COOL RUNNING
22 May 2005 - BMW Motorrad GB

One of the true freedoms of motorcycling is travelling long distances to new destinations. However, riding a motorcycle for extended periods during late spring and summer, especially in countries like Spain and Portugal, means that it can sometimes become uncomfortably hot.

Fighting virtual gridlock in Barcelona or Lisbon is no fun if the rider is overdressed. What adventurous motorcyclists really need is specialised protective clothing that also offers cool running at urban speeds during a summer heat wave. And, in the modern era of advanced fabrics and textiles, why not?

One of the few solutions to rider overheating can be found in the highly protective, high technology 2005 Rider Equipment collection by BMW Motorrad. The Munich company’s AirFlow 3, two-piece riding combination has been especially designed for the hottest British summers and the most scorching Continental sunshine. When temperatures are soaring, and despite high levels of functionality and safety, the suit’s innovative Air Tex fabric still manages to create a pleasant cooling effect.

Constructed from extremely tear-resistant Dynatec, in BMW Motorrad C.A.R.E. quality, the suit also features new Dynatec Stretch for maximum freedom of movement. This is emphasised by the stepless waist adjustment of the trousers. Impact protection is provided by removable CE protectors at the knees, elbows, shoulder, back and hips. The jacket has pre-formed sleeves and can be zipped to the trousers.

If the weather becomes inhospitable, the AirFlow 3 suit can be supplemented by the addition of a RainLock two-piece oversuit (jacket £60 and trousers £45). However, if cold is the problem then BMW’s Functional Underwear, which is made from 100% micro-functional fibre, will absorb 0.8% of its own weight in perspiration. This means that the skin-sensitive fibre constantly draws away moisture and makes the two-piece garment (long-sleeve vest and long johns) indispensable for wearing under clothing which incorporates a climatic membrane. (Traditional cotton underwear interrupts the wicking of moisture and hinders active breathing membranes.) Fleece panels in the kidney, seat and leg areas, and flat seams allow excellent rider comfort. Functional Underwear retails at £27 for the long or short sleeve shirt and long underpants, and £22 for the shorts.

The AirFlow 3 suit is available as a combination – or as individual garments – in sizes 34-46 for women and 46-66, 98-118 for men. Both garments incorporate reflective safety panels and the jacket is finished in black and sand, and the trousers in black, sand and stone grey. RRP of the AirFlow jacket is £255 and the trousers retail at £200.

www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

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