First Impressions, REV'IT Legacy GTX Textile Suit for Women

 

Looking for the best 2-piece, textile, women's motorcycle suit, ever? I think we may have a winner. 

REV'IT Legacy GTX Jacket
MSRP $549.99
Sizes Euro 34-48

 

REV'IT Legacy GTX Pants
MSRP $449.99
Sizes Euro 34-48

I just rode in this outfit for the first time last weekend on my way to the Horizons Unlimited Annual CA Traveler's Meetup. 

I've never worn GORE-TEX on my motorcycle until now. All I can say is AWESOME. Simply fantastic. Both pieces of the Legacy feature the breathable, waterproof, windproof material as a layer that is already sewn into inside of the shell so you don't need to zip anything in or out to stay warm or dry. And contrary to popular belief, it doesn't make you hot! It breathes so well and keeps you comfortable no matter what the external temperature. 

When I left San Francisco last Thursday afternoon, it was ~85 degrees. It was definitely toasty, but between that and my Klim layers, I was super comfortable. It's true, GORE-TEX really does breathe. 

By the time I rode into Cambria, it was 50-55 with windchill. I took Highway 1 south most of the way (which also took 7+ hours) and when you drop into San Simeon, the valley opens up and it gets Cold, fast. The cross winds are horrendous and the marine layer kicks in after sunset. It wasn't foggy, thank god (although there's nothing quite like riding twisties on the side of a cliff in the cold, wet fog, in the dark. Which I haven't done in a few years) but it was windy and certainly chilly at low 50s. Whenever I ride down this way, I HAVE to pull over and layer up, or turn up the heated liner almost all the way in high winds. 

I always suspected that wearing a GORE-TEX lined jacket would block the wind but I had no idea how much. My comfort zone is short, very short. With the Legacy, I was stunned at how comfortable I was.

I've never found any jacket to provide some sort of happy medium for my temperamental self. Until now. 

Stay tuned for a full review after the next rainstorm. I can't wait for it to pour so I can test the waterproof-ability.  

Link to full description and specs. 

 

Update 11/5/2012

I experienced a wet ride home last week and was able to do a little bit of rain testing (city riding, ~low 50 degree temps, no wind). So far so good! Came home warm and dry. :) Stay tuned for more updates and a full review. 

I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

REV'IT is sending me the Legacy GTX to test out and review, as well as share with all the women riders coming out to Horizons Unlimited this weekend.

Stay tuned for pics from the road as I ride down to Cambria to meet up with my fellow motorcycle travelers. I'll be giving my gear seminar on Friday at 11:00am. 

Follow me on facebook, twitter or instagram (gearchic) to keep track of my whereabouts this weekend! 

New REV'IT Women's Motorcycle or Scooter Jackets

One thing that many women riding motorcycles and scooters struggle with is finding riding gear that's stylish and safe. 

Gracia Ladies Jacket

Well, REV'IT has decided to throw their hat in the ring with 2 new jackets for Fall (with a couple more coming in the Winter, so stay tuned :D). The Gracia is a wax cotton, 3/4 length, waterproof jacket with a vintage look and feel. Offered in black and brown, this little number features a removable thermal liner and Knox lite armor in the shoulders and elbows. There's also a pocket for an optional back protector, which will fit Knox or TPro shaped armor. 

 

Taksim Ladies Jacket

The second option is the Taksim, offered in black and olive:

The Taksim is also waterproof, with a removable thermal liner and Knox lite armor in the shoulders and elbows. It has a pocket for an optional back protector. Don't worry, the (fake) fur hood is removable. 

Both of these are priced at $300 and are great options for riding around town on your scooter or motorcycle. I wouldn't recommend them for highway riding or touring/distance rides but definitely kickass alternatives for that short commute across town to work. 

I'm super excited to see these hit the floor at Scuderia soon (most likely October) and will post once I have some real people trying them on (myself included). 

Macna Women's Motorcycle Gear

   

Macna is a new line of gear coming out of the Netherlands, distributed through Twisted Throttle. I was able to try on a couple of their women's motorcycle jackets and pants when I visited their store in Rhode Island last weekend.

  

I don't know what I was doing when that 2nd picture was taken of me in these pants. Probably something like "these fit soooo well". 

This outfit is priced nicely under $300 each. The Lily jacket is $269 and the Onyx pants are $249. Both have a very Dainese/REVIT/Alpinestars esque fit to them. They also offer 2 removable liners, one waterproof and one thermal. I'm wearing an XS in both (smallest size offered).  The pants felt a lot like Dainese or Alpinestars fit, tapered at the knee and fitted down the leg. But the knees didn't feel nearly as tight as Dainese pants do on me.  What's difficult to see in this photo is that the calf has an adjustable velcro panel allowing you to pull it back all the way like I did for a more tapered leg, or let it out a little for more of a 'bootcut' jean fit/look to adjust for varying boot and calf sizes. I'm also wearing them over my skinny jeans without the liners but would definitely be comfortable with thermal baselayers instead. 

The Lily has several vents but no mesh panels like it's sister, the Lunar ($379.99)

  

What's really cool about the Lily is the removable collar system to reveal a meshed/ventilated panel for hot weather riding. I think that makes this jacket a great all around textile. The fit is a little more generous in the arms/elbows and waist/torso. I would recommend this fit for more curvy figures. It does have a 3/4 length cut so on me, this one falls almost on top of my hip bones. With a shorter torso, I would try the Lily above instead. 

Another cool feature on the Lunar is an exterior zipper along the cuff to attach the inner liner to the shell. Imagine  not having to figure out what snaps go where to put your jacket back together because you can see the zipper on the outside!

Macna offers more women's options including a killer 3/4 length leather touring jacket and pants, but we likely won't see the rest of the line come into the US until they figure out what women riders want/need. If you live in New England near Exeter, Rhode Island, you can visit the Twisted Throttle shop in person and check them out for yourself. They also have a couple of gloves that I didn't have time to check out. 

I'm hoping to review the Lily / Onyx combo soon so stay tuned!