It pays to have the right gear when dealing with the elements.
INDUCTION PRO JACKET AND INDUCTION PANTS
Living and driving as we do in constantly climate-controlled environments does nothing to prepare us for the ambient extremes of motorcycling. Unless you work for the Weather Network, why would you care, for example, that below 37 C, every 10 km/h of wind speed lowers temperatures by roughly one degree? Or that above normal body temps (again 37 C), air flow acts like a hot hair dryer, increasing (not decreasing) your internal temperature?
Because this and similar knowledge becomes a matter not just of comfort but quite possibly survival, experienced riders take precautions such as staying hydrated, taking breaks, and wearing the appropriate gear. After years of summer riding in merely adequate jackets and pants that barely vented, I was more than ready to jump into Klim’s hot-weather gear. Here’s what I learned.
The Induction Pro jacket and Induction pants are both made of Karbonite industrial-grade nylon mesh that is designed to provide excellent airflow while maintaining strength and abrasion resistance. Both are CE AA rated according to the standard EN 17092-3. (There is only one level higher and it is occupied mostly by full leather racing suits.) Both jacket and pants are also lined with a moisture-wicking breathable mesh liner.
The pants use 500D Cordura for additional abrasion resistance in high-impact zones such as knees and seat, and breathable stretch materials for added comfort in the upper seat, above the knee, and in the crotch. The inner knees feature soft perforated goat leather for gripping the tank. And D3O CE Level 1 armour in both hips and knees is cleverly vented to increase airflow even behind the armour. The knee armour can be adjusted via Velcro, and both knee and hip can be upgraded to Level 2 for $49.95 per set. Two YKK-zippered pockets on the thighs provide spacious storage, and a zipper and dome-type fasteners on the cuffs provide an adjustable fit over variously sized boots. Finally, 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material appears in numerous locations on both pants and jacket for increased conspicuity.
Five pockets provide ample storage: two zippered hand pockets, an inner “Napolean” pocket, an outer chest pocket, and (my favourite) a pocket on the left forearm for a credit card or cash to have at the ready when approaching a toll booth — or for a medical emergency information card (which can be ordered free by registering your new jacket at klim.com/stat-cards). A low-profile collar combined with the microfleece liner in the collar and cuff provide extra comfort while Velcro straps allow adjustments to the cuffs and bottom hem. Quick-adjust straps help secure elbow and forearm armour.
After touring almost 17,000 kilometres in temperatures reaching nearly 40 C, let me report: This gear works! I found the airflow to be truly exceptional — almost as if I was riding naked. The good news is that while that is out of the question — for several reasons, including bystander trauma — it no longer matters because Klim Induction provides the best of both armoured and wind-in-your-hair worlds. Additionally, while perhaps more difficult to keep clean, the lighter colour attracts less heat than traditional black — another important feature in hot-weather gear. (And is it TMI to say that, if you stand up on the pegs, everything gets a refreshing breeze?)
For the first few days of a sweltering ride, I was accompanied by friends who were wearing all-weather vented gear. By midday, they were beginning to feel the effects of heat exhaustion and needed to take breaks in air-conditioned rest stops. While I also enjoyed the hiatus, for me it was not a matter of health and safety. My gear was that good. Even better, I had a cooling vest soaked and stored in a Ziploc bag, and when air temperatures crept into the danger zone, I put it on under my jacket. The mesh provided all the necessary airflow for the vest to work its evaporative magic.
If I had to register any complaints, they would be nitpicking, really. Regarding the pants, I could have wished for Velcro adjustment fasteners on the waist instead of having to add a belt. As well, a tailbone protector would be a preferred feature. And given this is the Pro version, I would like to see CE Level 2 armour in the back of the jacket, but for that option, I’d have to spend another $64.95.
Finally, note that the jacket and pants both fit generously. I’m told it’s to suit upright touring positions as well as to accommodate Klim’s airbag vests. You may want to choose a size smaller than usual if this is a concern. On the other hand, it leaves room for warmer base layers and a heated jacket when the weather swings colder.
The Klim Induction Pro Jacket is available directly from the Klim website or retailers for $639.95. The Induction Pant is $499.95. Both are available in Cool Grey as pictured, as well as in Stealth Black, while the Jacket also comes in the additional Asphalt-Redrock (Grey with Red accents) and Asphalt-Hi-Viz (Grey with Neon Yellow accents).
KLIM ENDURO S4 RAIN JACKET AND PANTS
That is why I opted for Klim’s Enduro S4 jacket and pants. Originally designed to complement the company’s Baja suit, this waterproof and stretchy overshell also kits perfectly and comfortably with Klim’s Induction gear.
Both the waist and cuffs are adjustable (the former with Velcro and the latter with snaps) and the inner knee panel is made with Kevlar flame-resistant material. But perhaps my favourite feature: How many times have I been riding straight toward dark clouds, all the while pushing my luck because I didn’t want to stop and struggle into my rain pants? Inevitably, I ride a little too long and get a dowsing.
Well, no more. The Klim Enduro S4 pant includes full-length water-resistant side zippers that open from top to bottom, making them easy to slip into. No more pulling off my boots. The zippers can also, of course, be partially opened to provide venting before or after you’ve weathered the storm.
And a final touch: in the minimalist spirit that “everything should have two uses,” inside the waist, there are two integrated elastic loops that can turn the pants into a roll to be used as a pillow. Genius! — so long as they aren’t still wet from the rain.
Both the Enduro S4 Pants and Jacket have glove-friendly reflective zipper pulls, as well as the same 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material found on the Induction gear. The jacket also sports full double-pull armpit zippers and a wide horizontally zippered back vent, a feature I found particularly convenient and comfortable in the heat.
Storage includes two waterproof hand pockets and (a quality perk) the roll-away hood packs into the collar. Conversely, although I could not figure it out, the company claims the jacket can be rolled into the hood for storage. The Velcro cuffs are adjustable, as is an elastic drawstring in the hood. Similarly adjusting the waist, a drawstring terminates inside the hand pockets thus eliminating any dangerously dangling cords — another small but significant sign of quality craftsmanship.
The Enduro S4 pant is available from Klim.com or retailers for $419.95 and comes in Black or Castlerock Grey/Electrik Gecko (two-tone grey with a splash of neon yellow). The Enduro S4 jacket is $449.95 and is available in Black, Castlerock Grey/Electrik Gecko, or Petrol/Strike Orange (Klim must have hired someone from the DuPont paint department to come up with the names; I’d call this one a deep teal with muted orange).
Artsy names aside, there is a lot to like about the Enduro S4. As with everything Klim, you might find a lower price tag, but you will not find higher quality. I intend to wear mine for a long time to come.
