STYLISH NINJA BACK FOR 2018
Kawasaki has just announced new variants of its popular Ninja 650 and Z650 models for 2018.
The 650 will be available in Pearl Storm Grey or Candy Plasma Blue. A Tourer version will have engine guards, a gel tank pad, knee pads, a high windshield and soft panniers with mounting frames.
There will also be a Performance model with Akrapovic silencer, smoked windshield, tank pad and colour-coded rear seat cover.
The naked Z650 will be available in Metallic Spark Black, Candy Lime Green, Metallic Matte, Covert Green and Metallic Flat Spark Black. There will also be a Performance model. Prices to follow.
Wax jackets are all the rage at the moment and I have recently been enjoying wearing this excellent example sent to me by the lovely people at Oxford Products. It’s called the Hardy, part of their new Heritage Series.
The jacket is classically styled and made from dry wax cotton, which is odourless, doesn’t come off in your hands and requires no re-proofing. It comes with CE-approved elbow and shoulder protectors and a pouch for an optional back protector.
There is a removable, quilted liner for cooler weather and the jacket has a waterproof, breathable, smart Reissa membrane throughout. There are four exterior pockets and two interior, while all zips are YKK.
The Hardy is a great fit, comfortable, superb quality and looks the business. It comes in black or olive and is available at £189.99.
These rather splendid boots are a collaboration between Indian Motorcycle and Red Wing Shoes, both of which are based in Minnesota.
Called the Spirit Lake, the 8in-high boot provides firm ankle protection.
There’s a Vibram 430 sole and a double-layer leather toe-cap with triple stitching.
Comfortable, practical and cool, they’re £238.
Pulling up outside my garage after a ride wearing this Shark helmet the other day, a passing eightyear-old commented that I looked like a cool alien insect. It’s called the Drak and is essentially a streetfighter-style open-face helmet, with goggles and attached mask.
It features a natural-fibre interior and a ventilation system and weighs just 1,050g, all of which I found made it very comfortable to wear.
The goggles are anti-fog and anti-scratch, and are designed to easily fit over glasses. I also really liked the quick-release buckle system.
Available in five sizes and a range of designs and colour schemes (this is the Dogtag ), priced £219-£239.