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The Inside Line - Bob's BMW eNewsletter

Summer Riding Kit

Vanson Leather

Vanson Perforated Leather

Vanson uses actual die-cut HOLES that provide unrestricted ventilation.

BMW AirFlow 2

BMW Air Flow 2 Summer jacket

The perfect balance of comfort and safety.

Not long ago, when you went riding in the sticky, sweltering days of mid-summer, you had only two choices: roast to death in a heavy, black motorcycle jacket, or take your chances and ride in just a T-shirt. Well, thankfully, those days are over!

Tremendous advancements in high-tech, tough-yet-breathable textiles, as well as the development of perforated leathers, have made it possible to be both safe and comfortable in worst of the summer's heat. We at Bob's are committed to the idea that proper apparel is crucial to your enjoyment of motorcycling year 'round. And after carefully looking at all the summer riding products now available, we're proud to offer what we believe is the best of the batch. So, this summer. Ride cool. Ride safe!


 Vanson Leather

Vanson Leather, made in USA, is the standard by which other premium leather riding apparel is judged.

We're all amazed at how much textile riding garments have improved in recent years, and there's no question that they provide the most comfort and versatility while offering reasonable protection. But take a look at the guys on the race track ... are they wearing textiles? Of course not. Maximum protection is essential to racers. If it's important to you too, then leather is still the only choice!

Now that Vanson has perfected the design and manufacture of perforated leather, you don't have to compromise your safety one bit to ride comfortably on the hottest days of summer. Jackets and pants in perforated leather are available in a great variety of styles to meet your riding requirements, entirely perforated, partially perforated, or with zip-open perf panels for more seasonal versatility. Add to that adjustable fit waistbands, reflective piping, removable armor, an array of bright colors, even optional glow-in-the-dark leather, and you've got a line of apparel that offers something for every rider.
Vanson's perforated leather is superior. Instead of the pin-prick type holes you see on other brands that eventually clog up with leather fibers and barely let any air pass, Vanson uses actual die-cut HOLES that provide unrestricted ventilation and will never clog.
Riders who want the most hot weather comfort will choose a jacket in colored leather which, of course, draws less heat than typical black leather. Or how's this for maximum "cool"? Vanson's new Solar Leather, available on certain models, is the coolest because it's white, then at night, thanks to an exclusive phosphorized particle finish that stores light energy, it actually glows in the dark! Wow!
The new Lightning Mark 2 Sport Rider, like many of Vanson's top tier leather jackets, features the "Cobra Adjustable Waistband" that allows you to adjust the fit of the jacket waist by about 2 inches (in or out). Also, ventilation to the torso can be controlled by adjusting the zippered Air Curtain Vent hidden inside the coat.
On models where perforated panels are in the front only, rear zipper vents allow air to move through the jacket by causing a low pressure zone in the rear panel of the jacket which draws fast moving air through the coat. It makes a noticeable difference on the really hot days, yet gives you the option to close them off when the weather turns a little cooler.

 BMW AirFlow 2

AirFlow 2 apparel from BMW is engineered for ventilated comfort in hot weather, while still offering the most protection available in any light-weight textile garment. We believe that many riders will find these clothes to be the perfect balance of comfort and safety.

The basic material is Dynatec®, a robust tear- and heat-resistant fabric available exclusively from BMW. It provides high abrasion resistance for superior protection. In addition, removable CE armor for your back, shoulders, and elbows provides extra protection where you need it most. Knee armor in the pants is adjustable. Reflective accents and bright colored panels on the jacket enhance your visibility. It's no wonder that in a recently published comprehensive test of summer riding textiles, Motorcycle Consumer News said of the AirFlow 2, "By far the safest jacket here."

On sizzling summer days, you'll ride in comfort in the AirFlow 2 thanks to the ventilated AirTex™ panels in the arms and throughout the upper body areas (over the thigh in the pants). AirTex panels are made of a net-like construction of sturdy, tear-resistant DynaFil® thread that allows air to circulate freely.

Jacket and pants, sold separately, zip together for a "full suit" look and feel. Motorcycle-cut styling in angled sleeves, elbows and knee areas provides a comfortable fit in all riding positions. Unlike many other summer riding jackets the soft mesh liner feels smooth and comfortable against your skin. Zipper pockets inside and out are handy for your wallet or cell phone.

Men's and women's jackets and pants are available in a wide array of sizes. Matching AirFlow boots and gloves are also available.

Please stop by the shop to find the size and color that's right for you.

© 2005 Bob's BMW