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Gear Review
I like Scorpion’s EXO helmets. I have a couple of 400’s in black and silver. I also have a 700 in the Predator blue graphic. Now, normally a 400 will cost about $150 and the 700 about $225. As it happens, I snagged a black 400 and the Predator 700 for $125 out the door, for both helmets, at the Scorpion booth at Chapparral’s Motorsports annual parking lot sale. It really was too good to pass up. The normal difference in price is likely because the 700 is made of fiberglass, and the 400 plastic. The 700 weighs slightly less, but to tell the truth, I couldn’t tell a difference. I think the choice of which to go with really comes down to which graphics you like better. In solids, I would say go with the 400, unless you want the Hi-Viz yellow, which is only available on the 700. I have only seen one of those in use, on a Goldwing guy, who was also wearing a Hi-Viz jacket. Saw him from quite a distance, actually. More power to him, but I'll stick to Hi-Viz jackets only. In this price range I don’t think there is a better helmet for comfort, style and features. The ventilation could be a little better, but it’s well within the range of acceptability. Fit and finish are topnotch
I have two shields for the helmet- clear, which it comes with, and dark smoke, which goes for $35. Although it looks very dark from the outside, from the inside looking out it’s like a normal pair of sunglasses. I’m so used to it I rarely use the clear, except at night. They switch out fairly easily, but not as easily as the Scorpion rep on their video makes it look. He does a neat trick of looking straight ahead while talking about how easy it is to swap out the face shield, making the switch without looking down. I’m not quite there yet; it’s going to take a bit more practice. I doubt watching the video will help you figure it out; you just have to play with it.
I’ve looked everywhere, and the best online price I can find is at www.sportbiketrackgear.com. I picked up an EXO400 in Titanium for $99 delivered! They have all models of Scorpion helmets at incredible discounts, as long as you’re not too picky about what color you want.
Olympia’s Viper jacket is marketed as a three-season jacket, due to the mesh exterior panels and the removable liners. I picked mine up at Irv Seaver BMW, in Orange, for $260. You might find it lower online, but I haven’t seen a proce different than this. I recommend you try this jacket on in person, with and without the liners. It fits pretty true to size, but you’ll just get a better impression of how it fits if you try one on. I took an extra large, at 5’9” and 190, but I also like my jackets just on the loose side.
I have worn it in 90* weather and as long as I was moving it was comfortable. Why only when I was moving, you say? Well, because that’s when the air goes through the little holes and cools me off. When I stopped, the air stopped, too. Interesting how that works. I have yet to wear the jacket in cold weather, but the two liners seem pretty substantial. For a day like today, in the mid-seventies, this jacket was perfect without the liners. The elbow armor is sturdy and doesn’t move around, as it is held firmly in place by elastic Velcro straps. The 2000 Denier fabric in the sleeves and shoulder panels is as sturdy as any I’ve seen on a jacket of this type. The Hi-viz panels are quite bright; they provide an extra degree of visibility without being as loud as Olympia’s Airglide jacket. Another thing I like is that most of the Hi-Viz jackets out there are 3/4 length touring style jackets, with a lot of cargo pockets and zippers. This jacket looks more like a regular jacket, and while you might not wear it out to dinner, I think it looks a little less geeky than the touring jackets.
My only complaint with this jacket is that the collar is a bit tall and rubs against the chin; also, if not securely fastened it will come loose and flap around. That’s a minor issue, and I’ve made it a habit to securely fasten the collar before I take off. I’m not sure why Olympia designed a jacket that’s primarily intended for use in warm weather with such a high collar. I’d prefer a short collar and then I could just wear a balaclava if it were cold. It’s a minor complaint, to be sure, in an otherwise excellent jacket.
Tourmaster’s Solution boots are a good alternative to some of the pricier entries from BMW and other manufacturers in the touring boot niche. I bought mine at Chaparral Motorsports in San Bernardino, for $116. That’s the going rate; I haven’t seen them cheaper anywhere else.
If a trip to Tierra del Fuego is not in your immediate future, but a day trip to Julian is, these might be the boots for you. They broke in quickly, are comfy on and off the bike, and don’t shout- “Look at me, I’m a biker dude.” My only quibble is that I wish the top part would fasten a little more firmly. The boots open by means of a zipper on the side, and a large flap on the top closes over that to secure the calf. There is reinforced ankle protection as well as a reinforced area on the left toe for the shift lever. The soles are somewhat soft, which is nice for comfort and control, but they will melt quickly upon contact with a hot exhaust. You’re probably wondering how I know this. Anyone know how to get melted rubber off a Thunderheader? If I find a product that can accomplish this task, I’ll let you know.
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