Dreams come true kids!

See, dreams can come true...with a lot of crying and whining.

I had previously posted of my lust for a certain bit of scooter gear, specifically the GOGO Gear Hologram jacket. But I never seemed to have the cash... 

So I subtly requested it in a variety of ways

and email content like the following:

I give this GOGO gear Hologram jacket  - 3 mehs out of 3!

and this...

All of this hysteria led to my BF finally breaking down and ordering one for my 50th birthday!!! 

Only to find the it was out of stock!

sadz

But my sister, Lizzie could not take no of an answer. She told my BF that this was UNACCEPTABLE and that he needed to contact GOGO gear directly. 

In a tag team of terror, my BF and sister joined forces and NAGGED GOGO gear president and owner Arlene, into personally digging up the elusive LAST size 8 Hologram Jacket! And it was delivered yesterday, with a personal note from Arlene!

All of which proves that crying and whining DOES WORK!!!

Yay for meh!

Looking Good, being Safe

Toscano Urbano Modulo Airbag AB 8000

I found this while I was online, searching for a new riding jacket for myself for my B-day. My BF had tried to order me a Gogo Gear Hologram jacket (which we both LOVE) only to find it was out of stock and won't be available until spring! 

My BF was dissappointed and wanted this to be a big 50th B-day surprise for me... so he releuctantly informed me that I would have to make another selection.

Upon finding scooter-wear.com. I gave him a few jacket selection for fall and winter. He ended up ordering the Toscano Urbano Lady Inuit which looks AWESOME and I am pretty excited to get it. It has elbow and shoulder armor, and is not as snazzy as the Gogo gear, (which I know is a good quality product since I own a Gogo Gear Military Trench jacket and I recommend it HIGHLY) but we shall see... how the Toscano Urbano line fares under my diligent examination.

But during my search I found this: the Toscan Urban Modulo Airbag AB 8000

Like everyone else, I wonder, does something like this actually work? Does it actually offer some protection? Should I purchase one of these instead of a new armored jacket?

Others have also wondered the same thing:

At WindmeadowLabs.com, I found a very nice blog that could cover this subject much better than I ever could. Check it out, and make sure you scroll down watch the video and read some of the comments. Sounds like these jackets and vests may become a good accessory for 2-wheel riders. 

Motorcycle Airbag jackets/vests - Are they worth it?

Gogo Gear Still Going Strong

FYI - about 6 months later...

And I still love this jacket. I have worn it in 40 degree weather and in 80 degree weather. The only problem is when you leave the top two buttons open, the lapels flap like crazy in the wind. Maybe some black snaps or smaller buttons might keep them down in the wind.

Other than that this jacket still has my number one recommendation.

Gogo Gear Military Trench Jacket Review

Behold! The Crabby Nazi!

Went down to Ace Motorcycle and Scooter in Chicago this last spring and checked out the jackets. Here is my review.

First: Ace Motorcycle and Scooter is a small garage-like store. More garage than anything. Filled with motorcycles and a few scooters. So do not expect a fancy shop. Bee, the owner is a sweetie and a smart cookie. They are supposed to be featured on the Discovery Channel at some point in the future so keep an eye out for that.

They had a single rack of jackets, The Black Trench, The Grey Trench and I think the Military. They were in a variety of sizes, from 6-22 but not all sizes were available. The Hologram jackets are supposed to be there in about 4 weeks, so I will let you know about those later.

The sizes do run small and I typically take a 6 but I ended up purchasing a size 8 Black Trench. $250.00.

The sleeves have a elastic wind cuff. I love this feature as it keeps the wind from blowing up your sleeve. Very EFFECTIVE!

The jacket is very well made. The stitching is very solid and the material is very nice and soft to the touch. However I worry about durability, since it is much softer to the touch than my Joe Rocket or Corazzo. It does pick up more dog hair than my other jackets. For me in this area of the country, It will make a great spring and fall jacket.

The fit is for me is excellent. Very comfortable.

The Length is AWESOME! and I love it! It is at least a full 6 inches longer than my Joe Rocket, Corazzo and Harley Davidson jackets.

The armor is in the standard areas, elbows, shoulder and very large back piece. it is also removable. This armor is much lighter, more flexible and less noticeable than my Joe Rocket or Corrazo jacket. It has a heavy foam type feel and I think this would probably distribute the impact better than some of the stiffer unyielding plastic armor in my other jackets. It also seemed thicker to me, but I might be wrong.

As you can see in the photos, the silver lining is very reflective and the belt is reversible as well, so this will add to you visibility.

The style is pure vintage. My BF loved the look as said, "I can see you keeping a Luger in one of the pockets". I said, "Being that I am a lady, I will be keeping lipstick in there instead."

So I bought one. I am defiantly thinking of getting a Hologram jacket as well. Depending on how it wears when I ride. So far the jacket has been a great early spring and fall riding jacket. Super warm and toasty. The wind cuffs are an awesome feature. Can't say enough about how I love this jacket.

It's Here, It's Gear, Get Used to IT!

ATGATT: All the gear, all the time. Helmet, Armored Jacket, Armored Pants, Boots and Gloves.

You WILL WEAR IT NOOB!

Okay - if you want to ride, you must wear MOST of this gear. I can't make you use common sense all the time, it hurts too much. So this is what I recommend.

Helmets

1. Full Face Helmet: A full face helmet covers your entire face and makes you look like a Power Ranger. Must be DOT or SNELL approved. Number 1 Choice.

2. 3/4 Helmet: No chin guard and you look like the Great Gazoo. No chin guard = maxillofacial surgery.

3. Half shell / Dome / Skull Cap / Beanie: What are you kidding me NOOB! Go ahead, scrape your face off on the pavement, you will look sooooo cool while doing it! Not to mention the wind, bugs and odd rock or pebble slamming into your face going at 55 mph! It's like a bullet!

Armored Jackets - rated by using Illinois weather as a standard.

I have 4 jackets so far. Different jackets for different weather. Here are my personal choices:

GoGo Gear Trench Coat: This is the military/dominatrix coat I am wearing in the photo. I love this coat. Designed by women for women, this coat has the armor and the extra features that make it a must for riding. - see extensive review.

When to wear - Early Spring, Fall.

Fit - Excellent

Form - Flexible

Style - Military/fashionable

Function - Great! Well armored, elastic inner wind cuff, double breasted with reflective lining.

Harley Davidson Ladies Cream Jacket: HD has been making quality riding gear for years. And you cannot argue with that.

When to wear - Spring, Summer, Fall.

Fit - Excellent

Form - Flexible

Style - biker / cheesy

Function - Good Well armored, light, flexible.

Joe Rocket:

When to wear - Spring, Fall.

Fit - Not the best

Form - stiff

Style - power ranger / cheesy

Function - Okay, well lined, not too flexible.

Corazzo:

When to wear - Spring, Fall.

Fit - Not the best

Form - stiff

Style - pure scooterist / cheesy

Function - okay, well lined, not too flexible.

Boots:

Must be over the ankle. Cannot say enough about that. When bikes get dropped ankles get broken. Protect them!

Pink Sketcher Hiking Boots: These are sooooo old. I have had them for over 10 years and the wear is still hardly noticeable, well on the soles at least. Very sturdy good solid soles so that when your flat foot it, you feel very stable.

Harley Davidson Boots: I have two pairs, ankle high, and knee high. Both good sturdy boots.

Gloves:

Must be armored. Leather is okay, armored is better.

Armored Pants:

I have not purchased these as of yet. Which is not good since the statistics show that most bike injuries happen to the legs, hips and pelvis.

The analysis of the NTDB-NSP showed that lower-extremity injuries were the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes, followed by upper-extremity and head injuries. Lower-extremity injuries are more frequent in motorcycle crashes; however, head, chest and abdominal injuries tend to be more severe. Motorcyclists involved in crashes sustain more leg injuries with bone fractures being the most common type of injuries when compared to soft tissue injuries. Overall, an estimated 81 percent of motorcyclists with isolated lower-extremity injuries were discharged home after acute hospital care.

STILL WANT TO RIDE????

Draggin' Jeans have been recommended, but I have no opinions on armored pants.