Schuberth C3 Pro Women Modular Helmet

Recently, Schuberth announced an upgrade of the popular C3W. Introducing the C3 Pro Women.

Yep, that's pink. Pearl pink. Although I am not a fan of pink... I am a fan of Schuberth. 

Schuberth refers to this helmet as a woman's helmet. I have to somewhat disagree with that statement, because I just don't believe there is such a thing. But, I do believe that most women (~75%) wear size XXS-M. It's not often that I fit women in more than a medium.

And this is what Sarah Schilke, Marketing and PR Manager/Schuberth North America had to say regarding this issue: 

3/18/2013: Regarding the fit for women. The whole women's project came about when Schuberth engineers discovered some research a major cosmetic company did on women's head and facial structure (in multiple countries) which concluded that (in general) women have smaller heads than men, a narrower jaw and higher, more prominent cheekbones. So the W models have a different contour in the cheekpad for that facial structure.

And with the C3 Pro Women, they've made an effort to fit more women. I normally am an XS and I just can't wear one in that size comfortably. I have to wear a S. Something about the shape is really uncomfortable on my forehead and sits up too high. This is based on the C3W, not the pro version. Hopefully I'll be able to test one out next month for Schuberth. I'm looking forward to especially testing one of the 'quietest helmets in the world'. I'll also get to test out their SRC audio system which is made by Cardo. So if you ride with anyone who has a Cardo system, you can connect with them too.  

And regarding the offering of pink as a color, Schuberth made it in response to customer demands. I would love to know how many of these women are riders v. passengers, because I've only met a couple of women that wanted a pink helmet..... hmmmm.

If you are considering a modular or flip up helmet, you can't go wrong with anything in the C3 series. They've been making modulars for a really long time and have made what many people consider to be the best one out there. 

Here's a real life photo of the Pro featuring the new rose colored liner: 

Features:

• MSRP $769
• Colors: Pearl Pink, Matte Black, Silver, Pearl White
• ruby colored lining
• improved ventilation
• even quieter than before
• FM and bluetooth antenna connection integrated into the helmet for stronger reception with the SRC system
• new color option; pearl pink
• interior fitted for Female head and facial structure
• antibacterial, hypoallergenic microfiber liner
• aero spoiler - minimizes buffeting and lift
• integrated sun visor
• patented anti-roll-off-system (AROS)
• removable C3/women decals
• 360 degree visbility with reflective decals including the Schuberth logo, neckroll and triangular decals above the eyeport
• mobility program; replace a damaged, registered DOT/ECE helmet at 1/3 of retail. click here for details.
• 5 year warranty
• ECE / DOT
• 1650 grams / 3.63 lbs.

Full specs on Schuberth's website.

How I took off my training wheels.

6 years ago I discovered these amazing boots, said to add 2+ inches of height to your inseam! 

And that they did. At the time I was riding my Ninja 250 and I was at the balls of my feet while wearing Oxtars (discontinued but now known as TCX Auras). I heard these magical boots would add lift, extra comfort and a GORE-TEX (GT) membrane. 

If you read my full review, you'll see how much I relied upon and loved them. I still love them, they're one of the most comfortable boots I've ever worn and the GT liner is fantastic. I still long for a pair of boots with GT liners, so I will keep searching for something that will fit my tiny Euro 36-37, US 6.5-7 feet. There are a few men's boots that are offered in this size, so that may be my next option. 

Last year I reviewed Sidi's Vertigo Lei and started wearing them daily. I liked having the extra protection and I had never worn a sport boot with that kind of fit. They worked really well on my SV and I added an insole to make them even more comfortable. Unfortunately I lost all the height that I had gained with the Daytonas. I was now almost on my tiptoes and one flat left with a noticeable butt shift to the left off my seat. (vs. a slight lean left). I really had to be careful and more cautious about where I could put my feet down, the pavement grade and more interesting, parking with one foot (since the 2 tiptoes weren't helping). I had to acclimate to wear and review these boots. I knew I could manage, it just took a little time to get used to things. I admit, I didn't like losing all the height but I was also really happy that I didn't really Need the extra height to navigate on my bike. Yes, it was really nice to have it but it wasn't the end of the world!

I remember someone telling me last summer that they liked their Daytonas overall but didn't like how clunky they felt and wanted something lighter. That stuck with me so and I didn't notice until I started wearing the Vertigos how true that was. As a sport boot, they're super lightweight and really lean, making it easier to get your toes under the shifter. Fantastic. 

I definitely couldn't manage a taller, heavier bike with these just yet, but we'll see. I have ridden with these on the Brammo plenty of times since it's a taller but lighter bike (by about ~150 lbs and 2 inches). Sometimes it's all about weight, not height!

However, not long after I started riding the Brammo last summer, I started to break in a pair of Gaerne Black Rose Boots, which were sitting on my  shelf. I got them for the Yamaha Ride Review but never wore them after that. They were still stiff and not broken in so I just reverted to my Daytonas at that time. 

   

So a few months back I decided to wear these again and break them in. I hadn't worn them so why not break them in and do a review. I only wear them around town since I always try to wear my Vertigos for highway riding. (I did wear my Daytonas a couple times last summer for a couple of trips where I thought the GT would come in handy.)

They are now my every day boots around the city. They're much lighter than the Daytonas and less clunky. I also was surprised at how comfortable they were. I only lost an inch and it hasn't really mattered. I've ridden two even taller, heavier bikes since then with them and I managed just fine: 2012 Aprilia Shiver and 2013 KTM 690 Duke (YES!).

Don't let the "2 flat feet rule" (which isn't a rule, more of a guideline) change your perceptions of what you can or can't ride. It may take you a little longer than you'd hoped but motorcycles aren't a 'quick and easy' thing to learn. If you think it is, you may not be ready to ride....

Sexy but not Slutty, Motorcycle Shirts

Thanks to my friend Moto Lady, I found Bryan's shop on Etsy where he's whipping out cool vintage car and motorcycle shirts for men and women! It's so refreshing to see cool tees that aren't pink, half cropped, tight as hell and too skimpy to wear without looking desperate.

I love what Bryan is doing and am hoping to partner with him to push out some killer GearChic tees. Stay tuned and in the meantime, check out what else he has going on in his shop. If you're a classic car fan, you'll love some of the tributes to Dodge, Nissan, BMW and more.

I just picked up this little number from his shop too. SO cute. All of his shirts have limited runs, so be sure to grab one as soon as you see it.

Etsy Listing.

Etsy Store, Spectre Apparel 

2013 KTM 690 Duke

Meet the 2013 KTM 690 Duke, the US Edition.

Since I am short (5'3", 28" inseam) I define any motorcycle that I can ride as a motorcycle for short people*. Makes sense, right? :-D  

The new 690 from KTM was at Scuderia West for just a short week. Luckily I was able to take it out for a spin! If you're looking for a mid powered sportbike with a super comfortable riding position, then this is what you're looking for. Priced at $8,999 she has plenty of power (more than you think) especially at lower rpms but still delivers a deliciously fun ride, fantastic cornering and an awesome riding position. They'll get models around March if you want to test ride....

My outfit from head to toe: Shoei Qwest Goddess helmet, Alpinestars Vika jacket, Revit Summit gloves, Gaerne Rose boots. 

(Not advised for beginner/novice riders)