motorcycle

Photo of the day: BMW 1250GS Adventure Motorcycle

The new BMW R 1250 GS: concentrated performance meets impressive efficiency. With the new BMW R 1250 GS you will experience the new Boxer even more directly. An increase in engine displacement brings you even more performance – pumping out 136 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. BMW ShiftCam variable camshaft control system ensures consistent power delivery – throughout the entire power band. Whether in the city, on the motorway, or off road, every mile gives you more freedom and riding pleasure. – BMW Motrocycles

*Photo courtesy of the Loadout Room

My motorcycle commuting gear of choice

How many of you on here commute daily on your bike? I use mine as my primary transportation, commuting distance is approximately 80 miles round trip, give or take, depending on if I take the “long way home” or direct route. For the average, we shall say it’s 80 miles daily, round trip. I live in the Tampa Bay, FL area and we’ve had some chilly cold snaps lately (for Florida folks). I leave my house around 0630 and it’s mostly inner-city surface streets, with some high-speed sections of highway and bridges. I work on MacDill Air Force Base, so we have to wear protective gear (I would never ride without it anyway). I’m all about being seen, not creating a fashion statement.

So, I chose the following gear and it’s been working very well lately for me. Very warm, dry, and comfortable.

Helmet

Scorpion EXO AT-950 in the HI-VIZ color scheme. I was going to get the Shoei NeoTech 2, but I have ridden with Scorpion and find their quality above par for their price. I knew I wanted a modular helmet, never had one before… and the peak interested me, for blocking that direct sun coming across the bridges in the morning/afternoon. So far, I am really liking this helmet. Fits my grape like it’s custom! I wear foamy ear plugs, so no issues. I need to fit a bigger / better windscreen on my bike (I’m 6’3 and the factory screen is ok, not perfect).

Comms

I have the Sena 30K (bought the dual pack, my wife rides two up with me often). So far, I really like the sound quality. I have not figured out all the tech yet, but I did get the pairing in order, with the help of some very informative YouTube channels. Now that I have it paired correctly, in the correct order, I find that when I start my bike, I just let them all connect automatically. Every now and then, I have to make a phone call before the music/media will play. I muted the NAV so it isn’t chirping in my ears all the time. The Sena 30k seems to be the ticket. Fits the Scorpion EXO AT-950 perfectly. I farkled my helmet with strips of 3M Diamond Reflective Tape, Red in the back, Amber on the sides.

Jacket

I chose the Klim Badlands Pro in Hi-Viz (I like to be seen). I wear the XL, and it fits me like it’s custom. The elbow pads need manually moving into place every time I put it on, for they slide around in the inner liner, but once they are in position, they don’t move. The jacket is very comfortable, very warm, and I had no issues in the pouring rain the other day. I had two vents open, got some water intrusion in there, but that was my fault. This jacket is built like a tank… should provide me with years of service.

Gloves

I went with some Five Five shorty gloves. They are the leather type, with neoprene, Hi-Viz yellow. They are super comfy, and wil be fine in the Florida summer. I can navigate my iPhone with the gloves on, just takes some patience.

Pants

I have the Klim Badlands Pro pants to round out the Jacket / Pants combo. I am 6’3 and wear a 36” waist in jeans… I bought the 38 Regular, and they are PLENTY long. If I had gotten the “Tall” version, the knee pads would have been way too low. As it is, the knee pads ride down when I stand up, but sitting on the bike they fall right into place. I really like these pants. Like the jacket, they will give me years of service. I’m not able to wear these as “over pants” so I just pack my pants and shoes in a waterproof bag, change when I get to work. No biggie.

Boots

I bought the AlpineStars Roam 2 touring boots. I had an old pair of the original Roam boots, these are just as good, if not better. The are a wee bit stiff out of the box, but I think they will soften up with wear. I change out of my riding gear when I get to work, so it’s really not an issue for me. Once I get my side panniers and top box, storage will be much easier with more options. Right now, it’s a tank bag and backpack.

So, this is my daily wear. It seems to be a good fit collectively. I’d love to hear what you all are wearing on commutes.

Cheers!

Ride safe, ride often.

Author – (D. MacIntosh) US Army Special Operations with over 30 years of service. Former 1SG, current Warrant Officer with low-grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggary. Over the years, he’s developed a unique style and appreciates the finer things in life. He evaluates gear based on his unique personal experience and no-fluff presentation.

Kyle Defoor talks about his custom Harley Davidson DYNA FXDL Lowrider

Kyle Defoor goes over his personal Harley Davidson motorcycle and the modifications he’s made to it. Kyle has been riding motorcycles for 20+ years and knows a thing or two on taking them on multi-day road trips. He also covers his typical loadout when riding and how to keep everything low-vis, so that you’re not advertising to the world that you are carrying while riding. If you’re an avid motorcycle rider, whether it’s a Harley Davidson or not, this video is worth the time to watch.

For more information visit the Harley Davidson website

*Photo courtesy of Ballistic Magazine Youtube Channel

Loadout Room photo of the day | Biltwell EXFIL 7

Biltwell EXFIL 7 motorcycle bag

“I can’t say enough about how effective the Biltwell EXFIL 7 bag is. If you have the metal eyebrow common to dynas and FXRs above your headlight this bag is a no brainer. It also does a good job of blocking wind. I keep my rain pants and tools in it. I have a couple of friends with sportsters and Choppers that use them for “saddlebags”. Great product and highly recommended.” – Kyle Defoor

Above photos courtesy of Biltwell

Courtesy of Defoor Proformance Shooting

Loadout Room photo of the day | Winter riding gear – boots

I use the Sidi All Roads boots. Full Goretex liner, good protection throughout, resole-able and they’ll go over or under any pants. I’ve personally used them at 25 degrees for two-plus hours at 80+ MPH with only a normal Darn Tough Vermont wool sock and had no issues. Buy once.

Courtesy of Defoor Proformance

ALMS 12L motorcycle tail bag

Let’s just start off and say this bag looks cool. Does it look cool? Yes it does. This bag made by ALMS NYC is touted as the only expandable capacity, waterproof tail bag designed specifically for city riders.

The company put a lot of years of R&D into this bag in order to pursue their dream of making the perfect motorcycle luggage. The bag has a simple storage solution with expandable features. It includes an adjustable exterior cargo net. It compresses down to a packable size. Check them out on Kickstarter.

REMOVABLE MIL-SPEC CARGO NET – Metal G-hook attachment system is completely removable and adjustable.

CARGO NET CAPACITY – allows for a variety of commuting essentials, from water bottles to outerwear. Adjustability adds up to 25% more capacity.

PACKABLE DESIGN – Rolls down to a quarter of its size, and clips closed with release buckles. The YKK release buckles are specifically designed with a flexible form which makes it durable and resistant to breakage.

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Photos courtesy of Spotter Up