Dainese Ergotour Gore-Tex Gloves review

Dainese Ergotour Gore-Tex Gloves review

When it comes to winter gloves, there are hundreds to choose from with varying degrees of thermal protection and waterproofing. After spending 2 years in leather gloves getting cold and wet, it was time to treat ourselves to some proper winter gloves. For some people this is probably an easy task, for us it was quite difficult as most felt too cumbersome and lacking feel. Which for us is important when riding the bikes we have, and especially with the sports bikes. The gloves also had to have very good protection, we always wear the best we can afford.

KNOX BIOMECH review coming soon

Having tried on numerous brands with varying degrees of thermal and crash protection we were encouraged to have a look at the Dainese Ergotour Gore-Tex gloves. At first it was hard to choose between the medium and large sizing, medium being a bit too tight and large being very slightly too big. Knowing leather will give a bit we opted for the medium and after a few hundred miles with the gloves on, they have softened slightly and now offer a very comfortable fit.

As with all our recent reviews, there is a re-occurring theme with the weather, and the first ride with these gloves was no different. Rain and lots of it! A half hour ride in the rain revealed the Gore-Tex glove does what it needs to, at keeping the rain out and warmth in. No problems there then.

The Dainese glove has two Velcro straps, one elasticated strap for the forearm and a second to secure round the wrist. Both make the gloves easy on and off and offer a nice slim fit to wear under the sleeve of any jacket but with enough adjustability to wear over the sleeve too.

Having owned the gloves for near on a month and covered many miles on the GSXRs and R1200GS, we can safely say these do meet our requirements. Although, there is still slight lack of feel but we always knew we’d have to concede on this point if we wanted to be warm and waterproof.

You’ll be pleased to hear despite the cold, damp and often wet conditions we’ve experienced, the heated grips have only been turned on once, for a few minutes only to find our hands become very hot, very quickly. We don’t envisage they will be turned on again with these gloves until the very depths of winter, if at all. This may be thanks to the hand guards on the GS though.

The glove comes with 'Techno inserts' in the knuckles and finger joints, distortion control on the little finger and a reinforced palm, offering what we think is very good protection, with pre-curved fingers ensure maximum comfort too. Overall, we would highly recomend this glove so far - with it being one of the best pair of gloves we've owned so far.
We will give you an update on how these gloves hold up, in 6 months time after some vigorous winter use!

The Dainese Ergotour Gore-Tex glove is available to buy from Bike Stop.

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BMW CONCEPT STUNT G 310

UP, UP AND AWAY – BMW CONCEPT STUNT G 310 DESIGNED FOR PURPOSE

Unveiled at South America’s biggest motorcycle show in Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, the new BMW Concept Stunt G 310 has captured the imagination of stunt-riding fans worldwide, especially for the brand’s fresh and innovative approach to the genre. With interest high in this unique world premiere, BMW Motorrad gets the views of some respected ‘insiders’ with more than just a passing interest in this single-minded, single-cylinder stunt bike.

 

We’re used to seeing multiple world champion freestyle legend Chris Pfeiffer performing trademark tricks on his modified BMW F 800 R roadster but to see these action shots on the BMW Concept Stunt G 310, you’d have no idea that this compact, agile design study gives nearly 500cc away to the familiar 800cc twin-cylinder BMW roadster that is the ‘go-to’ machine for many streetbike freestyle artists. Needless to say, Chris had some vital input into how this latest multi-coloured stunt weapon should perform.

“Stunt riding is a demanding and multi-faceted sport. Ideally you need a compact, agile bike which is also stable and robust at the same time” said the four-time World and European stunt riding champion.

“You have to achieve the ideal balance between aggressiveness and control.”

As such, Chris was involved with this project and the BMW Motorrad design team at an early stage and was able to use his many years of professional riding experience to suggest modifications and features that offer skilled performers the chance to shine on the asphalt. For example, there’s a lockable throttle to keep you rolling during no-hands wheelies. Look closely and you’ll notice two separate brake calipers at the rear.

The first is intentionally oversized and is there to slow you down quickly; the second – even larger by the way – allows you to operate the rear wheel brake with the middle finger of your left hand, even at the same time as engaging the clutch. After all you won’t always have your foot on the peg to use the conventional rear brake, so this allows you to perfectly control the speed of the bike and, consequently, the height and duration of a wheelie (the front brake is useless of course when the front wheel is lofted in the air!).

In the quest for ever more progressive performances, stunt riders (who frequently came from a BMX background) often added pegs in various places to allow them to move around their bikes. These can be spotted on the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 on the front axle and also attached to the rear sub-frame under the seat area. The rider can also ‘surf’ by climbing on the non-slip seat, or make use of yet another trick part developed by BMW Motorrad.

The special stunt ‘tail’ is milled from solid aluminium and is unique (for the moment at least!) on stunt bikes. It offers the rider yet another foothold at the rear of the machine for innovative moves, but should it all go wrong, a pair of distinctive red crash bars provide additional protection for the engine. 

So in the interests of stunt professionals, function could be said to take preference over form, but that would be doing an injustice to the design of the BMW Concept Stunt G 310, which even with its compact proportions, looks like a bigger motorcycle, albeit a seriously agile one. This was something that captured the attention of fellow professional stunt performer Mattie Griffin, who like Chris, has also put his faith in a modified BMW F 800 R for many years.

“At first glimpse, I was struck by just how mean this bike looked and I was surprised to learn that it was only 310cc and not more, as it looks solid – not like other bikes of this cc that look small and skinny,” said Irishman Mattie, who is regularly seen in action at BMW-supported events across the globe. “I really like the idea of the reverse cylinder to shorten the wheelbase of this bike and how the exhaust is tucked away makes it really modern looking. I guess what comes to my mind each time I look at the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is that I really want to ride this bike!”

Talented designers and clever engineers have combined to produce a small-capacity bike that certainly appears to punch above its weight. A low-slung front and raised tail section promise fast and nimble changes of direction, while the short wheelbase allows for increased agility and dynamic riding. The reason it’s hard to spot the rear silencer is because it’s not in the usual place, but actually in a vertical position squeezed between the engine and spring strut. It’s well protected here and – importantly – doesn’t limit the rider’s freedom of movement.

To really appreciate the design though, it is worth looking at the BMW Concept Stunt G 310 at a standstill, without a rider. Even stationary, there is a sense of movement, emphasised by the ‘winged’ contours of the fuel tank, the floating panels and lines that direct the eye towards the front. The visible engine block suggests the weight is carried low, while the narrow front view draws attention to its high level of agility.

As for the colour concept, you’ll see the white, red and blue colours of BMW motorsport, combined with the national colours of the Brazilian flag (because of its unveiling at the Salão Duas Rodas) in a spectacular neon green and yellow colour scheme. As Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design puts it: “The BMW Concept Stunt G 310 is a real eye-catcher. Everything on this concept seems to be shouting out to ride it and defy the laws of gravity.” 

We hope that one day, you will have the chance to ride a bike like the BMW Concept Stunt G 310, but until then, check out the BMW Concept to find out more.

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Dainese Sandstorm jacket review

Dainese Sandstorm jacket review

Bike Stop have hooked us up with the New Men's Dainese Sandstorm jacket.

First impressions, it appears to be a better made version of our RST Adventure 2 jacket, but we must remember there is a significant price difference.

This jacket is comfortable, versatile and stylish and incredibly well made.

Fortunately for you (unfortunately for us) the first test ride involved a very wet commute on the motorway. The jacket is advertised with a GORE-TEX® layer to keep all the wet weather out, and it did just that. There seems to be a degree of waterproofing to the outer layer too, which is nice. There are two waterproof pockets on the front of the jacket, and 30 minutes into the now VERY wet commute, the phone and wallet are still bone dry.

After a fair amount of time waiting to see if the rain was going to stop (and then realising it wasn't), it became a frantic rush out the garage. In the rush, a neck buff was left on the side. However, this wasn't realised until we reached our destination! The neck of the jacket is adjustable with a sturdy Velcro strap meaning whilst wearing this jacket we could probably leave the neck buff at home again next time.

Under the jacket, our trusty Bshirt was worn, no thermals and despite it being approximately 11 degrees - we remained warm, no drafts and more importantly remained dry.

The Dainese jacket comes with arm and shoulder armour, however it lacks a back protector, but has a pocket to fit one. When spending this much on a jacket we would like a back protector to come as standard.

High-vis strips are a nice addition on the back along with the reflective Dainese logo on the arms, every bit of visibility helps!

The jacket is an all weather jacket with removable waterproof and thermal layer. There are lots of zipped vents on this jacket meaning during summer you can keep cool yet protected. The inner thermal layer can be worn as a stand alone, off the bike jacket, or at least we did and felt seriously cool.

Dainese may not be the first choice for most bikers given the price tag. This jacket is for those that really want to look good, be protected and take whatever the British weather throws at them.

What we really like about this jacket is how it makes you feel, it’s super comfortable and has a presence about it “look at me in my Dainese jacket”. Even the cashier at a petrol station commented on how nice it looked, why thank you sir (he must have been a biker).

Last night, after a long ride in the cold and dark, we asked ourselves a question that has been simmering since the first ride with the jacket. We’ve done hundreds of miles with the jacket now, in all weathers and it can be asked, and answered almost begrudgingly...

Max: “If you’d known what you know now, would you have saved a bit more and purchased the Dainese jacket instead of the RST jacket?”

Jonjo: “Yes, despite being almost double the price”

And we think that says it all… "Conquer the road ahead and make an entry at your destination wearing the Dainese Sandstorm." BirotarUK

Jonjo - the BirotarUK model

The Dainese Sandstorm jacket is currently available to purchase from Bike Stop.

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3 months into owning the #Bfiddy

3 months into owning the #Bfiddy

It's been 3 months since some cash was exchanged for this very well looked after Suzuki GSXR K5 750 and it's been a fast, well handled 3 months. 

Previous bikes have involved classics, adventures and sometimes bland bikes but there was a big itch for something that would tour, commute and be capable to laugh off those twisty lanes we all enjoy but believe it or not the Honda Blackbird was a serious contender so it could all be done in comfort. 

The Blackbird thought didn't last too long after looking through the classifieds and seeing the price these 750s go for. Suddenly, willing to sacrifice some comfort and space for that better overall thrill seemed a better option because that is why we ride right?

The #Bfiddy posing at Bedford Autodrome

3 eBay messages, 1 phone call, one viewing, small bit of haggling and the journey back to the bike was underway to ride it home. 

After wobbling through the town heading towards the motorway there was an opportunity to gave it a big fist of throttle, in 1st, off the lights on the slip road and it was at that exact moment it felt like this bike was going to induce smiles on every ride. 

The front wheel was heading skywards and to be honest a brief "oh crap" moment followed, a very safe 70 mile ride home from there.

This bike is used for everything, you'll see it's been used on a camping trip to Wales, it gets used for commuting and everything in between. 

The gearbox is smooth, the power delivery is predictable, all 145bhp, although a run on the dyno in the near future will show true power. The majority of the previous B-bikes have been 4 cylinder Jap screamers and the 750 is no different, take it to redline in 2nd gear and your seeing over 100mph, all on closed private roads officer, with a claimed top speed of 172mph. 

The bike came with a Power commander fitted with an off the shelf map so not sure what sort of difference it makes but it will be getting a custom map soon and hope to report some good gains.

Fuel stop on route to Wales earlier this year

What really makes this bike stand out is the handling, every time you chuck it into a corner it wants more. A combination of a brilliant chassis and Diablo rosso 2 tyres inspires bags of confidence. 

There has been a lot of comments on the arrow exhaust, "chop that exhaust, it's too big" but it's perfect. The Arrow can is brilliant for the cruising on the motorway, keeping things to a sane level but chuck her up into the rev range and oh boy does she sing!.

The #Bfiddy failing to blend in with the autumn woodland

There have been a lot of comments on the arrow exhaust, "chop that exhaust, it's too big" but it's perfect. The Arrow can is brilliant for the cruising on the motorway, keeping things to a sane level but chuck her up into the rev range and oh boy does she sing!

The front brake pads have recently been changed for EBC HH pads which have made a big improvement however the front forks are way too soft at the moment, great for comfort on our infamous quality roads in the UK but not confidence inspiring when hard on the brakes luckily a decent suspension set up will sort this out. 

The only other bug bear is the "buzzy bars" which lead to sore hands after about 45 minutes in the saddle and we think it's to do with the incredibly thin renthal grips, take your hands off the bars at speed and there's no wobbles so everything is tight, some thicker grips on order in the hope to dampen the vibrations.

No caption needed here

Despite the huge step up in power we can compare the GSXR to our old Kawasaki ZXR400, the 1991 Ninja was produced as a high revving, sports thoroughbred, much like the GSXR.

The 750 will accelerate in any gear at any revs and just keep going which is a satisfying change from then Ninja, nothing exciting happened until 10k rpm. Believe it or not the handling is actually quite similar, it's amazing what a good chassis and tyres can do even 14 years apart. 

Being light the ninja did stop very well even with its small brakes, the GSXR obviously is much faster, with bigger brakes and stops very well but not as well as that old Ninja, maybe some work to be done there.

The problem with the ninja was it's size, it always felt cramped but being so light it was easy to forgive. By comparison the GSXR is a much larger bike making it more comfortable even with a pillion or large tail bag there's still plenty room to move about meaning it does fit that (almost) comfortable fast tourer.

So in short it was the right decision to get the 750, the perfect combination of a reasonably comfortable commuter, fast tourer and maybe track weapon...

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Dainese D-CORE review

‘Sun’s out, bikes out!’ – We’re sure you’ve heard or even said this yourself before.

But what happens when the sun’s out? It gets warm – which is when most of us go for a ride. But guess what, as a nation, the UK is the worst for moaning about the weather. When it’s hot, it’s too hot. When it’s cold, it’s too cold. When it’s raining – it’s too wet.

Fortunately, bikers have great access to products that are usually pretty good at helping us cope with the UK’s variety of seasons. As autumn is coming, and the days are getting shorter, we wanted to focus on something that will keep that cold chill away.

So we have been reviewing a set of ‘under-layers’ or ‘base-layers’ that are currently available to the motorcycling ladies and gentlemen of the UK.

Dainese D-CORE THERMO – TEE
Dainese D-CORE THERMO - PANT

Dainese product spec

GENERAL FEATURES

Cold climate usage

Press structure to optimize muscle compression

Bacteriostatic, hypoallergenic and anti-odor

Abrasion resistant, tear resistant and anti-pilling

ERGONOMICS

Seamless build for superior comfort

Armour pad for added comfort on contact areas

MAIN MATERIALS 

85% Dryarn

10% Polyamide

5% Elastane

Environmentally-friendly fiber and 100% recyclable 

We ran two tests:

Test 1

9:00PM Thursday night, 20 miles were covered on a variety of roads including country side, A roads, B roads and residential areas WITHOUT the base layers on under our Hein Gericke textiles. The temp was approx. 11C - it was a tad chilly at the national speed limit but the temperature was bearable because we knew the journey was going to be short.

We reached our destination, opened the box of the base layers and our immediate thoughts were that the items were designed for children because of the physical size of them. The good news is that they are elasticated and very flexible. 

By the time we got the under layers on and geared up with the rest of our kit, things were getting warm very quickly. We were worried about feeling slightly 'strangled' by the under layers but this was not the case at all, they were actually very comfortable. As we stepped outside and jumped on the bike, we didn't notice an immediate temperature difference. 

15 minutes into the ride, the only cool air we could feel was through the vents and open visor of our HJC helmet. If anything, it was starting to get too warm under the textiles at 11C. 

Test 2

6:30 AM Saturday morning approx. 8 degrees, misty and foggy. You know, those mornings you really do think about taking the car instead. About a 30 minute commute down the motorway wearing RST Adventure 2 jacket and RST Slice leather bottoms with the trusty Bshirt underneath. 10 minutes in, it's pretty cold and there is a big regret for not adding more layers. Knowing there is warm brew waiting at work was the only saving grace.

7:00AM Sunday morning, very similar conditions to the day before and the same commute. Same jacket and leather bottoms but this time the Bshirt is left at home and it's replaced by the D-Core top and bottoms, the bike hasn't been wheeled out of the garage and it's already a noticeable difference in body temperature. WARM!. 10 minutes in it's still warm. 20 minutes in it's still warm...you can see where this is going. The great thing about the D-Core products was it wasn't a sweaty warm, more like wrapped up in bed on a Sunday morning warm - perfect!

There was something very re-assuring about knowing that we weren't going to get cold on the ride - it was like we were able to focus that little bit extra on the road and on enjoying the ride because there wasn't that worry in the back of our minds, that we might get cold.

The packaging suggests that thermal under layers will keep a rider warm anything down to -20 degrees. This gave us confidence during the tests but at the same time, we wouldn't like to attempt riding in those temperatures! 

The only trouble we had was getting the under layers off! We haven't quite mastered that bit yet...

We'd like to thank BikeStop in Stevenage for supporting us.

The Dainese DCORE thermal under layers are currently available to purchase here. 

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