ver notice just how many riders come into the shop wearing jackets that didn’t come straight from the motorcycle industry? Sure, the old standard black leather “highway” look is the Harley-rider’s classic, but on some days—and for some rides—it just doesn’t make it. Hence those alternatives, fashion jackets usually bought at the mall.
     Only problem is those “alternatives” really aren’t alternatives at all, are they? Most often those fashion jackets are some sort of Air Force-style flight jackets, and while they’re cut and fit for looks they sure aren’t cut for function. Motorcycle riding puts a whole different set of demands on a jacket, and an off-the-rack flight jacket doesn’t measure up.
     Now, combine that lightweight material choice, the look, and the style of one of those flight jackets with what’s really needed on a bike and you’ll have something, right? The best of both worlds. Take a look at the Icon Recon. At a $129.95 retail, this is the real alternative to leather.
     What the folks at Icon have here is a jacket neatly blending all the purpose-built aspects of true riding gear with that fashionable mall-bought look of a flight jacket. First of all, the cut and fit is motorcycle friendly. You can move in this jacket. There’s removable shoulder, elbow and spine armor, too, and for even more protection there’s reinforced abrasion-resistant carbon fiber-based material at the elbows. There are internal Lycra wrist cuffs and a waist gaiter to prevent air from getting in and ballooning the jacket out while riding, and for real on-the-bike comfort there are six zip-open vents to cool you off. That front Icon patch can be Velcroed on and off, too, so that you can put anything you want there; a different looking patch is included with the jacket. All of this is made from waterproof material, too, and there’s comfy polyfill insulation.

Icon’s Barrier Jeans have a stylish, slightly baggy look with the added bonus of a fleece liner with “wind-stop” protection.       A Kevlar abrasion-resistant patch and light foam padding at the knee and Kevlar stitching provide added durability.

     Match that Recon Jacket with a pair of Icon Barrier Jeans and you’ll have it all, true riding gear that doesn’t look the part. Now, as comfortable and popular as ordinary jeans are, for riding purposes they leave something to be desired—protection and warmth, for instance. The Icon Barrier riding jean nicely takes care of both those problems. These jeans have a Kevlar abrasion-resistant patch along with some light foam padding in the knee area. And to keep out the cold the Barrier has a light fleece liner with “wind-stop” protection. The cut of these jeans is right in style, too. They have an up-to-date slightly baggy look, “relaxed” but not too big. And these jeans are durable. Kevlar stitching sees to that. The MSRP is $89.95, and there’s a choice of classic Blue or Black.
     Take a look at the riders coming into the shop, especially the ones wearing those mall-bought flight jackets and regular jeans. Point ’em towards the Icon Recon and Barrier alternative. It’s the “fashion” riding gear that works. It comes from motorcycle people and it was made for motorcycle people. And it looks great. Anywhere, anytime. Drag Specialties has it all in stock.

Icon’s Recon Jacket is designed to be both motorcycle friendly and fashionable.       The Recon Jacket features removable shoulder, elbow and spine armor, reinforced abrasion-resistant elbows, internal Lycra wrist cuffs and a waist gaiter.