Motorcycle Gear: Women’s Edition

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Posted on Jun 24, 2020 by The Isle of Man TT

This blog isn’t going to be for everyone… unless you’re possibly a woman, short or have tiny hands/small feet or maybe you’re just interested in seeing gear! Unfortunately, I’m obviously not able to comment on men’s clothing! There is most definitely a difference between a woman’s stature/general shape and a man’s. For instance, most men don’t have two air bags stuck to their chest. Just sayin’. There’s the whole debate about not being gender-specific, but when it comes to safety gear such as motorcycle clothing I think it’s very important. I’ve struggled for years to find certain items of motorcycle clothing to fit me and the range that is now available is so much more diverse than it’s ever been. These are the items I’ve loved for the last couple of years and I personally think are fantastic. For me, it has to fit well, be comfortable, must be certified, and it has to look good too! Side note, not every piece of women’s motorcycle is PINK anymore. Phew.

Let’s start at the top – Helmet

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AGV K3-SV

I have an AGV K3-SV which I bloody love. It’s the Guy Martin Britten replica helmet and one of the most comfortable lids I’ve worn. It has fully removable and washable inner liners which I think most helmets have these days, but for me, it’s a new novelty. There’s loads of removable parts such as the breath deflector, windproof chin protection, etc. You can buy bigger/smaller deflectors, protectors, cheek pads, etc. so it’s very easy to tweak if it doesn’t feel good in one particular area. There are lots of areas that improve the air circulation inside the helmet as well as four front air intakes and two rear extractors. I’m a wimp and hate having the wind in my eyes even at 20mph, although it’s mainly due to the fact I wear contacts, so I do need to buy a pinlock visor just to stop it fogging up riding around town. Good news is the visor included is pinlock ready. It does have a mechanism on the front for a tiny opening, but I don’t find it’s enough. I also need to buy a tinted visor whilst I’m on that train of thought! The visor is super easy to remove thanks to the quick release system so no tools required – woohoo! There is an integrated sun visor… I’ve rarely used it as I find it annoying to flick up and down as the mechanism is quite stiff. Not really a fan of this, hence why I’ll just buy a tinted visor. The fastening is a micrometric system which is the first time I’ve ever tried it actually! I’m not a fan of D-rings, that’s most definitely an unpopular opinion, but too faffy for me. It’s very comfy and the padding around the chin isn’t too bulky, just enough. I have a relatively small head… so I wear a size XS.

Jacket

I have the RST Isle of Man TT Textile jacket. Pretty sure this isn’t specified as men’s or women’s. For what I need, it serves it’s purpose and I love the way it looks – the most important thing obviously..! It’s got a CE Cert Rating of A so basically it’s very good quality. It doesn’t come with a back protector though so you have to buy this separately. Make sure you buy one! There’s a pocket for it, so don’t skimp! The shoulder and elbow armour are included. As it’s textile, it does have a waterproof lining although this isn’t something I’ve tested just yet! There is also a connection zip at the back for your trousers, but that’s not something I use. There are inside and outside pockets, very important, and they’re very room for what you would need! I find this jacket very comfortable and it fits me well except the arms. They’re a tad too long for me, but I do only have short forearms since the elbow protectors sit in the right place. I just shove them up slightly before sliding my gloves on and that solves my issue. Overall, I love this jacket. Compared to the Richa one I had this is far comfier and definitely more lightweight yet warmer? I think I had to size up one as they squished my airbags a little too much, but there are velcro pulls at the bottom of the jacket which means the sizing up isn’t too bad. Ps. IT’S NOT PINK EITHER!!

Gloves

Okay, I have tiny hands. I have struggled since I was probably around 14 to find gloves that fit me. Prior to living on the Isle of Man, I lived in the UK so we used to regularly visit bike shops to try and find the perfect gloves… It never happened. The kids gloves fit me in the finger length, but they wouldn’t fit me up to my wrist nicely. I bought a pair of lightweight leather RST gloves that fit me in the palm/wrist, but the fingers were probably 5cm too long… yet they were the best I could find so I settled with them. In fact, they were a size XXXS. Who new a triple small was even a thing?! Fast forward a faaaaair few years and some bike accessory shops transport all their gear over to the Isle of Man ready for two weeks at the TT as they know that’s where demand might be! It’s the best two weeks of the year for us Manx residents as we can actually try on different helmets, boots, gloves, etc. that we wouldn’t be able to find in our local dealers for example. The demand just isn’t here to hold so much stock I guess, but I understand that. I remember saying to my husband ‘well we can have a look, but I doubt I’ll find anything’.

I picked up a pair of Alpinestar Stella SP-8 Gloves, yes, they have pink accents, but I tried them on and holy moly they fitted in every possible place. (They do have these with white/black accents too, but not at the time!) I honestly can’t explain how ecstatic I was. They’re full-grain leather and feel very durable yet supple. There’s a microfiber/suede grip insert on the palm/thumb and it’s all designed specifically for women using a woman’s hand profile. I do appreciate that women’s hands do not look the same as each others… but, they clearly work for people like me who have little hands. There’s a third/fourth finger bridge to prevent finger separation, etc. and the knuckle protector is brilliant because you can’t even feel it! There’s elastic around the wrist to ensure the glove is secure plus a velcro cuff which fits very nicely over my jacket cuffs. 10/10 from me Alpinestars – bloody brilliant!

Trousers

One of the most annoying items of clothing to find for me personally. It’s no secret I’m short. I’m 5’4″ at best, although Chris is even skeptical I’m that tall… I have massive calves. No idea how, they’re just solid and always have been. Finding trousers appeared to be impossible until we found MotoGirl. Moto Girl are a brand of motorcycle clothing which make trousers, jackets and much more specifically for women. I found they did motorcycle leggings. What even is that sorcery?! I checked the size chart and it said I wasn’t my usual size of clothing. Anyway, I ordered them based on their size charts and these leggings were massive. They hung off me. We sent them back (be careful, it’s not free returns!) and ordered two-sizes down, still not my usual size. They were definitely a better fit, but in hindsight, I wish I’d have gone three-sizes down, but I couldn’t be bothered to send them back again. As I said before, I didn’t have the benefit of going in to try them on living on the Isle of Man, so I have to wing some things. Apart from the sizing being slightly squiffy, everything else is brilliant especially as I was able to choose the petite ones which meant they fit y short legs perfectly! What else is great is they have a huge range of sizes that range from a size 6 to 28 I believe. They are high waisted with thick belt loops so as they’re still a smidge too big, I just wear a belt. there’s a front zip like a pair of jeans, ankle zips (although when I buy another pair I think I’ll go with the ones without the zips!), front and back pockets. They come with knee protectors, but not hip protectors so I bought the hip protectors also. I think they’re a brilliant idea and they’re as comfy as your usual pair of leggings. I highly recommend looking into some of these if you haven’t got some already, but just beware of the sizing! Also, trying to get a photo of these is a nightmare, so maybe next time I put them on I’ll take a photo!

Aaaaaand we’re finally at the bottom – BOOTIES, and no, not bums.

Alpinestars SMX-6

I have small feeties to match my little arms and legs. I never bought my own pair of boots until a couple of years ago. I was using my Mom’s very very very old Sidi’s which are her pride and joy. I dread to think if she finds any scuffs or marks on them… sorry, Mom! I always found them very rigid and I definitely struggled changing gear in them although I don’t think I realised how much I struggled until I bought a pair of…. ALPINESTARS boots. Love Alpinestars clothing if you hadn’t already guessed! I bought the Stella SMX-6. The Stella range is specifically engineered for women and these boots are no different. They’re super comfy and have various safety features. There is an ankle brace that provides a biomechanical support between the top calf/shin to the ankle, shin guard, calf protector, heel counter, and gear pad. Toe protection too, of course. The rubber sole ensures the boot doesn’t slip when you stop and the grip on them is great! There’s so much control you get out of these boots as well as support. There’s a side entry, like most boots, with an elastic-mounted zipped with a massive velcro area. One of my favourite little things is the velcro on the actual zip to ensure it’s secure as well as them actually fitting my calves in! They’re brilliant boots that make changing gear a doddle and I’ve never had any issues with them.

There you have it. That’s my gear I wear every time I get on my motorbike. Buying these items is definitely down to personal preference. What fits me, what I find comfortable might not be for someone else, but if you’re struggling to find something and you’ve not tried the above, it’s definitely worth a shot! Some people prefer to wear leathers, whereas for me at the moment I’m quite comfy in these above. Plus, I’ve been putting off finding leathers as I think I’ll struggle to find a pair that fit. If you’re a fella, this probably doesn’t interest you much, sorry, but it’s been a difficult few years trying to find the best gear for us women so I definitely thought it was time I shared! I’ve had all of the above for approximately two years+ all of which I bought myself, or Chris did.

Ps. I have nothing against pink. I just hate when companies think that’s the only colour women will wear and therefore don’t give you an option of anything else. I remember there used to be a baby pink Richa jacket and it was the only women’s jacket around at the time. Vom. I have a pink buff, my helmet has pink on it and my gloves have pink accents too. I just don’t want that to be the only option available! Sizing of women’s motorcycle clothing has also come a long way in the last few years and it’s great to see that these can range from size 6 up to size 28 in some items! I love that there’s finally a decent range for women to choose from

IOMTT: Sunshine, Superbikes & 130mph laps

Posted on May 29, 2018 by The Isle of Man TT

Bank Holiday Monday was yet another beautiful day on the Isle of Man with conditions that could only be described as perfect. Superbikes and sunshine go hand-in-hand. There were spectators four deep at the Bottom of Barregarrow, more orange army than I’ve ever seen and we were all ready for the first Superbike practice session to begin.

Nothing quite prepares you for the thunder that awaits when you hear ‘bike on voddy straight’… and we had to wait a while longer.

Unfortunately there was a slight delay to the start of practice due to some drunken imbecile being a nuisance, not adhering to marshals warning and henceforth deciding to wobble along closed roads. Although marshals have their own powers in their own right, these powers were somewhat useless in this situation and the police were quickly called to arrest and remove said imbecile. The most irritating part is that that man will call himself a ‘race fan’ yet the racers were sat around in their one-piece leather race suits and boots sweating their arses off, teams rushing around to put tyre warmers back on & most vitally they were missing that important course time.

Once the above had been taken care of it was time for that tap on the shoulder at exactly 6:40pm… and they were off towards St Ninian’s crossroads, down Bray Hill and heading for Quarterbridge.

As I was saying there really is nothing that can prepare you for that thunder, that blur, that sound – especially if it’s Josh Brookes on that Norton! You hear ‘bike on voddy straight’ and you’re waiting… just waiting to hear that roar, then you see the front wheel and then a colourful blur and in that split second their already very almost in Kirk Michael. It really does make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

The first session was a mixture of Superbike and Superstock machines. It’s insane to see Superstock machines racing at the same pace as Superbikes and it showcases how with very slight modifications (expensive one’s mind…) can turn an out-of-the-crate-ready-to-sell motorbike into a weapon as quick as a highly modified Superbike. Supersport machine were also allowed out in this session although after a full two-hours on Saturday where most riders qualified their machine, the majority parked the 600cc for the 1000cc machines.

Tyoo BMW’s Dan Kneen and Batham’s Michael Rutter were first away with Gary Johnson on the RAF Kawasaki hot on their tails alongside Honda’s Ian Hutchinson. Kneen, Johnson and Conor Cummins were Superstock-mounted whilst the rest of the seeded riders appeared to start off on their Superbikes.

There were no questions as to whether we would see a 130mph lap straight out of the box due to the perfect conditions… then Dean Harrison topped the sheets with an opening lap of 130.232mph on his Silicone Engineering Kawasaki. Peter Hickman finished his first lap at 128.011mph followed by Manxman Kneen at 125.526mph. Michael Dunlop crossed the line with a lap of 129.358mph placing him second behind Harrison whilst Ramsey Rocket Cummins finished quickest in the Superstocks with a lap of 128.180mph only 1.178mph slower than Dunlop’s Superbike lap.

A few riders, Cummins and Dunlop most notably, were unfortunately caught behind a little bit of traffic and without that traffic they would’ve easily have both been into 130mph laps with the pace they appeared to have. Undeniably however, there was no touching Harrison. Coming down through the trees from Barregarrow Top Harrison was line perfect every time just skimming the white line next door to the fence and gliding over the bridge before grabbing the throttle to power through the 13^th milestone towards Douglas Road corner in Kirk Michael.

Harrison took a flying lap to raise the bar even further to a 131.376mph lap. Astonishing lap speeds and time for the first superbike/stock practice session.

Hickman posted a 129mph lap on his Smiths Racing Superstock BMW with Cummins finishing his lap a mere 0.584mph ahead. After that Cummins jumped onto his superbike, but it wasn’t to be as he retired on his first lap at Ballacraine.
Perfect conditions again greeted the competitors for the second qualifying session at the Isle of Man TT Races, fuelled by Monster Energy, and Dean Harrison (Silicone Engineering Kawasaki) topping the Superbike leader board at an impressive 131.376mph, the quickest ever lap recorded on the opening night of Superbike qualifying. Dunlop rode phenomenally to put in a 131.087mph on his Superbike and let’s not forget that the Superbike lap record by Dunlop is 133.393mph… sandbagging could be a potential. Hickman took his Superstock machine for another lap to finish quickest with a 130.219mph lap.

Hutchinson was up to a 124.588mph lap on his Honda Superstock machine. Impressive considering it’s almost a year ago since his tyre burst up on mountain near the 27^th milestone (between Guthries and the Mountain mille) in the Senior TT resulting in a fractured femur.

Not forgetting these important riders – Newcomers Adam Lyon and Davey Todd. Impressive laps at 120.186mph and 119.148mph respectively. David Jackson finally got his first lap around the TT course with Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle showing him the way after he didn’t make it round on Saturday. An opening lap of 113.933mph was pretty impressive.

It must be such a daunting experience taking on the Mountain course. You prepare for months. You learn the names of the corner, you watch every on-board possible. You do your track time and days, you officially get your mountain licence. Milky shows you the ropes and then it’s time. Your first time on closed roads must be a surreal and emotional moment. Just you, your bike and the famous Mountain course. I do wonder whether that 20 minutes feels like a lifetime or whether it flies by. The energy that must go in to the concentration that is required to remember every corner, just to simply recognise where you are must be a mission. Being an island resident since I was 12 I still get lost – not so much on the Mountain course mind, but then again I’m not going at 200mph+!

Towards the end of the session there were bike changes left right and centre. Hickman and Harrison flung their legs over their Superstock machines to post laps of 128.142mph and 128.134mph respectively. Josh Brookes and Gary Johnson both unfortunately retired at Sulby Bridge and Ballacraine. However, it was Hickman who took the top spot in the Superstock class with a late lap of 130.219mph placing Manxmen Cummins and Kneen second and third.

Manx Radio announced a slight delay to the start of the first side car session due to an oil spill at Ballacraine. This was cleared relatively quickly as the sidecards set off at 7:58pm only a few minutes behind schedule. It was the Birchall brothers who set the Formula Two Sidecars off on their first practice followed by Dave Molyneux and Dan Sayle who broke the 110mph barrier on their second lap in their ‘bat mobile’.

It was John Holden and Lee Cain who were the first to complete a lap at 113.663mph ahead of the Birchall’s 110.937mph whilst Molyneux/Sayle finished marginally behind with a lap of 110.508mph. It was only Holden/Cain who sailed through to start a flying lap whilst the others pulled in to make their adjustments – common in sidecar practice.

Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes clocked the fastest speed through Sulby at 150.1mph, but they had a few issues and were forced to stop at the Black Hut to make those vital adjustments. Holden/Cain didn’t manage to match or better their first lap with a second lap speed of 99.053mph but Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley improved to 108.851mph with Tony Baker and Fiona Baker-Holden only marginally slower at 108.412mph.

It was later reported that there was an incident up at Brandywell which involved Thierry Laforest and Freddy Lebulez from France. Driver Laforest was reported to be okay and passenger Lebulez was taken by airmed to Nobles hospital with reported minor shoulder and leg injury.

All in all a great practice session with some phenomenal times posted by the Superstock and Superbike machines. Harrison clearly the front runner so far, but it’s only the first practice session on the big bikes so far and there’s still four evenings of practice to go before the first Superbike race on Saturday 2^nd June.

I must admit, however, I am missing the likes of John McGuinness and Bruce Anstey. So much so that I’m struggling to remember who’s riding which number… and now it transpires that William Dunlop has withdrawn also.

Sidecars as expected had their adjustments to fiddle with in first practice which is normal, but hopefully they’ll be pretty much dialled in for the next practice session.

Adios… and into Tuesday evening practice we go!

RST Superbike Qualifying – Monday 28th May – Fastest Laps

RL360 Superstock Qualifying – Monday 28th May – Fastest Laps

Monster Supersport Qualiying – Monday 28th May – Fastest Laps

Locate.im Sidecar Qualifying – Monday 28th May – Fastest Laps