Update May 28, 2012: In the spring of 2011, Fox Racing, the parent company of Shift Racing, decided to discontinue manufacturing the Shift Racing line. These products are no longer available. You may be able to find closeouts from an online retailer or eBay.
When Yamaha invited me to test its new FZ6R last winter, naturally I began shopping for the right apparel coordinates to match the sizzling graphics on the sporty bodywork. The slimming style and feminine tribal graphics adorning SHIFTs Tempest SS womens motorcycle jacket looked like the perfect fit.
When the nylon jacket arrived, I was impressed with the quality and style, but worried about its ability to keep me warm enough in the cool northern California climate Id be riding in. The removable, polyester, quilted vest liner is pretty thin and doesnt cover the arms, so I decided to let out the waist adjustments, and add a few extra layers of clothing for the 140-mile trek.
This jacket is built with safety in mind. It features removable, CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows, and an integrated pocket for a back protector. Theres an internal zipper on the rear bottom for connecting to a pair of pants, but no matching pants are available at this time. 3M reflective material adorns the entire length of the sleeves and back, and appears on the back of the collar as well.
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The size L that I ordered fit pretty snuggly once I zipped in all my extra layers, but kept me warm, dry, and protected. The exterior zippered pockets and two upper torso vents are completely waterproof, as is the jacket shell. Two interior zippered pockets allow for lots of storage in front, under the chest. The Tempests collar is extra soft on the interior, uses a small flat magnet instead of a hard-to-use snap or Velcro, and provides just the right amount of coverage to keep air from finding its way down the neck. Generously sized Velcro sleeves cinch at the cuffs for a good fit at the wrists.
At the press launch for the FZ6R, I scored extra points for being the best dressed. More importantly, I can wear the Tempest confidently knowing that not only do I look good, but Im also well protected. The SHIFT Tempest SS Waterproof Jacket retails for $179.95. Visit ShiftRacing.com or call 888.826.5143 for more information.
About the Author
Tricia Szulewski has maintained the woman riders perspective in RoadBike magazine for the past 10 years. As the magazines art director and staff writer, Trish feels incredibly fortunate to have a career that combines both her passions – art and motorcycles. She became a certified MSF instructor in 2008, and logs thousands of miles each year on anything that shows up in the company stable. Her favorite riding partner is her wife Mary, who keeps up on her Suzuki Bandit 1200S. They live in Bethel, Connecticut, with Trishs year-old daughter, Kaia. You can find some of Trishs bike reviews, adventures, product evaluations, and more at RoadBikeMag.com.
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Hi Tricia,
I love the look and it looks sharp on you, so my question is, what size do you wear normally? I would probably need an XL – and are those knit cuffs?
I got one of Shift's Envy Jackets last spring and my favorite characteristic is the torso length. Most female jackets creep up my back once I'm in riding position, but the Shift jacket keeps my lower back safe from rash and sunburn.