Spidi Basic Black Jacket

Spidi Basic Black Jacket

CW EVALUATION

Soft, stylish, safe

THERE’S NO DENYING THE SPIDI BASIC Black leather jacket is black, but basic? Not a chance.

Beautifully constructed with great attention to detail, the fully lined Basic Black is made from water-resistant, 1.1mmthick top-grain Italian leather. Removable, CE-certified “biomechanical” armor-designed in collaboration with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists, and identical to that used in the company’s oneand two-piece roadracing suitsis fitted at the elbows and shoulders; Spidi’s multiple-layer Warrior back protector is a $55 option.

DETAILS

Motonation 1100 N. Magnolia Ave. #A El Cajon, CA 92020 877/789-4940 www.motonation.com Price...$470

Ups ATIMELESS styling ATHREE-SEASON functional AZIPS to knee-slider-equipped Unit pants ($430)

Downs Water-resistant, not waterproof Back protector should be standard Waist sized for big bellies (or is that an Up?)

Still not sold? Wait, there’s more: shoulder stretch panels, “texturized” inner sleeves, zippered back vents, hand-warmer and four interior pockets, hidden waist adjustment, a reflective “reflex” zone and a zip-out, fully sleeved liner for cooler days. There’s even a snap-down nylon strip that hooks onto your back belt loop to eliminate fluttering at speed.

Fit is snug, particularly with the liner in place, though not uncomfortably so. As such, the Basic Black (available in men’s European sizes 48-60) can be enjoyed on and off the bike, whether you’re cruising Main Street in Daytona Beach

or hob-nobbing at the theatre. Furthermore, classic looks-snap-down mandarin collar, hip length-guarantee applicability with nearly any type of streetbike, from cruisers to repli-racers to grand tourers.

Given all that, maybe a better name for this well-rounded jacket would be Anything But Basic Black...