BMW ON TRACK FOR PRORACE SUCCESS
03 October 2004 - BMW Motorrad GB

Protective clothing, especially leathers, can create and conjure a rider’s image in the minds of others. Not all sports bike owners want to look like the motorcycle they are riding, or MotoGP competitors.

There are many that prefer something a little more discreet – something with a touch of class, even. For this category of rider BMW Motorrad has launched its ProRace collection in time for the coming motorcycle season. The range consists of a riding suit (any colour as long as it is black and silver), boots and gloves.
BMW Motorrad BoxerCup riders contributed knowledge and experience gained from competing in the series to the development of all three items. The garments are built to racing standards from high quality materials such as robust nappa and soft kangaroo leather, Kevlar and carbon hard-shells. An outstanding feature of the ProRace suit is the TFL Cool System technology, which reduces temperatures (when worn) to a more comfortable level for the rider.

ProRaceSuit
The two-piece suit is made from strong nappa leather that has a thickness of 1.2 to 1.4mm. The TFL Cool System helps the rider to concentrate fully on riding the motorcycle. The leather that integrates this technology reflects the sun''s rays and reduces the suit''s surface temperature to around 20-25°C. The temperature on the rider''s skin is 8-12°C lower than with a normal black leather suit.

Comfort and a good fit are particularly important aspects, and the ProRace suit employs leather stretch zones along the shoulders, rear waistband and above the knees. Stretch fabric is used in the arm and leg sections. The PR-1 CE protectors on the shoulder, elbows, hip, coccyx and knees are soft and pleasant to wear while another, large-area, multi-ply CE protector is used to protect the back. Inserts are employed on the chest, back and upper arms that reflect light and allow the rider to be seen at a considerable distance.

There are special knee sliders for racing use, or track days. To be a bit more discreet, when off track, riders can use the leather covers that are supplied with the sliders. The jacket has two inside pockets and there is another in the trousers.
The colours of the suit match every motorcycle. The jacket is black with silver sleeves and a BMW Motorrad text label is attached to the left upper arm. The trousers are completely black and a small BMW propeller is placed on the left of the waistband.

The ProRace jacket costs £500 and the trousers £395.

ProRaceboots
Conceived as road sports boots and designed to match the suit, the black ProRace boots are available in all sizes between 39 and 48. The outer material is 100 per cent leather with a thickness of approximately 1.8mm.

As you would expect from sports boots, the ProRace has a scrape protector in the form of a screw-on slider. A special shaft supports the boot and is inclined to the front – for a racing-style riding position. To protect the legs from frontal impact, hard-shells made of carbon are inserted at shins and heels. The latter includes foam shock absorbers and a reflective strip above the carbon heel. The rubber sole is petrol and oil resistant.

As with the ProRace suit, the boots have been designed with comfort in mind. The zip has been moved towards the front, where it is protected with Velcro strips. This makes the boots easier to put on. The calf width can be adjusted in two areas over a broad range. Stretch zones on the instep and heel have been included to enhance wearer comfort and perforated leather is used to ensure good ventilation inside the boot. The inner sole, which is fixed to the shoe with a permanent adhesive performs the same task, absorbs fluid and transports it away from the foot.

The ProRace boots cost £190.

ProRacegloves
The black ProRace gloves have grey palms and are designed for sports riding. They are made entirely from kangaroo leather – which is extremely soft, pleasant to wear and stretches easily – and are available in sizes 6, 6 ½ to 12-12 ½.
The upper section of the ProRace gloves has under-layers of Kevlar and shock-absorbent foam. A visco-elastic material, it is characterised by its slow form recovery and was originally used in aerospace. Additionally, the foam hardens automatically when a point force suddenly comes into contact with it. Special, double-fabric 100 percent Kevlar is employed at points that are particularly susceptible to damage when the rider is thrown from the machine. These inlays are non-abrasive and protect the balls of the thumb, sides of the hand and little fingers. A carbon hard-shell protects the surface of the glove. The lower arm is surrounded by an extended gauntlet, which the wearer can fasten with a Velcro strip on the wrist and an adjustable Velcro fastener on the gauntlet itself. The gauntlet has an additional protector in the form of a leather-laminated carbon shell.

The ProRace gloves are colourfast and sweat resistant. The characteristic shape of the preformed, non-padded lower hand is designed to grip the clutch or brake lever. A newly developed cut with slanted fingers prevents creases and the use of flat quilted stitching avoids the formation of pressure points .All products will be available from BMW Motorrad dealerships from spring 2005.

The ProRace gloves cost £115.

Customers can call BMW‘s information line: 0800 777 155

www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

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