel it because the holes are covered. This is not only true of the top vent, but also for the rear exhaust vents. The chin vent does direct air up, but it is an option with a price of between $4 and $5, something that is worth the added cost.
How are the Helmet Sound Levels?The HJC IS-17 is quieter than most helmets with general wind noise around the sides. However, since the fit is tighter than other HJC helmets, it keeps the noise levels low. It works well as a windscreen and has low turbulence noise as well. Because the top vent holes are blocked, there is very little noise from the top of the helmet.
Although most of the features of the IS-17 make it a good option, the fact that it does not have the Snell M2010 rating is a major drawback. Studies have shown that nearly 23 percent of helmet impacts are in the forehead region where the internal sun visor sits. In addition, the top vent system and the wavy face plate present significant problems.
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What to Expect at a Beginner Rider Course
If you want to gain valuable experience, then you go to school. The same applies to motorcycle riding. When you sign up for the Beginner or Basic Rider courses that are available from multiple organizations throughout the U.S., you are taking a giant step forward. Here is what to expect:
Pre-Course Assignment
The assignment that you receive is dependent on the organization that you sign up with. Make sure you do this work, because you will be better prepared for what is to come in the class. You are welcome to take notes, write down questions to ask the instructor, and familiarize yourself with the terminology.
Necessary Items
When you have class, you should bring your student handbook, a notepad, pen, and some food items for snacks and lunch. These classes will last for most of the day, so be prepared for a full day of learning and moving.
You should wear jeans with ankle boots, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves, and a DOT-legal helmet. Some schools will have helmets to borrow if you don’t have one. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to attend the class if you don’t have the appropriate gear.
Also, regardless of the weather, the class will go on. Be prepared for cold mornings. Lightweight layers are best, because you can peel them off as you get hot. You should also wear a waterproof jacket, boots, and gloves, just in case it rains.What Happens In The Class
The class structure depends on statewide regulations and the course provider. However, most programs cover the same points. The courses are completed within two days, although you can sign up for more advanced courses later on.
First Day
On the first day of the Basic Rider Course, you don’t want to be late. Anyone who arrives late has a direct impact on how much information you receive—and you don’t want to miss anything. Before you turn on the engine, you need to sign some liability papers and other paperwork. You might be asked to introduce yourself and talk about what experience you have on a motorcycle. It’s fine if you have zero experience, because the class is designed for beginners. Relax and enjoy the chance to make new riding buddies.
The first half of the day talks about basic riding mechanics. This should be considered review if you did the pre-course assignment. If you jotted down any questions in your notes, this is the time you ask.
The first riding exercise doesn’t send you off down the road with no assistance. You review the handlebar controls once again. You mount, dismount, and turn the vehicle on and off. You then get a feel of the manually-operated clutch. Gradually, you get familiarized with the motion of the bike
The exercises thereafter include riding in a straight line, shifting gears, turning and cornering. The class is paced to allow for you to absorb this information is quickly or slowly as you need.
Second Day
The second day builds off the operations you picked up on the first day. Now, you can get more technical and polish those skills. The session begins with practice of slow speed maneuvering, emergency braking, swerving, and more cornering.
Once these drills are complete, you are assessed on your competency. The riding test will be the most stressful part of the day, because you need to successfully complete the exercises. If you don’t pass, you can retest for free; but if you fail twice, consider that riding a motorcycle might not be for you.
Other Things To Expect
There’s a reason you sign a liability form. You could tip over or crash during the hands-on section of the course. Don’t worry, though. This, too, is practice. Once you have fallen a few times, you get the hang of controlling the bike. You will receive advice for staying upright from a professional instead of having to figure it out yourself.
All in all, a Basic Rider Course is an excellent choice for all new riders who want to gain valuable experience before hitting the road. Though the course only lasts for two whole days, you learn much more than you probably expect. Go in with an open mind and leave riding your motorcycle. After that, the road is yours to master.
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